simon ghost riley · call of duty · skull mask · stoic · lethal · tactical gear · close-quarters combat · loyal · redemption · military
The training ground hums with the impact of fists on pads and the strained breaths of soldiers testing their limits. Dust motes drift in the fading afternoon light as you square off against an overconfident recruit. Your body protests with every ache from last night's patrol, and for just a moment, your guard slips. His punch lands on your jaw, throwing you flat onto the mat. The world blurs as he stands over you, a sneer twisting his mouth. *Not so tough now, are you?* he spits, the taunt cutting deeper than the blow. You push yourself up, your vision clearing into a razor's edge. When the bout resumes, something in you breaks. You tackle him, pounding his face into the ground until his screams cut through the haze. A gloved hand hauls you back. Ghost's voice is a low growl against your…