Hidden ( being rewritten)

Chapter Six

[Autumn]

Genni, Jay, Layla and I sat at the end of one of the six long tables in the Dining Hall, eating our plain, watery oatmeal and pieces of fruit.

"So, what's it like Outside?" I asked Genni in an attempt to start conversation.

"It used to be fine, when I first got my Outside license about three years ago," she began. "The mutants were as scared of us as we were of them. They just stayed in their caves or up in the trees while we were out hunting. But now, they seem more intelligent, and more prepared. They attack from the shadows, and in groups to overpower us. I don't think they really want us out there."

"Wow," I nodded. "Must be a hard job."

"It is," Genni laughed. "Outside Hunter's the hardest job in Fray Sector, and it requires the most training. Jay here's pretty close, though. If she passes the tests, she'll get her license next month!"

"Ugh, don't remind me," Jay shook her head.

"The tests aren't really that bad, you know," Genni shrugged. "If you're prepared, they should be a breeze!"

"Eh, hopefully," Jay smiled softly, quickly finishing her oatmeal and getting up to put her carved wooden bowl and spoon in one of the large washbasins in the corners of the rooms where they would be cleaned later.

"Jay!" Vera called from the raised circular table in the middle where the leaders sat. "Get those Blenders over here!"

"Go," Jay nudged Layla, and the two of us walked up to the table.

As we sat down, I saw Vera wink at us out of the corner of my eye.

"So...how are you guys liking Fray Sector? Better than the Communities?" Chris joked. Vera elbowed him playfully and Natalia chuckled.

"It's great!" Layla chirped.

"I'm glad that you're enjoying it," Vera smiled. "Anyway, the reason I called you here is to discuss what you will do for Fray Sector. It is expected that everyone over the age of thirteen who eats and sleeps here does something in return for the sector as a whole. You can either choose to find employment with an existing business owner, start your own business, or go into training to be a warrior."

"I want to be an Outside operative, like Genni," I told her, thinking of the glorious Outside, and how many awesome adventures I could have slaying mutants and bringing back meat for the whole sector...

"Only the best of our warriors who've been training for years qualify to be Outside operatives. If you choose to become a warrior, you could potentially become one in the future. I must warn you, though, it is as risky as it is rewarding," Vera stated evenly.

"I want to work with Zia," Layla said with a smile.

"The accessory store owner's daughter? Sure!" Vera smiled. "I understand why you'd want to be around her, she's delightful. I'll put your name down for that later. And Autumn, do you still want to be a warrior?"

"How long would it take for me to get an Outside license?"

"On average, it takes five years. Four if you're really talented," Chris said.

I bit my lip in frustration. I couldn't wait that long! All my life, I had yearned to do something forbidden, and breaking the Specials' number one rule- don't leave the Aggregate- would be just the thing.

"Okay, I want to be a warrior," I told him, and he nodded.

"Since today's your first full day, you can spend it looking around the sector. You'll start work tomorrow," Matt pronounced. "Have fun guys, we're glad to have you!"

Layla and I waved goodbye to the leaders and went off to clear our bowls and leave the Dining Hall.

Once we were outside, Layla's face cringed up. "Warrior!! Are you kidding me?? Did you not hear what Genni said? People die out there!!"

I blew hair out my face. "I'll be fine. We both know that I'm pretty good at sneaking around without a peep."

Layla rolled her eyes in frustration.

"I just want you to be safe....that's all. And I don't want to lose my best friend." She replied insistently.

"Think about the thrill of doing something the Specials have been telling us not to since we were born! Anyways, how do you think Jay feels? Genni's a warrior and risks death almost every day. It's doable."

I put my hands in the pockets of my hoodie and turned around to look at Layla, but she had already walked towards the jewelry shop, probably to tell Zia the good news.

I felt a bit of guilt that my news wasn't so great.

As I began to walk in the opposite direction of our cabin to see what else lay in Fray Sector, I began to feel a weird tingly sensation on the back of my neck, like I was being watched.

I continued walking until I heard heavy footsteps behind me. I froze, not daring to turn around, and almost instantly felt a cool hand on my shoulder.

Whipping around, I kneed the stranger in his stomach and he bent over. I swept-kicked him and he fell on the ground. I put my foot on top of his chest and looked down at him.

His crisp green eyes looked up at me in awe.

"You're pretty fast...and strong." He coughed.

"Who are you?" I clenched my fists.

"I would tell you, but your foot is still on my chest." He pointed out. I lifted my foot, placing it on the ground, and he stood up. He was well built, and at least a foot taller than me.

"Nathaniel Ross," He held his hand out to me. "Nice to meet you."

I kept my hands stuffed in my pockets and looked down at the ground.

"And you are?" He asked. I snorted.

"Like I'd tell you my name. I don't even know you." I pushed my hair out my face. "And if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to be."

I started walking away, but Nathaniel grabbed my hand. I swiftly turned around and wrenched away from him.

"Well, someone's testy," he clucked. "Let me guess, you're one of those new Blenders from the city?"

"That's none of your business!" I snapped. He grinned.

"So that's a yes?" He asked. I groaned. "I'm going to take that as a yes."

"What do you want?" I asked, frustrated.

"As you may know, us Fray's have our own way of getting around, in and out the city without even a hint of detection." Nathaniel crossed him arms. "And we're looking for someone like you to join us on our next trip to the Aggregate, to meet an old friend transferring into the Fray sector tomorrow."

I chuckled. "Like I'd go with you. First of all, I don't even know you, once again I must say. Second, this could easily be a trap."

I saw him smile. "You're light on your feet and sharp with your mind, aren't you?" His dirty blonde hair flew into his face.

"You don't know anything about me, Nathaniel-"

"Call me Nathan. " He interrupted.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. Look, I just don't want to go anywhere with a stranger.'

"You followed Jay here."

"That was different. I was running for my life!"

"Whatever. I'm not going to waste any more time on you. Tomorrow. Midnight. In front of the CTF. If you decide to show up!!" he yelled over his shoulder as he jogged away.