While he has been enrolled since his birth in Darkeas, the school of supervillains, Uchiri Nanaya ends up by mistake in Aitori ... the school of the Magical Girls.
Fixy had to join the arena and used his fire to melt Nanaya's ice and free Scott, while the crowd cheered for the magical boy. Nanaya wasn't too concerned, first making sure Hyokko was okay before turning to his opponent. Scott was trembling, his lips blue from the cold. Nanaya apologized, but the American gave him a weak smile and a hand gesture to assure that he was fine. Nanaya, still with ringing ears, headed to his lodge. The walls vibrated with the cheers of the crowd, but he was only seeking a moment of respite. He collapsed on the bench, closing his eyes for a moment, letting the coolness of the room soothe his sore muscles.
Mineko entered shortly after, a triumphant smile on her lips and a pack of cards in hand.
"Ready for a battle of the giants?" she said, waving the cards.
Nanaya nodded, a tired smile forming on his lips. They sat on the floor, spreading the cards between them. Since then, Nanaya had been able to buy several packs of cards and had even obtained some rare ones. As they were in the middle of a tight round, the locker room screen lit up, announcing the next duel. Kenji was facing Takehoshi Akekio from Darkeas. Nanaya watched, squinting, as Kenji took his position in the arena.
The atmosphere was electric, the murmurs of the crowd mingling with the palpable tension between the two fighters. Kenji and Akekio stood face to face, separated by only a few meters, but a world of opposition between their powers. Kenji, with a serene expression, looked at Akekio with calm determination. A stream of water rippled around him like a second skin, ready to respond to his slightest gesture. He wore the sports uniform of Saurity, the blue colors giving the impression that he emerged from the water itself. In front of him, Akekio, alias Spitfire, displayed a confident, almost arrogant smile. His eyes shone with a fiery glow. His black and red Darkeas uniform absorbed the light, contrasting sharply with Kenji's brilliance. The spotlights intensified, focusing attention on the two young heroes and villains in the making. Amaretto raised his hand, and complete silence fell over the arena.
"May the best win!" he exclaimed, and with a theatrical gesture, he blew the whistle as he lowered his hand.
The fight began. Kenji and Akekio, freed from their immobility, launched into a ballet of power and agility, each using their element with a mastery that belied their young age. Nanaya, from the wings, watched, his heart pounding, aware that every second of the duel could well define his own future in the tournament. He watched Kenji with a mix of admiration and apprehension. Every fluid movement of the water, every wave that formed under the control of his friend, rekindled his phobia.
The arena had turned into a veritable elemental battlefield. Kenji, feet firmly planted on the ground, raised his arms, and columns of water sprang up, encircling Akekio who, with a provocative smirk, spat flames that whistled through the air, evaporating Kenji's attacks with disconcerting ease. But Kenji remained serene. He knew that water was unpredictable, just like him. With a fluid motion, he brought forth a massive wave, hiding his movements from Spitfire. Akekio, confident, spat a fireball into the wave, but it split, revealing Kenji, now suspended in the air on a pillar of water. Spitfire, with a cry of defiance, launched a massive fireball that hit the column with explosive force. A cloud of steam rose, and when the mist cleared, Kenji had disappeared.
Spitfire scanned the arena, searching for his opponent, when suddenly, water burst from under his feet, propelling him into the air. Kenji reappeared, sliding on a water serpent, and with an elegant gesture, he sent a series of waves, each more powerful than the last, towards Spitfire. Akekio dodged, but each movement became more difficult, the water hindering his steps, slowing him down. Kenji, seeing his opponent struggle, intensified his attack. He brought forth a massive wave, directing it at Akekio with surgical precision. Spitfire tried to vaporize it, but the amount of water was overwhelming. The wave crashed down on him, submerging him, extinguishing his flames, leaving him defenseless.
Akekio, defeated, collapsed, soaked and panting, while Kenji remained standing, the water gently falling at his feet. The crowd cheered Kenji's victory, but Nanaya, backstage, felt a wave of worry overwhelm him. The joy of seeing his friend triumph mingled with the fear of a future confrontation. If fate placed them against each other in the final, Nanaya would have to face not only Kenji but also his own terror of water. It was a challenge he had not anticipated, and the very idea filled him with a dull unease.
He turned to Mineko, seeking comfort in her gaze. She offered him an encouraging smile, but her eyes betrayed her understanding of the stakes. She did not speak, simply opening her arms, a silent but powerful gesture inviting wordless comfort. Nanaya, moved, stepped forward and let himself be enveloped in Mineko's embrace, feeling part of his anxiety evaporate in the warmth of her friendship.
They were still embraced, an island of tranquility in the storm of emotions of the tournament, when Kenji entered. He paused for a moment, a gentle smile lighting up his combat-weary face. Then, without a word, he joined the embrace, wrapping his two friends in his arms.
"Kitten," Kenji murmured, his voice low but firm, "if the draw ever puts us face to face, I will forfeit."
Nanaya looked up at him, surprised.
"Why would you do that?" he asked, confusion coloring his words.
Kenji smiled, shaking his head.
"Because this tournament is nothing. I don't want you to be afraid of me, or my power, I don't want to force you into a fight that will be traumatic for you. I care too much about you for that."
Nanaya felt a deep gratitude well up in him, mixed with a new determination.
"No, Kenji-kun. If we have to fight, then we will. I don't need special treatment compared to others... I... I can do it..."
He hugged Kenji and Mineko tighter. The trio remained so, united in silence, drawing strength and courage from each other. The silence that enveloped them was suddenly broken by a soft but firm voice.
"Mineko, it's time."
Udo had preferred to remain silent until now, but they couldn't stay like this forever. It was Mineko's turn to participate in the duel.
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