Pulled In

9

Grayson

After lunch, and after we all put actual clothes on, we all filed into the area behind PIE HQ. The second the sunlight hit me I felt my lack of sleep catch up with me and I stumbled, only kept from falling flat on my face by Ghost.
"Tired?"

"I'm fine," I argued, pushing away and feeling defensive.

Ghost laughed a little, Elizabeth and Toast were focused on whatever they were doing so they didn't notice.
"It's okay, I feel like that most days. I'm practically nocturnal some days."

I rolled my eyes, suppressing a laugh.
"Let's just get on with this 'training'."

"Hey Toast!"

Toast turned his attention towards us.
"What is it Sir?"

"I need Jimmy's knife back."

Toast casually tossed it over his shoulder and went back to explaining to Elizabeth how to use a pistol. Ghost caught it effortlessly. He pointed it at me.

"Whoa!"
I backed up.
"What'd I do?"

Ghost smiled, a quick flash of red in his eyes.
"Relax. Before you learn how to fight, you need to learn how to not die. Now, dodge!"

He charged me and I jumped out of the way, albeit clumsily. He smiled encouragingly.
"Good, now do it again."

He was faster this time and the knife grazed my arm. It hurt. It made me mad. I felt adrenaline flood my system, and I dodged quicker this time, and the next three.

"You're getting it, now try to go on the offensive."

I tackled him as soon as he said it, like every muscle in my body had been waiting for the invitation. I had him on the ground with the knife in my hand before I could think about it. The blade resting over his throat. I just had to press down and it would be over.