It was a Sunday, so Redfountain Training Centre for Specialists was deserted save for those who were trying to gain extra credit, attempting to finish leftover homework or just to get extra training. Among these students was Sky, who had been requested to stay by Codatorta. The other Specialists had gone out to hang out with the Winx at the White Horse, and Sly couldn't help but feel rather down as he had been hoping to see Bloom that weekend.
"And so, that's the history of Redfountain," Saladin finished explaining to the four warriors. Mai stifled a yawn. Sokka's mind had wandered off; he couldn't help wondering what sort of food was served at Redfountain's cafeteria and if they would be able to eat later. Ty Lee and Suki had listened attentively to the history of the school, asking questions in between; though Ty Lee's were a little too enthusiastic and illogical at times.
"And so what were we here for again?" Mai asked, turning to the headmaster of the school. She remembered their purpose of heading to Redfountain, she just didn't want Saladin to plunge into another history lesson or anecdote. Suddenly, she understood why Azula often yawned whenever something she wasn't interested in was being explained and elaborated to her.
"The four of you are going to be training a few selected Specialists today and next Sunday," explained Saladin. "We've observed your fighting skills and I must say, I'm really impressed. Therefore, it has been arranged; you would teach the Specialists your fighting techniques and they, in return, will impart their knowledge of several weapons and techniques they have learnt."
"How is it that I've never heard of this agreement?" Sokka asked. "And do we get meals?"
"Sokka, you weren't paying attention when General Iroh informed us," Suki said, turning to her boyfriend. "I guess he picked the wrong time to announce it; it was lunch, and they had your favourite Water Tribe dishes."
"You will have your meals soon enough," Saladin said. He couldn't help but think that Sokka was a rather strange boy. "For now, follow me."
The headmaster brought them to the arena where the first selected group of Specialists was waiting. Some were chatting among themselves, some were wearing serious looks and doing their warm-ups while some seem to think this was all a joke and they didn't need training from a bunch of expatriate warriors.
"Good morning, boys!" Saladin greeted, as he walked up to the Specialists, with the four non-benders in tow. "As you all know, you have been specially hand-picked to learn from these warriors, which can be considered a privilege and a good opportunity to make friends. And..."
"Come on, headmaster," said one of the boys named Pete, all of a sudden, cutting Headmaster Saladin off. "Who'd want to make friends with these freaks? We don't need to train with them, we're doing extremely well on our own." He wore a smug smile.
Headmaster Saladin scowled at him, but before the old man could say a word, Suki stepped forward. "Don't worry, I think we'll get off on the right foot. I'm sure you'll find our tactics quite useful..."
"I'm not learning from three girls," scoffed Pete. "And a ponytail guy."
"Hey! I'm Boomerang Guy!" Sokka half-yelled, completely insulted.
Saladin tried to get a word in, but Mai stepped forwards. She pointed in the direction of the door. "Well, if that's the case," she said, with a solemn expression. "You may leave now. Please exit the arena so your comrades can begin training."
Pete shot her a glare before pulling his sword out of its sheath. "No," he said. "I'm going to challenge one of you to a duel."
Mai rolled her eyes. "I challenge you to fight Ty Lee without that sword," she said. Ty Lee turned to look at Mai with a rather surprised expression. "Or Suki."
"I have an idea! Since you're so good, why don't you fight both of us at the same time?" Suki said, smirking.
"No, I'll only fight one of you."
"Good," Mai said. "It'll be Ty Lee."
The Specialists were all watching intently, waiting to see what will develop, whispering among themselves and taking bets. Saladin, however, was far from approval.
"Are you sure about this?" he questioned the female warriors.
"Yes. Don't worry, Headmaster Saladin," reassured Suki, nonchalantly. "Ty Lee won't hurt Pete to a point where she cripples him, and anyway, this is a good opportunity to demonstrate her skills with pressure points to the others." She gestured at the other Specialists. Saladin couldn't argue with that.
"So, am I in this fight?" Ty Lee asked, slightly confused.
"Yes, Ty Lee," Mai said. She pointed at Pete. "Your first task, is to take out that Specialist. You're going to demonstrate your skills."
Still rather confused about the whole situation but understanding what she had to do, Ty Lee took her place on one side of the arena. Pete took his place on the other side and faced the chi-blocker. He put his two fists up and got into a stance. Ty Lee didn't take a stance.
"You may begin," Saladin said, and the battle commenced.
Both of them started running towards each other, and began hand-to-hand combat in the centre of the arena, where they met. Ty Lee tried to hit Pete's pressure points, but the Specialist was doing a good job of blocking all of her attacks.
"Looks like he's better than we give him credit for," Sokka said, from the sidelines, where he sat with Saladin, Mai and Suki.
Ty Lee hit several pressure points on Pete's left arm, numbing it a little, but the boy was still going strong with his right hand. He resorted more to kicks and the acrobat realised she had an advantage, for in real combat, your feet should hardly leave the ground. She blocked one of Pete's high kicks by curling her leg around it and pulling it down before sending a series of quick jabs in the Specialist's side, causing it to turn numb. Pete found it difficult to move, and it was only a matter of minutes before Ty Lee numbed his entire body and the Specialist fell to the floor.
There was a short silence, but applause from the Specialists quickly followed. Those who had won bets were claiming their cash from their friends while Saladin and the rest of the Avatarverse warriors got up and walked towards Ty Lee and Pete. "He'll be alright in a matter of hours," said Suki.
"I so wanna learn those moves!" one Specialist enthused, as the group headed down to the arena from the stands.
"Well, shall we begin?" Suki asked, as Pete was dragged off to the side.
Sorry for not updating for so long! Please review.
