Lily was shown to her room a few minutes later. It was larger than she was used to, but that was probably due to the fact that the room was mostly empty. Once her things arrived, it would look a bit smaller. Macy had already made herself at home on the bed, dozing peacefully. Lily left her dog in privacy, going into the bathroom to take a shower. She was still covered in dirt and grime from her earlier tussle with the Alpha team. She turned the water on hot, enjoying the warmth. Lily sighed, closing her eyes as her body relaxed for the first time in quite a while. It felt good.

Finally, Lily reluctantly got out of the shower and got dressed in a white t-shirt and baggy camouflage pants, getting the clothes from a couple of her bags that had been dropped off while she had been in the shower. She pulled her hair up into a high ponytail, silver eyes aglow with new energy. Things seemed to be looking up, for now at least.

After that, Lily started to put away her clothes in the simple wooden drawers of the dresser. She liked the simpleness of it, glad that nothing was overcomplicated or anything. She finished with her clothes and then about putting up a few of her personal items. A couple of pictures here and there on the nightstand and the walls, books filling up the unadorned shelves, and such things like that. It was actually a bit relaxing, looking through her things and putting them away. Strange, yes, but it was true. Lily smiled when she finally located her diary, which was precious to her. It was filled with her memories, some which were enjoyable to remember. To pass some of the time, Lily flipped open to a random page and started reading:

December 23, 2001

Diary,

I swear, things could not be anymore perfect. The tree is up for the first time in ages, covered in decorations. Mom was sweet enough to take my crappy, handmade ornaments and hang them up as well. The only bummer is that Mom thinks that just because I am going into the double digits I am too old for Christmas presents. I know that she is only kidding. I miss Dad. Wish that he could actually be here for Christmas, even at least once. Or a birthday or any kind of celebration at least. Sometimes, I think that he doesn't care about us anymore. Mom says that he's helping his country by going into the military, but there are times when I wish that he would at least stay home for a week or so. I haven't seen him in I don't know how long. He probably doesn't even know what I look like now, he's been gone to long. It's ironic though. Now my nerd of a brother is thinking of joining when he gets out of collage. Then again, he has to get out of high school first. If that happens, then pigs will fly! Just kidding. I know that the army will gain an excellent soldier when he joins. Even more ironic, I am thinking about joining him. When I last saw Dad, he took me sharpshooting (see June 14, 1999). He said that I had the greatest aim that he had ever seen. It made me feel special. I just hope that I can live up to what my father expects. But I would like to leave this entry on a happy note. Christmas is almost here and I picked out the perfect presents for everyone! Can't wait for the family to open them!

With love and happy wishes,

Viper

Lily shut the diary, placing it in a safe spot behind a few of her other books. It seemed to be mocking her, flipping to the page about her dad and the military. She would read a few more entries later, though she knew that they would only bring up more memories.

There was a more specific reason that she didn't want to take back her codename of Viper. Her father had given it to her after they had gone sharpshooting:

A seven-year-old Lily looked out the window, excitement churning in her stomach. Her father was sitting in the front seat, beaming at his daughter. "That was amazing shooting, Lils. Sure you haven't been sneaking out of the house to practice?" he teased. Lily laughed. "I promise Daddy." Her father chuckled along with her. "You shot well enough to be in the army," he told her. "Almost like the rattlesnake did out in the backyard. Remember that?" Lily nodded, silver eyes wide. "I remember. It kept biting at the rabbit over and over again. You said it had great aim," she said. He gave a nod as well, his matching silver eyes on the road. It was he that had given his daughter her most valuable trait. The famous silver bullets, as her mother called them. Lily smiled, happy to be spending some time with her dad before he left. Again. Her father gave a small sigh. "You know what, Lils? That shooting was so spectacular that I'm going to give you your own codename," he said. Lily frowned slightly before it cleared and she was smiling brightly. "You mean like the one the soldiers gave you?" she asked excitedly. He nodded. "Exactly like that. You like the name Viper?" Lily frowned again. "What's a viper?" Her dad chuckled. "A viper is a poisonous snake, close to the cobra family. Its aim is astonishing though, just like yours was." Lily giggled, blushing slightly. "Just like you Daddy!" she said happily. He chuckled. "Just like me, Viper." Lily smiled. "Cobra and Viper. I like it."

Lily jumped, breaking out of her thoughts, as a knock sounded at her door. She stood up, going over to the door and opening it. "Duke? What are you doing here?" she asked, startled to see the blonde-haired soldier at her door.

Duke cleared his throat slightly before answering. "I was asked to come and get you. We're all down in the training room and Hawk wanted you to join us," he replied.

Lily nodded slowly. "Alright, let's go," she said, turning for a split second to give a whistle for Macy, knowing that the dog would rip the room apart to get out. Once the shepherd was by her side, she readily followed Duke out of her room and towards the training room.