(ON HOLD)The Heartless Cruel

Chapter 1

I whirled around my straw in the soft drink I had just bought. It was a Saturday morning, and after my extensive training yesterday, I had thought to take a break. I had raised the intensity of it, and now my muscles were beyond sore. So here I was, at the closest cafe on the outdoors, drinking apple soda and munching on fries.

I wonder what Clifford would think of it and do when he found out that I wasn't planning on training today. He wasn't there yesterday; which means he didn't know what I did. Hmm... after this I'll give him a call.

For the curious minds, I am a fighter by profession. Well... not only that- I was studying to become a psychologist at the Walford University and I was a Humanitarian. I also study Sociology and Philosophy. Anyway, I have fought in championships and currently I am the top female fighter and fighter overall in my state, Michigan. The organization let females fight against females, and males against makes. They abhorred the idea of a male hitting females, so that was not allowed. Thank God.

Just as I was about to put a fry in my mouth, a very familiar voice broke through my train of thought.

"Rosette."

After a few seconds of being frozen, I turned around and came face to face with none other than my instructor, who was wearing a face of great displeasure. Beneath that, I saw confusion, and what was in his eyes-guilt?

Weird. Confused myself and also feeling guilty, I gave him a sheepish smile, waved and said, "Um... hi Sir Maxwell... good morning... um what are you doing here." These words tumbled out which only caused him to narrow his eyes at me.

"I would love to ask you the same question Ms Clear. Where are you supposed to be now, and why are you drinking soda, as well as eating fries? That is strictly prohibited from your diet and you know this." He lectured.

Internally rolling my eyes, I checked the time. Gracious Goodness!! It was way past the time I expected to be here. Looking up at Clifford I responded, " Um sir I was planning on calling you after I leave here.... I didn't see time was so far spent. Actually, I was going to tell you that I won't be able to come to training today. I-"

"What?" Mr Clifford interrupted and was glaring at me through his beady eyes.... creepy.

" Sir let me finish please," I stated with a pause so I don't come off as rude.

"I intensified my training yesterday." He raised his eyebrow, but he seemed pleased to hear this, which was indicated by his muffled grunt. I rolled my eyes.... internally of course.

"So.. I'm beyond sore now sir. My movements are like robotic motions." At this he laughed.

"But that still doesn't explain why you're eating and drinking junk," he eyed my soda and fries.

"I was kinda craving it. I hadn't eaten it in months and you weren't present sooo....," I said, whilst giving him a cheeky smile as he narrowed his eyes once again.

"Hmm.. ok. I forgive you." He smiled, but then became serious, which baffled me.

"There is someone I want you to meet Rosette." Again, the guilty look resurfaced, but disappeared as soon as it came.

"Ok... Lemme just finish this. Its almost done," I said, turning around, and didn't even make an inch toward my snack, when a hand firmly gripped my shoulder and spinned me around. I yelped.

When I looked, Mr Maxwell's face was morphed into a hardened glare, annoyance oozing out his eyes. This scared me.

"Who you are about to meet doesn't wait for petty stuff as 'finishing a meal.' He has a schedule and when its time for something to get done, it must get done." He said slowly, emphasizing his words.

I frowned. This didn't make any sense to me. Isn't it normal for people to do so? So I voiced my claim, "Sir, isn't that what normal folks do?"

"Yes. But he doesn't even tolerate one second of delay."

Only now, one word registered in my mind. The emphasized He. Who was this he, who Clifford was talking about?"

"Ok sir," I said, slowly getting up and begrudgingly discarding my half finished food. I was a bit upset yet sad that I couldn't finish it. It would be months again, before I ever graced my tongue with another junk food.

" Who is this 'he' I'm going to meet sir?" I asked. I don't know why, but I found myself being scared of knowing the answer. Who was it so important and feared, that at the mention of him, it was emphasized.

I look over at Clifford as we strode side by side. He didn't look like he was going to answer. However, he looked at me expressionless and uttered three words which only confused me more.

"The last heir."  And with that, he didn't say anything else. Silence reigned for the rest of our walk to the training grounds, while I mulled over those three words, trying to figure out who exactly was 'the last heir.'