Pumped up (Cameo)

At least I am no longer the Trainee. Honestly, there’s no reason for me to complain. Authorities wouldn’t dare to direct me, because now I’m one of them. Instead of dreadfully striving to get into the yearly game of risk, to be yanked from Brooklyn, I’m coaching others to stroll down a similar path. That’s not the aspect that occasionally has me desiring to beat my head to a wall though, but rather a select few of the new hunger wannabe candidates who are my students.

“Go find a damn punching bag, and don’t treat it like a stupid stuffed animal!” Is demanded to the two naïve asses standing pathetically before me. Yeah, the majority of them have me questioning this lifetime employment I assumed I’d enjoy.

A heavy breath releases from my lungs, as they fortunately understand how to follow instructions. Perhaps being a Career myself was more pleasant; least I could legally kick their ass back then. Intently I watch the two knuckleheads, internally pleading that they’ll attempt force into their noncombat attacks against inanimate objects. One has potential, while the other is still as passive as a kitten. Before I can observe any further though, my attention is pulled elsewhere.

Small distant chatter, and the vague sound of a familiar name, has me subtly glancing to my side. The last person I expect to witness at the Gym appears here of all places. “Aren’t you a bit too old to be a Career now, Matthew?” Automatically I tease as though our comedic friendship never paused. “Unless you’re looking to be a Trainer now? In which case, please take my Pupils.” I offer with a genuinely humorous tone. The countless hours we spent at the academy, and our dysfunctional group, were certainly memorable. But then again I didn’t take any of our snarky comments to heart.

What is the relationship remaining between Matthew & I? Does our sarcastic friendship still linger? Or did he lose patients for my sly remarks when he separated from Kyanite? Things had been different for so long now, everyone distanced, and promising assumptions became vague. It is nice to encounter him out of a slightly awkward environment though, which is what I refrain on considering.

He doesn’t wish to train a faulty Career, but he is happy to see me. There’s no preventing the mere confusion that marks my features. “Yeah, you to.” Though I agree rather easily, while a grin replaces my shocked expression. But the surprise doesn’t halt there as he then pulls me into a hug. Guess we did share an array of events together, humorous and heartache, that’d bond even the most different of friends. The embrace is, briefly, sincerely exchanged in return.

“Be my guest.” I encourage when Matthew suggests a potential battle with a weak newbie. Now that’d be an entertaining spar to witness, might even slap some of my Trainees into their rightful place.

A subtle laugh slips from my tongue at the idea. “I’d love to myself. But I’m guessing it wouldn’t arise a very nice reaction from the other Trainers. When did this place become so weak?” I complain heavily, displeased with the results I’ve been given here. “So how have you been lately? Staying out of trouble?” And the jokes continue once again, while I fully turn my attention from my job.