Unleashing more power and speed than before, Aura once again charged at Fenix. To her surprise, he caught her punch in his hand and spun her away from him. She only remained disoriented for a moment before launching into a spinning kick aimed at his head.
"My, my," Fenix said in a pleased voice as he back-stepped out of range of her assault.
"Let me hit you!" Aura yelled.
Fenix laughed and backed away, saying,"No thanks. That would hurt."
Aura growled and launched herself at him, punching as fast as possible at his face. Somehow, he dodged every attempt—until her knee connected with his stomach. As he hunched over from the impact, she followed up with a right hook to his jaw.
"Alright, 8 points to Aura, bringing her total to 10. The victor of this sparring match is Aura."
Her classmates erupted in cheers.
"I knew Aura would win!" one said."I never doubted her for a second," added another.
Aura exhaled heavily, then extended a hand to help Fenix up. He declined the gesture and stood on his own. At first, he looked upset—his usual smile gone, eyes glaring at the floor. But a split second later, the smile returned.
"You got me," he said casually. "You did a good job, Aura."
Aura lowered her hand and replied plainly,"That's right. I did."
"Great match, both of you!" Cleaver praised, clapping his hands. "You're excused for the rest of class."
Aura bowed and thanked him humbly. Fenix quickly gathered his things and left. Aura, in contrast, took her time getting dressed. As she was leaving, she heard Cleaver announce the next pair of fighters, but didn't stay to watch.
Mirror was waiting outside Aura's room, tapping her foot impatiently.
"Oh, God. It's worse than I thought!" She rushed forward, grabbing Aura's arm. Aura didn't resist—she knew why Mirror was upset. Mirror dragged her inside and immediately began moisturizing her face. Then, roughly combing the knots out of Aura's hair.
"You really need to take better care of yourself! You're a girl, you know."
Aura said nothing.
"You're really pretty too, so it's a shame when you don't take care of yourself."
Aura frowned and finally spoke."But... it's a bother."
Mirror smacked her lightly on the head."Ow!"
"This is something girls have to do! We make sacrifices to keep up appearances."
Aura sighed. She knew there was no point arguing—Mirror wouldn't understand her point of view.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of you... but I won't always be around. You can't depend on me to fix you up forever," Mirror added more softly, gently braiding Aura's hair.
"...Okay. Thank you," Aura mumbled.
Mirror scoffed."Your hair is tough—I was pulling with all my might and not one strand broke. My comb lost a few bristles though."
Aura laughed."Sorry."
"Let's hang out today—but first, change out of that nasty-looking uniform."
Aura pouted."There's nothing wrong with it! I washed it two days ago."
"It's full of holes, it has stains, and worse—it's the boys' uniform!" Mirror retorted.
"It's more comfortable! I couldn't possibly wear one of those skimpy skirts!"
"Says the girl who fights in her underwear," Mirror sighed.
"That's different! I just need maximum mobility when I fight!" Aura protested.
Mirror hit her again."Just change!"
Aura held her head and grumbled,"Fine!" She ran to her room to change clothes.
Mirror dragged Aura to the shopping district and bought her a mountain of clothes, forcing her to accept them. Aura was a bit bashful about it, so for every gift Mirror gave her, she bought something in return. Afterward, they stopped at a café, where Aura insisted on paying for two cups of tea with milk and honey, a slice of vanilla cake, and a slice of strawberry shortcake.
"I can pay for my own food, you know," Mirror grumbled.
"But you're always taking care of me... I wanted to pay this time," Aura said, blushing slightly.
Mirror laughed."You're so cute." She reached over and patted Aura's head. "If you don't start caring about yourself, no one but me will ever know how cute you are."
"I don't care."
Mirror sighed."You're at that age. You should be interested in romance by now."
Aura ignored her and sipped her tea.(That's all Mirror ever thinks about, she thought.)
"Oh yeah, I heard some new guy actually landed a hit on you," Mirror said, changing the subject for Aura's sake.
"That was just a lucky shot," Aura replied coolly.
"My friend said he had impressive reflexes, caught you off guard, and that you tried harder to hit him than anyone else."
"...He was... annoying," Aura admitted.
Mirror's eyes lit up."You mean you were bothered by him? ~"
"Yeah..."
"You usually only get annoyed by people you're close to... but this guy managed to get under your skin. There may be hope!"
"Go to hell, Mirror."
"Ha-ha, maybe later. So... was he cute? Do you like him?"
"I didn't even look at him. And of course not! I barely know him. Stop being stupid."
"That's the most you've spoken all day," Mirror teased, chin resting in her palms, smiling.
Aura facepalmed."Can you please stop acting like an idiot?"
Mirror shook her head, grinning.
"It's just... my situation with him is unique. I don't care for him, and I don't want to talk to him more than necessary. He's a hindrance."
"Oh, how unromantic," Mirror groaned.
Aura shrugged and took a big bite of cake, getting whipped cream on her face. She didn't care. Before they left, Mirror wiped her sister's face clean with a napkin.
They separated at the dorms—Mirror had a friend to meet. Aura walked to her room with her bags, only to find Fenix standing nearby.
"Ah... you're back. I was worried I had the wrong room," Fenix said, his tone cheerful—something Aura had started getting used to.
"What do you want?" she asked, annoyed.
Fenix ran a hand through his hair."I just wanted to apologize for embarrassing you. Your fists told me you weren't happy with what happened. I hope you can forgive me."
"I don't care enough about you to hold a grudge," she responded, unlocking her door.
"Oh, that's good! I was really worried." He waved and walked away.
His lighthearted response caught her off guard. She paused a moment, then went inside, unpacked her clothes, and quickly fell asleep.
The next morning...
Aura woke up early, completed a quick workout, took a shower—this time remembering to wear a shower cap—then dressed in a rush and shoved a chocolate Pop-Tart into her mouth as she ran to class. Fenix was already there, staring out the window with a blank expression. Aura considered saying something but decided against it and quietly sat at her desk.
Hearing her chair move, Fenix turned and smiled.
"Oh yeah, I wanted to ask: why do you wear the boys' uniform?"
"That's none of your concern," Aura replied bluntly.
Fenix's smile didn't fade."You're right. I was just curious. Sorry if that annoyed you."They sat in silence for a moment, then he added,"You look better rested today. That's good."
Aura was surprised he noticed her fatigue yesterday."Yes... that is true," she said, staring at her desk. "Although your concern is... completely unnecessary."
Fenix hummed."I was afraid to fight you—because you looked tired... and because you're a girl. But I was wrong to underestimate you. You're a very skilled fighter."
Aura blushed. She knew that already, but the compliment still embarrassed her.
"Thank you," she mumbled.
Fenix nodded, still smiling. At that moment, Ms. Emerald walked in.
"Alright, shut up, you bunch of fucking brats."
Everyone tensed. She'd clearly been drinking again.
"I hope all of you did your damn homework, or else you'll be punished so bad you'll beg me to kill your miserable asses."
Papers flew out of backpacks as students scrambled to turn in their homework. Two who hadn't done it ran out of the room.
Aura felt relieved when the bell for second period rang. Ms. Emerald cursed through every sentence. Next was Herbal Studies.
"As you know," Madam Cantarella began in her shy voice, "if you're ever lost in enemy territory without rations, you must know what is safe to eat and which herbs are medicinal. That's why this class is important." She adjusted her glasses. "Can anyone tell me which herbs help minimize pain?"
Aura raised her hand, but Cantarella gently declined.
"Someone with an Earth affinity has an unfair advantage. Let's hear from someone else."
Fenix raised his hand.
"Yes, Fenix?"
"A few are cannabis, yarrow, cloves, and arnica."
"Very good."
Aura pouted, again denied the chance to answer. She sighed heavily and slumped in her chair—only to see Fenix grinning at her. She flicked him off and stuck out her tongue. He laughed.
Martial Arts Combat followed, but today was lecture-based. They discussed strategy and the importance of retreat.
"Your lives are important," Cleaver said. "Never discard your self-preservation instinct. It may be your best defense."
Aura took notes diligently. Fenix was nodding off like most of the class.
Then came lunch—Aura's favorite subject.
Mirror waved her over to sit with her friends. Aura joined her.
"Is that the boy who annoys you here?" Mirror whispered, scanning the cafeteria.
"No," Aura replied flatly.
"Too bad. I wanted to meet him."
Aura started eating, shoveling food into her mouth and forcing it down with water.
"Eww, Aura! We have company. Show some manners."
Aura swallowed, then wiped her mouth with her sleeve."Pardon me."
"Aura?" a familiar voice called.
No...
"Hey! Mind if I sit with you? I don't know anyone else... I sat alone yesterday..."
Fenix looked around the table."Is it okay if I sit with you all?"
Mirror and the others nodded, so he took a seat next to Aura.
"Who is he?" Mirror whispered.
"Fenix," he answered for himself.
Mirror smiled."You're the annoying guy!"
Fenix's smile faltered."I suppose so."
Aura ate faster.
"Aura," Mirror whispered again, "you should be more ladylike when he's around."
Aura ignored her, finished her food, and left the cafeteria.
Back in her room, she flopped face-first onto her bed. The awkwardness was unbearable.
A few minutes later, there was a knock.
She sat up and realized—again—she forgot to close her door.
Fenix stood in the entrance.
"Hey there."
Aura looked down.
"May I come in?"
She nodded. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him. He sat beside her on the bed. After a pause, he said,
"Your room's a lot cleaner than I expected."
Aura puffed her cheeks."Are you looking down on me?"
Fenix reached out and brushed her cheek."You've got a little spaghetti sauce here."
She slapped his hand away."Shut up."
Fenix laughed."Honestly... I might be looking down on you a little."
"Well... stop."
"I can't. I'm taller than you."
Aura glared and flicked his forehead.
"Ow. You're so violent," he chuckled. "Your sister explained everything to me," he added.
Aura's stomach twisted.(What did she say...? Hopefully not any nonsense about me liking him...)
"She said that you get annoyed with me so easily because we're already close."
"That traitorous sow!" Aura hissed.
"But... I know it's really because I accidentally broke through your usual defensive wall. An unfortunate event... well, unfortunate for you..."
"Get to the point." Aura retorted sharply,
"I want to be friends with you, Aura. Is that okay?" His request stunned her, but she still replied dismissively,
"Friends are nothing but unneeded accessories," before looking away.
"That's true... but even so, I always wanted one."
Fenix sat patiently, waiting for her response.