The price of freedom

Chapter three

The passing year only seemed to deepen the weight on Riku. Every day felt longer, harder. Though his skills grew sharper, he could feel a part of himself slipping away-something lighter, maybe hopeful-replaced by the raw survival instincts he needed to endure the Legion's relentless regimen.

Hiroshi, somehow, managed to keep his spirits up. Every new task or challenge was met with his unshakable optimism and his belief that someday, somehow, they'd escape. Mei remained steady, her courage keeping her grounded as she grew into her powers. Her telekinesis was a force to be reckoned with, and with Riku's lightning speed and Hiroshi's growing mastery over blue flames, they made a powerful team, though they kept their true strength hidden from most.

One evening after a grueling training session, the three of them sat together in the barracks, weary but grateful for the rare quiet. Hiroshi was the first to speak up, his usual cheer coloring his voice, "We're getting closer to our goal-I can feel it. One day, we'll take down these guys and make it out. They won't know what hit them."

Mei shot him a sidelong glance, smirking. "You've been saying that for years, Hiroshi. How can you still be so sure?"

Hiroshi grinned, his eyes bright, "Because someday, something's going to give. It always does. And if it doesn't, then we'll break it ourselves."

Riku couldn't help but chuckle. "That's one way to put it," he agreed, but his voice held a tension the others recognized. Though he shared Hiroshi's determination, he couldn't shake the fear that the Legion would find a way to break him first.

They sat together in silence for a moment, watching the light cast shadows over the walls. Mei leaned closer to Riku, her eyes studying him carefully, the soft light making them appear even deeper, more intense. "You've changed, Riku," she said quietly.

"Guess that's what happens when every day is just survival," he replied, half-joking. "But maybe... maybe you've helped keep me from getting lost in all of this."

Her hand found his, and she squeezed it gently, her expression softening. "Then I'll keep doing that," she promised, a light blush warming her cheeks.

Just as he was about to respond, Hiroshi noticed and cleared his throat loudly, grinning as he teased, "Hey, if you two are going to get all sentimental on me, at least give me a warning!"

Riku and Mei laughed, and in that brief moment, it was easy to believe that, somehow, they'd get through this. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing day, and despite everything, they were still standing-together.

The next week came with a shift in the air that Riku couldn't ignore. Tension and a strange anticipation had settled over the Legion's base, and whispers of "deployment" buzzed through the hallways. When Voss summoned Riku, Mei, and Hiroshi for an "urgent meeting," they exchanged uneasy glances, each wondering what it could mean.

They entered the briefing room to find Voss waiting for them, his usual hard gaze even sharper than usual. He stood with his arms crossed, looking down at the three of them as they took their seats.

"Listen up," he began, voice cool and controlled. "You've all been trained relentlessly, and now it's time to put that training to use." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Tomorrow, you'll be deployed for combat."

Riku stiffened, his heart hammering. They'd been training for what felt like forever, but deployment? Combat in a real battlefield? It was a whole new level. He glanced at Mei and Hiroshi, seeing similar looks of surprise and uncertainty on their faces.

"You're being sent to the front lines," Voss continued, "in our ongoing war with the country of Kaidan. It's hostile territory, and you'll be up against highly trained soldiers. Your mission is simple: neutralize targets, secure intelligence, and survive." His eyes narrowed as he met each of their gazes. "You leave in the morning. Combat gear has been prepared for you-get fitted and familiarize yourselves with it. Dismissed."