The Higher Define (2018)

25

"You're training me." Though I try to make it sound like a question, I can hear the tension in my tone that turns my implication. I'm no longer questioning her. I'm stating it, in a rather cold manner, probably to snap myself back to reality.

Ariel gives me an equally cold look, her eyes darkening and tinged with hatred.

"I never asked to train you."

Last night, Richard sent me a wireless that stated that I had to begin my training in preparation for my mission. Since the other new Higher Defines' missions were later, I would be recruited into the training programme earlier. Of course, all of this has to be discreet.

"Right because we both know that we wanted this." I spit back my answer with spite hating the way she was treating me like dirt. I'm better than her and I can't believe that it's so hard to see.

Ariel has to choke back a laugh.

"Keep in your place, newbie. Richard might make a big deal out of flawless codes and perfect systems but you go out there with this attitude, you're never coming back."

I can't decipher what she means. Does she mean the Outside or just beyond the walls of the Hub? I shake the thought away. She's probably trying to play mind games with me.

Ariel goes back to her role of being my trainer and crosses the ring that is drawn out and labelled as a fighting area, towards where I stand.

"Training will be simple if you're smart enough. I'll be teaching you the basics of physical fighting before I go in depth. Then I'll follow up with cyber fighting, which is more difficult to master."

I want to add my input but she continues talking, ignoring the way that I try to edge into her introduction.

"In addition to these fighting sessions, there are theoretical lessons that you will have to go through. It's the stuff that you were never taught before during History Archive and Understanding lessons."

"And I thought I graduated just to leave all that behind." I mutter sarcastically when Ariel finishes and she shoots me a look of annoyance, "If you think that you're better off without help, then you should leave now."

I struggle to keep my anger down, frustration brewing inside of me. Still, I guard my tongue.

"It's fine."

"Good. Then we can begin." Ariel pulls up a tab and scrolls through the page. When she comes across the item that she wants, she taps on a little box and a pair of boxing gloves materialise in her hands. They're a brilliant shade of red and the thick curve of the leather makes Ariel's hands look small.

With another fast summon, she conjures up a punch-bag.

I look on, slightly stunned.

"I really don't see the need to learn this skill." I say as she forces me to slip on the boxing gloves. They feel tight and uncomfortable around my skin.

Ariel has to fight back a sneer, "Oh, colour me surprised. I never did think that you saw the need in anything."

I struggle to let the urge to roll my eyes win but I had to admit that I gave that one to her almost too easily.

"Give it a go." Ariel instructs, taking a few steps back to give me space.

I steel myself before drawing my arm back and sending the hardest punch I could muster towards the bag.

It wavers slightly.

"I'm about to give it another try when Ariel pulls me away from the punch-bag.