As the soft hues of morning began to seep through the windows, the room, once ablaze with celebration, now held a serene stillness. Jordan and his crew, draped in the comforting shadows of a night well spent, found themselves resting on makeshift seats, their weariness a testament to the battles fought and won.The sunlight painted a gentle tableau, revealing the subtle lines of fatigue etched on each face. Yet, amidst the quietude, a sense of unity prevailed. Jordan, observing the camaraderie that had evolved in the past hours, felt a renewed purpose bubbling within him. This wasn't just a crew; they were a band of individuals who had weathered storms together and emerged stronger.Looking at Major, he knew that he had a question to tackle. They looked somehow confused about what to do next, and he knew he owed them an explanation, at least for the sake of their sanity. He remembered how he and Major’s group became participants. Initially, they were just his hired bodyguards, but ove
The group, which had now become a family, pushed itself into the audacious project of opening martial arts schools in the following weeks, their unwavering dedication transforming dreams into concrete accomplishments. With incredible vigor, resolve, and a sense of purpose that permeated each movement they took, Jordan's vision came to life in that brightly illuminated room.Securing a central location for their flagship martial arts school was the crew's initial action. They converted a large warehouse, which had previously served as a symbol of corruption, into a center for empowerment, training, and discipline after extensive reconnaissance and planning sessions. When they held their first courses, the sound of kicks and swishing-trained moves filled the air inside those walls.With her excellent organizational abilities, Sarah oversaw the administrative side, making sure that all licenses, registrations, and marketing campaigns were completed. She proved to be the mainstay of the o
“I guess so. We can all say that.” The officer affirmed.A few chatters filled the room for a long time. Who would have thought that a once vigilante group could be saluted by the government, huh?Jordan cleared his voice, speaking to the officer, although everyone was keen. “Whether the government recognizes me or not, I don’t care. But I know how much you loved your job. I also know that you like it, and it is my hope that you have no regrets whatsoever for those few days that you and your boys have been members of this family. I want you to know that I cannot hold you back. If they want to give you back your position, please don’t feel obliged to remain with us. You deserve that position.”Officer Adamson looked at Jordan with so much appreciation and gratitude. “Regrets? What is there to regret about being part of this great community, Jordan? I felt honored that I was lucky to have a chance to meet you all and to partake in your just missions. But, like you said, I feel the need
The following day, Ana woke up in his old home, the De’luka mansion. Ricotchetting her eyes. Memories lingered—a combo of both good and bad memories. She had slept off there with her entire crew to prepare for the burial.“Are you ready? You can stay back if you want. I will bring the body here.” Jordan said, giving her a morning hug after strolling into her room.Ana sampled everything that Jordan’s body was bleeding on her—the solace, the heat, the comfort. Everything. She appreciated his comfort and his gesture. She then pulled away, and Jordan kept her hands in his. “I appreciate this, Jordan, but I have to do this.”“Are you really sure?” Jordan emphasized."Come on, Jordan! Do I look like I am showing signs of a mental breakdown or something? I am perfect. Besides, you and I know the story behind this man. I'm all good.” She said.Jordan nodded his head. “Alright. I never said that you were about to break down, by the way. I know you are strong. Even more than I am.”‘Yeah, yeah
Three months later!Anticipation and enthusiasm surrounded the grand opening ceremony as it took place. In addition to officially opening The Rivers Group of Martial Arts' newest location, the ribbon-cutting ceremony signified the end of a journey that had passed through darkness and emerged into the light of mutual empowerment and progress.Jordan stood proudly in front of the assembly and spoke to them. "Our slogan stands true today as it did when we started: The Rivers Group of Martial Arts is not just a school to teach martial arts, but a community for empowerment and growth, both as a community and individually." His statements reverberated with authenticity, capturing the spirit of their group's objective."And so, ladies and gentlemen, here I present to you the last, as of now, branch of The Rivers Group of Martial Arts." Jordan handed the scissors to Ana, symbolizing the transition from the shadows of the past to the bright possibilities of the future. As Ana cut the ribbon, t
“You are what?” Jordan screeched with disbelief and denial, gawking intently at his wife. He found her statement laughable, but something was holding him back from flaring with laughter. Something he could not decipher, but it was so unnerving.“You heard me loud and clear, Jordan, unless you have grown deaf over the years! Or what damn part of ‘I am pregnant’ don't you understand? It's just a three simple words statement, for crying out loud!” Diana, his wife retorted with fury, glaring at him with contempt.Jordan was still battling with the contradicting sentiments of this being true. He knew from the look of his wife that she was not joking, but he was also certain of the impossibility of what Diana was ranting about. “But, how? No! You simply can not be pregnant, Diana, and you and I can attest to that!” He spoke softly, still trying to scan for any proof of uncertainty in Diana’s eyes who didn't even blink.At this point, Jordan was pulled out of his confusion by his mother-in
Jordan dropped his bag to the ground, taking a turn and running in the west direction, where the cry of a girl was coming from. A few meters ahead, he collided with a poor girl. She was running out of breath from running and losing the energy to escape her tormentors. A group of six men were after her, and they slowed down when they saw Jordan. But they kept their eyes on their target.She was a beautiful girl. Her eyes sparkled even in the darkness. Compared to that arrogant, cheating bitch he was married to until a few minutes ago, this mysterious girl seemed like an angel.Jordan nudged the poor girl toward his back, shielding her. The men sneered, scoffing at Jordan.“Get out of our way, buddy, unless you want to get hurt!”’ One bearded guy said, pointing at Jordan. “What do you want from her? What has she done?” Jordan challenged, holding the poor girl's hand as she clenched his shirt as if he were her black messiah. “Please, mister, don't let them get to me. Please!” The poor
In what felt like a dream, Jordan envisioned himself seated on the throne of the Rivers clan. It seemed to be an ancient seat crafted for an emperor. With a battalion of devotees bowing before him. He saw himself practicing martial arts, and his familiarity with the techniques was amazing. He also saw himself describing some medicines to some people with health issues. On top of that, he also felt the voice of the gods speaking to him. Guiding him and warning him. The dream was getting intense, causing his head to throb badly.When he peeled his eyes open, he was greeted by the blinding rays of the morning sun. He was unconscious the whole night. He stopped for a moment to have a recap of what he was dreaming about. If there was any connection between him and the emperor he saw in that dream. But then, his head banged with the same raw memories. Everything became so clear. There indeed was a connection between him and this mysterious family. He was the emperor he saw in the dream. I