Chapter 6:

Training

Who's ready for this chapter? After recovering from a mental block, this one might sound either cheesy or ... bad.

Bright and early; Jake was rudely interrupted from his sleep like always from that cursed siren. Being sluggish in these calls isn't an option. Jake finished zipping up his uniform and started to head out. Along the way, he spotted Rick and waved to him only to get one in response. So far, they only chat about their training. Rick hadn't shared much since their first day. But, Jake was worried about him. Once he and Chance learned about his reason to join the Enforcers, it baffled them. Rick wanted to get back at Commander Feral. He didn't tell them why, only that it was his fault.

Training went as usual. Stick to the group you were first put in since arrival and go over the schedule plan. They would start off doing sixteen mile jogs within an hour, followed by a fifteen minute break then go immediately to combat training for those who need it or just to improve. That took about three hours of painful and exhausting hard work. Even though they are all tired at this point, they must continue with out rest. Marksmanship followed combat in a heartbeat; another three hours. After that followed a much needed lunch.

Jake took his trey to the one spot he, Chance and Rick sat since their second day. As lively as the other tables seemed, they just wanted to be far from the rest. The lean tom's muscles ease once he sat on the bench. For some reason, he felt like he was back in school, except you actually want to go to class. He sees he forgot his spoon for the mashed potatoes and grimace the walk back up for it.

"Chance, can you get me a spoon?"

The tabby whined just thinking about the effort to just getting up from his seat. "I'm sorry Jake; I don't think that's going to happen." Jake pouted and tries to get up. The second he turns around, Rick appeared and sat next to Jake. To their confusion, he wasn't sporting a single sweat from their ordeal. Rick was starting to feel awkward from being looked like something was wrong with him.

"What?"

"Nothing, say are you going to use that spoon?" Jake asked with a hidden hopeful look. Surprisingly, Rick handed the lean tom the spoon and got up to get another. Jake turned to Chance, "Um…I think something is up with Rick. He's been really distant lately."

Chance swallowed down a spoonful of his smashed spuds and gave a glance towards the approaching tom. "I see, why don't we ask him what's up?"

"I don't want him to think –"

"Hey Jake," Rick sat down again and used his spoon to mix his potatoes and peas. "Why don't we do some training later today? After all, classes do go by slow and will be worth it."

"I'd rather work on studying for now. Three days here and I'm still trying to recover from yesterday throw down." Jake sighed at the memory and continued to eat his lunch. "Besides, you could always train with your adviser. I'm sure they will –"

"I'd rather not." Rick said a little too quickly for comfort. His face had so much pain and looked as if he wanted to leave. Chance could sense his tension. It's was so obvious, he wondered if Jake could sense it too. He watched the tom's paws shake uncontrollably as he lifted the spoon. Chance had about enough and couldn't watch Rick struggle on his own.

"Okay, what's wrong?"

"Chance…!"

"Nothing is wrong." Rick scoffed annoyed of the sudden question. "I'm just tired from all this training."

"Don't lie," Chance got in the tom's face. "You don't even look tired! We're in day three of training and you look right as rain! There is no way you can be used to all this training already!"

"I…might have skipped on a few training sessions. But, that's none of your business." Rick continued to eat and ignoring the tabby hovering above him. Chance sat back down and continued to eat as well. Jake, however, has been thinking over Rick's proposal to train together. He is on the tom's group and training with Chance would only happen if they snuck out. Not like they haven't already.

"You know, maybe, training with you might be a good idea. Studying the in and out of the gunners seat will be cake for me." Rick looked at the lean tom with a smile and kept on eating.

"Why did you agree to go train with that lunatic?" Chance asked the second Rick left. "Don't you remember, he's out to kill Commander Feral? He's a freaking terrorist!"

"I know he's after the Commander, but I think I can make him think otherwise." Jake gave Chance a pleading look. "Please, don't tell the superiors about this. If things get worse, or if Rick makes his move, warn the Commander." Chance nodded and headed for his pilot training.

Later that same day, Chance was starting to head down to the Mess Hall until he spotted Jake and Rick heading some other way. He kept telling himself to just focus on finding Lt. Price. After all, he wanted to back and be able to beat her this time. He knew the training he has gotten so far in just three days may not enough, but its worth to hear what she has to say about his progress. He searches from the entrance with his eyes to see if he can spot her. With a smile, he approached and gave his salute to her.

"Well, what can I do for you today Chance?" Lt. Price sounded more different than she did when he first met her. It was sweet and soothing. Not only that, she was a little close for comfort. Trying not to look nerved, Chance cleared his throat and made his proposal. "You want some extra training from me." Lt. Price stepped back and put a paw on her hip. "Alright, let's go in the backroom."

The tabby followed the Lt. to the big doors and soon the place was completely dark. Chance couldn't see anything until a sudden burst of light blinded him for a second. He looked around amazed at the room. The side of the wall had racks of weapons for paw-to-paw combat. He saw the usual knuckle bruisers, one of which he only used once in his lifetime, some different sized nunchukus for those he thought would replays nightsticks, and some other close range weapon. Other than weapons, this whole room was made for personal training. Open space, workout equipment he knew was to build stamina, strength, and/or agility.

Lt. Price stood before the tabby. When Chance was looking around the room, he didn't notice that she had taken off her bullet proof vest and top jacket. All she wore was a black sleeveless t-shirt, revealing how lean and fit she is. "Okay, last time I evaluated you on your performance on the fight. Now that you had some training, I will evaluate you on how fast you react and timing. I won't go easy on you and as your adviser, I advise you take my word on that."

"Alright,"

Chance took the position they were taught. Like last time, Lt. Price was quick and, let's not forget, agile. She did the same thing to Chance when he first blocked her attack. The tabby was already starting to feel annoyed and had to get loose from her hold. This was turning out bad for Chance since his timing to get free is taking a little longer than he expected. He somehow got reversed with her and now she was being restrained, but not for long. Lt. Price jumps up and lands on the tabby's shoulders as if he was some kind of ride. Whatever she had in mind, Chance didn't let her and knocks her off. He saw her recover from the corner of his eye and avoids a low kick. Chance has some good distance away from her and this is what he wanted. Again, Lt. Price charged at him and expected for Chance to finally strike back, but he blocked again. When she goes for the reversal, Chance had already grabbed her arms and pulls her in for a punch in her stomach. She staggers back and was kicked in her hip that made her fall to the ground. Lt. Price could hear the tabby's footsteps as he got closer and was waiting for one final hit.

"Here we go." Chance helped the lean she-kat stand on her feet. She sighed when she saw that Chance ended the training this time. She leaned on the wall and took in some air. After the blow to her stomach, she felt winded.

"You have gotten better…than the first time we fought." Lt. Price has recovered some to finally speak. Chance smiled at that win. "But, your timing to react is still slow. You waited for me to get close and in dangerous situations, you can't let that happen. You have to be alert and go for the charge. Waiting will only give the enemy time to avoid whatever it is you are planning in your head."

"But," Chance started to look confused. "Last time you told me that going head on is reckless and that I should think before I act. Now you're telling me that going head on is would have given me a better evaluation."

"No," Lt. Price shook her head. "You are right about the first part, but this lesson is about timing. You must know when to strike before you act. In your case, you do really well in close range. But, what about those from a far distance; not all your enemies will be head on attackers." Chance pouts and hung his head. "But overall evaluation, you did well. You were thinking this time but remember that timing is crucial."

"Thanks, I guess I'll just head on out." The tabby made his way to the door. Lt. Price sighed out when the tabby left. She placed a paw on the tender hurting hip and winced.

"It could have been worse." She told herself. "How does a tom like him can be so rough, but gentle?"

A target was broken, then the next and the next. Jake demonstrated his accuracy as Rick watched on how he held and focused his aim. The lean tom didn't know why he felt so much relaxed holding a rifle in his paws. Must have been from all those times he entered the Paintball Competitions since sophomore year. Even then he didn't know, but that could be a possibility. With the last target down, he lowers the rifle and lets it hang on his shoulder from the straps.

"Nice shooting." Rick patted the lean tom. Jake stiffened when Rick's paw stood on his shoulder and slightly caressed him. "Time to show you what I learned by just watching you." The light brown tom took aim and fired at the newly set targets. Jake eyes widened at the perfect precision of his shooting. The lean tom knew he had really great aim, but Rick hit each target directly and as soon as they appeared. Jake's fastest time was under a minute by 54 seconds; Rick's was 44.

"That's… amazing. How did you learn that from watching me?"

"I have a talent for spotting the wrong and making sure I don't repeat the same mistakes as the other did." Rick lowered the rifle to face Jake. "You may have really great aim, but you stiffen up and that slows you down from moving to your next target. So, I made sure I was fully relaxed; as if nobody was around at all."

The smile Rick gave Jake looked like the very look Chance gave him whenever they are together. "Well, let's call it a day. I want to at least catch up on some studying and then go to sleep for tomorrows training schedule again." Jake left and started to head down to his quarters. His mind raced on what just happened between him and Rick. 'No Jake, that can't be. Rick isn't…'

The next few weeeks, the three went through their training like never before. Eventually, they got used to the training and were able to get the hang of it all. Not until the sergeants and Lt. noticed it and decided to pump it up a notch; a huge notch. But the bright side to this, they weren't as tired as they thought they would be. Still feeling fatigued; Jake and Chance found some time to finally catch up.

"I'm not saying I like pain, but I'm not saying I don't like it either." Chance said while messaging his newly grown muscles. He always did this to tease the lean tom knowing that it made Jake want to reach out for him. Chance found Jake more attractive as well. The lean tom has grown from a skinny tom to an athletic build, which added to making him more sexy looking than usual.

"You know what they; no pain no game, right?"

"And right you are babe…err…buddy." Chance placed a paw on his face for making that come out so naturally. "Oops." The tabby blushed a bit.

"It's okay." Jake looked around and figured they were safe that nobody was around to hear, and to add to their security, it was loud. "Besides, I missed being called that so it's a mood brightener."

"I just wish we could have some more free time for ourselves. All this training is getting too repetitive. It's too mundane." Chance complained and lean on a paw. Jake smiled at the tabby's wish knowing that he too wished for it. "You don't think we could…you know?" Chance cocked his head towards the door leading out of the Mess Hall. "We can finally get some alone time during our lunch break."

Jake blushed at the proposal. "I don't think that's such a good idea. If we leave together, they'll find out who we are." Even though it was loud, Jake still felt the need to whisper it.

"Jake, we've been here for three weeks and you're still afraid of being found out. Well I'm sick of hiding." Chance went to grab his paw, but Jake retracts. The tabby sighed and got up. "I love you Jake. But, you need to stop being afraid of being who you are. You're acting like Brent. And I'm sure Brent wouldn't be so happy at you for deciding to hide your sexuality after telling him off about it." And with that, Chance left.

Jake could feel the hurt he left on Chance, but not as much as Chance hurt him. He knew he was being a hypocrite for hiding who he is now. In school it was easy to express who he is but here, it could really get him hurt; both emotionally and physically. Then he remembered what Chance promised him before they left. He got up and rushed for Chance. The tabby was still walking off, but Jake stopped his advance by grabbing his arm with both his paws.

"You're right." Jake said in a low voice. "I shouldn't hide who I am. If they don't approve who we are, than hell with them; we can defend each other from here. I'm not going to let this bring us apart; not anymore."

Chance turned around and pulled Jake closer. "What are you saying? You want to be open now cuz I compared you with Brent. I'm sorry, but you were being like him for a second." Chance placed a paw on Jake's chin and was now touching each other's noses. For the first time since their first day, they finally locked lips. Jake felt this was right. He felt more content with who he was.

The sirens blared again to signal break time was over. Chance and Jake groaned at the bad luck they always get whenever they finally get alone. "I'm tired of all the interruptions. Why can't we ever be alone for more than five minutes?" The tabby complained as he slowly let go of Jake.

"Don't worry," Jake said soothingly. "I bet the wait will only make it the more special."

"Not all the time the enemy will hide in the city! Some will go to great lengths and hide in the swamp. That place is usually less checked but the head Commander as ordered us to at least take your training to open grounds."

"The swamp," Rick complained low enough for only Jake to hear. "If training here wasn't ridiculous already; at least we get to go out of this camp for a while."

"Yeah," Jake responded while looking towards Rick's direction and past him to see his lover just beyond the group. "I can't wait to get out there."

"You're serious about this?"

"More than I ever have been."

The swamp isn't a great place to be for any kat. The place reeked of muck, the water felt slimy other than smooth, and the mosquitoes bite at anything with warm blood. The trees held some green life but the rest were either withered or completely dead. The wildlife was just as worse. Alligators would hide in the mucky water and wait for unsuspecting pray and snakes would attack when felt threatened. Tarantulas would often stay away unless you seemed like a worthy taste.

Their objective was to find all the parcels scattered around the swamp. Three groups searched and only one would arrive with the most by the end of two hours. Jake's group split up to increase their search and Jake ended with Rick. He felt uncomfortable, but he had to stay focused and put that thought out of mind. When they found a parcel, the other tom that was with them said that he would take it back to base and come back to join them in their search. Jake and Rick stood in the foliage that hid them from everyone's sight. Jake would peek out for their other partner and, at the same time, Chance.

"What's taking him so long to come back? Our base isn't that far." Jake complained and went back to sit down. He crossed his arms and tried to calm himself. "If he doesn't come back soon, we are going to have to look for the other's ourselves." Rick nodded and struggled to speak. His actions made Jake more nervous. But not as nervous to the sudden kiss Rick lands on him. Jake pushed him off. "What the hell…?" Jake struggled to breathe from the surprise.

"I thought you loved me Jake." The tone Rick used made the lean tom look at him. He felt hurt and his voice debated to be angry or depressed. "I thought you loved me because you trained with me and we spent so much time together. I was starting to feel happy and was thinking about abandoning my revenge, but…"

"Rick," Jake didn't know what to say. He stood silent and looked the other way. Rick kept a hard stare on the lean tom. Words finally formed in the tom's mind. "I don't love you, but that doesn't mean I didn't love you at all. I like you as a friend. You see, I already have someone that loves me and love in return. He's –"

"He; are you saying you met him here?" Rick raised his voice and gasped at the reality. "You love Chance. Not only did Feral take my happiness but Chance did too."

"No, Chance and I have been –"

"I'll correct this." The light brown tom got up and ran off from the foliage. Jake didn't move. His mind was racing into what Rick could possibly correct. He gasped and got up to chase down the tom who is carrying a loaded rifle.

"I can't let him hurt Chance."

Don't hate me! I keep telling myself this is good, and I do find it good, but it just feels like something is missing. What is it...? Anyways, Review Please.