[CupcakeDolly]

Rue stared beyond the people around her as she walked, still fuming inwardly at the valuable time that had been wasted and the disappointment she had experienced - not that she had expected to find anything worthwhile from such a source. Mostly she was angry at herself for not having foreseen his treachery.

She pulled up the hood of what had once been a white cloak. It was now tattered beyond all recognition of its original shape, and stained with the blood of the river she had soaked it in. She didn't mind the dirty red-brown color or the smell too much. It quite reminded her of home.

One good thing had come of picking up the dirty stranger, at least. He had been quick to fulfill her first request. Within hours of meeting him, he had managed to spread a rumor: Anybody looking for work as a bodyguard for a wealthy psychic should seek out a girl wearing a bloodstained hood. Although Rue was more than capable of taking care of herself in an intimate situation - as she had just proven - she didn't think she was skilled enough with a sword to fight against bullets or magic. It was becoming more clear to her that the most important element in her mission was her own survival. Of course, how could she do anything if she were dead?