Blue woke up thirty minutes before his alarm rang. Scratch that; Blue had a hard time falling asleep because Ryzel's terrified expression haunted Blue. Blue can't help but blame himself for putting such an expression on Ryzel, but what can Blue do? Let Ryzel fall to his death?
That's not really how Blue was raised. If he can help it, he will do his best to save other people. That's the reason why he joined The Phantom despite knowing how difficult it is to enter the agency. Aside from its main goal of protecting the carriers and purging carrier laboratories, The Phantom extends help to insurgent-filled underdeveloped and developing countries.
With a deep sigh, Blue made his bed. Today is going to be hectic after all. He will choose agents who will get to join his squad, and Blue has an agent in mind: Ken. Blue is certain that Ken will be a great addition to his squad and the latter would also help Blue in choosing the right members.
Blue did his fifteen-minute workout and stepped into the bathroom for a refreshing shower. After that, he went to his closet and settled with a black long sleeves shirt and black pants, paired with black dress shoes. He picked up his phone when it rang and clasped his timepiece.
"Hey, Ken. Good morning."
"Good morning, Captain. I rounded up all the applicants and sorted out their profiles so you can review them easily."
Blue smiled. "That's great. Good job. Where can we hold our selection process? I am yet to get familiar with this place." The Phantom Europe Branch is enormous after all. What Ken did last night was a brief tour since they were short on time. Blue has yet to see the other training areas and check the control room, which holds an incredible amount of information.
Only the selected few are allowed to enter the control room, and Blue will do his best to get that privilege. There's no deep reason; he just wants to see what the control room looks like since Rouge has been gushing about The Phantom's monopoly of information.
"Since we have a huge number of applicants, we can use the training room downstairs. The only one available is Training Room B, the one beside Captain Ryzel's," Ken informed Blue and Blue began to feel a bit restless at the mention of Ryzel's name. "We have no other choice since the other rooms are unavailable. The other squads are having their combat training today."
Blue arched his brow and grabbed his wallet. "What's the problem, then? Let's use Room B."
Ken sighed deeply. "We can use that room but we have to keep extra quiet. Since it's Wednesday today, Captain Ryzel is practicing archery. We can't disturb his concentration." Ken began to share the unfortunate fate that the other agents suffered because they disturbed Ryzel's training. Those agents were banned to accept missions for a week.
"And the Madam was okay with that? Why do we have to adjust for him, Ken? Training rooms are for common use, and if he can't stand a little noise, then it's his problem, not ours. Tell the applicants to proceed to Room B." Blue disconnected the call with gritted teeth, while Ken was left speechless on the other line.
"Oh, man. This will be chaos," Ken mumbled in defeat and sent a message to the applicants.
Blue stormed out of his room and into the cafeteria, a dark aura surrounding him, telling others not to get close to him. He couldn't shake off the feeling of annoyance at Ryzel's special treatment. Blue wants to understand the reason why Ryzel is so privileged when like the others, Ryzel is just an agent.
When Blue arrived at the cafeteria, several agents were having their breakfasts. The cafeteria is spacious with several tables arranged neatly. The interior was rustic and the use of warm colors and warm lights added to the cozy ambiance of the place. The smell of breakfast meal wafted in the air and with the smell of crispy bacon, his favorite, Blue's annoyance dissipated.
"Calm down, Blue. Don't let him affect you. You are not like this. Control your emotions, not the other way around," Blue chanted to himself and took a few quick breaths until calmness washed over him.
When he got to the counter, Blue checked the menu reserved for his rank and decided to go with Set A. The meal stated that Blue can choose any main dish he wants but one vegetable must always be included, so Blue ordered ten strips of crispy bacon, a fruit and vegetable salad, a bottle of water, and a chocolate milkshake for his choice of dessert.
Blue headed to a vacant table where he can enjoy the view of the wide, green soccer field. According to the handout, an annual sports week is held to strengthen camaraderie and teamwork. Blue was expecting joint combat training, but a sports week is a breath of fresh air. It made Blue remember his college days. When it comes to sports, he becomes very competitive.
Blue eyed his plate. He is not a fan of asparagus, but if he doesn't eat it, the cook will not appreciate his picky eating. Blue doesn't want his reputation to be marred. Also, if he didn't finish his plate, he won't be able to order Set A again according to the rule book.
"At least I have bacon. I have something to cover up the taste." Blue fished out his phone from his pocket and checked his email first. When he found no important messages, he locked his phone and started to eat. The savory taste of the bacon strip exploded in his mouth as he started to eat heartily.
Blue was halfway through his plate when he heard muffled gasps and chatters. When he checked his surroundings, the female agents were whispering against one another and the male agents were either brushing their hair or straightening up their suits.
"What's happening?" Blue mumbled and creased his forehead. "Is someone important about to enter?"
Blue's question was answered when Ryzel stepped in dressed in a white hakama, his silver hair tied up and his hands covered with archery gloves. As usual, Ryzel is sporting an indifferent expression but that only made him more appealing. Even Blue was starstruck for a second had he not caught himself. Seven and Jameson were on Ryzel's sides, waving and smiling at the female agents.
"Oh my god! Captain Ryzel looks so handsome today too!"
"How about Seven and Jameson? Ugh, they're so lucky to be able to walk and sit beside Captain Ryzel."
"That's right. Today is Captain Ryzel's archery training. I want to watch if only we didn't have martial arts today."
"I heard that Captain Ryzel is going to Northern Europe for a very big mission. I hope I can join him."
That caught Blue's attention. A big mission? Blue glanced at Ryzel and his two bodyguards who sat in the middle of the cafeteria. Blue focused his attention on the group who's talking about Ryzel's upcoming mission, forgetting about his breakfast and favorite food.
"Dream on, girl. He will bring his squad as usual."
"Isn't that risky? I think they're going after a huge group this time. His team of twelve will not suffice. He's running to his death."
Blue's heart stopped for a second, alarmed, and his mind took him back to last night when Ryzel was more than willing to fall to his death. "I will not let that happen. I will not let him risk his squad just because he wants to die so bad," Blue gritted out in a low voice and glared at Ryzel.
On the other hand, Seven subtly caught Ryzel's attention. "Captain. Someone is glaring daggers at you."
Ryzel folded his arms and hummed. "I know. Eleven o'clock. Winters, the new captain."
"Ohhhh. Did you do something to him, Captain?" Jameson asked in an intrigued tone. "Did he perhaps confess to you and you broke his heart?" Jameson added with a snicker and received a soft smack at the back of his head from Seven.
"Stupid. If Captain Blue did confess to Captain Ryzel, he would be dead by now or recovering in a hospital somewhere."
Jameson nodded in understanding. "That's true. So, what happened Captain? Care to spill the tea?"
"If you bring me my breakfast," Ryzel shortly replied and Jameson almost dashed to the counter. Ryzel heaved a deep sigh and massaged his temples.
"Captain, how are you feeling? Does your head still hurts?" Seven asked worriedly and examined Ryzel's countenance.
Seven was worried to death when he saw Ryzel's pale face and trembling limbs last night. Ryzel's nightmares always haunt him, but this is the first time that Ryzel got a panic attack outside of his room, which explained why Seven was so frantic. Seven treats Ryzel as his brother and best friend, and he will do what he can to help Ryzel.
"I'm feeling better. Don't worry about me. I need to prepare for the mission--"
"We, captain. We need to prepare," Seven emphasized with a deep frown. "This operation is not something you can complete single-handedly. We are going to face one of Gunther Harris's drug suppliers."
Ryzel tensed up but made sure that Seven did not notice it. Thankfully, Seven didn't, but someone else did. Blue. Blue was watching Ryzel's every move after all, like a predator patiently waiting to jump on his prey.
"This mission is dangerous, Seven. I won't risk my squad. I can do this by myself," Ryzel insisted and he saw how frustration and disbelief crossed Seven's expression.
"Can you even hear yourself, Captain? You are going to storm off into the enemy's lair all by yourself? Do you want to die that much?" Seven wasn't able to control his emotions as he raised his voice. Seven stood up abruptly, the chair creating a screeching sound. Jameson frowned and glanced at Ryzel and Seven, while Blue almost jumped out of his seat at Seven's words.
Ryzel stared at Seven blankly. "Sit down, Seven. You are attracting attention. This is not how I imagined my breakfast will go," Ryzel said in a controlled voice, authority exuding his squared shoulders and intent look.
Seven took a deep breath and dropped on his chair with a guilty expression. "I apologize, Captain. I just couldn't help myself. I'm so worried."
Ryzel sighed and leaned forward to ruffle Seven's hair, a gesture that made Blue's jaw tick. Blue was watching Ryzel breathlessly as Ryzel comforted Seven. Blue clenched his fist and his brows furrowed.
"We will discuss this again in private. Right now, I want to eat and go to my archery practice. You and Jameson will be sparring for today, right?"
Seven nodded after calming down. Ryzel knows how to handle his squad, especially Jameson and Seven. The two are the only ones allowed to be beside Ryzel after all so Ryzel knows what makes the two tick.
"Captain, here's your breakfast," Jameson announced and slid the tray filled with a pack of cold yogurt drinks, an egg omelet, a plate of grilled cheese, chicken tenders, a steamed veggie, and a large cup of froyo.
Blue lifted his brow when Ryzel gave his vegetable to Jameson who ordered a large slice of chocolate cake, a liter of soda, a chocolate milkshake, and the only protein in Jameson's plate is a plate of fried chicken and another bowl of steamed veggies for fiber. Seven kept his order simple with chicken and waffles, an omelet, and a glass of cold brew.
Seven winced at Jameson's plate. "My teeth hurt when I look at your tray, Jameson. Cut back on your sugar. This is the reason why you're hyper all day," Seven lectured Jameson but the latter rolled his eyes.
"This is from someone who drinks a mixture of three different flavored sodas." Jameson rolled his eyes. "I can't help it if I have a sweet tooth, Seven. Also, this is much better than your boring plate. Ugh, chicken and waffles," Jameson pretended to gag as he dismissed Seven's glare. "Good thing I don't see your sodas or I might just puke."
Ryzel just shook his head and started his meal with his yogurt drink. Ryzel loves to drink and eat yogurt. In fact, Ryzel's mini-fridge is full of yogurt and yogurt drink. Ryzel even has yogurt-shaped squishies that he got from Seven while Jameson gave Ryzel a yogurt-printed bedsheet.
Ryzel just ate while Jameson and Seven bickered. This is a usual morning for the group, so the agents ignored the three. Meanwhile, Blue was already listing Ryzel's possible violation on his phone memo. He forgot to bring his journal, so his phone will do.
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