Erika's Love At First Sight

At the outskirt of the Capital, underground.

The group walked down the long dark corridor. It must have been about 10 minutes worth of walking for Erika. How big is this place? Why are we underground?

"This is the main base for our army. Daniel will bring you to Leo and Leo will bring you around. He is actually our senior from college." Hidayah spoke. She turned to Erika and smiled. She extended her hand and reached out to Erika's left hand.

Erika was just silent. So many things were flashing through her head but there was nothing she could say… what could she say to make her best friend feel assured that whatever sh*t that she has to go through is worth it…

"Hidayah, it's alright… to be honest, I am not that innocent. I do know the danger that comes." Erika gave her an assuring smile while slowly giving her a firm hug. "Plus, there are some things about my family that I have not shared with you..."

"Well, let's talk about it later. We have all the time after this." They have arrived at the training hall. Daniel tapped his access card and opened the door. The group of 3 walked into the hall.

Within the room, a sturdy built man with a bare upper body was sitting on a mat. His two hands resting on his knees. His two eyes were shut tightly while his breath was calm but powerful.

The hall was so quiet, you could hear each of his breath. The lights glistening against his bare body created a halo effect around him.

Daniel closed the door behind them and cleared his throat. "Leo… we have a guest."

Leoneil opened his eyes and exhaled a deep breath. He gave himself another moment before he started relaxing and standing up with his back against them. His muscles flexing with every movement makes him seems like a martial master. Like those in the Wuxia dramas.

"I'll go change my attire first," Hidayah walked towards the left corner of the room and disappears through a black metallic door.

Daniel brought Erika towards Leoneil in the middle of the room. He looked at her and noticed that she has been staring at the man as if he was an art that deserved to be revered on. And the man seems to enjoy the reaction.

No… he was also gazing at her with the same fervour. Affirmative. This is the perfect example of 'love at first sight'. It seems… there is a new material for us to be entertained with, tonight. A brazen smile spread on Daniel's face as he left the two to themselves and joined Hidayah in the locker rooms.

*****************

Hah hah hah hah

Hidayah was running on the treadmill that was installed in the gym on the second level of the training hall. Beads of perspiration were dripping against her forehead and shoulders. She has been running for the past 35 minutes and doesn't seem to be slowing down.

Her Nike FE/NOM Flyknit sports bra was already wet through and through but her breaths were still controlled and her pace was remarkably fast.

Hidayat who had joined her approximately 5 minutes after she started was already slowing down to a jog.

Daniel had already moved on to other machinery to continue will his routine before going back to the sparring room.

By now, Leo would have already brought Erika to the Command Centre. The quiet room except for the loud breathing and feet stamping from Hidayah has become tranquillizing for the group.

It took another half hour before Hidayah slowed down and moved on with her workout.