EXP.12768

Introduction

A cold breeze whispered into the ears of those in the field, ruffling the leaves in the trees and the grass on the ground, creating a hushed chorus only audible to those who listened close enough.

I had always assumed I might have been one of those people. An observer. Though that didn’t get me anywhere in the small social circle that was our home. Riley has always told me that I was just different, but I think they were just referring to the tests. We have always taken the tests for as long as I can remember. Confusing bits and pieces that jumble all together into some sort of foreign language.

There is no way it could be English, but no way it could be any other language either. Just jumbled bunch of lines and dots that create this twisted morse code that our minds must interpret, or else. We live in a place based on rankings, we always have. 14. That's what I have been known by for all of my life. The number forever indented onto my hand in bolded black lettering.

Riley named me Koro when I was younger. I have only ever had them and one other person[by my choice] call me by that name. A girl named Nissa. She had gotten moved to Arena 2 when she failed to obey orders, and Arena 3 after that. All the way to Arena 10, then I never heard from her again. I cried a lot that day. But I now find crying to be useless. It’s a sign of weakness, and I am not weak.

The cracking of a pencil was audible in my grasp. I hadn’t realized how tightly I had been squeezing my fists. I opened by hand, the yellow pencil snapped swiftly through the middle. With a sigh, I stood and walked back to the house. It was larger than what it seemed. You entered into a large dining hall, and there were many swirling staircases that led to the library, the test room, the combat room, the bedrooms, and much more. Rileys’ bedroom was always off limits, no one quite knew why.

“Pencils… Pencils… Pencils…” I muttered, looking around the dining hall. I quickly turned the corner, almost running directly into 11. She had long brown hair and was around five feet tall, holding a gray covered book in her grasp. Her given name was Tamera, but she had never given me permission to use her name so I just called her,

“11. My apologies.” I bowed slightly, showing respect to the higher girl. She smiled in return.

“It's alright 14.” She replied. I quickly moved to the side, letting her pass by. She had always been quite graceful, her posture was always very straight and her hazel eyes were always a sight to see.

I cleared my throat, regathering my thoughts. I walked quickly up the stairs and then turned to one corner, opening the door to the library.

“Pencils… Pencils…” I continued to murmur as I opened a few of the drawers in the first desk. I hummed quietly to myself, still searching around. I slid open another drawer, though there were still no pencils. I looped around a bookshelf, noticing a boy sitting on the ground.

He was lanky and looked to be about 5’9. Black hair and dark blue eyes that outlined his bland resting face. I studied over his body for a moment, noticing the black numbers. 12. He was also known as Kari. Still though, never have I been given permission to use his name. 12 often spent most of his time away from the others, though so did I.

“Hello, 12.” I said, clearing my throat slightly. “Do you happen to know where any pencils are?” I asked, tilting my head.

12 wasn’t at liberty to speak to me. He only ever had to speak to 13 and anyone above him. That is how our hierarchy worked. 12 looked up and pointed at a desk with a few pencils on it.

“Ah, I see. Thank you.” I said, sliding past him. I don’t think I have ever once heard 12 talk. He eats silently, normally stays in during free time, and during training he never has spoken. An odd choice for a higher status but who am I to judge whoever picks these numbers.