The Silent oath

Chapter 4: Training Begins

The transition from child to recruit marked the beginning of a new phase in our lives. The black robes and gold stripes we wore were now symbols of our resilience and determination. As recruits, our training intensified, and we were introduced to a broad range of skills essential for survival and success within The Family. This period covered two years of rigorous instruction, at the end of which we would become trainees.

Our days were meticulously structured, starting with early morning wake-ups and ending late at night. The training was divided into segments: cooking, cleaning, and basic combat. Each skill was crucial, and the overseers demanded nothing less than perfection.

Cooking was more than just preparing food; it was about precision and discipline. We learned to measure ingredients accurately, to cook under pressure, and to clean up swiftly afterwards. Any mistake, no matter how minor, was met with stern correction. Cleaning involved maintaining the headquarters to an immaculate standard, a task that required not only physical endurance but also an eye for detail.

But it was the combat training that truly tested us. Hand-to-hand combat was the foundation, and it was brutally demanding. We were drilled in various techniques, from strikes and grapples to throws and locks. The Teachers and Masters, the seasoned warriors of The Family, supervised our training, pushing us to our limits and beyond.

For me, hand-to-hand combat presented a unique challenge. At eight years old, I was shorter and slighter than many of the other recruits. My stature made it difficult to execute certain techniques, especially those that relied on strength and leverage. During sparring sessions, I often found myself on the receiving end of hard falls and painful strikes.

One particularly tough day, we were practising grapples. My opponent, a boy named Braden, was much taller and stronger. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't break free from his holds. Frustration boiled inside me as I was repeatedly slammed to the mat.

"Come on, Zai! You can do it!" Alicent's voice rang out from the sidelines. She, like Aqua and Damion, was always there to support me.

I struggled to my feet, my body aching from the relentless sparring. Memories of my past flickered in and out of focus. My mother's smile, my father's laugh, and the cry of my baby brother felt like distant echoes, slipping away as the harsh reality of my new life took over. I clung to those memories desperately, using them as a source of strength.

Determined to improve, I began to adapt my fighting style. Instead of relying on brute strength, I focused on speed, agility, and precision. I studied my opponents, learning to anticipate their moves and exploit their weaknesses. I practised slipping through defences, striking quickly and retreating before they could react.

One evening, after a particularly gruelling training session, I stayed behind to practice. Aqua joined me, her calm presence a source of comfort. "You're getting better, Zai," she said, her voice gentle but encouraging.

"Not fast enough," I replied, frustration tinging my words. "I need to be better. Stronger."

Aqua smiled, her water-blue eyes reflecting the dim light. "You will be. Just keep pushing. Remember why you're doing this."

I nodded, drawing strength from her words. Aqua, Damion, Alicent, and Catrina were my anchors. Our friendships grew stronger with each passing day, forged in the crucible of shared hardship. Together, we faced the challenges and supported each other through the darkest times.

Rivalries also began to form among the recruits. Braden, my sparring partner, became both a challenge and a motivator. He was determined to be the best, often viewing me as a rival. His taunts and competitive nature pushed me to train harder, to refine my skills further.

One day, during a particularly intense sparring session, I managed to slip past Braden's defences and land a solid strike. He staggered back, surprise flashing in his eyes before he regained his composure. "Not bad, Zai," he muttered, grudgingly acknowledging my improvement.

The training was relentless, but with each passing day, I grew stronger and more adept. The Teachers and Masters noticed my progress, often pushing me harder, and recognizing my potential. Despite the pain and exhaustion, I began to see the fruits of my labour. My smaller stature, once a disadvantage, became an asset as I honed my agility and precision.

As the two years of basic training drew to a close, we were on the cusp of becoming trainees. The journey had been gruelling, filled with sweat, blood, and tears. But through it all, I held onto my memories, my friends, and my determination. The Family might have taken us from our homes and tried to reshape us, but they could not break our spirits.

We stood together, ready to face the next phase of our training. As trainees, we would continue to grow, to learn, and to forge our paths within The Family.