(FIRST OFF! CHAPTER 2 GLITCHED OUT, I FIXED IT AND ADDED TO THE STORY, REREAD IT)

Asher stayed silent for the rest of the drive. They climb out of the car and he stares down an hotel building.

'We have the penthouse.' Noctus signs,

Asher nods in acceptance, "Course we do, do we have a security team up there too?"

'You'll have two other eyes up there with us.'

"Sure."

They walk into the hotel she leads him to the front desk. Noctus pulls out a blank white key card with a purple number 9 on it similar to the one on her mask.

The recptionist "You're quite the discussion everywhere right now sir."

He takes the card and scans an imaginary barcode on the back, the computer next to him beeps.

He smiles and hands the card back, "Card is reactivated, enjoy your stay ma'am, sir."

Noctus turns and they walk to the elevators, Asher looks back at the man, the man simply looks back down at his screen. But...the man recognised him, is he one of the guards? Maybe he's just paid extra to keep the secret of the safehouse and it's residents.

Once in, Noctus holds up her card with the 9 facing the red number against the black screen that tells them what floor they are on. The elevator then starts moving upward until they get to the thirteenth floor.

"Who the heck are you Noctus?" Asher asks softly,

They walk down the hall to a set of brown double doors. Noctus knocks five times rhythmically then taps the buzzer on the wall, twice.

The door unlocks and opens. A blonde man smiles at them, his hairs a little shaggy, he wears a white shirt, black tie, pants and dress shoes. His brown eyes are expressionless as he smiles brightly at him.

"You want to look anymore like a secret agent?" Asher laughs,

"You must be him." He says,

He stands aside and lets them enter. "To make it easier, everyone just calls me Rocket, pleasure to meet you guys. Nicole's waiting in the living room for you guys."

"Rocket? Alright, heh I'm Asher."

"Nice to officially see you Asher."

They walk into the living room there's another woman standing behind the couch, she's gorgeous. Blood colored, short hair. On one side of her head it reaches to just below her jaw line, on the other side of her head it reaches down to her left shoulder going down to a point, her hair sweeps across her forehead and almost covers her left eye. Against her black button up shirt, dress pants and shoes, not to mention her red hair, her round green eyes stare at them.

"Good evening sir, 9, nice to see you again."

Noctus signs to her. "He's new, I got stuck with the newbie."

"She signs? What's she saying?"

"If it's important, we'll tell you. My name is Nicole, I'm glad you're in one piece still."

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"Yeah she came just in time. Asher's the name." He says softly,

"Glad to hear it, I'm sure this is all a lot to deal with."

Asher scoffs, "You have no idea."

"Perhaps a hot shower for starters?"

He nods, "Sounds nice."

"9, you want to run the perimeter check?"

She nods, 'You can trust her Asher, I'll be around.'

"Okay, you aren't gonna leave at all though, right?"

'I am yours Asher.'

Asher face turns annoyed, 'Meet us after your check. I want to talk to you.'

She agrees and walks away.

"Would you like a tour first?"

"Sure, why not."

She shows him a decent sized bedroom with a huge flatscreen tv, a magnificent, huge bed. The grand bathroom with a huge shower and bathtub and a spa in the bathroom. Nicole shows him massive balcony, the huge kitchen and tells him that they can take care of his meals for him.

"Nicole?"

"Yes sir?"

"Are you...well, when it comes to like...me, are you like Noctus? What I mean is, Noctus, she sort of-"

"Belongs to you?"

Asher nods, "I'm aware sir. I however, do not. Though I do work for you, I worked for your father as well."

"I'm sorry, I heard he was a difficult man. To say the least."

She smirks, "Not to worry sir. Buisness is buisness."

"I suppose."

"I'll let you take that shower, perhaps it'll give you time to process and collect your thoughts."

"Yeah. Thank you Nicole."

She gives a confused look for only a moment and then smiles. "Of course sir. I'll catch up with Noctus and Rocket."

"Oh Nicole?" He asks as she starts away,

She stops and turns, "Tell her I'll talk to her after I get out, on the balcony maybe."

"Yes sir."

She turns and walks away leaving Asher to remember the way to the bathroom. Towels are ready for him, folded and hanging on a bar attacked to the wall. He takes a deep breath and climbs into the shower.

The pressure is nice and strong but not overbearing, the water indeed grows hot to a comfortable level. Is this what his life will be like now? He has no idea how to run a company, he has no idea what to do. Honestly he'd consider giving the company away, but this is a chance to help so many that are so poor and struggling so much. He'd feel like he abandoned them if he didnt help.

The water pours down on his skin, running off and creating a skinny rope of water until it finally drips fast, smashing against the tile floor and running to the black abyss below the drain.

He gets dressed from the clothes he finds in a dresser including socks. He walks out and finds Noctus waiting outside on the balcony. Rocket is in the kitchen, but ignores him as he walks out to meet Noctus.

She turns to him and signs. 'You wanted to see me privately?'

"I did."

Asher leans against the railing next to her. "Noctus you saved my life tonight, I owe you everything."

'Don't think on it.'

"But I do, you're, what, my slave? Servant?"

'Yes.'

"I understand you want to help me for the greater good, but is that really it?"

She looks at him and shakes her head. 'I was told I belonged to you now, I have a chip inside my head. Same way the technology in the car works. If I did not do my best to save you and follow your orders, the chip would detonate and kill me.'

Asher stares in horror, "...H-how do we deactivate it?"

'You will need to take control of your father's assets, among them will be the controls for the chip....but I don't think you're understanding Asher.'

"What do you mean?"

'I am one of the most deadly assassins who have ever existed. I am yours to command.'

"Noctus, you were forced to be a slave. You deserve a life, if for nothing else, for saving my life! As soon as I get the opportunity, I'm freeing you! If you want to leave, be my guest, you've earned it-"

'Asher yo-'

"I'm not done! Noctus, maybe it's you being forced, but either way, you've been kind to me, you've protected me and been patient with me. You deserve freedom, if you want to stay, you'll have a paid job, if you want to disappear, you will get the chance."

'You don't know me well enough to trust I'll stay.'

"I trust you to do what you desire. Not what you have to do. You deserve it."

She just stares at him, he cant tell because of ther mask but its clear enough that she's in shock, not sure how to act or what to say.

"And another thing, no more master, no more royal treatment. Act like I'm your boss if you must but no more of the slave and master crap, do I make myself clear?"

'I've never been free before. Are...are you sure Asher?'

"I'm positive."

She slowly nods, 'Well...you can still change you mind I suppose.'

"I won't, but you didn't answer, no more of the master stuff, k?"

'Yes sir....You should get some rest sir. You'll need energy tomorrow. We'll go over the plan tomorrow.'

"Okay, do you trust Nicole?"

'I do?'

"Good, I trust her too, switch out with her and rocket, you should sleep too."

'I might. Goodnight Asher.'

"Goodnight Noctus, thank you, for everything."

He walks inside again leaving her to her disbelieving thoughts.