Gnosis

CHAPTER 6 - THE DAY THAT WASN'T I

Word Count: 1975

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1955

              - Commission Headquarters

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Never in (Y/n)'s wildest dreams did she imagine she would find herself back at the Commission. Her memories of the place were sharp and biting, yet here she was, standing before the headquarters once more. The air was thick with the scent of bureaucracy—stale coffee, old paper, and the nervous energy coming from the commissioners. Indistinct chatter filled the halls as she, Five, and the Handler approached the imposing building. The Handler, as always, exuded an air of smugness, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as they walked.

As they walked up the entrance, a man in a crisp suit greeted them with a curt nod, his eyes lingering on Five before sliding over to (Y/n). She felt a shiver of unease, the surreal atmosphere of their return heightening with every step they took. The Commission was as she remembered—intimidating, cold, and uncomfortably familiar.

"I must admit, Number Five," the Handler began as they ascended the steps to the entrance, "Hazel and Cha-Cha, for example, are talented, certainly, but... they can't see the big picture. Your spunk, your enterprising spirit, well, it reminds me a great deal of myself, if... I may be so vainglorious."

(Y/n) trailed behind them as they entered the building. Inside, the agency was in full swing. Agents rushed about, clutching files and barking orders. The clatter of typewriters echoed through the vast hall, mingling with the hum of conversation. (Y/n) felt a pang of unease; she had left this life behind, or at least she had tried. But the Commission was always there, lurking in the shadows, ready to pull her back in when she least expected it.

"If things work out for you here, you could potentially make a fine successor, Five." the Handler continued, her tone oozing with sinister sweetness. She paused, turning her gaze towards (Y/n), who met her eyes with a confused look. The Handler's smile widened as she shrugged off her coat and handed it to a waiting attendant. "All things considered, since you've married my daughter."

(Y/n) scowled, looking away.

"I'd like to discuss the logistics of my family's safety at your earliest convenience," Five said as they followed the Handler, who began walking up a flight of stairs, "As well as this body replacement."

"Such chutzpah," said the Handler. "It's refreshing, I'll admit."

She stopped at the very top of the stairs and turned to look at them. "Slow down, Five. All in good time. In fact, now that you've finally agreed to work with us, we've got all the time in the world."

Her gaze shifted, landing on (Y/n) with an intensity that made her skin crawl. "Now, my dear," the Handler said, her voice taking on a silkier, more dangerous edge, "I believe it's time for you to reacquaint yourself with some of our procedures. You won't be joining us for this next part."

(Y/n) halted in her tracks, suspicion flaring in her chest. "What do you mean?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing at her mother.

The Handler's smile widened, but there was something hidden beneath it. "There are some things you need to catch up on," she explained. She turned her head and nodded to a group of agents standing nearby. They were unfamiliar to (Y/n), each one clad in the standard-issue black suit, their expressions unreadable.

"Meet your new escorts," the Handler announced with a flourish. "This is Agent Green, Knox, and Silva. They will ensure you're brought up to speed on our latest protocols."