After hours of flying, the private jet finally touched down in America.
Dakota: "And we're finally back."
Henry: "Yes, indeed we are."
Ava: "I can't wait to see my parents again."
Lucas: "Yeah, me too."
We collected our bags at the airport and then went our separate ways, each of us eager to return home.
Dakota: "Ah, back home at last after three days in another country."
Dakota: "Father, Mother, I'm home!"
Mother: "Oh, Dakota, you're finally back!" She pulled me into a hug.
Father: "So, you've returned, son. We heard about the auction… You were there, right?"
Dakota: "Yes, I was."
Father: "Then would you mind telling us what happened?"
Dakota: "Of course."
I filled them in on all the events at the auction.
Mother: "Wow, I can't believe that happened."
Father: "Yeah, and I wonder how you keep finding yourself in these wild situations, son."
Dakota: "Yeah, I wonder, too." I joked. "Maybe it's because I'm the author… or maybe because I'm a reincarnation?"
Father: "Well, whatever the reason, you should wash up, and then we'll spar."
Dakota: "Oh, alright. I accept your challenge, Father."
Mother: "Yes, yes, but go wash up first, Dakota."
Dakota: "Got it."
I headed up to my room, freshened up, and then joined my father for a sparring session. Despite my efforts, he completely overpowered me.
Dakota: "Damn, I still can't land a good hit on you, Father."
Father: "You've got a long way to go before that happens."
Dakota: "Don't worry. I promise you that before I graduate from the academy, I'll land a solid hit on you."
Father: "Oh, you think you'll hit me before you graduate? Me, one of the strongest heroes, Duke Leal?"
My father, Duke Leal, is one of the most powerful heroes in human history.
Dakota: "Yes, I will."
Duke: "Hmm, we'll see about that."
(Oh, and my mother's name is Maria Leal.)
Maria: "Hey, you two, dinner is ready! Come inside."
Both my father and I called back, "Okay," as we headed in to eat. After dinner, I took a nap, but that nap stretched on until the next day.
Dakota: "Wow, that nap was amazing. I feel completely refreshed."
With renewed energy, I headed to the academy. I entered the classroom and took my seat.
Lucas: "Hey, Dakota. Good morning."
Ava: "Good morning!"
Liam: "Good morning."
Mia: "Good morning."
Dakota: "Good morning to you all."
Lucas: "Do you have any plans today, Dakota?"
Dakota: "Hmm, not really."
Lucas: "Then why don't we spar?"
Dakota: "Oh? You want to spar with me?"
Lucas: "Yeah, we haven't sparred in a while."
Dakota: "Alright. Let's spar during lunch break."
Lucas: "Deal."
When lunch break arrived, we made our way to the sparring area.
Dakota: "Are you ready, Lucas?"
Lucas: "Yes, I am."
Liam: "Alright, if both of you are ready… START!"
As soon as Liam gave the signal, both Lucas and I summoned our swords and clashed.
CLANK
The sound of metal echoed as we both moved at high speed, testing each other's skill and reflexes.
Dakota: "Come on, Lucas, why don't we step it up a bit more?"
Lucas: "Yeah, let's do it."
Ava: "Really? They're getting more serious?"
Liam: "Yep, whenever they spar, they go all out. It's like they turn into fighting maniacs."
Lucas: "Ice Spikes!"
Lucas launched ice spikes at me, but I destroyed each one with quick, controlled strikes. I responded with a barrage of fireballs, which Lucas froze in mid-air. But as he focused on that, I appeared right in front of him and landed a kick to his stomach.
Lucas: "Ah!"
He groaned in pain, but quickly recovered and blocked my next strike.
Lucas: "You're not going to beat me that easily, Dakota."
He cast a spell, "Ice Domain." It created a field of ice around me, making the ground slick and enhancing his own power within the field.
Dakota: "This spell is so hard to deal with…"
Lucas blitzed toward me, landing a punch to my face that sent me sliding back, though I managed to stay on my feet.
I called out, "Flame Transformation!" Instantly, I transformed my body into flames, adding an extra layer of speed and intensity to my movements.
Lucas: "If you're going that far, then I'll do the same."
He shifted into his own elemental transformation, becoming entirely encased in ice.
Liam: "I haven't seen them both transform in a long time."
Ava: "Yeah, me neither."
Mia: "Now that they've transformed, this must be the final showdown."
Liam: "Yes, this is the last stage of their spar."
Dakota: "Are you ready for the final attack, Lucas?"
Lucas: "Of course I am."
Dakota: "Alright then, let's do this!"
We both prepared for our final moves, charging toward each other with all our strength. The impact of our clash created a massive explosion.
Liam: "Whoa, that was huge!"
Mia: "Yeah, I wonder who won."
Ava: "I think we all know who won."
As the smoke cleared, Lucas admitted, "Well, damn. Looks like you won again, Dakota."
He exited his ice form and collapsed to the ground, exhausted, while I remained standing.
Dakota: "That was a good spar, Lucas. Really got my blood pumping."
Liam: "You alright, man?"
Dakota: "Yeah, I'm fine. Check on Lucas, though."
Liam: "The girls are already on it."
Dakota: "Good."
Liam: "Oh, by the way, Dakota."
Dakota: "Yeah?"
Liam: "Can we spar, too?"
Dakota: "You're looking to get your ass kicked, huh?"
Liam: "No, because this time, I'm going to beat you!"
We laughed as we prepared for a quick sparring session, but, as expected, I defeated Liam as well.
Dakota: "When will you learn, Liam? You can't beat me."
Liam laughed, admitting defeat but already plotting ways to improve for our next battle. The rest of the day passed quickly, full of classes and laughter with friends.
That evening, after a long day, I returned home and recounted my academy adventures to my parents. They listened intently, laughing at some parts and marveling at others.
Father: "It's good to see you making strong connections with your friends. But remember, Dakota, there's always more to learn."
Dakota: "I know, Father. There's so much out there still to discover."
Mother: "You've grown so much, Dakota. I'm proud of you."
Their words filled me with a sense of purpose, reminding me why I strive to improve. Each day at the academy and every moment with my friends and family makes me realize that, no matter what, I'm not alone on this journey.