jan 6: killshot has officially hit 100K reads!! i can't believe it. thank you so much for your support. longest chapter yet so grab a snack and enjoy!!!

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057. SIREN

...0:00.03... 0:00.02... 00:00.01... 0:00.00...

AGENTS.

DO YOU WANT TO BE FORGIVEN?

Rory stared at the letters on the screen.

What the fuck is that supposed to mean? She thought to herself. Did we wait all day for some stupid message about forgiveness?

Looking around the room, she quickly gathered that no one else shared her confusion. At least, it wasn't evident across anyone's expressions.

Forgiven of what? Of our time being wasted? Of the panic-

Her thoughts quickly faded as a new line appeared.

PLEASE GET READY.

...

...

YOUR MISSION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. PLEASE PROCEED.

...

AND REMEMBER, ALL EMPIRES FALL FROM WITHIN.

...

AGENTS REQUIRED TO REPORT:

HARRY // KS-001... DALLAS // T-01... KIP // PROGRAM RED... COLSON // N/A... STEFANO // I-01... RORY // ERROR

LOCATION: 40°42'42.9"N 73°43'33.8"W

"Kip," Stefano announced, stepping forward and pointing to the kid sitting in the corner, "Let's go."

"Already on it!" Kip announced, the keys of his computer clicking loudly. "Sending the location now."

Unable to make sense of what was happening, Rory opted to stay silent and watch as Stefano ordered his men around. The man's tone was harsh, she noted, but effective. What he was precisely saying, Rory couldn't be sure. But whatever it was had each guard standing silently and clinging onto every word he instructed them with.

One guard adjusted his jacket, causing her throat to run dry the minute she noticed the large gun secured against his torso.

Stefano turned his head, his dark eyes meeting a feared pair. "Are you going to be warm enough, Miss Young?"

Rory blinked. "W-warm?" She couldn't tell what surprised her more - his soft tone of voice or the fact he was speaking to her at all.

"Yes, we will be leaving the house in a few minutes. I don't want you to be cold." His tone was soft and sounded concerned - not in a patronizing manner, but in a way that sounded genuine. "Harry, why don't you take her to get something warm to put on?"

"Rory?" Harry's voice called out to her. "Rory, are you okay?"

The frightened girl blinked once again. No longer did Harry sit next to her. Now he was crouched in front of her, with a hand on her knee.

Her lips parted, but no words escaped. How could she possibly answer this loaded question? It was clear she wasn't okay. Even the big bad mafia leader, of all people, was being nice to her.

"Can you get up for me?"

Responding with a slight nod, she slowly got to her feet. Rory usually covered her emotions well during times like these - but now, one look into her eyes exposed every fear and worry that ran through her mind. And the calm nature of everyone around her only made that feeling all the more confusing.

As her hand found its way to his, their fingers intertwining, a slight calmness washed over her. It was far from enough to make her forget everything that was going on. But it did help her feet walk in a (somewhat) normal fashion and stop her trembling legs from collapsing as they exited the room. The last thing she wanted was to look like a Bambi on ice.

Standing in the space she was forced to call her bedroom for what felt like the past hundred nights of sleep, Rory stood silently. Harry closed the door to give them privacy and muffled the conversations outside the room. He assumed she needed a break - even if they would only be allowed a few minutes.

"Can I pull some things for you?" he asked, motioning to the dresser.

Aware of his obsession with getting verbal confirmation, Rory knew a nod wouldn't be enough and forced out a quiet, "Yes."

Her eyes followed Harry's movements, watching as he opened the first door and carefully sifted through her clothing. A slight tug from the corner of her mouth curved her lips into the smallest hint of a smile as Rory noticed how careful he was not to ruin the already folded articles of clothing and create a mess.

Carrying the selected clothing to the bed, Harry laid out the options. "What pants do you want?"

She pointed to the grey sweatpants, a pair that belonged to him. As Harry brought them to her, she could feel her body still trembling and mentally cursed at herself. She felt like an idiot, unable to control herself long enough to confidently put on a pair of pants.

"I'll do it," he said without hesitation, kneeling.

It was clear that he avoided using the word help - Harry knew the last thing she wanted to feel was helpless.

Bringing her hands to the waistband of her cotton shorts, she pushed them down, allowing them to pool at her feet. As she moved slightly to the side, stepping out of the material, Harry gently grabbed hold of her wrist and moved her hand to his shoulder - a reminder to use him for balance.

Making quick but delicate work of getting the sweatpants on and comfortably sitting around her waist, his eyes flickered up to meet hers. "Comfortable?"

"Yes."

His hand moved to the hem of the shirt she wore. "Do you want to keep this on?"

Rory nodded. The tips of his fingers grazed the skin of her stomach, causing a shiver to escape her lips. She missed his touch - craved it. Her skin burned for more. But Harry, oblivious to his accidental action, noticed the goosebumps appearing on her arms and assumed she was cold.

"Let's get a sweater on you."

"The black one," she whispered, "Please."

Harry grinned, picking up the pullover hoodie. "You know, Bambi. If you keep stealing all my clothes," he teased as he helped guide her head through the hole, "I might not have any left."

"Sorry," she mumbled, poking her head out and pushing her arms through the sleeves, "I like them."

"Don't be sorry." His hand reached forward, brushing her hair behind her ear. "I like seeing you in them."

Rory could feel her skin rush with heat as his hand cupped her cheek. His thumb gently grazed her cheekbone before slowly sliding down. His eyes fixated on her lips. And her eyes couldn't help but watch his fill with a need of desire. She wanted him to kiss her - to make her whole body rush with that hint of warmth Harry caused by a simple touch.

Just when she thought he would lean forward to close that gap between them, they were both hit with the unpleasant reminder of their current predicament. Car engines roared to life outside her bedroom window, and the distant voice of Stefano ordering his men around became evident.

The second his hand dropped, Rory felt cold once again.

"Do we have to leave soon?"

With a voice thick with regret, Harry answered, "Yes."

A million more questions screamed in her head and lingered on the tip of her tongue. But a more pressing concern washed them all away. Did she really want to know?

Part of her thought it would be best to walk in blind; that knowing would result in her falling to the ground and curling up in a ball of fear.

"Rory," Harry started, his hand reaching out for hers. "Before we go, I just need you to know... I'm sorry."

"Harry, you don't-"

"No," he quickly cut her off, "I am sorry. Rory. For putting you through all of this. For hurting you. Everything. I'm not saying it to rush you into accepting it before we leave. I know there's a lot I must do before you even consider accepting it. But, I just need you to hear it - to know it. Okay?"

In a brief flash, Rory saw something she never expected when staring into his eyes. Pain. "Okay," she repeated.

"We have to go now."

Rory nodded. "Okay." As she watched him reach for the door, she quickly blurted out, "Harry?"

His head turned.

"Are-" Rory paused, taking a deep breath. "Are we going to die?"

"No."

"How do you know?"

His thumb grazed her ring finger. "Because they're treating this like a mission. So whoever this is, doesn't want us dead. They want something."

"Do you think you'll have to do what they want?"

Hearing her innocent question caused a hint of a smile to appear on his lips. It was easy to forget that there were still people who still lived with optimism. "Something like that."

With a slight nod, her eyes fell to the floor. Every thought imaginable swarmed her head. It was hard to make sense of them all, let alone think of another question to ask. Rory wanted to know everything, yet nothing at the same time. That was weird for her - not wanting to know.

"Rory," Harry said softly, catching her attention. He waited until her gaze returned to his before continuing, "When we get there, I'll better understand what will be happening, and I'll explain what I can. I'm sure you have many questions, but I don't want to overwhelm you."

She forced a small smile that lasted only a few seconds before the muscles around her mouth fatigued. "Okay."

"I'll be with you the whole time. I won't let anything happen to you."

"I know you won't." Gently squeezing his hand, she spoke honestly and said, "I trust you."

Feeling his touch return to her ring finger caused her heart to swell. Anxiety that once restricted her lungs was released and replaced with a feeling calmer and more optimistic; hope.

Rory's hand remained in Harry's as they left the bedroom and exited the house. She stepped outside and took a deep breath, filling her lungs with fresh air. Noticing the numerous all-black SUVs parked in a uniform line, she watched as guards positioned themselves in front of each one. Her eyes found their way to Kip just as his head turned to meet her glance. He gave her a small smile and waved, to which she returned, before he disappeared into a car.

Her heart sank watching Kip go.

"Does Kip have to ride alone?"

Harry turned his head, following her gaze. "Colson and Dallas will be with him."

Oh, that's good, she thought to herself. Rory didn't want him to be alone.

The car door opened. A guard sat on the opposite end, near the window, and gave her the standard greeting: an emotionless stare. With a shaky breath, Rory made her way into the vehicle, quickly taking note of the three unnamed men. One she sat next to, another in the driver's seat, and the last one positioned in the trunk. She settled into her spot and looked at the unnamed man beside her, whose attention faced forward.

He's so serious, she thought. No smile? Nothing? Shit. We're only going to an undisclosed location where we'll probably die. The least he could do is say hello.

The touch of a hand went to her chin and she turned her head. "If you're going to stare at anyone Bambi, I would like to think I'm a more suitable option."

Harry's tone was teasing and light - a refreshing change from how thick and suspenseful the surrounding air felt. He was trying to keep her mind distracted, not let her thoughts wander too far, knowing how quickly she could spiral. Rory appreciated what he was doing - it reminded her how well he knew her. Seeing the slight glint of jealousy in his eyes was an enjoyable bonus.

"Keeping my options open," she murmured.

Her eyes were only for him. But she wouldn't tell him that. Not yet, at least. And especially not surrounded by guards in a car used as transportation to a meeting place set by their robot computer stalker.

His hand dropped from her chin but found a new home on her thigh, just above her knee. She liked having his touch there - the way his thumb moved back and forth, stroking the inside of her leg was a nice distraction.

Unfortunately for the poor Bambi, there was only so much Harry's distractions could do before she was reminded of why they sat in the car and where they were going.

The passenger side opened. "Drive," the man immediately instructed upon taking his seat and slamming the car door shut. His eyes flickered up, looking into the rearview mirror. "Are you comfortable, Miss Young?"

"Yes," she weakly replied as the engine roared to life. "Thank you, Mr. Romano."

"Before I forget," he reached in front and opened the glove box, pulling out a small lunch box. "Doctor Khan wanted you to have some food. It's not a long drive, but you know how she worries."

Rory took the pink fabric bag and placed it on her lap. No one else seemed phased by the gesture. Harry was more focused on stroking her thigh and looking out the window. And it wasn't like she could count on any of the three guards to make any expression other than looking constipated.

Opening the bag, she noticed all her favourite snacks. "Will Doctor Khan be with us at the location?"

"No," Stefano bluntly replied. "She will be nearby and highly protected, but she won't be allowed on the property."

"Is she okay?"

The man's gaze softened. "She is." Stefano cleared his throat and diverted his attention to his cell phone, signalling the conversation was finished. Rory didn't take insult to his action. She found it endearing. The usually stoic and cold, angry man quickly softened over his love for the Doctor - and the presumed unknown desire to protect the little Bambi in the backseat.

"Hey, look at that," Harry commented, putting his arm over Rory's shoulders. "Shark gummies. Your favourite."

She knows me well, Rory wanted to say but forced herself to swallow the words.

As the car fell into a deep silence, Stefano reached forward and turned on the radio - a gesture of distraction as the car approached its destination. Rory wished she could eat the food in front of her to pass the time, but the way her stomach tightened into a knot made her fear anything she tried to consume would come right back up.

And just when she thought the feeling inside her couldn't get any worse, the car slowed to a complete stop.

Stefano pressed his finger to his ear. "Start the search."

Feeling her palm slick with sweat, she tried to pull her hand out of Harry's. However, the second she attempted her great escape, he tightened his grasp and said, "Don't."

"But it's-"

"I don't care." The hand not intertwined with hers went to her cheek. "Breathe, Bambi."

The simple reminder made the frightened girl realize she had been holding her breath. Gasping for air, she tried to remember how one did such a thing.

"In through your nose...," Harry guided her in a gentle voice, "... out through your mouth."

Rory followed along, filling her lungs with as much oxygen as she could bear. It was starting to feel natural until she heard Stefano announce, "It's standard procedure. Let's move."

"Shit," Harry muttered.

Her eyes widened at his reaction. She assumed he didn't mean to utter that word out loud, but there was little time to question it as the car doors flew open.

"Ready?" Stefano asked, directing his question to Harry.

"Give us a minute." Harry waited until the man exited the car before looking at Rory. "Rory, I need you to listen to me, okay?"

She nodded.

"Words, Rory." His tone was firm, but his glance exposed a hint of wariness.

"O-okay."

"You trust me, yes?"

"Yes."

"You know I'm going to do everything I can to protect you, yes?"

"Yes."

His thumb gently grazed the skin of her cheek. "I know I've already asked way too fucking much of you... But I will need you to stay strong for me a little longer." The fear written across her face made his cold heart crack. He hated himself more than ever for being why she felt that way. "Only speak when spoken to and keep your answers short. Okay?"

Her bottom lip trembled as she managed to answer, "Okay."

"You're strong, Rory. The strongest person I've ever met, and don't forget that."

"I-I'm strong," she whispered so quietly she was surprised her words were audible.

Harry dipped his head forward. "You are strong. Say it."

"I'm strong," she repeated. This time, the words sounded somewhat believable.

"Again."

Taking a deep breath, she said, "I'm strong."

"That's my girl." He glanced over his shoulder. "We have to go in now."

Rory nodded, taking his hand as she slid across the seat and exited the car. Taking in the area, her legs trembled as they walked along the cobbled pathway, heading to the rest of the group. The end of the path led to a small one-story abandoned home. The grass surrounding the house was overgrown, having not been maintained in years. All the windows were boarded up, covered by planks of wood. With walls made of crumbling brick and a roof that begged to cave in, the fact the house remained standing felt like an accomplishment.

"I think I know this place," Kip commented, taking another step forward. "I've been here before."

Harry and Dallas exchanged a glance but remained quiet. Quickly taking note of how the others reacted, Rory also remained silent, opting to let her internal thoughts scream the question she wished she could ask,

What do you mean you've been here before?!

"We will have eyes everywhere," Stefano said, "If there's any sudden movement, my men will be on it."

"Alright." Harry turned to the house. "Let's get this fucking over with."

Harry led the way to the front door, gently pulling Rory along. She turned her head, spotting Kip walking right on her heels, looking more frightened than she was. Reaching out her hand, she took hold of his and gave him a small smile.

"Thanks, Ro," Kip whispered.

Pushing the front door open, Harry scanned the surroundings before entering.

Rory took a deep breath, unknowingly sealing her fate as she stepped inside the house.

No lights were on, but a glow in the distance illuminated the space enough to guide their way through safely. Floorboards creaked under her feet with every step. Water stains were spread across every wall and covered the ceiling. Rory could feel Kip's grip on her hand tighten the further they walked and noticed how his eyes scanned every inch of the space around them.

How does he know this place? She wanted to ask.

Before she could ponder the question, they walked into the room with the glowing light. A projector, suspended from the ceiling, showed a message on the far wall.

WELCOME, AGENTS.

...

PLEASE WAIT FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.

...

HANDLER WILL BE ARRIVING SHORTLY.

...

...00:00.30... 00:00.29... 00:00.28... 00:00.27...

"Remember what I told you?" Harry whispered.

Rory tore her eyes away from the screen and licked her lips. "Speak only when spoken to."

"No, the other thing." When she failed to answer, Harry reminded her, "You're strong, Rory."

"Right," she said, nodding her head. "I'm-"

DING.

...0:00.10... 0:00.09... 00:00.08... 0:00.07...

"AGENTS," a robotic voice boomed throughout the house, "HANDLER IS ARRIVING. PLEASE PREPARE."

...0:00.03... 0:00.02... 00:00.01... 0:00.00...

The typed letters were replaced by a loading screen - one she always heard Kip complaining about. The spinning wheel of death, he would call it. A silent laugh rumbled inside her at the memory - something happy was a welcomed gift given their current state.

Rory quickly became reminded of how fleeting happiness could be.

Suddenly, the screen went black. Deafening silence spread throughout the house. Rory wanted to squeeze Harry's hand, but it felt numb. She couldn't move a muscle, not in her hand nor anywhere in her body. Her eyes remained glued to the black screen. With a breath hitched in her throat, Rory repeated Harry's words in a loop.

You're strong. You're strong. You're strong.

The screen glitched. Once. Twice. And then, a third time before, an image slowly appeared, revealing an individual. A white coat covered their shoulders with what looked like a name tag fastened to the breast pocket. Dark hair was fashioned and gathered in a low bun, away from the face. Lips painted with a smile that didn't feel inviting nor terrifying. Rory couldn't decipher if she would feel at ease by the presence or receive a lecture.

"Welcome, Agents. Ready to comply?" a delicate female voice asked. Met with silence, her grin broadened. "My, my... it appears we have all forgotten procedure. Not to worry... I'm sure we will all snap right back into things."

Rory stole a glance to the side, attempting to read the expression written across Harry's face. His brows knitted together, his eyes focused and glaring at the woman. Did he know her?

"I am aware how new this is for some of you," she continued. "Don't worry. I'll take things slow."

Someone in the line scoffed.

"Now, I'm sure you are eagerly waiting to know who I am. For my new ones, you may call me Handler. And I'll dive more into that in a bit. But for now, I want to get a good look at my brand new team!" The woman clasped her hands together. "Let's start with the reason we are all here. Zero-Zero-One,"

Harry winced.

"Please step forward."

Rory could feel his grip loosen its hold. His head turned, emerald green eyes meeting hers for only a brief moment before he looked away again. A soft whimper left her lips as he dropped her hand, but a gentle squeeze from Kip reminded her that she wasn't alone.

"Zero-Zero-One... with over a thousand kills and an impeccable record, you're certainly an impressive one to have on the team. A special individual you are, with a history I just adore..."

Faced with his back, Rory couldn't see how Harry was reacting. But based on how his muscles twitched and tensed, she couldn't imagine it was pleasant.

"But we'll dive more into that later." An underlying venomous tone laced each word the Handler said. "Always excelled in every category tested..." Her eyes focused on a clipboard as she flipped through the next page. "From what I can tell, you've been able to recall some of your memories. I'm not sure V would be happy to hear that. After all the work done to ensure you become your true self..." she tsked. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll return to who you truly are while making amends for your crimes. Dismissed."

As Harry returned to the line, his hand didn't make its way to Rory's. She didn't want to push him - but her heart couldn't help but ache with a sense of loneliness.

"T-Dash-Zero-Zero-One. Step forward."

Dallas walked to the same spot Harry stood in not too long ago.

"Trainer to Zero-Zero-One... my reports show you excelled quite well in the program, aside from some issues with learning. You know, I thought those tests were a little... unfair. You excel in many other ways that don't appear on a written test. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes, Handler."

The woman's eyes gleamed with delight over his response. "Excellent."

As the interaction continued, Harry reached to the side and took hold of Rory's hand, intertwining their fingers.

"Do you believe your capabilities are currently being used to their full potential?"

Dallas remained silent.

"Answer, Agent."

"N-no, Handler."

"Dismissed."

Dallas returned to his previous spot, walking with his head hanging low.

"P-Dash-RED. Please step forward."

Kip took a deep breath, squeezing Rory's hand one final time before he let go and walked to the spot.

"Ah, the boy who somehow managed to survive. The sole survivor from Program Red and my little mastermind behind the keyboard. I hope I didn't cause you too many sleepless nights, my poor boy." Her tone sounded slightly condescending when speaking to Kip, treating him in a way that made him seem more like a child than a grown man. "Quite literally the runt of the litter... but V saw something special in you... and that powerful mind of yours. That paired with your brotherly relationship with Zero-Zero-One... it's no wonder you survived. V always liked ensuring the golden boy was well taken care of."

Returning to the line moments later, Kip was replaced by Colson.

"Not much to say about you," the woman bluntly said. "The only remarkable note I have is your contribution to Zero-Zero-One's escape. Well, if a contribution counts as being in the wrong place at the right time."

Looking to the side, Rory watched the pain spread across Harry's expression. His eyes were shut, head hanging down. The hand not holding hers was clenched in a tight fist.

"The childhood best friend that came in to rescue the day..." the woman flipped to another page. "I have video, but it's not worth my time to play. However, Zero-Zero-One's face when he hears his name is quite adorable. But you? Unremarkable. Dismissed."

Turning around, Colson rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath.

"I-Dash-Zero-One. Step forward."

Stefano moved into position.

"Your funds created this problem. Therefore, your funds will fix it. Dismissed."

Harry looked up, appearing just as surprised as everyone else. If they thought Colson's exchange was short, Stefano's set a record. However, the man returned to his spot, appearing relieved. It wasn't like a long exchange was a good thing. The quicker, the better.

"And last, but certainly not least, Rory. Please step forward."

Her real name was the only one the woman had used - a fact that sent a chill down her spine. Rory slowly stepped into position, mentally chanting a reminder to herself.

You are strong, Rory. You are strong, Rory. You are strong, Rory. You are strong, Rory.

"Healing well, I hope?"

Rory's bottom lip trembled as she realized where the women's attention lay - to the spot where her skin was stitched together in an X.

"Oh, poor girl. Don't look so frightened. You can speak."

"Y-you tried to kill me!"

"Kill you? I would never do something like that."

Rory's eyes widened. "So, you weren't the one that entered my apartment?"

"Oh, well, yes, I was. But that was to teach Zero-Zero-One a lesson. Not to kill you. Don't be so silly. You're my favourite, Rory. Why would you think I'd want to kill you?"

"B-because there's an error b-by my name, and y-you hurt me, and-"

"Rory," a voice warned from behind.

"Don't interrupt her!" The woman snapped. Her eyes softened as her attention returned to the girl. "You, my dear, are the smartest one in the room. With an IQ nearing one hundred and fifty... it angers me how these men treat you. As for your name, I just wanted you here to see the change."

RORY // ERROR

...

RORY // SIREN

"Miss Rory Young. Our beautiful siren. Your outstanding talents have impressed me for quite a while. I am excited to see just how far you flourish. With your beauty and brains, it's a deadly combination. Look at what you've done to our stone-cold killer. Turned him into a lovesick puppy."

Only speak when spoken to. She didn't ask you a question. Don't open your mouth.

"I have to say, it was quite entertaining watching him break. But nothing compares to the night you escaped back to your apartment... when he pleaded for you on the street. Did I make the bath water too hot?" Handler mocked, "Forget to buy your favourite snacks? Delete one of your shows?" A cackle filled the room. "God, it was so pathetic. And then, to top it all off, he sat outside your work, night after night, watching you - making sure you got home safe."

Harry did that?

"You should have been the look on his face when he saw you leave one night with that boy. I bet his blood boiled over the sight... and the best part is, you're not even with Andrew, are you, Siren?"

Handler asked you a question, Rory. Answer.

"N-no, I'm not."

"In fact, as I have it here... you told Andrew you couldn't be with him because you had feelings for Harry. Didn't you, Siren?"

"I did," she whispered.

"Adorable. Have you been near any water lately?"

Rory's eyes widened. Does she know about the other night? When I hallucinated? Or was she just asking? Oh, god. Does she know how often I think about Juliet?

"Dismissed, Siren."

Rory sucked in a breath and took a cautious step before returning quickly to her spot. Now she understood why Harry didn't take hold of her hand immediately. Her mind felt numb - confused by such a simple interaction. She didn't know whether she wanted to cry, collapse due to exhaustion, or laugh at how insane it all felt.

There was little time to think about it before Handler continued.

"Now that our fun introductions are out of the way let's get to the reason we are all here. You don't know me. But you knew my brother, Zero-Zero-One."

Silence hushed the room as everyone turned to Harry and waited with bated breath.

Harry's brows pinched together. "Who's your brother?"

"Alex." The sudden shock washing across Harry's face filled the women with joy. "Ah, it's all connecting now, isn't it? Why you can recognize me but can't put a name to a face? Well, now you know. Your best friend in the program... the one you called your brother... was my brother. Before V took him from me and worked him to his death."

"Alex is... dead?"

"Of course, he's dead. Did you think when someone disappeared from the program, they were just let go?" she sneered. "V used my brother to challenge you - to make you work harder. V wanted you to succeed and used him to push you there. But when your talents were being perfected, even that wasn't enough. No longer was my brother only used to help you become this perfectly moulded agent; V wanted it replicated. And made my brother create it."

"Create what?"

"Mission fourteen. Your last mission."

"What is this, some fucking joke?" he spat, nostrils flaring from annoyance. "I only completed-"

"I am aware of what you think you completed. But I know how many you did complete." An evil grin crossed her lips. "Tell me, Zero-Zero-One... Did you honestly think V would let you leave without doing anything in return? There were two final missions. One you can remember - or at least somewhat recall - which was mission thirteen. And another V ensured you would forget. Mission fourteen."

Harry turned his head to the side, looking at Dallas for answers. But as his friend returned the confused glance, the pit in his stomach grew. Mission fourteen. Surely there was no way another mission exited. Harry couldn't recall everything - but he always knew the number of missions he had completed.

Images appeared on the screen as Handler continued, "Mission fourteen involved the creation of KSS. Better known as the Killshot Serum - designed and perfected to create an army of you. No longer would they have to train individuals to become you - they now possessed the power to alert one's DNA to transform anyone into exactly what they needed. A perfectly moulded, genetically modified Agent."

A video started. Filmed on a camcorder, the opening shot provided a view of a laboratory. At first, the room was empty. It stayed that way for a few moments before a face appeared. There he was. Alex. Harry could see him on the screen, documenting his trial runs of the serum.

For many years, Alex's face was a blur in Harry's mind. They never spoke his name, fearing the guilt his memory would bring to light. But the second he appeared on screen, Harry could feel a pit in his stomach begin to form. He remembered Alex.

He looks so young, Harry thought to himself. Even the tired lines around his bloodshot eyes couldn't deny the fact that Alex was no man on the screen - he was just a boy. Another boy who lost their childhood. A boy who was forced to submit others, just like him, into the program.

"This is trial number thirteen," he said, with a voice strained and evident of exhaustion.

As Alex stepped away, the camera panned to a patient strapped down on a table, waiting to be injected.

"I'll stop it there," Handler announced, removing the video from the screen, "I don't want our beautiful Siren to see too much of what happens next."

Harry's neck strained. At least she's being thoughtful of Rory. "So, you want me to find this serum so you can create your own army?"

"Of course not," she sneered. "I want it destroyed. Others are trying to go after it - people who will use that serum for horrible things like creating more of you."

It's not like I asked to be this fucking way, he wanted to yell. But the other side of him, the one trained by the program that created a serum he couldn't remember, forced the words to never escape.

"My brother gave his life to making that serum. And I want it destroyed. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could give some horrible people the ability to control everything. We've already seen the destruction you've caused... the lives you've ruined. You killed innocent people. And while you can wash your hands clean, blame it on forgetting, those families, much like fine, are still suffering from what you did."

An image flashed through his mind, causing his neck to twitch. It was fast, gone in within a second. Yet it managed to paint a vivid picture. Viles of liquid in a locked case. He could see himself looking at it. They were real.

With his jaw locked so tightly, it neared chipping his front teeth, he gritted out, "If you want the fucking serum, get it yourself."

The woman fell silent, pressing her lips tightly together. Harry wasn't going to do it. Not by choice, that was.

"I've tried. But unfortunately, you are the only one that can retrieve it."

Any brief control Harry possessed over his anger faltered slightly as he snarled, "And why's that?"

"Because you're the only one that knows where it is."

"Doesn't that solve your fucking problem, then? Because I sure as hell don't want it." Let alone remember where it is.

"For years it appeared that way... that was until a certain group started to make some moves that arose suspicion." New images from CCTV cameras appeared on the screen. "And two of your enemies decided to join forces."

One image showed a man. The other showed a hooded figure.

"Luca," Stefano muttered in disbelief. "I knew that son-of-a-bitch wasn't dead."

Stepping toward the screen to get a better look, Harry scanned over every inch of the displayed image. The pit in his stomach grew, begging to swallow him hole. No, please, no, he silently prayed. Harry could recognize that person anywhere. The one who ruined his life and tore his childhood away. The one who made him into this, someone he could barely look at in the mirror.

"Yes, as I-dash-Zero-One has pieced together, the man is Luca, also known as the dead brother-in-law. While the other is believed to be-"

Harry was the one who spoke; his voice strained as he uttered, "V."

"Precisely. Now you can see why this is so important. The person who ruined your life and turned you into a monster that destroyed thousands... isn't dead after all."

The sweat pooled at the back of his neck. His first turned white as he balled them up by his side. He needed to get out of his headspace and stay calm. An agent never acts out of line. His neck twitched. I'm not an agent anymore.

With heavy breaths, Harry did his best to keep the anger contained. An agent never acts out of line.

Harry winced. I don't act out of line.

His eyes fell back to the hooded figure. An agent never acts out of line. I'm not an agent anymore. An agent never acts out of line. I don't act out of line. I'm not a-

Before he could stop himself, his fist wound back. Harry punched the wall right where the image of the hooded figure was displayed. Drywall cracked around his hand and crumbled to the floor.

"Harry-" he could hear Rory's voice say behind him.

That's not my name.

"Rory, don't-" a voice that sounded like Dallas said.

"Zero-Zero-One, please remain where you are," Handler announced. "All other Agents, you are dismissed. We will be in touch soon."

"Dismissed?" Rory cried. "I'm not leaving!"

"Rory-"

"Get your hands off me!" she yelled, wrestling herself free.

A grunt of pain escaped Dallas. "What the fuck Rory?! You just punched me in the balls!"

"Harry!" Rory said, managing to reach out and touch his arm. "Harry-"

His head turned, catching her glossed-over eyes. Dallas managed to get himself off the ground and grab hold of Rory, restraining her arms as he pulled her back. All the anger that caused his blood to boil moments ago suddenly vanished upon seeing her face.

"Dallas," Harry said, signalling for him to stop. Once released, Harry took another step toward her and cupped her cheeks with his hands. "Remember what I told you," he told her softly.

She shook her head. "No, I'm not leaving you," her voice cracked with pain.

"Rory-"

"No!" A tear fell, rolling down her cheek. "She's making you think you're that person again," Rory whispered. "And you're not!"

"Rory, please," he begged. Moving his thumb along the skin of her cheek, he brushed away her fallen tears. "Be strong for me and wait outside. I'll be right there."

Dropping his touch, Harry took a step back and nodded to Dallas. He forced his body to turn back to the screen. Knowing if he watched her cry and struggle to break out of Dallas's grasp, the chances of him giving him were far too high. Hearing her cries was hard enough. Seeing it destroyed him.

Once the front door closed and the cries stopped, Handler commented, "My, my... that was quite the performance."

"Don't punish her," Harry said, his head hanging low, "She doesn't know the rules."

The woman was delighted to see the agent break so easily. "I never want to hurt precious Siren. It pains me when I have to use her to teach you a lesson."

Harry nodded. "I know."

"I am giving you the opportunity to help me fix what is wrong with this world - to do something good for once instead of adding to your never-ending list of sins." Images of those he killed flashed across the screen as Handler continued, "The Killshot program ruined lives and killed thousands of innocent people. All in the name of greed. Help me find the serum, and I'll give you the one thing you could never gain after escaping."

"And what do you think that is?"

"Your eternal freedom from the program - if you want it, that is," she said. "I'm not here to hold your past against you."

"Really?"

"Of course not, Zero-Zero-One. I'm here to offer you a chance never to allow someone else to hold the things you've done over you again. With that and the cure, you may live a perfectly normal life. Wouldn't that be nice?" Handler grinned. "I'm sure there's someone who would enjoy being normal with you."

Harry felt a pain in his chest hearing that word.

The girl that would risk her life just to be in the same room wanted that.

Normal. That's what Rory wanted.

Harry could tell how often she thought about and pictured her life to be that way. He overheard her speaking to Kip and the evident desperation in her voice when she expressed her thoughts. Rory wanted normal. She wanted it badly. And Harry wanted to be the one to give her that.

"Keep in mind, Harry. I know everything you've done. Everything. Stefano may have been granted the photos, but I hold the evidence. So, unless you want those around you to know of the pain you caused them, I suggest you take my offer seriously."

"And if I don't?"

Handler sighed. "I was hoping I wouldn't have to do this." The woman raised a device and spoke into it. "Target Siren."

The screen showed a bird's eye view right outside the house. The camera zoomed in to where Rory nervously stood by the car. Harry could see the others trying to calm her down, but the poor thing was frightened beyond repair.

"Aim."

The second he heard Handler say the word, he knew what was happening. A small red dot appeared on Rory's skin, right between her eyes. His chest clenched, eyes widening with fear. It reminded him of that night he found her - when he failed and allowed her to get hurt.

"Call it off."

That red dot was like the pool of blood he found her body lying in. Handler laughed, watching the agent in front of her fall apart. And hearing such an irritating sound caused his skin to flush with anger that spread throughout his body like wildfire.

"Call it off!" Harry yelled, "Call it fucking off right now!"

"Cease."

The red dot vanished, and the camera zoomed out.

"God, aren't I glad you learned what it's like to use that organ beating in your chest. It's nice to see it's functional," the woman said. "So easy to manipulate the so-called best killer in the world."

"Rory is innocent. She's not fucking a part of this."

"From the moment she stepped foot in this house, she signed her life away. Her life, just like the rest of you, is on the line. Your entire team will suffer the consequences should you fail to recover and return the serum. Understood?"

Harry's jaw clenched. "Understood."

"Excellent. I enjoyed our first exchange. We will be in touch regarding your first mission. And don't worry, I play fair. As long as you follow orders, no one needs to get hurt." There was a pause of silence before Handler uttered words Harry hadn't heard in years. "You always were V's sweet boy, weren't you?"

"What did you just say?"

The sounds of music filling the space drowned out his thoughts. He wanted to scream at Handler to turn it off - it pained his mind to hear. His head throbbed as it began to surrender. No longer could Harry think for himself - it became a chore to think of anything other than falling into a state that three words caused.

Three words that controlled him; forced him into submission.

Ready...

To...

Comply...

Suddenly, everything went dark. 

oh no! i hope poor haroldina is ok :(