Charlemagne's words popped back into Riley's head from earlier.
"The burn is going to hurt for some time. I recommend soothing the area in our baths in the Lower levels."
Before they knew it, Riley and Spaz were completely naked except for the white towels around their waists, standing before the large open pit dug into the concrete. The light was low and very dim, but still bright enough to get a true glimpse of the surroundings. Rocks of exotic shapes and moss were scattered about, mixed with bamboo waterfalls that transferred water of different temperature to the separate pools. It was clear the architecture of the place was heavily inspired by traditional Japanese spas and bathhouses.
Because the apartment Miss Himiko Ryūnoko lived in with her children had no running water, she would take her family over to the bath house around the corner on Waterloo.
Her eldest child Maxwell was always fond of the warm baths. He would always beg to go early as somewhat of a highlight. When they went, Maxwell would always spend upwards of an hour in the bath, always the first one in and the last one out.
The signature scent of the salty water rose into Riley's nostrils, evoking a sense of nostalgia. As he eased himself into the water, the black haired boy joined him, easing into the pool across from him.
"Oi, Maxwell. We're finally in. How does it feel?" Spaz spoke up, becoming relaxed in the embrace of the steamy water.
"Good. I feel really good. And it's not just the bath talking." Maxwell laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his head.
"Finally...a place to truly call home. I just wish I could share it with my family." Spaz trailed off, his eyes wandering into the bubbles of water shifting around him.
"Your family? Im sure if you asked Maddox to bring them, he'd be okay with providing some sort of housing."
"It's not like that, Riley. My family's missing."
"O-oh. I'm sorry. What happened?"
"We made the move from Osaka to Liverpool after the contagion zone was declared. We were in the outskirts, so we were able to escape without being hit by the virus. It was scary, though."
"That's right... I heard about that. Ten years ago a pretty nasty virus wiped out the entire population of Osaka."
"It was bad. I don't know how the government cut off the area from the rest of the country. But the disease is contained from what everyone can tell. I've always wondered what they did to keep the place so tightly locked…"
"Yeah, I'm curious myself. But you were telling me about your family, remember?"
"Right, sorry. I was...we were...traveling. By coach, of course. It was a public route and we were going through some shady blokes. Pop and I didn't trust any of 'em. But we had to get out as soon as possible...so we paid up and embarked on a ten day journey from Nihon region to Britain region. Day five of the journey...and our coach stopped on a rocky road up near the mountains. Horses needed a break and supplies were running low, so the caravan decides to pick the area clean for whatever we could rummage together. While my pop and I were searching for supplies, we heard screaming from the area the coach had stopped. Pop went to search himself. I'll never forget it. He tol' me to stay in the forest, hidden in a bush. I had to look on from a distance as my entire family was escorted back into the coaches, taken off the mountain path. They went somewhere else completely. Whatever the case was...my parents aren't in Liverpool, and I'd be willing to bet they aren't back in Osaka either. Those bastards took them. I remember their brand. I'm going to go back to that mountain road one day and find them. So I took one of the horses the wankers left behind and rode to Liverpool."
"Wow. Quite a story. You're half as well?"
"Yeah, pop is Japanese and mum is British. She was writing for a local publication in Osaka at the time. Wait a second…you're half?"
"Yeah. It's not in my name…not my full name anyways. I don't even look Japanese in the slightest, so I have my father to thank for that. My other last name is Ryūnoko."
"Well, ain't that something."
"No one believes me when I say it. Besides all that, how'd you end up in London?"
"I was in search of training. If I was to get my family back, I couldn't do it in the state I was in. I searched and searched for someone to teach me to fight until I met Harrison...Harrison Bridger. He's a professional boxer turned martial artist. Taught me everything I know. He's the one who unlocked my fighting spirit...and the one who inspired me to seek strength. He knew a few men in Bount City that could get me even stronger, so I came to london in search of a thieving guild that also specialized in combat. I was then recruited by members of squadron five, and here we are. But what about you? How did you get here?"
"Heh. I couldn't quite tell you everything...I don't think im ready to speak on it myself yet. But I will say this. I was unlawfully arrested for a crime I didn't intend to commit. When I was apprehended and sent to jail, I was broken out by squad four. That's how I'm here."
"I see. Well, we're both here for good reason. I'm sure you've got some goals ahead of you, right?"
"Of course. I'm going to try and find out more of this bloody hand…" Maxwell raised his left hand, finally revealing it to another without hesitation.
"You keep that thing tucked away and covered, don't you? It's a surprise to see it in the flesh."
"I'm very insecure of it. It's not a part of me. I feel like I've been missing a hand ever since I was little. Now, I have to accept I'm a freak. After all, we're in a group full of them now. There's no use in hiding it."
"Good way to think of it, Maxie."
"Dear god...please don't call me Maxie."
The joking was distracting, given how the boys didn't notice Charlemagne approach the bath from the corner of their view.
"Hello, boys! I come with news." The man announced, standing up with solid posture.
"Hullo, Charlemagne. Scared us a tad." Spaz admitted, shifting his attention to the suited servant.
"I apologize. I do tend to have that quality. All small talk aside, I am here to announce your new squadrons."
"New squadron? Does this mean we're being assigned one?" Riley asked.
"Precisely, Mr.Riley. Hm, that rhymes. Oh how whimsical. Yes sir, you have both been carefully selected by Maddox to enter a squadron. Spaz, you've been assigned to squadron one under captain Freed, however you will continue to train under Akemi and Oxford of squadron four. Maxwell, you've been assigned to squadron four, but have also been given a 'flex' title." Charlemagne explained.
"Flex? What does that mean?" Maxwell poked.
"A 'flex' member is a unit of a squadron that belongs to a specific 'base' squadron, but can at any moment be moved into another squadron temporarily to fill space in the absence of a member. This means your skills could be useful to all squadrons, of what Maddox could make of it. Consider being a 'flex' a merit. Also, you two have designated roles in your squadron. This'll effect how you operate with your squadmates on missions. Allow me to further explain." Charlemagne began.
"A squadron can be composed of anywhere from four to six members. Each member has a special role. Each squadron has a captain and a second in command. All orders of the captain must be followed by all members lower than their rank. A squadron's second in command is typically the reserve captain in any case they may need to take leadership. Amongst these ranks is a role, as I mentioned before. Each member has a specific role that caters to their skills. The roles are as follows. Tacticians are methodical, coordinated, and precise. They are the strategists of the team, coming up with plans on the fly, or moving the team along in the most thought out way possible. Next we have Thieves, which are silent, reserved, and light on their feet. They are responsible for stealing things on mission, and are the lifeblood of every squad. Every squad must have at least one thief. After that, we have Brawlers, which are strong, capable, and brave. They fight for and protect their squadmates in all possible combat situations. Last but not least we have Utilities, which are resourceful, adaptive, and cunning. They serve no particular purpose, but all of them as well. They fit into too many categories to be placed into a single role, so they become a tool—a force that is suitable for any situation at any time. Those are all the roles. Understood?"
"Yes sir." Spaz and Riley said in unison.
"Good. It'll be up to your captain to decide what role you'll carry. With that, my lecture is over. I've already had your things moved into the squadron one dorm, Spaz. You'll be sleeping with them for now on. As for you, Maxwell, I already presumed your things were already in squadron four's dorm. You are free to return there tonight."
"Thanks, Charlemagne. But before you go, one thing. Have we got any extra beds around? Our dorm is one short." Riley asked.
"Unfortunately, no. Captain Takeshi has informed me of the situation. We're having our guild mechanic Bridgett build you a new one as we speak. We presume it'll be done by the end of this week."
Maxwell looked blank faced, mostly disappointed and upset by the fact he'd have to spend another awkward night in Akemi's grasp.
Turning to the door to leave, Charlemagne bid his farewell as the boys left the bathhouse, throwing on any clothes about.
"Oi. Akemi's still gonna train us, so I'll see you tomorrow in the training room. I'd like to see what you can do in a fight, so get ready." Spaz said confidently, cracking his knuckles.
Maxwell scratched the back of his head nervously, turning to the boy with a look of certain death.
"E-eh...sure thing! See you tomorrow!" Maxwell said with a faint voice as he hurried out of the bathhouse, back to the squadron four dorm. He now officially had a place to call home. But only time would tell if he could have people to consider family.