The Shape (Book 1)

Proving myself

(Tw:Slurs)

In the private solitude of the shower, the warm water cascaded down my skin, enveloping me in a cocoon of steam and contemplation. As the droplets mingled with my thoughts, I couldn't shake the weight of the upcoming challenge I was going to have to face tonight with the mafia.

With each rivulet of water that trailed down my body, my mind raced with a mix of determination and uncertainty. The steam-filled enclosure provided a moment of respite, a brief sanctuary amidst the chaos of the impending task that loomed over me.

As I closed my eyes, the sound of the water masking my thoughts, I reflected on the expectations placed upon me by Tom and the mafia. The need to prove myself, to demonstrate my worth in a world where strength and cunning reigned supreme, weighed heavily on my mind.

The steam swirled around me, mirroring the whirlwind of emotions within me. Doubt and fear mingled with a fierce resolve and a determination to succeed against all odds. I knew that the night ahead would test not only my skills but also my loyalty, my courage, and my very identity.

With a deep breath, I  let the water wash away my  doubts, leaving behind a steely resolve in its wake. Tonight, I would step into the shadows of the underworld, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that this journey would lead me to confront the depths of my own strength and the true nature of my convictions.

In the midst of my contemplative moment in the shower, the tranquility was shattered by a sudden knock on the bathroom door. Startled, I called out, "Just a moment!"

As the door creaked open, Blaire's voice cut through the steam-filled air, "Maddie, it's time to go. Tom is waiting for us." The urgency in Blaire's tone hinted at the gravity of the situation that we were about to face.

I quickly turned off the water, my thoughts still lingering in the midst of the shower. With a sense of determination, I replied, "I'll be right out, Blaire. Tell Tom we're on our way."

As I hastily dried myself off and dressed, the reality of the impending challenge settled in. The interruption served as a jolt, a reminder of the dangerous world that I was about to step into, where every moment counted and every decision could have far-reaching consequences.

With a final glance in the mirror, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. Tonight, I would need all my wits, all my courage and strength.As I stepped out of the bathroom, a sense of resolve washed over me, ready to face whatever awaited me tonight.

***

Tom gripped the steering wheel, the engine's hum filling the car as he navigated the darkened streets towards the Yakuza gang's hideout. Me, Bill, Nadia, and Blaire sat in tense silence, their expressions a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

Beside me, Deena's presence brought a sense of calm amidst the tension. Her steady gaze and unwavering demeanor reassured me as we approached the rendezvous point. I'm sure each member in this car knew the risks involved in confronting the Yakuza, but they also understood the importance of the mission at hand.

As we neared the hideout, the atmosphere in the car grew palpably charged. Tom's grip on the wheel tightened, his focus unwavering as he prepared to lead the team into the heart of the Yakuza's domain. With a shared glance, we braced ourselves for the unknown that awaited us, united in their resolve to see their mission through to the end.

"Do you think we can do this?"I whispered to Deena."Whatever happens tonight, we'll look out for each other, understand?" Deena instructed.Inhaling a shaky breath, I straightened up my body.

As the car stopped, I watched behind us as Gustav's car pulled up with the others.Tom turned around in the front seat cocking his gun in his hand."Remember, whatever happens we won't let these assholes escape." Tom snarled.

***

"Wait, why do I have to be the bait?" Blaire yelled in a hushed whisper."Cause you're the loudest out of all of us and I'm sure you'd be able to draw the guards attention better." Deena hissed.

"I don't want to though, what if they kill me." Blaire said."Do you want to be in the mafia or not?" Nadia hissed."Yeah, what Nadia said."Bill agreed."Make a choice Blaire."Tom instructed, staring at her directly.

Blaire turned around still crouching."Hey Blaire." Deena said with a devilish smirk on her face."What?" Blaire snarled."Field goal."Deena said."Wait, wait no," Blaire didn't have enough time to react before Deena kicked her in the ass making her fall into the open, letting out a loud scream.

Suddenly a bunch of Japanese guards turned around, noticing Blaire standing there with an innocent smile on her face."Hey guys...how's it going?" Blaire said, adding a small laugh.

When the guards started to run at her, Blaire started to run in the opposite direction. "Hey wait, we can talk about this, I'm just a teenage girl!" Blaire blurted out, running as fast as legs would carry her.

Once the guards were out of sight, Tom gave the signal for Anna,Tate, and Georg to follow Blaire."We four are with me," Tom instructed  Me,Deena,Bill and Nadia.

Sneaking down the hallway with our guns drawn we came across Daiju Yakuza's office, their leader.We could hear moaning and whimpering coming from inside the room.Tom didn't give anyone a signal before Deena kicked the door down."Put your hands up!" Deena snarled.

"What the fuck!" A girl yelled."Ah shit," Daiju snarled.Storming into the room, Deena had Daiju held at gunpoint from a distance."Deena I got this, put your gun down,"Tom instructed, causing Deena to lower her gun slowly.

I got a good look at the girl and realized it was Taylor, Tom's ex-fling."Why am I not surprised to you here Taylor," Tom chuckled."Whatever, He gives it better to me than you ever could." Taylor hissed, pulling up her jeans.

Tom rolled his eyes."Where are my guards," Daiju bellowed. "Oh, they won't be coming to your rescue this time asshole." Tom countered, stepping closer."Next time you send one of your men to try and fight me, make sure they actually know how to fight."

Daiju's gaze flickered from every single one of us until he stopped at Deena."Since when did you have a n***** in your mafia?" Daiju asked."What did you just say?" Deena snarled.

"Oh here, I'll say it in my language , maybe you'll understand it better, 黒人." Enraged, Deena lunged at Daiju pointing the gun directly underneath his chin."Say it again."Deena said ,deadly.

"Go on. Say it." I looked over at Tom to see he had a smile of approval on his face."Tom, get your woman off of me."Daiju yelled as Taylor was backed up into a corner with a look of horror on her face.

"Nah, don't look at him, look at me, I'm the one who's the gun at your head so you're gonna listen to me." Deena hissed. Daiju was trembling at this point."Drop the gun!" Taylor yelled as she pointed a gun at Deena's head.

"Are you serious right now?" Deena snapped glaring at Taylor now. "I mean it, drop your gun or I'll shoot." I'm sure Deena could see right through Taylor's bluff. "Alright fine, shoot me then." Deena said, lowering her head at the tip of Taylor's gun.

"If you're so brave."Deena still had the gun pointed at Daijus head as her head was placed infront of Taylor's.As Daiju went to move for his gun, Tom raised his gun."Don't even think about it asshole or I will end you fucker."

Disarming Taylor, Deena turned around and lowered her gun at Daijus' balls and fired one shot.The scream that Daiju let out caused me to flinch. Then Deena fired another shot only at Daijus' head , shooting him right through the left eye socket.

Taylor was wailing loudly.Deena turned her fury on her."If you don't wanna end up like him I suggest you never and I mean never come near my friend again, you got it red?" Taylor nodded quickly.

Putting her gun back in her pocket, Deena walked towards us."Come on, let's go meet up with the others." I looked back at Taylor who had collapsed to the ground in a heap.I felt sorry for her. "Maddie come on,"Tom said, wrapping an arm around and leading me out of the room.

(Okay, for the record I need not say the n-word in Japanese, I just said black person but y'all got what I meant. Please don't cancel me 😓😓🙏🙏. I would never intentionally say a slur.)