Chapter 6 – A Fated Meeting

"Riley….. Riiiileyyyyyy….. RILEYYYYY!!!!!!!!"

"Superintendent Chalmers! Apologies…. I honestly hadn't heard. Please excuse the intrusion ladies…. Duty calls."

The chiselled physical specimen known as "Riley", flashed a well-rehearsed smile towards the two formally-dressed female delegates, (clearly overwhelmed by the sudden injection of Oestrogen through their veins), playfully winking before gliding confidently in our direction. Fully clad in military camo, sporting a worryingly-tight tank top and flight pants; the shortening distance between myself and Riley, only serving to heighten my awareness of his unequivocally imposing presence. A very similar height to myself (6 foot or thereabouts) and weighing around 200lbs, however with an unparalleled body-fat to muscle ratio; it wouldn't come as a surprise to find out Riley had single-handedly obliterated every physical test conjured by man.

Riley stood to attention saluting the general; his right hand proudly held beneath the fringe of his (typically short), military-style black spiky hairline, his other hand sternly clenched across his puffed out, over-inflated chest. The whites of his eyes clearly visible as he gazed up towards a spectacular glory, perceivable only to a chosen select few.

*Clearing his throat* "Ahhhheeeeem..... Riley I'd like to introduce you to Shu Creed, he's one of our newest SoL recruits. Riley Stevens happens to be one of our most experienced soldiers within the SoL, his military background allowed for instant acclimatisation within our humble organisation.

I'm positive Riley has a few precious minutes to spare, before once again attempting to achieve his life-long goal of bedding every single female within the building...…. To perhaps do something useful. Such as….. Oh I don't know…. Maybe showing you around and helping with some of your basic training??? Of course, only if that's fits in with Mr Stevens extensively busy schedule. Heaven forbid we might actually cause one of our highest paid employees some minor inconvenience!!"

The superintendent (unwilling to wait for a reply), promptly turned on his heels mid-sentence, striding in the opposite direction from myself and Riley, (in extremely animated fashion mind you). Proceeding to frantically throw his hands high above his head, mumbling incoherently before disappearing completely from view down the preceding corridor.

Sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, Riley exhaled a weary sigh before turning towards me. A wide grin plastered across his face as he stretched his hand out invitingly in my direction, (whilst performing a customary sarcastic eye roll). Hesitantly reciprocating Riley's gesture, my fears were immediately confirmed as this monstrous man's vice-like grip proved unspeakably painful.

"I should apologise about the super-intendent….. He means well….. He's just…..Slightly eccentric?? As you could probably tell by his little swan dance before fluttering off into the sunset."

My cheeks puffed red as I let out a slightly embarrassing guffaw; the awkward tension originally surrounding us, completely dissipating as I began to understand the female fascination with Riley's electric personality, (the chiselled physique and boyish good looks obviously not hurting matters either).

"Shu Creed, Hajimemashite…. Ummm, I mean pleased to meet you."

"Riley Stevens, Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!!" Riley's perfect Japanese pronunciation caught me slightly off guard, causing me to tilt my head whilst narrowing my gaze in curiosity:

"You…. Can speak Japanese??"

"Hardly, everyone's favourite Flame Princess also happens to be Japanese. The only rule you must always follow to survive within the SoL, is do whatever you can to stay on Rea Kazuki's good side!" The muscles in my body immediately tightened at the mere mention of the familiar name. Maintaining secrecy however, remains the single highest priority and therefore regardless whether it's feigning ignorance, playacting, or even outright lying…. I'll do it… I have to…. I have no other choice.

"Is Rea another member??"

"You've never heard of Rea?? I thought she's quite the celebrity even outside the WFA's humble 4 walls. It wouldn't be too far-fetched to refer to the Flame Princess as a living legend; her ability to manipulate fire is undeniably spectacular."

Regardless of its necessity and my willingness to carry through to the bitter end, the heart-wrenching pangs of guilt descended ever further. Lying had become almost second nature, a devilish black smog dulling my fragile conscience into submission before eventually encompassing my soul. How would she react?? What would she do?? The only absolute certainty remaining in an endless ocean of ambivalence, were the severe consequences I'd face as our paths finally crossed.

Momentarily engrossed within my own thoughts, Riley's curious gaze caught me completely off guard. I had the sudden feeling that Riley had instantly demolished the seemingly impenetrable walls I meticulously erected and subsequently, he was shining a bright light upon the true self I could never afford to reveal.

"Haha… Sorry Shu I don't swing that way believe me. You just seem… Slightly lacking in the physical stature I'd expect of a soldier. Anyway, allow me to show you around, after all the combined powers of both myself and Komugi are enough to whip anyone into shape!!!!"

Riley's laugh was unquestionably normal, the typically self-confident giggle capable of coercing a young female into finally abandoning her modesty. Yet my unease remained. Were Riley's actions mere suspicion, or something more sinister?? The heightened perception of the veteran SoL members was truly frightening beyond imagination.

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The modern masterpiece that is the WFA's complex, was simply breath-taking. Staying true to his word, Riley graciously toured me around the numerous buildings and facilities the WFA had to offer. Fondly reminiscing over the memorable times courting innumerable beautiful young females within the WFA's entertainment buildings, (his go-to drink the infamous Spiryte (96% ethanol, seriously how the hell is this guy even alive??)

Following our brief meeting with the supremely intense trainer known as Komugi, (very likely the least sociable character in existence), our tour inevitably concluded within the WFA's phenomenally designed, (yet unnecessarily large), glass-domed cafeteria; Riley taking it on his own initiative to order enough meat to feed an entire village!! I never realised his "whip you into shape," comment earlier would become effective immediately.

"Sienna….. Rea… Have you met our new recruit, Shu Creed??"

Food became an instant afterthought at the mention of her name. Masaka!! (Roughly translates to "that's unexpected!!" but more dramatic). Already?? Here?? Now?? Calm yourself Shu, you knew this moment would arrive.

Pursing a friendly smile across my lips, I calmly swivelled my head in the direction of Riley's gaze. Two unquestionably stunning females were patiently stood towards my left hand-side, their expressions however, seemingly worlds apart. The unrecognisable South-American beauty outstretched her right arm invitingly in my direction, her warm smile perfectly accentuating her delicate features. Slowly raising my right hand in response; I became momentarily captivated within her sparkling emerald-green eyes, though quickly shaking my head in apology as Riley's cruel sniggers hastily returned me back to reality. My cheeks burning a dark shade of crimson as I sheepishly shook the beguiling girl's hand, whilst simultaneously dropping my gaze embarrassingly towards the floor.

"Well well, looks like our new recruit's quite the shy one!! Pleasure to meet you Shu!! I'm Sienna and this gorgeous yet admittedly scary looking female stood silently beside myself, happens to be the infamous Flame Princess, Rea!"

Cautiously peering upwards; avoiding the situation was no longer a viable option as the whites of my eyes finally met with those of the Flame Princess. No words or dramatic expressions were required, Rea's unwavering gaze serving as the window towards her fury. The mixed kettle of emotions bubbling within Rea felt crystal clear within that one unforgettable moment. Betrayal, anger, hatred, disgust, all carefully embedded within a single, sharp glare.

"Hajimemashite, I look forward to working along-side you Shu." Rea bowed respectfully towards me, before marching calmly away in the opposite direction. Unable to formulate a response, I simply chose the easier option given the situation; remain silent and cling to the lifeline provided by the seething mistress of fire.

"WOW, Sienna did you see that?? Rea actually said more than two words to the new guy and she even bowed!! If only I was Japanese, her perception of me might improve….."

"Caught in dreamland again are you Riley??"

"Damn, you really know how to hurt a guy Sienna."

Attempting to focus on Sienna's hilarious shot-downs from Riley's flirtatious advances, was proving to be an impossible task. Having secretly kept one eye on the intimidating Flame Princess as she strode calmly from view; my thoughts drifted towards not only my future mannerisms, but also the inevitable consequences of my actions. Rea Kazuki doesn't play around, her punishment would be swift and methodical. Hell, hath never witnessed fury like the irrepressible Flame Princess scorned.

Two quick-fire vibrations within my trouser pocket signalled the awaited text message, however, it wasn't until much later that same evening whereby I mustered enough courage to see what was written. Clairvoyance or forensic evidence won't be necessary for you to guess either the sender's origins, or indeed the contents of the message. The orders were clear, concise and unforgiving; the archetypal signature…. Of her.

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Inexcusable…. Inexcusable…. Inexcusable…. FUCKING INEXCUSABLE!!!

Why wasn't she there?? The simplest damn task!! My timing was impeccable, my execution was immaculate and my fucking movements were masterful….. And yet she wasn't there. Why??? WHY DAMNIT. Those assholes screwed up and now, once again I'm left to pick up the GOD-DAMN PIECES!!

I will not be making the same mistake again; you can be damn sure of that. My previous slaughter will look like a fucking day-time children's television show compared to what I do next.

Enjoy breathing while you can Flame Princess, because pretty soon it won't be air seeping through those precious little lungs of yours.