107 was very talkative. Every time we'd pass a small cluster of people she'd take the opportunity to introduce herself, forgetting I was attached onto her arm. I couldn't remember all of their numbers, mainly because they ranged from 100 to 500; and that was only the people in the hall. I began to wonder how many other kids were locked up in other rooms like we were. Did they even know they were in an institution full of other children? I sure didn't. And the thought didn't comfort me.

"And then they picked me up and flew me here like a.. like a pain.. a vein.. oh ya, that's right! A plane! And then I met 104 over here and she had a giant friend and-"

"Do you ever stop yapping?"

One of the girls asked 107, although it sounded like more of an impolite statement. I felt my heart start to race again and my head start to spin. The rest of the room looked like it was swaying, making me nauseous. I cowered behind 107; feeling the undying urge to stick up for her, but not being able to.

"Well I think it's impossible for a person to talk forever, you know? They'd get pretty thirsty and then they'd-"

"Just shut your mouth"

The girl spat. 107 wasn't fazed by the utter rudeness of the girl, but she did faze me. I was like a helpless mouse, tossed into a cage of wild and starved lions. Sweat clung to my skin and my vision began to blur. As if she had read my mind, the girl glared at me with soulless dark brown eyes.

"What's wrong scaredy cat? Afraid I'll hurt you?"

I shook my head violently, still hiding. Of course I was scared. God where was Sargent Alec when I desperately needed him? I silently prayed that he would come rushing through the crowd to protect me.

But he didn't and I was alone.

"Leave them alone 103. They're in the same situation as the rest of us"

A boy came forward and placed his hand gently on 103's shoulder, barely touching her. Still, she seemed to melt into him, soaking up his energy. He removed his hand and walked closer towards me and 107, a glint in his sharp, midnight blue eyes.

"I'm 108 and this is 103"

He leaned in to me, his sharp jawbone brushing against my cheek. Shocks of electricity jolted through my body, a sickening flutter in my stomach. What was happening?

"She can get a bit snappy"

He whispered into my ear. I swallowed hard, wanting to drag myself away from him, but not able to bring myself to do so. As he moved away from me, I caught him smirk. A proud smirk.

"Hi! I'm 107! This is 104!"

I was broken out of my hypnotised state by 107 shoving me towards another group of people. I looked over my shoulder at 108 who shot me a secret wink. My cheeks flushed warm red and the fluttering in my stomach grew.

"Ladies and gentleman. May I have your attention please"