Only the Strong Survive

Chapter Seventeen

Nina Pov

The next morning I was up bright and early. The nightmares had struck again, so I didn't sleep much. It was dark, and I couldn't really see in front of me, so of course I banged my foot against my bed, and almost tripped over myself. I was starting to get back into my training routine. The extreme one. I made it across the base, with the occasional guard looking at me, surprised anyone was up. The training thing they had designed looked easy, but challenging. I was doubled over laughing when I saw it. "I could do this backwards." I said to myself. "Would you care to test that theory?" A voice said behind me. Whirling around, claws unsheathed, I almost took a swipe, and then saw the turquoise hair. "Calm your self Ni, it's only me." Landon looked a bit shocked that I could have stabbed him. "I'm sorry, it's early." I said rubbing my eye. "No duh it's three in the morning! No one else is up till four!" He said.
"Then why are you up?" I countered. "I was in guard duty, saw you wandering around, thought I would follow. Now, let's get down to business. Are you going to do this backwards or not?"
I shrugged. "Maybe. But first I have to do it normally." I said stretching my shoulders and back. "Time me?" I asked. Landon nodded.
The course wasn't very long, but for the average person it might kill them. There was a mud pit I easily swung over, a wall I easily climbed, a zip line I easily glided down, and some barb wire I easily avoided. There were a few other tricks up that courses sleeves, like swinging weights, one of those net climb things, and surprisingly a rope to climb. It even had a bell to ring at the top. I jumped down from the rope after ringing the bell, probably waking up the whole base. As I walked back to Landon, a small crowd had gathered. James, a few other mutants I recognized, some of the night guards, and my commanding officer. "Time, 3:27." He said and everyone cheered. Except for commanding officer. He needs a shorter name.....
All my mutant friends clapped me on the back and recognized the amazing power that was me, the guards were in awe, CO frowned and ruined the fun. "You are not suppose to be here without supervision, fresh meat!" He yelled. "Ooo, fresh meat is a new one! I like your creativity there." I said cracking my knuckles. "Wanna see me do it blind folded?"
There was an uncomfortable silence. CO's face turned as red as Mars, but looked as big as Jupiter. "Young lady I will not take your attitude! You do as you are instructed, and that is that."
I frown. "Yesterday you said you wanted to see extra training from me. Here I am." I said holding out my arms. I turned to try the course again. "You self centered princess!" He yelled. I froze. Landon took in a breath. Without looking at him I said "Say that to my face and see what happens. I won't hesitate to stab you." The guards took a step forward, I continued walking. No one tried to stop me, no one moved. I jumped up on a pole to do pull ups. I heard my CO talk to Landon and the others. "You keep that princess of yours in line or she will be out of this army faster than you can say evolutionary group."
Landon had to test that statement. "Evolutionary group." I broke out into a fit of laughter, still while doing pull-ups. The guards looked shocked and CO had is 'this isn't possible' face on. "Landon! How many is this?!"
"57!" He yelled back. Maybe a few more.
The sun was rising, making the sky many shades of pink, red and orange. There were a few clouds making the sky even prettier. I pulled my phone out of my boot and snapped a pic, emailing it to mom, dad, and Jack. There was a short note attached to the bottom. Nothing like pull-ups in a war zone. Isn't it beautiful?
I got a response from all of them within minutes.
Mom- be careful
Jack- it is pretty, love you😘
Dad-😠 I am trying to sleep.

Looks like dad finally figured out his way around emoji. Good for him.
I flipped upside down on the bar, and started doing some crunches, while texting Jack.

Me- good morning. I love you.
Him- time zone. I should be saying good night. 10 here. What's up?
Me- guards are staring at my awesome ability to exercise.
Him- don't let them stare too much, your mine, remember?
Me- I am not your personal property. My CO is a butt.
Him- why?
Me- he orders me around and changed his mind like every 5 seconds.
Him- isn't that what they are suppose to do?
Me- he doesn't like me.
Him- are you being a sassy princess?
Me- how did you know?
Him- then that's why. I am going to sleep now. I love you. Be careful. 😘
Me- goodnight then. Text me later.