Eventually, the duo arrived at a futuristic town with colourful decorations filling the streets. Apparently, by Zahira's sharp observations, the town was celebrating something called 'The Fall of The Beast'. Zoe and Zahira reached the academy and they watched Ricky fight hand-to-hand combat. 'She sure has skills alright..' Zoe admitted in her mind. Still watching, Ricky had noticed their presence and approached them. Greeting her sister, she glanced at Zoe and grinned.
"I challenge a duel against you, lady!!!" Ricky cockily announced out loud, gaining cheers of approval by the other students.
"Ricky?! What do you think you're doing? She's here to.." "-To help mom, I know, Zahira. That's why I want to challenge her." The blonde interrupted. "Why would mom leave her trust towards a bookworm? I'm sure this girl has some skills!" Ricky explained her reason for the challenge
"Reasonable enough." Zahira sighed making Zoe frown. 'Whose side are you on?' "But still! You mustn't!" Zahira yelled at her younger sister's cocky attitude.
"It's alright, Zahira. I understand her feelings. So I'll accept that challenge and prove her wrong!" Zoe said while grinning (decided to attack Zahira later for thinking a fight against her was REASONABLE).
The challenge was tough. Ricky was the most elite student in her school and like the best, she had many strategies prepared to battle, anyone. Zoe, an amateur, stood no chance against the girl and nearly lost. The battle took place at that very location and Zahira was told to act as referee. She stood between them and nodded slightly before giving the go.
As expected, Ricky was fast and dashed forward to attack Zoe. Zoe was unexpectedly quick (She was more of a coward) and dodged the first attack. Ricky's grin expanded at the turn of events and decided that speed couldn't match. She changed strategies to strength.
The strength battle became one-sided as Ricky dominated Zoe with punches in the abdomen. Zoe soon crouched down and heaved in pain before kneeling down. The crowd went wild as if expecting her to die and Zahira began the count. Ricky faced the crowd and lifted her fist in joy. 'As expected! I'm the best!!' But her positive thoughts came to a halt at the sight of Zoe still standing. She had blood sliding down her chin slowly and she wiped it promptly before grinning.
"I'm not going down without a fight!" Zoe stood in a fighting stance and confidence on her face. Ricky cocked her head slightly before settling herself in a boxing stance.
The duo approached each other slowly before Ricky launched a heavy punch. Zoe managed to dodge the blow and advanced under her arm before landing an uppercut at Ricky's chin. The impact traveled at a speed of light and caused her to fall over and collapse. A hush of silence filled the air and the crowd softly counted. When they reached ten, every student present chanted Zoe's name in triumph.
Zoe was completely bewildered. She dropped down to reawaken Ricky but Zahira had other plans. The furry had disappeared a moment ago and is now climbing into the ring with a bucket full of water. Without hesitation, Zoe watched Zahira pour the contents over Ricky who jolted up awake. She glanced around and blinked rapidly as if she was just recalling herself from a dark dream. Zahira snapped her fingers in front of her a few times to get her back to reality. When she did, she casually stood up and glanced at Zoe.
A faint smile emerged over her lips. Ricky approached Zoe with a satisfied smirk. She was a warrior, searching for a qualified rival. And Zoe is her first. Smiling, Ricky agreed to follow them back to the castle. Zoe felt so happy ticking her list, she glanced at the top name. 'Blaze Cornelia Flame. You're next!' Beginning her steps, Zoe, Zahira, and Ricky smiled in joy. They were excited to meet the next Flame Kingdoms ruler. The next heir…