Elementals

Chapter 43-Alex VS Keith: Part 2-Focus

Chapter 43

•Alex's P.O.V•

Keith balled his fists. They let off a bright glow as he looked at me with a fanged smile. Without hesitation, Keith darted towards me. I jumped out of the way of one of his punches, but just as I found my footing, I found myself dodging another punch. I jumped back as he thrust his fist into the ground, destroying a part of the arena floor. The entire ground shook as small shockwaves rippled from the impact.

'Keith wasn't kidding, he really isn't going easy on me.' I thought to myself. In that moment, I opened my hand and tried igniting a flame. But, nothing appeared.

"Oh come on, come on!" I snapped my fingers repeatedly, trying to get a flame to form. But I couldn't catch the spark. I didn't get much time to think about it as Keith leaped towards me. I jumped to the side as his fist barely missed my face, only to feel his other fist collide with my stomach. The air left my lungs as the punch sent me flying backwards a few feet. I got up, clutching my stomach in pain.

I tried creating another flame in my hand, but nothing. My mind was so focussed on Keith that I found it harder and harder to create a flame. I found it difficult to get my thoughts together long enough to catch a spark. Every time I did, an image of Keith would pop up and send my mind into chaos again. I cursed myself mentally.

"What's the matter, Alex? You holding back on me or something?" Keith's voice boomed across the arena. I tried creating another flame in my hand, only to come to the same result as the first time.

"Uh, I dunno. My powers are-"

I cut myself off as a small shard of rock flew past my face, grazing my skin slightly. A burning red line appeared on my cheek. Keith suddenly leaped towards me again and threw another punch. I got out of the way just in time to avoid it.

"What gives, Al? I thought told you not to hold back." He went for a high kick, which I dodged. I went into a roll as he went in for another punch. He looked at me with a wild glint in his eyes. "Are you gonna spark a flame or what?"

"I would if my powers were working!" I blurted out. His wild glint and fanged smirk faded into a puzzled expression.

"What do you mean your powers aren't working?" He asked. He stood upright, his fists stopped glowing.

"Uh, nothing, don't worry about it." I muttered. I tried creating a flame again, to no avail. Keith took a step towards me.

"Is it about what happened yesterday?" He asked, his cheeks turning a slight shade of red. I found myself blushing madly and looked to the side.

"Can we not talk about that?" I muttered. "Let's just get back to the fight, shall we?"

I went into a fighting stance. Keith shook his head.

"Al, if your powers aren't working, then we shouldn't go on. It wouldn't be a fair fight." Keith said, a visible wave of concern washing over him.

"Look, I'll be fine. Just, attack me. I'm ready for you." I said. I ignored the knotting feeling in my stomach and clenched my fists. Keith let out a sigh.

"Time out!"

"What? Keith, what are you-"

Mr Silva slid in on an ice path. "What's wrong?"

"Alex needs a minute." Keith said.

"Wha- No I don't-"

"Alex." Keith put his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes with such a deep stare. "Your powers aren't working. We can't continue. It wouldn't be fair."