❦❧Deck of heroes❧❦Chapter 1

Instructions

Chapter 1 Ace His hand was gripping mine as he pulled me through the metal halls. Our military style boots clanked and echoed, although our footfalls were light. The sleek metal band wrapped around my ankle, a constant reminder of the pain: over 13 years of it. Could that ever change? Likely not. I clenched my fists, my grip tightened around his wrist as we sped up. “Ace, we have to find our weapons,” His urgency leaked into mine, his low voice hushed. The details felt messy and out of tune. Faces were blurred, the brace so tight it cut into my skin. “We- we never had these here,” I said quietly, “They were only on the-“ “What are you talking about?” He lashed out, his dark eyes cutting into mine. We had stopped, the hall looking like the last. I studied him very carefully, wondering what to say. Wasn’t he supposed to get it? He should know best of all. I shook my head before I snapped at him. He had an even shorter temper. I hesitated, afraid to make him more angry, “I don’t think this is real.” “It never is!” He growled. I yanked my hand away from his. The anger flared, and I let it free. “Shut up!” I yelled at him, not caring about what would happen, “Stop acting like everything’s ending! It always is!” Those steel eyes hardened, his voice cold, “Ace, you’re overreacting.” My rage made way, “Don’t ‘Ace’ me! I’m not overreacting! We’re supposed to be soldiers, they want us to risk our lives for no reason! I’m part snake! I’m a freak! For the love of all holy and not, this isn’t real! It’s a dream or something. They murdered you…” My voice trailed off, my heart pounding. Experiment. Freak. That’s what I am. He grabbed my wrist, his grip tighter than the metal band. I sat up suddenly, nearly hitting Joker’s bed above me. My face was drenched in sweat. Not another nightmare… Panic faded, replaced with another fury. Shaking my head, I tried to wave the anger off. Save it for later. I got out of the rickety bunk bed, getting ready for the day. The same old day. That never changes. I twitched, my anger flaring again. So what if I have anger issues? I can kill anyone who decides that’s not okay. After all, I have venom. Not that I’ve gotten to use it against this forsaken place. Hiding around a corner, I pulled on the dark green camo shirt and torn black cargo pants. It mismatched with my black hair, the ends red. I hadn’t put on the combat boots yet, I didn’t want to wake Joker. Those stupid boots were loud, but I couldn't find any better shoes. The shirt felt big, despite being designed to be almost skin tight. Well, I guess snake children are skinny and tall. Just like how I have slits of pupils. There’s always another reminder of being a joke to humanity. “GET UP YOU SORRY LUMPS!!!” See, and that was one of the other reminders. Of many. The jailer was a large man, with more fat than muscle. His navy uniform had a stitched silver star, the rusty keys hanging from his belt loop. “I’ll do what I want!” I growled, shoving my boots on. The shoes were too small. They were meant for a 10 year old, not a 13 year old. Of course though, no one cares about that. He snarled, “I can get the dog muzzle on you.” I snorted ruefully, “If you don’t get bit first.” Joker had launched up, dressing within a blink of an eye. Merged with a cheetah. Yet, I’d dare to say faster. She laughed boldly, better than I could ever be. She was a short, energy filled girl, older than me by about 2 years. In fact, I’m project 001, but I'm the youngest. I glanced at her. Joker’s blonde hair bounced joyfully, the little red tips flaring. She wore a crop top and denim shorts, her Nike’s always a blur. Yeah. She was pretty cool. “See and I like Ace without the muzzle. You’d look good in one though!” Joker grinned. I laughed as the jailer went red with anger, muttering curse words. She was definitely named appropriately. The jailer begrudgingly unlocked the cell door: Very begrudgingly. “Just go to the mess hall. Get your stupid friends too,” He grunted, twitching. Joker jumped up as high as she could, trying to touch the top of his head. Somehow, she actually got pretty close, accidentally hitting his nose. “It’s nice he can’t hurt us,” She said cheerfully, “Makes life more fun! At least for me!” The jailer went red, grunted under his breath, “Maybe I’ll change that rule. I need a raise.” “Have fun with that!” Joker laughed. The way Joker lived, that was how I wanted to wake up.