Sinner

Part 10 Training Begins

I was so excited about my new career last night that I can't catch any sleep. Every time I close my eyes, a terrifying image of the monster would rise up behind my lids and swipe its claws towards me. But always, the horrible apparition will disappear, to be replaced with a smiling wolf face.

Oh man, I had wanted to give Keenan a good impression on my first day on the job. As it is, I can barely function properly with the lack of sleep last night. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I berate myself as I trudge my leaden feet down the rickety stairs. Forget about being his apprentice. Once he sees me like this, he won't even let me accompany him on his errands. I raise both of my hands and give my cheeks a hard slap to wake me up. Look sharp girl. Stay focused. Today's the job interview. We'll ace it.

Maintaining that thought in mind, my footsteps take on a bounce as determination fills me.

During breakfast, Keenan explains what is in store for me. "For starters, since we do not have any requests to take out a Berserker, we'll use this time for maintenance and training. We'll see how it goes. And if you're ready by then, you'll get to accompany me on missions. Meanwhile, I'll train you personally in martial arts and techniques to take out and neutralize a Berserker. But you're never to go anywhere near them. I'm the only one allowed to take them out. You'll stay behind me as back-up. Clear about that?"

I nod my head emphatically as he peers at me, judging me with his eye.

Satisfied with my acquiescence, he continues, "For the time being, you'll help out by doing odd jobs around the house. This house is basically self-sustaining. Our food comes from the garden and farm, so you'll have to pitch in for the feeding, harvesting and planting every day. You'll be required to service the generator as our electricity comes from it. As for the house, only the parts which are occupied by residents need to be repaired. So you're required to know how to do a bit of carpentry work". Pausing for breath, he adds on, "If need be, we may take on exorcism or security jobs like a body guard detail to supplement money. I'll teach you the ropes when we come to that".

"Any questions so far?" he asks, a stern look plastering his face.

"No. I'm ready to start," I reply matter-of-factly.

"Good, I'll meet you in the training room in 15 minutes. Your training starts there".

I return swiftly to my room and changed my clothes in record time. When I arrived early at the training room, I nervously prowl the room. Gym mats covered the entirety of the floor; no decorations are hung on the walls. It is a Spartan basic room.

While staring blankly at the white plain wall, a hand suddenly grips my shoulder tightly and pulls me backwards while another hand simultaneously clamps on my waist and shoves me to my side. A foot hits my ankle, literally sweeping me off my feet. I lose my balance. Spurred by the momentum, I feel myself falling backwards. Letting my instincts take over, I follow the motion while twisting my upper body to land on my side rather than on my back. My arms reach out towards the mat to cushion my fall. Upon contact with the mat, I roll instantaneously to my front, clambering frantically back up onto the balls of my feet. My body leans forward slightly and my arms rose, fists clenched and preparing for a fight with the unexpected assailant.

"You pass. You have the survival instincts to respond fast," Keenan says appraisingly as he scrutinizes my stance while he leans against the wall, his arms folded.

"You gave me quite a scare!" I accuse huffily, still breathing heavily while my heart tries to slow down after racing in alarm. My body is still pumping with adrenaline. "WHY did you attack me out of the blue?"