Merge

7 - Finding a Place

I sat on the bench at the edge of of the gym, watching the recruits as they performed their exercises with unyielding military focus. I saw so many different animals present, from lions and tigers to bats and a fly-type hybrid.

I had fully changed into my own set of standard issue baggy pants, black tank top, and combat boots in preparation for my own set of exercises. Yet the last thing I wanted to do was more work. I hadn't slept since my trip to the hospital, and I felt like I was about to fall over. Not to mention that I had figured out how grouchy a tired dragon gets.

Why are we still here? she griped.

Because I have to prove myself. Again.

But why? You'll be a failure without sleep, and your humanity is draining my stamina.

Well, I'm sorry. Live with it.

She kept mumbling to herself, but I was able to mess with my mental volume controls and tune her out. Leaning against the wall, I closed my eyes and listened to the sound of the other hybrids beating the snot out of their punching bags.

I had almost dazed off when a voice broke into my rest.

"Attention, soldier! On your feet and follow me!"

Shocked, I jumped up, nearly pitching myself forward onto the floor. I looked up to see Maru in khaki shorts and a tank top like mine. Though she wasn't wearing shoes. It seemed like she never did.

She turned on her heel and jogged away, and I had to run after her. We went to the other end of the room and exited through a glass door. I followed and we entered into a field. At first, I thought we were outside, but then I saw the supports that reached up from the sides and met in a dome at the top.

"This is the field," Maru stopped and turned towards me, "We're still underground, but our scientists developed some technology to help mimic the appearance of what's outside right now."

"Why?"

"Mostly because because some animals require sunlight to survive, and we want to limit the amount of hybrids going outside as much as we can."

"Well, alright, then. What are we doing here?" I looked up and saw trees and blue sky overhead. Probably a clearing.

Who cares? Caminai growled, Just make it dark so I can sleep.

Calm yourself. They can't keep me running forever.

"Anyway, this is where we'll begin your basic training," Maru said, looking terrifyingly mischievous, "Caminai may know what she's doing, but in the case of connection failure, you're going to have to learn some things yourself."

"Connection failure?"

"Oh, yeah. There's several ways to disconnect an animal from their human. Now come over here," she turned and began jogging away. I quietly groaned and followed. We were heading to what looked like another obstacle course straight out of a military movie. It even had a climbing wall.

We stopped at the beginning, and I marveled at the obstacles I would have to traverse.

This is going to suck, I thought.

Right then, footsteps approached us, and I turned to see Captain Johnson approaching us. She saluted, and Maru saluted back. I hesitated before following suit, earning a small smile from the Captain, who said, "I wanted to observe the newest recruit in action."

Oh, great.

"Well, if Caminai can't help me, which I'm assuming she can't, then this is going to be less than graceful," I replied.