The forest clearing. Dakota's group stands across from Henry's group, tension crackling in the air after their encounter with the Dark Mages. Both groups are catching their breath, but the competitive energy is unmistakable.
Henry:
"Well, that was fun. But you know what's next."
Dakota:
"You're really that eager to lose, huh?"
Lucas:
"Big talk, Dakota. Let's see if you can back it up."
Mila:
"Don't get too confident. You've got me to deal with."
Mia:
"Like I haven't beaten you before, Mila."
Ava:
"Emily, you ready for round two?"
Emily:
"Always. Let's see if you've improved."
(Dakota surveys the groups, his expression calm but focused.)
Dakota:
"All right. Same rules as always. Winner takes the relic. No hard feelings."
Henry:
"Sure. But don't blame me if you're the one walking away empty-handed."
(The two groups fan out, each member locking eyes with their opponent. No one needs to discuss the matchups—they're already set by instinct and past encounters.)
---
Mila:
"Still rushing into fights headfirst, little girl?"
Mia:
"You're gonna regret underestimating me."
(Mia lunges first, throwing a fast jab at Mila's face. Mila ducks, countering with a sweeping kick that Mia barely avoids. The girls exchange a flurry of blows, their movements quick and aggressive.)
Mila:
"Your form's improved, but you're still too predictable."
(Mila feints a punch and sweeps Mia's legs out from under her. Mia hits the ground but rolls to her feet, grinning.)
Mia:
"Predict this!"
(She charges, grabbing Mila in a sudden grapple and throwing her to the ground. Mila groans but twists out of the hold, landing a sharp elbow strike to Mia's side.)
Ava:
"Let's make this quick, Emily. I've got better things to do."
Emily:
"You talk a lot for someone who lost to me."
Ava:
"Not this time."
(Emily rushes forward, aiming a spinning kick at Ava's torso. Ava sidesteps, grabbing Emily's leg and throwing her off balance. Emily twists in midair, landing on her feet.)
Emily:
"Nice try."
(Ava steps in, throwing a sharp hook that Emily blocks, countering with a palm strike to Ava's shoulder. The impact forces Ava back, but she recovers quickly, smirking.)
Ava:
"Getting better, but you're still not fast enough."
(The two trade rapid punches and kicks, their movements fluid and precise as they test each other's limits.)
Michael:
"Ready to lose again, jack?"
Jack:
"Funny. I was about to say the same thing."
(Jack steps in with a powerful straight punch, which Michael blocks easily. Michael counters with a swift uppercut, forcing Jack to backpedal.)
Jack:
"Still hitting like a brick wall, I see."
Michael:
"And you're still all talk."
(The two clash again, their strikes heavy and deliberate. Michael grabs Jack's arm mid-punch, twisting it into a lock, but Jack powers out with brute force, shoving Michael back. They grin at each other, clearly enjoying the challenge.)
Ethan:
"Ready for another beatdown, Ethan?"
Lucas:
"Talk all you want. Let's see if you can actually back it up."
(Lucas darts in first, aiming a series of quick jabs at Ethan's face. Ethan blocks with ease, countering with a spinning kick that Lucas narrowly dodges. The two circle each other, neither wanting to give an inch.)
Lucas:
"Not bad, but you're holding back."
Ethan:
"So are you."
(Lucas fakes a low kick and aims a punch at Ethan's ribs. Ethan catches his fist mid-swing, twisting Lucas's arm and throwing him to the ground. Lucas rolls to his feet, shaking out his arm.)
Lucas:
"Finally, a real fight."
Liam:
"Been waiting for this, Alex."
Alex:
"Same here. Don't disappoint me."
(Liam launches a barrage of kicks, each one fast and precise. Alex blocks and counters with a series of rapid punches, forcing Liam to retreat.)
Liam:
"Not bad. But you're not fast enough."
(Alex smirks, catching one of Liam's kicks and flipping him onto his back. Liam groans but rolls away before Alex can follow up.)
Alex:
"Still think I'm slow?"
(Liam lunges forward, tackling Alex to the ground. The two grapple, each trying to gain the upper hand.)
(Dakota and Henry face each other in silence, their stances relaxed but ready.)
Henry:
"i will not lose this time. Let's see what you've got."
Dakota:
"Don't say I didn't warn you."
(Henry strikes first, throwing a quick jab at Dakota's face. Dakota blocks effortlessly, countering with a sharp kick to Henry's side. Henry grunts but doesn't falter, stepping in with a series of rapid strikes. Dakota dodges and weaves, his movements smooth and precise.)
Henry:
"Still as calm as ever. Doesn't anything rattle you?"
Dakota:
"Not when you're this predictable."
(Dakota ducks under a high kick and sweeps Henry's legs out from under him. Henry rolls to his feet, throwing a spinning backfist that grazes Dakota's cheek. Dakota smirks, his eyes narrowing.)
Dakota:
"Not bad. But this is over."
(Dakota steps in, delivering a series of lightning-fast punches to Henry's torso, finishing with a powerful kick that sends Henry sprawling to the ground. Henry tries to rise, but Dakota plants a foot on his chest, pinning him down.)
Dakota:
"Looks like I win."
(Henry groans but nods, conceding defeat.)
(The rest of the fights conclude, with Dakota's group emerging victorious. The relic lies untouched in the center of the clearing, its glow faint but alluring.)
Dakota:
"Looks like we earned it."
(Dakota picks up the relic, its strange energy radiating through his hand. He looks at his group, a rare smile tugging at his lips.)
Mila:
"About time."
Michael:
"Think the others are gonna let us hear the end of this?"
Dakota:
"They'll have to catch up first."
And with this, Dakota's group had won the challenge, with Lucas group and Henry's group coming in second.
Dakota thinking: hm what should do now, the challenge is over, and the dark mage's are about to attack us soon I think... Well I think Ava and the other irregulars are going to ask me something, I have a feeling. Well whatever it is, I always have an answer for it.