Mystic: The Me Within Me (On Hold)

1

Everyone had been talking. In hushed tones. This was to be expected. Loud voices weren't allowed to speak.

What was more? I was the last to receive the news.

The chattering makes sense now.

It's not everyday that someone is allowed to go out. On a mission no less. Alone.

There's no information that someone else other than me is going out.

This came with no reassuring dread that I was to see the overlord of section B.

Overlord. Not his lackey.

Mentally, I went through all the training sessions I've ever gone to—finding some comfort that there's no knowledge that escaped.

I sighed through my nose and went outside my little room that has been my home since forever. I scanned it before closing the door.

A small bed, a clothes shelf for no more than three, small armoury—with two daggers missing—and an empty space large enough to hold a toddler starred at me.

Nothing is missing. I reminded myself. But the nagging feeling that I shouldn't leave something behind didn't go.

I was one of the few lucky ones who had their rooms on the tower rather than the hostel. The hostel was a prison in this prison. Full of bullies and pricks. But I suspected it was because they wanted to monitor me.

Even now I can't shake the feeling that someone is following me. The cameras drilling holes in my body. I kept my back straight, face expression-less. Rule number one: never show your thoughts.

Just in the next level lies my destiny. The turning point which might be my doom or a reason to experiment further on me or perhaps give me an excuse to run away. I can hardly rely on the latter, the former looks promising and true and as for the middle button, I think they ran out of ideas for me.

The guards didn't say anything other than confirm my code before letting me enter.

12020

"On time, I see." The overlord said as I sat in front of him. "Not in for punishments, eh?" He chuckled at his own stupid joke.

I gave a confirming but tentative smile, a slight scare in my eyes. Rule number two: never forget you are inferior to lords and overlords.

"You know why you're here, don't you?" A nod. "Do you know what the mission is?" A shake of head. "Perfect."

And then the briefing started.

"There's an abilate on his way here. For you. You know what this means, right?—" this wasn't a question"—We've selected a safe house for you, so that this location remains unnoticed and lost. You are to act like you didn't know what an abilate is and wasn't in contact with an organisation like this. Use whatever means you want but send every useful information our way.—" a glance at the daggers dangling from my hips"—And I need you to keep an eye open for the people around you. Gather as much information about them as you can. Poke and prod until it's safe. At any cost, do not get caught. You know your worth, is that correct?—" again, not a question "—You will be informed of the time when your mission will end. You will be send to the safe house when the lucnh ends sharp. Pack your things and don't be late. Any questions?"

The wise answer would be no but I can't quell the unreasonable little hope that he'll listen to me.

"Yes." I kept my voice steady. He raised an eyebrow in a mocking way. "This is my mission. Is it mandatory for me to do it alone?"

"Of course. It is. But you know the game." As if on cue, the door was opened by the guards stationed outside for my dismissal.

I nodded and walked, as fast as I can go without running, out the office. Once I'm out, I nod at the guards and start running until there's sky above me. But I did not stop, I ran till I found the room number 10297 and knocked. Once. Twice.

A confused, 97 opened it. "Lunch will not start in fifteen minutes—"

"The rumors are true." I said, breathless.

Just like that her face fell. "And I'll go alone."

"Did you ask?" 97 asked in a small voice. I jerked my head grimly.

Her grey eyes sharpened. "Don't worry, there will be a time. Just—stay safe and come back in one piece."

I blinked. "You too. Don't start any opposition without me. And try to fill the holes." In our secret project. "I've got to pack. Bye."

I dumped all of my things—the daggars, only, 'cause there's no point in bringing anything else to a safehouse—in a backpack that was provided and was ready at the wall surrounding the entire camp. I waited for the large bell to ring. I braced myself not to cringe when it did. But when it actually did, I cringed so hard I accidentally hit my head from my fists. Too soon, the overlord arrived for my departure. He said his goodbyes for no reason in particular. I rarely see him in a year. Once or twice by chance. Or in the stolen spare time I and 97 spied the lords. Counting their population and strength to use in future. So, technically, I've never met this guy.

Then we waited for something. The something did not come. I knew better than to ask it's identification. Better than to show my thoughts on my face. Then—a flicker of light. There and gone. Did I just imagine—

There it was again. This time, it grew wider—into a circle. It grew larger and larger until it was the size of a human. The edge of the circle is silver but inside, a void of darkness. It's so black that even the blazing sunlight couldn't penetrate it.

My mouth fell open for a moment before I closed it back. No one had ever run away from the camp ever before because there's no exit. And there's an upside down transparent bowl like shield—more of a cage—which didn't allow a fly to pass through without electrocuting it. No escape. Other than using a mission.

From where mostly everyone had come back broken to their core. And after that almost half of them had died escaping or attacking the lords.

Dread filled me when I was shoved inside the portal.