Amai POV~

I should never have trusted her.

Then I definitely wouldn't be in this situation.

The sun was warm as it bared down on me, but the cold metal muzzle of the gun on my back snapped me back into to reality. Horse hoofs pounded along the ground as carriages drove past us on the dry, dirt road. The cool wind whipped across the darkening sky as I took in deep breaths. Any other day I would have been overjoyed to see a glimpse of sunlight, to finally be on the surface, but not today. I shuffled down the road, shrouded in a large cloak while two men stayed close behind. I could run, but what was the point if they would shoot me then and there, without hesitation. Its not like I was their top worker, I was expendable, I was replaceable.

"Keep moving" The man behind me grunted into my ear pressing the gun harder against my back, I slightly sped up the pace trying to keep them happy. The chains binding my hands together were warming in the evening sun. I held out my fingers, sunlight touching them for the first time in years and although I was ecstatic, I kept my feelings well hidden with a blank expression.

"We're here" they said from behind me, still not moving the gun. I stopped immediately and looked down at my hands slightly frowning. This may be the last time I would be able to touch the sunlight. I turned towards the building beside me, to see a townhouse no different to the others lining the street, but I knew what was waiting for me inside. A disgusting creature. Though I had done this so many times before, today was different. I was finally on the surface again at the age of 22 years, and had no intentions on leaving. We walked towards the door, the sun disappearing off my skin as the house loomed over us. One of the men stepped forward and knocked on the solid wooden door, the dull thudding rang through the air. By now the sun had nearly set, inky blue clouds disrupted the vibrant oranges and reds that painted the sky. It was simply breathtaking, I was determined to make sure this was the first sunsets of many that I get to experience again.

"Don't fuck this one up, this is one of the only customers we got up here and they pay good money for girls like you" The man still behind me said, putting a hand on my shoulder and squeezed hard, surely going to leave bruises. I flinched at his touch, worried of what was going to happen. My heart skipped faster with fear as I heard footsteps approach the door. After several seconds, it creaked open to reveal a rugged man. He was most likely in his thirties, his lanky body was small but it seemed to tower over mine. I couldn't ignore the look he gave me, his sunken eyes darting around behind his greasy, blonde hair.

"Bring her in" He said leaving the door open, we walked through it into the dark building. I immediately felt claustrophobic. The door slammed shut behind me, signifying I was trapped once again. I hated that noise. The gun on my back lowered as we walked into the kitchen, but the harsh grip on my shoulder remained. Candle light lit the small dim room as the last remnants of sunlight began to disappear, the client sat down in a chair at the table.

"Where's the money?" the man behind me asked, the client glared at him before pulling out a wad of money. The client tousled his greasy hair as he placed it on the table, hand covering it like a cage. I eyed it off, gulping at the sheer amount of it.

"Let me see her first, or the deals off " the client demanded, looking me up and down trying to decipher what I looked like behind the cloak that shrouded me.

"Fine" my employer grunted pulling off my hood quickly, I could feel the client's eyes scanning over my features. He got up, and taking the money with him, he moved towards me. Lifting his arms he opened up my cloak revealing my body, I felt overwhelmingly relieved for the loose fitting clothing I was wearing. He towered over me menacingly, I was paralyzed with fear, purposefully avoiding his gaze.

"A bit short, but she sure is pretty" he said grinning. I fought the urge to shrink away, knowing the repercussions. If you're strong enough now, this may be your chance.

"Well, I take it we will be leaving now, we're returning tomorrow morning" My employers said, happy that it was a success. I felt my arms become instantly lighter as my chains were removed, the metal clanked loudly as they fell off my arms. The men who brought me here took the large sum of money from the clients hand and counted through it greedily, leaving the chains and keys on the dining table.

After my employers left the house the man licked his lips, before grabbing my collar and dragging me back into the dark hallway. I grimaced, but stayed silent, trying to formulate an escape plan in my mind. We arrived in his barely lit room, it was extremely musty and I felt as if I was suffocating. I let out a yelp as I was shoved towards the bed, my legs knocking against the wooden frame.

"Please.." I whispered almost inaudibly, the tremor in my voice was noticeable.Stay strong, you can do this. Although I was breathing rapidly, I felt as though no air was going in. He only gave me a sickening scowl.

"Shut up Bitch" He said pushing me to the ground, I crashed against the cold stone floor. My left shoulder hit the ground first, taking much of the impact. A large crack to sounded throughout the room, searing pain quickly spread through my left side. I let out a cry, tears welling in my eyes from the pain. I attempted to get up but was pushed back down again. Rough hands threw my cloak across the room as it was pulled off me, the material fluttered as it fell to the ground. Grabbing me by the arm, he then began dragging me towards the bed. I felt like vomiting as bile rose in my throat, I couldn't remain calm any longer. I was panicked and couldn't think straight.

I have to get out, this may be my only chance.

My body went into a frenzy, thinking of all the ways I could escape. He let go of me once I was sat on the bed. I took this as a chance to strike. As my boot connected with his groin, he immediately doubled over in pain. Doing my best to ignore the intense ache in my shoulder I scurried towards the doorway. My attempt was foiled as I was grabbed harshly on my right arm and pulled towards him. I thrashed around, hoping to injure him in some way. My shoulder burned but I refused to stop. He yelled something inaudible to me as adrenaline pumped through my veins.

I was going to be okay, I have to be okay.

A harsh hand collided with my face, causing my vision to blur. My cheek burned from the impact, I froze. I was dragged once again towards the bed, my world spinning. Tears cascaded down my cheeks, I was desperate. I swung for his face and kicked with my legs, using every ounce of strength I had, which wasn't much considering my living conditions. One of my hits finally connected effectively, a satisfying crack erupted as I hit his face. He howled as he gripped his nose, dark blood dripped from his fingers. I took this as my chance to run, my shoulder aching with each step. I soon reached the front door as he raced after me, obviously hindered by his broken nose. I forcefully pulled the door open and darted to freedom.

I ignored my tender face and painful shoulder as I ran, my legs carried me down dingy alleyways and through quiet streets. I ran until I could no longer breathe, my lungs burnt as sweat poured down my face. Even after what seemed like an eternity, I didn't feel safe. I kept checking behind me, for any sign of the man following me. When I felt faint from exhaustion I finally stopped in a dark alleyway and stood beside some large crates. I felt my chest tightening as I gasped in cold air, panic still running through my system. I clutched my shoulder, trying to ease the pain that throbbed throughout it. The cool wind caused my black hair to sway in the wind, I was freezing.

If only I had my cloak.

I looked up at the night sky for what seemed the first time in my life, tiny white stars littered the pitch black abyss. The moon, of which I had only hazy memories of, shone brightly in the sky as its blue light cascaded onto the buildings below. This time I wasn't going to be caught, I had a chance above the surface. The attempts of escape in the underground were futile, I was caught and taken back to wherever I escaped from. I hugged myself in an attempt to keep warm, my breath was visible in the cold air. This time will be different.

I have to keep moving. I slowly got to my feet and continued down the dimly lit street. The streets were empty, but distant yelling and laughter could be heard from a nearby tavern. Is that where everyone is? I found it unusually quiet, but I couldn't complain, I needed to remain unnoticed.

"Hey you!" I heard a voice calling from behind me, I turned around quickly. I had been so wrapped up in my thoughts I hadn't noticed people approaching. I was an idiot, if they found out I'm here without a permit, I would be sent back to the underground or worse. I saw two figures dressed up in uniforms approach me from the street. Those uniforms, I knew them from somewhere, my breath hitched in my throat as it dawned on me that they were the military police. I quickened my pace and tried to ignore them, my body shivered from the nights cold. I could hear them run towards me and I panicked, knowing that they were carrying guns caused me to hesitate running away. I didn't want to look suspicious.

"She matches the description." I heard one whisper.

Did they know who I was? I needed to run if they did. Surely the man hadn't told them of me being an underground citizen already, it hasn't been that long, has it? By the time I had made the decision to dart into a side street they had already caught up to me.

I was grabbed by the collar and dragged roughly towards them, I winced as my injured shoulder was jostled. A man with red hair gripped me tightly, I froze with terror.

"How did you get out here?" The other said as they stood in front of me, their brown hair flicking in front of their face, the man clasping my collar stood calmly and just stared at me. I remained guarded, ready to defend myself if I needed to, even though there was little chance I could stand up to them. I held my injured shoulder tighter as it continued to ache with pain.

"Oi, answer us " The brown haired man said, my shaky breaths could be seen as I exhaled into the cool night air. I couldn't think of a lie as my mind went blank. They were getting annoyed. I tried to think of a way to escape without sustaining further injury. I kept my head low trying to keep my face in the shadows.

"I told you she was the one that old grump was talking about" the one with brown hair gloated. They know about me. I'm going to be killed if I'm sent back underground.

"Whatever, lets just take her back and get the money" The other said. I can't go with them, no matter what. Without thinking, I quickly stepped forward and tore myself away from the mans grip. In order to get some distance from the red haired man, I swung a hit towards his jaw with my right fist. Obviously injured he stumbled slightly, I exhaled shakily, beginning to dart away but in a flash the brown haired man had his gun aimed towards me. The other man stepped forward preparing to grab me once again. I grimaced, how was I supposed to get out of this?

"Stand down, I won't hesitate to shoot your scum ass" The brown haired man said sternly, finger on the trigger.

"Oi, calm down we may not get paid if you blow her brains out"

"Who gives a shit, she's from the underground. If we can't get the money, the experience of ridding her will be enough" The man with brown hair retaliated. I realised I had one of two choices, to run, or surrender. In other words, have a chance at being free for once in my life with a possibility of being killed, or give up my last chance to ever get out of the underground, and return to the life I led before.

I took the obvious choice, tearing my stiff legs from their stance I darted down the dimly lit street, sprinting as fast as my legs could carry me. I clutched my injured shoulder, hoping it wouldn't hinder me. A loud explosion sounded from behind me, my heart stopped, they had fired at me. The sound echoed through the city, a searing pain hit me across the side of my skull. The bullet had grazed the side of my head, sticky blood dripped from the wound. My body ached and I could feel blood soak my hair and drip to the ground as I continued to run. My ears rang loudly from the gunshot as the rest of the world seemed silent. I glanced behind to see the two men still following me, what am I going to do? They were catching up fast, and I couldn't run forever.

I rounded another corner, and a cart filled with cargo appeared in front of me. Realising an opportunity had been presented, I quickly ran to the front of the cart. Using my good arm, I tilted the lever and allowed the cargo to tumble off of the cart. Boxes and barrels flooded the streets as the two military police rounded the corner. I continued to run as I heard disorientated yelps from behind me, I hoped I had bought myself more time. (Cliche ik)

I had run a few streets away before I could run no more, I could barely tell what was happening as my vision blurred and body felt numb from the nights cold. I stumbled alongside a stone building, my body swaying from side to side. My head seared in pain as if somebody had pressed a red hot bar against it. I fell to my knees as my consciousness began to fade. Before I passed out I noticed a tall figure walking towards me. I tried to stay awake in order to defend myself against them but I could barely keep my eyes focused. I slowly toppled over, my blood soaked head hitting the ground with a thud. I attempted to cry out in pain but all that came out was a whimper. How pathetic could I be? That was the last thought I could muster before my breathing slowed and I fell out of consciousness.

I shifted in and out of consciousness as I jostled from side to side, I could barely recognise that I was awake. A pair of blue and white wings burned into my memory as I stared at an emblem. My arms flailed as I saw figures around me, my body feeling as heavy as lead. I soon fell out of consciousness once again.