Recruit

Chapter 2: Maybe Not

Your heart plummets down to your silent boots. The color in your face drains. Yeah, you've heard of the Knights of Ren. And they definitely sense that in you. their energy has grown eager, all five of them surrounding you. The one holding you takes a deep breath in. You have to swallow the lump in your throat before you can speak.

"The First Order sent their pack of bitch dogs, just for me? I'm flattered." You have to work really hard to keep your heart steady and voice even.

You know what this means. They won't just kill you. They'll make it hurt. And then kill everyone you've ever known just for fun. The one that electrocuted you lets out a light chuckle.

"I like her."

The one next to him pushes his shoulder, shushing him. Your eyes are glued on the reaper with the hood, he's obviously the one in charge here.

"You said something in the alley...after you saw me."

He twitches. "How did you hear that? I was barely speaking, and at the other end of the alley, not to mention the noise you were creating."

You blink, your breath picking up. "I- it sounded like you were close. I could hear you clearly."

"Hmm." The one that was with him chimes in.

"You said I'm not aware enough. What does that mean?"

He doesn't answer. It sparks annoyance in your terrified mind. "You're gonna kill me anyway, you can't answer one fucking question?"

"You are unaware of your shadow." You aren't sure from which helmet it came from.

You pull a face, then wince at the pain. "What the fuck does that even mean?! Why are you all so cryptic?"

"Have you ever killed anyone?"

This sets you off. Fury growls in your chest, dark energy pulsing to your fingertips. You thrash in the solid arms on the man holding you. "Fucking- yes! Fuck!! Gods! What do you want?!"

Your fingers twitch and anger burns in your lungs. You prepare to do anything, fight all of them, whatever it takes to end this- whether you get away or die quickly. No way will you let them fuck with you, torture you, make you beg for death. Never.

A gloved hand comes to rest on your chest above your heart, coming from the leader. You try to coil away from the gentle touch, but you're stuck. He speaks in a low, soft voice, pressing his hand into your chest.

"That's your shadow."

Your blood boils. They're fucking with you. You lean forward as far as you can, then throw your head and back against your capture, lifting your legs with your momentum. Your reinforced toe finds purchase in his face.

He growls, but his grip doesn't loosen any. You thrash and scream, throwing your head around.

"Just fucking kill me already! If you take me to torture me, I'll make your lives just as hellish!"

The helmets all turn to look at each other, coming to some silent decision.

"I'll give you a choice, Ducky."

You roll your eyes and groan. "Fucking hells!"

So, what, I get to choose my death?... These fucking assholes.

"We'll kill you right now. No torture. Or, you can come with us, and prove your worth."

You see right through his words. "And if I fail?"

He shrugs. "We kill you."

You growl, spiting saliva and blood onto his boots. "So, die now or die later?"