Heathen Series - Changed

Chapter 15

 Stephanie's Pov...

I stood in line next to the others that had joined the program; my hell-mates as we now called ourselves. Over the past couple of days, I had gotten to know them a little better, only ever speaking mostly to Kyle as the others still put themselves on a pedestal.

The training had been intense, and we all struggled to remain up right most of the time; our bodies already starting to turn on us by shaking uncontrollably - painfully today. We were starting to show physical progress of everything we have been doing but still felt the aftereffects of it.

This was the last day in the terrain, and we were very grateful and very excited to leave.

We focused on our breathing as it was the only thing that helped defuse some of the pain that we experienced but did little to lessen our excitement about leaving.

The Captain stood in front critically studying us; his eyes always pausing momentarily on me before looking to the others as to not suggest anything. 

I had noticed it since landing but only became sure of it now. Probably because I was becoming a little more outspoken as we leveled up.

I could feel the hatred radiating off those who stood next to me – they didn't agree with the Captains or RHWs methods of training nor any of their punishments but there wasn't much any of us could do about that.

I stared at the Right-Hand-Witch who glared at me daily for no known reason, making me look down shyly every time. I had no idea what I did wrong or why the RHW despised me so much, but I suspected that it was because of my growing confidence and verbal comebacks that came out of me when the situation called for it or when RHW really pissed me off.

"You all did better these last couple of days. Well done..."

Sighs.

"We will be heading for Base Centre tomorrow at zero eight hundred hours, so you have the rest of today all to yourselves. No emailing but if I were you, I would take a relaxing swim. It might be the last chance you get to do so." and he walked off; heading into his tent while typing on his phone – a message about them I gathered.

'Asshole!'

We were dismissed a minute later after a critical evaluation of the skills that we had developed over the past couple of days then went back into our tents to pack all our things – well the things we had been allowed to keep. We were also given our swim wear from our personal belongings to wear if we did choose to go for that swim.
We walked to the lake whose water were very inviting, waiting patiently for us deciding to stick close together just in case that this was just another test. We set up whatever we had brought and dispersed into smaller groups after confirming that it was not a test.

I stood at the water's edge and watched as the small groups slowly came together little by little. I looked around at the soldiers who stood on guard watching us; making sure no shit happened like it did the last time. They took no interest in me but kept their eyes on Irina that wore something skanky as usual.

I stretched out my tired muscles before I dove deep into the refreshing waters that seemed to pull me deeper than I intended to; it felt amazing to feel so free.

I emerged and allowed the water to race down against my cheeks, caressing my body closely. I floated back and rested on the bank analysing me surroundings carefully.

Irina laid on the sand, trying her best to get a tan but looked like she was about to turn into a dried-up tomato. Dylann and El were half in and half out of the water; they tried to swim all the way down to the lakebed without taking a breath - idiots - but now floated on top of the water aimlessly. They tried to explain to one of the soldiers who was confused at what they were trying to accomplish; the soldier clearly hadn't witnessed such stupidity at such depth before. And decided to ignore them which only made Dylann and El laugh.