Alton Lou Webb's Story

Alton opened his eyes to a white ceiling. He felt groggy, and there was a slowness to his perception as he attempted to decipher a pattern in the blankness. Tiny black specs danced across his vision and he squeezed his eyes shut in annoyance. There was a lump on the back of his head, a big one, but it was suspiciously absent of any pain and he didn’t have a headache.

The boy sighed, his arms stretched perpendicular from his body on the bed. He was surrounded by silk sheets, and he could feel the cool texture pool around his weight. It led him to another question as he slowly opened his eyes: Why was the pain missing? Had he been drugged, something that effected his nervous system? But Alton had never heard of anything sort of substance that was capable of completely voiding one sense. He rolled over onto his side and looked at the nightstand, a piece of paper. It was folded neatly and the dark haired boy briefly considered not even touching it, in an act of meaningless rebellion. Alton wasn’t going to lie, he was a bit peeved that whoever that woman was had nulled his pain receptors. He didn’t get agitated often, but his relationship with pain was on thin ice.

He pushed himself up so he was sitting on the bed. The room was a bit small, his bed enclosed on three sides with small circular lights secured to the ledges above him. Empty book shelves lined the edges of the bed and he judged that he could probably fit a small portion of his collection of books. He rolled over and saw the handles below him. He tugged at it and watched as a giant drawer opened from under the bed. That would fit the rest of his collection easily. He looked up to see stacks of cardboard boxes. On each box his name had been hastily scrawled with a black pen. He squinted at the boxes, they were all stacked rather neatly, but one was sticking out at an angle. He curled and flexed his toes before moving to get off the bed. He tapped the sheets once with the tip of his middle finger before moving to the stacks. He looked over the box carefully before tapping the box and pushing it back into place. He tapped it once more once he had finished.

Alton walked around the room, noticing that he was still in his work clothes. His dark blue jeans coupled with an equally dark blue button up shirt. He was wearing a gray muscle shirt underneath and on his left breast a black name tag was sewn into the button up and in a generic white cursive was written Alton. On the bed’s headboard his cap was sitting precariously and after a tapping it with his finger he secured the hat on his head. He looked at his exposed forearms. In the whiteness of the room the bruising that never went away seemed even more prominent. The bruises coloring ranged from a sickly yellow-green to the more common blues and purples. The other scars, the less noticeable, where the circular burn marks and the laceration scars. He liked to think of his body as a war zone. Decorated and marked to document past brutality.

He finally got over himself, at that point, and Alton’s eyes travelled to the letter. He tapped it with his middle finger before picking it up, his eyes skimming over the content quickly. He sighed, it wasn’t too unbelievable. “Oh bloody Hell.” He muttered.

He looked towards his door, there were probably more people out there. And he debated with himself whether it would be better to just sit in his white room, or to figure out what was happening. He closed his eyes, remembering the lump on his head that he still couldn’t feel. It would be better to find some that would tell him how long this ‘No Pain’ effect of whatever they had drugged him with would last. He reached for the door, tapping the knob before pushing it open. In the hallway were a few people. Two woman, and a man, from what he could see. The two woman were talking while the male just lingered.

“Hello?” He asked loudly enough for them to hear. The red headed woman seemed to be more knowing, maybe she could answer some of his questions.

Yawning Rosalina slowly opened her eyes to a chandelier and cotton candy pink walls above her head. She wasn't at all shocked to see something different, she was use to waking up in the bed of strangers after a long night of partying. "Gosh!" Exclaiming as she picked up a pillow and slammed it to protect her eyes from the light; she was experiencing a horrible hangover headache. Sitting up she pulled the satin sheets closer to her chest as she examined the bedroom"Oh my god." She said to herself quietly, the room looked almost exactly like her old home when she had still lived with her parents. Everything was so expensive here, nice, and the perfect temperature, it certainly wasn't anything the crowd of people she had been with last night could afford. She had been doing drugs and drinking at a party like her new normal. It wasn't uncommon for her to leave with a man, but never had she come to a place so beautiful in the past few years. It was normally a ran down trailer or a mediocre home.

"How drunk was I last night?" Getting up out of the bed she let the heat of the floor sink up through her feet and into the rest of her body, "How rich are you?" Questioning the man she assumed was near by. When up she looked at the numerous different doors around the room: one in front of the bed, one beside the bed, and the other on the right wall. "So you're hiding?" Smirking she first went to the door on the right and once opening it spotted a living room. "You've got to be kidding! This man is loaded!" She began to recall the man from last night, but he was blurry from her drunken haze. He had offered her something, Sex... no. Drugs... I don't think so. Wasn't it something about a second chance? Questioning herself within her mind she walked over to the pinked floral coach and rubbed the soft fabric with her hand. Giggling she took off her shoes and began jumping up and down on it, it might not have been the right thing to do in someone else's house, but she wanted to. "Come out and play with me! Calling out she didn't get the reply she was looking for so when she was in the air she put her legs out and let the coach catch her in a cradle. Who ever that man is is being no fun!

Huffing she stood up and walked back into the room, Now on to the next door! This time she choose the door that had been next to the bed. Opening it up it lead to a bathroom that was pink and frilly like that other rooms she had been in. This man must have looked into my wildest dreams to make this house according to me. In owe she she shut the door behind her. Catching the glimpses of the full body mirror she to face it and looked at herself in the mirror: long blonde hair, makeup-less but glowing, pants-less with pink ruffled underwear, and her white tank top with a left bust pocket braless. I guess I did have sex... but not with the man from the alley, but what's that?. The realization made her feel dirty inside, but she noticed something sticking from the pocket, opening up she began reading in her head. My name is Sylvester Cromwell, but I am most commonly referred to as The Benefactor. I am the proud owner of The Gift of Innocence Corporation, and I am pleased to inform you that you have been chosen to become a part of my Special Working Staff. As part of my special staff, you are given your own room and other basic living needs; however this only extends to you and no other family members. The room you are in now is the room you will reside in, and the number is in the bottom right corner of your envelope in case you forget. You will also be receiving “The Gift of Innocence” which is unique to each person that receives it... I still got fucked, but at least this explains why I couldn't find the man. It defiantly hasn't been the man in the alley, meaning he found her this way probably thinking she was raped, thinking she had lost her innocences, but that was something she had lost long ago to Noah, which had been a mistake. Reflecting in the mirror was another door, Why so many doors? Turning to face it she walked over to it and pulled it open, So that's where the tubs at. The wash room was large with marble walls the same pink as everything else, two wooden doors, fake sliding doors that seemed to open up to a wall painting, a shower, and a jacuzzi for a tub. It's bath time! Stripping down to nothing she rushed over to the tub that had already been full of warm bubbling and popping water. "It's going to be a blast working here." Cooing as she slid deeper into the water she moaned slightly from the comfort of warmth she was receiving. Shutting her eyes as she soaked she feel asleep.

Waking up the headache she had had was gone along with all her bath water. "I guess this means it's time to get out." Saying so laughing she got out of the tub. Looking around for a source of towels she spotted a compartment under the tub. Opening it up she found the towels she was looking for. Taking two out she wrapped one around her hair and the other she used to dry off her body and wrap up in. "Now to the other doors." With random selection of the side by side doors she pulled back the right one to a kitchen. Not being hungry she voted not to explore the room, but she nodded with acceptance to the very lovely style of it. Closing the door to the kitchen she turned the knob of the left door that reviled a walk in closet. "Oh my Gucci I'm in heaven!" Being an expiring fashion designer of course this would have to be her favorite room. With every wooden row there was outfits already pared for her to wear, it was everything and more she could imagine. When entering the room she noticed a small device labeled Outfit Maker. Clicking on it it showed sections titled by what style if clothing it was. Touching Sexy Night Out. It listed off pictures of shirts, dresses, pants, jewelry, and other clothes items. Scrolling through she finally picked everything she wanted and pressed Assemble clothes and waited to see what happened. "Woe!" Was all she could say as the rows of clothes began to move, stopping on the outfit she had selected she walked over to it. With a huge grin of excitement she pulled the blue tank over her head and on to her bare skin, one leg after the other into the black shinny leggings, and lastly put both of her feet into the black heel spiked shoes. Take another looks at the jacket she decided she rather leave it where it was. "Now all I need is a blowdryer." Saying so to herself she heard a noise from behind making her jumping. Spinning around to look she noticed a drawer had opened that contained a hair drier. This place is so magically. Bending over to pick it up she turned to face another body mirror that had been in her closet and watched herself blow dry her hair.

With naturally perfect curls she out the drier where she had found it and left all the rooms she had been in before and returned to the bedroom, "One door left." Taking in a deep breath she reached for the knob, opened the door, and walked out into a large hallway full of people. This just be the other workers. Walking over to a groups of people she gave a warm welcoming smile, "Hello everyone, I'm Rosalina." Telling who ever was listening.

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As always, Nick groaned annoyed by his alarm going off with his ringtone of a mash up of Relient K’s hits. He first looked at the time on his cell phone showing a bright 9 o’clock and nearly pressed the ignore button, but then his eyes peered down at the Caller ID and saw that it was the Benefactor. Knowing he better not mess with his boss, Nick cleared his throat and answered the call. It seemed the Benefactor had figured it was time for the new recruits to get ready and he wanted him to meet with the females.

“Sure thing, sir!” Nick replied. He was always ready to meet the ladies. It was his favorite part of his job. The Benefactor knew that he was better suited for sweet talking them and so his assignment was set in stone. The Benefactor added that he had to apologize for the lack of an elevator and Nick had carelessly agreed before hanging up.

”Crud…Now I’m going to be mentioning that dang lack of an elevator business. I better find some way to smooth talk over that,” Nick thought.

Nick looked at himself dressed in some Nike blue short pants and a white tee shirt. ”Hmm I don’t think the ladies will like this…” Nick thought. He looked into his chestnut brown cabinet to see what kind of clothes he’s going to wear today. Taking out a white dress shirt, a black suit and its matching pants, Nick decided he was going to go formal today and be the gentleman. After changing his clothes and combing his hair just right for the role, he realized he forgot one more thing and took out his pair of shades from his night stand and put them inside his pocket.

He was about to shout and say, ”Hellooo ladiesss!!!” when he saw the boys coming out of their doors and realized, “Oh yeah… I’m in the guys section right now.” At first Nick was annoyed by the fact that he had to travel in a “U” shape to get to the girls but then he figured, “Oh well I might as well meet the guys as well.”

“Hello?” A guy in dark blue jeans and dark blue button shirt asked loudly as Nick opened the door. Nick went towards the guy and said, “Hey there man, I’m Nicholas Truman but you can call me Nick. I’m sorry, I really want to make introductions but you gotta get to Scar and I gotta get to the girls so we can meet the Benefactor. I’m heading that way and you can follow me or not but I gotta jet. See you soon!” Nick tried to walk but his feet were firmly planted on the floor. He then realized he forgot to say, "Oh yeah and um I'm sorry we don't have an elevator." Finding his feet can move continued his walk and saw two guy pass him without paying any attention, focusing on the staircase at the end of the hall near his room. He was about to call after him when he heard the sound of footsteps growing fainter and moving downwards in a fast motion. “I better tell Scar before the run off…” Nick thought.

Walking even further into the hallway, Nick saw another man leaning against the wall in front of his room who seems to be waiting for some kind of direction from someone. Nick wondered how Scarlet never got to the guys seeing as she’s usually the “early to rise” type of girl. He decided to end the guy’s misery and help him for awhile saying, “Hey there, I’m Nicholas Truman, but you can call me Nick! It seems you’re confused and not sure what to do. I have to go get the girls but you can follow me and I’ll lead you to Scarlet. She’s the one you’re supposed to be meeting. Oh and sorry about there being no elevator!” Nick regrettably left without checking to see if any of the guys were even following him. He had to make sure that he got to the girls for he didn’t want to make the Benefactor wait.

When Nick finally reached the girl’s section he was greeted by Scarlet who told him, “took you long enough.”

“Hey sorry Scar, I had to help a couple of your guys. They looked so confused. Hopefully they followed me…”Nick trailed off. He was about to greet the girls when he caught a glimpse of a short black haired girl running in the opposite direction down the stairs.

”Crud, I hope she doesn’t think of running away!”Nick thought. He knew he had to follow her to make sure but there was the matter of the other girls who were probably just as confused as she was. Regrettably he told them, “Hey ladies and gentlemen, I’ll be with the ladies in a moment to escort them to the Benefactor and the men will go with our lovely Scarlet. However, it seems that I need to make sure the little fox doesn’t run scot free. I’ll see you all in a bit and sorry but there is no elevator!” Before he moved, on he remembered putting something else in his pocket ahead of time that was meant for one of the girls. He took out the medication and gave it to Grey saying, “By the way, the Benefactor mentioned that there was a girl that would be needing some medication. I told him I would be honored to give this to you.”

Without waiting for any response, Nick ran down the staircase behind Scarlet and the others to follow the girl. When he got downstairs he saw the girl on the ground, knees to her chest and crying. He was about to approach her when another guy blowing his smoke shouted some nonsense about sucking it up. Nick can’t stand it when guys are rude, so he called him out saying, “Hey back off man! Let her cry if she wants to! She’s just confused and probably scared out of her mind. You don’t know what she’s been through. And we don't have an elevator so just be patient!”

Nick then knelt down in front of her and took out his handkerchief handing it over to her. “Hey there, don’t worry we’re not going to hurt you,“Nick said with a reassuring smile. “I’m Nick, what’s your name? Sorry we don't have an elevator...” Nick then laughed silently and nervously thinking "Great...I should've been more careful with agreeing to tell the others about the elevator."

Scarlet didn't say anything when Gray spoke, instead she kept leaning against the wall with her legs and arms crossed. "It's lovely to meet you, I'm Grey." she said with a smile that was meant to be warming, Scarlet on the other hand kept starring at her sharply, expressionless except from her eyes that said, 'I'm not buying the act... so drop it'. She then asked her about Nick looking for some sort of explanation, almost at towards the end she said something about not being different or special and she had made the mistake to lie . Scarlet shook her head almost showing her disapproval at the remark, almost feeling offended by it. After all Scar took pride in her job and the corporation, "Does it look to you like just anybody that damn pleases can work here?" she asked feeling highly irritated not only at her comment but at her lie, Scarlet was extremely skilled at spotting a liar and this time was no exception. "Don't bullshit a bullshitter" she thought with a smirk.

"Also, I really need to get home, there's something I really need... to do." she said to which Scar simply replied immediately with a bored tone sounding as if she had already said it countless times before, she had said it to other recruits often times so maybe that's why she sounded apathetic, "everything that you need..." she paused for a moment noticing that others had just gotten out of the room, "is in the room you woke up" she finally said eyeing the others, "But I am sure that most of you noticed that by now" she said knowing how Sylvester liked making feel everyone as comfortable as possible and giving them their own perfect little apartment, Scarlet shook her head in disagreement in Sylvester's arduous attempts to please them.

Scarlet stopped herself from giving any explanations waiting for more recruits to join, after all she hated repeating herself and she thought it useless if they were still missing some people, besides, she was to take on the guys and most of the people she could see so far were women and a few guys. Harper introduced herself followed by a shy wave and asking if they had gotten a letter too, which Scarlet completely ignored, soon after, a girl named Hailey joined too to which Makoto responded with a friendly introduction. Scarlet eyed the whole place again, searching for more recruits to join and to finally lead them to Sylvester, and she noticed Zeus waiting outside his room leaning against his door, waiting for her instructions. One by one, Scar was counting to see exactly how many of them were missing and so far everything seemed to be going well, they had more than half girls with Fiona's arrival but they were still lacking many of the guys and she had just noticed one of them leaving the scene walking away in the opposite direction, 'well that's just... perfect' she thought in annoyance.

It wasn't until she heard a male voice ask a bit confused, "Hello?" that Scarlet had finally had enough. "All right... that's it." she paused a bit irritated, "I am not giving any explanations until everyone is here." she said looking at everyone. Scar finally saw nick joining her, she gave him a look saying, 'you're late, again...' but she didn't say anything as he moved to her side, “Hey sorry Scar, I had to help a couple of your guys. They looked so confused. Hopefully they followed me…” he said. Scarlet didn't say anything as he explained the group that guys needed to follow her while the girls were on him, he obviously explained obediently about warning them of the out-of-service-elevator and soon after followed after the girl that had also exited the scene post haste, Scarlet hoped he would also bring the other guy that had left as soon as he walked out his door.

After Nick left quickly running after the girl, she was left alone with the group once again. Annoyed at the whole dramatics, the chatter and growing more and more impatient at everyone that wasn't there she finally unfolded her arms and moved towards the rooms. One by one on the missing guys she knocked on their rooms, loud enough to give anyone a headache, it wasn't until she got the the room #276 that she noticed an open door. She entered the room quickly and as soon as she realized that there was nobody in the room she rolled her eyes, 'there always has to be that one guy doesn't it...' she started wondering. She pulled out her phone texting the idiot that had decided to play smart on her.


Scarlet walked out of the door closing it shut quickly making yet another loud noise. She looked around to the ones that were still talking with each other. She wouldn't have said anything if it were up to her but she thought that more would try to leave so at the end she finally decided to speak up, "something came up... stay here, Nick will be back soon and so will I" she said accentuating the stay, almost making it a command for everyone to follow. "You will soon meet Sylvester... " she paused for a moment knowing it would sound awkward on her lips, "I mean... The Benefactor. You may want to get to know each other seeing that you'll be living together from now on" and with further delay she headed down the stairs. She felt her phone vibrate on her black denim jeans,



It didn't take long for Scar to reach the door. She posed against the open door arch with her arms crossed as she had done in the morning. She was already on a bad mood so instead of looking relaxed as she had on the morning she looked a bit tense. It didn't take as long before she saw him walking towards her, "Hello mystery lady. Please tell me you're the one who's been texting me" he said as soon as he was close enough. Scarlet rolled her eyes in annoyance at his remark, "careful there, don't flatter yourself hotshot" she said moving past the door encouraging him to follow her.

As they walked their way on the direction where the others were waiting, "So how'd you get my number?" he asked but Scarlet kept walking ahead. "It probably helps that I put it on my contacts under 'My Number'. huh?" a small mischievous smile drew on her lips as she continued walking. "Well looking back on it now, it's pretty helpful, right? So why'd you text me?" he continued. Scarlet stopped walking remembering how troublesome he had been and she turned to face him now, "Because you were the only one dumb enough to leave." she said sharply before she gave him her back again and started walking at a faster pace now. It was a lie of course, some of them had indeed walked away, but that didn't mean that she would have to tell him that.

Scar finally reached the stairs but she didn't turn around to see if he was still following but she hoped that he was, after all she didn't want any more hassle than needed. She finally headed upstairs where she had told everyone to stay put, when she finally reached the place she eyed some of them that seemed to be already talking to each other, she turned around to see if Nick was already back from his little trip but he was nowhere to be seen. Before she did anything else, she turned around to see Daniel again, "I hope you don't give me any more trouble..." she finally said before she leaned against the wall again observing everyone a bit impatiently again, counting how many there were and hoping that they had more than the last time she had counted.

A man suddenly opened a door near him and Alton turned his head. He obviously knew what was happening, very confident and forward. He didn’t miss beat as he approached Alton and said, “Hey there man, I’m Nicholas Truman but you can call me Nick. I’m sorry, I really want to make introductions but you gotta get to Scar and I gotta get to the girls so we can meet the Benefactor. I’m heading that way and you can follow me or not but I gotta jet. See you soon!” There was an awkward pause between them as, despite Nick saying he had places to be, he didn’t move leaving Alton to stare at him, waiting for something else to happen.

“Um-” The man started, but was cut off as Nick started speaking again. The man seemed finished for real this time as he began to quickly walk towards the direction the women were in. Alton found he didn’t need a response to the last statement and he began to follow Nick, it wasn’t long before they reached the small group that was forming. Two girls were talking to each other, a peppy blond, and a unsettling brunette. They seemed tolerable… enough. Alton, however, was much more interested in the red head Nick had a brief exchange with. The dark haired boy realized he missed his chance to ask Nick about what they had drugged him with, and she may have had the answers.

"I am not giving any explanations until everyone is here." He suppressed a groan of disapproval. The lack of pain he was feeling was starting to make him panicky, and he moved his right down to start scratching at his forearm. Usually the feeling of itching left him feeling satisfied, at least for a short while, but instead all he could feel was the pressure of his fingers. He tried scratching harder, attempting to feel anything, but he pulled away his fingers to a sticky mess. He had scratched his arm open, again, but it hadn’t even been worth it this time because he didn’t get to feel it.

He bent his elbow back to look at it, he had done a decent number on his arm, but the lack of feeling anything other than the pressure was concerning. He looked towards the direction where Scarlet had disappeared, he wondered if she would be irritated. Judging by her less then friendly first impression he guessed she would, not that he even cared. Right now he’d be happy with a few Hello Kitty Band-Aids if nothing else.

He looked at his scratch wound, then his red fingers and sighed. “Well it’s not that serious.” He muttered before looking around, some of these people might have been put off by him appearance, so he shoved down his rolled sleeve and wiped his fingers on the back of his jeans. It left him to go find something to lean against. No need to go anemic in front of a bunch of strangers and pass out.

He wandered towards an empty space that none of the small groups that had formed were currently occupying, and he tapped the wall with his finger before leaning against it. He glanced over the growing group of people. They seemed like a diverse bunch, and he eyed several profiles that would be interesting to sketch, he found himself wishing he had a sketch book on him now. But, he didn’t dwell on it as he closed his eyes and dipped his head back to rest against the wall. Surely he would get his explanation soon enough.

As Rosalina continued her chatter the voice of Scarlet once again starting to speak, Now you want to join our conversation. "Does it look to you like just anybody that damn pleases can work here?" The attitude in her voice seemed to most likely come irritation. "So far yes." Scarlet wasn't the nicest person Grey had met so far, but at least she was honest. She didn't seem to put up a fake persona like Grey knew the others probably were. "I mean, what am I suppose to think? I know no one here but myself, and I don't do much." With one of her few honest statements so far she tried to remain calm at the sharp way she was being spoken to. Glancing over at Rosalina she seemed to agree the behavior was odd.

"everything that you need..." Her tone radiated boredom as well as her bodily language. With the pause she looked away from Grey causing her to look over her shoulder. More people to the party. When watching the people leave the room and made her wonder how many people had been in this large area. From them all looking like they all contained some confusion she decided they were probably brought her too "is in the room you woke up." It sounded like Scarlet had said this many times before and had no feeling to want to say it again. Grey had been in her room, but she hasn't explored like everyone else, that had been the least of her worries when she wake up. "Thank you." Was her quiet replied from her questions not being answer in the detail she had been hoping for, but the reply explained enough she guessed. "But I'm sure most of you have noticed that by now." Gazing back at the others she noticed how fresh most of them looked while she still looked like a wreck in her mind. She was wearing a purple tank top and black skinny jeans from work that she had had that night. She didn't look completely and utterly a mess, but she could have looked better. She could have taken a bath and done her hair before going to meet the Benefactor. Grey didn't care how she looked overall, but she still wanted her new employer to think she was a good new addition if she decided to stay. Hopefully I don't stick out as the one who hasn't bathed. Maybe I'll have time to go before meeting him, I hope so.

"All right... that's it." Delivering her attention back to the annoyed Scarlet Grey smirked And I thought people annoyed me. People normally very annoying to Grey, they talked when no one cared, the were self-centered, and so many different negative things. A majority of people were fake though like Grey was herself. She acted like a completely different person when she was around others, she didn't do it to be sinister or anything, she just didn't want to appear different. The new character she had created was modeled after her old self after she had died mental, so in a way she wasn't Grey anymore, but someone else. "I am not giving any explanations until everyone is here." And with that Scarlet left the man that had been talking. As she left she gave her a small wave that wasn't acknowledged.

"That was odd." Rosalina began to speak after the departure, so in return she got some of Grey's attention. "Yes, I would say so myself." Flipping her hair back over her shoulders she began walking back to her room backwards, "I'm going back to my room until they return, when they come back would you come get me?" Rosalina returned a helpful smile.

Turning around she walked into her room shutting the door behind her. "Now it's my turn to explore..." There were three other doors besides the one she entered: one to the left wall and one on each side of the bed. Picking the closet one to her, the left one. The door was metal but warm to the touch Odd. With the twist of the handle and gentle pull back hidden behind the door was a master kitchen. The side she had entered had cabinets and the sink, in the very middle of the room was a glass square case that reached the ceiling with silver dusted plants within it and a floral design on the outside. To the right of the room was the kitchen table that was illuminated with blue glowing lights. Walking over to another metal door she assumed was the fridge she opened it to find food, drinks, Alcohol! She was oblivious to what was in the bottle, but she couldn't careless. Pulling whatever it was out she popped the lid off and stuck it into her mouth. This is the best alcohol I've ever had! She couldn't help but keep a consistent flow of drinking. It was sweet, but the right amount of bitter as it flowed across her tastebuds. If anything she would stay around just to keep getting whatever this was. Dancing around some she realized she had drank the whole thing. Oh well. Placing the empty bottle on to the table she excused herself from the room and went to the door that had been to the left of the bed on the wall.

The bathroom. The bathroom had a very futuristic touch to it like the kitchen had, but she simply could not complain. Everything in the bathroom was so open and flowed together so well. Eyeballing the shower she got undressed, turned it on warm, and then got in.

Her shower had been quick, but needed. Grabbing a towel that had been hanging on a rod she wrapped it around her as she left the room. So the last must be the closet. Going to the only door she had left she was disappointed to see that it wasn't a walk in, but an empty closet with just one outfit and a body mirror on the back wall. At least I won't get overran with stress trying to pick an outfit to meet the Benefactor. Trying to think on the bright side she dropped the towel and put on the clothes waiting for her. First she put on a black plain push up bra and matching black panties followed by the slick tight fitting black dress. Looking in the mirror she noticed how much it showed off her curves Not to bad. Picking up the dark grey jacket she examined it and felt the softness the put both of her arms through the sleeves, buttoning the single silver button she through black flats onto the floor then slipped her feet in. "Wow." She said looking at herself, she hasn't seen herself look so pretty in years, "The Benefactor sure knows how to pick out clothes."

Returning to the bathroom she began to blow dry her hair that naturally fell into big curls. When done with that she looked at herself, took in a deep breath, then walked back out into the hallway over to Rosalina who was lingering kind of close to a boy (Alton) With the both of them seeming pretty silent she plastic a smile on her face and walked over. "I'm Grey." She told the boy holding her hand out.

"You look so pretty, Grey! I didn't know you knew how to dress!" Rosalina was shocked to see Grey the way she dressed, she actually looked like one of the most put together people now, a business woman to be more exact. "Well, I didn't actually put this together, I was the only outfit in my closet." Rosalina squinted her eyes, puckered out his lips, and then tapped her right cheek. "Maybe you can't dress so they're trying to help you!" As she spoke she over exaggerated her Hispanic accent over her British, "Oh, and I'm Rosalina." Telling the boy that Grey had introduced herself to. "Welcome strangers.""Another person!" Her voice was cheery to the voice that had entered behind her, Sounds familiar. Shrugging her shoulders at the thought all her hair flipped to the left as she looked over her shoulder to see who is was. Noah! Rosalina quickly reached out and grabbed Grey's arm squeezing it tightly. With huge eyes she looked up at a wide mouth Grey who was about to speak. "That's my ex." Telling her before Grey had the chance to speak.

Rosalina had no clue what to do, she hasn't seen him since he left What the hell could he have lost? She could understand she receiving something for a lost, but not him! He always did whatever he wanted without a care in the world, but because of him she had lost so much: her home, her money, her family, and so much more. Once in her life she had loved him with every amount of her being, she would have done anything for him, which she did. She started doing drugs and drinking and even ran away from home, something she had thought was the best thing for her, but now she knew better. In her mind they were going to be together forever, that he loved her as much as she loved him; she was wrong. He was self absorbed like all other guys in bands, all his fame went immediately to his big fat head. Noah had become all about himself and what he wanted, she just became his second best.

She had wished she had left sooner and had been the one who broke it off, but she had loved him and had hoped that their love would help work out all their problems; it hadn't. Never really getting an answer why he was leaving she assumed he wanted better or something new, but all she did know was it left her heart broken and broke and alone.

"Sorry." Letting go of Grey she noticed a red spot she had left, "Sorry." Repeating so she glanced between Grey and Noah. "I'll be right back." Her voice sounded elsewhere as she turned away from the two with a deep breath of unsureness. You'll be living with him... again, so be peaceful Rosalina. Walking over to him she arched her back and tried her best to give a smile. He looked rough and edgy like the last time she saw him He's still sexy... "So you got brought her too I see." See looked over his whole body as he rested against the wall, he seemed so laid back like he had got kidnapped before. She didn't know what to say to him, well she did, but this wasn't the time or place and she wanted to be civil. "It seems like you have changed to much." It was both a statement with a pinch of her joking causing her to give a small awkward laugh. When he left she was hoping for better, but he still looked like the band member with dark hair that he was to lazy to fix. After he left her she was on the bottom, a girl that was always drunk and would do anything for drugs, but in the past few years she changed her ways and started building her way back up for herself. "I'm now working as a fashion assistant at a big fashion industry, if I'm lucky I'll be designing soon." He might not of cared, but she wanted him to know how she's made it after he left, how much better she was without him now and how he still seemed like shit. "I hope everything's good for you too."

---

---

Harper was about to turn around and make her way to the stairs to go call The Madam when the guy from the ally came running down the hall. “Hey sorry Scar, I had to help a couple of your guys. They looked so confused. Hopefully they followed me…” She slowly arched a brow, glancing behind him to see if anyone had. "I'm Hailey," came a soft voice from behind her. She turned to see a petite, softspoken girl. "I'm Makoto, but you can all call me Mack or Maki. It's nice to meet you." The Asian boy that was placed in a room not far from her own. “Hello?” A confused looking guy from the other side of the hall. He would be dubbed 'the slow one', in Harper's book, for the complete look of utter confusion on his face.

As she was glancing him over, she noticed something red on his arm. She was going to shift for a better look when another voice caught her attention. “I'm Fiona.” Like Harper, the girl seemed to be sizing everyone else up, unable to resist being judgmental of the rag-tag bunch. "Hello everyone, I'm Rosalina." Dubbed, 'the princess', just because she looked like a Barbie. "I'm Grey." This was the girl that was freaking out when Harper originally came out of her room. Harper's eyes softened on the girl. She knew what it was like to wake up in an unfamiliar place, without something you really need or wanted.

“Hey ladies and gentlemen, I’ll be with the ladies in a moment to escort them to the Benefactor and the men will go with our lovely Scarlet. However, it seems that I need to make sure the little fox doesn’t run scot free. I’ll see you all in a bit and sorry but there is no elevator! By the way, the Benefactor mentioned that there was a girl that would be needing some medication. I told him I would be honored to give this to you.” Nick, the many from the alley, handed Grey her medication- what she had been desperately in need of, and then took off after the dark headed girl who had taken off for the stairs moments before. It seemed as though all eyes had fallen back onto Scarlet, the ill tempered and agitated red head.
"I am not giving any explanations until everyone is here," the woman said stiffly, and then briskly made her way towards the stairs as well.

Harper's mind drifted back to the previous apology. No elevator-- did that mean they were not on the ground floor? Were they in some sort of hotel, or mansion or... Her mind trailed off, distracted by another sudden outburst. "Hailey! What are you doing here?" "Do you know what's going on?" "Aradia! I'm so glad you’re here--" Harper's mind clicked off- completely uninterested in what either of the girls had to say to each other, or anyone else. With a small eye roll, Harper started to walk back towards her room, a small ways away from everyone else but still on the hall. She pulled out her cell pone as it was vibrating angrily in her bag. "Yes? Yes, Madam. I know that. I know I said I would-- but something came up! It's not my fault! What? I don't know where I am and they won't tell me! Madam, please! No!" Tears swelled in her eyes, but not tears of sorrow- tears of rage. Her free fist clenched into a ball angrily as she listened to her employer slander and threaten her. After a pregnant pause from her, and a moment of cussing and yelling on the other end of her line, Harper hung up.

Nick needed to hurry up and get back, because The Madam was pissed and she couldn't lose her job. It was all she had in the world- her place to live, how she got food and money, her connections.. it was everything. The sad thing was, though, even if she did leave the building- she had no idea where she was. For all she knew, she was in a different state-- or worse, a different country! With a frustrated sigh she wiped the tears from her face and stood up straight again. She would stay and hear out The "Benefactor"- whoever that was, and then make her decision from there. Even still, worry clawed at her stomach. She was risking everything and it spelled doom for her life in Michigan if she didn't figure things out soon. Of course she didn't want to go back to that life- but what if what this crazy rich dude was asking for was something far worse? Like her first born child, or slavery? The note had seemed innocent and wonderful enough but... she couldn't be sure. She couldn't trust a note. Harper licked her lips and pulled her hair nervously to the side, looking down the hall at the small group of people. Could this really be a fairy tale come true for all of them?

Scarlet moved her head to the side at the sight of all the people talking to each other. Sylvester had given them a report on every single one of them, as he always did with new recruits, so she wasn't surprised to see some of the interactions that were happening just a few feet away. She eyed everyone that seemed to be doing their own thing, it was then when she saw a much smaller and shorter figure roaming the the room trying to stay unnoticed, 'Kaylee...' Scar said in a low voice, her blonde hair could be seen behind Rosalina and Noah who seemed to be too deep into their conversation that they didn't notice when the twelve year old was eavesdropping on their conversation. kaylee then moved to Jasper, whom she saw being rude to someone else, she elbowed the young tall man purposely, "sorry about that" she tried saying in a sweet and endearing tone that yelled sarcasm all over, one that she had picked from Scar most likely. The young girl then stuck her tongue out to the young man and moved next to Zeus who the young girl thought seemed to be nice enough.

Scarlet couldn't help but to grin at the little girl's actions but her smile quickly vanished as soon as the soon to be teenager turned to look at her. Scarlet immediately changed her mood and looked at Kaylee scornfully as she always did when the young girl was trying to get in trouble. Kaylee, knowing she did not want to make Scar even madder, dropped her shoulders and started walking towards the red haired beauty who seemed far from happy with her arrival. She looked like a child about to be scolded by her mother, she had her eyes on the floor as she walked slowly towards her. Finally she was at hands reach from Scar, "I'm sorry" the young girl said. Scarlet moved her hand towards the little girl's head ruffling her long blonde hair, "Kaylee... you know that your Dad doesn't like it when you are playing around with the new recruits".

It was then when they were interrupted by an older woman, Rosemary. She rushed her way in though the stairs and was having an agitated respiration as she had probably ran to search for Kaylee as she did so often being her Nanny. Finally, she spotted the young girl who was next to Scarlet, "Miss Crom...well" she said trying to catch her breath, breathless almost. "Rosy..." said the young girl in return and now hiding behind Scar not wanting to continue with her piano lessons. Rosemary waited for a few minuted trying to regain composure, Scarlet did not say anything and waited until she spoke again, "Ms. Romanov" to which Scarlet replied immediately, "Just Scarlet, Rosemary" she said annoyed though not being disrespectful. Rosemary was about to speak again when Scarlet cut her off, "that will not be necessary, I was about to tell her to return to her lessons" she said dismissing Rosemary for the moment. "But..." Kaylee started, "No buts, I know you want to come but you know you can't. I'll come and fetch you up as soon as I can ok?". Kaylee without second thoughts knowing she would keep her word simply replied, "Okay..." and Scarlet smiled at the young girl before she headed back.

As soon as Kaylee was out of her sight, Scarlet counted the number of people in the room again. Finally she counted the number she needed for the guys with the new addition of the last guy she needed, who looked just as baffled and confused as most of them, and she found Nick finally coming back with the last girl. She was about to make a remark on his, again, delayed arrival but she saw him answering the phone, Sylvester at the end of the line most likely. Finally, after hanging up he spoke again, “Good, okay folks it’s time to go meet your new boss! Scar you can lead the boys first, I’ll stay behind the girls to make sure they’re protected.” With that he winked at the girls followed by a smile directed at her but Scarlet couldn't help but to role her eyes, "Like you had to tell me twice..."

Finally Scarlet moved in front only turning back once, "You wanted some answers and answers is what you'll get. she paused for a moment to look at everyone and then turned to Nick, "You heard mister Claus here" she said calling him by the nickname she had given him as soon as she heard his name was Nicholas, "the guys come with me first." And with that she moved in front of everyone being careful to see that all of them followed. "The elevator doesn't work" she said before anyone was clever enough to ask why they couldn't simply go on the elevator, what Nick had already explained a couple of times; besides it was something that some of them, like the new guy were unaware of. They had to go up the stairs up to the sixth floor, Scarlet did not say anything as they moved their way up. She knew that Sylvester would be waiting and was starting to get impatient as he had called for Nick for an update, besides she wanted to get the empowering done as soon as possible as it would make her job easier.

Scarlet could care less if anyone complained at the stairway, once they were in the sixth floor she turned around to see if all of them were behind and to see if Nick was following behind though she thought that he would probably stayed longer behind flirting all the way up. Scarlet moved slowly towards Sylvester's office, she barged in the room where the door was already opened, she didn't see the point in knocking had the door been closed, either way she made her way in his office. "Here they are" she said signaling everyone, "you really know how to pick em" she said before she did as always, she leaned against the wall letting Sylvester do all the talking.

Nicholas was enjoying his view from the rear eyeing the pretty girls that he sees yet cautious to Scarlet’s eyes. He was a bit startled by Grey skipping over to him and hooking her right arm to his left, yet he smiled at her as she introduced herself as Grey holding her free hand in front of him. “ …and thank you for kidnapping me” she said while giggling at the end. Nick had a hunch that the girl was not being quite truthful with her laughter as her smile was bigger and her laugh sounded a bit forced, yet he decided to go along with it, thinking to himself, ”Okay, here we go girl number two! I’m on a roll today!” He shook Grey’s hand gently saying in a smooth voice, “Ah how rude of me I don’t believe I had introduced myself very well back there so sorry. I had some business to take care of but no matter. I am Nicholas Truman, though call me Nick or Nicky if you wish.” He smiled at her and looked into her eyes as they walked up saying, “Oh you’re very welcome. I’ve always been the expert at catching the best fish in the sea. Though I apologize for having you walk four flights of stairs. Like I said before there is no elevator.” Nick continued to flaunt and flirt with Grey and look at the other women until they reached the Benefactor’s office.

---

The Benefactor leaned back on his desk as the new recruits slowly gathered inside his office. First the men appeared and then the women. As the Benefactor studied them closely without staring, he couldn’t help but notice how disheveled, confused, and even angry they looked. One of them had even called out "So, you're the asshole that kidnapped me...who the hell do you think you are?" The Benefactor wasn’t fazed by the anger that snapped out of the young boy. In fact he had to admit he was very straightforward which would be useful to him.

”Poor things,” he thought. ”They must’ve gone through some pretty rough times only to be brought to another adventure of their lives. No matter. It is now that they will begin their possible transformation.”

The Benefactor then stood up proud and as tall as he could clearing his throat and then greeting his new recruits with a “Welcome.” “My name is Sylvester Cromwell but I am usually addressed as The Benefactor. Although some of you may know that from reading the letter. Before we begin, I should let you know that should you desire to return to your rooms, the room number is placed in the back of the letter. If you by chance did not read your letter in your room or did not bring it with you and don’t remember your room, I will give it to you before we give you a tour of the places you will be working in the town.” Sylvester could see that some people seemed to look up or raise their eyebrows as though he had guessed correctly that some people haven’t touched or known about the letter. No matter, there is always an incident such as this one.

The Benefactor motioned to the two recruiters who had accompanied them to move aside as they always have done. He then motioned for the new recruits to come closer and he put his hands towards them palms facing forward. He wore white gloves that matched his formal business attire of a black suit, pants, and shoes. The room seemed to stir a bit and a wind picked up that shook some objects such as a lamp by the corner and some books in Sylvester’s shelf but not so hard that it would knock things to the floor. A faint glow came from underneath Sylvester and the recruits. It was obscure because of the many recruits, but there was a light sea green spell circle with intricate and ancient symbols. The same glow surrounded the people who may or may not have been a bit frightened but the Benefactor reassured, “Don’t worry and don’t be afraid. He is right now observing you and trying to gather information of your pasts, of your fears, of your strengths, and of sorrows. He is the one that will bestow your powers which you will utilize in your work. These powers are your Gifts of Innocence. You must now open your hearts, minds, and souls, and accept the Gift of Innocence as parts of you now.”

The glow emanating from the spell circle grew warm and surrounded the individuals as the Benefactor closed his eyes and concentrated. He could feel his strength diminishing bit by bit until the spell was complete. He doubled back and tripped but Nicholas ran to catch him in time.

“Thank you Nicholas. I’ll be fine don’t worry. Just be sure to fill in what I need you to fill in.”

“Sure sir. Hey wait, what do you need me to fill in?”

“You’ve already agreed Nicholas. You’ll see.”

---

The Benefactor then proceeded to walk towards each individual to inform them of their powers and their tasks. He first walked to Rosalina and said, “Rosalina, you’ve lost money and your life has gone in all sorts of directions, but now you can help others who were put in the same situation. You are the Loaner who has the power to produce blank checks to loan money to whoever needs it. The wielder of the blank check is able to create blank checks that can be at any dollar amount. They can be given to anyone poor or rich or somewhere in between as long as they meet the terms. It will be agreed upon by customers that there will be a set date for payment and a 1% interest is to be expected. The customer chooses the exact date and time for the payment but it cannot be altered no matter the situation. You will be working very closely with an old friend of yours.”

The Benefactor walked over to Noah and said, ”Noah, you’ve abused drugs and even conjured your own, sometimes bringing others with you to your downfall. Now you will be a potions maker which is like a drug dealer only your potions are made through your gift of magic medicine. You will brew potions that will solve problems that the customer will have. Materials and the guide book will be provided by the Benefactor. However, the medicines are still drugs, which mean they have to be taken at certain dosages and in a limited amount of time. Make sure you take some funds with Rosalina.”

After talking to Noah, the Benefactor moved on to Hailey, Aradia, and Grey. “All three of you will be counselors though you differ depending on your power and experiences. Hailey and Aradia you’ve been best friends but the friendship hasn’t been exactly comforting and supportive has it? Hailey you will be the Empowerment Counselor, taking those who feel as though they are weak and help them take charge into their lives. You were given power to “take charge” because you have been used by another and have felt helpless. You will tell people to recite a mantra to help them take charge into their lives. “I am powerful. My actions do have meaning. I will take charge and control my destiny.”This mantra when recited helps the user to feel empowerment. The user can take charge in his or her life to the point where he/she is intimidating enough to make other people do as told. The mantra only lasts for twenty-four hours, but it can be said over and over again.

Aradia, you will be the Satisfaction Counselor, taking those who feel as though they are not satisfied with their life and are jealous of others. You will help them turn their jealousy around and replace it with feelings of wanting to know and understand the object of their jealousy more. You were given this power because you have felt jealous and have taken out your jealousy on another person. There is a mantra for this that you will teach. “I am satisfied. There is enough for me. I will turn jealousy into devotion and become a true friend instead.” This mantra when recited helps the user become more devoted to becoming a true friend rather than a jealous poisonous friend. Like the take charge mantra, it only lasts for twenty-four hours, but it can be said over and over again.

Grey, you will be the Death/Suicide Counselor who will try to help and understand victims of depression due to death and suicides. In order to understand your patients you were given the gift of empathy which allows you to feel the pain of your patients emotionally, physically, and mentally. You have experienced the feeling of guilt due to obliviousness. Your empathy is not limited to her patients however. You can also feel the pain of others around you when listening intently, usually asking others “Tell me, I’ll listen and try to understand” in order to activate empathy.

You three will be working very closely as counselors so I hope you get along nicely. The Benefactor said giving a warm smile to the ladies.”

He moved on to Zeus and informed him about his role. “Zeus, you will be working with the counselors as well with your role being the Psychologist. You will help people recover from traumatic experiences by permanently erase the painful memories of your patients. You have been sexually assaulted by other women and are always haunted by it, so now you can help others ease their pain by erasing their memory. However, in exchange you must peer into the memories of his patients and erase a happy and equivalent memory. He may use this power outside of work, but the people must be willing to have at least the bad memory erased for it to work.

He turned to Fiona and Alton to tell them about their roles. “You both will be Animal Rescuers and Trainers as you both have witnessed and or experienced pain. Fiona, you will be a friend to the animals, able to befriend animals easily and having them listen to your commands, as though they understand you completely. Friend of the Animals is given to someone who has been tortured by the various cruel deeds done on animals. You will show them a better life through taking care of them and training them in the special Animal Training facilities provided by the Benefactor.

Alton, you will help Fiona rescue animals from their various dangerous situations. To aid you, you will have the ability to not feel any pain, for you have been abused too many times without reason. It should be noted that the effect of feeling no pain lasts both in and out of the job. Make sure however that you rest periodically."

The Benefactor decided that since he just told the animal Rescuers their roles, he should designate the rescuer of people. “Forgive me, is it Jang or Jang Hyun? I have never been the best with Asian names. Anyway, you will also be a rescuer but of people with the gift of resurrection. You have lost many people in your life that you have loved through cruel fate, so now you can help others get that second chance of living. Just note that the people you resurrect will have their lives changed in ways that you need to discover on your own.”

Next he went on to another Asian to get the awkward names over with. “Another one ahh…Ma—ko—to? Anyways, you have been running away from a past of killings, being in the Mafia, and other wrong doings and want to get another chance under a new identity. You will allow people that chance as well. Under the guise of a prison guard, you will have the ability of a reset button, the chance to improve their current lives by allowing them to go back and fix the point in their lives that they think ruined them. Look in your hands and you will see that you have a literal Reset Button that has knobs that change the date and time displayed on it. A person can change it to whatever time and date they want to go back to. After they are done fixing their problem they are transported back in the new present There are however limitations as you will figure out."

He turned to Harper and said, “You’ve been in a lot of raping and prostitution business haven’t you? You feel worthless thinking that being a whore is your only worth and you’ve even panicked about that job of yours haven’t you? Don’t answer the call. You have another home now. You can help others by being the Empowerer. You are similar to Hailey in that you will help others get up from their sulking, agony, and lack of confidence. You will guide those who were lost, thrown away, and shunned by society to a new direction in life. Your Gift of Innocence, "Listen Well," enables you to allow the person she is talking to listen and obey her advice and commands. There are however, limitations to this power as the person must be able to actually hear it. Unlike the others you will search out those in the town rather than have your clients directed to you. We must always remember there are those who do not wish to actively change their fates, as you should know from experience.”

He turned to Jasper, the man who had spoken up to the Benefactor, and said, “I am someone who knows that you were blamed of murder incorrectly due to misunderstanding. You accuse me of kidnapping but it is merely a misunderstanding as I am helping you as you were at your lowest point. So you want to find the truth of things and you shall as a detective with the gift of Psychometry. It allows you to touch an object or person to see the recent past or future. However, note that you will not be given any indication whether it had happened in the past or will happen in the future.”

The Benefactor made sure to be more open and comforting when approaching Novia knowing that she will be more distrusting than the others. “Novia do not fear. Although I know that you are not legal here, let it be assured that your secret is safe with us and that I am not here to deport you. In fact come see me some time and I have connection that might help you get citizenship if you so desire. But in regards to your job, I know you are a bright person, yet you have been held back by poverty. Therefore you will be the Negotiator, negotiating with various salesmen for needed goods. If any of the workers or I need something we will turn to you for your negotiation skills will be so amazing it will be as though they cannot refuse. You will persuade them with “Do we have an accord?” and the item is yours! I trust that you are smart enough to know the correct amount to negotiate for and will give her a budget to abide by.

Sylvester made sure to hurry since he can tell that people were getting impatient and from the corner of his eye he could tell Jasper was itching to get out of here. “Finally Daniel, the man who was supposed to have been a father. I’m so sorry about the miscarriage and your wife. Trust me, I know how it feels to lose your significant other.” The Benefactor looked off in space about after he said that, thinking about…Clarissa… He shook his head to get back to reality knowing he had to continue and said, “Er Sorry. Anyway, you will be a Fertility Specialist, being able to let others have children the way they want them to be and at any time they wish for the baby to develop. The clients will also be able to pick specific traits for their unborn child. It should be noted that you can only induce pregnancy on willing women. And I would advise you please, do not make any of my staff pregnant. It would be very troublesome to have many little children even though Kaylee would love to have siblings.”

The Benefactor then walked to the front of the room pausing a bit to catch his breath from all of the talking and then finally opening his mouth to speak. “Nick I believe it is time for you to fill them in on what I cannot fill in, your power and Scarlet would you like to do so or as always leave it to mystery? Of course Nick you cannot refuse,” the Benefactor ended with a smile.
Nick sighed but he knew he had no choice so he stood in front of the crowd and said, “As you all know, I am a recruiter but I have the power of persuasion. I…used to not be able to commit to anything. I have so many jobs it’s hard to count, I have had many girlfriends that I haven’t had the courage to commit to, and I…” Nick paused but the Benefactor urged him to go on. “I left my fiancé at the altar. I couldn’t do it. I…I ran because I was too afraid to commit to something I wasn’t sure of. However, the Benefactor found me and gave me this power. Now I’m able to make commitments with ease. If I agree to something someone asks me to I will actually be able to do it! Though it goes the same with others. Just be careful, if I ask you to do something and you agree, you can’t run away and you have to go through with it.” As Nick finished he sighed having said this story to many new recruits to rile them up.

The Benefactor then stood in front of Nick and asked, “Any more questions?”

Alton felt his body tense up when the surroundings began lighting up. That wasn’t a good thing, glowing people were never a good thing, they weren’t good in tele programs, and they weren’t good in the real world either. He glanced around at the others, each of them seemed to be experiencing the same phenomenon as he was. Each of them glowing and reacting in their own time. The Benefactor and those other two didn’t seem bothered by the occurrence, despite The Benefactor also glowing, so Alton forced himself to relax. Though he admitted that the temperamental man was interesting, his anger was interesting. He seemed like the type of person that wasn’t afraid to hit, and by the looks of it he could probably pack quite the punch.

He was distracted from the angry man when the glowing subsided that The Benefactor began talking again. It seemed each of these people had their own background, their own stories of pain and hardship, just has Alton had. He listened carefully though, identifying each face with their pain, he could probably do a few profiles from memory, distort them with their issues. He wondered if that was immoral, of disturbed, but he decided no one would see them in the end so it wouldn’t matter what they thought.

He felt a wave rock his body, it was cool and slow and dissipated just as The Benefactor turned his attention towards him and a ditzy looking girl, her name was Fiona. He hadn’t a care for the job he was given, he had never really cared for animals before, but he supposed he could have gotten a worse job. He eyed up his supposed partner again, she seemed like she could be tolerable to work with. “Alton, you will help Fiona rescue animals from their various dangerous situations. To aid you, you will have the ability to not feel any pain, for you have been abused too many times without reason. It should be noted that the effect of feeling no pain lasts both in and out of the job. Make sure however that you rest periodically.”

Alton felt himself pale, his fingers twitched and he felt his fingers move back to his forearm, his fingers digging into his skin. There was nothing though, just a soft pressure against his arm. It was dull and offered none of the relief he usually got to scratching. He bite his lip, eyes darting around the room for a moment, he felt very twitchy and very uncomfortable standing in that room. He looked at The Benefactor, if this man had known so much about him why would he be given a gift that went so entirely against everything that kept him stable. He watched as Jasper left, seeing an opening for him to get out as well.

“I’m getting out of here too.” He muttered as he shoved his hands in his pockets before making a beeline for the door. He felt like he was on the verge of a panic attack, not to mention it was turning into a sob fest in there, something he wasn’t too keen about sticking around for. He began towards the door when the red headed woman slipped ahead of him. He walked out just as she was stepping aside. His eyes flickered between the two of them. Both seemed rather abrasive and crude, traits that he admired in people, and he cleared his throat. “Listen, I’m just going to go back to my flat, the atmosphere in there right now is pitiful and I don’t want to deal with it. So if you don’t mind, I’m going to try to come to terms with the fact that pain isn’t available to me anymore.”

The dark haired man felt his fingers move back down to his forearm, his nails digging into his skin and him not being able to feel the acute pain it should have been producing.

The Benefactor didn’t have to wait long for others to respond to the mysterious happening of the office and himself. Grey had asked, "Why was I chosen?" and the Benefactor would have thought it was obvious at this point yet he opened his mouth to respond. Before he could, the Benefactor stopped as he heard laughter coming from another Harper who had only one question to ask, “Why does the elevator not work?” The Benefactor took a moment to smirk at the question, anticipating that it would come out sooner or later but not with the enthusiasm Harper had. Still he did have to explain and he would’ve if Jasper wasn’t so quick to answer Grey. “Apparently, you weren’t paying attention when this guy was giving an overview of everyone’s life story,” as he gestured to the Benefactor on cue. Obviously, simple bitch, you’re just as fucked up as the rest of the broken toys here.” Afterwards he turned to the Benefactor. “I have a real question, Mr. B,” sounding irritated. The Benefactor held back his smile to the nickname, hiding the fact that he kind of liked it because he knew now was not the time. “Can I just get the hell out of here?” Jasper asked before shaking his head ,waving his hand, and walking towards the door. ”You know, what? You don’t even have to answer that. I’m going to just go.” And with that Jasper walked out of the office, the first one to leave after the empowering. The Benefactor didn’t need to signal Scarlet as she walked out of the office after Jasper. After a while, she came back in without him, unsuccessful perhaps.

In a few moments, Daniel spoke up agreeing with Harper the “former hooker.” “I don’t know, it just seems like a lot of walking,” while Rosalina and Noah had a conversation amongst themselves. Makoto seemed to be the only one who enjoyed this at this point. The Benefactor wasn’t surprised when another one, Alton, also announced that he would get out of here. “Listen, I’m just going to go back to my flat, the atmosphere in there right now is pitiful and I don’t want to deal with it. So if you don’t mind, I’m going to try to come to terms with the fact that pain isn’t available to me anymore.” The Benefactor watched Alton leave and thought, ”My, I wonder if I should’ve really done that, or rather if he should’ve given him that ability considering his…special kinship towards it. But what’s done is done and he cannot take it back.”

If the Benefactor had thought that Makoto was the one who enjoyed this he couldn’t have been more wrong when Grey had started a whole conversation to him about thanking him for saving her schooling for psychology, offering her coffee skills, introducing herself, a “broken” closet, and a bottle of wine that didn’t make her drunk. The Benefactor had taken her hand and shook it gently giving her a warm reassuring smile while she spoke, but couldn’t help raise his eyebrow and give a concerned look when she mentioned the bottle of wine.

“Grey, it is a pleasure for you to offer coffee. I’d like to take up the offer sometime if it’s no trouble, and perhaps the others would like some too. I will ask the maids to gather a list from each of you about your clothing preferences. Though, about the wine…I’m sorry to say that I didn’t put that there…” The Benefactor grew jealous for the moment. ”Of all the things I don’t give them, why did it have to be wine!” he thought. The Benefactor could feel his taste buds craving for the drink that Grey had taken up and he couldn’t help but tighten his grip, forgetting that Grey was holding onto his hands. “Ahh sorry about that miss. But I can’t inform you much on the wine.”

He was about to suggest that Novia would help the maids gather deals on the clothing but then she excused herself, in a much intelligent and sarcastic tone, “Well, as much as I'd love to stay and join you all in being harassed and degraded by Nero of the 21st Century, I think I can manage to find something more stimulating to help me grasp onto what's going on. Thanks for the stuff, by the way. Love the kitchen design. But I really want my Audi back.”

More people walked out of the office after Novia, leaving Grey, Harper, Rosalina, Noah, Daniel, Makoto, and Jang to be in the room. Aradia and Zeus left the area without a word. Fiona said a goodbye to Harper saying, “As much as it is seeing people explode and hearing all this cursing, I think I'm going to go look around this place. But, it was very nice speaking to you, Harper. I hope to see you around.” With the leave of her best friend Aradia, Hailey excused herself, "I...I...Never mind. Excuse me, I need to... I gotta... I need to collect.. collect.. collect my thoughts."
The Benefactor observed all of this, and took note of who left and who still remained. It didn’t surprise him much that some people stayed behind while others had left. This happened many times over and after experience he knew that plans don’t always go as smoothly, so he had to think of an alternative. He smiled towards Grey who was still nearby him and then addressed the crowd of young adults.

“Now, I see that we won’t be able to go have a tour around the town, which is still fine. You’re free to go and look around this weekend as your jobs don’t start until Monday. However, I see that we need to get together as a group, so I’m going to plan a little something for us to do this evening. For now, I want you to get closer to each other, especially trying to find those who have just ran off. There are no more secrets in this place anymore since we have to get close to each other. It is important that a business runs as a unit that so happens to have many components.” The Benefactor smiled, remembering that logic from his father who he had looked up to all those years ago as a child. Now it was his turn to shine, his moment of leadership. “In fact, this may also be an excellent opportunity to try out your powers if you wish, as long as the other person is willing of course. Again Daniel, I warn you on not making anyone…endowed with another person inside of them…unless they wish it upon themselves.”

Before the new recruits headed out the Benefactor quickly said, “And the reason why the elevator doesn’t work is because my father was unfortunate enough to receive this building without one and as it expended the workers couldn’t install one. I apologize for this, but in a sense it is a good way to be healthy and exercise. You never know when emergency could strike and that extra training would help.” After the new recruits filed out, The Benefactor motioned to Nick and Scar to have a meeting to themselves.

“Nicholas, Scarlet, watch over these interactions. We need to make sure they do not get unnecessarily injured in any way,” the Benefactor whispered with a serious tone. Slowly his serious expression turned into a smile and he cheerfully smiled and he continued, “Especially since they’re supposed to have a good time!”

Nick nodded and politely said, “Yes, sir,” then grabbed Scarlet’s hand and escorted her out. Making sure that nobody was around, Nick asked, “So, Scar, how do you think of the new recruits? I’m definitely enjoying the chicks around here, though the guys ain’t so bad. They’re such lucky bastards though. The Benefactor’s throwing them a party again even though they act like such brats!” He gazed at Scarlet as she spoke, observing her beautifully defined body and the flaring sea of vermillion that flowed down with it. Her luscious lips seemed to move with the words she spoke and he didn’t care what she was saying so long as he could look intensely at his partner. Ignoring anything she was saying he then asked, “Hey, why don’t you tell me your power?” He eyed Scarlet suspiciously, circling around her as he spoke. “I mean, it’s been a long time since I joined and you’ve always just kept to yourself about it. We’re partners so shouldn’t we be looking out for each other?” Nick then put his arms around Scarlet and looked at her earnestly, this time showing genuine interest and concern for her. “C’mon, Scar. You know I worry about you sometimes. Why don’t you promise you’ll show me your power? It doesn’t have to be now since I know sometimes there has to be those opportune moments. But can you promise me you’ll show it to me?” Nick held on to Scarlet and stared into her eyes, awaiting an answer.

“Grey, it is a pleasure for you to offer coffee. I’d like to take up the offer sometime if it’s no trouble, and perhaps the others would like some too. I will ask the maids to gather a list from each of you about your clothing preferences. Though, about the wine…I’m sorry to say that I didn’t put that there…” As he spoke he grew silent and his hand tightened around her hand causing discomfort, but she said nothing about the oddity. “Ahh sorry about that miss. But I can’t inform you much on the wine.” "Oh, ok then." Her voice was whispered as she watched the man walk away from the conversations, which she didn't mind much. Note, you'll be making lots and lots of coffee later. Looking around the room she noticed how most had left leaving the sparkling place almost hostless. Feeling a lump of lonely in the bottom of her stomach she didn't like it like she usually did, this place was making her feel all sorts of abnormal. Crossing her arms over her chest she straightened up and with her heeled shoes took her leave like most.

Looking around the hall it had few life as well, More people... She didn't know what to do, not at all, but she was a fast thinker. Glancing around she noticed the black haired boy she tried speaking to before that had said nothing in return. He was Alton she thought Mr. Benefactor had said, and he was an animal rescuer if she recalled correctly. Smoothing back her hair she clacked over to him trying to catch him before he returned back to his room. "Um, Alton." Sticking her arm at in front of him to cut off his walking she let it prop against the wall. "I'm Grey, so how are you enjoying things?" With a small shrug of her shoulders the air around her thicker from lack of words she could think of. Biting her bottom lip from habit she searched her mind for topics. Friendly... coffee... "How about you come with me to have a cup of coffee? I mean we'll be working together, so why not get to know each other more?" Not really waiting for his answer she took his wrist firmly in her hand and pulled him to where the stairs were. "With no elevator this of course will be a long walk, so why not talk on the way down to the fourth floor?" She at least though her room was on the fourth floor, hopefully.

As walking down the stairs she let the coolness of the metal railing slip through her pores as she held on to it. The room was calm and silent besides the sounds of her walking echoing through the spiral stair case. The small turns reminded her of Cinnamon Twist that she use to bake, sugar flakes that melted lightly on the tongue once entering the mouth; maybe she'd bake some. "Before I came here I owned a coffee shop, it wasn't to popular but money came in and the coffee broke the surface of perfect." Pondering what she had just spoken she stopped and turned to him, "I'm sorry how vain that sounded, I just take pride in the coffee I make." Sheepishly smiling she hoped she wasn't being a bother to the boy she had brought down the stairs without him agreeing. "I'll make you some if you want," taking a pause she searched his face for any signs of irritation, "Alton." Saying his name was strange, or at least saying it so formally. The taste it left behind was bittersweet, nice to hold a conversation but strange to have one so one to one.

"Looks like we're here." Once all the step walking was done her voice was airy from all the walking, she was tired and needed to sit. Going to room 214 she opened the door, leaving it so encase he walked in as well, and flopped done to her bed which was immediately behind her door. She didn't have a living room, but there was a comfortable looking light blue couch that her company could sit on or maybe she could hold their attention in the kitchen. Jumping back to her feet that's where she decided that's the room she could go to, so she did. She's fix some coffee, some food for herself and maybe Alton, just maybe.

Going to the coffee maker she opened it up, No water. Pulling back random doors she stopped until she found where the cups were. Getting out a measuring cup she closed all the doors, turned the sink on, filled the measuring cup to three, then poured it into the maker. Looking at a small rack next to the maker it held different types of coffee. Ruining her finger across them she bit her bottom lip. Stopping her finger over the one labeled French Vanilla she plopped it out and put it into the maker. This shouldn't take to long. Bending over in an almost perfect L shape she let her hair flow towards the ground. Pulling a hair tie from her right wrist she fiddled with it in her hair into she created a bun on the top of her head. Perfect enough I guess. she could feel the loss strands tickling the back of her neck, but she did nothing about it, all she did was pull out a mug where the cups had been and waited for it to full with her delicious coffee that she didn't feel like making from scratch.

Alton was heading back towards his room, head down with his fingers scratching absently at his wrist as he tried to comprehend why it felt like a cool rush instead of the hot friction sensation he had become accustom too. Deep in his own mind he hadn’t expected anyone to try and bother him, but sure enough, he was stopped.

“ Um, Alton.” He paused and turned his head to look for whoever called him. It was that loud girl that seemed to always have something to say, or someone to coddle up to. He couldn’t remember her name though, some sort of color though, something with an aye sound. He just wanted to back to his room though, he was feeling less motivated than usual to socialize with anyone.

"I'm Grey, so how are you enjoying things?" The statement was almost laughable, and he could feel a heavy bitterness pooling in his gut at the thought of enjoying himself here. So far all had seen was a bunch of people with sad stories that hadn’t been able to get over it. Not that he was really one to talk, but he didn’t consider himself emotionally damaged. He wasn’t haunted by his past, he was ok. “It’s okay I guess.”

"How about you come with me to have a cup of coffee? I mean we'll be working together, so why not get to know each other more?" Coffee… was not something Alton found himself interested in. And he didn’t want to spend more time with her, but then she grabbed his wrist and he felt himself seize up. And underneath his palm he could feel her germs squirming between their contact and even though he didn’t feel pain anymore the images her still real and he couldn’t make them go away anymore by biting his lip. I need to wash my hands. He thought desperately as his heart began racing, she dragged him somewhere and her words blurred together and his breathing huffed between his lips in short discreet gasps to hide that he was having a problem. She dragged him for a long time too, and Alton kept his head down and thought of his drawings and the things he read in his books, his free hand clenched and unclenched exactly seventeen times before he could focus again.

He didn’t like it, the close contact she had taken to. And she was talking, he decided to focus on that instead, panicking didn’t solve shit. He tried to listen instead of feel, and it helped slightly. “ I'm sorry how vain that sounded, I just take pride in the coffee I make.” No not vain, it more so close to the word endearing. “It’s not vain to take pride in the things you care about.” But when he said it, it didn’t sound quite right and his hand clenched by his side. “Things you care about, things you care about,” It was acting up again. “Things you care about. Things. You. Care about.” He sucked in a breath quickly, four was enough. He pushed his thoughts forward, Alton for one enjoyed his drawings and his large collection of books, but he wasn’t one for throwing that out into the open. He much preferred keeping to himself.

“Alton.” He was expecting her to say something else, but she stopped with his name. He wondered if he had missed something from before, and he probably did. Or, maybe, this was just how people interacted, he didn’t get a lot of personal social interaction anymore, he preferred the quietness of being by himself, or rudeness of an agitated person. It seemed like too much of a contradictory for even his own self to understand. In the end he responded with a dull, “Grey.”

He walked into the room and tapped the door frame with the tip of his middle finger before walking in. The inside of her room was drastically different from his, for one her room wasn’t filled with cardboard boxes and he wondered briefly if she had already unpacked her things and he was just slow. When she began making coffee he briefly wondered if she had cleaned all those dishes before using them, but again he forced it down.

“I wouldn’t mind a cup, sorry for the trouble.” Even if he didn’t want it, politeness was key in social interaction. He moved towards her and tapped the counter before he leaned against it, watching her as she made it.

When thinking about the coffee she lifted the lid back up, replaced it in her hand, and looked it over. Not only was it instant made, but it was her blend in it, actually all the coffees on the rack were hers, My own instant made! As coffee grinds began spilling to her skin she knew it would be best to put it back to let the brew finish. Letting the lid of the maker click again to it's home. “I wouldn’t mind a cup, sorry for the trouble.” As the coffee made she gave her full attention to him with a welcoming grin. The feel of giving others her makings could bring more joy to her than allowed, but still pleasant filled. "Absolutely no trouble!" As the words swam from her mouth she noticed the tap then lean that Alton presented, "OCD?" She may had been asking, but she was pretty sure she had been right about it. With the studies she had to taken in college she had to know how to read signs from the way people talked, acted, body potions, and so on. "I'm just guessing from the taps and the repeating you did on the stairs." Resting her hands against the contain she sighed as she relaxed her body. "I have some annoying ticks myself." Rolling her eyes to herself she walked to the fridge and pulled out another bottle of the wine she had drank before.

Shutting the door with her foot she began reading the label, Don't let the taste fool you, for this is not alcohol, but a supplement that affects the brain... blah, blah, blah, skip, skip, skip... this shall make you happy beyond your wildest dreams. Feeling a flash of anger she let the bottle fall to the ground exploding into a mixture of red and crystallized rain. "Crap!" The floor to the right of the kitchen table had been stained in a dark claret color, a mess made by an idiotic Grey. "I'm sorry about this mess." Scanning the room quickly she caught sight of a broom in the corner of the far wall that she hasn't seen before, Such a strange place. Not pondering for to long she maneuvered around the shards of glass to reach it. With her back to the mess she reached for the broom once reaching the wall.

"Mess cleaned."

Raising a brow to the sound that was more mechanical than human she turned to see the mess was gone. A stunned look plastered to her face as she let the broom settle back to it's resting place. Examining the floor there was no more mess to worry about, no evidence behind that it ever existed. "Did you see-"

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Cries from the coffee maker drew her away from her sentence to it instead. Pressing gentle on the off button she pulled the mug out by it's creamy porcelain handle and handed to Alton. "It's French Vanilla, I hope it's to your liking." Glimpsing of déjà vu flashed in her minds eye as she remembered saying the same before to her husband. Tears welled up on the rims of her eyes. She had been always in a mood of adulation with him, but now she was disconsolate for so long, but now she felt a glim of hope creeping in which scared her. Breathing deeply she tried to pull the edges of her lips up to create an allusion of pep, but she couldn't pull it off. Paint splattered tear drops hit her shirt as she tired laughing it off. "Pointless. Blowing it off she used what little arm strength she had to pull herself up on to the table.

Crossing her legs she let her head flop to her hands. "I hope you're enjoying your coffee." The well of water finally ran dry leaving behind a sign of puffy and red to her face. "You're an animal rescuer, right? Well, I'm a consular." Stating the obvious she picked up the bottled of Happy Juice, popped it, then began to glop it down; she needed some happy supplement. "If everyone had this there'd be no need for consulars." Setting the bottle down she squeezed on to the edge of the table as she hunched over and kicked her legs. "If you ever need to be consoled I'll always have open ears, and I'll be able to feel your emotion pain with you." In a way she was trying to make small puns, but wasn't sure if her point was getting across. The comment was almost laughable though. Grey did wish to be a psychologist, and this was the closet she'd get, but she at times did have trouble listening. She was one to zone out if the topic didn't grab her enough, but with her feeling their pain cause it to be different? She hoped so at least, to help people with horrible things going on like the ones from her past.