That has the opposite affect, don't you think?

I look in the mirror, but am not suprised by what I see. My face. Pale. A layered blonde bob with perfect streaks of different shades of blonde in it. It isn't exactly like Icy's, who's has grown out a bit, but mine is prefectly cut from short to long. Just what they'll want. But I still have the same piercing green eyes that are larger compared to my smaller nose and mouth. I even have "optical quality" glasses frames, which are rounded at the bottom but straighter at the top. They're clear.

Why am I so fascinated? I've had a face kind of like this before. Well, actually, no, last time it was a different colour of hair. I actually look really neat this time, like a perfectionist would look. Oh well, looks like I'll have to act like one then.

I take a step back from the mirror. I'm slim and almost dainty, which I don't like too much, but I'm sure I'll find the strength and energy when I need it. I have a pale pink sweater on (which I will probably be changing out of as soon as this day ends), black pants, grey Brogues, and a white lab coat. Perfect. They accepted my science intern at the Noir Institute for Science (NIFS), also known as the headquarters for the Black Skull. It took digging, fighting, and death to get this information and indentity, and I'm not stopping now. 

I take a deep breath and step out of the dressing room. I walk back to the enterance of the store, and then enter the outside of the busy and technologically advanced Sky City. Taking the stupid and extremely proper beige purse that I bought (but almost stole because I couldn't stand much more time in that store), I sling it over my shoulder and walk through the bustling crowds pacing across the streets while the vehicles beep rapidly and impatiently. 

Making it to the other side, I spot one of the tallest buildings around. NIFS.

Now to begin my career with the Black Skull. 

Good. Please report to this mission. 

Summary: You, a scientist, and a group of soldiers are to go through the Very Bad Lands and capture a Resistance soldier. Afterwards, you will take her, gather blood and run tests, and then she will be quietly terminated.

Please be considerate in this matter.

May the Black Skull last forever.  

Before I have even a chance to walk into the building, the secretary at the very front desk smiles and calls me over. 

I uneasily walk over to her, inspecting the building. It's huge and has the biggest dome ceiling at the top that is made from glass, so you can see the sky. There are tons of balconies for each of the floors, and many people walk around or take the escalator, elevator, or stairs.

I smile, like I've done so many times before, and she smiles back, giving me a small envelope.

"Um, where is my office?" I ask, still handling the envelope, wondering what's inside. 

She smiles again (which I'm starting to think is generic), and motions her arm.

On the second floor, through the Glass Hallways, and the office at the end.

I walk up the stairs, two flights, and reach a long hallway filled with workers with glass walled offices. I can see mine, a big office, at the end, with a view to the outside city.

I walk down the polished white floor (the colour of evil now, I'd say), and reach the door to my office where I take a deep breath and swing it open.

Before I can even get to my desk, a younger woman with the name tag Gabria comes up to me and-

Wait. Gabria. That name. It's so familiar.

Oh no. The Resistance official that could shape shift and become another human... she's working for the Black Skull now?! 

"...and if there's anything else you need me for, just let me know. I am your secretary."

I shake my head and nod. "Thank you!"

She goes back to her office, and I stand for a second, stunned.

Okay then.

I sit at my desk, which I'm not accustomed to, but I do anyway, carefully opening the envelope to read shocking orders.

The Very Bad Lands. What kind of Resistance soldier would go there? General, for that matter.

As if on cue, a soldier with a general badge walks in.

"Good afternoon, Miss Talbot. I am General May LeJon, and I am here to take you in our SOCS army helicopter on the manhunt of Maria Rachael Brown. We have received information of her current whereabouts, and we would be glad if you would come with us."

On impulse, I smile and reply, "Of course!"

I gather my science equipment and follow her down the hallway.

But on the inside, I contradict myself. I can't take Shadow and then rescue her, that would blow my cover. 

But I can't just let a friend die.

I'll figure something out, right? I always do.

But I'm going to have to go through the lines. 

I walk into the Black Skull base. I immediately head for the front desk. "I am so fed up with waiting to be accepted into a group like the resistance, I think I'll just join you instead," I say quietly to the woman at the front desk. She smiles and hands me a piece of parchment. It says, Go directly to the Office of the head of the Black Skull. Do not ask any questions. I look quizzically at the woman but all she does is smile. I groan and head up to the office.

On entering the office, my breath is taken away. Literally. All the air was sucked out of the room. I take a long breath and sit down at a conference table. I wait. Finally, a figure, I can't tell if it's male or female, wearing a black mask in the shape of a skull sits down.

And if you want records, this is all I have.

~~~

I am:

A dabbler in black magic

A backstabber

A creature of many names

Of noble blood

A person with light powers

Evil

Good

Mid-sided

Black

White

A server of everyone.

~~~

That's all I'll give and that's all you'll get. If you use your "resources", you'll find nothing. Nothing. I don't have any birth records or awards. My family is nothingness. 

Actually, I think quite a few of you are backstabbers.

Author's Note: This is not meant for any offense. But since I just said that, it now sounds offensive. 

Not really disappointed. At least you apologized for not explaining it. Catastrophe doesn't do that. XD

Hello. My name is Alqatil Curse. I wish to join your ranks and work for you as a trained assassin. 

I am not like the pathetic Allexandria, who could not kill a fly, or the rogue Utsukushi who cannot be controlled.

I understand if you do not accept me in.

But remember, I am a powerful enemy. Heed my warning. 

We have a prisoner from the resistance and from Elliot here. His name is Poe Allen. He could be a way to get both to the negotiating table. We will take him to your prison facilities. HE MUST NOT BE KILLED.

A. Curse,

The Black Skull is by invitation only.

We do not simply have "ranks," or simple "assasins."

Also, SOCS was responsible for Alexnadria's death, and we don't know much about her. However, we do respect the fact that she indeed was an assasin responsible for multiple deaths, so we think your information on this matter is inaccurate. 

And we want you to remember that we are a powerful enemy to all, but no one is ever a powerful enemy to us. They are instead an obstacle that needs to be removed.

Let's hope you don't make that list, for your sake.

May the Black Skull live forever.

~~~~

Omnipononi and Archa,

Do you think we are so uncareful and insensitive to the point we would kill a prisoner?

The prisoners in our facilities kill themselves.

Otherwise, they suffer a slow and painful death, but that is only depending on who they are.

Who gave you permission to take this "Poe Allen," to our Punishing Institution?

May the Black Skull live forever.