Metcalf awoke from the perfect rest.  She roused, completely refreshed from the couch.  If she didn’t know better, she could have sworn the cushions were massaging her while she slept.  She opened her eyes and took in the room, a completely new room.

Where am I?

It took a while to remember the events of the early morning.  The room was completely remodeled; again.  But the windows and the walls themselves didn’t lie.  She was still in Master Fu’s large apartment.  She had slept soundly well into the day.

Nope.  I was right. She thought as the cushions started to massage her again tempting her to fall back to sleep.  She jumped up to resist them and turned to see a humanoid robot very familiar to those that the higher level students fought for training.  Instead of the standard brown, this one was polished silver and unscratched.

To her great surprise it spoke, “Greetings Student Luo.  I am Tile,” it said pointing to itself, “I have been given instructions by Master Fu on what to do after you wake up.  Have you awoken?”

“Yeah,” Metcalf said not sure of what to make of this machine.  Was it here this whole time?  That’s a little eerie.

“Most excellent,” it continued with the most emotion that its mechanical voice could muster, “It is currently thirty seven minutes past hour thirteen.  Your friends are most likely looking to train with you.  However, there are some videos the mistress has asked me to show you before you left.  She has classes and preparations and apologizes for her absence.”

Tile walked her over to an empty space in the apartment.  It seemed the whole room may have been remodeled to make this space.  It was quite large and everything else was slightly packed closer.

As they reached the center of the area, the room went dark as a holographic image showed a gruesome scene.  With all the blood, it took a while for Metcalf to realize what the image was.  She backed away in horror as she noted that it was a bloody box of chopped Chisho body parts.

At her horror, Tile began speaking, “Master Fu noted your interest in stealth combat and wanted you to see this,” it pointed at the recording.  Once Metcalf found the strength to look at it again, Tile continued, “This was Blaze Chiu.  He was assigned in Romneya to bring us information concerning their possible disloyalty to the Heir of Sword.

“Though technically our ally, they took him as a spy and therefore an enemy.  After he was caught, Glory City denied all knowledge of his existence.  He was also brave enough not to say anything about his affiliation with our nation during his questioning.”

Questioning?  That’s what you call that?

The image shifted to tall grass and a pair of boots with.  Blood coming from inside the boots suggested that there were still feet inside of them.

Once the image was clear, Tile began again, “This agent was caught infiltrating the data base in Pine Hills.  They learned that he worked for us and attempted to barter for his safe return.  After receiving no offer, they dropped him off and left him for the wild life,” Tile pointed to the image, “This is how we found him.”

After a few more images, Tile got to the point, “These were great agents with years on the field.  This is what happened when they failed their missions.  There are hundreds of agents still on the field that remain active each with very delicate assignments.

“We won’t be able to teach you all of their techniques.  However, after the way you met Master Fu this morning, she thought it necessary to encourage you to train with utmost sincerity.  You are quite the capable student.  However, there is a limit to what you can learn in six months.  As you train, please remember to train with all you heart and review what you learn often.  It could save you from fates such as these.”

“Thank you Tile,” Metcalf looked at the image.  Those were fates she hoped to avoid.

“Have a good day Student Luo,” Tile said with a bow.

Metcalf bowed back and politely left the apartment.

#1 – Lost and Found #24 – Lost and Found #26