Kaia walked through the cemetery, the atmosphere heavy, like the place was holding its breath. It resembled a garden in some ways, but the graves and overgrown tombstones gave it a chilling feel. (What's Ananya up to now?) Kaia's footsteps echoed, hands shoved in her pockets. (I'm following her like some lost puppy. She better not be messing with me again.)
Her eyes flicked around the graveyard, uneasy. (Still creepy in broad daylight...)
A drop of water landed on her forehead, and then—pitter-patter. Rain began to fall, not too heavy, but not light either. Perfect. Kaia tilted her head up, feeling the cool droplets against her skin. A small smile tugged at her lips as she brushed back her damp hair. (I guess it wasn't such a bad idea after all.)
Then—a quiet chuckle.
Kaia froze. The sound was soft but clear, as if it had been meant just for her. A laugh so smooth it almost seemed to glide through the air. She scanned the area, every muscle tensing.
At the edge of the cemetery, a figure stood, holding an umbrella. Her blonde hair shimmered under the rain, catching Kaia's attention immediately. At first, she looked like a goddess—graceful, ethereal—but Kaia blinked. The illusion shattered. No, this was a girl, and she was grinning at her.
A mole under her neck. Another by her lip. She wore the same uniform as the Apostles, but without the coat. She was facing the graveyard, but her head tilted just enough to meet Kaia's eyes.
(Something about her feels familiar.) Kaia stepped forward, curiosity piqued. (Wait, I didn't see her earlier.)
The girl's eyes met hers for a brief moment before she shifted, fully facing Kaia. The smile didn't leave her lips.
Kaia stepped forward, her heart pounding with anticipation. The blonde girl's presence was calm, but there was something in the air that made the fight feel inevitable.
Without warning, the blonde girl moved—swoosh!—her hand shooting out and grabbing Kaia's wrist. The speed was startling, and before Kaia could react, her arm was twisted behind her back, forcing her to the ground with a sharp motion. The wet earth beneath her body gave a muffled sound as she landed.
"Is that all?" the blonde asked, her tone soft but piercing.
Kaia's breath caught, her body straining against the hold. Not yet.
With a burst of strength, Kaia planted her feet and flipped herself over, pushing the blonde off her. The girl's grip loosened just enough for Kaia to break free, rolling back onto her feet in a fluid motion. She wasted no time, charging back into the fight with renewed energy.
The blonde girl didn't flinch, instead side-stepping Kaia's first strike with ease. (She's fast. Too fast.)
Kaia tried again, this time with a low kick aimed at the girl's legs. The blonde jumped, her feet light as air, easily avoiding the strike. But before Kaia could regroup, the blonde's leg shot out, landing softly against Kaia's side, pushing her back a step.
"Impressive," the blonde said, her grin widening. "But you'll have to do better than that."
Kaia felt her ribs ache, but she didn't hesitate. She charged once more, her footwork improving, faster than before. She feinted left, then right, and when the blonde's attention shifted, Kaia swung a quick jab toward her midsection.
But the blonde twisted, grabbing Kaia's wrist and pulling her off balance, guiding her attack into an empty space. Kaia barely managed to steady herself before the blonde delivered a light tap to her shoulder, almost like a warning.
Kaia stumbled back, trying to catch her breath. (This is different.) She needed to think. (She's leading me.)
The blonde's eyes sparkled, watching Kaia closely. She didn't give Kaia time to strategize. With a swift movement, the blonde dodged another jab and took a step back, allowing Kaia to overextend.
Seizing the opportunity, the blonde spun, her palm swiping out and pushing Kaia gently back. It wasn't a hard blow, but the control was unmistakable.
Kaia regained her balance quickly, her eyes narrowing. (I can't let her dictate the pace.)
With a loud shout, Kaia launched herself at the blonde, her feet pounding the wet ground. The blonde dodged a low kick, then another, before Kaia used the momentum to spin and land a controlled strike to her opponent's side.
The blonde winced slightly but quickly recovered, her focus never wavering. She moved again, quick and controlled, catching Kaia's wrist mid-air, twisting it lightly but effectively.
"You're too predictable," the blonde teased, spinning Kaia around and gently guiding her to the ground in a controlled fall.
Kaia hit the earth lightly, rolling with the motion before springing back to her feet.
She was getting the hang of this, moving with more purpose. Her eyes flicked back to the blonde, watching her every movement.
Then Kaia charged again—this time, with a burst of speed. She threw a series of punches, her fists coming from every angle, but the blonde's evasions were effortless. She flowed around Kaia's strikes, barely even looking at her as she moved. "You don't have any experience, do you?" She teased again.
Then—crack! Kaia's fist connected with the blonde's forearm, a satisfying sound.
For a moment, the blonde seemed surprised.
Kaia pressed the advantage, rushing forward with a fast combination of jabs and kicks. The blonde's movement became more hesitant, but she blocked each strike just in time. The rain was falling heavier now, the ground slippery beneath them.
"Not bad," the blonde said, still grinning. "But you're still too slow."
Kaia's legs burned with exertion, but she didn't stop. She forced herself to keep moving, determined to land one solid hit. "I won't back down."
With a roar, Kaia pressed forward, her movements more controlled this time, every strike aimed with precision. She wasn't as fast as the blonde, but she was learning, adapting. "I'm not done yet."
The blonde spoke with mischief, her grinning.
"Bring it on!"