Chapter 13: Hands-on Learning

~ The worst thing that can happen is when you give everything you have, and it feels like nothing changes. ~

As I crossed the finish line, I could feel my heart pounding, as if it was trying to break out of my chest.

"And… time! Alright everybody that is it. Good job, especially since you guys said you haven't done anything like this in ages. Before you all hit the showers and change, its time to discuss the results. As I had previously mentioned, if you all can't beat me in at least one of the sections, you are going to have to spar me. Now Thomas and Akira, both of you passed in basically every section. Evelynn and Beatriz, I was worried, but you passed in terms of the flexibility section. Liam, it looks like it's going to be me and you today. Take a breath, put on some gear, and meet me in the middle of the circle."

I looked up at him as I stood with my arms on my legs, trying to catch my breath with everything I had.

"You can't be serious. I thought it was a joke. I mean, seriously, how are we supposed to beat anything you did?"

"It wasn't my scores now; it was when I was your age. Besides, in terms of training I never joke. Now get over here."

I slowly stood up, still trying to catch my breath. I didn't stand a chance, but maybe if I just surrendered, I could get lucky and get out of it pretty quickly. As I was walking towards the circle, Q spoke up.

"Don't even think about it, kid. If I get an inkling that you aren't trying your best, I won't stop until you are knocked out, even if you tap. This may feel like a punishment for not doing well, but this is important for you and for everyone else. Take it seriously."

"Yes sir."

I didn't have a chance, but I guess I was going to have to do my best regardless. I got into the center of the circle, holding my hands up like I saw in the fighting movies my dad loved to watch.

"Good, I was worried I was going to have to knock you out for a second, looks like you're going to give it your all; very good. Now here are the rules, if you can get me to tap out you win, if you can also try to stay awake, you win. I won't be using any strikes, only holds and locks. I understand that you don't know how to fight, so I'm going to give some pointers before and during the fight. First and foremost, forget all the stuff you see in movies. Nine out of ten times, it would never work, that is your first tip. Oh, and I'm going to give you an advantage, get your jacket."

"What? Are you sure sir – I mean Q? I don't want to hurt you."

"Nice to think that you would hurt me, but I'll be okay. Trust me. Go get it and we'll get started."

After I put on the jacket, I got back in the center of the circle, surprisingly I already felt better, as if I had gotten a full night of rest before stepping into the circle. After getting back into position, Q looked over to Thomas.

"Alright kid, count us down; please and thank you."

I kept staring at Q, hearing Thomas's voice in the background, dulled beneath the thudding of the blood in my ears. Suddenly, Q lunged. Instinctually, I jumped back and as I did, I almost fell, not realizing how far I had gone. Q didn't give me any time to recover though, trying to move in again, almost like a snake moving in to strike. Reflexively, I put up my arms, preparing for a hit, but none ever came. I realized too late that he had said he wouldn't strike. Suddenly I was on the ground, with Q wrapping himself around my arm. I struggled trying to push him off, but he only pulled tighter. I was able to lift my arm, along with him and drop it, giving me just enough time to get my arm out.

"Nice job, I thought it was already going to be over. Let's see if you can keep it up."

Q jumped back as I did, giving space between us as if we had just started. I was already breathing heavily, not due to exhaustion, but nerves. I didn't know what to do, but I couldn't stay on the defensive, I knew it was only a matter of time before Q did something I couldn't get out of. Q looked at me and smirked, almost as if he already knew what I was thinking.

"There it is, let's see what you can come up with shall we?"

As he spoke, he sprinted forward. I didn't want to hit him, still worried about my own strength and not understanding how to use it properly. Instead, I got low, trying to see if I could grab his legs and stop his momentum. Q seemed to be surprised, as he didn't dodge out of the way. As we came to the ground, I grabbed his leg and wrapped around it, similar to how he had done to my arm.

"Oh? Well now, it looks like the scared one has some teeth after all. Unfortunately for you, I have just a bit more experience."

I kept holding his leg, unsure of what to do; I just hoped he was bluffing. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be the case. As I was holding his leg, the rest of his body shifted, and suddenly he was on my back. I was unable to move and as his arms locked underneath my head, I began to struggle, freaking out about what was happening. Q spoke up, as if speaking directly to me, but also in a louder voice for the others to pick up as well.

"I know it feels like you can't do anything, but it's during those situations you have to stay calm. The more you worry and thrash about in fear, the worse it's going to be for you."

As he finished up, I gave one more struggle, and slowly saw the edges of my vision blur. Next thing I knew, I came to with a gasp. Q was standing near me, as if waiting for me to wake up.

"Good job Liam. I know it was scary getting thrown into the fray like that, but you did well, truly. Everyone else went and hit the showers to get ready for your meeting with Dr. Hawkins, you should go too."

"Yes si – I mean Q."

"One more thing; trust yourself kid. You are a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for, even without the jacket. Strength isn't just about being able to lift a lot, it's also about being able to do what needs to be done, even if it's scary. With a little bit of training, I think you might be the most dangerous one here, especially with the combination of that jacket and that brain of yours. Go get cleaned up, and make sure to drink some water."

"Alright. Oh, Q, thank you for that by the way."

As I got up and walked towards the showers, I couldn't help but smile. I may have lost, but for some reason, it felt like I woke up during the sparring session, and I was excited to see what I was going to do in the future.