𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐛𝐧𝐡𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬

[45]

Two of hearts

45

CW- self-harm. graphic violence.

___

The horn blared, signalling the start of the exam, and a wave of adrenaline surged through Y/n. The sprawling landscape of the arena opened up before her, a chaotic mix of urban structures and natural elements designed to test every skill the students possessed. As she moved swiftly towards a cluster of buildings, she felt the weight of the targets on her body, especially the one over the scar on her stomach. It was a reminder of her past and a symbol of her determination to protect herself.

She found a vantage point on a rooftop and surveyed the area, her mind racing. She needed a strategy. Suddenly, the air was filled with the sound of footsteps. A student from another school was approaching, eyes locked onto her with fierce determination.

"You're Y/n L/n, right?" he called out, stopping a few feet away. "I saw your fight at Kamino. You were incredible, but this time, I'm taking you down."

Y/n smirked, her fingers flexing in anticipation. "Big talk for someone who's about to get burned."

He launched himself at her, moving with impressive speed. Y/n bent her fingers, igniting her wrist-mounted flamethrowers and sending a stream of fire his way. He dodged, throwing a ball at her, but she twisted out of the way, the ball whizzing past her.

The student wasn't deterred. He came at her again, this time aiming for a physical attack. They clashed, their bodies moving in a fierce, almost dance-like rhythm. He aimed a kick at her midsection, trying to hit the target on her stomach, but she blocked it with her forearm, feeling the impact reverberate through her bones.

"You'll have to do better than that," she taunted, her eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and menace.

He snarled and threw a punch at her head. She ducked, swinging her leg around to sweep his feet out from under him. He stumbled but recovered quickly, grabbing one of the balls at his waist and hurling it at her with fierce determination. She anticipated his move, twisting her body to avoid the hit.

"You're fast," he admitted, breathing heavily. "But not fast enough."

Y/n grinned, the thrill of the fight coursing through her. She could feel the heat building in her body, and she knew she had to use it strategically. Absorbing the ambient heat from the sun, she channelled it into a blast of energy. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a powerful wave of heat toward him.

He barely managed to dodge, the intense heat singing the edges of his clothing. "Damn it!" he cursed, realizing just how challenging she was.

Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, Y/n closed the distance between them, landing a solid punch to his gut. He doubled over, gasping for air, but managed to swing a ball at her. She grabbed his wrist, twisting it painfully until he dropped the ball.

"Like I said," she whispered, leaning close to his ear, "better than that."

She pushed him away, creating some distance between them. He looked up at her, his face twisted in anger and pain. "You're not getting away with this," he growled, launching himself at her once more.

Their fight became more desperate, each move calculated and fierce. Y/n's fingers moved in intricate patterns, sending blasts of heat to keep him at bay. He tried to get in close, aiming for her targets, but she was too quick, too agile.

Finally, she saw her opening. As he lunged at her, she sidestepped, bringing her knee up to slam into his ribs. He cried out in pain, stumbling back. She didn't hesitate. She threw one of her balls, aiming for the target on his chest. It hit dead centre, lighting up with a bright flash.