*10 DAYS AGO (TRAINING DAY 13)*
"... Like I said a few days ago, the more you use your powers, the quicker you'll tire," Zoe stated. "We'll continue with our non-power hand-to-hand combat," she added.
"Do we spar with one another again?" Thomas inquired.
"No," Zoe shook her head, "you'll be in groups ... Against me."
*PRESENT DAY*
INTER-ORDER COMPETITION FINAL
Hunter walked onto the stage, patiently waiting for the bell to be rung.
"Ladies and gentlemen, once again, the overall score is 4 - 1 and the Sprites are down to their last man in the group challenge, they need to get a win here or the Elementals win in the advance!" The announcer reminded.
The bell is rung and the two competitors charge toward each other. The elemental jumps and throws his leg to Hunter who ducks and slides below the attack. He gets up swiftly and turns but the elemental blows fire from his mouth, forcing Hunter into defense.
Once the fire stopped, Hunter lowers his hand for an attack but the fire elemental throws a hook aiming for the unguarded spot on the chin. Hunter staggers backward and the elemental spins, hitting the sprite with a thunderous elbow.
Hunter fumbles backward but the elemental gives him no time to rest, flames appearing around his fist as he closes the distance between himself and the teal green-eyed boy, twisting his body toward his non-dominant hand as he winds back before pivoting his feet and delivering the strongest of hooks.
Hunter flies several feet backward, hyperventilating as he rose back to his feet. The elemental's blows were quick, strong, and dangerous.
The elemental rushes forward, forming a ball of fireball and launching it at Hunter. The fireball hits the dark-haired boy causing a small explosion.
The faces on the Sprites' bench turn sour but Zoe looked on with hope.
"And that's it, it is all over," the announcer stated, "the elementals win the group challenge and also win the --"
The smoke disperses and Hunter still stands tall with the fire burning behind him.
"Hunter is still in the game. Hunter is still in the game!" The announcer says excitedly drawing a huge pop from the attendants.
The fire elemental's face turns into shock as he sees his opponent emerge from his finishing move unscathed. "What the --"
Lauren lets out a little "yes!" while Zoe smiles knowingly, 'While Hunter's resilience and determination is remarkable, what really makes him special is that no matter how much stronger than him the opponent is, the more they keep fighting, the more his skills and abilities rise to match that of his opponent' Zoe thought. 'It was how he was able to land a punch against me ...'
Hunter moves swiftly toward his opponent. The elemental moves foward and Hunter steps back before putting his weight onto his front foot. He throws a hook, using his front leg to generate power and stability. The balance allows him to reach forward with more power.
The elemental recovers and throws a cross which Hunter blocks by stopping the punch with his forearm before countering with a cross of his own that catches his opponent in the temple. The elemental jumps back, shooting fire from his hands to create some distance between them.
Hunter springs forward to increase his range, catching the unguarded elemental by surprise. He used his front foot to propel himself, whilst maintaining his stance. Hunter throws a punch with his leading hand which catches his opponent in the chin. The elemental attempts to shoot fire from his hand to Hunter who took a notice of this and presses his hand to the elemental, stopping the attack.
Hunter jumps and delivers a headbutt that echoes throughout the arena causing the elemental to fall to his knee. Hunter places his hand on the elemental's chin, tilting his head upward a little before punching him in the side of the face.
The elemental fall to the ground defeated and the bell is rung.
"Hunter Heffernan scores a point for the Sprites and ruins the Elementals' chance of winning it early in the group challenge," the announcer stated.
Hunter dropped to his knees and breathes as gently as he could to steady his heartbeat, he felt a hand fall on his shoulders and turn to see Lauren, "don't tell me I have to fight you next," he said causing her to laugh but her expression turned serious before she speaks, "we're forfeiting the group challenge," she stated.
"What, why? I can do this, I can score a hat trick!" He claimed.
"I know, but what good would that do if we go on to lose the team challenge?" She stated. "The Elementals are very physical and you're already exhausted after one battle, I believe you won't be able to compete in the team challenge if you finish this one," she continued, "so we are going to forfeit this match, and put our all in the team challenge," she added.
"Fine," he sighs, "you convinced me ... Let's do it!"
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