Chapter Two

"Don't get too close, It's dark inside It's where my demons hide..." Demons, Imagine Dragons

For a while it felt like I was floating through darkness. Just like the first time I signed up for this program. All that ran through my mind was what just happened. How do I get out. And who did this to me. But the image is too blurry for me to make out as I try to remember. The only face I recognized was that of the Master's, no, my Master's face.

Slowly but surely my eyes began to open. It took a while for my vision to focus. When I did I found myself strapped to a table in a medical room. A doctor, a new one this time, was leaning over me. He was wearing a face mask, but I could see the worry in his eyes as he watched me.

"How do you feel?" the doctor asked. Wariness settled in when I heard his accent. He spoke in an Asian accent, and finally I recognized him as one of the program's top doctors. He also worked part time as a shrink to some of the newer recruits.

I frowned when he asked the question. What was I supposed to feel? All I could remember was waking up in this room. But I had to think of an answer. He would hurt me if I didn't. Instinct told me to tell him the truth, whether or not he would enjoy that.

"I feel... nothing," I replied after biting the bottom of my lip. I heard the faintest sigh of relief from the doctor as he walked over to one of the counters. This room was separate from the medical bay. For a moment I wondered why. The walls are made of concrete and painted a dull gray, reminded me all too much of my poor excuse for a room.

"The procedure is complete, sir," the doctor announced after typing in a code on a computer screen. I didn't bother struggling against the restraints as he left the room, leaving me alone. It felt good to be alone. It gave me a chance to think. Wait... thinking was dangerous, unless it involved a mission. I tried to ease my thoughts as the door slid open moments later.

"You have done well to get this far." I flinched when I recognized Master's voice. He towered over me, a smirk on his face as he looked me over. "And you are the first of my students to pass the test." Test... that's right, now I suddenly remembered. I signed up for this, to take the procedure and undergo some kind of surgery. Whatever I did had pleased Master, and that was good. "For that I would like you to follow me. There is a mission that I would like you to take part in."

This time surprise flashed across my face, and his smirk only grew wider. The straps holding me down were undone, and in an instant I was on my feet. Granted my steps were a bit wobbly at first; it felt like I hadn't walked for months. It took a while for me to find my balance, but once I did I was walking at a fast pace to keep up with Master.

I followed him to his office. Once inside the door slammed shut, and I found myself alone with him once again. Master had changed his office since I last stopped by. Where there was once a kitchen and bed was replaced by larger computer screens and monitors. I struggled to take it all in as Master sat at his desk. Before I could though I sat down on a chair in front of him, avoiding making eye contact with him once again. Master grabbed what looked like a manilla folder with several papers and photos kept inside and tossed it onto the desk.

"The mission I have in store for you is an easy one, so you shouldn't get caught," Master explained. "These people are trained mercenaries, like you. But they are only rookies compared to the students here." As I opened the folder I noticed a familiar face on one of the pictures. "They are smuggling weapons into their country, and we need those weapons if we are to continue our operation."

I simply remained silent as I studied the files given to me. The deal was being held in Russia, which was not far from here. Taking a deep breath I suddenly realized that this would be my first taste of freedom in years. I couldn't wait to see what the sun would look like.

Master suddenly stood up, and I resisted the urge to flinch once more when he looked me in the eye. "Now, who am I to you?" he demanded. His voice became cold as ice, sending shivers down my spine. Try as I might I couldn't keep my head held high like I longed to.

"You are Master," I replied, keeping my own voice steadily calm. Inside I was shaking with fear. Master was going to punish me again. I couldn't help but feel that overwhelming urge to fight back as he walked over to me.

"Very good Valerie. Everything you need is in this bag," he explained as he handed me a large duffel bag. I eyed the bag warily before taking it. "Your mission begins first thing in the morning. An agent will stop by to take you."

With that being said I was escorted back into my room. The few students still out for training passed by me, either shooting me glares or pleading looks. They wanted out of this place, but where would they go if they were free? It wasn't like anyone would ever take them in.

That was why I had joined this place. To learn how to defend myself and to have a home. I wouldn't belong anywhere if I was out on the streets. No one would want a fourteen year old who was covered in scars or could kill them. It was better this way, and safer.

When I got into my room I let the bag drop on the floor. The mission Master had given me was a chance to prove myself. To show him that I was capable of handling the field. As I looked further into the file I noticed that several of these people would need to be killed as quickly as possible. But was I ready to kill innocent people? Well, they were smuggling weapons illegally to another country. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

I would have to run as soon as they were dead though. They were likely holding the deal in a hidden area where the public wouldn't see them. At least that would make my job a little easier. For the most part Master already had soldiers waiting to take the weapons. All I needed to take care of were the guards. Yes, that was all I needed to do. From than on my life would only get even more difficult. But at least it was a life.

AN: I know this chapter was slightly shorter, but the next one will be longer. So... can I possibly reach three reviews before the next update? And more will be explained about what happened later on, I like keeping it a mystery! Anywho, thanks to Spinosa for reviewing!