Hearts Disguised

Chapter 17

The New Job

Time didn't seem like an object at all as a year went by. Yang continued to work with Cinder and that job continued to intrigue her. She was learning so many new things about the outside world that school never actually taught its students. All sorts of crime and horrible things were happening around her and yet, this company had plans on doing things. She didn't really know it, but all of the things she checked were cleared in time. She never had to read something and tell herself that she's seen it before. This company made it a point to solve its problems as quickly as possible and that's one of the reasons why Yang loved it there so much. She knew that she could continue doing this for a while.

On the other hand, her relationship with Blake also started to strengthen. The time of small talk was over. They started to talk about more meaningful things. They talked about their own personal life, their dreams, and anything else that wasn't lame. However, in every conversation, Blake always mentioned how school was boring without Yang being there. Yang couldn't really say anything about that since school was a horrible memory now. Aside from that, things were going really smoothly between them… Things that none of them realized were happening.

One night at dinner, Cinder broke the silence and called out to Yang. For Yang, this was a little strange since Cinder started to grow a little distant from her. However, she was always interested in what she had to say.

"So Yang, how do you like it on Floor 10?"

"It's great. I'm learning so many new things about this world."

"That's really good."

"I know. The thing I like the most, though, is how I never get the same bit information twice. It seems that everyone who works there does their job well."

"Of course they do. I don't just hire people for no reason. Everyone there was chosen to be a part of something incredible big."

"That's so cool."

"Anyway, I was meaning to ask you something. Over this past year, you've been working on Floor 10, and it seems like you like it a lot." Yang nodded her head. "And like I said a few seconds ago, I only choose people who can perform the job that needs to be done exactly to the letter. Do you wanna know why I asked you to work for me?"

"Why?"

"Because I don't want what happened to your parents to happen to you… ever." Yang suddenly widened her eyes. "That's why I chose you. I want you to know that there is good in this world and that there are people out there who can help. Now, with that being said, I have another proposition for you." Yang leaned forward in her chair. "You've gotten older and I think it's time for you start feeling like you're making a difference."

"But I do feel like I'm making a difference."

"Trust me, I know you do. However, I think you'll feel even better if you listen to my proposition. There is a place for you on Floor 15."

"What's that?"

"That's where we train our soldiers."

"Soldiers?" The more Cinder talked, the more Yang became confused. Soldiers just seemed weird since she though Cinder's company was an intelligence agency. "What do you mean by soldiers?"

"That floor is where we train the ones who go out and rid the world of the scum you read about every day."

"So you train people to kill?"

"I know it sounds bad, but it's completely necessary." When Cinder looked up, she saw that yang was starting to fade from the conversation. "We only do it so that people like you don't have to go through such hardships." Yang's eyes widened as she looked back up at Cinder. She was finally returning to her. "I already told you. My company is responsible for making this world a better place. You must understand."

"So how come my parents are dead?" She knew that that question was going to pop up.

"That situation was special. I personally took matters into my own hands since the one who killed your parents was considered one of the most dangerous people in the world. I feel guilty about it every day of my life. That's why I'm asking this of you. You have something you wish to take back. How about doing this? This could be your shot at redemption. Kill in order to protect those who otherwise wouldn't have protection." Yang stood up with her head down.

"Could you give me some time to think?"

"Of course." She turned around and headed up to her room. Meanwhile, Cinder was still in the dining room. She pounded her fist on the table and groaned incredibly loud.

"What the hell's wrong with me? I shouldn't have mentioned that last part. It's only going to make her think bad about me." She gripped her head in her hands and stared at her food on the table.

Back at Yang's room, she collapsed onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. She was thinking about the many things Cinder told her. Training people to kill, her trying to save her parents, and having a shot at redemption; all of those things were spiraling in her head causing her to nearly get whiplash. She sighed as she threw her arm over her eyes. At that moment, her phone buzzed which caused her to turn over and check what it was. It was Blake.

…

Yang went to the café that she was supposed to meet Blake at, but nearly an hour before hand. For some reason, she just wanted to get out of the house. While she waited, she continued to think about her conversation with Cinder the night before. The things that she talked about seemed so weird and so misconstruing. Killing people or gaining redemption were at war inside Yang's head and she didn't even know which one was the right or wrong. After some time went by, Blake finally arrived. However, she noticed that Yang kind of looked a little puzzled.

"Hey Yang, are you alright?" It took her a few seconds to answer, but when she did, she nearly jumped out of her chair.

"Blake, what are you doing here?"

"Um, I thought we were hanging out today." At that moment, Yang looked at the clock and saw that it was the time for them to meet up. "Aw man, I'm sorry. I've kind of had a rough couple of days so I've had a lot of other things on my head. Please don't take that the wrong way."

"Oh no, it's fine. So should we meet another day then?"

"No, no. Today's fine. Here, sit down." Blake took a seat and looked right at Yang.

"So what's wrong?"

"Is something wrong?"

"Kind of. You were sitting here all by yourself and then when I got here, you looked like you've seen a ghost. How is that not wrong?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"So you're sure you don't want to talk about whatever it is you're going through?" Yang took a few seconds to think about it. She has been getting closer to this girl for a long time so it only seems right to share what's on her mind. She took a deep breath and looked at Blake.

"I didn't really come here to tell you my problems."

"I'm here, aren't I?" She bowed her head and started her story.

"It's been a year since I've worked with my guardian. Things have been really good, but yesterday, she tried promoting me up to a new area of her company. I wasn't really sure what I should do so I didn't answer. Do you think you could help me out?"

"Well, it's kind of hard to help when you're so particular about this job of yours."

"Oh right. Well, let me try this. I told you that I was kind of like an overseer. People gave me paperwork and I checked it over." Blake nodded her head. "Well, now, she wants to be the 'world saver.' You remember that term I used, right?"

"Yeah, I kind of found that a little weird though."

"Yeah, it is."

"So what are you going to do?"

"I don't know. It seems like a good idea because of what I've been through. But…"

"But?"

"She's asking me to do something I'm not too comfortable with."

"Hm. I can't really tell you how to tell your life, but I think you should be doing something that makes you happy. Whether it's straight-up good or more for a personal thing, as long as you know it's good, that's all that matters."

"Alright. Thank you Blake. Of course, that's what friends are for." Yang widened her eyes. That word can mean so many things, but for Yang, it's caused her so much struggle in the past. She couldn't answer her. She just nodded her head and went silent.

…

When Yang got home, Cinder was in the dining room waiting for dinner when Yang walked in. She looked up and welcomed Yang back home.

"You hungry?"

"I have an answer to your proposition."

"Really? I hope you don't feel rushed when I said…"

"I'll do it."

"Huh?"

"I'll do it."

End of Chapter 17