"Astrid asked, 'Can you explain what is a game do you mean a challenge? I haven't played before,' looking confused." Dante was about to answer when a group of older and bigger boys interrupted them.
"Not today! ," Dante said.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't dorky Dante...And who is this little gem you've got with you?" The older boy scrutinized Astrid. "Dante, where did you find this foreigner? She must be from one of the resorts."
Astrid was unimpressed by the older boy's disrespect towards her. "I don't know what 'dorky' means, but if it's an insult towards my friend, be warned. I will stand up for any of my friends if they are disrespected or harmed. Come at me!"
The older boy laughed and turned to his gang. "Hey Juba, she didn't mean it, right Astrid?" Dante interjected and stepped between them to try and descalate the situation
Astrid replied firmly, "Of course, I meant it. Don't be a coward, Dante."
Juba cracked his knuckles and said, "Big talk coming from a girl. Why don't we head over to the movies and ditch this loser, huh? Astrid, Dante won't mind."
Astrid grinned and responded, "I'll make a deal with you: If you can beat me and Dante in a fistfight, then I'll go wherever you want."
"What! Are you crazy? We can't fight Juba and his gang. I can't fight, and you are delusional, make-believe princess!" Dante said coldly.
"You think I'm crazy, don't you?" Astrid responded angrily. "I mean just a smudge, Princess of Asgard. You seem lost. I just thought you were a lost anime cosplaying tourist who was delirious from lack of hydration."
"At least you were nice enough to guide me through the forest," Astrid continued sarcastically. "I'm ready. Let's go." She screamed, "You stay close to me, Dante."
The fight began, and despite being smaller than their opponents, Astrid's agility and quick reflexes allowed her to dodge many of Juba's attacks. She landed a few powerful blows of her own, but it quickly became clear that they were outmatched in terms of strength.
Astrid jumped back as her attacks did not even faze Juba. "If you are the Princess of Asgard, where is your strength and lightning or whatever power you have?" Dante said angrily.
"My father stripped me of them," Astrid responded.
"You have an excuse for everything, huh?" Dante retorted.
Astrid glared at Dante, frustration boiling inside her. "It's not an excuse, it's the truth," she said through gritted teeth. "And right now, I need to focus on how to beat these guys."
Dante sighed and nodded, realizing he had been too quick to judge Astrid. "You're right. What's the plan?"
Astrid formulated a plan: Dante would stay behind her while she dealt with them by charging head-on.
Dante looked skeptical. "That sounds risky and stupid."
"It's our best shot," Astrid replied with confidence. "You're not much help anyway, coward."
Astrid charged at Juba and his gang, ready for the fight of her life. She darted around, dodging punches and kicks with ease, keeping Juba and his gang occupied. Astrid was able to deliver a damaging blow to Juba and got him on his knees, saying, "Not so tough now, are you?" However, while she was monologuing, two other guys came up and held her.
"Let me go!" Astrid screamed. Juba regained his composure and struck Astrid about three to four times.
To be continued