The train to the capital city was quiet and smooth. The long distance trains had little rooms that were barely big enough for a bed and a place to put your things. Our train left at 4pm and we wouldn't arrive at the capital until 8am the next morning. Holden and I ate dinner together in the meal area and catched up a bit on what we could. It was hella awkward, though. We called it a night around 8 and went to our separate rooms. Even on the trains we had to follow curfew. I wasn't a fan of the 9pm curfew rule in this country but I figured I would follow it for one night since it would be a long travel.

I had trouble getting to sleep because of the uncomfortable mattress and was still awake when the clock read 12:00. I huffed and tried adjusting myself to see if that would help me fall asleep better. I heard light tapping start coming from the wall but tried to ignore it. When it  wouldn't stop I groaned and put my pillow over my head. I heard a laugh and sat up quickly. I accidentally hit my head on the luggage shelf above me and groaned. This caused even more laughter that was clearer than the first time. Holden.

"Go to bed and stop being annoying, Holden. We both need sleep," I said before hitting the pillow against the wall that he was on the other side of.

"Good night Lemon," his tired voice responded. I don't know what time I passed out but I eventually did fall into an uncomfortable slumber.

I woke up to sunlight streaming through the room's single window. The clock read 7:30 and I groaned. I made sure I still had everything and then changed into fresh clothes. I grabbed my hygiene items and walked to the shared bathroom on the train. I was in the middle of brushing my teeth when I heard a knock. I spit and called,

"Just a minute!" I quickly rinsed my mouth and walked out.

"Oh it's you," I remarked, seeing the familiar sandy hair. "I should've stayed in longer."

"Very funny," Holden mumbled before pushing past me.

Someone's tired. I walked to my cabin and packed away my things and saw we were pulling in to the station. I climbed off when it was safe to do so and waited for Holden by one of the benches. He joined me after about 10 minutes and led me inside. Holden moved with an ease amongst the crowd that would be impressive if I wasn't trying to avoid bumping into anyone. When we stepped out of the station, the air was crisp and breezy.

"One of my friends that will be helping with the training process is supposed to be picking us up," Holden explained to me while searching the parking lot. His eyes soon landed on truck that was a light blue and old. He gestured for me to follow and while I did, I raised an eyebrow. A guy that was a couple inches shorter than Holden but definitely buffer was sitting on the bed looking at his watch. Holden hit the side and the dude jumped into the air. He looked over and rolled his eyes when he registered Holden.

He said something in another language in an authoritative voice but clearly Holden understood because he took my bag and his and put them in the bed while the guy walked around to the driver's seat. After making sure our stuff was secure, Holden and I hopped into the truck. I was thankfully small enough to fit into the small cab while Holden and the guy sat up front. The guy started speaking the same language as earlier to Holden that I didn't know as we pulled out of the parking lot and I saw Holden look at me sideways with a slight smile. He responded and they continued conversing in the language so I looked out the window instead.

The capital had large buildings mixed in with small shops and restaurants in between them. People walked, cycled, and drove around without really talking to anyone. It was almost like everyone was lonely and didn't really connect. We crossed a huge bridge over a river that had to be at least 2 miles wide. The water was a greenish brown that I had never seen before; if it wasn't for the movement of the swirling water, I would've thought it was ground. Once over the bridge, it was nothing but trees and hills and countryside. The trees were different than the ones in the area I'm from. They were bigger, more wild- almost climbable. I watched it all. The sun was glowing bright and the sky was light blue with wispy white clouds.

We turned down a dirt road after miles of trees. It was bumpy and lined with a canopy of trees. The sun filtered through and landed on the ground in an array of spots. I looked over at Holden and saw him staring at me. I raised an eyebrow at him and he shook his head.

"I never caught your friend's name," I said suddenly.

"His name is Ivan. He's not from Treetherie," Holden smirked. I nodded slowly and looked back out. We soon came up to a building that was dark and grey. It was one story and long but definitely intimidating. It looked like a mix of cement and brick. I suddenly wished I was back home in my safe small town, oblivious to the outside world.

Ivan pulled into a parking garage looking thing and pulled up into what looked like a drop off area. Holden got out and then I followed because I assumed that's what we were supposed to do. He handed me my bag and, after grabbing his, walked into the building. I waved goodbye to Ivan and then hurried after Holden. The roof was at least 10 feet in the air and was definitely concrete. There were people in suits bustling about the room and going up and down different hallways. Holden led me down one hallway and after about a 5 minute walk with twists and turns knocked on a door.

"Come in," a gruff voice called. Holden opened the door and ushered me in.

"Hello Mr. Christian. This is Melissa Meyer, the new IO," Holden said formerly. I smiled softly and waved, not really knowing what to do. The man was short, stout, and bald. He had a ginger mustache and a round nose. He looked like that weird uncle that you don't see often but still went to when you had an issue. The man looked me over before turning back to Holden.

"Take her to the dorms. Have Cara show her around then have her start training," he said dismissively. Holden nodded and then quickly pushed me out of the room. We walked to an elevator and got in. He hit 42 and started speaking.

"Cara is in charge of the new girls that come through. Which is rare. When she isn't watching the girls she's telling us guys how to fight. Honestly, she intimidates me." Holden shuddered. I watched the screen in the elevator port and saw that we were going down.

"That's definitely reassuring," I remarked.

"She may like you so she may be different with you."

"Why would anyone like me? It's a miracle I even have two friends. I argue with everyone and I literally have broken every rule that won't throw me in a work camp."

"Exactly. You're spunky and academically brilliant." This quieted me. The elevator ride was quiet after that. We were met by a redhead wearing jeans and a crop top. She looked surprised to see us.

"Holden! What are you doing down here?"

"Hey Cara. This is Melissa. She got assigned IO so I was bringing her to you. I need to go settle in and make sure Ivan hasn't planted anything in my bed." He lightly pushed me out and waved goodbye before quickly closing the doors.

"What's his problem?" I asked out loud.

"I intimidate him," Cara laughed. "C'mon, let's get you settled in." I followed her down the hall to a set of rooms. She opened one a door and we were met by a suite.

"This is the room for this years recruits. You're the first one here so pick any room you want. Change into something you can move around in and meet me back out here. I'll sit on the couch," Cara explained before heading to the couch. I looked around and was met by 3 rooms: one had two twin beds on either side, one had a single twin bed against the wall under a window, and one had a twin and a futon. All had grey walls and metal frames. I took the single room since I don't like sharing my space and set my bag on the bed. I quickly changed into biking shorts and a muscle tank and threw on my sneakers. Forgetting about the pastel purple in my hair, I threw it into a ponytail and walked out. When Cara saw me, she raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

We quickly went to the training room and Cara introduced me to the different workers.

"I didn't know nonconformity was allowed," a woman with shoulder length blonde hair remarked. I raised an eyebrow and she continued, "Your hair. Is purple. That's not allowed. We're not allowed to dye our hair unless it's for a mission."

"Kylie that's enough. She's on the new team," Cara snapped so viciously it even scared me. I went wide eyed and Kylie shut up real quick. She glared at me before stalking away. Cara led me over to a punching bag and said,

"Show me how hard you can hit." I punched the bag and it barely moved. I felt my face heat up and heard a snicker from across the training room. I rolled my eyes and bit my tongue.

"Your arm isn't tight. It's loose and not forceful. Don't be afraid to hit. Just imagine the punching bag is someone you really want to hit," Cara instructed in a mild manner. I immediately imagined Satan and hit the bag so hard the chain holding it snapped and it flew about 5 feet. Cara nodded approvingly before moving me to another task.