Success of the Broken Banner

Chapter 15: Instincts

"Welcome to Combative Training," Kilo announced, a smirk twisting his features as he swept his arms towards the backyard, the self-proclaimed host of a twisted game show. "Just so we're clear, this is training. My face... it's a work of art. Don't mess it up." He gestured towards his face, his palm inches from his skin.

I rolled my eyes, a small smile betraying my attempt at annoyance. "Can't mess it up any more than it already is..."

Kilo's glare was instant, his lips twitching with the effort of holding back a laugh. "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that." His voice was light, teasing. "Okay, punk, you ready?"

I nodded, mimicking Kilo's stance, but as he opened his mouth to begin his instructions, I snapped my hand out. "Wait!"

Kilo froze, his hands flying up in defense, shock etched on his face. I darted to his side, scooping up the tiny frog that had barely escaped being flattened.

"Seriously?" Kilo demanded, his hands dropping to his hips, annoyance dripping from his voice. "A frog?"

"You almost killed him!" I shot back, cradling the little amphibian against my chest, my hand cupped to prevent an escape.

"Do you care more about the stupid frog or your training?" His arms crossed, a challenge in his eyes.

"Don't call him stupid, he's just a baby," I fired back, my glare icy. "And don't make me choose. I love frogs." I spun towards Echo, who watched from the porch with an amused grin. I thrust the frog at him. "Hold this for me, don't let him go."

"You got it," Echo chuckled, his hands snapping into a protective cup. "I'll guard him with my life."

"Thanks," I beamed, already racing back towards Kilo. "Okay, now we can start."

"You sure you don't want to do a quick frog patrol first? Make sure there aren't more," Kilo taunted, sarcasm heavy in his voice. A smirk played on my lips as I shrugged. "Don't tempt me."

With an exasperated eye roll, Kilo readied himself, standing two feet from me. His eyes squeezed shut for a moment, fighting to maintain a stern face.

Kilo's voice was steady, his gaze intense. "Today's combative training will focus on three key points: defense under pressure, survival skills, and weapon handling. You're familiar with the last two, so let's start with the first." No warning, just a swift lunge.

I barely registered the movement before Kilo's weight crushed me, pinning me to the ground. His knees dug into my arms, immobilizing me. "What do you do if a TEO operative gets you in this position?" he barked, not wanting an answer. "Show me."

My mind raced as I scrambled to free myself. Every struggle, every jerk and twist, was met with Kilo's unyielding grip. Finally, his voice cut through my focus. "You're dead."

A sarcastic laugh bubbled up. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Kilo."

He ignored my jab, rolling off me and pulling me to my feet. "When pinned, your hands are useless. You need to use your legs." He demonstrated the motion, knees thrusting upward. "Knock your attacker off balance, then use your arms to wrap their torso. Flip them, gain the upper hand."

I nodded, mind spinning with the new information. "Come on, take me to the ground, I'll demonstrate." Kilo said, beckoning me forward.

No hesitation this time. I launched myself at him, managed to take him down. Pinning his wrists, mimicking his earlier hold. But in a blur of motion, his knees connected, arms wrapped around me, and suddenly I was on the bottom again.

"No thinking this time," he said, as I panted. "Make this instinctual."

With determination burning in my veins, I let Kilo haul me to my feet, only to have him send me crashing back to the ground. But this time, something sparked within me. My body remembered the lesson, recalled the moves. Knees bent, arms wrapping, a flip and suddenly, I was the one on top. Pride blazed in Kilo's eyes as I helped him up.