Nine: A Damaged World

By Rin Barlow

This story of love, loss, and betrayal follows a girl named Nine and her friends as they try to save their world from destruction, encountering a twisted church, an evil king, and creatures attacking everything. 

From darkness, Nine steps into the world, sent to find a threat to the powerful Gates that lead to all other pl

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
• Release date: Mar 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885900591

Rin Barlow

Rin Barlow was born and raised in Utah, the youngest of five, older than her twin sister by nine minutes. Later the family found they had more siblings on both their mother's and father's sides-somewhere between 19 and 22 in all. Rin still lives in Utah with her two cats, Mister President and Kit. When not working she is writing, and also does photography specializing in wildlife and birds. She enjoys horror movies, nature, some taxidermy, bad dad jokes, and anime.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

FROM THE UNDERGROUND

T

here in the dark sits a girl, her white hair and pale skin a stark contrast to the large, dark, stone throne she sits on. Exhausted. She sits alone, slumped over and cradling her head. Another fight has been won; another lifetime has been lived. She wants nothing more than to be home, to rest, but her work is never done. Another world, another time, humanity faces yet another threat. This one feels different, there is something more. A threat to the gates. This time nothing will be held back, the same mistakes will not be made. She stands, stretching before walking down an extensive hallway lined with doors as far as the eye can see. A deafening silence fills the air broken only by the sound of a chime as she passes one of the doors.

She pauses, hearing another chime. She turns to the door pulling it open and walking into the darkness. It takes her through to a building buried deep within The Black City. She fastens a thick black bandage around her eyes and throws a cloth veil over her head. She walks to the main gates stopping just in front of them. When she opens this gate she’ll be in another world, having to build someone new and find the impending threat before it makes its way to the gates.

Reaching forward with a gloved hand she pulls the massive gates open, stepping into a vast field of rolling hills. Taking a deep breath, as if to breathe in the whole world, she acclimates to this new plane. The gates slowly shut behind her and she creates a veil to shroud the massive structure from the prying eyes of mankind. With a loud flowing whistle, the girl summons a large black steed, mounting it and riding off into the unknown.

Riding south for about half a day brings her to a large stone wall, much smaller than the walls of her home but still impressive in their own right. She dismounts just behind a hill with a large tree sitting atop it. She stays low to avoid being seen, leaping into the tree, using the leaves to camouflage herself. Pulling the veil from her head and removing the black bindings from her eyes she looks to the wall seeing many people on top, surveying the land below.

All of her options to get past the walls flash through her mind as she replaces her coverings. A man's voice comes from just below her, So what do you think they’re trying to keep out? Or in? Hearing this voice startles her and she falls from the tree. It takes her a moment to recognize this voice. The voice behind those amber eyes that still show light through them. This Is Kai. The Man helps her up confirming her suspicion that It is her dear friend Kai. Sorry, didn’t mean to scare ya. You left home so I decided to follow. He says with a chuckle. She brushes herself off looking from him back to the walls, Do you know how we are going to get in?

In the distance they hear the sound of wooden wheels rolling over the makeshift stone road leading to a large stone gate. Using her enhanced speed to her advantage she appears in front of a wagon being pulled by two brown horses. There sits an older couple with greying hair driving the horses down the path. Hey! What do you think you’re doing?! Get out of the way! The wagon comes to a stop just in front of her, the man still yelling for her to move. A smirk crosses her lips. Raising her veil and taking a deep breath she blows towards the couple. They slump over, as Kai finally makes it over to the wagon panting, his hands on his knees. You could have dragged me with you, you know? So I didn’t have to die running all this way. She shrugs climbing into the back of the wagon filled with produce. Kai climbs in after her What now? We take the reins? The black ring on Kais finger lets off a blueish glow as a strange voice enters his mind They just have to think we are their family. Play along. Kai nods walking to the front of the wagon, gently shaking the couple Mom, Dad are you alright? Do you need me to take the reins? They both sit up, looking back at them Oh, no dear everything is fine. The horses just needed a moment to rest. Take a seat and we’ll get going again. They clear a space and sit next to each other as the cart pulls forward.

They eventually come to the gate of the walls and are stopped by what appear to be soldiers on guard Halt! State what business you had outside the walls. They both listen carefully, memorizing this mans voice. My family and I are just bringing back food for our town, We run the old produce stand you see? The soldier of dark hair looks inside the wagon I thought I recognized you Mr. Ord. I never realized you two had any kids. I thought it was just you two in that little house. Mr. Ord lets out a hearty laugh Oh no we had these two a while back. Its been nice to have them back home to help us out these days. The soldier motions to the others to open the gate Go on through folks, have a nice day.

They pass through the gate into a town of timbered buildings with stone roads many people walk around paying no mind to them as they ride through. They arrive at a small farm with a cobblestone house, outside is the makings of a produce stand. Kai and the girl hop out of the cart turning to the couple Why don’t you two head inside? We’ll take care of unloading everything. Kai says with a soft smile, glancing at the girl with the veil. She nods and grabs a few crates from the cart as the couple heads inside You both have been such a pleasure to have back at home. You’re always so helpful. They disappear into the house, shutting the door behind them.

Kai grabs some crates What do we do with them now? We can’t exactly have them hanging around us all the time. They’ll just get in the way. She shrugs in response grabbing more crates. Don’t do that. I know you have a plan. I can’t help if you don’t tell me what it is. His ring begins to glow once again and that same voice enters his mind Puppets. That's what they’ll be. Just another piece to our story. He nods looking to the front door Go. Do what you need to do. I’ll take care of the rest of this. The girl nods and heads inside as the sun sets. Moments later the silence of the evening is broken by the blood curdling screams coming from inside the home. The screams abruptly stop; Kai hums a tune outside continuing to unload the cart.

They spend the next few days acclimating to the small farm, making things more comfortable for themselves. Kai goes into town, getting a feel for the place and looking for anything that could potentially be of use to them. He rounds a corner quite literally running into a group of soldiers. Kai takes a few steps back as the soldiers stare at him. A soldier with tawny colored hair and green eyes speaks Hey there. Sorry about that. You might want to pay a little more attention to where you’re walking. Who knows what you’d run into next time. Kai chuckles and rubs the back of his neck nervously Y-yeah sorry about that. I guess I was lost in my own world. The soldier takes a step towards him You know I haven’t really seen you around before. Where are you from? Kai takes a breath, standing his ground We don’t really come to town often. We’ve got everything out at the farm. The soldier cocks his head slightly Out at the Ord farm? I grew up out that way, I didn’t know any of them had kids your age. He shrugs Nothing wrong with extended family helping out is there? The soldier laughs I suppose not. Well stranger what do we call you? He moves to walk past the soldiers The names Kai. Maybe I’ll see you guys around.

Kai sees the girl in the veil a ways a head. She gestures for him to follow her as she rounds a corner. He looks back to the soldiers who are watching him and whispering to each other. He quickly rounds the corner looking for his friend. Out of nowhere he's pulled into a nearby alleyway. What are you doing here? I thought we agreed you wouldn’t come to town. You stand out too much. She doesn’t reply, Just walks off down the alley gesturing for Kai to follow her. They follow the alleyway coming to the back of one of the shops, taking a set of stairs down to the basement.

She opens the wooden door to reveal a bar with many rough people inside. She leads him to a booth towards the back with a wooden table and red seats. They sit there for several minutes in silence some of the other patrons stare at them. After sometime a man with a dark beard, dark eyes, wearing a black wide brimmed hat, and a dark suit comes over taking a seat across from them. He pauses eyeing these two strangers You’re the one that took down big white. You actually killed the bastard. She nods as the man leans back in his seat, adjusting his hat. Now I’m not interested in any sort of fight. Me and my boys, we like our lives just fine. That being said you’ve proven yourself to be quite the threat. She holds up her still gloved hand to cut his speech. Kai looks to her, then to the man There won’t be any trouble if you… and your boys agree to help us out when we need. A smile creeps across the man's lips I think we can manage that. Got anything in mind? We have some things in the works if you’re interested? The girl nods, a dark grin hidden beneath her veil.

They spend the next few years building rank in the underground. No crime was off limits, no stone left unturned. Theft, murder, arson, you name it they did it or had someone close who did. They were known and feared by everyone. As they gained attention with those involved in the underground, they also gained the attention of the military and their police force. They sent soldier after soldier, group after group to try to apprehend them but they all failed each and every time.

Word reached them that in a few days many high ranking military officials would be passing through town. They are escorting some new essential equipment to the palace at the center of the vast city. They make haste coming up with a plan, gathering what they need and the people needed to get this equipment. The days were long and hectic but at last they were ready. The day came and they watched from the rooftops as the large blue carriages lined with gold trim rolled through town, there must’ve been at least a dozen of them. A few carriages go by followed by large, covered carts containing the equipment they so sought; swords mostly and some chemicals arriving from other districts. They follow closely waiting for their opportunity.

The girl in the veil grows impatient and to spite the protest from the others she leaps down from the roof, in front of the train of carriages. She punches the ground sending a cloud of dust into the sky as the road cracks and crumbles, forcing them to stop. Scores of the cities top criminals pour from the nearby rooftops and alleyways, taking out the cart drivers and unloading the equipment, hauling it off as several members of the military step from their carriages.

Kai, standing just beside the girl pulls two large curved swords from her back and takes his stance. Various captains and commanders step out, readying their own swords, similar to the ones Kai holds. The girl vanishes as a tall man with short blond hair, one blue eye and one hazel eye rushes Kai, swinging his blade. Kai blocks each swing with his own swords stumbling back. Where is your friend now? Huh? Kai swings his blades at the man as he does the same, they struggle against each other.

She appears behind Kai, like his shadow. As the man takes a step back, preparing to swing his sword again. She takes a leap over Kais head spinning, bringing her heel down on the mans head; Effectively knocking him to the rubble below. She takes his sword using it to pin part of his uniform to the ground, immobilizing him. Two soldiers rush at her as her feet hit the ground. Before they can reach her she takes another leap grabbing their heads, bashing them together. She flips over yet again landing on the ground as another man runs at her, his sword drawn. She moves to the side, grabbing his hand pulling it behind his back as she trips him. She pins him to the ground, taking his sword and plunging it into his back. She slips another small blade down her sleeve as another man runs at her. She turns slipping the blade into her hand before driving it through the mans cheek, the blade coming out the other side.

Kai grabs her hand dragging her as they run off, a man yelling for Kai to follow him. One soldier with tawney colored hair and green eyes runs up but does not follow them, just watches them run off into the city; before beginning to help the men on the ground. Going to the fair haired man he pulls the sword from the ground with some difficulty.

A few other soldiers run off in the direction they went while others pick up the remnants of equipment left behind or dropped by the thieves. They are becoming more and more of a problem for us. Something has to be done. A soldier tending to the man with the sword in his back looks up to them But what can be done? We can’t catch them and we clearly can’t take them in a fight. Look at our men. These are some of our top people and they took them down without even breaking a sweat. The blonde haired man straightens up, holding his head in one hand. I have some ideas, but we will need approval to execute them. Plus, we would have to be able to find them. The same tawny haired man helps up another soldier I think I know where they’re staying actually. I believe he is the man I ran into a few years ago. He said his name was Kai and he was staying with family out on the Ord farm. One of the men called that boy Kai so if I’m right, that's where they’ll be. You know come to think of it, I haven’t seen the Ords in quite some time. The honey haired man nods, looking to the injured men then to the shattered road. I’ll talk to some people. We’ll get out there, see what we can find. I doubt they’ll willingly talk so we will need a plan.

It takes a few days and many meetings but they gain approval to take a group out to the Ord farm. They take their time putting things together and coming up with a plan for when things inevitably go south. With everything in order they head to the small house just outside of town. As they approach the house they notice the small food stand out front is in a state of disrepair, clearly unused for quite sometime as a layer of dust covers the broken pieces.

The fair haired man leads the group to the door. As he knocks on the door they hear a loud clatter from inside before the door slowly opens. There stands Mrs. Ord, the woman that got those two into town all those years ago. Her skin holds a greyish hue and her head droops slightly down and to one side. The soldiers look at one another, feeling the uneasiness in the air. Hello mam, I am commander Eisaku. We are hoping to speak with Kai? Mrs. Ords head rolls back before snapping forward to attention her glazed eyes stare at the men. Oh Kai! He's our son! Such a helpful lad. She smiles a toothy grin I’m sure he is mam. We are actually hoping he can help us with something. My soldier Sotu ran into him not to long ago you see and we think he could be a big help to us. He gestures to the soldier with the tawney hair and shining emerald eyes.

Sotu peers behind the woman, looking into the dark house. He sees Mr. Ord slumped over in a chair with the same grey hue to his skin. Everything alright out here mam? Her grin twitches and she blinks several times Kai is so helpful. Him and our other child like to play in the back field when they’re not helping us around the house. Eisaku looks to Sotu then the rest of the group. Well, we can check back there for them then. Thank you for your help. The womans grin never wavers They are such a big help.

Eisaku turns and walks towards the back, the rest of the group following. Mrs. Ord doesn’t move from the doorway still adorning that same grin. Sotu catches up to Eisaku, the rest of the group following Something is going on here. I wasn’t the only one that found that strange? Eisaku glances over at him That was definitely something. I suppose we have more questions for them to answer for us.

They walk through a vast field eventually seeing two large pillars, one quite a bit taller than the other. As they get closer they can make out two human like figures, one sitting atop each pillar. Coming closer the figure on the taller pillar stands, turning towards them and placing something over their head as the other figure jumps down. The soldiers stop a few yards away, seeing Kai with swords already drawn.

Kai Ord, we know you and your sibling have been the ones committing all those heinous crimes around town. As well that you two were involved in the robbery of the military the other day. Now we can do this the easy way and you two can willingly come have a conversation with us or the hard way and we will force you. Kai laughs, tightening his grip on his swords Is that supposed to be a threat? You threatening us? One I don’t know what crimes you are referring to and two. He is cut off as the other figure jumps from their pillar landing between Eisaku and Kai.

The soldiers grab their weapons, expecting a fight but Eisaku seems unfazed, standing his ground. You’ve made quite the name for yourself in town. The silent beast I’ve heard you called. Rumor has it no one has ever heard you speak and that Kai here does all the talking for you. Why is that? You’re clearly the stronger force. Kai glances down at his hand as his black ring as it shines blue What do you intend to do? We’ve beaten you before. What makes you think this time will be any different?

Kai comes up behind the girl but she doesn’t move a muscle just continues to face these people for several minutes in silence. She finally turns to walk away, gesturing for Kai to follow. I guess we do this the hard way then. Eisaku pulls out a long thick chain with a large heavy ball at the end. Kai wraps his arms around her, pulling her out of the way as he swings it towards them. The ball misses them, swinging back towards the soldiers wrapping around them and tying them together.

Eisaku pulls the chain, tightening it around them, walking over and wrapping it several more times. He hands the end over to another soldier to hold. Hold tight, we don’t need them getting free. He gets closer kneeling down to them. They squirm and struggle to get free. The girl is unable to get her hands on the chains that bind them due to Kai being wrapped around her.

The soldier holding the chain loses their grip causing the chain to loosen ever so slightly as Eisaku reaches for the girls veil. Once his hand Is close enough she uses what movement she can to sink her pointed teeth into him through her veil, quickly drawing blood. He pulls his hand back looking at the bite wound "I guess there is no talking to you here. We will have to move them to the prison.

A female soldier with short red curly hair and shining blue eyes hands him a tarp. He uses this to wrap around the two covered in chains, using even more chains he binds them tighter. They drag them through town to the prison tossing them in separate cells next to each other. Leaving them to sit for days with almost no contact from anyone, military or otherwise.

They sit in silence until one morning when Eisaku, Sotu and another man with short dark hair, dark eyes, and a goatee come walking in. Eisaku stands in front of the girls cell while the other two stop in front of Kais cell. Are you two ready to talk? The girl does not reply, facing forward on the bed. She can sense Kais movement as he sits up on the bed facing the men. She discreetly places her hand on the wall, knowing Kai is just on the other side. You first. Kai speaks darkness and malice laced in his words.

Eisaku sighs Well you’ve proven to be quite capable warriors and we would hate for that to go to waste. You could agree to join our forces and fight along side us or we can dispose of you two here and now. The cell block goes silent, Kai looks to the shared wall between their cells. His voice enters the girls mind What do you want to do? We could easily kill them. Escape, but they will just keep coming after us. Silence again fills the air as they ponder their options. A voice enters Kais mind We came here for a reason and have accomplished what we can in the underground. This may be our best option to find our threat.

The man with the dark hair takes out his sword, hitting it on the bars of Kais cell Oi, answer us! We’re talking to you! Sotu looks to Eisaku, stepping closer to him. Are we sure that would work? What if they just return to their old ways? The man with the dark hair puts his blade to his side looking to the other men. We’ll just have to assign someone to watch them at all times. Keep them separated.

The girl gets off the bed walking to the front of the cell, facing that voice. An incredible dark and evil energy fills the air, putting the men on edge. We won’t do it if you separate us. Kai approaches the bars of his cell. The girl nods in response, confirming what has been stated. Eisaku looks over to the man. That wasn’t part of the deal Jiro. One of them won’t speak, at least not to us. That being the case, how do you expect to do anything? he shrugs looking over to the girl raising his sword to her head One can only stay silent for so long.

Kai looks to the wall, almost as if he is looking through it, letting out a sigh. Fine. Eisaku looks to him So you’ll agree to join us? You and your counterpart? Kai does not answer, just stares back through a furrowed brow. Eisaku gestures for a man carrying a set of keys to come over and unlock their cells. They start with Kai. He lingers for a moment before exiting his cell quickly walking to stand in front of the girls cell, just behind Eisaku. Before the man gets a chance to fully open the girls cell she appears next to Kai. He leans in close and whispers Don’t. The men turn to look at them before Eisaku begins to walk out of the block Come. You two will be staying at our training headquarters along with some of the other new recruits. There we will be able to get a better sense of just what you are capable of. You’ll also learn how to use our equipment. Everything will be provided for you, including uniforms so there will be no reason for you to leave the grounds.

They follow behind Eisaku, the other two walking behind them. They leave the prison walking out to a waiting carriage. They take them to an old castle, at one point used to house royals, now used to house cadets in training. They arrive after curfew therefore the grounds are empty. Kai and the girl are split up and lead to separate wings of the castle and placed into large, mostly bare rooms. You’ll stay here for the night. You’ll be expected to show up in uniform to morning call. You’ll find your uniform on the bed. Later tomorrow evening you’ll meet your bunkmates. She nods walking over to the bed, getting a feel for the room as Sotu shuts the door.

She sits on the bed for hours, until the sun begins to rise over the wall. With a sigh she stands and grabs the uniform. The uniform consists of brown form fitting pants with a leather harness for each leg that holds a small case of throwing knives, a white long sleeve shirt, black jacket with golden swirls on the cuffs and collar, black calf length boots with a single navy stripe at the back. A small metal plate sits at the bottom of the stripe. It has a small pine tree with two golden curved swords crossed in front. This symbol matches the one embroidered on the pocket of a navy-blue waist length cloak.

A loud chime breaks the morning silence making sure all nearby are up and about. She puts on the uniform and throws over her veil, leaving to find Kai before line up. She finds her way to the main entrance of the castle. Standing just in front is Kai with Sotu. Sotu sees her and waves Good morning! Sleep well I hope? Neither of them respond

Kai runs up to her with a smile Are you alright? Where did they have you? Did you cause any trouble? I didn’t expect you to actually wear the uniform. You look great! She holds up her hand, a signal to stop speaking. Kai nods in response but can’t stop himself from hugging her. Sotu walks up as they break their embrace Still wearing that thing huh? I doubt they’ll let it slide but you can try. She shrugs, walking off in the direction the other cadets are going.

They all line up, Kai and the girl in front. A man wearing the same uniform with short dark hair beginning to show signs of going grey walks back and forth in front of the group. He only stops when Sotu comes over handing him a paper. He reads it over before crumpling it and tossing it on the ground. Sotu joins a group of men standing off to the side, watching the group in training.

Instructor Marlu speaks loudly Looks like we have a couple of new recruits! A couple of petty criminals caught by a group of brave soldiers and forced to join our ranks! I’ve heard rumors you two caused a lot of trouble for some of our top men. So what do we call you. Kai looks to the girl then the other cadets I am Kai and you all may call her Nine. Instructor Marlu laughs We may call her Nine huh? What kind of name is that? And what is that thing you’re wearing? Uniform only.

He flicks his hand flipping up her veil exposing her face and covered eyes. Kai moves to go after him as he walks away, but Nine holds up her hand to stop him. A black goo appears around her feet appearing as nothing more than a shadow. It stretches forward, wrapping around the instructors ankle. He trips, falling to the ground gaining the attention of all around. Nine walks over to the man pinning him to the ground, turning his face towards her and forcing his eyes to stare at her.

She reaches up, pulling the covers from her eyes. Slowly opening them to look at this man on the ground before her. Inches away from his face she stares into his eyes as fear fills them. Seconds later the air is filled with his screams as he squirms to get free. She tightens her grip not about to let up. Several men run causing Kai to panic. He runs over throwing her veil back over her head and pulling her off of the man.

Marlu scrambles to his feet running off, clawing at his eyes; still screaming. Sotu stops a few feet away from Kai and Nine. He looks off to where Marlu is running then back to Nine, fear laced in his eyes What the hell was that? What did you do? She silently reaches up under her veil tying the bindings back to her eyes. He looks to Kai as she takes her spot back in the line up. Kai looks to the ground before meeting Sotus gaze but offers no explanation, only silence. Everyone run laps, then clean the stables until we can get the instructor back. The cadets run off, Kai and Nine follow them. Sotu doesn’t move just watches them run off, the sound of Marlu screaming in the distance still plays.

Later that evening all personnel are in a large dining hall. Kai and Nine sit on crates stacked against the wall, avoiding the others. A woman with short red curly hair, blue eyes, and dark skin comes in scanning the room. She hands a scroll to Sotu prompting him to leave the room with her. They walk down a long corridor to Instructor Marlus office. Inside are a several people including Jiro and Eisaku. Sotu places the scroll on a large wooden desk. So when can we expect Marlu back? You mentioned in your letter his condition is worse than expected? Jiro sits behind the desk putting his feet up He's not coming back. He's dead, ripped apart. Sotus brow furrows Dead? What do you mean dead? No one was able to get to him? Eisaku knocks Jiros feet off the desk People did but couldn’t stop him. We were hoping you could offer some information into what happened before he ran off?

Sotu thinks for a moment All she did was look at him… He shakes his head almost as if trying to erase the image placed there in his mind. Eisaku gives him a questioning look Who? Sotu let's out a deep sigh The new girl. Kai said her name is Nine. Marlu said something about her veil flipped it up, she looked at him and the screaming started. Jiro leans back in the chair There has to be more to it than that. Sotu regains his composure standing straight All I know is what I saw. She looked at him and that was it. Jiro rolls his eyes folding his arms in front of his chest. If she is that dangerous she should be pulled from the program and disposed of Eisaku turns to him That's not your call He stands from the chair Then what do you suggest? Eisaku turns to the woman with curly hair Rix, I want you to go undercover as a cadet in training. We will have you stay in the same room to keep an eye on her. Try to get close, report everything you find to us. Do you understand? Rix nods Yes sir, but won’t she know who I am? The others will.

A women with long blonde hair steps forward As far as we know she always wears that veil right? Eisaku nods motioning for her to continue. Then she most likely has no idea what you, me, or anyone else looks like. She most likely relies on voices and she has never met you. So this could work. Jiro strokes his goatee What about the boy? They all look to Sotu He pulled her off of Marlu. He's never to far from her, going off the fact he knew her name I think she actually talks to him as well. He doesn’t seem as closed off especially when alone so he might say something. It could be beneficial for someone to get close to him. Eisaku nods I’ll leave that to you then.

They pull cadet files hand picking who will be staying in the rooms with Kai and Nine. The decisions are made, cadets gathered. They explain what they need to know and show them to their new rooms. Eisaku goes to find Nine and Kai, finding them just outside the main entrance of the castle. Kai speaks to Nine in hushed tones until he notices the Commander walking over. Kai takes a step between Nine and Eisaku There you two are. What are you doing out here? Kai glances over to Nine his ring glowing yet again. Just needed some fresh air. We aren’t terribly used to being around so many hu- people all the time. Eisaku raises an eyebrow Well you better get used to it. Come. I’m going to show you to your rooms.

He leads them to Kais room first As I’m sure you noticed the men and women sleep in separate wings. We agreed not to separate you. This will have to be the exception. He opens one of the doors to a decent sized room with two sets of bunk beds. One against either side of the room. Between them Is a large table and a window. There are two boys sitting inside a man with short buzzed hair and dark skin. He's wearing dark colored pants and a grey shirt. The other has firey orange hair, light skin covered in freckles, and blue eyes. He wears grey pants and an off white shirt. This is where you will be staying. These are your bunkmates Taibur and Haru. On occasion Sotu also stays here. You will spend a lot of time together so I suggest you at least make an attempt to get along. Kai looks to Nine stepping into the room. The clothes he came with are folded on one of the bottom bunks. I’ll let you get settled and show Nine to her room. He places his hand on her shoulder. She stiffens turning her head towards him. Kai turns to him Don’t touch her… Eisaku looks to Nine removing his hand And why not? It's all innocent. Kai chuckles Because next time you do. She’ll break your arm. No guarantee she’ll stop with that." He gives a small nod shutting the door.

They head off down the hall Nine following behind Eisaku intentionally keeping her distance. They walk past the main entrance the doors are still open. Nine stops turning to face the door. Eisaku stops his hand on his sword. Nine takes a knee placing her hand to the ground. Everything around her fades, focusing on what she can feel, a faint rumbling miles away coming closer. She stands coming back to the present, turning to face Eisaku, his sword partially drawn. She rolls her shoulders back and cracks her neck. We have guards out there. You can’t run. She walks forward gesturing for him to keep walking. He does so staying closer to her keeping his hand on his sword. They finally reach the room inside the layout is the same as the boys room. Three girls sit inside each on a different bunk. One girl has mid length blonde hair and green eyes. She's wearing a grey tank top and brown pants. The next has long brown hair and matching eyes, she is still in uniform. The last girl is Rix with her red curls. These are your bunkmates Dodi, Akira, and Rix. Play nice. The air is tense, the nerves of the girls palpable. Ladies, this is Nine she will be staying with you.

Akira and Dodi look to each other as Rix hops off her bunk approaching Nine holding out her hand I’m Rix pleasure to meet you. Nine gives a small bow of her head, moving to enter the room leaving Rix there with an outstretched hand. Eisaku gives her a look of bewilderment bringing his hands up to cover his eyes. He shakes his head. Rix glares at him shaking her own head. He smiles trying not to laugh Alright ladies lights out in two hours. You have class tomorrow. He leaves the room shutting the door.

The women are silent, watching Nine. Rix turns to them. I’m… so how do you all feel about training? Dodi shrugs Hard to say. It's training you know? But we really don’t know how to apply it In practice. We don’t know what we’re fighting. Akira nods in agreement. Nine looks to the window then the door. She sits against the wall, hugging her knees, feet firmly on the ground. The others continue their idle conversations. Hours go by until it finally appears they are all asleep. Nine hears a few small ticks on the window, she can feel Kais presence. Nine quietly stands, opening the door. Rix sits up in bed letting out a soft sigh. Nine turns to her still holding the door. Rix looks out the window seeing Kai then back to Nine Don’t get caught. She lies back down turning over. Nine slips out to Kai Come on. We have to be back before sunrise. That still gives us quite a bit of time. He smiles at her You know, you look good in a uniform. She smiles beneath her veil grabbing his hand, pulling him off down the road.

They arrive back at the castle just after the morning chime. Nine slips back Into her room without being noticed. Kai leaves her heading to his room. As he reaches to open the door it swings open. Sotu nearly runs into him Oh there you are. I was about to go check if Nine was gone too. I was worried we would have to chase you guys down again. You look like hell. Where were you anyways? Kai looks down at his disheveled uniform I was out for a run. I wasn’t watching where I was going. Tripped and fell. Sotu nods slowly raising an eyebrow Out running huh?

Months go by each day filled with various types of training physical and in classroom. To spite their clear lack of interest Kai and Nine are at the top of all scores. Eisaku summons for Rix, Sotu, and Taibur to join him and Jiro in the meeting hall. The two men sit on opposite ends of a long wooden table. The others arrive taking their seats as Jiro bolts the door. It's been quite sometime since we have all been able to meet. I’m interested what information you’ve all been able to gather. Jiro takes his seat again gesturing to Rix. I don’t know how helpful the information we’ve collected will be. We spend most of our time with Nine but I’ve also had the opportunity to speak with Kai on several occasions. Jiro turns to Sotu What about you? Sotu laces his fingers in front of his face Kai at times will speak with me but he seems more open with Taibur here. Eisaku leans back in his chair, his arms folded Well start with what you know about Nine."

Rix pulls some folded papers from her pocket As I said before, I don’t have a lot to offer unfortunately. In all this time I still have not heard her utter a single word or seen her without the veil. I also don’t think we’ve ever seen her sleep. She always sits against the same wall while the rest of us go to sleep. The only thing that seems to trigger anything from her is Kai. You can see his name on some of the things she writes. She hands out the papers What language is this? Taibur asks taking them, passing some along I’m not sure. I’ve done research but can find no record of it. On this one you can see Kais name written out. She points to the bottom of one of the papers. Sotu examines the paper I believe this is Kais handwriting. He writes all the time and this looks like the signature on a letter. If she had it they probably both know this language. They pass the papers to Eisaku I will see if I can’t get some information on this. It could be beneficial to know what they write to each other. Has Kai said anything about Nine?"

Sotu nudges Taibur Oh um yeah. He doesn’t really talk about her. Even if we ask he’ll change the subject. The only time he's brought her up is when we were drinking one night. Even then he just talked about wanting to see her and that she can do incredible things. He wouldn’t elaborate. Eisaku sighs Is that it? There isn’t anymore information? Sotu shrugs To be fair there isn’t much time that they are apart. The first thing they do in the morning is find each other. They train together, study together, everything. I’m sure if they could they would even sleep next to each other. Jiro raises his hand for Sotu to stop talking Aren’t they siblings? I’ve never seen siblings be that close. I know I’m certainly not with mine. Rix shrugs I don’t think we know for sure. Their dynamic is strange to say the least. Jiro drums his fingers on the table Maybe we send them on separate missions as a training exercise. Then we’ll get to see them alone. Eisaku leans back in his chair his eyebrows raised. That could work. Two expeditions two teams. Of course they’ll mostly observe. Take some to the field others to District Ninety. Anything else we should know? Rix shakes her head standing If something comes up you’ll be the first to know.

They leave walking together silent until they’re out if earshot of the others. Taibur finally speaks So we’re not going to tell them they sneak out together every night? Both Sotu and Rix look at him Let them have something. They’re not here by choice. Sotu nods in agreement If the question is asked we won’t lie but right now it doesn’t appear to be hurting anyone. We want them to trust us right? Taibur shrugs and nods. With that they go their separate ways.

Sotu and Taibur enter their room. Kai is sitting at the desk, shirtless drawing a portrait of a woman. They see many scars across his skin. Most notably three large slashes across his back. Kai slips his drawing into one of his books when he notices them. You two have a nice date? Haru laughs from his bunk They could ask you the same thing about you and that drawing of yours. Taibur sits on his bunk Yeah, who is it of anyways? Secret girlfriend? Kai softly shakes his head Is it Nine? He looks back to Sotu No its not. I don’t have drawings of her. Even if I did I wouldn’t be so careless with them. Sotu takes off his satchel placing it on his bunk What's the deal with Nine anyways? Does she always wear that thing? Has she always? Kai pulls on a shirt For the most part yes. Let me ask you this. Why are you always so interested in Nine? Haru hops off his bunk Can you blame him? She's a mystery. No one knows what she looks or sounds like. Keeping her face covered all the time she must either be really hot or really ugly. Kai rolls his eyes slipping on his jacket. Or maybe those who keep themselves covered don’t want to be objectified or maybe have another reason to keep who they are hidden.

Haru absent-mindedly steps in front of the door. Why do you always defend her? She's not even nice to you. She isolates you and won’t let you speak. Kai scoffs You don’t even know her. She is one way around these humans and another way when it's just us. She is strong and cruel but also understanding and kind. She is my family, my closest friend, and the one I trust most in the world. Maybe one day you’ll get to see the version of her I do. As far as your claims of isolation and silencing. It's just not true I can go where I want and say what I want. We have a mutual understanding of one another and what's okay. Haru puts his hands up I knew you guys were close but not that close. I know I never was with my sister. Sorry man. Kai laughs Listen to me I’m starting to sound like Nine. Well I’m off. I’m going to do some extra training before dinner. He moves past Haru opening the door. Nine is leaning on the wall across from them. Sotu hops off his bed. You know If you don’t mind we could use the extra training as well. You two are at the top of the class. Could we train with you? Kai goes over to Nine What do you think? She points down the hall to her own bunkmates waiting I guess it's a group training now. Come on. Let's go.

The boys grab their things following Nine and Kai. Eisaku sees them as they leave the castle giving Sotu a questioning look. Sotu shrugs in response following the group. They are led away from the castle to a large field with a few trees and piles of loose rocks of varying sizes. Looking closer at the tree they see deep gashes in the trunks and parts of them are burned. Dodi touches one of the gashes Is this where you guys come when you disappear? Nine sets down her bag, taking a knee. She rolls up her pant leg revealing a black sleeve with small rectangular pouches covering it. She opens a few of the pouches pulling out thin silver plates from each one. She gently sets them in the dirt. Kai turns to the others his hand behind his back Alright first things first. We need to establish just how strong you are. So we can determine where to start. You carry our gear just fine, but how much weight can you handle?

He gestures for them to try to pick up the silver rectangular plates. One by one they come up and one by one they fail to move even one weight. Kai comes over, with some difficulty he's able to lift two weights, one in each hand. Nine gestures for him to try a third. He shakes his head I could probably do half but not a full one. She nods picking up one of the weights she breaks it in half handing it to Kai. He takes each of the halves in each hand. Holding them for a minute, he gives them back to Nine. She slips all but one weight into their respective pockets giving the spare to Kai. Sotu watches her carefully How many of those things are you currently wearing? Kai looks up There's over a hundred of them for sure. Sotu cautiously approaches Nine And how much weight is that? Nine shrugs in response, Kai laughs We never took the time to figure it out. Now you guys grab as many rocks as you can and run. Akira does so Is this what you do everyday? Nine hands Kai bandages, he ties them around his eyes. No but that is where I started. Where we both started. We will do our thing while you run. You’re not ready for it." Nine pulls the two swords from her back giving one to Kai. The others grab stones and begin running every so often stopping to pickup or drop off rocks. Kai spends his time sword and fist fighting with Nine. Hours later the group collapse on the ground panting.

They lie on the ground for several minutes trying to catch their breath. Nine and Kai go over, Nine leading Kai by hand. You all did well. You can handle more than we thought. We’ll hang here and rest for a while. Then head back just in time for food. Let's sit under the tree in the shade. Nine still holding Kais hand leads him to the tree grabbing her swords on the way. The rest of them follow lying on the ground. Kai kneels, Nine undoing the bandages from his eyes. She takes more bandages dressing some of his wounds he sustained during training. Akira watches them taking deep breaths. How do you guys do this on top of our other training? Aren’t you exhausted? Sotu sits up from the ground A better question is why do you do it? Kai sits leaning against the tree For survival. You never know what's going to happen. What, when, and who you’ll have to protect.

Taibur sits up Is that why you guys joined? To protect people. Kai chuckles, Nine ruffling his hair. Not exactly. It's kind of a long story. Can I ask why you joined? All of you for that matter. Why did you agree to give your life to these people? He grabs Nines hand pulling her to sit between his legs. Taibur sits with the soles of his feet together, hunched over with his hands on his ankles. I joined after my father. He was a member but ran off to another district. Don’t really know where he's at now. I hope if I ever meet him again I’ll be able to prove I’m more of a man than he ever was. What about you Rix? Rix is silent for a moment sitting up I was always top of my class in school. History and science in particular. I loved to do experiments and really had a knack for it. Kids were always cruel and made fun of me, but that all stopped when Captain Harris showed up and offered me a position on her team. She spends most of her time in the field now. It's always fun when she comes back, bringing new specimens to work on. What about you Dodi?

Nine leans back against Kais chest tracing symbols on his knee leading up his thigh. Dodi leans back in her palms I joined to get away from my family. I want to be able to protect myself and others from them and any others like them. What about you Haru? He watches the symbols Nine is tracing, unable to make them out. My family used to live outside the wall in a little town. We saw first hand the forces that are out there. I took after my father and had a knack for inventing so I figured I might as well try to put it to good use. My skill coupled with the force of all of us. Maybe I can get back home. Akira? She shrugs I had no where else to go. My family left so I came to find a new one I guess. Sotu gives a somber chuckle I guess that leaves me right? My family is high up in the rankings of the church. Proper nut jobs. They always kept secrets and told strange stories. I guess I wanted my own and to distance myself from them. We answered your question the least you can do is answer one of ours Kai nods Alright, if I can I will.

Sotu pauses for several minutes, thinking. Why didn’t you fight that day? And why haven’t you run off yet? You could’ve fought and won. And here you leave every night but you’re back by morning. Nine stops tracing the symbols on his leg, Kai beginning to trace them on her arm. I’m afraid that's also a very long story. All I can say is we’re looking for something and haven’t found it yet. Sotu sighs standing with some strain Well at some point I’d like to hear your long story. For now let's get going its getting late and they’ll be serving food soon. The