"How are you able to switch forms that quickly?" asked the woman calling herself ᛖץร₮ίČ. Her mouth was agape at seeing Elijah channel a defensive energy shield only to mold it into a ball of crackling light and propel it towards the stationary target at the other end of the training room.
Elijah wiped his brow, then grabbed a towel. "No idea. Guess it's just hard training."
"Nonsense," she replied. "You're naturally gifted, bud. You're going to do more than hold your own in this competition." She patted him on the shoulder before walking to the women's locker room.
Face concealed by the towel, Elijah whispered to himself, "Maybe..."
-
It wasn't exactly a 'cobbled-together' side, but the SOB Free City squad had a clear plan and reasonable expectations. The few pre-tournament sessions that Elijah was able to participate in showed that despite a relative lack of battle experience, he more than made up for it with determination and quick wits. Each of his teammates readily encouraged him while sparring and he was more than ready to compete. He thought he briefly saw Chandra looking on, but put the thought out of his mind. To him, distractions of any kind would only weaken him.
As the competition began, he found himself quickly at the advantage. It was as if there was no pressure to perform, and he could feel the flow of battle at a comfortable pace. Round 1 went quickly and Elijah noticed he felt little fatigue.
"We may pull off an unexpected table-topping," smiled ᛖץร₮ίČ.
"You think so?"
"There's a seeming lack of mini-monsters among us, which means anybody has a realistic chance, bud. And we,... are going to make the possible, into reality."
She got up, and dashed to the arena, but not before punching Elijah softly on the shoulder. "Follow IѦᔕᴉƚҽ's lead!"
Elijah rose to his feet, still perplexed at how she was able to pronounce the names of his teammates so easily.
-
Victory came, and again. Elijah was part of a championship team at the first attempt.
Later, he was seated at a table, taking a slight break from the raucous celebrations of the SOB faithful.
"Not bad, but what do you have planned next?" came a voice. Elijah turned, and saw in the distance a shadowed form, but with a familiar voice. He rose and silently walked towards it.
"Keep growing, keep pushing," Elijah smiled.
Chandra smiled. "I am beyond happy to hear it. Stay with this clan, they are constantly encouraging each other and have little fear of failure. We - I - will keep watching you and cheering for you."
Elijah fought hard not to blush, instead raising his glass in appreciation, then walked away before he fumbled a response.
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