The Ranch

Kai's POV (2)

Instructor Henri is sitting on a tree by the electronic board, the trio guessed correctly. They collapse onto the dirt floor, not able to move a muscle, and panting heavily. There were already a couple other student that made it there before them, also sitting down to regain their energy.

The soldiers that made it here before them are all physically fit and smart. They were some of the ones that snuck out along with the first group, before the riot disbanded.

Kai, Sherlock, and Lucien are not physically fit. Even though they were one of the first ones to leave, the only reason they were able to make it on time is because they took a shorter route, getting a couple scrapes and bruises along the way. It was especially hard for Kai, who is still in pain from the conflict with the bodyguards, but he knows if he fails the instructor's test and fails to improve, his chances of beating the next trial might be slim.

The trio only reached the destination at the twenty-eighth minute mark. The only other people that manage to reach the electronic board are the very strong students. Soldiers that are physically talented and are on the muscular side.

Once time is up, Instructor Henri waits for the rest of the class to get here, letting the students that are already here get some rest. One the entire class is back together, he splits the class into two groups. The ones that passed the test and the ones that didn't.

The group that failed start to complain about how unfair it is, that they want another chance, and any other excuse they can think of. The Instructor looks at them with the same happy-go-lucky smile, but the cold words that come out of his mouth freeze everyone listening," I Don't Like Whiners. I Especially Dislike People Telling Me What To Do, Especially When They Are Of Lower Status Than I. Now Shut Your Trap And Leave. You Do Not Have The Brains Nor Guts To Survive My Class. Now, I Advise You To Listen To My Good-Intentioned Advice And Scram."

The previously rowdy group quiets down. They wanted to complain until they were given a refund, but ended up swallowing their tongue. The kind tone of the instructor made the words all the more spine-tingling. An image pops into the students heads, of the instructor pushing them off a cliff with a smile. The seemingly good-natured words invoke this kind of image, sending a newfound fear into the hearts of those listening.

The children immediately scramble away, scurrying out of Instructor Henri's sight, completely forgetting about the cancellation fee they'll have to pay later. In the future, when they recall the instructor's face, they can't grasp the courage to confront the man and end up paying the fee.

Every year, the Instructor earns a sizable sum using this method. He also gains some newbies with potential, killing two birds with one stone even though his class isn't that popular due to the fact that there are no swords or other cool weapons involved. Those that come to the island are smarter than your average child, but they are, after all, young boys.

Instructor looks at the remaining fifteen or so children with a warm smile,"Well, Now That The Disposables Are Gone, Let's Start With Today's Training." He lightly jumps off the tree.

The newbies' faces turn pale at his words. They thought the thirty-minute run was their training. Many of them are still trying to catch their breath.

"We'll Be Playing A Game Of Tag. Follow And Keep Up With Me. Let's Go." He turns his smiling face towards the mountains and starts running. The newbies hurriedly try to keep up, not wanting to lose sight of him and get lost or fail the class.

Instructor Henri leads them around the course he planned out beforehand. He not expecting any of the students to tag him, he just want to test out their reflexes on different terrains. His current pace is slower than normal, so the tired newbies can keep up. He drags them along the obstacles that test the basics of parkour, taking note if a student does better in a particular section. Climbing, jumping, running, swinging, vaulting, plyometrics, rolling, and crawling. Instructor Henri is also making use of their environment to train in a high altitude, which will help increase insurance. But, if beginners overwork themselves, it'll do more damage than good, so the instructor lets them off easy.

Finding them self's back at the start of the mountain, near the electronic board, the group collapses to the floor all at once, feeling light-headed with strained muscles.

Instructor Henri talks with a kind smile,"Good Work Everyone. Seeing As This Is Your First Training Session, You Can Have The Rest Of The Day Off. I'll See All Of You Bright And Early Tomorrow." He waves goodbye before leaping back into the mountains.

The panting children rest for about half an hour before slowly getting up and heading back to their dorms. Sherlock calls to Kai before the part ways," Don't forget to stretch!"

Kai groans in exhaustion just thinking about it, but nods his head. He knows he'll be in a lot more pain later, if he doesn't do it.

Dragging himself to his apartment, Kai painfully stretches before laying on his bed and immediately falling asleep.