A Different Divergent: A Better Tomorrow

~twenty-six~

Chapter 26

Tobias and I return to the training room to wait for the initiates after a quick lunch of thin crust pepperoni pizza and garden salad with Italian dressing. It's the first time they served pizza in the cafeteria, and it was a big hit. Tobias stuck his head in the kitchen on our way out and told the chefs it was a good call and that he looks forward to seeing it on the menu again in the near future. I suggested that maybe it needs to be a daily staple like cake. We'll see what happens.

I decide to call Gunner, seeing that we still have several minutes until the lunchbreak is over. I ask about Tyler's room and the murals, and he is happy to take the job, which he can start on right away. All he needs is the measurements of Tyler's room, which Tobias promises to look up when we get home, and he will start on sketches of what he envisions for the furniture. He's going to let me know when they're finished so Tobias and I can look them over. Once we okay the plans, he'll build the furniture, install it, and do any necessary painting after it's in the room. When Tyler's room is done, he'll start the nursery and playroom murals I've yet to decide on. I've also thought about having him do something in our bedroom but I haven't thought of a good design yet.

The misfits slowly trickle into the training room, making sure they all arrive before the 1:30 p.m. deadline, ensuring they remain in Dauntless. They obviously heeded Tobias' warning. We lead them to the opposite end of the massive room and stand in front of the faded black punching bags. The initiates are quietly talking amongst themselves, and I notice they seem to be sticking with old faction lines, which surprises me somewhat. My group of friends was made up of various factions almost from the time we jumped but maybe that isn't the norm.

"Listen up," Tobias hollers when it's time to start. The misfits quiet down immediately. "As we told you this morning, this afternoon you will learn to fight. We teach you these skills so you will be prepared to act. Like the second phase of training will prepare your mind to think clearly in the midst of fear, fight training will prepare your body to respond to physical threats and challenges like it's second nature. You will need these skills to help protect our city and those who live in it."

"Four and I will go over some basic punches and kicks with you today and tomorrow. Thursday will be your first scored practice fight against an opponent," I say. "I recommend that you pay close attention to what we show you. Those of you who aren't quick learners can easily get hurt."

"There are four basic punches: Jab, straight, uppercut, and hook," Tobias says, demonstrating the correct way to deliver each punch in the air as he says its name then I demonstrate it on the punching bag.

"Should you be doing that, Tris?" Ana asks. "In your condition, I mean." I turn and look at her, and she shrinks back, eyes wide. I didn't know I was giving her a hard look.

"Thank you for your concern, Ana, but I'm more than capable of demonstrating the punches," I say. I do appreciate her concern but I don't want to appear weak in front of them. They'll never respect me.

"I'm sorry," she says.

"The standard techniques for kicks are the front, roundhouse, and sidekicks," Tobias says. Once again we consecutively demonstrate the kicks, me in the air this time and Tobias on the bags. "Another powerful tool in your arsenal is your knees and elbows. There are three basic knee strikes: The front, side, and jumping. The two standard techniques in elbow strikes are front and downward."

"Tomorrow we'll go over some common combinations that are useful, and we'll talk about defense," I say. "For the remainder of the day you will be practicing on the punching bags. Each one of you grab a bag and get to it. We'll call for water breaks periodically." I watch as they line up in front of the bags and tentatively start practicing what they saw us do. After they've been working for a couple hours, Tobias and I wander through the initiates evaluating how each one is doing, giving useful advice where needed.