CHERUB : Fitting in

For a month, Bruce and I stayed at the Guild, thankfully not having to go on any missions. At least, until now. I was to go on a mission, and take Bruce with me for the experience. I knew that he was getting edgy. We had been there for a month, and I had made no moves. He confronted me one day after a particularly hard training session.

"Shadow, we've been here for a month, aren't you going to do something?" He asked.

I looked up from a computer hacking manual at him. "There isn't much I can do until I earn their trust again."

Bruce flumped down on his bed with a sigh.

"Ok, Bruce, we'll make a move tonight."

That night, I left the little cavern that served as a room for me, sneaking out into the tunnels. Bruce was close behind me.

"You go to the organization chambers, go through the files there." I whispered. "I'll go to the throne chamber and search through the classifieds." He nodded.

I crept through the corridors, thankfully crossing no one as I slipped into the Lord's chamber. Behind his throne, there were a couple of chests full of the classified mission reports. I pulled out my lock gun, sticking it into the lock and twiddling it around until it sprang open. Setting the lock gun aside, I started looking through the files. My eyes scanned the papers for anything that could relate to the government killings.

Something struck me from behind, sending me crashing forwards. Hands grabbed my arms, pulling me upright. I struggled desperately, kicking out behind me. Suddenly all the lamps light up, half blinding me. I could see the outline of the Assassin Lord and struggled even more. He lashed out, an open palm strike to my temple, half knocking me out. Through the daze I saw Bruce being dragged in.

"You have angered me once more, Wolf," The Lord said, "Most unwise of you."

I said nothing, trying to glare at him through the haze that had taken up residence in my mind. Bruce followed my lead. He started to walk in a circle around us. I stared straight ahead, trying not to sway.

"What am I going to do with you?" He asked.

"Let Bruce go," I asked quietly.

"Maybe I shall, but then the question remains: What do I do with you?"

"I don't care what you do to me, just let Bruce go!" I said, the haze starting to clear. I struggled against the assassin holding me. The Lord paused, looking at me.

"I think I will honour your request, Daughter of the Sword." He said. He glanced at Bruce. "Scar him and send him on his way."

Bruce glanced at me, not knowing what was happening as the assassins hauled him away. I watched him go, trying not to show any expression on my face. As he disappeared from view, I turned my gaze back to the Lord.

"Now, my daughter, I'm afraid that it will be down to the lower chambers. Two months."