The final showdown
Ava's POV
The cheers for Gwen’s victory faded, and the arena filled with new excitement. My heart raced as the announcer called for the next fight. This was it, my turn to face Anastasia, the powerful swordmaster from the mage clan.
I remembered watching her battle with Cinder, where she controlled the fight calmly, moving with such grace and power. I felt a mix of nerves and hope, knowing how strong she was. But I had to stay focused and find my own way to beat her.
The crowd buzzed with anticipation, all eyes on the arena where Anastasia stood, confident, her sword flashing silver in the sunlight. The moment felt ethereal, her hair danced loosely behind her back. Her uniform moved in accordance with the wind.
“Remember what you watched earlier,” Maya whispered in my mind as I took a deep breath. I’d observed Anastasia closely, how she used air and water magic in her attacks. I needed to use that knowledge and adapt it to my own moves.
Just as I stepped towards the arena, Gwen grabbed my hand.
“You can do this. If I won, so can you! But please, don’t get hurt.”
I was surprised by her words, but I tried to shake it off and stepped into the arena. She has always been that way, I was still trying to get used to having someone concerned about me.
The ground beneath me felt solid, grounding me as the crowd cheered loudly for Anastasia. But those cheers felt like distant thunder compared to the storm building in my chest.
“Don’t get hurt, Ava. Good luck,” I heard Raphael’s voice whisper in my mind.
“I’ll be okay, I promise.” I glanced over at the pavilion and met Raphael’s gaze. He nodded at me with a sweet, yet worried smile.
Anastasia turned her attention toward me, and a glint of recognition sparked in her eyes. She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. It was the kind of smile that meant she knew exactly how serious this fight was.
“Ava,” she called out, her voice calm and steady, “this isn’t just a match for me. It’s my duty. I hope you understand, I won’t be going easy on you.”
“Same here,” I replied, hoping my voice sounded stronger than I felt.
The horn blared, signaling the start of our match, and we began circling each other, both searching for an opening. The crowd held its breath, waiting.
Suddenly, Anastasia sprang forward, her sword flashing blue. I dodged quickly, barely avoiding her strike, and launched a ball of flame toward her. She reacted instantly, calling up a gust of wind that quenched my attack into the air.
“You can use magic? Nice try,” she taunted, her eyes gleaming with excitement. I could feel her passion for the battle, matching my own.
“You’re not the only one with surprises,” I shot back with a grin.
We exchanged blows, her sword clashing against my magic. Each move reminded me of her battle with Cinder. I had to think differently, relying on Maya’s agility to stay quick and light on my feet.
Anastasia summoned a wave of water, shaping it into a sharp spear that shot toward me. I leapt to the side, feeling the spray of water as it splashed on the arena floor.
The crowd gasped, their excitement building. I shifted my focus, letting my instincts guide me as I tried to trip her by sweeping my leg low.
But she was faster than I expected. She dodged smoothly, retaliating with a sweeping strike that I barely blocked. The force of our clash sent a shockwave through me, filling me with adrenaline.
The crowd cheered louder as we fought, their excitement fueling us both. I pushed forward, drawing on Maya’s strength, weaving attacks and moves I’d never tried before.
Anastasia blocked one of my strikes, her eyes narrowing. “Is that all you’ve got?” she challenged, her tone a mix of toughness and respect.
I gritted my teeth, determined not to back down. “I’ll try not to disappoint,” I replied, summoning the fire magic Drakon had taught me. I twisted my body, sending a wave of flames toward her, hoping to catch her off guard.
She dodged, but this time I was ready. I quickly channeled my magic into bursts of flame, distracting her long enough to close the distance between us. With a fierce strike, I sent a fiery wolf shape lunging toward her.
Anastasia’s eyes widened as the flaming wolf clashed against her wind shield. “Clever,” she muttered, her forehead glistening with sweat as she fought to keep the flames back.
The crowd gasped, realizing the strength of my power. Fueled by confidence, I kept pushing forward, matching her move for move.
But as our battle continued, I felt my strength fading. My magic was weakening, and I knew Anastasia would spot my vulnerabilities soon. I had to keep going.
The crowd watched intently, every eye glued to the arena, the tension thick in the air.
In a sudden move, Anastasia unleashed a powerful swirl of water, creating a tornado around me. The force threatened to pull me under, my heart racing as I struggled.
“You’re strong, Ava,” she said, her tone a mix of challenge and respect. “But this is where you lose.”
Summoning every ounce of strength left, I broke free from the water’s grip. I leapt forward, using Maya’s agility to dodge her next strike, relying on my instincts. I remembered everything I had learned from watching her.
“Now!” I shouted to Maya, feeling a surge of power. I aimed at her sword, hoping to disarm her.
She countered with a quick twist, but I anticipated it and drove forward, pushing her back. The crowd’s cheers rose, their excitement filling the arena.
Just when I thought I had an advantage, I saw something strange in her eyes. She wasn’t finished. Her eyes held a secret plan, something I hadn’t seen.
And then, in one swift motion, she turns her sword, unleashing a powerful mix of air and water magic that blasted me back. The sheer force overwhelmed me, pushing me to the ground.
“Don’t underestimate your opponent, Ava!” she warned, pressing her attack.
I struggled to stand, feeling blood on my skin, my energy draining. But I couldn’t give up. Not with Raphael watching. I had to win. The crowd's cheers faded as I focused on Anastasia.
Our clash continued, each of us refusing to yield. My every move was met with hers, each attack blocked, every spell countered.
Then I saw it, a brief opening in her defense. I summoned all my remaining fire magic and leapt forward, putting everything I had into this final attack. I felt the energy surge through me, guiding my strike.
Anastasia dodged it, but I saw her effort falter. For a moment, I thought I’d won. But then she smiled, a small, knowing smile that sent chills down my spine.
Before I could react, she twisted her body, and suddenly, the world around me shifted. Everything felt strange, distorted. I realized she’d cast an illusion spell, trapping me in a false reality.
“What’s going on?” I whispered, feeling disoriented.
I heard Drakon’s voice faintly in the distance. “Ava!” he called, flickering in and out of the illusion. I fought harder, drawing strength from the memory of his training, and slowly began breaking free from her illusion.
With a final force of willpower, I broke through the haze, returning to the real arena. Anastasia stood before me, her sword raised, her eyes steady.
“Let’s finish this,” I called out, feeling renewed determination.
She gave a small nod, and we charged at each other one last time. The crowd’s cheers roared, mixing with the clash of our powers.
Our weapons met in a brilliant flash of light, the energy around us charged with the force of our battle. I sensed a shift, she was holding back, almost as if she wanted me to win.
With one last push, I surged forward, forcing her back. She dropped her sword, and the arena exploded with cheers.
The crowd thought I had won, but only I knew the truth; she had let me. Winning wouldn't have been so easy if she decided to continue but I won't have lost either.
Anastasia gave me a respectful nod, acknowledging my victory. In the stands, I saw Raphael smiling, his eyes full of pride and warmth. His look filled me with joy.
The ministers sat in shocked silence, some clenching their fists. They had expected Anastasia to win, to carry out their plans, but I had disrupted everything.
Standing tall amidst the cheers and anger, I felt proud. This victory was mine, and I had truly earned it.
This only met one thing, the end of the moonstone pack was near. Wait for me Helena. I am coming for you.
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