I felt myself stirring from unconsciousness, my head buzzing with drowsiness and limbs stiff from being cramped for too long; a dull, frozen pulsating accompanying the faint pulse that coursed through my veins. Suddenly the scene from before flashed across my memory and my stomach churned, questions emerging from the chaos of my thoughts.

Where was I?

Who killed the guards?

Did I die?

I had so many questions, but no voice to express them. I heard shuffling beside me, and someone trying to stifle a cough. Dare I open my eyes to quell my curiosity? If they thought I was unconscious, then I possessed the element of surprise. I opened my eyes to meet another pair staring at me intently- making us both jump and retract a few good inches. I tried to leap up but my sore joints prevented me from making any immediate movements. I flinched momentarily but quickly recovered, eyeing my opponent with a challenging glare. He was young-ish, with slightly wavy, dirty blonde hair that was shaved at the sides; bright green eyes and a startled expression.

Green eyes. Not the figure I encountered in the facility.

"Whoa! Whoa! Calm down, I'm friendly!" I quirked a brow at my new 'friend', shuffling back into a more comfortable position; hoping that if he did intend to harm me, then he would've done so while I was unconscious. Nonetheless I kept a careful eye on the young man's movements.

"So..." Started the brunette, breaking the awkward silence with a glance in my direction. "What's your name?" When I didn't reply he smiled reassuringly and ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm Mini. We use code-names here, by the way." I was immediately puzzled; despite his name, 'Mini' was not small by any estimation. He had broad shoulders and a visibly tones body, a few scars adorning the pale flesh of his arms. He seemed to notice my confused gaze and traced his index finger over the damaged flesh.

"I've got a lot of scars. We all do, here." He turned his head towards the rising sun with a somewhat wistful expression. "This is no place for the weak. Here, war still devastates our streets – but between gangs. I can lead you to the border if you want, so you can go on your way? It's a lot safer." He met my calm gaze once again. I shook my head and let out a shaky, yet intoxicating laugh; a frenzied grin growing on my face as adrenaline began to course through my veins.

"War is just what I need."