Chapter 7: the characters(2)
Dakota watched as Jack and Liam squared off, almost coming to blows. A smirk played on his lips.
Dakota (thinking): Well, that was unexpected—those two nearly fighting. But, it might work in our favor. Now they're motivated to train hard, and that means they'll get even stronger. They'll need it if they're going to handle what's coming.
He let out a sigh, pondering what he should do next. Should he train as well, or maybe focus on honing his magical abilities further?
Dakota: "Hmm, what to do now..."
Just then, he heard a familiar voice.
Ava: "Hey, Dakota, there's something I want to ask you."
Dakota turned to see Ava, her expression resolute.
Dakota: "Oh? What is it, Ava?"
Ava: "Can you spar with me?"
Her request caught him off guard. Ava had never once asked to spar with him, not even when they were kids training together.
Dakota: "You... want to spar? Really?"
Ava nodded, her gaze unwavering.
Ava: "Yes. I need to work on my flame magic, and I think a sparring match with you would be the perfect challenge."
Dakota took a moment to process her words. Sparring with Ava could be fun, and it would also help her improve.
Dakota: "Alright, sure. Let's do it."
Ava's face lit up with a mixture of excitement and determination. Together, they headed to the training grounds, preparing to face off.
Ava: "Alright, Dakota, no holding back!"
Dakota: "You sure? Alright then, let's see what you've got!"
As the match began, Ava dashed forward, throwing a fast punch aimed straight at him. Dakota sidestepped, dodging her strike and countering with his own, landing a light hit that forced her back. She staggered slightly but quickly gathered her composure, her eyes narrowing with focus. She took a deep breath and activated her spell, "Eruption," causing flames to erupt from the ground beneath Dakota. Knowing her moves well, Dakota dodged with ease, leaping to the side.
Dakota: "Good try, but I know that move!"
Without missing a beat, he cast "Firebolt," sending a searing bolt of flame toward her. Ava was quick, dodging the attack as she accelerated, moving with surprising speed and appearing behind him in an instant. She attempted to land a flaming punch, but Dakota ducked, countering with a sweeping kick, his leg ignited with fire. The impact knocked her to the ground, but she quickly rolled back to her feet.
Ava: "Not bad! But I'm not done yet!"
With a confident smile, Ava conjured a flame sword, the fire blazing along the blade as she charged toward him. She swung, aiming to catch him off guard, but Dakota anticipated the move and caught her sword by the hilt. For a moment, they locked eyes, each refusing to back down. But Ava wasn't finished yet—she took advantage of his distraction and landed a flaming kick to his stomach, forcing him to release her weapon as he stumbled back.
Dakota (to himself): Clever girl. She tricked me. Smart move, but she still won't win.
He activated "Flame Boost," his legs blazing with increased power and speed. With a swift movement, he closed the distance between them, aiming a flaming fist at her. Ava tried to block, but Dakota feinted at the last moment, using his momentum to jump and deliver a powerful kick to her head. The force sent her to the ground, temporarily disrupting her magic as the impact affected her concentration.
Dakota: "Ava, are you alright?"
Ava winced, rubbing her head, and then looked up at him with a pout.
Ava: "Does it look like I'm okay? You kicked me in the head! That really hurt!"
Dakota chuckled.
Dakota: "Sorry, Ava, but I didn't have much choice if I wanted to win."
Ava: "Hmm, fine. I'll forgive you… but only if you pat my head."
Dakota blinked, surprised by the request.
Dakota: "Wait... that's all it takes for you to forgive me?"
Ava nodded with a smirk.
Ava: "Yes, that's my condition."
Dakota sighed but relented, reaching out to gently pat her head. As he did, he noticed her cheeks turning pink, though she seemed genuinely happy.
Dakota: "Alright, this is enough, right?"
Ava: "Yes, that'll do. I forgive you."
Dakota: "Thanks... I guess. We should head back before class starts."
Ava: "Okay."
As they made their way back to the classroom, they spotted their friends, who immediately noticed their absence.
Lucas: "Hey, where were you two? And what were you doing?"
Dakota: "Nothing special. Just sparring."
Mia raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.
Mia: "Wait, sparring? You and Ava? That's a first."
Liam: "Yeah, she's right. I've never seen you two spar before. What happened?"
Ava shrugged casually.
Ava: "I just wanted to spar with Dakota, that's all."
Lucas nodded, satisfied. "Alright, sounds good. But we should talk about what happened yesterday."
Dakota: "Oh, you mean when Liam and Jack nearly fought?"
Lucas nodded again. "Yeah, exactly. Liam, I know you're determined to beat Jack in the tournament, but right now, he's stronger. Do you have a plan?"
Liam grinned, confident as ever.
Liam: "Simple. I'll train as hard as I can for the next two months. By then, I'll be stronger than him."
Lucas looked skeptical. "Do you really think it'll be that easy?"
Liam's grin widened. "Yes, because Dakota is going to help me train."
Dakota raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.
Dakota: "Oh, am I?"
Liam gave him a pleading look.
Liam: "Come on, Dakota. Please help me train!"
Dakota chuckled, finding the idea amusing.
Dakota: (thinking) Alright, fine. I suppose it'd be interesting to see a character I didn't create beat the main character's rival. *I'll help you."
Liam pumped his fist in excitement.
Liam: "Yes!"
Dakota: "Alright, shush now. The lesson's starting."
After class, Dakota and Liam made their way to the training grounds.
Dakota: "Okay, Liam. Ready to train with me for two whole months?"
Liam: "More than ready!"
The two began their rigorous training, with Dakota pushing Liam to his limits each day. After only five minutes of sparring on the first day, Liam was already catching his breath.
Liam: "Man… I keep forgetting just how strong you are."
Dakota: "And right now, you're still much weaker than Jack. You'll need a new technique if you want to have any chance of defeating him."
Liam's eyes lit up with determination.
Liam: "A new technique?"
Dakota nodded. "Yes, a move strong enough to surprise him. Over the next two months, you'll focus on developing a new ability—one that'll give you an edge in the tournament."
Liam clenched his fists, his resolve clear.
Liam: "Got it. I'll develop a new ability. I'll be ready."
Two months passed in intense training, and the day of the tournament finally arrived. The academy buzzed with excitement, the air thick with anticipation.
Dakota: "At last, it's tournament day. You ready, Liam?"
Liam nodded, confidence radiating from him.
Liam: "More than ready. I've trained hard, and I've got a new ability to show off."
Dakota: "Good. For now, just sit back and relax until your match."
The commentator's voice echoed through the arena as the crowd settled in.
Commentator: "Hello, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the annual Hero's Academy tournament!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable.
Commentator: "Today, we're in for an incredible show of power and skill! Without further ado, let's start with the first match of the day—Luna Jenkins versus Mia Lopez!"
Luna stepped onto the stage, her expression determined.
Luna: "This is my chance to prove I deserve a higher rank than ninth."
Mia, equally determined, gave her a challenging look.
Mia: "Alright, time to show the world what I'm capable of."
The crowd held its breath in anticipation as the two combatants faced off, the tournament beginning with a clash of flame and magic that promised unforgettable battles.