A secret base lies days away from any habitable islands. To the people who know of this island, nothing lives on it. It is said that its secrets are too dark for those who live in the light.

However, on the south part of the island, there is a passage in the trees. A passage that leads to the beginning of the secrets the island holds. But one must be brave enough to uncover those secrets.

A figure of the night walks through the passage. A man only known by his reputation. He works in the night, eliminating those who pose a threat.

Further down the passage under the dirt, a side passage opens up that leads down to a room, that holds the darkest parts of the night. But the man continues forward, following his orders that he was given days before. He knows perfectly well what'll happen if he disobeys his orders. He doesn't feel the pain anymore. Or at least, that is what they want him to do. To be invulnerable.

Pain is weakness. Emotions lead to one's end.

"Mission report." The chief demands. He's an averaged height man, but with a muscular build. Hair as black as the night sky, and a trim beard and mustache. His eyes are cold and menacing.

"Mission successful. " The man says in a monotone voice.

"You slaked off. He almost got away. And you would've been compromised." The man doesn't put up a fight, knowing the repercussions will be worse. And besides, that kind of fight was beaten out of him years ago.

"Understood."

The chief looks over to the commander. "Prep the east room," The chief says, "You determine his punishment. I have plans I need to sort out." With one final look to the masked man, the chief exits the room.

-----00-----

A rope is tied around his wrists, tying the other end to a hook on the ceiling. The crack of a whip would've sent chills down an average persons' spine.  However, the man knew what was coming. He always knows when it is coming. It always hurts, but he was taught to ignore the pain.

He isn't supposed to feel pain. He is their weapon, and to be a successful weapon, you can't be weak.

The pain from the first slash fades just as fast as when the whip came. Same goes for the rest.

But no matter how hard he tries, the stinging never fades. But he still doesn't make a sound. He isn't supposed to. That's a sign of weakness. He can't be weak, not at a time like this.

Finally, the whipping comes to a stop; his hands stay tied above his head. He knows what's next.

So when his mouth is forced open, he braces for the pain. When it comes, it feels as if fire was ignited in his veins, spreading throughout his body instantly. The man muffles his sounds as best as he can, but it is futile. He yells out in agony.

Before he blacks out, a banging sound is heard throughout the caves, signaling his cries weren't unheard even in the deepest parts of his prison.