Claws of Operation Eclipse (C.O.E)

The alarm beeped relentlessly at 4:30 a.m., piercing the stillness of the morning. Ariana shot up, barely awake but filled with determination. She hadn't had a moment to settle her thoughts since yesterday. Saturday had been a whirlwind, leaving her no chance to thank Xander for his help. A warm, inexplicable feeling surfaced whenever she thought about him.

Do I like him?

Oh, stop it, brain.

She brushed the thought aside as she grabbed her training gear. Walking downstairs, expecting an empty house—because it was Sunday—she was startled when Zina handed her a sandwich.

"They're waiting outside," Zina said with a knowing smile.

"Thanks!" Ariana muttered through a mouthful, savoring the surprisingly delicious sandwich as she rushed out the door. A sleek black car idled at the curb.

"You're on time," Hugo said, his gaze sharp as a blade.

She nodded, finishing her sandwich as the car pulled away with quiet efficiency. The ride was uneventful, but as they passed Friley Street—her old home—memories flooded back. She clenched her eyes shut, pushing away the tears that threatened to spill.

Soon, they arrived at an imposing skyscraper cloaked in black-tinted glass, its structure looming and mysterious. Ariana's eyes widened.

"It's bulletproof," Hugo said, his voice tinged with pride.

The car glided past the gate, where guards saluted in perfect unison. Ariana trailed behind Hugo nervously, feeling like a lost kitten amidst the sea of disciplined stares.

Get a grip, Ari.

But it's so overwhelming!

They entered the building, and the first thing Ariana noticed was a stunning blonde woman behind a desk. She seemed to radiate confidence. As they passed, Hugo greeted her.

"Emma, this is Ariana Blackheart. She'll be training here," Hugo said curtly.

Emma smiled warmly at Ariana before nodding. Hugo gestured Ariana to follow him to his office, where he sank into a chair with an air of authority.

"Emma, get her some training gear," he instructed. Emma left just as Xander and Gru walked in.

"Well, hey, Ariana," Gru said with his usual flair. Ariana offered a shy smile in return.

"Xander," Hugo said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "You'll be training her. No objections."

Xander raised an eyebrow, clearly about to protest, but then sighed. "Yes, sir." Without another word, he turned and walked out.

Gru wrapped an arm around Ariana's shoulders with a playful grin. "Come on, Ari. Let me show you around."

"'Ari'?" she repeated, amused.

"Yep. It suits you," Gru said, chuckling.

As they climbed to the 10th floor, Ariana marveled at the state-of-the-art facilities. Gru led her to a massive training room where Xander was already waiting, his expression unreadable. The space was overwhelming—a mixture of climbing walls, obstacle courses, and even a weapons range. Ariana's heart skipped a beat when her eyes landed on the gun section, but the blade stand caught her attention.

She had always wanted to throw knives like an action star.

"Focus," Xander snapped, pulling her back to reality.

Gru leaned in and whispered, "Pro tip: Xander's tough, so just follow his lead."

"Are you done?" Xander asked Gru with thinly veiled irritation.

Gru laughed nervously before giving Ariana a quick peck on the cheek and darting out. Ariana blinked in surprise, but her focus quickly shifted back to Xander.

"Show me any intense exercise you can do," he said sternly.

Ariana grinned. This guy has no idea.

She dropped into perfect push-ups, alternating between one-handed and knuckle variations, and demonstrated her flexibility with seamless movements. Xander, to her surprise, clapped slowly.

"You're a fast learner," he admitted, his smile making her stomach do flips.

But the warmth in his eyes was fleeting, replaced by his usual serious demeanor. "This is just the beginning. Be ready."

Ariana narrowed her eyes, determination blazing. "Bring it on."

Meanwhile, elsewhere…

Luca sat stiffly in the opulent yet suffocating office of Ken Sakura, sweat forming on his brow. Zarro perched beside him, his whiskers twitching and his sharp eyes betraying his unease.

"Ah, Luca. It's been far too long," Sakura's smooth, taunting voice echoed as he entered, Saiko trailing behind him with a sinister grin.

Luca's throat tightened, his mind flashing back to haunting memories. "Mr. Ken," he said, his voice strained.

"Oh, don't be so formal," Saiko interjected mockingly. "We're old friends, aren't we?"

Luca ignored her, his focus on Sakura. "You know why I'm here," he began, but Sakura cut him off.

"I do. Bring me the girl, and I'll spare what little remains of your… legacy." Sakura's gaze shifted to Zarro, his smile growing more malicious. "Well, well, if it isn't Zarro Anbet."

Zarro's ears flattened, his expression unreadable, but the tension was palpable.

"Fail me," Sakura continued, his tone icy, "and you know what happens. I don't give second chances, Luca. You've seen it before."

The weight of Sakura's words left Luca rattled, but he nodded stiffly. Saiko leaned in, her eyes glinting with malice.

"This is just the beginning, Marco," she purred, emphasizing the name with cruel precision.

Luca's breath hitched. I haven't been called that in years…

Without a word, he turned and left, Zarro following silently. As they exited, Sakura's voice lingered in the air like a poison.

"Remember, I have eyes everywhere" he said behind as they walked away.