No Better Training Than Practicing To Survive

A loud bell rang out in the woods at 4 am Sunday morning waking the students in the cabin. Fiora and Melinda ran out of the upstairs bedroom while Greg came out of a bedroom downstairs.

Luke was already outside on the balcony of the cabin, looking at 'their new PE teacher' as she stood outside. He had already changed into the clothes that were left on the table for him while she awaited on the others to come outside too receive the clothing and too change as well.

The females took the clothes, went back inside to change and then came outside. All four students now stood present in front of the 'PE Teacher.'

My name is Stacy Williams and your training will begin now, she said. Go, go, go. she shouted at them as the ran towards the lake.

The training was brutal the students thought as the first week went by and they all lay exhausted in the living room area.

Training was an early morning swim in the cold lake, then one hundred push-ups, a hundred sit ups, a hundred squats and a 10 k run around a small area by the lake, then the trip leading back to the cabin. After a few hours of rest, defensive combat training begins where they practiced combat techniques on dummies that were set up by Stacy Williams. Before the stoke of 5 pm they were already tired and all out of energy.

Everyone lay motionless in the living room exhausted and ready to turn in for the night. Since they had eaten already, everyone said their goodbyes and the boys headed to their room while Fiora headed to the girls room.

Melinda decided to stay downstairs because she wanted to speak with Mr. Benjamin. Heading outside to the camp fire where Stacy and Mr. Benjamin sat talking, she moved closer to speak with him.

Stacy looked at the flames of the fire as it made crackling sounds and the fire danced on the wood, which rested in the fire below. The camp fire cast large shadows upon the surrounding trees and the it echoed between the trees.

Then Stacy spoke to Mr. Benjamin, Luke and Greg are dominating in physical part of the training which isn't surprising considering that you stated they both are on the football team.

In the combat training Fiora is the one leading in the group. I do believe that she has had martial arts training and she would be able to defend herself if the need ever arises. I am thinking of giving her some knife wielding, hand to hand combat training for close range combat. I really think that would interest her.

The only person that I am worried about is Melinda who isn't able to hold her own in both areas.

Mr. Benjamin responded to Stacy by saying, I see.

Suddenly someone was heard approaching them and they both turned to see Melinda slowly walking towards them.

May I have a word, Melinda asked Mr. Benjamin?

Sure was his response as he got up and they both walked away from Stacy and the warmth of the camp fire.

I know that I am not doing well, Melinda responded softly to Mr. Benjamin

Greg has strength and athleticisms which is more than enough to get him through this.

Fiora is so confident and capable. She also must have had some form of martial arts training and that would definitely get her through this.

Luke wants to ensure that everyone makes it through this and that the gemstones be returned to its rightful place as it is the right thing to do. His resolve is more that enough to get him and all of us through this.

"I however, do not have any of those things but I am here because I want to help everyone get through this, stated Melinda"

Well I would be honest with you, responded Mr. Benjamin. The urge to help, though a useful trait in a human being and in teamwork, it would not be enough to get you through this. You would need to be able to either defend yourself or run away and from what I have heard, you cannot do either.

A mild look of sadness immediately came over Melinda's face even though it seemed like she tried to hide it with a smile. Mr. Benjamin continued, however I am here. If you can muster the strength everyday at 6 pm and be here, I will teach you what I can in using a sword.

A glitter of hope suddenly appeared for her which could be seen as her eyes lit up right before him. Melinda promised Mr. Benjamin that she will be here and then she left to get ready for bed.

The next afternoon, Mr. Benjamin waited a slight distance away from the cabin in the intended spot for Melinda who showed up exactly at 6 pm. The sun was still out so there was no need for any external light sources.

"Glad you could make it," stated Mr Benjamin as he handed her a piece of wood shaped like a katana.

This is called a 'Bokken' he stated pointing to the wooden sword in his hand. A sword is usually much heavier but we will use these to practice.

"Have you ever held a sword before," he asked Melinda?

No, she responded as she held the bokken in her hand.

Both hands he stated and also, assume this stance, he showed her.

"I studied Aiki-ken, Laido and Kendo in my trip to Japan before I headed to the US to learn fencing, then coming to Europe."

I need to see your reaction time, he stated as he lunged at her weapon with his, watching to see when she would apply tension to her bokken. Even though she applied tension, her grip was weak and the bokken flew out of her hand and close to the grass.

As she was about to move to go and get it, he told her to stop. Why are you moving ask Mr. Benjamin. Didn't you state in your messages that you can recall items? Now let me see you do it now he said sternly.

Willing back the item that she held in her hand previously, the bokken moved, disappeared and then re-appeared in her hands.

"I am ready," Melinda answered confidently!