The Old Mine

17: Adapt or Fall

                  "Let's go." Cal nodded at Tahk as he took a seat "Brick is on his way to Corpus Cristi Texas to the university... Texas A and M, they most likely were sent the L.U. for research purposes." She laughed "East sent them to Texas, Louisiana. East is an idiot who knows what other errors he made so be ready for anything, then you won't be surprised." Cal left the room, following Recke and Midnight around the corner and down the hallway to the training hall. It resembled a dojo, one large enough to fit about a hundred people. "Why is it this big?" she gazed up wondering to herself if this ceiling was taller that the one in the portal room.

                     "It's for when we practice throwing..." Recke was suddenly all business, his tone was stern and factual.

                     Cal frowned "Throwing what?" she couldn't get her eyes off the grandeur of the room. "And why does the training room have to seem so... fancy."

                    Recke laughed "Please go change," For a moment his voice was tender again "The lockers are in the back. When you're done come back here and I will show you around and introduce you to your first steps." Cal nodded and headed for the lockers; her clothes had been set out. Several girls were in the locker room changing as well. Cal nodded at them politely and changed her clothes quietly, making sure she didn't interfere with any of the other girls.

                    Cal was the last to exit the locker room, all the girls and an equal number of boys were standing silently, waiting for her to join them. In the front row was an empty space... right beside Bret. Cal took the spot and stood absolutely still like her father had taught her. Her heart was racing and she closed her eyes repeating to herself the chants her dad taught her to calm down. She opened her eyes to see Reck looking concerned "I'm sorry I was late, I'll dress quicker next time."

                    The corner of Recke's mouth upturned a little giving away a slight smile "Thank you everyone, as I explained..." Recke started to walk back and forth in front of the trainee's "This is the training hall; it's lovely to see that I do not need to teach you all manners and the proper stance, that makes today easier." Nobody moved and Recke smiled over that "You will be here first thing every morning at four and be ready to train until the lunch hour. Then you may have the rest of the day to yourself." He stopped and retrieved a large riding crop with a whip attached at the end. "So, we will skip ahead to lesson one since it is a quick one. Midnight if you please."

                     "Don't miss..." Midnight stepped up and assumed a defensive stance. Recke flicked the riding crop in Midnight's direction, without hesitation he caught the end and held onto it.

                     "Alright then, groups of two. We will come by and assign your partner; keep in mind this is your partner throughout your training." Recke walked up and shoved Bret and a boy behind him together then pushed Cal at a Blue eyed, dark-skinned girl beside her. "Take a few moments to introduce yourselves then get to work, you can leave when you pass the test on this action, telling us why this is important and what it is you're learning."

                    Cal tried to hide her nerves "Hi, I'm..."

                     "Cal... I know, everyone knows you." She held out her hand "I'm Giana, they usually pair people up that have similar body types. I have had to sit out several classes because no one has these." She pushed up her breasts and smirked easing the nerves and making Cal laugh "Thank you for being short with a big rack." Cal laughed along with Giana.

                    "Yeah, most of the time I am irritated by them too." Cal smiled at her "You have a pleasant spirit..." Giana relaxed as Cal spoke "You have a way of making people feel comfortable." Cal frowned "Dad always says that is a very rare gift and one that usually comes with an attitude similar to mine." Giana started laughing "We should have a lot of fun. About today's lesson, you do realize it's about reflexes and balance."