Mad World

Chapter 4

I awoke to the blaring sound of a trumpet. It was more like a bad sounding trumpet than a good one, but whatever. I was startled when I first heard it, and I got out of bed. The rest of my team was still trying to get up. Team? Eh sure, why not? I mean... That's what we are... Right? Yeah I'm pretty sure.

We all go out of the resting area and head towards what they call the Mess Hall. We stand in line and wait to get our food. I get mine and go to sit down. It didn't look too appetizing, but hey if it was better than school food then I'm down for it.

My friends and I sat down at a table together. I began eating and then the general came. "I hope you all slept well... Actually, I honestly couldn't care less... Now today you're going to have your first day of training. It's not those flimsy workouts like just jumping jacks or just pushups. I mean yes there'll be that kind of stuff, but that's not the only thing I'll make you do," he glanced around.

He then continued after a brief pause, "Today we are going to begin with target practice. Meet me in the back and you don't need to bring anything... Just follow me." After we finished our food we went outside where he told us to be.

The general stood there with his arms crossed staring at all of us. "To your left you'll see guns. To your right you'll see knives and maybe some bows and arrows. Pick one of those items up and go to a target," he stated with his firm emotionless voice. "Oh and..." he continued, "Try not to kill anyone right now, okay? Save that for the battlefield."

He began to walk behind all of us and we got our weapons. I grabbed a gun called a glock and some throwing knives. I glanced at the bows and walked away. In the past I tried to shoot a bow, but it didn't work out too well.

I made my way to the targets and loaded up the gun. I wasn't exactly sure how it was going to be since I haven't really shot a real gun before... I mean I know how to use one, but no one really showed me how to shoot. I could really hurt myself, but I knew I had to try to use it.

I cock the gun after I loaded it up and aim it at the target. I pull the trigger and the force of the shot makes me jump back a little. Good Lord this gun was strong. I checked the target to see if hit any of the areas. I did. It was where the target's stomach would have been. I wish I had aimed a little better, but it's better than not hitting anything.

The booming of guns was all I could hear. My ears felt dead. I put the gun on safety and grabbed the knives. I started throwing them, but I couldn't get them to where I wanted them to be. I have terrible aim...

I guess Carson saw I was struggling so he came over. He moved part of his blond hair out of his eyes. "Need some help?" He asked loudly because of the guns and I looked up at him, "Huh? Oh no, I think I got it, but thanks." He didn't believe me and replied, "Are you sure?" I shook my head and sighed, "No..." "Okay, stand straight and look forward at the target," he said and I obeyed. He took a knife from the right and pinched the side of the blade firmly. He brought his forearm straight back and he glanced at me, "Hold it like this."

I grabbed one of my knives and held it like he did. "Stay still," he said as he put the knife down and came to me. "Uh... Okay then..." I quietly said because I didn't really want him to hear me. He moved my arm a little inward because I guess my throwing stance was a little off. "Make your left leg stick out more than your right one," he spoke softly.

I did as he said and spoke in a curious and cautious tone, "Now what...?" "Aim it," he directed and so I aimed the knife at the target. "Now throw," he finished and I threw it. My knife went to the right side of where the targets' chest was. That was where the heart would be, and he smiled like he was proud of me, "Nice!" I smiled slightly, "Thanks."

After training today I felt sore. Not only did we shoot and throw stuff, but we sparred and did a lot of workouts. I climbed onto the top bunk and winced in pain. A girl gave me a hook to the jaw and it hurt to talk. She also kicked my side so it hurt to do a lot of things. I payed her back with a jab to her windpipe and another jab to her nose.

It looked like everyone was in the room. I guess we all were really exhausted from the first day. I'm not that surprised in all honesty. It always sucks the first day. I just want to get this all over with. I closed my eyes and immediately fell asleep.