Initiation

Chapter 17: Commencement

     Sam ends up leading me down a set of hallways I have yet to travel. The journey was an opportunity for me to conspicuously memorize the halls in order to create a personal blueprint. Having a photographic memory helped a great deal.

     Even if a League map never came into my possession, I'd have the plans stored into the deepest parts of my brain. Argon would have no choice in assigning me as the central leader during an invasion.

     My thoughts of gaining Argon's trust are cut short as we walk into a recognizable lobby. The steel security barricades on the windows and doors are still down from the previous night. Hanging down from the ceiling a single red light flashes on and off every few seconds. There is yellow crime scene tape surrounding the left side of the room. Sections of wooden planks are charred black surrounding an untouched area in the shape of a circle. This must have been where I stood during the epic battle. Sam clears his throat beside me.

"Like what you see?" he asks

My lips purse, "just admiring my handiwork," I respond with a shrug of the shoulders.

     Sam breathes in through his nose before exhaling slowly from his mouth.

"Come on, Xavier's waiting. He's a busy man, not all of his time can revolve around you and your misbehaving," he responds heavily.

I mock hurt, "oh really? It can't? I thought we were family? Don't family members make time for each other?"

Sam narrows his eyes at me. Without another word, he pushes me forward. I bite my lip to stop a smirk from forming.

"So, what is the cover story for shutting down the lobby? My capture obviously hasn't been publicly broadcasted to the entire agency." I say, breaking the thick silence before we exit the room.

     Sam stops to face me. His eyes remain leveled with mine as he responds, "Two hot headed agents got into a brawl because of a disagreement which ended up getting them suspended."

     And with that he turns back around and opens the door for me to pass through. The skin of my nose scrunches together. What kind of cover story was that? If I had been an agent, there would be no way I'd believe that kind of nonsense. Then again, Sam's response just proved, yet again, that the League was weak. Beating Xavier was going to be the icing on the cake.

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     Ten minutes later we finally arrive at a set of black double doors. There is a key pad located on the left side. Sam walks up to the device and blocks my view with his body. Short, high-pitched beeps-five to be exact- ring out before left door clicks open an inch. Only then does Sam step away.

He holds out his left arm, "after you."

I raise my eyebrow at him, crossing my arms across my chest, unmoving. Sam mimics my posture, raising both eyebrows in a challenge. I scoff lightly before pushing the door open.

     The room is larger than I had expected. Then again, the Los Angeles Headquarters was not a small establishment by any means. My eyes scan over every square inch. The only equipment in the room were a set of small bleachers and a raised platform covered in a thick rubber mat. Standing in the center was none other than Xavier wearing entirely different attire than our first introductions.

     This look made him appear younger. Being an endowed individual did help. We aged far slower physically than the average human, age was a deceiving factor.

"Welcome to the battle dome." Xavier greets while holding both arms out to the side.

Being the aura endowed leader, I wasn't expecting his demeanor to be so cocky... or was it pride that I saw?