Troubled Paradise

Chapter 8 A Series Of Unfortunate Events

Ian woke up to the bland colour of the roof. He blinked sitting up confused but then the memories of the night before returned. The movement caused the sheets to roll down to his waist but he hadn't even noticed. He grew increasingly upset and couldn't help scowling. He glanced at the drawer to his left spotting his phone, if he could rightfully call it his anyways. He took it up and checked the time, surprised to see it was just about mid-day. There were no new missions or information from Fisher so there really was no need for him to get up early.

Ian sat down for a while before hearing his stomach growling; sighing he pushed the sheets out of the way to begin the day. He took a shower and afterwards putting on a striped shirt with jeans. He walked down the stairs slowly, hoping everyone was in their rooms or out running errands but of course it nothing went his way. Everyone was there on the couch either watching tv or busy looking over documents.

Ian walked by, saying good morning before sitting down to eat. Unexpectedly Karsyon down across from him. Ian stuck his gaze to his food,  not looking up. He didn't hate or like Karsyon and so he had placed him in the same category as Bruno. Ignore, avoid and only answer if you want to. Actually everyone he had meant was in the same category except Rico... The old bastard would never settle into that category. Ian waited for a while, waiting for Karsyon to start talking but even as he washed it and came back to sit he still didn't start.

Ian wondered if he had just wanted to sit there but Karsyon was looking at him quite intently. He propped his head on one of his hands and stared back, "So are you going to start or-"

"This really isn't a good idea." Karsyon had finally spoken but it wasn't even directed to Ian. He rolled his eyes. "Only choice we got." Rico replied as he stared at the tv. Karsyon sighed but finally blurted it out, "You're starting training today." Ian stared speechless. "That's all?" Karsyon nodded, getting up  he simply walked away. If it was possible millions of question Mark's would be swimming around his head. He turned to the rest of the group.

"What was that about? Couldn't you just have made the grand announcement instead of making it so awkward?"

"You'll find out soon and we started a new series and couldn't bear to miss a single part."

Ian looked at the tv which showed a black and white movie. The point was, the tv was a flat screen of the earliest edition he wondered how they managed to find an old movie even with all the new ones showing. "You're talking to me now though." He questioned.

Dior was silent for a moment before replying, "Besides the point." He rolled his eyes. When would these elders start their knitting?

A question came to his mind and he wasted no time asking, "When are we going?" There was another long pause that Ian had sworn they had fallen asleep. "Soon, around 2." Ian looked at the wall clock in the kitchen, it was already 1:36. He looked back to Rico and Dior who were deeply engrossed in the movie. "What year were you born?" There was another long pause and Ian thought he would actually hear an answer. "The same year your intelligence died."

"Aye!" He stood up but this time he was truly ignored. He didn't know how long it was when he was told they were finally going. He got up from his slouched position and checked the time. "You guy's took so long it's already-" 1:50? He gazed dumbfounded. He was sure they watched at least 6 episodes. Was it broken? He didn't get to ponder over it much.

They walked through the halls, Ian at the front so they could keep an eye on him. They walked on, passing other members.

"It's that guy! You know, the one that destroyed the bridge! Heard Dean personally scouted him!" Ian stopped hearing the mention of the matter. "What about it?" Maybe it was his imagination but he could see the team face palming even though they hadn't moved an inch. He turned to look at the members, the were surprised by the sudden eye contact but didn't back down. "Why was a criminal like you brought in?"

"I wish I knew the answer to that too." He narrowed the distance between them. "Ian," Rico warned. Ian stopped a short distance away from them. "Don't take it for granted just because we ignored you before." They spoke staring directly at Ian. They were itching to fight but with the presence of high tiers they held down their urges.

Ian laughed, "I should be the one saying that." They were only about shoulder length away from each other before Rico came and pushed him away. "Don't cause more problems than necessary." He glared at Ian who only turned away.

"So he's the little criminal? He doesn't look strong at all." Another voice interrupted, Ian let out an exhausted sigh as he turned to face the interruption. The first thing Ian noticed was his bushy brows that were creased in anger. His short hair, faded at the back, was unexpectedly vibrant, different from all the natural hair colours he had seen so far. Although Ian found it strange he spoke nothing of it and focused on the other's hazel eyes.

"And you are?" Ian thought he had seen another imaginary face palm. He grimaced when he caught sight of the familar logo on the male's chest.

"Alec, High tier." He spoke briefly. "And you?" Alec asked in obvious displeasure.

"Ferris, an outsider, that's it." Ian unconsciously turned his gaze to the gossiping pair but something immediately blocked him. He had only started to peer up at what stood in front of him when suddenly he felt as if he was going to be attacked. He dodged to the side without thinking. However, nothing happened. He looked to see it was Alec's hand that was about to touch him.

He trembled as he took a few steps back. His eyes burned almkst turning orange. Alec stared at him for a while before withdrawing his hand. Instead he faced Rico, "Where are you going with him?" Rico saluted and answered, "He's to begin training today, General 4."

Ian questioned it but didn't intervene. The man suddenly to smiled, "Great!" Ian raised a brow and stepped back a few more steps. Was he sick?

"Just what is your ability?" Ian asked unconsciously. It was when Alec turned to face him that he found the many wrongs with the so called 'smile.' "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."

"We're not even there yet but he's already gotten into trouble." Karsyon sighed shaking his head. Dior scoffed, "It was Dean's choice even though we don't need that immature brat to help us fight." Although what Dior had said was mainly only a rude remark she was right about one thing, not needing Ian in the operation. Oliver doesn't even pose a big threat to them, he could probably be taken out with just one or two high tiers. This hustling and tolerating seemeeto be in vain. Rico rubbed his temple to ease the oncoming headache.

"Nothing we can do about it."

Alec cleared his throat and straightened his clothes. "Let's get to the point, I challenge you to a duel."

"Huh??" Was the only thing that could leave Ian's mouth. He had only came to for training then was confronting some guys talking about him but then a fight of someone who's obviously a high tier? This all even happened before he had even reached his destination! He stared wide-eyed at the older, taller male who had no shame in his old fashioned ways. Just what choices did he make to arrive at this conclusion? Was he finally getting what he deserved?