A/N: Long overdue sequel to Ch. 13: "Tenacious"
Felix and Ivan: Rematch
Ivan has a bruised lip, a black eye, and a very, very sore hip. He thinks he might have thirty cuts, fifty scrapes, and about seventy bruises. Mia is currently busy taking a nap and Piers is busy taking care of the ship, so there is no one to really turn to for a healing. He could ask Isaac, but he's sure Isaac would just laugh at him for getting so thoroughly beat up (Isaac wouldn't actually laugh, but his eyes will tell Ivan everything and he won't even have to Mind Read), so Ivan sits in the common area, alone, and wonders at how he should go about taking care of his wounds.
He soon finds out that he doesn't need to worry because there is a feeling of a deep calmness that envelops him and heals his wounds and he recognizes this Psynergy as Potent Cure, one of Isaac's best healing techniques. He's sure Isaac doesn't know about his current state, and the only other person who knows this technique is…
Felix sits down next to Ivan on the couch. "You should have immediately gone to a healer."
Ivan shrugs. "No one was available."
There is a long pause as neither boy really feels the need to continue the conversation. But Ivan eventually breaks the silence anyway. "You beat me up pretty bad. And the battle was going so well in my favor…"
Felix chuckles. Ivan stares at the Venus Adept in surprise. He had been traveling with this man for almost a month and he had never heard Felix chuckle. Ivan had thought the Venus Adept was one of those super stoic people: the ones who didn't have much of a humor. Ivan feels relieved to know that Felix is, indeed, human.
"I underestimated you, that's all. Once I got serious, it wasn't too hard to beat you," Felix replies.
Ivan winces at the words. That was quite a blow to his pride.
Felix keeps going. "You're sloppy with your footwork and your Psynergy isn't as strong as I thought it would be. Your physical prowess isn't nearly as high as it should be, considering the type of weapon you wield." Felix gestures at Ivan's rapier, leaning against the wall close by. Ivan wants to crawl into a hole and wither away. He knows he's not exactly strong, but he also knows that he's not a wimp, either. Felix's words are too harsh.
Despite Ivan's deepest hopes, Felix continues talking and Ivan braces himself for the worst. "But you are also very creative and highly resourceful." Ivan looks up at Felix. Did the stoic Venus Adept just compliment him? "You are quick-thinking and can think up whole strategies on the spot. You also have the innate ability to execute such strategies almost flawlessly. Oh, and also? The control you have over your Psynergy is really something else. I could learn from you."
Ivan beams at those words, but looks away so as not to seem like he took too much pride in Felix's compliments.
"I'd really like to spar with you again. But only once we get on land. I don't want you to hold back your Psynergy just because you don't want to ruin the boat. It wouldn't be productive for either of us," Felix says.
The Wind Adept grins at Felix's offer. "You're on. I'll work on my footwork and everything else. When I face you again, I'll be way stronger."
Felix smiles back. "I'm sure you will."
