Chapter 5.5

Hastily I nodded, knowing that if I spent a moment of hesitation, I would just chicken out. And I needed this training, I had no idea how to protect myself. So I guess it's essential for survival.

"Okay." Leading me to a training mat, he looked into my eyes, there were gentle, soft, somewhat understanding, "Don't worry. It's you're first time, I'm not going to go full out, Alexis. We'll build you up there, and one day you'll be as good as me, maybe even better." Despite him smiling up reassuringly, the only question that seemed to burn through my head was how long did I really have? Not even Isaiah could soften that worry.

I tried to muster up what was my best attempt of a smile, it didn't seem to convince him, but he took what he could get. "Right. Position your body like this." His hands grabbed my waist, even though I was clothed I swear I still feel his bare skin, the burning and the tingling sensation I was feeling was so enticing and so painful, placing my whole body into a forward stance, his arms skimmed up to my bare arms and I swear he was about to burn a hole right through my flesh. I could feel my breath hitching and I guess it was audible because he looked straight up, holding my gaze, "Place your arms up like this. It acts as a block from any oncoming attack. Especially use it when you parry. " He placed my arms up slightly vertical to each other, covering my face but leaving a little room for my eyes. "Alexis it's important. Always block and try and get away from that situation. Most times you'll be outnumbered, out-skilled. Do you understand?"

My words stuck to the inside of my throat, I croaked a meek, "Yes." With how close he was, I couldn't focus on anything, not myself, not the others. Nothing.

"Listen, I'm going to coming in with a series of attacks," He must have seen the look on my face because he quickly corrected himself, "Soft attacks, and see how efficiently you can block them. And we'll go from there okay?" I nodded. "Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you."

But that's exactly what he should be doing, right? If I'm under attack, my attackers aren't going to take into account that I haven't been doing this very long, or I recently suffered a fall, or I had no experience in any of this at all. But then my eyes glossed over to the others; Veronica slamming Elijah onto the floor, making sure his face was buried there and Elijah counteracting that with sweeping her off her balance and pinning her down. Zee graced Jordon with a series of devastating blows which he quickly, easily evaded, and blocked, Zee lost her footing, and instead of Jordon taking his chance, he caught her, placing a chaste kiss on her lips. He whispered something to her, I could see her eyes trained on him then she pulled in for a deeper kiss.

Maybe it's safe to say that I'm not ready for the full training just yet.

"Alexis. Block!" Suddenly heavy hands swept my vision before even processing I threw my arms up instinctively into the Blocking Position. Surprisingly it worked holding off his incessant blows.

Here's me thinking that this was supposed to be the easy version.

My arms started to ache, my position faltering, steadily using my back feet as a guide I started inching my way back which he took as a sign of weakness, and started advancing. Despite the devastating blows, none were landing on my face, and the way my body was positioned was protecting my most vulnerable parts.

Finding a quick opening, I quickly evaded from his punches, dodging any further damage. He paused his back turned to me.

Nothing. Nothing was happening.

Was this all? Were we taking a much-needed break?

My guard started lowering and I instantly regretted it, he swiftly turned around, giving such a quick blow to the stomach that it winded me and I lost my balance, landing with a big thud on the floor, which I assume grabbed everyone's attention. "Alexis. Never ever lost focus! " His eyes held something more than anger, it held from what I could tell disappointment, "Don't expect your opponent to take a break. Or give you a chance to breathe. They are always looking for a weak spot, where they can get you down and break you, don't give them the opportunity. Do you understand me?" His tone came out harsh which I suspect was intended, he heaved I could tell he was trying to keep in control of his anger. "I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you. Again." He held my gaze, extending a hand which I took, returning back into my position and stance ready for round two, this time no distractions. None.