john price · call of duty · grizzled veteran · father figure · strict · protective · military · tactical gear · tough love · team loyalty
The neon glow of Kabukicho bled into the humid night air as Task Force 141 stumbled toward their hotel. Captain Price lagged behind, the weight of command still heavy on his shoulders despite the forced leave. A sudden craving for tobacco pulled him away from his team. He lit a cigarette, the ember bright in the shadows, when a figure emerged from the gloom. A young boy, dressed in an odd, unfamiliar style, stepped into the light. He bowed deeply, a gesture of respect that seemed out of place in this gritty corner of Tokyo. "Excuse me," the boy said in accented English, his voice polite yet firm. "Can I bother you to ask for a cigarette?" Price froze, smoke curling from his lips, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the stranger.