FYSH: Diving Deeper.

Chapter Six: Training. (Pt 2)

"Take a bench, any bench!" Kai's voice echoed. Everyone swept up and away, hurling their bags at the benches and eagerly huddling towards the pool like a squad of waddling penguins. It was just as majestic as I had remembered. Glistening waves, blindingly vibrant aquatic life, pure se-re-ni-ty. Something, however, had changed since the last time we had come here. Bright yellow seaweed bobbed on top of the water in straight lines up the pool, separating it into five columns. At the far end of the pool, in front of each section, there were signs listed alphabetically.

"Alright kids!" Kai's footsteps from behind us suddenly multiplied as echoes of other feet stamped on the cold, tiled ground. We all spun around to face Kai and four other leader-ish looking people. Kai motioned towards an older, more mature man, with gray hairs amidst his luscious mop of shiny, ebony hair. He had bright blue eyes that shon past his crooked nose and defined chin. You could see he was a man that was probably quite beautiful as a child, he had that sort of aura to him. Similar, I thought, to that of Mistress Ioa's. He stood with a stony, cold stance, wearing a light blue sports shirt and blue shorts. Though age had taken a toll on him, he stood strong, muscles clinging firmly on his arms and legs. Kai smiled brightly, a look of admiration on his face as he looked at this man.
"Instructor of class A, famous champion and legend, children please put your hands together for Coach Bruce Latet."
We hollered and cheered, praising our idol since young. We were like mad men, as we shrieked and hit each other. We couldn't believe our eyes. And could you blame us? He was magnificent.

"Hello, hello." Coach Latet shuffled forward, speaking in his thick accent. "I understand you are only teenagers and kids, but my expectations will not change according to how old you are. I have seen and met many talented athletes, those who have trained with me till death. I expect you all, as the highest class, to keep up with me and my teachings. Do not disappoint me, and I assure you, what you learn from me, you will not only use here but need for the rest of your life. Thank you."

Confused as to how to react to this, we clapped and cheered once more, our voices being cut off by Kai. He raised his hands to shut us up, which most of us didn't need, seeing as the next person he had pointed to was one everyone wanted to know about. She was dressed in a very thin wetsuit-type thing, that gripped her body like an extra coat of skin. She was quite curvaceous but thin, with a clearly large bust and hips. She pouted her lips and gave us a wriggly wave, whilst placing a hand on her hip and leaning. She flicked her golden hair behind her shoulder, allowing us to get a full view of, well, you know.
"And this lovely, lovely woman right here," Kai exhaled, hooking his fingers around her tiny waist (where she obviously giggled and tried to pull away), "Is lifeguard, aerobics teacher, and swimming extraordinaire, Coach Leila Anguis!"
The boys hooted, and the girls stared.

"I know I'm quite young and I may not look too much of a swimmer, but I'm really serious about swimming and water safety! I hope the kids in the C class are kind and nice, as well as competitive and talented! You guys can just call me Coach Leila, and feel free to come to me for whatever you need." She giggled.
A boy from next to me gripped his chest and shot out.
"Save me, Coach Leila, I need you now! Come to me!" He whimpered, batting his eyelids. The kids around him laughed, but it took a little pause before Coach Leila could join in the laughing, too. Then Coach Kai moved on. A thin gangly man stepped up, a humble smile on his face, natty hair standing up in strings and beads pierced in his ears. Coach Kai gave him a little point and rolled his eyes.
"This, kids, is Coach Geo Cordwall, who is placed to care for the class D kids. Introduce yourself." He drawled, biting his fingernails.
"Um well yes, hello there." Coach Geo chortled, in a low grumbly voice. "My main focus is to raise up you kids to doing better than you think you can. Only when you break your perception of limits, can you be at your best." His short introduction had earned impressed claps and a few whistles, which in turn, made Kai roll his eyes.
"And over there, is my very own swimming teacher, Coach Fox!" Kai said, showing his pearly whites and waving at her. The large black woman gave Kai a wan smile in return and turned towards us.
"It'll be my first time teaching anyone other than A-listers so forgive me if I'm ever too harsh. My name is Coach Fox, and yes indeed, I did train Kai when he was a boy but as what usually happens with a young talent and an old retiring mess, the trainee has surpassed the master." She laughed. Her laugh sounded like the tinkling of baby bells.
"So I will be coaching class of E, and boy, I hope you guys are excited!" Coach Fox said.
"So there we go, your trainers are ready to whip you into competition shape! But the question is, are you ready to win?" Kai's glittering eyes scanned everyone.
And to his delight, everyone looked hopeful.
...