Haunting Darkness

Copyright 2010 by Jordan Wadley, LLC, Inc. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

 

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the authors. To the extent any real names of individuals, locations, or organizations are included in the book, they are used fictitiously and not intended to be taken otherwise.

 

The content of this book belongs to the author as of September 18th, 2013. Any recommended ideas are to be taken up privately with the author, Jordan Marie Wadley.

 

Please vote for my book and comment any ideas you beleive would work well with my book, Haunting Darkness. I appreciate your cooperation.

 

FearlessAngel101~

Prologue

~ We can easily forgive a child that is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy in life is when man is afraid of light ~

 

 

　

PROLOGUE

 

I stood rather peacefully as I stood over the darkening city beneath me. It was rare, in most cases, to capture such a moment, such beauty. The top of the buildings were rather clean considering the amount of bird waste that lay splattered across the cement. The dark alleys that surrounded me gave me a peaceful tranquility, the shadows smiling wickedly up at me.

 

Ignoring the wailing sirens in the distance and the bumping of the music further down the alley, I focused solely on the man beneath me. He walked with cautious steps feeling as though someone was watching him.

 

I studied him for a moment, though I'd been watching him for hours now. I knew the trouble he regularly got himself into, yet he held no amount of power over any other drug dealer I frequently crossed paths with.

 

However, judgment wasn't one of my aspects. Though so young, he had corrupted the entire town with his lies. Dealing drugs and lurking through alleys seemed nothing out of the usual with the people he included himself with.

 

I had searched his files, remembering the information front and back without batting a lash. Though a large town druggie, he'd only been accused of grand theft auto twice with a warrant he'd long since parted from. He had little to no knowledge in the medical field and armory was only to be handled by his closest recruits. His loving girlfriend, Anna Marie Mickler, had no idea of his secret life as a street racer and a killer. He lived in a beat up apartment quiet as to not capture unwanted attention while the girl lived in a large house two towns away. He tried to ensure her safety; little did he know she was already dead.

 

I felt no regret when the snap of her neck vibrated through my strong feminine fingers.

 

His mother, Donna Marian Flison, died from lung cancer at age 28. His father an abusive alcoholic. Though an only child, his younger sister supposedly died with a gunshot to the stomach, he was mature for his age.

 

And though many of his gang members were terrified of the young man, he'd never killed anyone himself. Don't let him fool you though; he's watched his closest friends die at his word without regret. Never laying a finger on any weapon, he'd been the cause of many grieving family members and deaths.

 

I didn't care who he killed and nor did it matter how many lives he's taken, which in fact adds up to 58 tonight, I was focused purposely on the goal in front of me.

 

I listened intently to the noises around me with my eyes still implanted on the male. A memory flashed by my eyes, blue eyes gleaming down on me with pride. I knew instinctively who it was, yet paid no mind to the memory I no longer held to my heart. It was like watching a movie, one in which I'd been the main character of, flash before my eyes.

 

The scenes didn't matter anymore seeing as I was no longer that person anymore. I was something evil and sinister; Satan himself would cower in fear at the mention of my name.

 

I jumped from the roof in a rush, landing no more than fifteen foot away on a rusty ladder. Almost instantly after my foot comes in contact with the ladder, I leap across the ally and land on the neighboring building. The ledge holding my light weight made no complain, that was until I leapt further down the building onto another ledge. I merely caught the ledge with the tips of my fingers, yet my weight took the hard impact of the crash against the cold brick wall.

 

The man beneath me, now only thirty feet down, stopped as he heard the noise I'd made and looked behind him. His face gave nothing away yet the fear of being watched evident in his young yet mature eyes. It was obvious he'd lacked experience in the training mechanism considering he'd failed to look above. This will cost his life.

With one powerful push off of my left foot I managed to land on the ledge across from me making no sound. Bei

ng trained day and night from age five gave me this benefit. Flashes of the torture I'd endured every day reminded me of the monster I'd been turned into, the whip becoming a part of me.

 

When I was little the memories may've sent a painful jab to the heart like a viper wrapping around my heart. Yet as the torture grew harsher and the days grew longer I'd learned to keep my emotions at bay. I felt no more emotion when Razel yelled harshly in my face for my failures in life. I felt nothing in my cold heart when I lie in my cell at night and watch the memories of a younger me. Guilt was no longer a problem when I killed another of Razel's enemies. Fire replaced every painful jab to the heart, every guilt for the grieving I'd caused and every tear. I hadn't felt any emotion other than anger and plain emptiness since I turned fourteen.

 

I am simply a shell; empty and used. Some would be offended by this yet I felt nothing, I felt no bitterness or sadness. Feeling nothing is better than feeling everything.

 

I pounced down from the building one last time, my feet landing gracefully on the asphalt behind the tall figure. He stood at almost eight feet; the jacket he wore didn't hide his bulging muscles when he turned to face me.

 

He wore his emotions freely while my face remained void of all emotion. He didn't seem to register the fact that there was, in fact, someone standing before him until his eyes adjusted to the dark. The emotionless face replaced by fear and shock.

 

"Walter Marone Grayson, you were summoned by Razel Daniels and have refused his offer. I have been sent to kill you." That was what I was trained to do, no small talk, no names, simply the reason for your appearance. It didn't matter who you were, everyone received the same treatment.

 

He stared at me slack jawed before finally speaking, the sob almost breaking through.

 

"How is this possible, you died? I watched you die when they shot you!" He screamed. It was no doubt the town may've heard his cries when he seen my face yet he was attracting more attention than needed.

 

"Razel gave you an offer no other should know," I repeated with no emotion, repeating exactly what Razel rehearsed. "But since you've declined, he cannot risk valuable information being release. I've been sent to end his worries."

 

Razel gave him the offer of being his right hand man, watching and guarding over the others fighting in his ring. He gave him a tour not yet letting him see his fighters until Walter agreed to his offer. He declined thus angering Razel. He didn't care about anything other than the money earned during his investments, with Walter by his side he had the possibility of making more money on his bets. Nobody outside of our world knew of the ring and if the information was to leak to the public, everything could possibly end in disaster and loss of money. Razel was angry Walter declined considering he held a lot of information. Walter had to be excluded from the cause of the situation which in other words included his death; me being his killer.

 

"Please, Ra-" He began, pleading with the blue eyes I've seen many different times in flashes.

 

I cut him off abruptly with a punch to the face annoyed with so much emotion he possessed. It seemed to leak from his veins freely as if by habit. Emotions would get you nowhere in life, it took great knowledge to see the world for its' true colors. I sent a round house kick to his abdomen sending him flying against the gravel. He sat up on his elbow as he looked up at me with shock, still refusing to fight back. His clenched fist indicating he didn't take kindly to being pushed around.

 

"Where have you been? Are you working with Razel? You can't kill me, your own brother?" He coughed as blood dripped from his dried lips. I pulled the knife from my waist band paying no attention to his pleas. I growled a low inhumane sound still annoyed with myself.

 

"I am no longer her." I brought him up by the base of his neck, his eyes widening at my strength.

 

"Rachel, please!" He pleaded. The name was foreign to me; I'd long since forgotten I actually had a name other than my pet name. I didn't hesitate when my blade punctured his abdomen where I'd kicked him painfully. Shock registered when more blood began to pour from his sticky pale lips.

 

 

Chapter One

 

Jaw locked and anger clawing at my insides; I turn and walk from the shadows as if I hadn't just killed my own brother. Kidnapped and taken at five from my ten year old brother must've taken a large toll on him. Razel had told me his name and I'd recognized who he was almost instantly. The name and his piercing blue eyes staring back at me all seemed too familiar. Razel informed me of my mission believing I'd grown weak over the years and threatened to send me back into room RoomB45.

 

Razel felt he needed to challenge my loyalty resulting in killing the last person I'd seen before all humanity was taken from me.

 

Once I'd been allowed back into the real world to complete his dirty deals I'd long forgotten the idea of every escaping. This was only my fourth mission and with Razel now challenging me, there would be many more to come.

 

Walter was right, however, he did witness the shot to the stomach. I was only five years old and hadn't expected such pain and blacked out. Razel explained the shot was only to temporarily knock me out giving the belief of my death. The illusion was perfect; the chemicals he'd dipped the bullet in knocked me out cold. The chemicals in my system gave them just enough time to fake my death. When I woke up from my slumber I was chained to a wall and I'd spent ten years behind that cell and RoomB45. After years of torture in RoomB45 I'd grown accustom to the pain. The guards didn't stop whipping you with the long leather, slave torturing whip, until you were unconscious. Sometimes, even then, the guards wouldn't stop knowing you'd wake in more agonizing pain.

 

I only felt release when I fought in The Ring. Razel kidnapped and tortured more than just a few children as he trained them to fight. Every night, unless he sent us out on a mission, we'd fight in The Ring so Razel continued his ruthless reputation.

 

Tonight I was to fight in The Ring and only then would Razel and his managing opponent decide whether it was to the death or not.

 

There were three different fights in The Ring each one ending with a gruesome battle. Black Night Fright began with two opponents of the same rate and ended with only the strongest leaving. The Death Deed ended similar to BNF yet begins with more than two opponents fighting to the death. The Golden Battle gave the fighters the choice whether it was to the death or not. If the strongest with the upper hand decided it was the death the other opponent had no say. Every week we lose about ten of our weakest fighters in the compound. In the GB it was rare for the fighters to let their opponent live considering the torture after the battle was endless. The crowd found the DD more entertaining with the amount of blood shed as did the others in the system. The fewer the opponents, the higher chance at being at the top of the food chain.  

 

I knew I couldn't run even if I'd tried, they were watching my every move with the tracking device in my arm. I had no idea how old I was seeing as I held no interest in the agonizing slow days that passed in my cell. I do, however, remember the day I'd turned fifteen; it was the very day I'd become a stone cold killer. I'd estimated I was close to nineteen but I'd forgotten my birthday with the illusions in the dark from my past days.

 

"Viper, nice work." A deep husky voice congratulated me. I look into Grey's blue/grey eyes and notice a slight sympathy he held for me. Grey had be the nicest guard out of the three that were assigned for my torture. The torture being painful and agonizingly slow, I still never made a noise or showed the pain, so I was rarely punished. Grey never went easy on me seeing as the word 'torture' didn't mean easy, he was rough yet not as rough and gruesome as the rest.

 

I learned Grey grew up with Razel yet their friendship departed as Razel grew older. Grey watched his closest friend turn into a blood thirsty monster when his mother was shot before his eyes. Razel grew angry and interested at the sight of blood, his sanity lost in the dark depths of the sea.  Grey never told me his name so instinctively I called him Grey with the deep captivating color of his eyes.

 

I nod in acknowledgement and slid into the back seat, he closed the door with a sigh, the door locking automatically. Once the hummer's engine roared to life my eyes stuck to the dark window only moving when we arrived at the compound.

 

I noticed Razel standing in front of the building with a proud smile on his face. He adored the lack of emotion from me, although the sneer in my eyes evident every time I was praised for death. Though I felt no guilt or regret for killing but any kind of praise from Razel sickened me to the core.

 

"Well done my frosty angel," He applauded. "You have finally advanced to a next level, your room waits."

 

I stared at him openly trying to read through his lie, yet there was none. Ever since my first day at the compound I was forced to sleep on the cold cement floors of my cells and regain strength in my rusted chair.

 

Feeling the warmth of Grey's hand on my lower back, I internally growled and removed myself from him.

 

We walked through familiar stairs and halls but the sudden turns and winds lost my focus. Now the halls becoming unfamiliar and the floors cleaner than the usual dirt. The floor being a blinding clean white and the walls looking similar to the floors. Razel took a sharp turn into the room to the left, no door on the opening, and passed a few leather chairs and nicely shined tables. The walls and floors were the same color as the hallway but not as nicely swept, picture frames with no pictures hung on the blinding white walls. The slick looking tables passed by in a blur, not too much of an interest to me, but then we walked to another opening out into the hallway. This hallway seemed to stretch on further than the last and even further than the hall outside of her cell.

 

These doors were made of metal yet the color of dark silver, sticking out strangely from the halls. All the doors were covered with large nobs next to the latch, reminding me that the doors were far more advanced than the cell bars I'd sat behind for years.

 

All of the doors had a strange looking window at the top, tall enough for me to look through, but they had small clear covers keeping my eyes from peeking into the rooms.

 

"Right now all the other recruits are asleep but you'll meet the rest of them tomorrow." Razel spoke fluently, his French accent evident.

 

He turned to the door he was standing next to and pressed his palm on a small screen next to the large nob, then a bright flash. Grey turned me away when Razel's large form blocked my view, his hand resting on the large nob. I heard a few irritating clicks before a final loud swish of air came from the opening of the door.

 

Finally turning to look in the inside of my room I noticed the large size and comfortable atmosphere. I knew I should be at least happy I'd finally upgraded yet it seemed physically impossible to do.

 

My valuables from my cells were now settled neatly in the room. Though it wasn't much it was better than the rusty medal floor I slept on for years.

 

"By ten the lights go off, before and after lunch all doors are unlocked. Unlike the cells, you are free to visit with the other recruits in this closed off hall. I understand you may or may not have met any of your new recruits yet, but most are friendly, well... as friendly as they get. These recruits are different than the ones down in the cells, you were supposed to be transported here four years ago but we had no room. Anthony was shot for trying to escape so, now we have an extra room." Grey commented.

 

I didn't care about the other recruits and I didn't care of any socializing, it didn't even temporarily peg my interest.

 

"I don't care, when's training?" I asked bluntly. Grey blinked, still not used to my forwardness unlike Razel. He grinned, knowing I didn't care about socializing, yet still spoke with seriousness.

 

"Five in the morning sharp. Here on the higher level you will eat two meals a day and you wake at four sharp or you don't eat, your choice. Every day at eleven sharp the doors will open automatically and you will walk yourself to the lunch room to grab your lunch, then you will eat back here. Remember you can walk the halls and talk with the others, well that would be the best time to do so. The lunch doors are opened at four and close at half past four, they again open at noon and close at half past. Cameras are watching your ever move. I already know you understand there is no escape. The halls are sealed off and the only opening is the door we came in through which I only have the ability to open. There is no escape through the air vents; it ends in a concealed cell room which is where you will stay if you try to escape." He growled out angrily. It didn't faze me considering I've grown up with his sudden change of attitudes, but nonetheless I still tensed at his accusation.

 

He still believed after everything I've put up with that I'd take the chance to escape? He's just as ignorant as the millions of life's I've taken. I narrowed my eyes slightly warning him, however, his dull head didn't take the hint.

 

"Alright, you ate before the mission and this is your first night on this side of the building so you'll fight in The Ring tomorrow, until then you may want to rest. See you then Viper." Razel grinned. I turned sharply ignoring his soft laughter and lay down on the thick bed. My eyes shut with silence when I heard the soft patting of footsteps walking away, the door sealing tightly shut.

 

I let the darkness wrap around my weak and frail body before I was sucked further down into nothingness. Bittersweet torture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two

Groggily, Viper wiped the sleep from her eyes and took in her blinding surroundings. Like expected she dreamt of nothing but cold darkness, something she'd grown accustomed to. 

 

Viper sighed realizing everything about the white room was far from a dream like expected. She'd finally reached L3B2, something she'd been trying to accomplish since her first night in this traitorous hell hole. 

 

She ignored the sudden jolt of pain in her lower abdomen and sat up in the soft bed. Viper continued to stare at the painfully blank walls before her. 

 

A loud noise suddenly startled her from her daze and to the cranking of the door. With a final clank the silver metal door slowly swung open yet no one stood in place, only an empty hall. She nodded in approval at the advanced technology this side of the building seemed to have. Nothing like the cells on the other side. 

 

Suddenly Razel's words repeated inside of her head. The lunch doors wouldn't be open longer than half past four. She knew nobody had dared to wake yet if the silence was anything to go by. 

 

Viper had forgotten to take her shoes off when she laid down, seeing as any thoughts of preparation for night was swiped clean. 

 

"I'm guessing you're the new girl 'uh?" A voice spoke quietly. Devial was surprised when the girl only stared back at her blankly; she'd expected to see surprise of some sort. She couldn't have possibly heard her, could she? She made sure not to startle the girl, possibly scare her for a good laugh but her eyes were cold. 

 

Devial shivered from the unwanted glare sent her way. 

 

"What's your name, I'm Devial? Normally I've always the first to wake but I guess with you just now transferring you'd be used to your routine. It’s not as bad here as you think, actually I think it’s quite fun with the others here too! They’re so much fun, I swear we’re going to get along perfect!" Viper stared at Devial for a moment longer making her squirm. 

 

"Okay?" Devial scratched the back of her neck nervously; she'd never met someone so hollow. It was no doubt in her mind she'd be a little scared considering she was once in her position. She was after all Razel's niece. 

 

Viper ignored her nervousness and turned sharply, though this did no good when Devial jumped into step by the raven haired girl. 

 

"So, how long have you been here? Well... not here, here. I mean here in the compou-" Devial jumped when Viper suddenly turned to her with eyes burning like fire. 

 

"Do you never shut up?" She snapped. Devial seemed taken aback by her blunt question. 

 

"I-Ah-Uh..." She stuttered nervously. Devial met a lot of blunt and angry tempered recruits but something about this girl nerved her. She seemed like a cobra, so calm and graced yet the bite of a lion.

 

When Viper received no answer from the stricken faced girl she spun on her heel effectively leaving her in the middle of the hall. Viper suddenly noticed all the other doors hanging open yet everyone lay peacefully in their beds. 

 

"Wait!" Viper nearly growled when Devial stood next to her again but with a nervous expression unlike her bubbly personality. 

 

Viper shot her dark eyes back to the girl, nearly daring her to say something else out of  line.  "What's your name? Uncle Razel told me-" Suddenly Devial was pressed painfully hard against the white wall, an arm preventing her from moving.

 

"What did you say?" Devial's eyes widened with terror at the small girl holding her against the wall. Her cold tone sent chills down her spine and nearly sent her into submission. She'd seen some pretty shocked expressions when she mentioned Razel as her uncle yet this was the most frightening. 

 

"I-" Viper pressed her forearm tighter against Devial's neck effectively cutting her air-way off. 

 

"I don't want bullshit, tell me the truth." She growled. 

 

"He's my uncle..." She gasped when the pressure was suddenly released. Devial fell to her knees holding onto her throat hoping with a simple touch of her hands she'd be able to inhale deeper. Her knees throbbed with the impact with the hard floors yet made no move to stand knowing the demon-like girl was still standing next to her. 

 

"Tell me Devial," Viper spat like the name alone disgusted her to the core. "Why are you here?" 

 

"The same reason you are." Devial summoned up some courage to look up into the girl's cold and hollow eyes. "You've jumped to conclusions just as everyone else has, only difference is my own uncle kidnapped me." 

 

Viper stared down at the girl's crumpled form still struggling to breath. She felt no remorse and regret knowing she could've easily killed her if she'd applied any more pressure. 

 

"Do not speak to me, understand? I'm not your friend, nor do I want to be. Do I make myself clear?" Devial nodded eagerly, shuffling to stand on her own.  With one last cold glance Viper stalked down the halls and turned off into the lunch room to grab her lunch. She had no intentions of eating with the babbling girl in the hall; her room seemed to be the only place to go.  The room she'd turned into held white walls just as the hall yet the floors was carpet. Interesting, she thought. 

 

"That was quite an entrance you made there," A gruff voice commented. Viper turned to stare at an elder lady holding a small brown bag in her hands.  "Here. Mind you Mrs. that not everyone here is going to be as nice as her." Grabbing the brown bag with a bored and blank expression on her face, Viper spun away from her and walked back into the clear halls.

 

The girl no longer stood where she'd last left her and with a grunt of approval she walked back to her room.  She'd noticed another girl walking down the hall yet she looked to be the exact opposite of Devial. Ignoring the curious look received she walked back to her room in silence. 

 

Viper suddenly heard a loud and abrupt holler. Lying contently back on her soft bed she continued to ignore the loud noises from a few doors down. She'd grown accustom to ignoring the cries of her other recruit members while staying in the cells, this was no different. 

 

With a growl in annoyance, Viper jumped from her bed ignoring her breakfast. At this point she was more than angry someone had to ruin her breakfast by making loud noises. Everyone she passed seemed to be in the same state of mind frowning in annoyance at the door the noise was coming from.  Viper slammed her hands on the frame, startling a huddled form. 

 

"Could you shut the hell up?" Gasps where heard from behind her yet she didn't pay any attention to them.  Everyone watched with boredom as the raven haired girl shouted at Devial in anger. Devial shook with complete and utter fear as she looked up at Viper's shaking form. 

 

"Y-yes.. I'm s-so sorry." She hiccupped hoping not to anger the girl any more than she seemed to be already. 

 

With a growl she stormed back to her room only to run into a hard chest. Unlike most expected, she didn't tumble from the unexpected form. He stumbled slightly not expecting such a hard shove.

 

"Could you watch where you're going?" Caden looked down at the girl that snapped at him only to have his anger rise. He didn't take kindly to disrespect. 

 

"You're the one to be talking, get the hell out of my way." He shoved her expecting to make her fall yet all she did was stare at him with cold eyes. He'd only seen that much hatred in one person every time he looked at himself in the mirror. Suddenly he felt angry knowing she failed to move. 

 

"I said move." He growled. 

 

"Stop talking with your big ass mouth and make me." She growled right back. 

 

Caden stared at the raven haired girl in shock not expecting the coldness and fire she'd thrown at him. 

 

"If you can't man up and stop acting like a fucking dog, then you're wasting my time." He stumbled back in humiliation when she shoved him aside. Her strength was astounding. Caden suddenly grew angry, shaking with complete rage and feeling as though he'd been humiliated in front of everyone.

 

He growled and jerked her back with ease nearly shocking Viper. Nearly. 

 

He threw her up against the nearest wall and pinned her with his forearm. Viper realized she'd held Devial in the same position; his goal was to dominate and scare her.  Smirking she jerked her arm up effectively hitting him with her palm. He stumbled slightly and loosened his grip. That seemed to be all she needed as she charged. 

 

Razel called her Viper because her movements were just as swift, graceful, and fast as a viper. Using everything she'd ever learned in training she clocked him with her right fist only to aim once again with her knee. 

 

Caden noticed the knee coming ahead of time and stopped the impact with his forearm. It stung from the force she'd used but she continued to strike. 

 

Everyone in L3H2 grew up with the best of training. The longer you spent in L3H2 the stronger you're training and abilities become. In other words, the people who'd been in L3H2 the longest seemed to have the best technique of them all. He noticed the raven haired girl was here only a few hours and her techniques held power and so much strength. 

 

Surprised with the sudden blow to the knee he jerked back. He hadn't expected her to fight so strong but she wasn't strong enough. 

 

Caden jumped at her, and Viper not expecting it, stumbles from the impact.

 

She falls and seems to finally notice the startled faces around her, she wondered if they were as nosy as they seemed.  Jumping up she got back into her fighting stance and waiting for Caden to make the first move.  Caden noticed even after all the blows she'd avoided and managed to land she didn't break a sweat.

 

He grew angry that he couldn't affect her in this way and threw all his strength into his blow.  Viper knew from the moment he charged he was only blinded by pure rage, he would die this way. She deflected the shot and grabbed his bicep in a tight grip.

 

In an attempt to use his momentum against him, she swung him into the wall behind her.  He crashed with a thud and slumped to the ground in unconsciousness.

 

Viper was startled when a clap resounded from around the hall, it wasn't a greeting, a simple eerie clap.  She turned knowing exactly who stood behind her just as well as all the other startled stares.

 

"You know Viper, sometimes starting fights with one of your recruits on the first day may not be best. He's out cold for God's sake." Razel sighed in exasperation. 

 

"Maybe you should control you're dogs Razel." She spoke with venom no doubt angry she couldn't finish her breakfast. 

 

"I've tried, as you see it hasn't worked out too well." He sneered now angry with her accusations. "I would advise you head to training now."  With one last withering glare she spun on her heel, stepping over the slumped form, and stalked down the hall. 

 

Striker stared at Viper's retreating form with interest. He'd never seen anyone truly start a fight with the angry dog.

 

Though he was still only an omega he hadn't expected a mere human to end him within moments.  He grinned and walked through the door she disappeared into. 

 

Striker thought she'd make life in the compound a little more interesting. 

 

Guess we'll find out, he thought.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Three

 

 

Viper walked through the rusted door and took in the training room. It was the same room she'd been training in since she'd arrived at five. Apparently the door must've been well hidden, she was always the observer. 

 

"He watched everyone from this spot when they first arrived," Viper concluded calmly into the unspoken silence. "He wanted to see who was worthy of his personal pet. Am I right?"

 

Striker watched with surprise when the raven haired girl turned to face him expectantly yet her face was blank. He hadn't thought she heard him when he snuck quietly through the metal doors. He knows he didn't make a sound yet she knew he was there without a second thought.

 

"Very observant of your surroundings, I see why you're here. It's been quite some time since I've slept in a cell, can't possibly imagine how you handled that." She still remained emotionless. Viper could detect a slight English accent, old habits die hard.

 

He tried to jump start the motor, possibly angering her, to see if she truly was capable of any emotion other than anger.

 

"Wasn't bad, though I miss the quiet." He heard the warning clear yet continued.

 

"You know what I don't get," Striker drifted off with a possible thinking face. His eyes traveled around the room as if by habit.

 

"No, I don't care." Viper replied blunt and sharp. The boy in front of her seemed taken back by her blunt reply. She didn't expect anything less considering everyone she'd came across didn't expect shut coldness and blunt replies.

 

"You're quite interesting. Though you seem strangely calm with your environment." Striker studied her a moment in hopes of finding any emotion, then he muttered almost silently. “It’s almost like you enjoy it here.”

 

"Don't care." She turned her back to him sharply and walked toward the attack range. For the rest of their time period she continued to throw swift and harsh punches through the air. Sometimes, if not most of the time, she'd swipe at the old punching bag across from her.

 

Viper cleared her mind of every thought and all her anger as she inhaled and struck out. The bag swung violently at the impact but she used the swing to her advantage and spun, kicking the bag effectively. The bag fell from the taped up chains, something that happened frequently when she attended the bag.

 

"You're different girl, what's your name?" A new voice joined the room.

 

"Isn't it obvious?" Striker asked his sibling with bluntness. "She's the famous Viper! The one murdering one after another in the ring, the girl Razel talks about all day. Don't you see the resemblance, black hair and blue eyes not to mention the same height as you!"

 

Viper stopped for a moment to look the boy dead in the eyes. The darkness and harsh whisper hidden in her eyes startled him for a moment. He felt as if her dark eyes pierced through his soul, seeking out every secrets and hidden lie.

 

Viper didn't spare him another glance when her eyes landed on a female no younger than herself. The pair sized each other up making Striker slightly uncomfortable as he shuffled.

 

"Would you stand still? You're annoying me." The blond spoke to her brother harshly. Not a moment later a few others piled into the room with sleep deprived eyes.

 

Ash stared at the girl again before trailing off toward the other punching bags. She noticed Viper setting a new punching bag in its place yet she had no problem hanging it from the chains. Ash had a problem with this and it seemed like it wasn't rare for the punching bag to fly off the chains for Viper. It was no doubt the raven haired girl was stronger than Razel led on to be.

 

Just as the thought occurred, Razel walked through the door with a beaming smile upon his wicked face. The siblings snarled silently at his eager face, it seemed like only Viper could make him react in such a way.

 

Striker felt sorrow every time Razel's face came into view. Him and his sister watched Razel murder their parents before them; yet they were both silent when he pointed the gun at his mother's and father's head. At the time Striker was too shocked to speak up or attack and Ash went into panic mode shortly after the gun rang through the air. They were only twelve.

 

Devial walked into the room with a smile yet Ash could tell she was still shaken with the encounter. Nobody had the nerve to lay a hand on her considering she was Razel's niece. Nobody wanted Razel's wrath when they messed with Devial. It shocked more than just the siblings when Razel simply smiled at Viper for her actions. She heard Viper yell angrily at Devial, which was the reason she woke, before Devial ran to her room crying. Ash liked Devial for her kind heart yet she didn't comprise herself with the girl, nobody did.

 

Everyone was used to Devial's silent sobs but she could tell the encounter with Viper shook her, hell, it shook everyone!

 

"Alright, we're going to try something new!" Razel clapped gleefully. Striker felt his fingertips twitch at his cheerful voice.

 

"Today, we'll be battling. Height against height, strength against strength, and minds against minds." Someone would be getting hurt, and the sick bastard was going to enjoy it. 

 

Viper stalked toward the forming group and listened to his silent words with a glint in his eyes.

 

"No worries though, if you get hurt we'll send you to get fixed up. I can't wait for you all to see Viper's talents. You'll be thankful to have her on your team just as-" He started.

 

"Just tell us what to do." Viper all but growled. Ash and Striker stared at her in horror when a venomous growl left Razel's lips.

 

"Don't interrupt me girl!" He shouted outraged with her demand.

 

The glare she gave him sent a cold chill down everyone's spine. She had a cold and dangerous vibe that made the others aware of her appearance.

 

"You will be punished for your behavior!" He screeched when he noticed the challenge in Viper's eyes.

 

"With what? If I remember correctly, you're torture no longer works." Ash stared with a new curiousness at the raven haired girl. She was brave and fearless but there was something about her words that startled her. How could torture not work on someone?

 

Something in Razel's eyes nerved Striker. He suddenly feared for the stupidly brave girl standing surprisingly close to Razel.

 

"I guess we'll have to see about that." He stated with a sick smile. If the determination in Viper's eyes didn't accept the challenge, then the cannibalistic growl that left her lips did.

 

Everyone jumped at the ferocity in the rumbling sound. Not a sound was made and not a breath was heard other than the challenge in front of them.

 

"Outside." Razel suddenly shouted to everyone in the room yet still keeping eye contact with Viper.

 

Viper ignored the pitied stares as she walked with everyone in a scattered line to the door. Razel walked ahead and dialed random numbers into a keypad before a piece of the wall moved. Viper realized it was a door when it opened to reveal the brightening sky. It was only five in the morning considering the sun hadn't even decided to peak over the colorful mountains.

 

It seemed as if the view was painted by hand, even the birds gliding above seemed to be still in the sky. The large grass land continued on before them, no signs of any animals nor any houses in the distance.

 

"Viper," Razel suddenly sounded gleeful once again. "you'll be battling Ash, Knight Crawler, and Devial."

 

Viper stalked forward, no fear in her eyes. There was nothing in her eyes but a cold darkness that stared back at the three. Ash stood a few feet from Viper yet only a foot from K.C. and Devial. Razel always paired the three on missions. Ash's strength, K.C.'s speed and Devial's conniving combined in one could take down even the strongest.

 

Ash didn't care for Viper; from the look she gave the pair the feeling was mutual, so hurting her would be no problem. Devial, however, seemed a bit frightened of the girl standing before them.

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

Viper stood tall and dominant as the three took her in and did the same in return. She'd known Devial's name from the moment she'd woken from her slumber. She turned to meet the eyes of the girl that stood next to Striker in the gym but she didn't worry too much. However the tall man next to her, K.C. from what Razel had said, looked strong and much more advanced. Viper knew taking her eyes off of any of them would possibly cost her humiliation.

 

Ash turned to look at Razel, a smirk implanted firmly on his face. Ash knew from watching Viper in the gym she'd have a tough time taking her on alone but K.C. might match Viper's pace.

 

"Go." Razel shouted. They all spread out further waiting for an opening shot yet nobody pounced first.

 

Suddenly Devial inhaled deeply and a smirk crossed her face, sickly similar to Razel, before slowly stalking forward. Viper felt fire burn in her lower stomach and took a lethal step toward the girl. She could tell Devial was frightened; her steps were rushed and sharp.

 

K.C. took that as his opening shot, seeing as she had focus on Devial, and stepped toward Viper. Yet before he got even two feet passed Ash, an iron grip wrapped around his bicep. K.C. felt rage boil inside of him at the contact and turned to face the blond sharply.

 

"No," She whispered harshly yet quiet enough so Viper couldn't hear. "She’s smarter than that K.C., she'll see you coming before you're in range."

 

He scowled at her and turned to face the dangerously scary girl not further than ten feet from him. He noticed how confident and sure her steps were, her shoulders squared back ready for attack and chin jutted out defiantly.

 

K.C. and Ash watched Viper as she closed distance between them. Devial finally realized neither Ash nor K.C. was going to use her distraction so she pounced on Viper in panic.

 

Viper noticed Devial's hand aiming for her throat and blocked the shot with her left hand with a tight grip. Devial didn't notice Viper's hand flying up toward her face until it was too late, the impact knocked her back slightly.

 

Viper could tell she wasn't trained like the others; she didn't have an ounce of defense in her system. Deciding to end the fight quickly, she jumped at Devial faking a punch to the face and at the last moment swept out her foot. Viper's combat boots came in contact with Devial's knee cap thus creating a sickening crack.

 

K.C.'s eyes widened when he realized what the snap was when Devial fell to the ground screaming and cradling her knee. He'd always taken a liking to the girl, she was innocent and different, and something that seemed rare in the compound. He turned to the dark haired girl with hatred but nearly jumped when she stood no more than two feet away. The grip on his arm tightened.

 

"Will you fight?" She snapped sharply in their faces. There was no regret or guilt in her eyes, simply darkness.

 

Ash shuddered but none the less stepped further to the side. Viper's eyes followed the motion out of the corner of her eye just as K.C. slowly slithered to her other side. The pair blocked Viper between them making no escape.

 

Viper's lip almost twitched at the action, she'd done this multiple times in training. She didn't move from her position but instead stared ahead at the mountains. She could spot both K.C. and Ash in her peripheral vision but they had yet to make a move.

 

She noticed the twitch of Ash's head off to her right just before K.C. did the same.

 

Almost instantly K.C. and Ash jumped at Viper without making a sound. Everyone watched with awe as Viper ducked and rolled backwards just to land on her knee. She was knelt on one knee with one hand on her knee.

 

Viper looked up at their feet, her dark hair hanging in her face making her look beautiful yet dangerous; and stood.

 

"You'll need to make you're movements more discreet, it was quite obvious when you signaled each other. It's better to wait for your opponent to charge first, if they don't then at least make your options a little less obvious." Viper shrugged at the two. Ash took in the information realizing Viper was only helping as did K.C.

 

"Guess we must follow the ‘Oh Mighty Viper's’ every rule!" Devial spat from behind.

 

Viper turned to glare murderously at the girl still cradling her knee, a new hatred in her eyes.

 

"Shut up child, I've beaten you haven't I? It's quite disputable how inattentive you are to fighting and defense, am I right?" Something flashed in Viper's eyes nearly scarring Devial.

 

Ash took that as her opportunity and leapt at Viper knocked her feet out from underneath her.

 

"Never turn your back on your competitor; you can easily speak without looking directly at someone. Am I right?" Ash mocked.

 

Viper twisted on her back and turned at a maladroit position to lock her legs around Ash's. With a jerk of her foot Ash plunged down to the ground almost crushing Viper.

 

K.C. hardly fought on the ground but Viper's virtuous moves were eloquent, as if by nature. He had no clue what locality or angle to attack from when Ash fell down next to her.

 

Viper rolled and snapped Ash's arm between her muscled thighs. She locked her ankles together and jerked Ash's arm in her hold issuing in a strangled cry.

 

Striker stared at the scene with a blank face, he'd learned to mask his emotions but inside he still felt. He still felt anger at Viper for hurting his only family left and he felt melancholy at the lack of emotion from the clouded haired girl. She didn't shield the emotions from anyone, what's to hide if you don't have anything to hide in the first place? He watched in repugnance as Viper snapped his sibling's arm and rolled once again. The punch to Ash's face made even Striker recoil.

 

Everyone stared at Ash for a moment unable to fathom what just happened. Razel looked angry yet pleased at the same time. K.C. looked shocked as well. Viper had managed to snap Ash's arm and knock her out cold before Ash even had the chance to show her strength.

 

"It's not all about strength," Viper said to the emotionless body. "Battling is much more than one element mastered, it's all combined."

 

Now that K.C. realized it, Viper seemed to master all the elements of fighting. Her strength, speed, and evaluation all evened out perfectly.

 

She charged at him without warning and swung out powerfully yet K.C. saw it coming. She had a new fire burning in her eyes yet the emotions failed to make an appearance.

 

He jerked to the side and dodged her next swing and threw back his fist. It collided with her abdomen and her eyes opened wide. She'd expected him to be strong but agility hadn't even registered. He was incredibly swift, surprising her when he matched her pace evenly.

 

"You're fast." She muttered, concentrating as he swung out powerfully.

 

"Yes," He muttered with pride. "Now let's end this." K.C. jerked his elbow up hoping to knock her down. What he hadn't expected was the sideswipe of her own elbow; he staggered slightly and lost his balance. Viper wrapped her arm around his neck and punched him repeatedly.

 

K.C. couldn't recover from the swings fast enough considering she threw one after another. Randomly she jerked her knee up into his abdominal region to knock him back, working wonders.

 

"You're fast," She repeated. "But you don't pay attention; your arrogance won’t get you anywhere." Viper spun on her right foot and swung out with her left adequately catching him in the face.

 

The blood splattered out of his mouth as he fell to the ground in a jumble.

 

She turned and met the eyes of awed onlookers only to meet Razel's cold eyes.

 

"What?" She wondered aloud. "Expecting a different outcome Razel? You've lacked on training if I must say. Do you want you're dogs to fail?"

 

Viper stared at him premeditatedly yet nothing but silence rung in the cold morning air.

 

"That's what I thought." She laughed bitterly, the laugh sounded forced and different even to her own ears. It almost startled her at the hoarseness of her voice, it sounded like an old and battered guitar, out of tune and off-key.

 

With one last glare at everyone watching her, she walked stiffly yet confidently back through the gym doors and back to her punching bag. She paid no attention to the loud whispers that entered the room, alerting her of everyone's approach, and continued boxing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Five

 

Viper grabbed the large brown bag from the old man's hand and walked down the halls once more. The blinding white light always seemed to surprise her. The normal mucky cells she slept in for years become a personal home, even the deceiving rats became a part of her.

 

"So, I hear you're the new bad ass around here." The statement itself wasn't a question but it was meant to be confirmed. She nodded hoping to get rid of the annoying voice.

 

"I'm Gale; I pretty much came here willingly. Parents are fucking crazy, brother's dead, and drugs was the only thing left. This place couldn't be that bad could it?" He laughed. Viper didn't acknowledge his presence, seemingly nerving him.

 

"So why are you here?" Still Viper's eyes were set dead ahead. The boy grabbed her shoulders hoping to snap her out of the daydream, when suddenly he felt cold medal against his cheek.

 

"Don't speak to me, don't look at me, and don't touch me. You break any of these conditions and I will end your life." His breathing became suddenly rapid as her cold voice sent chills down his spine. Everyone in the compound killed, it was practically nature, but the way she said it chilled him.

 

The pressure was released and he stumbled, gasping for air.

 

"That my friend is the famous Viper. Promise you, you don't want to get on her bad side. She's got a mean punch." A feminine voice spoke next to him, startling him.

 

"The name's Ash, this is my brother Striker." Ash spoke smoothly with a shrug, the nasty bruise under her eye slightly startled Gale.

 

"Gale, and yeah that's pretty obvious. You look exactly alike!" The sudden fear he felt for the new recruit, Viper, vanished as he laughed along with Ash and Striker.

 

"I've heard so many stories about her. Some people that have actually lived through a fight with her, and some of the people she knew down in the cells. She's got mean skills man." Striker spoke with a new spark in his eyes.

 

"Yeah, tell that to my broken arm. Turns out the little shit ain't afraid to go against fucking Razel! She got right up in his face and BOOM we're battling to what seems like the death. I've only seen Derek fight like that!" Ash moved her arms around wildly, the interest of the new girl sparking Gale's interest as well.

 

"Well let's go find out exactly how cool this new girl is." Gale shrugged carelessly not noticing the fear in Striker and Ash's eyes.

 

"Are you kidding me dude? She'd kill us! I bet she's a ninja or something; seriously she's fast as fucking lightening! She knows where you're going even before you do!" Striker whispered silently, eyes darting around the hall for Viper, and leaned in closer. "She's probably listening now."

 

Gale rolled his eyes at the pair and slowly began walking toward the direction Viper disappeared through. He couldn't pin-point exactly what he found so interesting in her, or if maybe it was the beauty that attracted him. He didn't know, but he did felt some sort of connection with the girl. Something about her piercing blue eyes and evil glare warned him. Of what? He couldn't be completely sure.

 

Viper heard the footsteps coming closer to her opened door and yet she kept her eyes on the cold walls. When the footsteps stopped within reaching range, she slowly let her eyes drift to the three forms standing before her.

 

Ash, the girl she fought with in the battle, her brother Striker and the boy she threatened no more than five minutes ago.

 

She said nothing, simply staring at their unsure forms, and crossed her arms tiredly.

 

"I don't have all day." Viper snapped gaining Gale's attention. It seemed like that was the only tone she used, whether it was by habit or pure irritation.

 

"You're really good at fighting. Honestly if one of us go in the ring with you tonight we'd die. How'd you learn to fight like that?" Ash asked as she walked closer to a calm looking Viper. "How long exactly have you been here?"

 

The question alone startled Viper considering she'd never been asked that. Everyone always knew exactly how long she was trained and tortured until she became a monster. Some people mocked her endlessly about being 'soft' until she proved herself. It took quite a few deaths by her hands to prove herself, but slowly and surely she managed to stand on her own two feet.

 

"I was trained at five. I don't know how long I've been here." The three stared at her as she managed to stare right back, the truth shining in her eyes.

 

"How old are you then?" Gale asked curious with the new information.

 

"I don't know." Viper ended the conversation quickly. Ash and Striker gave each other a knowing look. They lost everything they had at such a young age, but five was too soon.

 

"When did they start, well... you know, training you?" Striker stuttered afraid of using the word 'torture' in front of someone that seemed so angry all the time. He wondered to himself if it was the torture that made her angry all the time, maybe searching for revenge. He'd been searching for revenge with his sister Ash by his side.

 

"The day I arrived. Any more questions?" Striker was growing used to her blunt and short replies. The sharp anger in her tone gave him the impression of a brewing storm waiting to rain down on the wrong people.

 

"Well, I guess we could introduce ourselves properly. I'm Ash, this is my brother Striker, and this is Gale. You met Gale a few minutes ago if I'm not mistaken.

 

Even if it was a quick evil smile, it was something that shocked the three. Viper noticed her lips curving up slightly and growled menacingly, the anger replacing anything else. She felt slightly relieved when they flinched, the fear rolling through their sweat glands freely.

 

"Leave." Viper commanded sharply, no room for discussion.

 

They didn't give her another second glance as they scurried away quickly.

 

Ash knew she was strong and fast, but she also knew holding up to Viper's rage was nearly impossible. It seemed she had no trouble taking three down at once without anything but determination, how deadly could she be when angry?

 

"Ashley!" Striker yelled annoyed. Ash turned to her brother, finally shaking from the sudden daydream and smiled at him. He hadn't called her Ashley since they arrived at the compound, something about the place giving the pair a sense of fear.

 

"What?" She asked, stepping into step between Gale and Striker.

 

"Did you hear what she said? She was fucking kidnapped at five! We nearly broke completely when we were taken at twelve; just imagine the pain she's feeling." He mumbled the last part to himself, even though the words still left his lips.

 

"She doesn't exactly look like she cares if you ask me. She seemed more annoyed by our appearance than our questions. Think about it guys, she's great at fighting and doesn't show any emotions! Who the hell does that?" Gale practically yelled gaining unwanted attention from by-passers.

 

"I don't know man; honestly if I had an answer for that I'd tell you. I guess we'll see what she's capable of in the ring. I know she was pretty good in the ring in the cells but I know I'm pretty anxious to see what she can do in an advanced ring." Striker smiled.

 

"Holy shit, Striker she's going to meet Derek! Now that I think about it they're a lot alike." Ash laughed. "Derek's all moody and angry all the time, not to mention a good fighter. Viper's nothing but angry and bored, also a good fighter. Don't you see the resemblance? What I'd pay to see them fight." Ash sighed with a spark in her eyes. Striker knew of his sister's silent crush on Derek but he didn't trust the guy.

 

Everyone went silent when they noticed Viper stalking down the halls with a slightly pissed off expression on her face. Ash was surprised at the sudden silence. Even when Viper was literally beating her as she didn't look even the slightest of angry.

 

"Razel! Get your ass in here!" She growled, the warning bells went off in Ash's head like a large cattle farm. Viper stalked slowly up to the middle of the hall with her fists clenched and eyes set dead on the camera above everyone's head.

 

Not even a minute went by when the sound of the hallway's medal door opening surrounded them. Everyone turned to notice Razel's tall lanky form walking down the hall with confidence and annoyance. Ash only stared with complete and utter shock, after all her years of living in the compound he's never come when called upon.

 

"Yes Viper?" He asked with a warning to his tone.

 

"Don't you 'yes Viper' me Razel. What the hell is this?" She growled dangerously low as she held up the picture of her parents.

 

Viper felt nothing but raw fury as she looked into Razel's calm hazel eyes. He planted this in her room to make her soft, to make her feel some regret for killing them with a bomb she made.

 

"It's a picture, nothing more and nothing less." He spoke with finality. Viper moved so fast and so graceful not even God could keep up with her movements. One minute she's standing within a yard's distance, the next she has her hands wrapped tightly around Razel's throat.

 

Viper felt large wrapped around her arms like a vice grip but she refused to let go.

 

"Are you accusing me of going soft Razel? Do you need me to kill one of your best to prove to you I will never let you control me?" The message left in her words silenced everything and everyone. "I fight for you without trying to run; even out of my years here you have the audacity to accuse me of going soft?"

 

Viper spat the word like a bitter taste on her tongue. She felt strong fingers dig dangerously low into her lower back effectively loosening her hold on Razel's neck.

 

She went to grip tighter when suddenly strong arms wrapped around her arms. It was a male from what she could identify; the strength he possessed didn't belong to just any girl. She didn't even think about what she did next, to some it was rage but to her it was pure instinct.

 

Viper threw her head back, effectively feeling the crush of bone beneath her head, and jerked her elbow back. A large hand wrapped around her elbow surprising Viper for the first time.

 

She felt a hand wrap around her neck to immobilize her, but she'd done this before, she knew how to get out.

 

Viper swiped the large male's foot out from underneath him and once again swung her elbow back. This time nothing stopped her forearm from connecting with bones.

 

"Derek, stop!" Razel shouted over the shouts in the hallway. Viper suddenly noticed a small crowd gathering around her with excitement and curiosity. She noticed a large male on the ground with anger elite in his eyes but he wasn't staring at her, but Razel standing behind her like a shadow.

 

"No need to cause such a disturbance frosty angel, it's just a picture." Razel spoke calmly but the finality in his tone gave none of his intentions away.

 

"Don't tempt me Razel." Viper spoke calmly. She looked at Derek now standing next to Razel and nodded. "Next time, stay the fuck out of my way."

 

She didn't spare the two another glance and spun on her heel, going back to her room to prepare for the Ring.

 

Derek watching with burning rage as the small girl walked further down the hall until she was effectively out of sight. He never had someone end out on top, especially a girl, in a hustle.

 

"Told you she was something else." Razel spoke with awe and glee. Razel and Derek planted the picture in the room waiting for her reaction for a chance to show Derek what she was capable of. Derek, however, didn't think he'd end up fighting her. She moved almost as quickly as he did, if not quicker, and left without saying another word. Neither Derek nor Razel expected Viper to insinuate something about escaping from the compound, but the reaction was exactly what Razel was searching for.

 

"How old is she?" Derek asked walking along side with Razel.

 

"Nineteen, in about four months to be precise. From what I've heard, she doesn't have a single clue as to how old she is. She's trained since she was five years old and I honestly think she could beat you if it came down to it. She doesn't feel any hatred or happiness, not once have I seen anything other than a small spark of anger. That, a few seconds ago my friend was a small spark of her fire. She was on a mission to kill her brother last night, the one and only thing she has left in this world." Razel couldn't help but smile at her naive eyes.

 

"Did she do it?" Derek asked, suddenly curious. The only time he seen such an angry and calm female was when he witness his mother fight for his freedom. She fought for years until the entire squad closed in and ended her life, taking Derek away for their own needs.

 

"Yes, didn't even bat an eyelash. I have it all on tape if you'd like to see what she's like on a mission." From the first day of Viper's arrival, Derek heard nothing but amazing things about Razel's new toy. He spoke continuously about her skills, control, and agility. Any weapon that was handed to her, she perfected, much like Derek.

 

Even though Razel trusted Viper, he still had his doubts. Razel knew how good Viper is at her best moments and if she really wanted to, she could escape without a second thought. Everything about her nerved Razel, just as much as she did Derek. Razel knew Derek was just as good as Viper, resulting in the perfect team but he needed to get his money back from Jerico. He's new to town but his business hits the roof by tons, the money he makes from the drugs and underground fights puts him at the top of Razel's list.

 

"Sure." Derek shrugged as they walked through the large medal doors.

 

"Derek," Razel spoke seriously. Derek suddenly stopped noticing the usual playful tone was completely gone, replaced with a serious business man. "She’s stronger than you think. She doesn't even realize her potential, much less what she is. I can't afford anyone in the compounds finding out she doesn't know or they'll use that against her. I need you to stay in the compound as one of the other recruits for a while to make sure everything goes as planned."

 

Derek nodded and continues walking through the empty halls by Razel's side in silence.

 

He inhaled deeply before stepping into Razel's office and sitting down next to his desk.

 

"This is the demon that will raise our compound from the ground Derek; this is our weapon of choice. And we're winning by so much." Razel spoke as Derek watched Viper move around like a sly fox in the shadows, going for the kill. He witness every move she made as if it was natural, he noticed the emotionless mask on her face as she killed her blood. Derek noticed Razel was telling the truth when he said she was truly a monster. "And you, my friend, are going to bring her to me."

 

Derek stared into Razel's deep hazel eyes just as everything went blurry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Six

 

Everybody was escorted to the lower elements of the compound, where the fighters were prepared.

 

"You seem pretty upset." Ash spoke softly. Her crystal clear eyes met her brothers for only a moment before finishing the wrapping of her hands.

 

She couldn't help but notice the slight frown on Striker's face since they were escorted down the halls. Everything about his tense form worried her; he was normally so calm and collected.

 

"Do you ever wonder," he spoke softly. "If we might end up like Viper” I mean she doesn't laugh, or joke, she doesn't even show any sadness for being held in this prison! Do you think she's like that because she's been here for so long? Maybe she took so many lives that the guilt just crushed her spirit to be happy. She doesn't even seem to want to get out of here Ash. She has everything she needs to get out of here, but she hasn't even attempted. I mean, look at us! We haven’t even been here half the time she has and we’ve murdered enough people to last a life time."

 

Striker finished the wrapping of his hands and threw on a dirt stained T-shirt before turning to face his sister. She paused for a moment, taking in his serious statement.

 

"I don't know. Maybe she doesn’t want to escape. Word has it; she's killed everyone she use to care about so even if she did escape, where would she go? Who would help her out there?" Ash met Striker's light eyes and frowned.

 

"Maybe she has tried before and had faced her consequences. If Razel dealt with her, maybe she learned her lesson." Ash turned her back to her brother and pondered over her words.

 

She remembered clearly the small stare off Viper had with Razel. She said she couldn't feel pain anymore. Maybe she's lying?

 

"I don't think so. If Razel tortured her enough, she wouldn't be as defiant as she was earlier. When she spoke up to him, she didn't even seem scared! She looked more bored than anything!" He paced a hole into the concrete floor just as more fighters entered.

 

Ash and Striker stopped their movements to stare at Viper as she walked by.

 

She didn't seem worried about killing someone else in the ring, or the fact that she could possibly lose her own life. She stood tense, something the siblings had grown accustomed to, but her eyes were distant.

 

Striker nearly fell from shock when Razel's loud voice bored across the compound. Fighters all turned and made their way to the cages and waiting for the bell.

 

"My precious fighters, you've all progressed so rapidly and I couldn't possibly be more proud! Tonight we fight with Crowley's fighters, to see who comes out on top! a fight to your best, until you've won the battle. Don't stop until we progress into the warriors everyone said we couldn't be! Prove them wrong fellow children!" His loud deep voice vibrated through the entire room as the light illuminated the cage.

 

Dried blood covered the dirty concrete floors, dents indicating where weapons were in use.

 

Viper wrapped her hands quickly and waited, just as Ash stepped into the ring.

 

"Use your speed, your opponent uses brute force, much like you. Take him by surprise and launch before he has the chance to blink." Ash turned, surprised to find Viper behind her, and let her words sink in.

 

She nodded, her nerves getting the best of her, just as a large male stepped through the opposite side of the cage.

 

Ash studied how he moved, everything about him screamed danger. She didn't know how Viper knew he depended on force, but she was glad she got some advice from the emotionless girl.

 

"C'mon Ash! Tear him apart!" Shouts were heard on their side of the compound, everyone cheering her on as she stepped in front of the large bulky male.

 

He stood at a good seven foot and arms almost the size of Ash' head.

 

He watched with fire blazing in his eyes and lunged.

 

Ash cursed herself for not remembering what Viper told her. With renewed strength, she spun out of reach and threw out a fist of her own.

 

Ash prayed she could combine the two skills like Viper so gracefully did. Speed and strength together seemed to throw the other opponent off, his eyes wide in shock from such a small girl.

 

She used this to her advantage and kicked out a leg sweep, effectively knocking him completely off balance.

 

Ash could vaguely hear the others in the compound yelling and cheering her on.

 

Ash didn't give the male another chance to recover, and jumped on him with a battle cry. Once she had a good grip of his large hairy arm, she twisted it behind her back.

 

"Twenty seconds left in this round."

 

Ash' face paled. Razel told her to end his life during the first round. If he survived through the second round, she'd receive punishment.

 

Viper watched from the sidelines as the man on the ground used Ash' distraction against her. He leapt up with great speed and elbowed her in the lower abdominal region. Ash grunted with pain and struggled to hold herself up from the blow, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. 

 

One minute the man's beneath her, his life coming to an end, then she's on the ground struggling to breath. 

 

He charged at Ash with great speed, she couldn't help but notice Viper was still faster, and crashed down on her. 

 

Striker gnawed furiously on his nails as he watched the male pound down on his sister continuously. Finally, when Ash had an opening, she kicked out and nailed him in the face. 

 

The man stumbled from shock and surprise just as Ash sent another kick to his lower region. 

 

He fell with a shout of pain, his vision blurring at the suffering he felt. 

 

"That's where you belong, dirty bastard." Ash mumbled. She looked up over the cage's rim and noticed Razel's impatient form looming over the rail. He mouthed a few words and Ash had trouble understanding what he meant, until she heard a shout come from behind. 

 

Striker stood waving his hands furiously along with the other fighters, shouting at her to finish the fight. Striker's eyes opened wide with panic when he noticed the clock ticking down faster than before. 

 

Ash's eyes connected with Viper for a moment. It nearly froze her with the intensity of her crystal eyes, black as knight and cold as steel. 

 

"Five seconds." Viper mouthed with a smirk on her thick plump lips. 

 

Ash didn't even register what she was doing, mainly from panic, as she snapped the man's neck with two seconds to spare. 

 

Striker released a breath he didn't realize he was holding until Ash stumbled through the gates clutching her side. He hugged her, not realizing how fast his heart was beating until Ash spoke. 

 

"Are you okay?" Ash asked. She looked up at him with tired eyes and a lazy smile. He knew how much she hated killing but that seemed to be the only way to survive in the compound. 

 

Most of the fighters always underestimated the security levels at the building, but once you passed the first row of guards, more were always waiting. It's like they knew you were there, like they knew every move before you were going to make it. 

 

"Yeah, I'm fine. Isn't it me who's supposed to be asking that instead?" He laughed. Ash smiled up at her brother and hugged him. 

 

Most of the time they yelled and argued with one another, neither really understanding the other's views, but every time one left the ring after a fight, it was another victory and another day to live. 

 

"Please welcome, your favorite from the lower level cells... Viper the Demon Slayer!" Shouts and screams of pleasure roared through the crowd seemingly not even affecting Viper in the least. 

 

"Seems like they know you pretty well." Striker grinned. Even with his heart pounding ferociously in his chest, he couldn't help back laugh at the surprise on Ash's face. 

 

"I didn't think you were that well known. I mean, damn, I know you're good but.... just wow." Ash stumbled over her words, careful not to offend Viper. 

 

Viper glared for a moment taking in their gleeful face, everything about them told Viper to run in the opposite direction. They smiled too much for someone that lived in this hell hole, it nerved her to say the least. 

 

She didn't spare them another glance before walking through the gates. 

 

Lights illuminated the floors, shadows hung from every corner the way the rails dipped over the top cage. 

 

"And please welcome one of our favorite fighters, Derrek Snider!" Ash and Striker stared wide eyed at the large boy walking through the gates.  

 

Ash had been waiting for the moment for Viper and Derek to fight, but not in the ring. Only one could come out alive, and something about this fight screamed danger. 

 

Viper didn't move a muscle as the boy walked into the cage. She couldn't be sure if it was the same boy she'd fought with in the hall, or someone vaguely familiar. 

 

"Let's get this over with; I've got a mission to get out of the way." Viper muttered, glaring at the boy with eyes as cold as ice. 

 

Viper nearly felt like laughing, everything about him reminded her of herself. 

 

Derek grunted and slowly began circling her; she didn't even look at him. 

 

She stood completely stiff and alert in the middle of the cage, the way her eyes glazed over told him she already knew what he was trying to do. She smirked and snapped her eyes to him, taunting him to end this. His eyes, even for a small moment flickered with an emotion of anger. Viper couldn't comprehend how his eyes managed to darken to the color of his black hair, it reminded her of the monsters Razel told her about her first visit in the compound.

 

He leapt out with speed he didn't even know he had, swinging out at her face.

 

Viper dashed out to the side with wide eyes. It was the only expression other than irritation that Striker had the chance of seeing. He soaked up Viper’s short moment of surprise and clung onto the cage, trying with all his will to creep in closer to the fight.

 

His sister looked at him sideways with a worried glance. Ash didn’t want either of the compound’s best fighter’s dying, not for something so common and stupid. For Ash’ entire life, the only person she had to worry about was her brother. Nothing else in the world mattered.

 

Yet, as Viper and Derek fight vigorously against one another, she can’t help but fear what would happen if one didn’t come out alive. The compound would fall because the other fighters would beat them without a second glance. It’s how they were trained, just like Ash and Striker were.

 

“C’mon Viper! Razel’s testing what you got, don’t let him down grumps!” Striker shouted when he noticed Derek slowly getting the upper hand.

 

It didn’t take a genius to still see the shock on Derek’s face. He’d never met a woman who could match his pace so evenly; it took him years to accomplish his goal. Now, as he looks into Viper’s stone cold gaze, he can’t stop himself from wondering how long she’s been training here without him knowing.

 

She kicked out with a greater force than expected, and struck out her elbow just enough to clip the edge of Derek’s temple.

 

His head throbbed and it felt as if light had blinded him from behind his eyelids. He couldn’t make out anything but a small bur of movement, and with a slight pain to the back of his neck, he fell into darkness.

 

Viper stood over him and wrapped her hands around the base of his neck to end the fight once and for all, a shout stopped her.

 

She jerked her head up at the crowd looking down at her with outrage and horror. She’s killed before, it wasn’t no surprise she beat him. She’s studied him before without him even realizing it, so he stood no chance.

 

Razel leaned ever so slight over the railing with a palm raised toward her. He didn’t want her to kill him. His face was a mask but the pride behind his stone face nerved Viper. She hated when she actually pleased the bastard, nothing about him was good. But, then again, she wasn’t either.

 

With a final nod at the other fighters, she walked through the gate and sat down on her bench. She unwrapped her hands knowing Razel would most likely end the other fights for tonight. The crowd didn’t seem too pleased with the outcome; some probably lost too much money to smile.

 

With one final disgusted look at Derek’s crumpled body lying on the floor, she walked casually stiff down the corridor to her room.

 

 

 

 

Imprint

Publication Date: 07-06-2014

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
To my mother and eldest brother, who've taught me not all things are bad. This book isn't just a fun book to read, but a great life story about a young woman fighting to find herself. Dedication fully goes to my brother, Nathan Wadley. A very missed friend that I know God is watching over, Kalie Baurline. And my mother, who's also still finding herself. I appreciate everyone taking the time to read my book, and in the meantime if you need to contact me please inbox me; subject being "Haunting Darkness" or my name, 'Jordan Wadley" Thank you for your consideration and time given into reading my book, once again. FearlessAngel~