The Only Way Out

The New! Point of no Return

And Xenon thought that was the best part of their friendship.

***

Specialist Zinc (agent 30) landed the helicopter. This was her third year on the STAGE. Most of the time, if there were less-successful but not completely failed recruits, she taught them how to fly and drive the vehicles, while her partner, Specialist Magnesium, ran the science and technology branch of training.

She was a successful recruit, and often went on missions with Titanium and Xenon. But she was also a very skilled pilot, which was why she was selected to take these recruits back and forth, and train the ones who didn't quite make the cut in Ty and Xee's cutthroat training sessions.

They were chattering in the back, not expecting the hell STAGE was going to put them through. Inc ran a hand through her long, curly black hair with a green stripe. Her brown eyes were closed. She was tired after a long day of flying these assholes to a place most of them would never call home.

Inc's armor is dark green and neon green, and she always wore it, even if she was flying. There was a scar just under her left eye and on her lower lip. They were concealed by makeup. She absolutely hated her face being damaged in any way. Not because she was vain, but she had spent her entire life being called "ugly". No way was it happening ever again.

She shook her head. She needed to stop dreaming. She had a job to do. It was time to offload the new meat.

***

Specialist Magnesium (Agent 12) was sprinting through his lab, making final preperations. The new recruits he was getting were going to be working on standard technology that Specialists Ty and Xee would train their recruits to use.

He, too, was a very successful recruit, part of Zinc's class. But he had a very high aptitude in science and technology, so here he was, making sure nobody fucked up on the job or blew up his lab. Mag would be pissed if that happened; he just re-painted.

His armor was yellow and light blue. His mop of dirty blonde curly hair was always in his playful colorless eyes. He didn't have any facial scars- only his eyes were technically scars. He usually wore sunglasses if he wasn't in his helmet.

When Mag was born, he had a birth defect that didn't put any color in his eyes. He wasn't color blind, but his iris' were white surrounded by black rings. They were the subject of many suspect's nightmares. Magnesium's eyes also have the random effect of glowing in the dark.

The older recruits who started last week trickeling in. Busted lips, black eyes, and the few who were mostly unscathed had scabby knuckles and wide grins.

"So, some of you were already eliminated, correct?" Magnesium's statement was met with mixed grim and energetic nods.

Every week, at least five people went home, if not more. If they had better use in the piloting or science areas, and weren't the best at combat, they were permitted to stay. But that didn't happen often. Usually they had to pass the combat to even have a chance at staying.

Only 5 or 6 of these guys would be sticking around. Tops.

"I hope you remember what we did last week, because we have new recruits coming in." Mag continued. "And it is mostly going to be you teaching them."

***

"Alright, recruits, let's start with the "you're not special" routine. You have just made it farther than most." Titanium spat.

"Getting here itself is a test. We've asked you to give up nearly everything for one chance, a very slim chance, that you get a new career in STAGE." Xenon added.

"This isn't going to be an easy training session. It is never easy. You're going to hit the barracks sore and tired. We have high expectations; if you don't meet those expectations, you'll be sent home. After a visit with our Curator. He runs STAGE. If you prove yourself an initiate worth joining ELEMENT, you'll talk to the Curator and recieve your assignment." Ty shrugged.

"I'm Special Operative (or Specialist) Xenon, also known as agent 54. I'm in charge of your endurance and shape. This is Agent 22, Special Operative (or Specialist) Titanium. She's in charge of your combat and weapons training." Xee introduced them.

"We will see you tommorow at 6. Don't be late. You'll be working with Xenon first. I suggest you get a good night's rest." Titanium turned to leave. "You'll need it. Dismissed. Lights out at 11."

Specialist Zinc joined Xenon as Titanium and the new recruits left.

"Most of them are scared shitless." Inc shook her head.

"Yeah, Ty does that to people. You remember when she was instructing you?" Xenon chuckled.

"It was only her second year, and she was the most terrifying person I ever met." Zinc mumbled. "Well, she still is."

"I almost never see her face. She's constantly reminding me of someone." Xenon sighed. "Well, actually two people."

"Whatever you say, Xee. I gotta run. See you." Zinc jogged away, and Xenon was left with his thoghts.

"Welcome, Ininitiates, to the New! point of no Return!"

§§§

Authors note:

I deleted "like a brother to me". :/ I lost all inspiration on it, so I don't really regret it. Plus apparently nobody read it, so it isn't like it was going to be missed.

So here is The Only Way Out! I hope you enjoy it!

I would really appreciate your feedback! So please rate and comment!

Valkyriemax24