Chapter 6: The Clashing of Ideals

The coffee shop was filled with tension as Colonel Johnston faced the man they had hunted for so long. Riley, a notorious war criminal and traitor, stood before them with a smirk on his face, taunting the Colonel. Lt. Campos attempted to calm down the seething rage within Colonel Johnston, knowing that violence would only escalate the situation."You said you surrender?" Colonel Johnston's voice dripped with skepticism as he stared at Riley, trying to discern any hint of deception.Riley chuckled, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. "Well, won't killing me be against the rules? I have willingly accepted defeat. Both my hands are in the air, and I'm not resisting either."The Colonel's anger flared even brighter at Riley's nonchalant response. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE RULES! YOU HEARTLESS BASTARD!" Flames of fury began to ignite within him, threatening to consume the surroundings.Amidst the chaos, Lt. Campos stepped forward, determined to diffuse the situation. "Colonel, please, we must maintain control. Let the law deal with him."Riley continued to smirk, unfazed by the Colonel's wrath. "I know all the rules, Colonel. I just chose not to follow the rules that were inconvenient to me, is all." His laughter echoed through the coffee shop, further fueling Colonel Johnston's desire to attack."That's Enough, Riley You're Under Arrest!" Lt. Campos proceeds to place the special dampening handcuffs on Riley, ensuring that his abilities would be neutralized."These are special dampening handcuffs, so you won't be using your ability in these," Lt. Campos explained, emphasizing the control they now had over Riley.Colonel Johnston, still simmering with anger, looked on as Lt. Campos led Riley out of the coffee shop, preparing to transport him to HQ. The Colonel's determination to bring this criminal to justice burned stronger than ever, but the weight of loss and betrayal lay heavy on his heart."Always so serious, Lieutenant," Riley teases as he was escorted towards the vehicle. "You need to loosen up, or that cute face will start forming wrinkles."Lt. Campos shot back, her voice laced with disdain, "Shut up, trash. You're going to face justice for what you have done."With that, Lt. Campos swiftly places Riley inside the vehicle, securing him for transport. Both of them proceed to get inside the vehicle preparing to leave with the prisoner.Outside the city, a man stood gazing at a picture of Riley, his voice filled with determination and anger. "So this is where you are, you bastard." Suddenly, someone manifested behind him coming out of his shadows."Are you sure you want to do this, Koga?" The newcomer's voice carried a tone of caution.Koga responded firmly, his resolve unshaken. "If I'm in trouble, come and get me." With those words, he headed towards the city, determined to confront Riley.Meanwhile, Colonel Johnston and Lt. Campos sat inside the vehicle in the back as it started heading toward Cpt. Jackson's direction, their gaze fixed on Riley, who remained handcuffed smiling with no worry in the world. Colonel Johnston appeared uneasy, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. Sensing his unease, Lt. Campos voiced her concern, asking if he was alright. Colonel Johnston's gaze shifted towards Riley, and Riley met his gaze with a smile."This does not feel right," Colonel Johnston expressed his frustration. "He's been invading us for years, but now all of a sudden he surrenders without putting up a fight. He's up to something; I know it."Lt. Campos agreed, sharing the same suspicions. "I think so too, sir. That is why we must be ready. As long as he has those handcuffs on, he shouldn't be able to act."Suddenly, the vehicle came to a sudden halt, perplexing both Colonel Johnston and Lt. Campos. They turned to the driver, seeking an explanation. The driver's voice carried a hint of urgency. "Sir, you better check this out."Stepping out of the vehicle, Colonel Johnston and Lt. Campos were confronted with a massive block of ice obstructing the road. Perched atop the ice stood a man, his presence commanding attention. He shouted down towards them, demanding their attention."HEY YOU TWO!"Colonel Johnston unsure of what is going on responds, "Can I help you, sir?"The man, named Koga, smirked, his intentions clear. "Yeah, I want that guy you got in the vehicle."Lt. Campos exchanged a confused glance as she stares at Riley. Colonel Johnston firmly replied, "I'm sorry, but this is a most wanted criminal. He's under military custody. We're taking him in." "You misunderstand. I'm not here to save him." Koga responds as his tone becomes more sinister, "I'm here to KILL HIM! So if you don't hand him over, I will take him by force."Lt. Campos approached the vehicle, leaning closer to Riley, trying to make sense of the situation. She questioned Riley about the man, and Riley responded with a smile."For shame, for shame. You don't recognize him? This man is the devil's right hand... Koga Altair."Colonel Johnston and Lt. Campos are surprised as they hear his name. Koga Altair was the second-in-command of the rebellion army, a formidable force in constant conflict with the World Government. The rebellion's leader, Dante Altair, was the most wanted man in the world and the number one threat to the World Government.Colonel Johnston had heard of Koga Altair before, renowned as the devil's right hand and a powerful individual. He was known for handling the rebellion's toughest missions, often working alone. The fact that Koga had been assigned to this mission indicated its significance, even though it seemed unusually risky for a man of his caliber. Colonel Johnston pondered the reasons behind this decision."Why do you want to kill that man so bad?" Colonel Johnston's voice carried a mix of curiosity and caution.Koga observed the Colonel and smirked, acknowledging his reputation. He jumped down from the block of ice, standing on level ground with Colonel Johnston. "You must be the famous prodigy I've heard about. Honestly, Colonel, an enemy right in front of you, and instead of deeming me an immediate threat, you decide to ask a question instead."Colonel Johnston responded seriously, "I am glad you have heard of me, and yes, I'm not one to blindly consider everyone my enemy. However, Riley must pay for his crimes, so I can't just give him over to you."Koga strolled around casually, engaging in the conversation with a mix of relaxation and seriousness. "I agree, Colonel. That man does deserve to pay for his crimes. He's killed thousands of innocent people, regardless of their age or gender. The military has had years to bring him to justice, but instead, he was allowed to roam free, causing more bloodshed. It seemed from my point of view as though the World Government was condoning his actions all this time"The accusation struck a nerve within Colonel Johnston, his anger simmering. "Do you think I would ever approve of a psychopath like this? This man killed one of my closest friends. I WANT HIM DEAD JUST AS MUCH AS YOU DO! However, there's an order to this. If we succumb to our inner demons, then society would collapse. We can't become like him, killing out of emotion. He must be put on trial. It's only right."Koga listened intently, his expression unyielding. "I can tell you're a nice guy, but that sounds like the drivel of an idealistic fool. The world is not black and white; there's no good and evil. It's a world of survival, where the powerful dictate the rules. What if the World Government lets him go free? Or what if they hide him away to use for their own purposes? I can't risk that. I must kill him now. So I ask one last time, hand him over."Colonel Johnston remained resolute. "I'm sorry, but I cannot allow you to take him."Koga made his decision clear with a final statement. "So be it." The tension reached its peak as both men prepared to engage in a fierce battle. Colonel Johnston removed his military coat and cap, tightening his gloves, while Koga readied himself.An eerie silence enveloped them, as if time stood still. Neither wanted to make the first move, each acknowledging the strength and skill of their opponent. A single leaf descended slowly from the sky, gently touching the ground, signifying the start of their clash.