A/N: This is a long chapter, but it is my longest chapter and my writing so far will not have one nearly as long. Enjoy! 

-E

I awoke the next morning to a horrible alarm that seemed to be coming from outside. Coming to, I was once again jolted awake in realization that I was not at home. I just stared at the ceiling waiting for the alarm to stop.

"I really hate that damn alarm," Jasha grunts from her bed.

"Does it go off like that every day?"

"Yup. Its 6am by the way. They want us up early for cardio then well get breakfast and then more training afterwards. It depends what you're good at but since your new you'll probably have to try it all. Find what you're actually good at."

Hm, at least she was being helpful. I'd had no idea what to expect today, "thanks. I just really wish I didn't have to be here at all. Or do any of this. I mean they're literally forcing us."

"Speak for yourself. I volunteered to be here." With that, she walked out the door.

The air left my lungs. What? How and why would she do that? Who would want a life like this? I shook my head as I stepped outside after her. Once in the hallway it was like high school again. Tons of kids, young adults, all walking and talking together. I was surprised actually by the diversity of both boys and girls. Cecil had made it seem like they had all boys. I follow the direction the crowd is going as we round a final corner and out doors leading to outside the walls.

"Listen up, we got several groups going today. A 10 mile group with Tony, 8 mile group with Kiara, 6 mile group with Ray, and a 3 mile group with Ethan. Pick your group and try to keep up."

The group dispersed and thinned out as I tried to remember what Ethan looked like. I was able to join a group led by a ginger, hoping it was the right one. It wasn't. Halfway through, I was dying. My lungs felt bruised, and my aching ribs were no exception. We had definitely gone farther than 3 miles by now, if I was in the right group. That was when I figured out we had already gone at least 4 miles, and I was running with Ray. At least I'd made a few new friends in the back.

By the time we made it back to the grounds, I almost fell on my knees in pain. Bridget, whom I had met during the run, had disappeared towards the end. For some reason, everyone gained this ridiculous speed once the castle came into view, pushing themselves to the finish line, pulling energy I had used up a long time ago.

I stopped too short though, surprised when a few guards from the castle came to forcefully grab me and drag me back. Apparently I was violating rules if I was too far. 

I was the last person to get back to the castle so I walked back and inside alone. I surmised that I took a wrong turn though when I ran into someone. I backed away from him, automatically holding wincing and holding my midsection. When I recovered, I put my hands up in apology. Until I looked into his dark blue eyes. Not again.

"Well, look who it is. The newest recruit," he gave me another one of his cocky side grins.

"I was going to say sorry, but I don't think you're worth the apology."

"Ouch. Ya know I do have feelings, even if I am a vampire," he feigned a hurt look and pouted his lips.

"Oh please," I laughed. "You're practically made of stone."

"Well, you wouldn't know yet, would you?" he said as he suggestively stepped towards me.

"I don't have time for this right now. For," I motioned toward his whole body, "you. I'm hungry." I admit before turning around.

Next thing I know, he's walking right next to me. "Just thought I'd make sure you don't get lost again."

"I wasn't lost."

"Sure, so were you looking for me then?"

"No... I was lost," I gave in, as I absentmindedly rubbed my ribs.

"That's what I thought," he looked at me sideways as he began walking but stopped. "You may have fractured something, or bruised a rib or two." He frowned, "and your face doesn't look much better than last night... I can help you."

"How? The infirmary was closed."

"Was. But anyways, I'm more helpful than they are, trust me." He says but still seems reserved about something.

"Ok... then please help me," I say as I shrug my shoulders. "You've already more or less proved I could trust you."

"Well I just don't want to freak you out..." his eye's squint and he looks down at his arm. "I-I'd have to give you my blood."

I blink. I must not have heard that correctly, right? "How exactly would that help me?" I demand, immensely disturbed.

He grabs hold onto my shoulders firmly and shakes me. "I promised you could trust me, and you can... It will just heal your wounds."

Just? Or could it, change me? I step away from him, letting his words sink in. Would his blood really heal me? Or would it do more? How was that possible? I bark a laugh aloud, a lot more thing's seemed possible as of late. Do I just say hell with it? I was in a lot of pain... but maybe I could work through it.

"O-Ok. Fine," I say impulsively.

He nods his head and raises his arm slowly then turns partially away. I can't help but roll my eyes that he was trying to shield me from seeing blood when I'd have to drink it. When he turns back around, a pool of blood is building in his palm.

"Here, you'll barely need more than a drop for it to start taking effect."

Hesitantly, I lower my head down, shooting a glance up to him before fully committing. Feeling completely ridiculous, I open my mouth and try to take one sip, coughing when its thick metal tasting substance slides down my throat.

He laughs beside me and for a second I think he got me. Blood would never heal someone of course, I'm an idiot! But then a warming feeling spreads to my cheeks, much like that of when I begin to feel effects of alcohol. The same spreads to my ribs, yet with slight more pain before comfort.

"Wow that, I think that actually worked," I say to him, trying to hide my awe.

He had stopped his laughter once I'd stopped coughing. I noticed the blood in his hand was gone and no cut remained in its place.

"Course it did," he motions for me to follow him. "C'mon, I'll take you to the dining hall." He then leads me around several confusing turns before he holds the door to the dining hall open. By this time, my nose would've led the rest of the way, but I continued and walked in with him.

Upon our entrance, or I guess his entrance, more than half the dining hall stopped talking to look. God, I did not want this much attention. It was my first day. He smiled and nodded at me before he preceded to go right. I went left as I looked around the massive room. It was like all the other rooms and hallways here, made of stone. But this had stone tables too. Atop the tables was a burlap table runner and an expanse of foods trays and platters and candles. Overall, the room was rather dark, but the sun was coming from the stained glass windows.

I chose a seat in a group of girls, having only recognized Bridget. I barely knew her, but then again this was place was more or less a prison. What did I have to lose?

"Hi, I'm Alexis," I announced as I sat down.

I smiled at Bridget sitting across from me, "hello again," said the cute platinum blonde girl I had already met during the run. She frowned slightly, most likely noticing my lack of bruises on my face but thankfully didn't say anything.

"Tammy," a dark haired brunette says beside me.

"And you know me," Jasha says on the other side of Tammy. Great, the volunteer.

"So," Tammy looks at me with big green eyes, swimming with excitement. "You're new here. How are you liking it?"

"You are kidding right?" I was dumbfounded. "I hate this place. I want out." I said grabbing bread and eggs.

"Really?" She seemed upset by my response, frowning down at the table.

I stare down at my still empty plate. Was that disappointment in her tone? What was with these people?

"Nah, it's just 'cause you're new," Bridget said whilst eating an apple. "You'll get more used to it. I mean believe me, I want to go home too, but once you pass the field test, you can." She shrugged and continued, "just now you have a full time job to continue with."

"Field test-" I try asking.

"Yeah, B's right," Tammy amended. "I remember it was hard for me too in the beginning, but you will adjust."

"Yeah, besides, it seems like you already have an effect on Tyler, so..." Jasha commented.

This conversation. I couldn't keep up. "Tyler?" I looked at her incredulous, "But he's such an ass."

"Mmm, but with such dreamy eyes..." Bridget's eyes wondered toward the front. I followed her gaze to a table of them all. Cecil was among them. Must have been where the "elites" sit, or the vampires. I wasn't even looking at Tyler, just scanning them all. Until my eyes did settle on him. And he was looking right back at me, he winked.

I quickly looked back down at my plate. "Just look at his jawline," Tammy spoke beside me, and I watched Tyler smile. He can hear us. He is cute, but he is the reason I'm here. He's one of them, the enemy.

"So," I had to change the conversation. "What was that about a field test?"

Tammy shrugged, "its like a final exam." 

Jasha interjected the part of the exam she knew would be easy for her. And so we continued casual conversation until another ring went off. This time less intense, but it still got everyone up and moving. Bridget walked with me as we continued outside with the mass. The noise grew as people began their training. Clanking of swords, grunts from boxers in the ring, and dropping weights.

Bridget patted me on the shoulder and gave me an apologetic look, "Sorry, I have to get to my own training. But someone will come by to help you." I watched her walk away as she wrapped her hands in front of the heavy bags.

"Looks like you're with me today," an all too familiar voice came from my left.

I knew who it was before I turned around. Why was it always him?

"Lucky me."

"Not so much. I'll be tough. I don't care that it's your first day," he roughly grabbed my shoulder and directed me towards the first activity I'd be doing, boxing. "Your gonna love this Alexis."

~*~

"So you're just gonna throw me in the ring? Against who?"

"You and your roommate are going to have some bonding time," he says while nodding towards Jasha.

Great. She looked tough. "Psh, I can beat her," I said aloud. Then more to myself, "eventually."

I followed Tyler to a bin full of gloves, mouth guards, hand wraps, and all kinds of pads. He shoved some items into my hands and told me to "figure it out." I looked in Jasha's direction, watching her put on hand wraps then a mouth guard, and the gloves. Behind me, I admired Bridget as she took on her opponent, the bag. I probably could've used some warming up with that first.

Following Jasha's lead, I put on my gear before heading into the ring. It was elevated and Tyler helped me into it. He then began instructing me on basic moves and blocks. Ok, alright. I got this. I can do this. Breathe.

Jasha looked menacing from her side of the ring. I tried to do my best to focus and think about how crappy of a roommate she'd been so far. Maybe she would respect me if I could beat her, but then maybe she'd hate me more... Then again, I didn't really care.

Behind me, Tyler shouted "GO!" as Jasha came jumping at me. I held up my gloves to block my face as a hard blow knocked me backwards. Recovering, I lowered my gloves, preparing to throw one back. Instead, I got a blow to my abdomen. I hunkered down as she came at me again. From my peripherals I could see her circling me. I took a deep breath and jumped away from her. I turned around quickly and shot a quick kick in her gut.

She rebounded too quickly though and spun around swinging at my face. I was dealt blow after blow, backing away after each time. The gloves were hardly doing enough to block the punches, as I felt the corner of the ring on my back. The continual punching was making my head dizzy. After her next blow, I pushed both of my gloves into her. As I was pushing her back, I raised my right knee to her abdomen. Then my left. I kneed her again and again until she eventually learned my pattern and used her leg to push my left knee out. I lost my balance but recovered by side lunging to the left and actually avoiding her hit. I swung my right leg into her groin and dealt a powerful left hook immediately after. She was backing away from me now.

I had the upper hand, but it wouldn't be for long. I needed a knockout move. After taking several more swings, I turned around to do a back kick and pushed her into the corner of the ring. Her head hit the back as she tried to steady herself. I backed away to breathe and refocus. Thank you gymnastics.

She held up her left hand and fell on her right. "No more," she breathed. "Damn girl that was," she was breathing heavy, "your good at this."

Not feeling much better than she looked, I took off my right glove and held out my hand to her. "Good fight," I said helping her up.

She raised her eyebrows and leaned forward as she pointed a glove at me, "I'll be ready for ya next time."

Tyler held the ring as she exited, eyeing me from the outside. "I must say, I am surprised. That was very good." He amended, "well, good for a first time. We'll have to get you some better opponents for next time. So don't think you can always win."

"Thanks," I breathed. "But that wasn't easy."

"Yeah, yeah," he motioned me towards him. "C'mon, you still have more stations to go to."

Once I put my equipment back, I noticed Bridget had stopped, and was smiling at me. Maybe she would be my opponent another time, I smiled back.

I followed Tyler next to the weight training area, "this is pretty standard. Considering how well you did in the ring, I'm sure you're familiar with this. Let's move on."

We continued on now to the sword fighting. This one would not be as easy for me, I could tell. He eyed me, "You think you can handle this one as easily?"

"Can you read my mind too?" I asked, realizing I did not want to know his answer, "No, I already know this is going to be a lot more difficult for me... and don't answer that. I don't want to know."

He laughed, "No, I can't read minds. That would be, excessive," he stepped toward the weapon stand and pulled out a sword. I had no idea what it was made of, or how big it was. I mean I'd only seen swords in movies. And those sword fights never looked fun. Did he really expect to throw me in on a fight using one of these when I could seriously get hurt?

"Well go on, take it," he held it out to me, waggling it in front of me when I didn't take it right away. I tentatively took it, and it instantly dropped. I was not expecting it to be that heavy. Adjusting to its heavy weight, I eyed him warily as I pulled it up. Examining it more closely, I could see it was very rusty. Did they ever take care of these?

"Um, when was the last time you had these sharpened?" I didn't know much about swords, but I did know they had to be maintained to be useful.

"Don't worry about that," he waved me off. "We purposely don't upkeep them so you won't get as hurt in training." He turned around and whistled at someone in the distance. Yeah, like this won't hurt me.

"Chase!" he called a guy over. I really had to battle a boy? I'd never win.

A guy looking about my age came up to us. He had brown hair and steely green eyes. He slowed when he saw me, seeming to be surprised.

He nodded at me, "you new?"

"Well of course," I said a little too bluntly. Tyler laughed next to me. I amended, "I'm Alexis," holding out my hand.

"Uh, yeah," he shook my hand. "Chase."

"You are gonna fight against Alexis." Tyler said as he stepped towards him, "and you're going to have to step up you're game for it." He turned to me now, saying it almost proudly, "she just beat Jasha in the ring."

I folded my arms at him, "I thought you said it was only good for a first time."

Chase snorted, "Jasha? I'll bet she's pissed."

Tyler raised his eyebrows at me, clearly choosing to not acknowledge my last comment. 

Chase faced me again. "Alright, let's see what you got then, newbie."

Bring it on. I looked at Tyler, "So any tips? Or you just gonna throw me in at it again?"

"Please, go ahead," he said, holding his hand up.

I nodded and followed Chase as he staggered his footing and faced me.

I began to swing the sword around, trying to adapt and get a good idea of how to maneuver it. He laughed and lunged for me. Instinctively, I blocked it. I swung it down and both our swords were pointed down into the ground. Without really thinking it through, I stepped on his sword and elbowed him.

"Ow," he rubbed his side, stepping back. "Hey that's cheating!" He was now pointing at me.

I secretly cheered inside. "Only if you say so," I shrugged

Tyler simply took my sword from me, holding it up. "I know you can fight. And I'm not saying it's cheating, but just try to use only the sword. I want to see if you're actually good at swinging a sword." He turned to Chase next, "and Chase, try to not be so dramatic. You've seen moves like that before." He dropped my sword and backed away, "Continue!"

"What? My sword!" I lunged for it right as Chase nipped me in the arm. It stung more than I was expecting as I automatically grabbed my arm. I barely had the sword in my grasp as I blindly swung it at him. He blocked it easily and threw it back, knocking me off balance. Ignoring my now bleeding bicep, I gripped the sword tighter.

We were both circling, and I was trying to keep good footwork so I wouldn't be knocked back again if he came at me. Deciding to make a move, I swung the sword around to get momentum, only realizing that by doing so I was leaving my torso defenseless. He grazed my stomach as my sword came down on his shoulder. Both recoiling from the attacks, we backed away from one another.

Damn, this was really beginning to suck. I was still holding my stomach when my head started to spin. I pulled my hand away and saw how deep the cut actually was. My head began to spin as I felt arms around me hold me up. In my blurred vision, I saw Chase's expression laced with concern.

~*~

Coming to, I was on a table in some kind of infirmary. A white sheet separated me from the next area but in front of me I was face to face with other kids. There were some holding broken wrists, others wincing from dislocated joints. Some had severe cuts like me. I looked down on my stomach, recalling now what had happened. But there was no cut. How? Was I dreaming? Nope, I was definitely still in this hellhole...

"How ya doing honey?" a female voice from behind me.

I turned to see a short haired ginger looking at my arm and beginning to examine my stomach. I watched her, entranced, and still amazed at how I healed. Or had I been out that long?

"Uh, nurse?" I didn't know what to call her, but she smiled at me. "Was I out for a very long time or were my cuts not actually that bad..?" I was so confused.

She smiled, "Oh no honey, Tyler brought you in not 15 minutes ago. He said he'd come back for you..." She trailed off as she looked around.

I shook my head, closing my eyes briefly, in denial, "No, that's not possible, my-"

"I know I know, but you were given a very strong dose of medicine."

"What?" I couldn't have healed that fast. My stomach cut had made me pass out after all, it must've been pretty bad.

"Vampires have an ability to heal very quickly. Once we examined their blood, we were able to make a medication that would do the same for humans. It's what I gave you." Unlike her warm demeanor prior, she now looked bored.

I was still dumbfounded as she ushered me off the bed and brought in another kid. I once again felt like the room was spinning. Whatever happened to humans dying of cuts during old wars? Why am I even referring to myself as human? That's how it's supposed to be!

My arm was being shaken as I was torn out of my inner rant. "Alex," Tyler looked at me peculiarly, "let's go. We have more work for you to do." Where'd he come from?

I willed my legs to follow although I felt like I'd left my mind behind. I was going crazy. Tyler's vice grip on my forearm was the only thing allowing any direction of movement. I hadn't realized how much I was resisting until he violently pulled me into his arms.

Surprised, I reacted by grabbing his shoulders. He had mine as he shook me. "Alex," he was calmer than I could handle, but it was what I needed. "Yes, you fainted from the extent of your wound. And yes, you healed because of a very revolutionary form of medicine made from our blood." He eyed me as he loosened his grip and let me go.

I shook my head, trying to catch up with everything I was hearing. This could be a good thing, I had healed in under 15 minutes from what could've been a mortal wound. Wait what?

He once again grabbed my wrist as I was propelled back into reality. We were at an archery range now. At least I would be less likely to sustain an injury here. I recognized Tammy as she shyly smiled at me from her spot about 50 yards from us.

I watched as Tyler took a bow and arrow from another weapon rack. He positioned it as if to shoot, trying to teach me. I was still in a fog though. Barely aware of what he was saying to me, I grabbed the bow and arrow from him. I turned as he put the pack of arrows over my shoulder and on my back.

He nodded for me to continue on to the range. Well, at least I could expect he would never actually teach me. Without even taking any time to try and see how others were shooting, I took a stance, readied my bow and released. I lowered my bow and looked at the target. Wait, had I aimed for that one, or was it another one... nope, I had just totally missed.

Attempt after attempt proved that archery was not my forte. Or maybe I was just distracted. Tyler patted me on the shoulder as he took my bow from me, "I think that's enough for now."

Well, at least we could move on to something else now. Although I sucked at archery, all the attempts helped me focus. And I was finally aware of the ground I was standing on again. For the most part. I still couldn't believe it was possible but I would have to think about it later.

"So," I tried to sound cheery. "What's next?"

"Shooting."

"With guns?"

He laughed, "Yes, with guns. We just did archery, so what else?" He amended, "Well there is throwing knives but that's considered more of target practice, rather than shooting."

"You teach us to throw knives." I said, completely devoid of emotion, yet managed some sarcasm. 

He smiled sideways at me, "yes, it's a form of fighting, of defense, of course we teach it."

"Hey Ty, I'm taking care o' her now," a voice came from behind me. Chills ran up my spine reflexively upon hearing his voice. Ross.

"And what accent are we faking today, Rossie?" Tyler says, reflecting my own thoughts.

"Very funny, Ty. I know you just love that nickname. I'm practicing for when I go out into the field more."

I snorted, "Right, because you did so well last time, they're sure to send you out again pretty soon."

"Yeah, and I wasn't talking about my name, but as long were on the subject of me," Tyler feigned flattery as he placed a hand on his heart. "No amount of practice will let you beat me." At least Tyler seemed to hate him too.

"Whatever dude. I know you're just upset because now I get to hang out with her," he nodded in my direction.

Tyler just rolled his eyes and turned to me, "just hold you're own with him. Or should I be saying that to you, Ross?" He punched his arm and walked away from us.

It was then that I realized I would have to actually deal with him for the rest of the day. "Well, we were going to shoot next. So let's, go. Show me where it is."

"Mhmm, well that was what Tyler wanted for you but," he turned back to Tyler walking further and further away. "Were not gonna do that. Were going to do some knife throwing."

I threw my hands in the air and sighed, "Show me the way."

He snickered at me and began walking, but not before he placed his hand on my lower back as he had before on our "date." I responded quickly by spinning around until his arm wasn't wrapped around me and I side stepped away from him. He looked at me.

"Why do you hate me so much?"

"Is that a serious question?"

"Yes. I mean, I know I spied on you, and whatever. But I didn't bring you here, I am not keeping you here now, and I'm not training you to be a killer." His expression had grown very serious, "but somehow, you like him better. I just don't understand what makes me worse. He is the one that's actually keeping you here."

I raised my eyebrows at him and chose only to respond to part of what he had said, "So what would you call what you're doing now?"

"It's against my will. You know that. Everything is here."

"You just seem to be doing it all on your own, of your own accord."

"Yeah, well, I don't like 'em either."

"Whatever," I didn't want to admit that he had a point. I moved forward again. We made it through the rest of the stations in silence, he barely even tried to teach me any of it. I struggled with hitting the target with throwing knives, but I did better using guns later. He only gave me a small pistol though and said I would be able to learn to use other types later.

The only break I had was for lunch which was boxed and eaten outside. I was starving and exhausted by the time Ross said we were done training and could go to eat. It was also a long day with him and I was ready to have better company. But he insisted on walking in with me and wanted to sit by me too.

"I want to meet your friends!" he wouldn't give up.

"It's my first day. Even I realize I don't really have those yet," I had stopped walking and was turned around facing him now. "Just go hangout with your friends and I'll try to get to know mine better. Please?"

"Fine, but only because I know you really don't like me anyways... I'll give you a break."

I sighed and turned back to my table. Before even sitting down, I had a full plate and began to gorge myself.

"Omg, you were with him."

"How do you know him?"

"That's the best recruit here, ya know."

"He'll probably be out soon, you shouldn't get too attached." I recognized Jasha's voice.

My new friends weren't letting me eat, and with them praising Ross like that, I couldn't even enjoy my food. I threw down my half eaten bread and looked at them. Surprisingly they did stop talking.

"I do not like Ross. Ross is an asshole, OK? He's just helping me train because it is my first day." I turned to Jasha, "and I guarantee I will not miss him when he is gone, either."

Just then, Chase came to sit across from me, next to Bridget. Tammy fidgeted beside me. "Sup new girl, how you recovering from that death battle earlier, huh?"

I paled, "Just fine, thanks," I turned my focus back to my food.

"Wait, who won then?" Bridget asked, "I saw you and Jasha in the ring, Alexis you did great!"

I was surprised Jasha beat me to a response, "Well if you watched us, you would know who won, Bridget."

"I was talking about the sword fight. I saw her beat you in the boxing match." Bridget shot back.

"Well, I'd say it was a tie for us in the sword fight, I mean we both ended up in the infirmary," Chase says it as a joke. "But you would've had some of that miracle medicine. Don't you love it? It's great!"

"You think it's great?" I ask him, incredulous.

"Well of course, it lets us heal from almost dying to fighting shape in under 10 minutes. Why wouldn't you like it?"

Bridget laughed lightly beside him, "It's not possible to dislike something that heals you, Chase. C'mon."

Chase frowned and looked at me, "No, no I don't think Alexis does like it..."

"Gee, how do ya figure that?" I was done with everyone actually liking it here. 

"Oh, give him a break," interjected Bridget. "Alexis, why don't you like it?"

"Because it's not normal," I sighed in a retort. "Besides it freaks me out to think that they could push us that hard in training that we would need it."

"Well I think it's a gift," Tammy spoke up.

"Yeah, then maybe I'm still adjusting," I mumble.

"Aw, lighten up!" says Chase. "They're only trying to help us. Make us all better!

"I can't." I resolve as I swallow and put my food down. 

Their faces stare back at mine as I feel myself drowning from the inside. I quickly get up and run out of the suddenly intensely suffocating room. Not even halfway back my tears had already begun to fall. I stopped after I turned into the hallway leading to my room and lean against the wall. How can these people like it here so much? How could someone ever volunteer to be at a place like this?

I sink down the wall. Sitting there, now on the stone cold floor, I stopped my crying as something in me changed. If the only way out was to get better, then that's what I would do. I would suck it up and make friends, allies. I will get out of here, someday. No matter what it takes, I'll be free.

A/N: So fun fact; the castle I used in the picture is actually called the Alnwick castle, which was also where Harry Potter was filmed!! Enjoy reading!

-E