Masked

Chapter Five

        It was almost midnight. Cassie had been training under her father's instruction for hours. She was nearly twelve now, her birthday coming up in a few months.

        "Again," said Reginald, impatience audible in his tone.

        They were working on throwing knives. Cassie had been trying to get the metal weapons to sink into the dummies' hearts, but kept missing. Sometimes, she never hit the dummy at all. She threw another knife. Miss.

        "You do not seem to see the gravity of the situation, Cassie, or you would have hit the mark by now. These dummies are people who are trying to kill you, and if you don't kill them first, you'll die. They may even use the knives you throw at them against you. Again!"

        She focused on the dot she was supposed to hit. It was drawn on the tan cloth in a black marker and was in the same condition it had been at the beginning of the night, perfectly intact. Taking a step, she flicked her wrist, throwing the knife in her hand. It missed, again.

        "Still awful. I suppose I will have to show you myself."

        Reginald picked a knife off the wooden table beside him. Cassie turned around and watched him intently, knowing she couldn't mess up another time.

        "I will be aiming for the right side of their stomach. Watch."

        Weapon in hand, he threw it with deadly accuracy, hitting the exact spot he said it would. . . on Cassie. She did not move when she saw it coming towards her. He had taught her to not show fear. She didn't flinch or cry either when the blade pierced her skin. He had warned her not to show emotions. Cassie wouldn't even remove the knife from the place it had lodged itself in her stomach. She would only do what he told her to. She just stood there, bleeding.

        "That is how easy it needs to be for you to hit the targets. Now, training is over. I will get Mom to patch you up. Be prepared to do the same tomorrow night, but much better."

                                                                                            •~•

        I lay on my bed. The memorial service had gone horribly, but at least my siblings have a clue who I am now. Being honest, everything that happened today was unexpected. From not greeting my family, to Five falling out of the sky, and then Luther and Diego trying to kill one another. It seems as though Reginald did me a favor, distancing me from the dysfunctionality I just had to deal with. 

        The only one that seems to have any sense is Vanya, but no one wants to listen to her after she published her book. I read it when Dad added it to his collection. It was beautifully written, and it helped me to understand everything that I had missed during my childhood. In the end, I felt terrible for her, because I knew what it was like to feel different from the rest, like nothing. But she might not sympathize with me now that I do have a power. She still has to deal with being the odd one out, and everyone's attitude toward her doesn't help.

        From what I heard, she wouldn't be staying the night, neither would Diego. I had no clue about Klaus, but I knew Luther and Allison were going to take their time reminiscing in their memories. Five will have to sleep over as he doesn't have anywhere else to go, and as for me? I don't know yet. I want to see the city, but in all the time I've spent here, never once have I been taught how to drive. Taking a taxi isn't what I want to do either. I'll have to ask if anyone is willing to take me with them.

        I heaved myself off the bed and made my way to the window. Leaning on the frame, I looked out at the sky. The sun was beginning to set, and I was getting tired of continuing my father's way of separating me from the rest. The best thing I could do was throw myself into conversations with them and pray that they didn't ask me to leave.