A familiar scent filled my nostrils as I dazedly woke from my slumber. My movements were quite stiff and my vision was awfully blurred but I immediately recognized quite a few red blotches in my line of sight.

"I reckon she's wakin' up!" A Texan voice chirped.

"Leetle Spyress iz okay!" A deep rumbling tone followed afterwards.

Suddenly I heard a hasty but accented voice cut into the excitement. "Silence! Zhe fraulein iz still veak…"

I lazily sat up on the soft surface of whatever I'm on, holding my head with a hand while trying my best to blink away the blurriness. My vision cleared up after a few hard rubs of the eyes, now observing my surroundings with newfound disbelief.

"Hell yeah! Spyress is back!" Scout cheered and forcefully hugged me without warning.

I'm back home. Back at RED base. Everyone on the team is in the infirmary with me, crowding around the cot I'm sitting on. Seeing the happy, relieved expressions of my comrades fills me with something… Something that makes me want to cry. Not cry out of sorrow, but of joy. Through the few days I've been kidnapped in that hell I lost faith and dignity. But now, after witnessing how important I am to my allies and returning to the base, perhaps I can replenish my old self. In order to protect my professionalism, I forced back tears as they threatened to well up in my eyes.

"'ow… did 'ou know I was kidnapped?" I weakly smiled at Scout who stopped hugging me to reply.

Scout scratched the back of his head with uncertainty. "Well uh, I don't know. Actually, I had no part of it really."

Carefully throwing my legs off to the side of the bed, I looked at him strangely. "Part of… what?"

My attention snapped towards Soldier as he spoke in his usual, bellowing voice. "The plan to bust you out of BLU bastard hell, that's what!"

Sniper squeezed between Demoman and Pyro, trying to reach the front as he cleared his throat. "Well ya see we had no idea wot happened to ya after that one day of ceasefire." He took a couple steps in front of me, everyone staring at him to go on. "Solly thought ya gone traitor, which I thought was complete rubbish."

Soldier growled, folding his arms and leaning against the medical bay's wall.

"But the rest of us thought something awful happened to ya. Like maybe yer respawn pod malfunctioned or ya chip burnt out and ya stayed dead instead of respawnin'." I could tell he saw my curiosity blossom and he continued. "We couldn't figure out wot the bloody hell was goin' on but the administrator insisted on getting' a replacement for ya."

A twinge of anger flared up inside my chest. That cursed administrator… I knew not to trust her from the very beginning. It's not like she actually cares for her employees. Rage aside, I caught on to Sniper's last statement. "My… replacement?"

"Oui." I jumped in my seat, clenching my chest but yet retaining a controlled amount of surprise. I craned my neck only to see a tall red suited man bearing unusual eyes standing behind me. His left eye is hazel green while the right is a deep shade of brown. My shock died down as I continued to stare at him with much interest. "'owever I do not plan on replacing 'ou. After all, eef I really wanted 'ou gone, I would not 'ave saved 'ou, non?"

I raised a brow at him. So tall, yet young. He's probably only a couple years older than me. And just by observing his mannerisms I can tell he's certainly not a newcomer. Picking up my suave attitude, I offered a hand to him. "Bonjour, Spy. 'ou are quite zhe saint."

A cool smirk decorated the RED Spy's face as he extended his hand and shook mine respectfully. "A pleasure. 'owever, 'ou are quite easily spooked by shadows it seems."

I frowned and let my arm drop to my side sorrowfully. "My time at zhat 'orrible place… admittedly corrupted me to grand degrees…"

"Wot happened, lass?" Demoman, for once sober, asked.

I felt curious eyes stare at me as I began. Rubbing my aching wrists, I pulled my sleeves and pointed at my anklesup to show the awful rope burn wounds that were inflicted upon my body. A few gasped but everyone else stayed silent with mouths agape. There are red, almost bloody, marks around my wrists and ankles. They look irritated but certainly not infected. I sighed and pulled my sleeves down, still caressing my wounds. The pain isn't something I didn't expect but it still looks pretty bad and the agony I feel from it bothers me. "Their new BLU Spy iz certainly not fresh out from zhe academy, mes amis." I straightened myself on the cot, trying to collect my former professionalism.

It took roughly an hour to explain everything to my teammates. They seemed baffled by this disturbing news, that is, everyone but Spy. He simply stood there staring at his feet in wonderment. I cleared my throat to gain his attention and I certainly got it when his head shot up towards me, however, he still kept a cool attitude. "Iz zhat so?" The red suited man fixed his tie distinguishably. "Well I find eet quite interesting zhat I 'ave also been transferred. Not for nonsensical experiments but for more of a safety precaution." He then waved his hand, dismissing what he just said. "I will explain some other time, as for now let us focus on zhe BLU Spy…"

I opened my mouth so I could pressure the man to inform us but was interrupted by a voice I've learned to loathe.

MISSION BEGINS IN FIVE MINUTES.

Scout, Pyro and Demoman groaned afterwards while a few others rolled their eyes. It's pretty clear no one is in the mood for fighting today. Well, except Soldier. Almost immediately after the team's grunting the army man pulled out a familiar shovel, shouting battle cries as he flew out the door. I looked up at Spy with a questioning stare, completely ignoring Soldier's outburst. "Zhis team now 'as two Spies… Isn't zhat unfair?"

"Pfft… When I was with my previous team we 'ad multiple people of zhe same class. Same went for our enemies. I suppose eet's different 'ere due to zhe area's small size." He paused to light up a cigarette, blowing smoke out after taking his first puff.

"…May I?" I asked the masked man politely but not pleadingly.

"But of course." Red Spy smirked and offered me the cigarette he just lit up, lighting up another for himself afterwards. "I am sure two Spies on one team won't bother zhe administrator. After all, she did insist on me coming 'ere."

I sat there on the medical cot contemplating in a daze. Something tells me the administrator would think otherwise. She doesn't seem passive or compassionate for that matter and seems to also favor BLU. I hope Spy's right…

MISSION BEGINS IN SIXTY SECONDS.

"So," I broke the moment of silence between us, slightly cringing from the old woman's haunting tone over the speakers. "'ow do 'ou plan on zhe both of us going out into zhe field together? Do 'ou think zhe BLU team would riot over our number of Spies?"

"I do 'ope 'ou do not plan to participate in today's battle. You're in no shape to fight and eet's clear zhat 'ou need a break. Eef 'ou look at yourself in a mirror, you'll see zhat 'ou look completely exhausted and traumatized." Spy smiled lightly. "I'll take zhe burden of battle today, mon cheri. Try to relax."

I couldn't find the right words for a reply as Spy calmly strode out of the room. He raised a hand farewell and closed the door behind him, leaving me in the infirmary alone.

MISSION BEGINS. RETRIEVE THE BRIEFCASE!

I scowled at the sound of the administrator's voice after it blared through the intercoms around 2fort. I suppose there's no sense in staying here if I'm not severely injured. I shrugged to myself and slid off the bed. I then stretched my body when I got to my feet, feeling aches and sores I didn't know I had. Grimacing from the pain I then decided to visit my old sanctuary. Slightly unstable due to my still wavering condition, I finally arrived at the lounge. I faintly smirked at the book I left on the petite table beside the cushiony red chair. I basically collapsed onto the seat, sighing from the comfort I've been yearning for what seems like a decade. I picked up the literature beside me and flicked to the page I last left off. Being that the book I'm reading is a whole collection of Edgar Allen Poe's stories and poems, I wasn't surprised when I came across his story 'The Pit and the Pendulum'. This one story grasped my attention for it was revolving around the topic of torture and terror.

As I finished reading the passage, I silently sat there after saving my place with a bookmark and closing it silently. The whole story made me think about my predicament at BLU. The man in the story was clever and attempted to escape, like I did. But at the same time he was full of dread, as I also was. Not to mention being saved by one of his own allies at the end of the passage. It means nothing to dwell on things like this but admittedly it was something I had to sit and think about from interest. I got up from my seat and suddenly felt drowsiness sweep over me. Heading off to bed doesn't seem like a bad idea. I'm positive no one will be needing my services with Spy taking my place for the day. I think I'll learn to appreciate him.

I threw away my gifted cigarette and changed into my PJs sluggishly, feeling fatigue creep up on me as I eyed my bed. I didn't expect to pass out so early but as soon as my head hit the pillow I can't seem to recall what happened afterwards.

Adjusting the mask on my face, I leered into the image that reflected off of the mirror in front of me. I still look the same as I've been since I first arrived at 2fort, even after resting for hours until midnight. Glancing over at the clock on my nightstand it was 12: 46 to be exact. I sighed and shook my head. Might as well give up on going back to sleep since I'm not even slightly exhausted. Patting the pocket that contained my butterfly knife, I nodded reassuringly to myself and stealthily slipped outside my door without making so much as an audible creak. Perhaps I'll go to the study again. I may as well be the bookworm of the team, no? I smiled to myself at the thought as I casually but silently strode towards the lounge.

After noiselessly entering the small library's entrance I discovered something, or rather someone, sitting in my casual seating. Removing my hand from the doorframe cautiously I took a couple steps towards the man in my chair. "And why are 'ou up so late, monsieur?" I folded my arms and peered at the figure from under my mask.

"Zhat iz a good question." Spy closed the book he was reading and placed it onto the small stand I usually place my books, expression calm and collected. "But a better question iz, why are 'ou up so late? I thought 'ou would be out all night."

"Well," I shrugged. "I suppose I was not as tired as 'ou thought."

I exchanged a silent smirk with the RED Spy before he got up from the comforter and took a few paces towards me. "I did not know 'ou were into literature, ma cheri."

I sense so much relaxation from this man. He seems so hardened, experienced, confident. I feel so incompetent compared to his skill but yet at the same time I feel like we're the same as a person. I can imagine myself being so much more connected if not acquainted to this man. Feelings and petty thoughts aside, I made eye contact with the Spy and then motioned towards the book that belonged to me on the end-table. "I've always been. It's sort of my second 'obby." I stated while unconsciously smiling to myself, walking over towards the small surface and picking up my book.

"I suppose zhat makes zhe two of us." Spy lightly chuckled. I then felt the RED mercenary peer over my shoulder and observe the literature's title. "'ou are into zhe dark themed passages, oui?"

I tapped the spine of the book and glanced over my shoulder to smirk at the man in red. "Per'aps. 'owever other types of stories are fine too."

Spy folded his arms with serenity, staring at me with a curious air as I faced towards him with book in hand. "Would 'ou mind naming zhem?"

I continued to tap my finger against the book, thinking for a moment to correctly state my favorite genre of literature. "Humor," I pointed out from the top of my head, the Spy raising an amused brow in my peripheral vision. "adventure, mystery and romance."

Spy already took a couple steps towards me before I finished naming the categories. This made me feel uncomfortable but not in a negative nor positive way. His demeanor changed from calm to something I dare to question. Smirking with pretense I watched as Spy stopped nearly two inches from me, a little too close in a Spy's point of view. The man in the lavish suit peered down at the book in my grasp and lowered his voice to a deep murmur. "I myself enjoy romance novels…" He went on, gently taking the book from my grip. "and dark novels at that. But 'ave 'ou ever wondered what eet would be like to live zhe life of someone in your stories; To be completely out of zhe war and be someone else with greater fortune zhan yourself?" Spy finished with his cool poise diminishing to an almost subtle saddened one, his eyes seeming to fade away in deep reminiscing.

I couldn't help but worry about Spy's change in emotion. He acts like he feels deprived of something because of the war, I assume? Alas, with compassion I've long abandoned for some time since Scout's death, I gingerly but riskily placed my hands around Spy's. "Iz zhere… something 'ou need to get off your chest, monsieur?"

Spy's eyes widened and I internally grimaced for I knew doing that was a grand mistake. However the man did not back away or insult me, but instead he simply sighed and pulled away from the comfort I tried to offer him, placing my book next to his on the table. "Oui, but eet's something I must deal with by myself. 'ou are kind, Spyress. I appreciate zhat. But trust me, I'll be fine after a while. Something tragic 'appened before I came 'ere so I'm just a little… unsettled." He stared blankly at his feet for a moment and then straightened up a second later when snapping out of his daze, as if forgetting his internal torment. "Excusez-moi. I apologize for zhe random mood swing. 'ou 'ave no time for zhis and… it's getting rather la-"

"Spy…" I cut in. The Spy is acting so different from this morning. He was so suave and easy-going but now he seems so traumatized and unsure. I watched as his eyes fell upon mine weakly. "Eef something iz disturbing 'ou, s'il vous plait, tell me. I will completely understand eef 'ou do not wish to share with me, but even though I'm a Spy myself I promise to not tell anyone."

The bizarre eyed man hesitated to answer and bit his tongue, probably contemplating if I'm worthy of his trust.

"Je vous promets." I pressed on, looking into the Spy's eyes with hopeful intensity.

Breathing out a sigh of defeat the man in red shook his head solemnly and motioned for me to take a seat. In quiet anticipation I sat on the chair and crossed my legs, watching Spy lean against the wall with his hands in his pockets. He stared up at the ceiling, going back to a time, before he began his anecdote. "Where to start off…?" He muttered to himself and closed his eyes in a reverie as I waited patiently with folded hands on my lap. Reopening them he seemed sure of what to say and then finally made eye contact with me after all the silence that was had. "'ou see, I 'ave been part of zhis war for nearly two years now. Not long ago my colleagues and I were going about our duties, such as everyone around 'ere is, when all of a sudden a Soldier went missing. Zhis occured per'aps four or five months ago. I digress though, our team at first thought we 'ad lost one of our Soldier's 'for good' so we thought nothing of eet and went on with our lives. And do pay mind at zhe lack of respawn technology at zhe time. Anyways, three weeks afterwards one of our Heavies died but was not part of zhe 'eadcount. Once again, we called zhis coincidence and went about our business."

I am more than interested in Spy's story but I had to wait to listen to more because Spy paused to light up a cigarette as I fidgeted in my seat.

Shifting his weight more-so onto his heels so he stood straighter against the wall, Spy inhaled the nicotine from his cancer stick. When he spoke, the smoke trailed out from his mouth into a cloud of white. "We noticed zhe other team was losing some teammates as well but we were once again ever so careless to think anything of eet… Two months ago one of my team's Spy's went missing in action. Eet was around zhis time we grew wary of zhe disappearances and started to watch out for each other on zhe battlefield." Spy hesitated for a moment in thought, inhaling and then blowing out smoke with a dreamy sigh. "Zhis procedure did not work to our advantage for a Demoman was zhen gone even when 'e 'ad an Engineer to pair with. But right after zhat scot went missing, the vanishings ceased and all was well for a week or two… but not for long. Soon mercenaries specializing in my class were being 'spirited away' after almost every match. Zhere were five Spies when our unit arrived at Dustbowl. Only one died through zhe two years we resided zhere. 'owever, three Spies disappeared within zhe same week, leaving me by myself as zhe only Spy. I grew paranoid and felt as though I was a novice again. I was, and still am, ashamed of zhis…"

I tilted my head in wonderment. He could see I wasn't getting bored of his reminiscing. I could tell this was fueling his ability to talk to me.

"But zhis iz not zhe reason I am so timid. Non, eet's what 'appened afterwards." Spy's eyes darkened as he bowed his head, his drag dangling from his lips. "Earlier zhis month, when I was still with my team, we raged battle with zhe BLUs once again. I was paranoid but decided to shape up and do my job. As expected I faced... predictable matters."

He paused to absorb all that he said, the same went for me, but continued.

"Zhe BLU's ruthless Spy rendered me unconscious during battle and took me... somewhere I could never entirely decipher even today. But eet seemed to be some sort of medical bay with wires and beakers and, well... imagine zhe cliche mad scientist scenario. But alas, I found myself strapped to a surface with belts restraining my limbs. I fought but eet was no use. Zhe Spy appeared but said nothing as 'e inched something dripping with liquid towards my arm. I managed to spit in zhe man's eye. In retaliation an unknown figure approached me from my blind side and sliced into zhe right side of my forehead with a scalpel. Zhe injury, aided by zhe blood dripping into my eye, caused my right iris to be discolored." I watched on as the RED Spy bit down on his cigarette slightly as he spoke. "Luckily, my distraction saved my life for both RED and BLU barged in on my torturers charade. Zhe other man was killed while zhe Spy was transferred away from Dustbowl and away from me..."

An extended silence filled the room. I had many thoughts whir in my mind after Spy finished. That BLU Spy. He's here! Could it have been an error? Another miscalculation by our dimwitted employers? Merde! What if the BLU Spy-

"I am just glad zhe nightmare iz over. Eet must be strange to 'ear zhis from a Spy but... I can't seem to be myself anymore... Hm, for all I know zhe same may go for 'ou." The red suited man interrupted and glanced at me blankly, only to smirk a second later. "But eet iz something I can easily get over. I'm sure 'ou figured out as soon as I did zhat zhe same Spy from Dustbowl iz 'ere, non?" His eyes grew serious. I could sense a determined aura from the Spy as he flicked unused ashes onto the floor carelessly. "We must form a plan to assassinate zhe BLU Spy. Maybe not tonight but later zhis week. Zhe clock iz ticking and zhere are only two Spies in 2fort to experiment on. Let us converse more tomorrow, Spyress. We 'ave a battle to fight in zhe morning." He finished hastily, his mind busy with thoughts as he rushed out the room.

As I stood up from my chair I noticed Spy had stopped at the door frame, a smoke trail still lingering around him. He eyed me strangely. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

With a longing stare the Spy softly spoke over his shoulder, me replying with a questioning brow. "Ah, also... Merci, Spyress. I appreciate zhe time 'ou wished to share with me."

The masked man left just like that as I stood there in the lounge. The sound of hurried footsteps faded down the hallway but all I did was lag behind and ponder to myself. I don't quite understand it but I felt something that brought me back to my teenage years. It was foreign to me, but at the same time familiar upon realizing that I developed a strange connection to RED's new Spy since our first encounter. Whether this was a prudent decision or not, I decided to embrace the long abandoned sensation and chose to perhaps interlope more with Spy.

Remember to enlighten me on your opinions. PLEASE NOTE THAT THEY DEFINITELY AFFECT THE STORY. Thank you.

P.S.

Sorry for the delay. School work has been keeping me behind on writing.