Author's Notes: Hey everyone I hope you liked the last chapter and like this one as well, as always I own nothing. Isaac Marion owns the quote. Warning: references to rape and torture.

What's wrong with people…Were they born with parts missing or did it fall out somewhere along the way?- Warm Bodies

Zokar and Masaru left the prison that same day. Zokar wasn't sure between Masaru and the warden which was happier to see the last of the other, though she and the guards were clearly unhappy to see Masaru free. The man in question, on the other hand, seemed quite pleased to be out and about. After his eyes readjusted to the sun, Zokar found himself wishing the light had blinded him, the man would not shut up. His favorite topic seemed to be the various atrocities he had committed, particularly the ones he had committed against children.

"The best part," Masaru said, his tone full of gleeful remembrance; "Were the eyes. See, the trick was to get close to them, toys and treats worked the best for that. Oh, I could have just used force, but where is the fun in that? No, it was much more fun to lure them in, get them to drop their guard, see the hope and joy in their eyes and then destroy them. To see that hope and joy turn to fear and despair." Here he stopped and closed his eyes, his whole body quivering with remembered pleasure.

Zokar wanted to tell the man to shut up, that every word that the man said made him feel unclean, but he didn't. He did not want the man to know that his words disgusted him, Zokar was sure that would only please the man. While he said nothing outwardly, but inwardly he was in turmoil. He had been uneasy working with Masaru from the start, an unease which has only grown with time. But now, listening to the man talk, feeling as if the words were boring into his mind, did he truly realize what kind of horror the man was, a horror that he had promised to unleash upon the world. The thought made him physically ill. Think of the weapons. He told himself over and over again. Think of the new weapons.

Zokar pushed them hard, determined to get what had to be done over with as quickly as possible. There was another reason as well. The first night he had made a mistake and had decided to stay at an out of the way inn. They had been dressed as merchants and had attracted no notice. After they had taken a seat a girl had come up to them to ask if they wanted food and drink. She had been a pretty thing, large eyes and a face that had a warm and sincere smile.

After they had given their orders Zokar had gone to answer a call of nature. When he had returned he had seen Masaru talking to the girl, he had been nodding and she had been smiling eagerly. Zokar had quickly gone up to them, grabbed Masaru and said that he just remembered that they had to hurry on their way. The girl looked disappointed, though not as much as Masaru had.

"Don't worry little one," he had said with a smile; "Once our business is done I'll be back. I promise." The smile he had given her had chilled Zokar to the core. Then Masaru had given Zokar a mournful look.

"Why did you have to do that? It has been such a long time and she looked like the type which cries and squeals when they tear and break." Zokar had hustled him from the inn, not trusting himself to speak. After that he had not allowed them to stay at any inns and avoided travelers when possible. At last, after what seemed like an eternity, they arrived back at the capital.

Zokar looked down from the hill that they had stopped on and looked down at the city and the harbor. He turned his gaze to the Royal Palace. He longed to go there, to be with his family again and pretend that none of this had happened. But he couldn't, he had work to do, more stains on his soul and honor.

NO! He told himself firmly. What you are doing is not wrong! Any of it! What you are doing is for the good of your nation! All of it! After that internal argument he turned his gaze from the palace and headed down toward the harbor. As they entered the harbor town he turned to Masaru.

"Listen, what we are doing is highly secret. You are not to mention where you were, only that you served at the facility. Do you understand?" Masaru laughed nastily.

"Oh, don't want your friends know that you're hanging out with less than the top crust of society? Alright, I'll keep your dirty little secret. But it'll cost you."

"What do you want?"

"I don't know, but I'm sure I'll think of something." After that they continued on in silence till they reached the harbor.

They moved through the harbor town looking for the others. Zokar muttered a curs under his breath, he should have arranged a meeting place before setting off to retrieve Masaru. After about an hour they had a stroke of good luck, they literally ran into Lieutenant Lee as he exited a tavern. Lee seemed about to yell at Zokar for a moment then realized who he was, he looked like he was going to come to attention when Zokar stopped him while beside him Masaru chuckled.

"Easy Soldier Boy, you're not very good at this are you?" Though Zokar hated to agree with the man but he had to in this case. Even in workman's clothing Lieutenant Lee still looked like he was on the verge of springing to attention.

"Let's go inside." Lee said, looking at Masaru with a mixture of curiosity and dislike. ", Anana is waiting inside."

"Is she still sober?" Zokar asked.

"Mostly my Pr…" Lee began and then caught himself as they went inside.

Inside the tavern was crowded and loud and the three men had to employ an elbow or two as they made their through the place. , Anana was sitting at a table near the center of the room. Her face was flush from drink and there were several empty bottles on the table beside her. Sitting across from her was a wiry man dressed as a sailor, their hands were clasped together and for a moment Zokar thought they were shaking hands, but a closer look showed that he was mistaken. Their hands were clasped in a manner to form a space in the middle. In that space was a small ball of fire, both of them had their teeth gritted against the pain and each were grimly holding on. Just as they reached the table the man yelped and jerked his hand away. There was cheers and jeers from the crowd who had been watching and much changing of money. , Anana leaned back and took another drink.

"Well boys, not bad for a 'Water Weanch' eh? If you ever feel lucky again. Now, DRINKS FOR EVERYONE!" As everyone cheered and headed towards the bar she spotted Zokar and the others.

"Well, well, well. Looked what the owl-cat dragged in. Good to see again hansom," she looked over at Masaru; "Who's your pasty friend?"

"Someone who will prove to be of use to us later on." Zokar said, eager to avoid the risk of having Masaru exposed. "Is the ship ready?"

"Indeed it is. All provisions are aboard just waiting for you. Though it may be a bit more crowded that anticipated with your friend." She smiled a seductive smile at Zokar. "We may need to double up on sleeping spots." Zokar flushed and Masaru laughed while Lee spluttered.

"Well," Zokar said, quickly recovering himself. "Let us be off."

Author's Notes: Hey everyone, I am still alive if you were wondering, sorry it has been so long since I updated. How did I do with the new guy? Will try to get the next one out sooner. Till next time please pray for those who lost family in the plane crash and all who need prayers. Bye and may Jesus bless you.