Hopping out of the elevator, I head straight to the unarmed station that I visited with Noor on the first day. She showed me how to box, but I really don’t think that’s my style. It’s a little bit too aggressive. I learned how to disarm and opponent, and a few capoeira techniques as well, but there was so much going on in my brain with all the new material, and trying to memorize it, that I didn’t really end up absorbing much at all. With a small sigh, knowing that I’ll have to interact with Rex and his negativity, I step towards him.
“Hi, Rex” I greet him, though I’m unsure exactly if he remembers me.
At least I feel like I am. I try to hide the fact that my leg is extremely sore from all the kicking Rex had me doing yesterday. I’m still pissed he barely moved, even when I put all my weight on him. Am I really that weak?
Rex is tossing more tributes to the ground when I approach the unarmed station.
“Come back for more, kid?” He asks.
“I told you I wanted to learn Muay Thai, and I plan on doing just that.” I respond.
“Well your stamina is laughable, but your determination is inspiring. It warms my heart.”
“Really?”
Maybe Rex isn’t as bad as I think he is. He’s handsome, there’s no denying that, but his attitude leaves much to be desired. Maybe I’m looking at him all wrong.
“No, now dress your hands so we can get started.” Rex says.
Nevermind.
Rex is going to make me hurt again and I’m going to hate every minute of it.
I wrap my hands and put the gloves on as he explains the different stances and maneuvers. Of course I pick one of the martial arts that requires mostly leg work. I’m pretty sure they’re going to replace my leg with a prosthetic when I’m finished these training days.
“Alright,” Rex says. “Let’s see how much you weren’t listening to. Try to hit me.”
As I jab and kick, I realize I actually like this whole Muay Thai thing. Especially when sometimes my hits make Rex wince slightly.
Hey, I’ll take any victory no matter how small.
My body is flexible, and this is probably the first time I’m thankful for it. Well…the first time I’m okay with being thankful for it. Because I’m lighter I also have a bit of a speed advantage against my heavier opponents. Rex is just a tad slower than me thanks to his muscular frame.
He starts hitting back, making me jump around to try and avoid his hands and feet. For the most part I get it down, but he manages to hit me more often than not.
Finally I try the roundhouse kick he talked about earlier, with disastrous results. Rex grabs my ankle and spins me off my other leg, throwing me on my back.
It really shouldn’t be as hot as I think it is.
“That sucked slightly less than yesterday. I think you’re getting the hang out of it, though. Keep practicing with the holograms until you think you’re finished.” Rex says.
That damn, handsome bastard.
I pull myself off the ground, and grab some water. Fighting is hard, and I really don’t like hard work, but if it means I survive even a day longer…then I’m willing to do it.
I finish my break and make my way over to the training holograms Rex talked about. Just one more how here and I will be satisfied…I hope.
