𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐛𝐧𝐡𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬

[11]

Two of hearts

11

___

The dojo was illuminated by a fiery glow, the crackling flames casting dancing shadows across the polished wooden floor. Y/n stood poised, her muscles tense with anticipation, opposite the renowned hero, Endeavour, his stern expression set like chiselled stone. He exuded an air of authority that commanded respect, and his intense gaze bore into her, sizing her up for the challenge ahead.

"Focus, Y/n," he barked, his voice resonating in the spacious training room. "Control is key. Your powers are not a mere spectacle; but a tool, a weapon."

Without warning, a flicker of flames danced before him, his hands aglow with controlled intensity. He demonstrated the dance of fire, moulding and shaping it effortlessly. Y/n watched, mesmerised, but a tinge of apprehension tingled within her. "Now, your turn," he commanded, his tone unwavering.

Gulping down her nerves, Y/n focused her concentration. She extended her palms, channelling her inner resolve to manipulate the flickering flames dancing nearby. The fire responded hesitantly at first, wisps of heat wavering under her unsteady control. The flicker of flames responded to her concentration, but their erratic dance betrayed her lack of control. They fluttered and wavered, threatening to extinguish at any moment.

"Concentration, Y/n!" Endeavour's voice boomed with disappointment, his eyes narrowing in disapproval.

"I'm trying...!"

Sweat dripped down her brow as she focused harder, attempting to rein in the erratic flames. With a surge of determination, she channelled her will, willing the flames to obey. Slowly, they steadied, responding to her newfound focus. They glowed brighter, pulsing with a semblance of control.

Endeavour nodded in reluctant approval, acknowledging her progress. "Better. But control requires discipline. Precision. You must harness the fire, not let it consume you."

"Fire is a formidable element, but it is unforgiving. Respect it, or it will devour you," Endeavour's voice boomed with authority. Y/n nodded, her determination shining through despite the flicker of nervousness. "Yeah, I've heard fire can be a bit touchy-feely."

The hero's stern gaze pierced her, unamused by her attempt at humour. "This isn't a jest, Y/n. Focus. Precision. Control. That's what you'll learn today."

With a deep breath, Y/n extended her hands, attempting to manipulate the embers before her. The flames wavered, responding hesitantly to her command. "Come on, fire, work with me here," she muttered under her breath, frustration tainting her tone.

Endeavour's sharp eyes caught her muttered comment. "Fire doesn't work with you; you work with it. Concentrate!" Gritting her teeth, Y/n narrowed her focus, willing the flames to respond. They surged momentarily, obeying her command before fizzling out with an apologetic sputter.

"Okay, so maybe it's a love-hate relationship," she quipped, trying to ease her nerves.

"No room for jokes in training," he rebuked, unrelenting.

"Sure, sure, fire's the serious type. Got it," Y/n retorted, her sarcasm evident even amid her struggle.

Hours passed in a blur of flickering flames and scorching determination. The hero's relentless guidance pushed her to the edge, demanding precision in every gesture. Y/n grappled with her impatience, her fiery wit emerging intermittently, almost as uncontrollable as the flames she sought to master.