I Do Not Need Your Help

Gwen's POV

"What?" Gwen exclaimed in pure bewilderment as soon as Thorndyke told her about the combat battles, "Weren't those supposed to be for the first years?"

"You are a first-year, venom. Skipping to the senior year does not change that fact," he crossed his arms, teasing her, "you can't take a challenge from your juniors?"

Gwen rolled her eyes, obviously not amused by the situation.

"I can handle my juniors just fine," she said, crossing her arms as well. "But these are combat battles, not some petty squabble in the hallway. Are you sure I'm ready for this?"

Thorndyke chuckled at her response, clearly amused by her scepticism, "Oh, come on, little venom. You can fight mammoth-sized men, handle the Void stone, bond with the Legendary Monarch of dragons, and create straight-out brawls in the Academy corridors, but you're afraid of a few combat battles?" He smirked, leaning against the wall.

"And don't worry, I wouldn't be agreeing on throwing you into the ring if I didn't think you were ready," he reassured her, but his tone was slightly playful, "I'll be there to keep an ear out and help you if things get messy."

She huffed at his casual demeanour, clearly annoyed by his confidence in her.

"I'm not afraid," she retorted, her voice filled with defiance. "I just don't see the point of fighting a bunch of juniors who are probably no match for me."

She hated and was slightly pleased by the fact that he seemed so sure that she could handle this. Despite her protests, she couldn't help the flicker of excitement that flashed in her eyes at the mention of combat battles. There was a part of her that loved a challenge, even more so when it involved fighting.

"And I don't need your help. Thank you very much," she said, attempting to sound dismissive.

He chuckled amused by her stubbornness, "You know, for someone who claims not to want my help, you sure seem reluctant to agree to the challenge."

He took a step closer to her, a playful gleam in his eye, "Or are you just trying to convince yourself that you don't need me?"

Gwen kept her chin high, ignoring the fact that Thorndyke may have made a point, "I'm not convincing myself. I. Do. Not. Need. You."

He took another step towards her, shortening the distance between them even more. "You know, I find it amusing how you keep insisting that you don't need me, yet I always end up being the one to save you from a stupid situation you've managed to get yourself into."

He smirked, his eyes never leaving hers. "You may not admit it, but I think you secretly love being rescued by me."

Then suddenly, he turned, making his leave.

"Hey!" Gwen stomped her foot on the ground, not used to being dismissed like that.

"You made it apparent that you don't need me. So, good luck training for the battles yourself, little venom," she could practically hear the smirk in his voice, making her grit her teeth.

Gwen was left feeling both annoyed and somewhat surprised by his sudden departure. She didn't expect him to leave after she told him that she didn't need him.

As she watched his retreating, her pride told her to let him go without a word. It was alright. She did not need him in anything.

She was her own person and did not depend on anyone. She would prove to him that she was capable of doing everything herself.

She huffed, rolling her eyes and silently cursing him.

She grumbled under her breath in frustration, "Who gave him the right to waltz away like that, and leave me with some stupid snarky comment?"

———

She groaned as Sibby slammed her on the ground for the third time.

"You need to train her, Sibby. Not throw her around like a sack of potatoes!" Rose hissed, standing a few feet away from them. Sibby just shrugged sheepishly.

"I'm not doing it on purpose! It's just that she is lighter than a sack of potatoes," she teased, standing over Gwen's half-groaning form.

Gwen pushed herself up onto her forearms, grumbling under her breath. "You are the worst teacher," she muttered, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Hey, what's wrong with having some fun?" Sibby pouted but there was a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"Fun?" Gwen grumbled, pushing herself up to a sitting position and brushing dirt off of her. "I don't see what's fun about being tossed around like a ragdoll."

Sibby chuckled, clearly amused by Gwen's grumbling. "Oh come on, it's all part of the training. You gotta learn how to take a hit and get back up, right? Now, come on, get up."

Gwen lay back down on the ground, groaning in exhaustion, "How did it all come to this?"

Sibby sighed, rolling her eyes in a mix of annoyance and amusement. She grabbed the girl under the shoulders, pulling her up to her feet.

"Come on, Drama Queen. That's enough of a break," she said, giving her a light swat on the rear. "It's training time, not lie around on the ground groaning time."

Rose chuckled from the sidelines, watching the two's interaction.

"Are you sure you don't want Damian's help?" Rose asked, making her huff and roll her eyes.

"I do not need that asshole's help. He is as helpful as a fish with a wheel," she lied through her teeth, knowing that he was much more helpful to her than she could ever admit. But the hell would freeze over before she would say it out loud.

Sibby raised an eyebrow, "You don't sound so convincing," she said with a chuckle.

Rose laughed, "Yeah, Sibby's not wrong. You two argue like an old married couple half the time. And he is surprisingly lenient with you. I never expected the cold, grumpy Damian Thorndyke to go soft so quick."

Gwen rolled her eyes, not wanting to hear this conversation anymore. Obviously only she knew how infuriating Thorndyke was.

She positioned herself in a fighting stance, motioning Sibby to attack.