XVIII - Ida Vs Gallagher

IDA

"Hah", he roared. "You really think I'd stoop to holding the hands of greenears, and a woman at that", "you're not holding my hand, it's just a friendly spar, no need to be a mysogynistic ass about it", I replied. "You bi..", "language!, both of you. And you Gallagher, it's tradition. Anyone who applies has the right to pick who he/she spars against, so pick a weapon and get to the floor ", Mr Thomeaux concluded. "See you on the dance floor ", I jeered at Gallagher.

After some routine stretches, we stood face to face. I could feel the cold wind constantly blowing in the school in my face. The e brief moment of peace was interrupted by Mr Thomeaux. "Basic use of magical augmentation, no use of spells magic power. Winner is the first person to get a surrender out of the other or get a clean shot. And begin!".

I had to admit, he was pretty good with his sword. He slashed at me from the top, which I blocked by wrapping my arms in the chain, but the force was still commendable. In a whip-like motion, I smashed at him with the whip, but he guarded with his sword. He lunged at me again with continuous slashes of monstrous force, bringing me to my knees.

I rolled between his legs and delivered an augmented kick to his back, jolting him forward. I immediately stood up and flung my chains, grabbing his right leg. As I pulled, he propelled himself off the ground with his left leg and took a shot at me. I dropped, and swept his legs, but he regained balance with a swift backward roll.

He used his sword to break part of my chains and free himself, before taking a swing at me again. I back stepped, but he had increased the reach of his blade, and got my neck. The crimson hue of my blood already apparent on my uniform, it wasn't a deep cut, but it annoyed me. Wouldn't imagine what would have gone down here if it was Rion.

Immediately recollecting myself, I hurled my chains at him, sending the four edges in, before launching my self at him. "You really think this little distraction will work on me", he mocked as he grabbed my hand. "What if I'm the distraction ". Immediately, I grabbed him with the chains and ceased his sword. "Beating me would be easier if you weren't so myopic", I whispered to him as he was still hanging upside down.

"Amazing work Ida , you have more than proven yourself worthy of the combat club", Mr Thomeaux proclaimed. "Thank you sir, I try my best. But Gallagher was certainly a formidable sparring partner", I said as I dropped him. "Not a problem you can't solve apparent. Welcome to the combat club ", he said as he extended a hand to me. As I took it, I could sight Gallagher glaring hatefully. It almost brought a smile to my face.

***

HYPERION

"Hello I'm back", Ida said as she walked into the room. "You are aware of the fact that this is the women's dormitory right, I can't stay here for long", I complained. "Oh calm down, they won't catch you. The girls have boys over all the time. I dare say it might be the status quo at this point".

"Well, that's beside the point. It's been five weeks, and as much as I love access to rare books and modern magical knowledge, I also like progress. I'd rather stay in this school of my own volition, than being here because of a mission", I stated. "I've been talking to the girls, no one seems to know anything. At this point, they might as well make me their diary, so I know they aren't lying. And didn't you say you were checking in with Aurora?", Ida asked. "I have been. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened, and I verified her honesty. Neither I nor you has any actual information to share, so I might as well get to sleep, goodnight ".

"Another late night huh", Malachi said as I returned to the dormitory in the pitch black night. "I might as well address this", I thought inwardly. I turned on the lights and walked up to Malachi. "I can read you like an open book, and you know it. You always hid your inquisitivity under the guise of small talk, but I know you have weird feelings about me that you can't put a finger on, and I'm ready to sate your curiosity.

My name and any other information you have about me is true. I am a huntsman, tasked with a case that requires me being in this school. I've been researching since I came here, but it has been a dead end. I believe they are aware of my presence. I believe that is about all you want to know that I want to tell you ", I concluded

"Why are you telling me this?", he asked. "You see, surveiling someone like me tends to be a double edged sword. I told you this, because you're going to be in on this. Your distrust towards my motives were apparent, that anyone who was paying attention will notice. This means that you have probably been ticked off a list of my allies only I and Ida are under a red light. Now, I don't need you to jump into a skyscraper or any wacky job like that. All I ask is that you pay close attention to Miss Aurora".

"A very nice day for a lap, I commend your determination during this exercise, but we would have to cut our meeting short. All periods have been cut in half in preparation for the Ludus Gentium taking place in twenty days, featuring students from the most prestigious schools in all world nations , so members of all clubs, you would want to step up, because you are the frontliners.

"It seems you're going to be fighting for this school", I told Ida. "No, I don't really feel it, that's why I've been making way for Gallagher". "Gallagher is playing Decibola ascensio, the game strictly forbid any player from partaking in two competitions, so you're going to have to carry the combat team.

As we were speaking, Gallagher walked up to us. "Wench, you better not be thinking about fighting for Zenith in the games, I think we'd rather play handicapped", he mocked. "Look, Gallagher, I've been really nice to you because I didn't want you playing for Zenith as half the half man you are, but due to recent events, crossing me night not be in your favour". "Look, this is why the poor man should never be allowed riches. It gets to their head, makes them forget their place in the pecking order", he growled.

"It's club time Yung, why are we using words when we can just duke it out". Gallagher let out a series of howling laughs, each one louder than the last. "Look..", but he was interrupted as he was barely able to evade Ida's fist. "Flame magic huh, something we share in common, just don't get cocky because your flame is a different shade. He armoured his arms in flames, before charging at Ida. She evaded, and his punch landed on one of the frume trees, incinerating it. "What cute flames, I bet Mr Yung must be proud", Ida jeered. Seething in anger, Gallagher thrust himself at Ida again, but she held his flaming hand before hitting him with her own flaming fist that sent him into the fountain, which boiled from the residual heat of Ida's blow.

Gallagher came out with a slightly charred cheek and a bloody nose,with part of his shirt mostly burnt, but he was still not giving up. He engulfed himself in flames and walked up to Ida, burning the dewy green grass beneath us. He attacked with a series of super fast punches, but none of which connected. Ida had already established her superiority and was now toying with Gallagher as she evaded his punches effortlessly. Then, in the blink of an eye, he had landed a punch to Ida's stomach, making her collapsed. "Gallagher, to the principals office, now!" , said Mr Thomeaux who had returned. He ordered some students to help get Ida to the infirmary before walking away.

I went to visit Ida in the infirmary after meeting with the practical magical science club. "Nice performance there, I didn't think you planned that bout out", I commented. "I didn't, but when I sensed Mr Thomeaux coming, I saw a way to get through it without consequences, but it still hurts though, Gallagher packs quite a punch.

Malachi walked in as we were speaking and came straight to me. "We have a problem ".