Chapter 12: Training Grounds and Tough Lessons.

At the training grounds just outside Green Arbor, the morning sun cast long shadows over the field, its golden warmth barely cutting through the crisp air. The rhythmic clashing of practice weapons and the grunts of ADF recruits filled the atmosphere. Talon, standing at the front, was barking orders, his eyes sharp as he observed the training sessions with his usual intensity.

Ava approached from the edge of the field, scanning the recruits and recognizing a few faces from the ADF. She could see Talon already had the recruits working hard. When Talon noticed her, he gave a slight nod, a half-grin tugging at his lips.

"Ava," Talon greeted, his voice gruff but warm. "What brings you here? Thought you’d be babysitting Lucas and his little cadet crew."

Ava adjusted the strap of her rifle, smirking. "Well, we've got a few Sentinel cadets joining the session today. Thought I’d make sure they don’t slack off under your watch."

Talon’s grin widened. "Oh, I’ll make sure they work hard. Lucas mentioned you've got a new fan among them." He leaned in, his tone teasing. "What’s her story?"

Ava chuckled softly. "Her name’s Callie. She’s good, just... needs some confidence. I’m hoping a bit of tough training will help."

Talon's eyes swept the field as he caught sight of the approaching cadets. "Confidence, huh? Sounds like we’ll have to shake up her little bully problem first."

Ava sighed, her expression darkening. "Yeah. One of them—Darren—has been giving her a hard time. It’s getting to her, but she hasn’t opened up about it yet."

Talon’s grin disappeared, replaced by a glint of anger. "I hate bullies. Let’s break that habit of his today."

As if summoned by the conversation, the cadets, Callie, Darren, Dean and Lara arrived on the field. Darren was all swagger, flashing a smug look as if he owned the place, while Callie hung back slightly, her shoulders hunched, trying to blend into the background. Her eyes were downcast, and she kept glancing nervously at the ground, as though afraid to make eye contact.

Talon leaned toward Ava again, his voice low. "Let's give Darren a little lesson in humility."

With a commanding clap of his hands, Talon addressed the entire group. "Alright, listen up! We’ve got a few new cadets joining us today. That means double the effort, double the discipline. And Darren here," Talon slapped Darren on the shoulder with a bit more force than necessary, "is going to be my special helper."

Darren's smug smile faltered slightly, unsure whether to be proud or nervous.

Talon grinned, his eyes sharp. "Today’s all about real combat training. Let’s see what you’ve got, and I’ll correct what you don’t."

Ava, watching from the sidelines, kept an eye on Callie. She noticed the nervous tension in the young cadet’s shoulders. Talon’s plan was already underway, and she trusted he’d handle Darren, but Callie’s confidence needed a more delicate approach.

As the cadets and ADF members paired up, Callie found herself hesitating, unsure of whom to train with. Ava stepped in, placing a gentle hand on Callie’s shoulder. "You with him," she nodded toward a young ADF recruit standing nearby. "Keep your stance strong, feet planted. Let your instincts take over."

Callie nodded, trying her best to mimic Ava’s easy confidence. Ava could see the self-doubt lingering in Callie’s eyes, but there was also a flicker of determination.

Meanwhile, Talon demonstrated combat techniques using Darren as his partner. Every move Talon made was fluid, precise—and ruthless. Darren was thrown, flipped, and pinned repeatedly, his earlier confidence crumbling with every punishing fall.

"Remember, Darren," Talon said with a grin, twisting the younger cadet into a painful-looking arm lock, "this is what happens when you underestimate someone."

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Darren groaned in pain, trying to mask his discomfort. "I got it, sir."

"Oh, we’re just getting started," Talon said, his voice low but full of promise.

A few meters away, Ava was watching Callie closely, stepping in now and then to adjust her posture or offer quiet encouragement. As the drills continued, she saw Darren occasionally glance at Callie with a mocking sneer, and it didn’t go unnoticed when he muttered something under his breath, causing two other cadets to snicker.

"Classic Callie," Darren whispered loudly, just enough for her to hear as she fumbled with her stance.

Callie’s face turned red with embarrassment, her grip on the training sword loosening. The sting of his words was all too familiar. She had heard it countless times. For a brief moment, she froze, her body stiff with uncertainty.

Ava moved swiftly to Callie’s side, her voice soft but firm. "Focus on me, not him," she whispered. "Get out of your head. You’re better than you think, and you’ve got nothing to prove to him."

Callie met Ava’s eyes, searching for reassurance. Ava gave her a confident nod, and slowly, Callie adjusted her stance, tightening her grip.

At the same time, Talon delivered a brutal take-down on Darren, slamming him to the ground with a swift leg sweep. Pinning Darren down with his knee, Talon leaned in close, his voice low and dangerous. "Listen up, cadet. If I catch you bullying anyone again, I’ll personally drag your sorry ass out into the woods and leave you as bait for the next pack of raiders that comes through. Got it?"

Darren’s eyes widened with fear. "Yes, sir," he croaked, all traces of his former arrogance gone.

Talon released him, giving him a final shove. "Good. Now get back in line."

As the training session continued, Callie slowly began to gain confidence. Though she stumbled a few more times, each mistake was met with encouragement from Ava, not mockery. By the end of the session, Callie was exhausted but proud. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she had earned her place on the field.

As the recruits began to pack up their gear, Ava approached Callie, her expression softer now. "You did good today," Ava said, her voice sincere. "I saw you push through. That’s the kind of strength I want to see more of."

Callie smiled, though it was a small, tentative smile. "Thanks, Ava. I... I’ve been trying."

Ava placed a hand on her shoulder. "And it shows. Look, I know Darren’s been giving you a hard time, but you’ve got more heart than he ever will. Don’t let him or anyone else make you feel less than what you are. You're here because you belong."

Callie looked down, tears brimming in her eyes, but this time they were tears of gratitude. "Why are you helping me so much?"

Ava smiled warmly. "Because someone helped me when I was in your shoes. We all need a push sometimes. Just know, you’ve got what it takes to be great. I wouldn’t waste my time if I didn’t believe that."

Callie nodded, her confidence bolstered. "Thank you, Ava. I won’t let you down."

Ava gave her a soft smile. "I know you won’t. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow’s another day, and we’ve got more work to do."

As Callie headed back, Ava turned to watch Talon dismiss the recruits, her mind already turning to the next steps. Callie had potential, but she needed time, training, and—most of all—support. Ava was determined to give her all three.

As the day's training came to a close and the recruits began to disperse, Ava walked beside Callie, her expression thoughtful. The tension from the day's drills still hung in the air, but Ava knew that now was the right time to dig a little deeper.

"Callie," Ava began, keeping her tone gentle but direct, "I saw you pushing through today. You did great. But I’ve also noticed something’s been bothering you, and it’s not just the training."

Callie hesitated, glancing down at the ground, her hands gripping the strap of her bag nervously. "It’s nothing, really. I can handle it."

Ava stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "Listen, I know what it looks like when someone’s carrying more than just physical weight. I’ve been there. You don’t have to go through it alone. What have they been saying to you?"

Callie’s shoulders slumped as she let out a shaky breath. "It’s... it’s just Darren and a few of the others. They keep saying I’m not good enough. That I don’t belong here. That I’m only here because no one else wanted me after I lost my parents. They say I’m weak, and that I’ll never make it as a Sentinel."

Ava’s jaw tightened, her hands clenching slightly. "And you believed them?"

Callie looked up, tears forming in her eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sometimes, yeah. It’s hard not to when they keep saying it."

Ava placed a firm hand on her shoulder, her gaze unwavering. "Callie, you belong here because you earned your spot. No one handed it to you. And those words? They're coming from a place of weakness in *them*, not you. You’ve shown more heart than any of them. That’s what it takes to be a Sentinel—grit, perseverance, and the will to protect others."

Callie blinked back her tears, her voice shaky but filled with hope. "But... what if I’m not strong enough?"

Ava gave her a soft smile. "Strength isn’t just about muscle or fighting skills. It’s about getting back up every time you’re knocked down. And you? You’re already doing that. Trust me, I’ve seen it in you."

Callie’s eyes glistened with gratitude, and for the first time, she stood a little taller. "Thank you, Ava. I... I won’t let them get to me anymore."

Ava nodded, squeezing her shoulder one last time before they continued walking. "Good. And if they try again, you let me know. We’ll handle it together."

As they walked off the field, Callie felt a new sense of determination, a small flicker of confidence that she would continue to nurture. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel so alone.