Immunity Hunter

Chapter Twenty-Three - Nevin Rockiest

Instead of waiting around for Dante to get back to me with an answer, I talk Ashley into training with me. It also gives me an excuse to be alone with her for a few moments longer. Her dad won't mind—right? We'll be alone for a bit since my guardian works late tonight.

I drive her to my house, my yard is huge and surrounded by a privacy fence. No one should bother us. I scan the backyard mapping the layout in my mind. My house sits behind me and two large oak trees stand in either corner of the lot close to the fence behind Ashley. There's nothing in between us that will get in the way in case I have to run from her—I don't plan on running from her but that crazed look she's giving me is freaking me out.

We don't worry about changing out of our academy uniforms. This will be a quick sparring round.

"Are you ready?" Ashley asks with a sinister grin on her face like she's going to enjoy attacking me. She stands with her hand held out like she's about to blast me.

"Of course I'm ready. It's not like you can actually hit—"

A wave of energy hits me right in the chest. The momentum sends me flying back a few feet landing on my back. My vision blurs and all I see is the cloudy sky.

"Nevin, are you okay?"

"I wasn't ready!" I call out trying to figure out how to stand.

"Stop kidding around," she snaps. Her royal blue eyebrows squint together. "If you're going to prove that you belong on the sweep team, then you need to be serious."

She's right, as always. Still, why did she hit me? I didn't know we're supposed to actually hit each other. I stand up and conjure my lightning sword. The light-blue electricity crackles and swirls around my hand forming a blade. I move my left foot behind me, ready for another attack.

"Now I'm ready."

Ashley grins. She holds out her hand and shoots a wave of energy. I watch the dust trail toward me. It's an easy dodge. I rush her. She shoots another blast at me, this time higher from the ground, followed by a second shot. I fall forward allowing both waves to fly over me and then I roll over onto my back jumping to my feet.

"Not bad," she says clapping her hands in approval. "Now try to attack me."

I relax, letting down my guard. "You can't handle my lightning."

"Ha! Just try me." She smirks.

I rush toward her with my glowing sword to my side. She doesn't flinch. I swing at her, not planning to hit her or anything, but she side-steps and punches me in the ribs full force. The blow knocks the wind out of me, sending me to one knee.

"W-What was that for?" I moan rubbing my bruised ribs.

Ashley let's out a loud sigh rolling her eyes. "Nevin, I told you to take this seriously. Now attack me!"

Fine, if she wants to do this for real then we can. I shake off the raging pain in my side and stand up. I swing at her and she dodges again. My left elbow connects with her nose. As she stumbles back, I kneel and sweep my leg into hers knocking her to the ground.

"Not bad, right?" I say standing over my adorable girlfriend. I dismiss my sword, silencing the buzzing sound, while extending my other hand to help her up.

She smiles as she grabs my hand, but then she yanks me down and rolls on top of me.

"Not bad at all, but you're holding back. You're going to get yourself killed." She wipes a drop of blood from her nose using my shirt. My white shirt!