White Walls

10

The day began with the ever-so familiar and particularly bothersome shrill tone, soon after, a white coat entered. The sudden noise and new entity unintentionally put Raiden in a panic-like, self defensive mode. Lorna noticed the tension in his shoulders and demeanor, and stared mainly for precautionary purposes; after all, if he were to lash out on the white coat, she could end up as collateral damage, not only that but she may be asked to disarm him in favor of the safety of the scientist. 

"At ease, 09." Raiden still withheld his calm, in fact, in what Lorna assumed to be the calling of his name (for she still thought of it as such) increased his unease. A more outrageous fire burned within him presently, and it was all directed toward the man in white. Despite one subject's worsening attitude, the man arrogantly sought to continue after averting his focus to the calmer subject present. However, before he could utter a word, he was struck with surprise and a peculiar amusement. As he stared at the girl, he realized that this had been the first time her steely gaze had been directed towards something else. Indeed, her eyes hadn't been fixated on him, but on the temperamental teen in the room. Perhaps she was studying him, he thought. Full interaction with another hadn't ever been granted to her to his knowledge, so it was a new field for her to explore in all actuality. 

"03," he began, disturbing her thoughts successfully. Her stare shifted and immediately paid attention to the one speaking to her. Raiden's azure daggers were now stabbing into Lorna's being, she felt it, undoubtedly, but she made an attempt to ignore it to the best of her ability for her focus' sake. 

"Your training resumes today. You will be training separately today." He elaborated. "But, effective by tomorrow, you will train together, with given guidelines, of course." She almost sighed at this.

"Can we not train together today?" Raiden awoke from his post-traumatic stupor. It was a good question she supposed, albeit unnecessary and prying, but Lorna would've never thought to ask it. The program had been issued, what would the point be in asking any question? The scientist's features became even more stern. No, that wasn't the proper adjective. The man's actions were being infected by obvious hesitation.

"We need to analyze and assess your strengths and weaknesses in order to formulate the best possible regiment." Although, Raiden seemed to accept that information, Lorna thought the man was denying them the truth. If they had been studying them all this time, she was sure they had already come to 'analyze and assess' their strengths and weaknesses. If not, what had they been doing? The girl could tell the boy had more questions, but the exposition was cut short by the tone, signalling the man's required departure. 

"It begins in an hour's time." Raiden and Lorna stared after the man as the door slid closed behind him, leaving a pregnant atmosphere behind him. 

"Why did you do that?" Lorna's voice poked a hole in the growing swell of soundless tension.

"I should be asking you that question." Her orbs widened slightly at the slight yet very present spite in the boy's tone. 

"What are you referring to?" His arms folded disapprovingly. 

"You have a name, they should use it." The girl stared in disbelief, he told her to stop calling herself by the name she had chosen, not only that, but even if he had a new name for her, she would not stop the white coats from calling her her designated, registered name. 

"Even if I'm against the name," His arm eased into neutrality. "You should've told them your name." 

Even if she did, she was absolutely sure it would not have mattered. 

"How could you ask for their reasons?" She ultimately decided to diverge from that topic and delve into the reason she started this conversation. 

"You would'n-" He paused his question and stared at the curious girl.

Of course, she wouldn't. He sighed.

"To see if I'm comfortable with their reasons and resulting actions." He interjected. 

"And what if you were not?" She inquired. 

"I would try my best to resist their arrangements." 

"You mean to rebel?"

"When I can."

"Are you not punished?" The girl assumed not. 

"Surely." Lorna's right eyebrow raised in slight doubt and evident confusion, he thought the small act rather refreshing and unknowingly allowed a smile to etch into his features. She became uncomfortable at the sight of it, questioning the reason for its unwanted return, unconsciously forcing her face into her usual blank expression.

"For what purpose?" She asked.

"They have no right to keep me here." He stated.

"Has it ever been successful?"

"Never." 

As impulsive as ever, this man.  Their conversation came to an end after her interrogation. The two soon after retreated to silent mental discussion and preparation within themselves. 

What ridiculous notions, she thought. He willingly accepted harsh punishment for the sake of his "right." This "rebellion" of sorts was pointless to her, not ignoring the fact that it included self-inflicted "discipline," or rather, torture. Raiden's actions were meaningless. Lorna thought he would've been smart enough to realize and tell himself this fact. However, once his actions or the consequences of those actions hadn't  directly involve her, she concluded to leave him to his own endeavors. She wanted nothing to do with this undesirable rebellion, none at all.