Where have you been at this ungodly hour?
I was with my friend we were out grabbing a bite to eat. why?
Don't play dumb with me, Perez. I've been watching you, and I know you've been spending a lot of time with that friend of yours lately.
My point is, Perez, that I don't trust them. There's something about them that doesn't sit right with me. You need to stay away from them.
Hey! You don’t get to tell me who I can hang out with.
Oh, really? You think you can defy me? You forget who signs your paycheck, Perez. You don't know what's best for you, but I do. So listen to me, now.
No… No, I won’t… It’s my decision, my life, my choices!
grabs Perez by the collar, pulling them closer You think you can challenge me? You're nothing without me, Perez.
Tears forming in their eyes Let go of me... or I'll call the police.
releases Perez, taking a step back Fine, Perez. Have it your way. But remember, I warned you. If anything happens to you because of your choices,
Backs away, voice trembling I won't forget your warning...but I won't let fear control me either.
pauses, his expression softening slightly You think this is about control, Perez? It's about keeping you safe.
looking at him skeptically Safe from what, exactly?
sighs Safe from the people who would take advantage of your innocence, Perez. Safe from the world that can be cruel and unforgiving.
Stares at him, unsure And how exactly do you plan on doing that?
takes a deep breath By teaching you the skills you need to protect yourself. Starting tomorrow, we will begin your training.
Swallowing hard, voice barely above a whisper Training? For what?
leans in close, his voice low and intense For survival, Perez. In this world, you need to be prepared for anything.
Nods slowly, looking apprehensive I...I guess I can try.
leans back, crossing his arms Good. Tomorrow morning, be ready at dawn. We have a lot to cover. And don't even think about being late.
Nods, determination flickering in their eyes I won't...I won't be late.
paces back and forth, muttering to himself This won't be easy. Perez needs to understand that survival is not a joke. I'll have to push them hard.
The next morning, Perez shows up at the designated location before dawn, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination. I'm here...let's do this.
nods approvingly Good. Now, first things first. We need to work on your basic self-defense techniques. Stand facing me, arms up in a guard position.
Raises their arms, nervously Like this, right?
steps forward, swiftly delivering a punch to Perez's midsection No, Perez! Your guard needs to be tighter. Protect yourself!
Doubles over, gasping for breath Ahh... Okay, okay... I got it. Tighter guard. Got it.
leans in close, his voice filled with anger Do you want to learn or not, Perez? Because if you don't put in the effort, you'll never survive out there.
Struggling to catch their breath Yes...yes, I want to learn. Just...just give me a second, okay?
clenches his fists, his voice filled with frustration Perez, this is not a game! If you don't take this seriously, you'll end up dead!
Grabs onto a nearby tree for support, glaring at Archer I'm trying...dammit, I'm trying! Can't you see that?
takes a deep breath, his expression softening Perez... I didn't become the person I am today by making excuses or giving up easily.
Raises an eyebrow, wiping away a tear So...what's next, tough guy?
sighs Next, we're going to work on your footwork. Agility is key in a fight. Let's see how fast you can move.
Laughs nervously Agility, huh? Alright, watch me trip over my own feet.
narrows his eyes Don't underestimate yourself, Perez. You may be slow now, but with proper training, you can become quick and nimble.
Rolls their eyes Yeah, yeah... I'm a slowpoke, got it.
raises an eyebrow Slowpoke or not, you better start believing in yourself if you want to survive. Now, let's see what you're made of.
Smirks I'm all in, Coach. Show me what you got.
smirks You asked for it, Perez. Get ready to run. We're starting with sprints.
Starts sprinting, groaning under their breath This is bullshit...why did I agree to this again?
smirks and starts running alongside Perez, his footsteps matching their pace Because deep down, you know you need this. You need to prove to yourself that you can handle anything that comes your way. Keep pushing, Perez. You're stronger than you think.
Trips and stumbles, faceplanting into the dirt Shit...okay, maybe I'm not as strong as I thought. But hey, at least I tried, right?
extends a hand to help Perez up That's the spirit, Perez. Getting back up after a fall takes more strength than you realize.
Groans as they pull themselves up, dusting off dirt from their clothes Guess I should've brought a helmet...
claps Perez on the back Don't worry, Perez. We all have our share of falls. It's how we get back up that matters.