-

-

The room stayed eerily silent. Not a single movement, or breath could be heard.

Everyone glanced around at each other, unsure of what to do.

The Thinning? What does he mean by that.

"The Thinning is a simulation of sort, that my fellow team created. That will take place here in this arena," Calix motioned around the steel sanctuary.

The room then began to feel with more dread than before. The tension heavy and weighing us all down.

Realigning my gaze higher up, a room filled with men and women in white lab coats chattered around and fumbled with computers, as well as, other various equipment.

They were behind a glass that surrounded the entire top part of the arena.

Focusing my gaze completely to the advanced technology organized on desks and tables, I squinted my eyes and felt my chest become heavy.

Each computer highlighted each and every person that was taking and thrown in here against their will.

I strained my neck as I looked for the computer that highlighted my aspects.

Name, age, height, weight, strengths, weaknesses and personal attributes were listed in each of our personal folders.

As I laid eyes on mine, my brow's furrowed slightly at what was listed for me.

The computer read the following;

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Name: Faye Sinclair
Age: Unknown
Height: 5'5
Weight: 113

Strengths: Unknown
Weakness: Unknown
Personal Attributes: Unknown

Family/Close Relations: Unknown
Recent Legal Guardian: Deceased

-

Unlike everyone, my folder only consisted of my name, weight and height. Other aspects were listed as unknown, other than the information of my last legal guardian.

Curiosity seem to not only get the best of me, but others as well — including of the fancy fuckers with lab coats.

I'm going to call them Calix's puppets, to keep my mind off of what they really are.

Some of Calix's puppets surrounded the hologram computer that contained my personal information.

Many of them whispered, and pointed below towards me with shrugs and curious glances.

I assume many of the people that were in the same position as me read over my information too.

As everyone's gazes burned the sides of my neck and body. Calix continued to inform us of what was to come, and I took this as my opportunity to study every individual's strengths, weaknesses and personal attributes.

Some of which surprised me at how strong they were, and what they excelled in. Others.. not so much.

Although, I'm not one to talk. I'm not good at anything. I have weakness, with no strengths to balance them out.

"The Thinning will be a free for all," Calix continued.

Collective gasps and whispers could be heard of the individuals participating in the thinning.

"In order to separate the weak from the strong, you will fight in till there are 40 of you left."

"You have exactly 15 minutes to be one of the last standing," Calix explained, brushing the lint off of his tux with a smile.

"Oh, and before I forget," Calix began again. "You have a choice of weapons that will be provided here," He stated.

Simultaneously, a wide concrete podium full of a variety of weapons rose from the octagonal hole that was previously in the center.

The podium contained a line up of many different knives, guns, swords, axes, and bows.

"After the 30 second count down is up, you may begin."

"It would be wise for you to bring a weapon to a fist fight this time. The best of luck to you all," Calix finished, walking out of the arena with his line of guards following suit.

A young girl next to me began to sob quietly, as she hugged her knees and buried her head low.

Her skin was mocha brown, like a fallen autumn leaf. She had smoldering doe-brown eyes and half moon cheek bones. Her hair was a coral black, tightly coiled as it crashed over her shoulders. She had puffy, pouting lips and a small refined nose.

Many of the individuals scattered among the concrete walls, muttering curses and prayers. Some plotting and scheming, while others stared into space.

"Hey, it's gonna be alright," I cooed in the softest voice I could muster. Her sobs came to a stop and she lifted her head slightly, glancing towards my direction.

"What's your name?" I asked rubbing her shoulder as a sign of peace and comfort.

"C-C-Cassani," she whispered shortly. "I'm C-Cassani Milan," she finished.

"Nice to meet you, honey. I'm Faye Sinclair."

I slouched onto the cold stone wall, and crossed my legs over the other. I lack heavily in the comforting department. So in small attempts to calm her down, I gently removed her head from her knees and placed it onto my shoulder.

"I'm sure you're scared. We all are. Someone as small as you has no place here," I sighed. "Though, I know you're all alone .. so you can stick with me," I spoke. My tone hesitant.

"Really?" Cassani gleamed in response.

"Yes, but I cannot guarantee your safety. Is that alright with you?" I asked with raised brows. "Y-Yes."

I knew this was a bad idea. Having a young girl tagging along in this hell of a ride, knowing I can barely defend myself.

But, I'd rather that than watching her die knowing I could have helped.

"How old are you, Cassani?"

"I'm 11."

"Well you're not much older than me, kid. I just turned 17 last week. Wish it would've lasted," I breathed. "But, enough chit chat. We have to be prepared. Let's go."

I grabbed onto Cassani's small hand firmly, hoisting her onto her feet with a small pull. As, Cassani began to wipe away her tears, Calix's voice spoke onto the intercom.

He then stood up with the rest of the tech fucks in lab coats. Speaking into the slim black microphone with a small cushion.

"I hope you are all ready, and focused. At the end of the count down, you will attempt to survive however you see fit. No rules, or regulations." He emphasized the last sentence strongly, with a pause between each fragment.

"At the end of the second count down, you must cease fire or fight," He chuckled.

"Anyone who fails to do so will be executed. That is all. Good luck!!" Calix beamed, walking away and sitting himself into a nearby chair as he glanced down at us.

The loud dings of the 30 seconded countdown blared throughout the arena.

My head ponded with tension, as sweat slipped down my forehead.

Dun.
Dun.
Dun.
Dun.

Unconsciously, my lips grew thin and firm as spasms of worry crossed my face.

Dun.
Dun.
Dun.
Dun.
Dun.

I can't kill someone. Let alone use a gun.

Dun.
Dun.
Dun.
Dun.

There's no way I'm surviving this.

Dun.
Dun.
Dun.
Dun.

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, glancing around the room as my muscles tightened.

This is probably the last of me.

Dun.
Dun.
Dun.

Might as well put up a good fight, yeah?