"Assuming my assumption is correct, you and Nicholas react differently to mutoxin than everyone else, even among mutants."
Eva was still quiet. "Well, apart from the Excavres, that is. Frankly speaking, your reaction to mutoxin is far more curious than theirs."
"That's true." She said. "Your eyes really are terrifying." Harry shrugged. "So, what about your mind control?"
Eva lapsed back into silence. "The silent treatment, really?" Harry sounded disappointed. "How much of all this was your idea?" Harry began.
"Do I even want to kill Excavre?" Eva rolled her eyes. "Questioning your own conviction?" "I'm not even sure it's mine. I wouldn't have noticed if not for Charles."
He recalled the conversation he had with Charles and Ed after he talked to Raya. How about why? Why? Yeah. I mean why did you win? Didn't you want to stay out of it? Why the sudden change of heart?
Best to just roll with it. That's awfully lax of you, Harry. Charles had picked up discrepancies in Harry's behaviour that Harry himself didn't notice because of the mind control.
He'd slowly began retaining self-awareness thanks to that. "Your brain really picks up on things quick. So, what are you going to do about it?" Harry shrugged again.
"Nothing, really. Knowing isn't enough to break free, is it?" Harry asked. "It's just like Nicholas' ability. There's no way to defend against it."
"That isn't necessarily true." Klara piped up. "What are you talking about?" Harry asked. "Nora Pythas, the strongest first year." Eva said. "She fought Nicholas to a draw."
Harry's eyes widened. "What?" "He was fighting her harder than he fought you today, actually." Harry didn't understand. "She's a regular mutant?" Klara nodded.
"She reacts to mutoxin the same way all other mutants do." "Then how-" "It's possible to counteract Sharpes and Excavres when your abilities directly contradict ours."
Harry already had someone in mind for her. "I see." He sighed in relief. Their abilities could be countered. He wouldn't be under suggestion forever.
Eva observed him calmly. It's better if you think this way. You shouldn't know too much right now. I still need you alive.
***
Nora pursed her lips slightly. She had expected something of a simple match and yet had watched a series of exchanges that actually roused responses out of her.
That's not what caused her this irritation, however. She better than anyone knew that Nicholas could have easily beaten both Excavre and that unknown variable if he wanted to.
And yet he lost. Everyone else excused it as a two on one, but she knew the truth. She sighed. Not that it mattered. The unknown variable had skills worth watching.
It wasn't a total disappointment in the end. He can turn off abilities on contact! What Elena said wasn't lost on her.
The fact that he hadn't used it on Nicholas meant that there were certain conditions to be met before it was possible. She grinned, hoping that he would meet the requirements when they fought.
Standing next to her, her partner Jonathan shook his head. "You have that look on your face." Nora shrugged. "I can't wait to meet him in the finals."
"That's some confidence you've got." Nora frowned. "He beat Nicholas. I don't think he's going to drop out anytime soon." I was referring to us going to the finals.
"So it turns out there is a bigger cause for concern." Jonathan said, recalling their conversation earlier. "That remains to be seen."
"Well, we've got our own problems to handle." Nora gave him a questioning glance. "Concord and Nexus." "...Do you doubt our capabilities?" Jonathan gave a rueful smile.
"...No." Nora smiled. "Then I don't see the issue. We'll prepare accordingly and overpower our opponents." "Right."
***
Anika took deep breaths as she tried to control the blood flow in her body, trying her best to reduce the headrush she was experiencing.
Asha walked over to her, towel draped around his neck and beads of sweat dripping down his chin. He wiped it with his towel, and his light brown eyes locked with Anika's amber eyes.
"You shouldn't be pushing yourself so hard when our battle is almost about to begin. After all, even the Collector pair beat the Avarice pair."
"That's more concerning than a relief, you know." Anika said. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Their teacher, Raul Klay, said. "For now, get ready to move."
"Yes sir." Anika's attire was a purple full-body suit with grey side sections and white trimmings, complete with a hood and robe.
Asha's was similar, but it wasn't a full-body suit. The only other difference was that he had on something similar to a trench coat as a part of the attire.
"Is such attire really necessary?" Anika questioned. "Excavre is in the attendance this time around." "...Fine." The two prepared to leave when Raul stopped them.
"Don't forget, expectations are high." Anika nodded. "I know, sir." "Good. Then put on a show."
***
Arianna dusted her leggings and stood up. "Brian, it's time. Let's go." Brian Tai Long nodded. "Our luck is trash though.
Going up against the Kunoichi? That means we'll have to play for 'exceptionals'." He complained. Arianna shot him a glare. "We're going to win." "Yes, ma'am." Brian straightened up.
Arianna sighed at his reaction. "Stop joking around." The two walked out onto the arena, where raucous cheers and shouts had begun to resemble the roar of thunder.
"Ah, they're here." Asha said, waving at them. Brian waved back, and the two pairs walked to their positions, waiting for the countdown to begin.
Anika turned to Asha. "Get ready." Asha nodded. "When you are." Arianna turned to Brian. "Get ready." Brian nodded. "Just say when."
Fifteen, fourteen, thirteen, twelve, eleven, ten, nine, eight... Anika brought her palms together and took a deep breath. Six, five... Asha began to hop lightly. Three, two, one.
Anika snapped her fingers, and the sky darkened. "I'm going all out from the start." Lightning struck the ground randomly. "Make sure not to get hit." Anika said calmly.
Arianna laughed slightly. What a lightshow. She rushed forward, knowing it was just an illusion. "Well, aren't you brave?" Anika said as Arianna rushed her.
"Try again." She vanished. Arianna stopped short. She had gotten dangerously close to the edge of the arena. That's not right. We were closer to the center. How?
"Focus." Anika's voice reached her ears. A roundhouse flew at her. Reflexively, Arianna twisted in order to prevent getting kicked out of the ring.
The kick knocked the wind out of her, but she was still within bounds. That was all that mattered. "Alright. Lesson learned. You're crafty." Arianna said, getting to her feet.
"Thanks for the compliment." Anika said serenely. "That's the last time you'll get the better of me." Anika nodded. "I know. Let's get this over with."