“THIS WAY! HURRY!” Running down the dark abandoned hall, the sound of foot steps following us, the sound of the various pipes whirling above us, the heat increasing as we go deeper underground. My brother's back guiding me through the darkness. His sweaty palm holding tightly onto mine. Everything had happened too fast and now we had no choice but to run for our lives. The men chasing us sounded too close for comfort.

“They're getting closer! What do we do!?” I asked, my feet dragging as I slowly started to run out of breath. His breathing wasn't any better.

“Just keep moving! I know there's an opening in here somewhere! Just don't slow down!” he huffed. Our throats were dry, our stomachs were empty, and my rapid heart beat only hummed along to the buzzing of the now dim lights above us. I heard my brother mutter something but I couldn't make it out. He stopped suddenly almost being knocked over as I ran into him. In front of us was a wall. I glanced at my brother, his face was pale and his eyes were in shock. He looked at me and gave a pitiful smile. He stared me in the eyes with his sad grin and gently rubbed my head. “Guess this is as far as we go kiddo.” His voice was soothing but I sensed the ache that was building up inside him, the fear I knew he would never show me.

“Well, well, well. You actually thought you could get away from us that easily?” A tall man appeared in the shadows and when he passed under the lights I could see the gleam of his gun along with his red hair and scarred face. “Too bad, kid. You should have taken that left back there. May be you would have made it.” He stopped under a pocket of light and the shadow cast across his face made his eyes glow and his devilish smile shine. He let out a laugh and pointed the gun at us. My brother pushed me behind him even though I tried to stay by his side. I wasn't going to leave him, not after the hell we've been through. And he's not going to leave me that easily. I held on to his jacket our breathing still out of sync. We heard the click of the gun load and I squeezed my eyes shut. I heard the loud shot fired and instinctively opened my eyes. Checking myself I realized I wasn't shot, then my heart sank to my stomach. I saw that my brother was still standing and that he too was checking himself for a wound but found nothing. We smiled with relief at each other but his smiled faded as he faced the falling man in front of us.

“What the hell is going on here?” It was a woman's voice. She had long blond hair tied back and a gun in her hand. She walked up to the dead body and gave it a swift kick with her heavy boot, turning him over. His eyes were open and his arm fell away from the bleeding spot at his chest. His mouth trembled as he tried to speak.

“You...bitch...”he sputtered as he fired at the woman. She dodged it, easily knocking the gun from his hand and sitting on him with her knees digging into his ribs then pointing her gun to his forehead. “No...please...” the man begged.

“Look man, you came onto our territory and opened fired. On top of that insulting with such profanity is very disrespectful. I mean come on! There are kids here! So either shut up or keep talking your bloody head off. Your choice.” She smiled a warm smile and stood up glancing around, locking eyes on us. She started towards us and my brother pushed me behind him again. “Hey, hey. It's alright. I'm not stupid.” Looking at her we saw her bright blue eyes and shimmer of her goggles around her neck. She didn't look dangerous but neither did the man who was trying to kill us a few seconds ago. I could feel my brother shaking and, as always, putting on a brave face. I decided to do the same.

“Who...who are you?” I managed to ask, though the echoing of my raspy voice didn't sound all too intimidating. My brother seemed to have relaxed a bit.

“That depends.” She stared. “Who are you? Are you with this guy?” she asked motioning with her head at the man on the concrete floor. “If so then you're trespassing in Captain's territory.” She winked and gave us a warm smile. I had a feeling we were going to die soon. I looked for the gun that man had but spotted it in his hands, pointed straight at us. My eyes widened as I pulled at brother's jacket but he knew it already. The woman still smiled at us as if nothing was going on. I opened my mouth to warn her but before we knew it she was facing him. Her knife lodged into his gut and her gun to his head. “Now what did I tell you. There are kids here for christ sake.” She smiled as the shot resounded through the hall. His head hit her shoulder blood dripping onto her shirt. “HEY! Get off!” she pulled her knife out and pushed him away cleaning off the blade as he hit the rock floor. “That was gross. That guy smelled like shit. Do they all smell like they piss themselves?” She sheath her knife and stuck it in her pocket then placed her gun back in the holster. “Sorry for the interruption. Now then, who are you kids?” I knew it wasn't right since she just killed a man with such a joyous expression but my heart told me that it was best to trust her.

“My name is Lalya. This is my twin brother Langley. Thank you for helping us.” I gave a slight bow then elbowed my brother who reluctantly did the same. She just watched us surprised.

“Uh...yeah...no problem. But what are you two doing here? It's dangerous.” She said rubbing the back of her head as if in thought.

“None of your business lady.” Langley said pulling me towards him. I gave him a swift punch in the gut.

“Don't be rude. She saved us! Sorry about that. Our parents left us a debt with this gang and we just can't pay it off. So he was after us to get what was owed.” I answered trying to keep as polite as possible. To stay on her good side. But she just watched us like a curious child.

“Yeah but it's not our debt it's our parent's! We have nothing to do with these bastards." I had to agree but at the same time I thought that it kind of was our debt too.

“I see. You have a debt and wish to pay it just so that they leave you alone, correct?” We nodded. She grinned from one ear to another, clapping her hands together. “Alright then! I know just the place! Follow me!” She walked away but we didn't follow, at least not at that moment. I was just as hesitant as brother but when I felt his hand grab mine as he passed I knew that we didn't have a choice anymore.

“Just a little farther.” the woman said. We had been walking in silence for a while and the many twists and turns had me completely lost. Brother had been squeezing my hand the whole way and would sigh every so often as if trying to relax. “Here we are.” She said, stopping a few feet in front of us. She had at some point grabbed a flashlight and started to turn it off and on. Signaling to someone. We saw a returning blink and she smiled, facing us. “Alrighty then! Whose first?” She looked at both of us waiting, her hand extended. When no one moved she sighed and dropped the hand turning her back to us. “It's fine. See...” she grabbed hold of a rope pointing at the foot hold. “You just slip your foot into that and my buddies will pull you up. It's easy.” Brother gripped my hand and then slowly let it go. He faced me, placing his hands on my shoulders and whispering.

“If I scream run you run, got it? I'll meet you at our spot, just don't get caught.” I nodded.

“But what if everything is safe?” he stared me in the eyes thinking.

“Then I'll yell safe. How's that?” I nodded again. “Good. Stay on guard.” He made his way towards the woman, listened to her instructions, then followed them as best he could.

“Ready? Here we go!” she said fist in the air in victory. Shining her flashlight again I watched as brother began to rise. Soon I couldn't see him anymore. I clasped my hands together to my chest and waited. I bobbed a little with anxiety and began to think of the worst possible scenario. I listened closely, the thumping of my heart beat in my ears.

“It's safe Lalya! They're just some sort of freaks!” I let out a heavy sigh of relief. He's safe. I thought.

“Hey! We're not freaks! And keep your voice down kid!” the woman yelled back. Then she turned to me and smiled that strange, welcoming smile. “See, everything's fine. Come on. Your bro's waiting.” I walked over to the rope and saw that it hung off a ledge and into a dark pit. I couldn't see the bottom, nor did I want to. “It's a long fall so like I told your bro, keep your hand on the rope at all times. Don't let go. Don't wiggle around too much and make sure you keep both feet in the straps. Don't worry once you get use to it it's not that scary.” She grinned widely and I slipped my feet into the leather straps, nervous. Holding on as tightly as I could she signaled and I began to rise. The woman held onto me until slowly but surely I was over the pit and safely rising to another ledge. When I reached the landing two men in weird goggles and suits pulled me in. I got off the rope and one of the guys showed me to my brother who tapped his foot impatiently. When he saw me he rushed towards me and hugged me tightly.

“L...Langley...I can't breath!” He quickly let me go, still holding my shoulders and examining me for any damage. I gave him an assuring smile.

“Yo! This way!” The woman waved her flashlight and we followed. We went through this lampless hallway and soon she gave up her flashlight to the two men who started back the other way. After a few turns in the dark we saw a rim of light at the end of the hall. My heart raced at the sight and I unconsciously walked faster but brother gripped my hand pulling me slightly to where I slowed and walked beside him. When we reached the light we saw that it was a door. “Stand back.” Brother and I did so just as the woman kicked the door open. “PARTY'S BACK BITCHES!” There were people with guns pointed at us in no time but then everyone lowered them rolling their eyes.

“You....IDIOT!” Another woman screamed as she gave our guide a hard smack to the back of her head. This woman was bigger than our guide and with her hair pulled into a bun she seem like she could be one of those maids who I saw on the television once. “Hilda...one of these days I just might kill you! And it won't be on accident.” Hilda, the woman who led us here, began to laugh.

“Oh come off it, Rita! I know that you couldn't do it, we're short handed as it is.” She rubbed the spot where she was hit and giggled. “By the way. I've got a couple of good rats who need to pay off their butcher. Can you help them?” Rita let out a sigh.

“You know as well as I that all newcomers must go through her first. I thought you were her right hand woman. Sheesh even you're forgetting the rules today.” Rita gave us a nod and walked off.

“Okay....let's go.” Hilda sounded like a disappointed child as she led us through the dissipating crowd. I scanned the room watching as people went back to their tables where food platters sat. I realized that the place looked like an abandoned cafeteria or at least a run down one. There were parts of concrete broken and the cream colored walls were turning yellow. In some parts you could see other floors and dripping pipes of the building which frankly could pass as a parking garage or giant factory warehouse. We continued past a broken doorway and down yet another musty yellowing hallway. Pass the different rooms I could see that each place had a purpose. One looked to be used for a bedroom, all the beds lined up in rows against the walls. Another seemed to be the infirmary with a bed, medical equipment and a curtain. Storage, food pantry, weapon hold, and even working toilets and showers it's like the place was one big dorm, but with a few road bumps. Hilda led us up some crumbling steps and into another, much darker, hallway. These rooms were closed with caution tape and heavy chains the ceiling tiles were chipped or gone all together, same with the dirt covered tile floor. The over head lights were out and hanging on just a few wires but a few lights flickered creating heavy shadows that, if I stayed in it any longer, I would probably go mad. “Here we are.” Hilda said, she seem to be a totally different person. A much more refined person. She knocked on a door that had the chains broken and cut tape, the eerie aura dripping with danger.

“Come in.” A voice was heard on the other side, muffled so much so that I couldn't tell if it was a man or woman but I had a feeling that it was the 'her' that Rita talked about. Hilda opened the door slowly and ushered us inside. Lamps and candles pushed to make the room brighter while they obscured the view of their master who sat behind a screen. The figure looked to be just eating, nothing really impressive but I couldn't help but create a high respect for her. A man was sitting on the floor gathering various scraps of papers. When he stood I saw that he was huge! His broad shoulders could easily carry five times his weight may be more. His height made it feel as though he could squish you with his foot as easily as a roach. He gave 'her' a bow and when he passed us he smiled and nodded, it was a very warm smile. Closing the door behind us Hilda motioned for us to sit down in front. We did so, taking a spot on a raggedy dust covered rug.

“New recruits. They have a debt to pay.” Hilda announced like some kind of servant to the king.

“I see.” she stopped eating and gave Hilda a wave. Hilda pulled back the screen and tied it to a hook on the wall. The person who sat in front of us looked to be in her teens no older than us. How could she be the leader?

“Hold on! You're the leader we've heard about?!” brother said standing and keeping clenched fists to his side. “You're just some brat!”

“And what would that make you?” she asked pushing the small food table aside. Her voice sounded soothing and elegant, it felt as though she was highly educated and wise beyond her years. My brother just stared at her then slowly sat down. He was still glaring daggers at her but I gave him a light elbow poke in the ribs.

“Forgive my brother. He's been through a lot recently.” I said as I sat on my knees and bowed like they did in the foreign movies.

“He should apologize to me himself. You little lady seemed to have gone through just as much as him. I see no difference. In fact....” She leaned forward staring at us. “Twins?” She asked pulling back and facing Hilda.

“Yes Captain.” Hilda answered like a butler.

“I see. How big is your debt? Surely it isn't much, probably just looks like a lot because you're so young.” She started to eat again, waiting for our answer.

“We're not children! In fact we're almost thirteen, adults!” My brother yelled. The Captain stopped mid-chew placing her fork back on the plate.

“Hooray for you.” She said sarcastically. “But really, how much do you owe?” She asked, her eyes not wavering.

“We don't know. That's the problem, they won't tell us.” I answered. My brother nudged me slightly as if telling me to not talk.

“Are you sure they won't tell you? Or is it just that he won't tell you?” She pointed at my brother. “You sir are too overprotective of your sister. I'm sure she can take care of herself. You on the other hand seem to not understand how to hold your tongue and your temper.” Langley stood, his rage in his red face.

“This is a load of bull shit! I'm leaving.” He stomped off but stopped at the door waiting for me to follow. I slowly got to my feet.

“Do not think ill of us if you please.” I said giving a bow. Then turning to leave.

“Wait.” We stopped and faced her. “You still owe something. So you can't really expect to walk out of here without someone pointing a gun at your head? We will pay whatever debt you have and in exchange you can work for me.” She said standing and walking towards us with her hand extended.

“Like hell I'm going to work for you.” Brother said.

“Very well.” before we knew it she was behind us with a pair of guns in our backs. “Can't let you go since you know where we are.” I whipped around and fell on my butt startled. Brother was frozen, his face pale. “I don't think 'ill' about you two as your sister put so well. We could use you for so many things so join us and help pay off your debt. We don't plan to completely cut you off from the outside world, no...far from it. You may broaden your world. But why not do it and once everything blows over you can leave here and start again, fresh.” She put her guns away and walked back to her seat. “How about it?” Brother helped me to my feet. I felt him shaking slightly and he wouldn't let go of my hand.

“Fine. But I won't be separated from Lalya, where she goes I go.” he finally managed to voice. She rolled her eyes but nodded and the deal was made. Hilda escorted us out and we made our way back down to the busy hallway. She opened a door closest to the stairs. Inside was a bed, candles, a lamp in the corner, and a desk with a chair.

“You can stay with me until we get two available beds.” She said as she lit the candles and turned on the lamp. It was poor lighting but I didn't complain, our house was much worse than this. “We run on a schedule so don't expect us to change that for a couple of new rats such as yourself. You will wake up at the sound of the bell and head to the entrance I showed you, eat, then wait for your assignments. Each assignment you complete will go towards your debt fund. The more dangerous the mission the higher the pay. Understand?” Hilda asked she was uncomfortably serious. I nodded. Langley had questions though.

“What 'missions' exactly are we going to deal with?”

“Well,” Hilda scratched her head in thought then continued “that depends on what the Captain assigns you. It could be the basic chores around here like cooking and laundry or things like saving children from burning buildings or solving a kidnapping case. Stuff that depends on the Captain's clients. Either way it will be busy. I suggest finding a working watch so as to keep track of the time schedule. Don't be late!” she smiled her usual loose smile. “Rest up for now. It's about time for lights out. I'm on watch today so you guys are lucky you won't have to hear my snoring.” She winked. “Well then...” she walked out into the hall and slowly began to close the door “Lights out everybody!” She hollered shutting the door and leaving us alone. I crawled into the bed and motioned for brother to join me. He sighed heavily and finally smiled.

Before either of us would go to sleep my brother would hum one of his wordless melodies. I always loved hearing him hum and I could dream better dreams because of it. I did wonder sometimes of what his voice sounded like singing words, I can't complain though. Laying my head back, listening to the lighthearted humming, brother petting my head, made the stresses of the day disappear.

“Don't worry. I'll always be here to protect you.”

I awoke to the sound of an alarm. The voice I heard, whose was it? It sounded like a woman's voice. Brother was lying next to me asleep. I gave him a nudge and with a groan he sat up and rubbed his eyes. At some point he had taken both our shoes off and placed them neatly on the floor. He slipped his on and I followed suit. We made our way out into the hall and saw that everyone was heading towards the cafeteria. Grabbing my hand, brother began to go with the flow of the crowed. When we first arrived was there this many people? I thought as we entered the crumbling area. Hilda waved us over to her table where she had saved seats.

“How'd you sleep?” She asked with enthusiasm.

“I slept well, thank you. And how did the watch go last night?” I asked with a smile. Rita chuckled.

“Attitude like yours kid....” Rita smiled then turned to talk to the man who sat down next to her.

“The shift went excellent! Nothing happened but that's what makes it a good night!” Hilda winked and gave brother a slight shove. “Wake up Rookie! The place is on fire!” Brother, who was in a daze, jolted to his feet and looked around. Hilda burst into laughter. “Man is it going to be a tough day for you!” Brother sat down and glared his usual but was too tired for a remark. A couple of large thuds caused the conversations in the cafeteria to stop. The Captain was standing on one of the tables in the middle of the room with the soft smile big guy we met before standing behind her.

“Alright people I have good news and bad news. The good news is that we have some big projects here that pay. The bad news is that some of you did not bring back the proper allotted sum from a last mission. Should I read out the names?” She looked scary and everyone felt it. The room was silent for what felt like hours until a man stood, keeping his head down, and making his way out of the cafeteria. Captain whispered something to the guy behind her and with a nod he followed the man. “Now that that is settled let's distribute the work.” She called out various names, stopping once and a while to make side notes.

Brother was place on clean up duty which was a lot like his construction job. Clearing out rooms of rubble and making them habitable. I was placed in clean up as well but I was the 'mouse'. Once the clean up crew had the room secure I, with other 'mice', would work at fixing the smaller spaces that the crew couldn't reach. It was actually fun but difficult. My mentors were easy going and kind when showing what I had to do. Brother's mentors were the same way but teased him occasionally for dropping things or cementing wrong. We did this most of the day but after lunch we were put into separate groups.

He continued clean up while I moved to the kitchen. Washing dishes and making sure that leftovers were properly stored. That was more to my element since I did the house work by myself while brother was at his various jobs. For a while brother and I were assigned to the same groups but as the month passed we were slowly introduced to different groups and sometimes stayed in those groups for a number of days.

I was more oriented with household duties and he went with physical labors. It wasn't until the third month that we had our own friends and learned more of the people forced into this sort of indebted world. Everyone had their own reasons for being in such high debt and some enjoyed the balance of this life. When a debt was paid they were free to leave, many didn't though and helped others pay off their debts instead. Everything, no matter how shabby and run down it was, felt like home. Brother was smiling and talking more, he seemed much happier now then back when it was just me and him. Our nights didn't change though. He hummed his lullaby but day by day it felt as though the words had changed for the better as well.

“Take your shoes off.” Brother said as we prepared for bed. We had been moved to a different room by ourselves and no longer shared with Hilda. She came by often though showing us what she would find on her scouting trips and tell us funny stories of other members she was teamed up with. Brother was fascinated when she started taking about the high paying jobs, the 'projects'. Hilda is very skilled with knifes and guns, she constantly bragged about it when she talked about her missions. She didn't come by tonight though because she was placed on night duty.

Crawling into bed next to me, brother began his lullaby. Rubbing my head as he usually did, something felt different about this. I tried to sleep but something kept me awake. Even when brother stopped rubbing my head and humming, I was alert. I closed my eyes and imagined the ocean, the calm waves beneath my feet. That didn't work. Frustrated I got out of bed, not disturbing brother, and headed towards the kitchen for some water. Gun shots were in the distance so I lightly stayed as close to the walls as possible. When I reached the kitchen the shots sounded closer. I got my drink and started to make my way back to the room when a horn went off.

As if choreographed all the doors sprung open and everyone started to run in different directions. Confused, I rushed to our room being shoved and bumping into people. I reached our hallway and saw people running around the corner shooting behind them. Hilda was pushing people ahead and spouting orders. She enjoyed action but this time she seemed frustrated and was growing impatient. She spotted me and ran towards me.

“What the hell are you doing?! Get your ass out of here!” She began pushing me away and I watched as she shot down figures as they turned the corner. There was too many and her gun ran out of bullets. “Shit...” she threw it aside, grabbing my wrist she pulled me back towards the cafeteria. The Captain stood at the entrance ushering in people. She saw us and jogged to meet us. She handed Hilda a new gun and extra ammunition. With a smile she pushed me into the Captain and faced the intruders.

“Come on.” Captain said and we went into the cafeteria. It was empty but I spotted the big guy helping people up to the surface. He was yelling at the people to head to a safe house. Captain ordered me up the ladder and after climbing the 20 feet up and through the hole in the ceiling I found myself outside in an alley. Brother and Rita helping me out. Brother took me to the side and left Rita to help the guy and the Captain out. Seeing I wasn't hurt he gave me a hug and started leading me away. I looked back and saw the Captain ordering the hole to be closed.

“Wait!” I yelled and rushed over. “Hilda is still in there! We have to wait for her!” I said trying to stop them from closing the opening.

“We don't have a choice. Hilda will have to take the long way out.” The Captain said sternly. “Get everyone to the safe house. Make sure you're not followed.” Rita and the man nodded and the hole was covered with a heavy metal plate. They started taking my brother and I away when I noticed the Captain running off in the other direction. I quietly broke away from our small group and followed her. She circled around the abandoned building that had covered our hideout and slipped through an opening in the wall. I continued following her but lost her in the darkness. I could faintly hear the dripping of water. There was also the shuffling of rats and my shoes on the concrete flooring. I gropped around in the dark trying to find a wall to hold onto. The silence was deafening. But what scared me was the muffled screaming and the sudden end to the gun shots.

“You shouldn't have followed me.” Captain was behind me and before I could explain she had her hand over my mouth, listening. She put her finger to her mouth to tell me to be quiet and began to walk towards a narrow hall. I stuck close behind her.

I heard the men shouting but still wasn't close enough to make out what they were saying. When the shouting stopped we had found ourselves in front of a vent. Captain stood in the graded light her eyes cold and jaw tight. I stood next to her and followed her eyes down. We had the perfect view of the cafeteria but it was overrun by people in swat outfits, they weren't swat though. Tied to a chair, bruised and bloody, sat Hilda. Her head drooped as they finished tying her legs to the legs of the chair.

“Are you going to cooperate with us now, miss?” A man's voice. He circled her and held her chin up so he could see her face. She was smiling. I couldn't see his face clearly but I knew he had dark hair that lead into his short beard.

“I'm not going to tell you shit!” she laughed, spitting blood in the man's face.

“You really are testing my patience.” he growled as he wiped the spit from his cheek. “Where are they!?” the man ordered, his frustration and anger seemed to flow from him as he held a gun to Hilda's head. With a low laugh she lifted her gaze to him.

“Have fun finding them.” she smiled, her mouth oozed blood and her right eye was swollen shut.

“Very well then. Have fun in hell.” he lowered his gun and walked away motioning to two other soldiers. They stood on each side of her and aimed their guns at her head.

“I'll see you there, sir.” I watched in horror as the trigger was pulled and Hilda's victorious smile disappeared. I fell to my knees, covering my mouth, shocked. What? What?!

“Let's go.” The Captain said after they dragged Hilda out of sight. We headed back to the opening in silence. It felt as though there was nothing I could say to lighten the mood. It just didn't feel real. I stared at my feet surprised I had strength to walk, surprised I didn't shed a tear. It wouldn't have brought Hilda back so what would be the point? It had grown dark out and the sky was clear. I felt cold even though it was hot out. Rita and brother waved and rushed towards us. Seeing my brother made the dammed up tears flow down my face. He embraced me and I collapsed, waves of shutters and uncontrollable weakness came over me. He held me tight and gently rubbed my back telling me that everything was going to be alright.

“Are you alright Captain?” the big guy asked as he rounded the corner.

“Yes, Tyson. I'm fine. Let's get everybody settled.” She tapped my shoulder and sadly smiled, motioning with her head that we had to get away from here. Reluctantly my legs moved and by midnight I was in another bed. My head buried into the pillow, brother trying to lull me asleep. My eyes grew heavy and dry from crying.

“Just relax and sleep. I'm sure everything will be better tomorrow.” Brother said then continued his usual humming. I soon found myself drifting between consciousness. The night was filled with nightmares and my brother was awakened several times by my jolts, screams, and whimpering. He didn't mind it though. He would just hum and rub my back until I fell back asleep.