Hidden Joy

Seven

As she dried herself from a shower she looked in the mirror. The scars were everywhere. Her stomach, back, arms, and chest. She hated each one. Hated the man who did it. Hated the foster parents who did it. Hated that she let it happen. She quickly dressed so she didn't have to see them anymore and headed into her room. Nalla was coming to take her to her first training class. Taught by her uncle Rhage. She was excited. She needed some distraction right about then. She followed her sister through the house and to the gym. She needed to change into gym clothes, which Nalla told her were in the locker room. Since Nalla wasn't participating she left Phoenix alone to go change. Upon entering the large locker room that resembled the one at her old gym, she knew she was alone. Possibly because she was the only female student this time around. Nalla told her that not many fathers let their daughters join the army. She was grateful. She stripped and changed into the sweatshirt and sports bra that were waiting in her locker. It had her name on it. She went through to the gym and stood along the fellow classmates.
"Today, my assistant Darius and I will be assessing your physical fighting skills. Today is just to judge which group you should belong in. Don't worry there is always a place for everyone. Each group has opportunities for different jobs among our army." Rhage announced. "We will split you into two groups. We will set you against the strong from the next round of classes. The objective is to stay on your feet as long as you can. There us no such thing as failure today. One year transition students with me. Newly transitioned students with Darius. Go."

He knew she was there. Smelled her before he had set his eyes on her. Rhage was torturing him by placing her on his team to access. Knew his bond would be tested. Darius had to ignore that if he was to train her properly. The group of students split and followed their instructors into different rooms off the main gym. Sparring mats had been set up. Each mat sported a strong second session student. Ones he had picked himself. He grabbed the clipboard off the chair and sent each student to their respective mats.
"Before we begin. Aim to damage do not aim to harm. We don't want any hospital visits today." he called. "First students up... Go!"
He tried to keep his eyes on anyone but her. When she stepped up against Lazarus his stomach dropped. He needed to stay uninvolved he needed to be teacher. He watched as they shook hands and got into sparring positions. The bell sounded and the rounds began. He watched Lazarus charge toward Phoenix. She jumped out of the way and punched him in the stomach as he passed. He spun around and charged her again. His growl drawing on Darius. He watched as Phoenix continued to move passed his attack. She took a kick to the ribs and fell to the floor. He watched horror as she fell to the floor. He knew Lazarus would go for the easy head shot. He was about to step forward when he saw Phoenix grab the coming foot and flip Lazarus onto the floor and pin him there. The round ended and he stepped forward.
"Sophomores take time to recover. Good job firsts. Take a break. Get dorm water and grab as seat. In three minutes the next round of firsts will take their turn." Darius said to the class.
He hadn't noticed that Phoenix was wearing a sports bra and sweats until she pulled a sweatshirt on. Why had she covered up? The bell rang again and he had to turn his attention on the next round. He needed to ignore her. He watched as Nalla made her way to Phoenix.
"That was amazing. Where did you learn that?"
"I taught myself. I needed it."
"Why?"
"Just because my childhood was hell."
All too quickly the round ended and he needed to call it a day.
"Thats it for now. Tomorrow we will learn proper fighting stance and teniques. Have a good evening everyone."

*****
It's Wednesday! Here's the update for y'all. I told you this one would be good. I plan on making this one a good one. So please continue to read, let me know what you think, and vote. This story is my baby. Something I've come to love.

Until next chapter!
XOXK