15 Trial 15: The How’s of my Training

As I finished swallowing the last bite of my food, I thanked everyone, then told them I'm ready for the discussion.

Mama started, "As we had discussed, you'll undergo training with Dashiell to make you strong enough so you can defend yourself. In that regard, we're here to talk about how it's going to be," explained mama.

"Okay. I'm ready to hear about it so you can start now," said I.

This time, Dashiell steps in to do the explaining, "We'll start with building your power, stamina, agility, flexibility, and resistance combined with mental conditioning. That being said, expect a lot of different exercises. After that, you'll learn the necessary moves and techniques. Unless you clear those steps, I won't allow you to engage in a real fight simulation."

"Real fight simulation? Who will I be fighting?"

"Me," said Dashiell.

"What? Are you kidding me? I'm almost half your size and you want me to have a real fight simulation with you? The outcome will be obvious; I'll be on the losing end!"

My reaction had tugged a string of annoyance in Dashiell, "Look, in a real fight, size matching doesn't apply; it doesn't matter on whether your opponent is taller, bigger, or heck, stronger than you. It's all about how you can deal with them and get the upper hand which is what I'll be teaching you. You need to clear all those steps especially the fight simulation; otherwise, you can't surely say that you can fight for your life."

I sighed in defeat, "Okay, I get you. I'll do it then, but please don't be so hard on me."

"Don't worry, I won't. I'll go easy on you," is what you want me to say, but regrets, I can't say that. This is reality; nothing's easy. Even dying isn't. So don't expect to get the best results with a half-assed attitude. That rule applies to your training too; you'll never conquer even the first stage if you don't want to take the hard road," expounded Dashiell.

I took a moment of silence to think about what Dashiell said. It's hard to admit it, but what he said is spot on.

I took a deep breath and addresses Dashiell, "You're right. I guess I just have to do it. Guide me well, then." Then I flashed him my sincerest smile which he acknowledged with a nod.

Then I just remembered, "Um, Dashiell, how long will my training last?" which he answered with, "Well, that depends on you. The quicker you learn, the shorter the training duration."

"Wait, what if it takes longer? What is going to happen with the house reconstruction contract that I paid for? And the apartment I just rented? Oh my gosh! I..."

Mr. Thomas and Dr. Al laughed at my reaction while Mama reached for me and rubbed my shoulders.

As for Dashiell, he snorts, "Relax, will you? It's not like the training's going to take years to complete. We don't have a long time for that. What I meant with 'it depends on you' is if you cooperate well with me, the training will go smoothly. And don't worry about your rent; I already made arrangements for that. As for the reconstruction contract, I paid one of Foley's enemies to look after its progress on your behalf. You met that person already, but I'm not telling you about his identity for safety reasons."

I took a breath of relief and clarified with Dashiell, "So, you already paid for my rent?"

Dashiell shakes his head, "No, that's not it. I terminated the rental contract with the landlord and said that you moved away to the neighboring state with your boyfriend."

Before I could react with the 'boyfriend' part, Dashiell resumes, "I know you're mad about it, but I said that to trick the enemy. You hate me, I get that, but at least, trust me; I'm not your enemy."

Come to think of it, it doesn't seem like he has bad intentions. I guess Dashiell only wants to save me.

Then, in a split second Dashiell was the one who is asking. "Is there something else you want to know more about the training?"

I thought I have nothing else to ask so I said, "nothing."

Dashiell looks satisfied and informs, "See you tomorrow in the training then. Oh and there's a place I need to go to now so excuse me. One more thing here's your new phone. Set it up now so you can respond to my chats about your choice of clothes."

"Why are you giving me a new phone? Where's my phone by the way? Don't tell me you..."

Dashiell cuts me off, "Yeah, I smashed it into pieces right when I knocked you out. I left it in the hotel on purpose."

"What? Why would you do that?"

"To avoid the enemy from tracking you. You've been monitored for a while now because of your phone, so to be safe, I had to wreck it," reasoned Dashiell.

"Okay, thanks. How much do I have to pay for the new phone? And about my choice of clothes thing, does it mean you're shopping for my clothes?"

Dashiell sighed, "You ask a lot, don't you? Don't pay for the phone; it's on me. I smashed your phone anyway. And yeah, I'm off to shop for your clothes unless you want to stop me because you're fine not changing clothes, hahaha!"

My face flushed in annoyance with the last part which Dashiell didn't fail to notice who then, squeezed my nose, earning an "Ouch" from me. Dashiell seems to enjoy my reaction that he begins laughing. In between his laughs, he says, "Idiot, I'm just joking. Why are you so affected? Anyway, set up your phone now."

I replied while pouting, "Fine, have a safe shopping then and... Thanks."

He waves his hand as he walks away from us.

As Dashiell was out of sight, I thought to myself, "I guess Dashiell's not a bad guy. He's just... Ugh, I can't word it properly. One thing's for sure though, he's not our... my enemy."

Having such thought about him, I decided I'll open up myself to him more from now on.