"Okay, kneel down," whispered Miss Planner, her voice low and gentle. "Remember, head bowed and eyes closed. Clasp your hands, fingers together. That's perfect."

Ghost Knife's induction into the Chosen Ones was a little more elaborate than the one Mona and her friends went through. Miss Planner wanted to put on a show for him. Make him feel special. She even managed to get the mighty Elder Presence to administer the oaths, a rare honor reserved only for the most powerful new Chosen Ones. The ceremony lasted all of ten minutes.

"You have promised to obey us and keep our secrets, and we will reward you with our wisdom. You have proven yourself dedicated to us, and we will reward you with our trust. You have pledged your loyalty, and we will reward you with our power. The ceremony is now concluded, Ghost Knife. Now rise and take your place among the Chosen."

Ghost Knife's tiny new boss tapped him lightly on the shoulder and guided him out of the ceremonial chamber, gently pressing on his back with her little hands. The assassin gave the great Elder a shallow bow of the head and allowed himself to be led without any argument, moving stiffly forward like a sleepwalker.

The two passed solemnly out of the dimly lit room and entered the cool, quiet basement hallway. There, Miss Planner turned to her promising new hire. His eyes looked a little brighter now, his dull despair giving way to a spark of anticipation. The change was subtle, barely noticeable, but it was enough to make Miss Planner smile.

Her little performance been worth the effort, Miss Planner thought to herself. Ghost Knife was a man destined for great things, and he deserved her attention and affection. She would take good care of him.

"Congratulations! You're officially a Chosen One now!" she said quietly, but happily. "An officer, at that. We all expect great things from you."
"It's an honor. I'm ready to get to work."

Ghost Knife's words were perfunctory. He wasn't much of a conversationalist, it seemed. But what little he said made Miss Planner beam and grin in triumph. She guided him to the elevator with pep in her step, and he followed, silent and somber, cutting an imposing figure in his sleek blue robes.

"Your students are waiting for you in the cafeteria. They're all dying to meet you. I'm sure you can train them up into a force to be reckoned with in no time."

The man with messy black hair grunted slightly as the elevator doors slid shut.

"I do hope you'll like them, but if you don't, just say the word and I'll put together a new team for you... or if you find teaching's not your strong suit, well, you know, that's okay, too."

"I don't question my orders," he replied coldly. "Anything you want done, I'll see it through to the end."
"That's exactly what I like to hear! You'll make an excellent instructor, I just know it!"

DING!

The elevator came to a halt on the second floor. Miss Planner stepped away to the side, smiling and bobbing her little head in the air. Ghost Knife stepped forward like someone already lost in the darkness of death, a hollow emptiness in his gaze and a distant, cold expression on his face.

"Those doors over there lead to the training rooms," said Miss Planner. "I've reserved rooms four and five for you today. Cafeteria's this way. It's open twenty-four hours. Did you want to get something to eat?"

"Maybe later, Planner. I want to meet my team so we can get started."
"That's them right over there! Those four. The girl with blonde hair, the tall boy, the shorty and the mean-looking kid with the beanie..."

Mona and her friends were sharing a big pepperoni pizza and laughing about something or other when Ghost Knife's shadow fell over them. Miss Planner watched on with delight, her hands placed confidently on her hips. The way the teenagers froze up at their new teacher's arrival was so adorable that her heart swelled a little inside of her chest.

"Hey, everyone. This is your new trainer, Ghost Knife!" she said cheerfully.

An ominous silence fell over the crowd of frightened young faces. Ace looked to Miss Planner for leadership, his eyes shining with a mixture of curiosity and fear. She smiled reassuringly, and he nodded slowly. His voice cracked when he finally spoke.

"Nice to mee- meet you. My name is Angelo, but everyone calls me Ace."
"Hmph. Pleasure to meet you."

Ace was trying his hardest to make a good impression, but Ghost Knife was having none of it. He didn't give the boy even the slightest smile, barely glancing in his direction before fixing his menacing glare on Mona. She introduced herself next, as meek as a little lost lamb.

"I'm... I'm Mona. It's nice to meet you, sir."

It didn't look like the teenagers were looking forward to working with Ghost Knife. But it didn’t look like they were about to give him any trouble, either. He'd have an easy time training them into top-notch killers. Maybe they’d even pick up a little of his confidence and can-do attitude. Miss Planner smiled at the thought, turning to go.

"Well, I'll leave you all to it! Have fun, kids! And, Ghost Knife... my office is on the top floor, just past the bathrooms. It has a big, beautiful white door with my name on it. If you ever need anything... I'm always available!"