TRAINING PART 1: Tyler.

Preparations began, as we were getting ready to fight for not only our lives, but the lives of hundreds of other innocent people.

The more we thought about it, the more we wondered whether our decision was the right one. We thought of the real reason why we each decided to accept. Maybe helping those people were like a redemption for the killing and stealing and all the other unethical things we did to reach that shelter. I knew the people we killed were bad guys, but they were still human, and it was still a stain on my conscience. I just couldn’t get past the fact that I had taken lives. That training to me seemed like an opportunity to forgive myself somehow, or at least to kick out the nerves.

We were looking forward to weeks, maybe even months of training ahead of us, but we didn’t mind the long hours of martial arts. I even thought they would be quite enjoyable. Although the fact that I would have to train alone still bothered me. Everyone else had someone in their class, why not me? Was I not good enough? I started doubting my competences, and ability to even manage this whole plan.

Training day 1, I decided not to stop myself. I would ask them why they left me all alone. I went into that training area, gathering along all the courage I could find within myself just to dare asking that one question. I don’t know what scared me the most: asking the question or receiving an answer I didn't want to hear? I went in to see a tall, very muscular man. He reminded me of character in a movie that I used to watch almost every day.

Suddenly, all the courage I had gathered to ask my question seemed to have vanished. I started shaking, intimidated by the sharp look my supposed instructor was giving. I started thinking about all the worst possible scenarios all over again, like I used to do before an exam back in high school. I used to be one of the kids who would imagine the worst situation possible at any given occasion, just because I was stressed too much. My parents used to say I keep overthinking situations.

Tall man - You must be Quesiyah!

I heard, breaking up my pessimistic string of thought. I looked up to the tall man.

Tall man - My name is Tyler. I’ll be training you for the next few weeks. Basically, I’ve been working for the federals for about 20 years now. From what I’ve heard about you, adapting should be an easy game right?

I remained there, looking at that man. I was frozen, and did not understand what he meant by ‘from what I’ve heard’. What did he hear about me? Were there rumours? Things I didn’t know about maybe? I was scared, worried that those ‘rumours’ were even worse that what I’ve been thinking all along. He looked at me waiting for me to answer his previous question.

Me, respectfully and fearfully – Forgive me sir, “from what you’ve heard”?

Tyler, laughing – ha-ha, sir? Please call me Tyler. We’re not in military camp.

It only made the hesitation grow bigger. Were we on a first name basis now? I never called my teachers by their first names. Since childhood, teachers were meant to be respected. I guess this is what growing up in an Indian community looks like.

Me – Sorry, Tyler.

Tyler – The boss told me of your achievements in leading your friends here safely. I’m quite impressed for a teenager with no trained background.

Me – I did nothing much sir, I mean, Tyler. Sorry.

First name basis still had me confused, and though I knew I was lowkey embarrassing myself, I tried to keep the confident appearance, emphasis on “appearance”.

Tyler – You did more than you know. That is why you’re here alone, isn't it?

Wait. Was he really asking me my question?

Tyler - Your friends, the boys, they are good, but not quite at your level

I believe. Jace and Ryan are the two best after you, then Kaleb and Chris. As for the three girls, I believe they are still beginners. The boss seems to believe that you’re much better.

Me – And what about you? What do you think?

Tyler – Based on the videos, I could agree. Your courage, reflexes, strength; it’s quite impressive, but I’d rather see you fight up close.. We’ll do a little test, a small quiz before beginning, nothing to worry about. It’s just to see what level I should start training you at.

Me – Sounds good.

He started to ask me a lot of questions about my background, where I came from, how my life was before the war, and why I was in this country when the war happened, and told me a bit about his story.

I actually started to loosen up around him after a while. The atmosphere in the room felt easier, friendlier. After getting me to ease up, he started describing situations, some of which I had experienced during our time out there. For each situation, he asked me what I’d do, how would I react, what solution I would find. Each of them had an answer, and at each situation, he upped the difficulty level a little bit. He made it a little harder every time, which kept things entertaining. He also seemed surprised at my ability to answer. Only after going through all possible situations were we going to talk about fighting.

Tyler – So where did you learn to fight?

Me – I took Tae Kwon Do lessons when I was younger. It was just for fun and I never went above white belt, left before the exam.

Tyler – The level of fighting I saw on that video was much higher than white belt.

Was it? Yes it was, and I still had no idea why, but I guess I would find out sooner or later. For now, getting to know me seemed to be the plan. Tyler seemed to like me, which made things easy for me, but nothing is ever easy now is it? I guess we would find that out too.