Storm Within

Chp2..The Calm Before The Storm

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**Chapter 2: The Calm Before the Storm**

The academy thrummed with excitement in the days leading up to the competition. Amara trained harder, channeling her energy into every movement. But beneath her fierce exterior, anxiety simmered. She had just received troubling news about her parents, and it gnawed at her.

"Nina, I can't shake this feeling," Amara admitted one evening, her voice low as they practiced side by side.

Nina paused, her playful demeanor shifting to concern. "What's going on? You can spill it."

Amara took a deep breath. "My parents... their health is deteriorating. They were attacked, and now there are shards embedded in them that keep going deeper. The tanks they're in helped a bit, but their condition is still critical."

Nina's expression softened. "That's a lot to carry. But you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, and we'll tackle it together."

"Thanks, Nina. But I can't let it distract me. I need to focus on the competition."

Just then, Ethan sauntered over, his confident stride catching Amara's eye. His red hair framed his chiseled jawline, and his blue eyes sparkled with warmth. Stopping a few feet from her, he gave her a friendly smile.

"Practicing hard?" he asked, his tone light but curious.

Amara tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, trying to hide the warmth creeping up her neck. "Just trying to keep up," she replied, her voice steady but playful.

Ethan chuckled. "Looks like you're more than keeping up," he teased, leaning slightly closer. "You're a natural, Amara."

She couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips, her heart quickening. "Thanks. I'm getting there."

"Believe me," he said with a grin. "You're already there."
As he walked away, Nina nudged her playfully. "Someone's definitely got a crush."

"Come on, he's just being nice," Amara said, trying to downplay it.

"Sure, if that's what you call it," Nina teased.

Just then, Ash appeared, leaning casually against a wall, his tanned skin and dark hair contrasting sharply with the light around him. His purple eyes gleamed with mischief. "What's this? A heart-to-heart?" he said, smirking.

Amara rolled her eyes. "What do you want, Ash?"

"Just checking in on my favorite light show," he replied, stepping closer. "Is it too bright in here, or is it just you?"

"Can't you take your shadow games somewhere else?" Amara shot back, crossing her arms.

"Just trying to keep things interesting," he said, his arrogance grating on her nerves.

"You're just here to annoy me," Amara snapped, her irritation flaring.

"Guilty," he replied, grinning. "But admit it, you love the attention."

With a flash of light, Amara sent a burst of energy toward him, momentarily blinding him. "You're not the center of the universe, Ash."

"Nice try," he said, recovering quickly. With a flick of his wrist, shadows twisted around him, ready to counter. "But you'll have to do better than that."

"Enough with the games!" Amara shot back, channeling more light to create a barrier between them.

Before either could escalate it further, their instructor, Mr. Vale, approached with an annoyed expression. "What do you think you're doing?" he barked.

"We were just training, sir," Amara said, trying to sound innocent.

"Training? It looks more like you were about to start a brawl," Mr. Vale said, crossing his arms. "Both of you, detention. Now."

"What? That's unfair!" Amara protested, glancing at Ash, whose smirk only deepened.

"Unfair? Try reckless. You both need to learn control," Mr. Vale replied. "Go."

As they trudged away, Amara shot Ash a glare. "This is your fault. If you hadn't provoked me..."

"Me? You were ready to throw light around," he said, still grinning. "Looks like we both end up in detention. Maybe I'll let you practice your blinding skills on me."

Amara rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "You're impossible, Ash."

"And yet, here we are," he replied, his confidence unshaken.
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