Anarchist Academy

I stared at the rising moon, the crescent-shaped figure hanging in the sky, sending light onto the cold and dark city. I smiled, knowing what time it was now. As I reached for my purple belt, I pulled my mouth mask from it and put it over the lower half of my face. Then I began to walk, setting a brisk pace. I grabbed my black scrunchie from my wrist and used it to tie my hair back into a messy bun, leaving the red streak hanging.

I noticed some people in the alleyways, wearing scraps and scavenging for food in a trash can. My nose twitched. “This city is getting worse day by day.” I whispered to myself. “I have to hurry, or I’m not going to get there in time.” I changed my pace into a sprint, adjusting my belt and fixing my turtleneck.

I passed by a window on one of the buildings and stopped. I stared at my reflection. My bright red hair was very noticeable, so I put a black beanie on and continued my mission.

Standing on the roof of Mr. Howard’s mansion, I climbed through the chimney and landed in his living room.

It was dark.

I could barely see anything, so I placed my hand on my right temple, which turned on my night vision. “This is going to be easier than I thought.” I mumbled to myself, as I climbed the wooden stairs up to the foyer. I noticed an extremely familiar painting on the wall and stopped in front of it. I scanned the object with my eye.

Confirmed, copy 000000001 made in Madrid, Spain.

It said in the rear side of my vision.

“Okay then, come to mama.” I took a screw driver that was planted on my belt and used it to screw out the nails connecting the painting to the wall. “Just a few more seconds...”

Then the alarm went off.

I looked around, red lights shining at me. I quickly took the painting under my armpit and grabbed my grappling hook. I aimed it at one of the windows and pulled the trigger. The hook broke the window and I was able to escape, leaving no evidence behind (apart from the nails and the broken window).

I jumped through the window, successfully completing my mission.

An abandoned Townhouse.

Yes, that was where I lived 6 years ago up till now. I don’t mind though, living alone. It seems almost natural to me now. Anything else would be out of my comfort zone.

I walked up the steps to the front door, opening it and placing the painting in my shoe closet. I walked down the hallway to the living room, which was also the kitchen. I turned on the television and changed the channel to the news.

Finally remembering, I went to my bedroom to change. I took an oversized shirt and some black shorts to wear. I came back to the kitchen to make some Cup Noodles, just as Breaking News appeared. “It seems that one of our richest civilians was robbed. This is the 4th time this week. Investigators are currently asking Mr. Howard’s neighbors some questions as of now.”

I smirked. “It’s still hard to believe that the cops haven’t caught me yet.” I muttered as I took the noodles out of the microwave. “No one knows who is behind all of this, but once we investigate more, we will know.” The newscaster spoke. “Thank you, Jeff. Now onto other news. It seems that the President of...” I zoned out, not caring about whatever was on the TV, and ate my food.

00:44 Thursday, August 25

I stared at my phone, analyzing everything it said. I couldn’t go to sleep. This happens all the time, it’s almost routine to me.

As I sat on my bed, I tossed my hair nervously, contemplating what to do while I wait for the time to pass by.

I sighed.

“I guess I’ll just go take a walk outside.”

The cool breeze hit my skin as I stepped outside.

I took a deep breath, the polluted air entering my nostrils. I walked down the steps, trying not to wake up any of the stray animals around.

"And just where do you think you're going?"

I shut my eyes tightly, knowing who it was already.

"Leave me alone, Riel." I could sense her walking up to me. her slender arm coming in contact with my shoulder. "You know the rules, you can't be out at this time."

I spun around, pushing her hand off of me. "First of all, you're not my mother, second of all, what are you doing out here anyway?"

She adjusted her glasses and crossed her arms. "I could say that same about you."

I sighed. "I'm just out here for a walk. I can't... sleep..." My gaze trailed down to my feet.

"Again? I thought I fixed that for you." She said as her eyes narrowed. " You're supposed to go into sleep mode whenever you want to." Riel sighed. "I'll have to go into your system and fix that.

"What are you doing here anyway?" I asked, biting my lower lip. " You rarely ever visit me, especially at this time of the day."

"I came to see how the mission went." I raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you watch the news?" She nods. "I did, I just wanted to check if the painting was in tact."

I looked up at her. "Why didn't you just call me? I have a phone, you know."

"Yeah, a phone which I bought for you." I turn around, walking up the steps back to my house. "Come on then." I opened the door, and turned on one of the lights. Picking up the painting from the couch, I gave it to her. "Here. It's all yours." She examined it, her eyes squinting as she looked to find any tear in the painting. "You did well. I'll take his now."

"Where are you going to put it?" I cocked my head to the side. "You never tell me where you bring the things I steal to."

Riel sighed. "Look, I always tell you, I'm not going to take you there. It's a dangerous place, a bunch of criminals are there, it's not a place for a 16 year old to be."

"Please, let me go!!!" I got on my knees and begged her, rubbing my hands together. "I wanna go, let me go with you!"

She bit the inside of her mouth, her eyes flickering from my puppy eyes to the painting.

"I'll have to warn you. Once you see this place, there's no turning back."

"Okay! I'll do anything! just let me go..."

She sighed, running her pale fingers through her curly black hair.

"Fine."

"Yes!"

I went to my bedroom and grabbed my jacket before leaving with her.

"Where are we going anyway?" I asked as we got into her car. "You'll see."

I rolled my eyes, exasperated. "Can you at least tell me what this place is called?"

She faced me as she drove the car. "DTC."

I was puzzled. "What does that mean?"

"It stands for The Devil's Trade Center."

I widened my eyes.

What have I gotten myself into?