For The World To See| RD

Chaper 1.2

382 laid on a small cot inside, still asleep. There were 8 others in the jet, and all were dressed in costumes. The one in white and pink was Nia, the red hooded one was Aurora, one with a green tailcoat was Remi, one that had a silver mask on was Jack, one with a short white dress was Willow, one with a leather jacket and pants was Sanje, one with the ripped pants was Ash and one wearing a yellow blouse was Ray.

After a couple of hours, they made it to their base located in dense farmland one had inherited from their predecessors. There wasn't any fields of wheat or cotton but rather a lovely garden around a massive mansion that stood tall over the fields. Dead trees were around the property mostly to protect the house from lightning and other natural occurrences. They brought her here, a haven for these heroes and their base of operation. They had 3 floors above ground and 7 below that were mostly for storage or training. However, the second floor below was the med bay where 382 would rest.

Ray managed to grab a couple of files on a flash drive and had been going through them since they had gotten back. All 8 of them were trying to discuss what should happen next after she had discovered the girl, now sleep in the med bay below them, was 17, a minor without any legal guardian nor living relatives that she could stay with. If she stayed there could be legal trouble but if she was sent to child services who knows what would happen. She wasn't a child and would probably be placed into an abusive household to live, jumping from one to another she might not get the help she needed. It wasn't a call they could make easily, if the girl was mentally unprepared for the real world, they couldn't shove her into its darkest corner and expect her to thrive.

As they discussed their security system that was in the med bay alerted them that she was awake and sitting upright.

Blinking as 382 looked at the florescent light she felt covers on top of her. Glancing to the side a clear plastic bag hung on a thin metallic pole. Following the small tube to her own had she realized it was pumping something into her. Peeling off the tape she took it out. Sitting up on the bed 382 rubbed her eyes with one hand. Struggling to remember what happened before she passed out, she recalled the suited people in the jet. Her head jerked upward to look at the door way. Footsteps echoed on the tile floor. Vibrations from it to her hands. 5? No, 3. 3 people were walking towards the room. Jumping down from the bed 382 crouched behind the bed then behind a set of drawers. Voices could be heard but not clearly but did grow louder with each second. The 3 arrived at the door way scanning the room. One strayed off to examine the bed she had sat moments ago. Her heart raced as they crept closer. Not once did any of them see her hand grab the tray from on top of the drawers. Quickly throwing it the tray crashed into the wall above the bed. Drawing the attention of all three 382 took this advantage and leaped out of the room. Two of the three chased after her when another blocked the end of the hall. Skidding almost to a stop her leg kicked the back of the person's knees to make them buckle. Struggling to stay ahead all 8 individuals blocked her in a room.

One put their hand out to her. "Hey, we're here to help. There's no need to run. You're safe."

Her foot crept backwards as the person got closer. "I don't know you people and I certainly don't want to stay to figure you out." Her position lowered and her fists balled up.

"We're heroes, just calm down and talk. What's your name?"

Glancing side to side she spoke in almost a whisper. "382"

"Is that what those people called you?"

Tension filled the room. Silence echoed against the walls. Her face showed betrayal as her eyes came to life with blue specks. She noticed tears rolled down her cheeks. All she could than about was the painful loneliness but now that it had been solved could she ever go back to a life? Everything had changed since then, fear infiltrated into her mind as she sunk further away from them. She didn't know what they were capable of thus couldn't think of what would be a good way to escape. Unaware of where they were except for in a large open area she figured they, who ever they were, had the upper hand and ruining would be futile.

In a soft, motherly voice another one said. "Why don't you sit down and we can figure this all out?"

Her gaze changed slightly but still had hints of fear implanted. "How...how did you find me?"

"A lead came in about a long running operation we traced it and found a facility." The woman introduced herself as Ray and introduced the other 7 people around her.

382 felt slightly more relaxed and took a seat in a chair.

Willow spoke. "We noticed multiple types of wounds and scar tissue, why did they hurt you?"

"I'm just considered another lab rat to them, If I don't follow their rules then I..." 382 drifted off mid sentence.

"It's ok, we understand, it must have been hard. Remi is going to ask you a couple more questions more privately if you want. Feel free to ask us anything."

Hesitating slightly she did asked one question. " Will I ever go to a normal life?"

Everyone held their tongues as the tension suddenly got thicker.

"If I cannot be normal what other options do I have?" Looking down at the carpet no one answered but a slight "Let's go up." Waved her out of the room.

Sitting in a separate area 382 looked at Remi as he took a seat. The room smelled of warm vanilla, an candle could be seen on a large bookshelf. It was filled with a variety of things from psychology to early attempts at explaining people's abilities specifically of this team. The room was dull and nothing stood out. A minimalist kept the surfaces of the room clean. A hot cup steamed on the desk next to a computer, a person so didn't consider risks. Few plants decorated the room and added some life to it. The door closed slowly as the handle lifted Remi gave a warm smile.

"Want anything?" He asked generously.

"No." She shot down the offer.

"What were you planning on studying in collage? We could get you back in a high school and-"

"Don't give people false hope. I saw how none of you answered my question about going to a normal life." She interrupted.

"And you think that you can't have one?"

"No I...I think I can but there's more important things than having a normal life."

"So what do you want to become?"

"I want to become a symbol."

"Like a hero?"

"No, more like a guardian. But, I could never become something like you guys"

"So you've heard of us?"

"Not exactly but considering we're secluded in the country side so your team has gained some popularity and have made quite the name for yourself." 382 said wile she rested her head in one of her hands.

"Your reputation precedes you, the file-"

"You read it..."Her tone changed suddenly.

"We didn't know who you were Jane."

"Don't call me that...please."

"It's your name." He asked confused.

"All that it is now is just a reminder." She was by now curled on the chair and sounded hurt.

"Ok, well I'm going to grab myself something to drink you can come down with me if you want."

"I'll stay here." She whispered and glanced to the shelf to look at the titles of the books as the door closed.

Turning to the desk she saw the now cooled coffee cup still filled to the brim with an almost black liquid. He was getting something else on there than just a drink. Getting up from the chair she looked at the computer sitting on the desk. Dust covered the keyboard, Remi wasn't around much and didn't use technology often considering she recognized the model to be at lest 2 years old. Creeping open the door 382 walked down silently and made sure to be aware for anyone that followed. Turning a corner two voices could be heard through the thin wall. Pressing her ear up against it she could listen in to the conversation with full understanding.

"So? What do you think?"

"She's confused and scared, give it a few days. You can't expect for something this traumatic to be reversed."

"We may not have a few days to spare. She could try to run away again or someone from the department could come in."

A door swung open.