Rivals

by Derek Alan Siddoway

  Five.

  Four.

  Three.

  Two.

  One.

  Beep!

  Jackson and Akamu’s shouts mingled as they both released their Djinn. Asena and Scrappy burst forth. Asena’s hackles raised and she crouched into a snarling growl. Scrappy did a little flip in the air and then hovered above Asena. Jackson felt a brief flash of pride. Finally, they looked like a real Djinn team.

  Akamu’s Flogadra and Tandile were Fire/Wind combo Elemental and Water-Elemental, respectively, so it was a bit of a mix in terms of Elemental advantages. The Flogadra and Asena almost neutralized each other, though the Asena did have the advantage when it came to her Earth-Elemental nature against the Flogadra’s Wind-Elemental nature. Both the Flogadra’s Fire and Wind-Elemental Move Set were pretty neutral against Scrappy’s Wind. However, in terms of the Tandile and its Water-Elemental nature, it had a disadvantage against Scrappy — though it had quite the advantage against Asena. All in all, this would make for an unpredictable fight, seeing all these Djinn mix it up on the ring.

  But how did he stack up stats-wise? Jackson pulled up their charts.

  GENERAL OPPONENT STATS

  Djinn: Flogadra

  Level: 20

  Element: Fire/Wind

  Species Rarity: Rare

  HP (Hit Points): 305/305

  EP (Elemental Power): 160/160

  Attack: 120

  Defense: 92

  Speed: 155

  Status: Neutral

  GENERAL OPPONENT STATS

  Djinn: Tandile

  Level: 19

  Element: Water

  Species Rarity: Somewhat Rare

  HP (Hit Points): 370/370

  EP (Elemental Power): 120/120

  Attack: 145

  Defense: 140

  Speed: 74

  Status: Neutral

  Jackson quickly pulled up his own Djinn’s stats side by side.

  GENERAL STATS AND INFO

  Djinn: Lyote

  Level: 18

  Name: Asena

  Element: Fire/Earth

  Species Rarity: Rare

  HP (Hit Points): 292/292

  EP (Elemental Power): 136/136

  Attack: 120

  Defense: 84

  Speed: 89

  Accessories: None

  Items: None

  Status: Neutral

  Move Set: Swipe Left to See More >>>

  GENERAL STATS AND INFO

  Djinn: Magglecaw

  Level: 17

  Name: Scrappy

  Element: Wind

  Species Rarity: Common

  HP (Hit Points): 236/236

  EP (Elemental Power): 88/88

  Attack: 75

  Defense: 86

  Speed: 149

  Accessories: None

  Items: None

  Status: Neutral

  Move Set: Swipe Left to See More >>>

  Jackson didn’t have long to lament over how outmatched he was before he had to direct his attention to the fight itself. Akamu’s Djinn charged Jackson’s Djinn at once and immediately put his team on their heels. The Flogadra let out a haunting cry and spun around until its brilliant golden red feathers turned into a Fire Tornado. The whirling dervish struck both Asena and Scrappy and knocked them back. Luckily neither Wind nor Fire were Elements neither of his Djinn were weak against, otherwise that could have been a damaging blow.

  However, the attack distracted Jackson’s Djinn long enough for the Tandile to wade into their midst. The gigantic reptilian Djinn snapped with his long snout and jagged teeth and cracked his thick tail around as the three of them descended into a melee.

  Get out, get out!

  Scrappy and Asena disengaged at once and withdrew to the far side of the ring to Jackson’s left. The plan was simple: stay away from the big, slow Tandile and its killer Defense and Attack while wearing down the Flogadra. But it was a strategy easier put on paper than executed. Although Scrappy had managed to escape the first exchange with a few minor hits, Asena already had almost a quarter of her health gone, as she had been hit head on.

  Akamu’s Tandile lumbered forward again, but Jackson wasn’t about to be caught this time. He split Scrappy and Asena into two groups. Both Djinn skirted the edge of the ring and managed to get off ranged attacks at the Flogadra while staying out of the Tandile’s range. Asena’s Fire Bark and Scrappy’s Feather Needle whittled away at the flying fire Djinn and kept the Tandile circling.

  The exchange continued over the next couple minutes. Jackson could see his tactic frustrated Akamu — he’d started yelling at the Tandile across the ring, although it was just beratement, not commands. Jackson allowed a small grin and encouraged Asena and Scrappy to redouble their ranged attacks while the Tandile chased after them and the Flogadra whirled about, trying to pick which one to go after. This was a conservative strategy, and Jackson only wished he’d be able to utilize Asena’s Earth-Elemental moves against the Flogadra. That would do a number on it for sure, as the Djinn’s Wind-Elemental aspect would be weak against such attacks. Though, this was a game of patience, he reminded himself. And it was working. Whenever the Flogadra turned to face Scrappy in the air, Asena hit it from behind, and when the Flogadra committed to an attack on Asena, Scrappy swooped in with beak and claw before zipping back away. They were able to do this for a good long while, draining the Flogadra’s HP down to around one-fourth.

  All at once, Jackson saw his opening. Asena was backed up against the ring by Akamu’s Tandile. Scrappy and the Flogadra were in the thick of a fight, going at it so hard that they’d descended in the air to just a few feet off the ground. A crazy, wild idea came to Jackson. It wasn’t part of the plan, but it felt right.

  Asena, Wild Sprint over the Tandile!

  Asena didn’t hesitate at the insane command. She gathered herself in a couple of leaps, and then jumped right over the snapping teeth of the Tandile. She landed on his back long enough to spring upward into the air.

  A moment later, Asena collided with Scrappy and the Flogadra. The Flogadra hit the ground. This was Jackson’s moment!

  Asena, Earth Hunt!

  Immediately, the earth under Asena’s feet began to rumble and a line shot out towards the fallen Flogadra. The ground exploded underneath the Fire and Wind-Elemental, shooting it up in the air and slamming it into the forcefield surrounding the ring.

  That was it.

  Jackson glanced at the display and saw the Flogadra’s remaining HP drain away. Akamu yelled in frustration and the Flogadra disappeared in a flash of orange light. One down.

  And then the Tandile struck.

  The enormous water Djinn’s tail hit Asena hard in the side and sent her flying across the ring. She struck the side of the forcefield hard and slid down to the ground. Jackson’s watch vibrated like crazy and he expected a knock out.

  The Tandile raced forward on its short, stubby legs for the finishing blow. As it drew closer, its mouth parted. The Tandile had one ranged attack, a slow gathering Water Jet that, when it struck Asena, would wipe her out without question. Dazed, she wouldn’t be able to get away in time.

  Scrappy! You’ve got to shield her!

  Although the attack was powerful, Scrappy’s Elemental advantage over the Tandile was the only chance Jackson had. Scrappy fluttered in the air, torn between attacking Tandile and rushing to Asena’s aid. Two weeks ago, the Magglecaw would’ve never given up the attack to rescue Asena. The Tandile’s mouth gaped wider, and Jackson could see the swirling muddy water gathering itself. Asena struggled to rise and collapsed again. It would be too long before she snapped out of the daze.

  Please, we’re in this together!

  The Tandile threw its head down and released the torrent of brown water. Scrappy streaked from the sky, beelining toward Asena. Jackson cringed.

  It all happened at once. Scrappy intercepted the Water Jet at the last possible second, the blast sending him careening through the air and across the r
ing to land in a sodden mess. A ricochet of water hit Asena, but she still managed to stand. The Tandile charged forward, a low, guttural rumble sounding from its chest.

  Call of the Wild!

  Asena tipped back her head and let a forlorn, hair-raising howl. Smoke poured from between her fangs and shot toward the Tandile. As it escaped her mouth, it grew into wraith-like feral canines forms until a pack of a half-dozen raced toward the Tandile. The pack of smoke canines circled Akamu’s remaining Djinn, howling and circling it like downed prey. Against all odds, the Tandile curled its tail around itself and pulled back in fear.

  “They’re not real, idiot!” Akamu screamed. “Finish that Lyote!”

  The pack of smoke canines faded away as the Tandile shook itself free of their intimidation. But the attack had done its job. Asena now stood on shaky legs and Scrappy finished flapping off the last of the river mud and slime from his wings.

  Akamu stared across the ring at Jackson and his lip curled in a half smile, half snarl. “If you hadn’t caught that worthless Magglecaw, you’d have won today,” he yelled to Jackson. “I just want you to know that. Killer, finish her!”

  Scrappy Dive-Bombed the Tandile and grabbed the tip of its enormous scaled tail in an effort to slow it down. The Tandile lumbered forward as if it couldn’t tell the difference and Asena readied for the final attack.

  Jackson glanced at his holo-watch. Asena didn’t have much left in the tank, health or energy-wise. Her stats showed a series of minor injuries from the battle.

  Jackson raised his hand with Asena’s Djinn ring. He couldn’t bring himself to put her through what would come next.

  The flash of vermilion light shot across the ring but Asena sidestepped the energy. She gave Jackson a long look at then tipped her head back once more toward Scrappy.

  Jackson’s holo-watch vibrated.

  New move learned.

  Jackson swiped over to Asena’s Move Set.

  Fire-Elemental: Fire Growl (5 EP), Fire Bark (15 EP)

  Earth-Elemental: Earth Hunt (10 EP)

  Plain-Elemental: Attack, Headbutt, Wild Bite, Fierce Cry, Wild Sprint, Pack Leader (X)

  Pack Leader? Jackson scrunched his face in confusion. And what in the world was that “X” next to it? Regardless, it was clear that Asena wanted to execute this maneuver, and he wasn’t about to argue.

  Do what you have to do, Asena.

  A flash of golden light covered the Lyote. It gathered around her and then rose and encircled Scrappy. Jackson watched in awe as Scrappy’s health went up about a fifth while Asena’s remaining health drained. Asena fell to the ground. Jackson’s jaw hung open slightly in disbelief. She’d sacrificed herself for Scrappy.

  I’m proud of you, girl, Jackson told her as she disappeared back into her Djinn ring.

  Across the ring, Akamu burst out laughing. “Are you kidding me? You throw in the towel with your most powerful Djinn?”

  For the first time since the match started, Jackson truly felt his nerves calm. His resolve hardened. All he wanted to do was beat Akamu, not even to make it into the Bronze League, but just to teach him a lesson. Jackson nodded to Scrappy.

  It’s down to you now, buddy. Asena gave you a chance, now make the most of it. Let’s beat them together. I believe in you!

  It may not have the core stat advantage, but it did have the Elemental advantage. Scrappy streaked toward the Tandile like a flash of black-and-white lightning. The Tandile swung its scaled head around just in time for Scrappy’s beak to strike him in the eye. As the large reptilian Djinn thrashed from pain and rage, Scrappy dove again. And again. And again.

  The attacks almost bounced off the Tandile’s thick hide, but Scrappy refused to relent. He flew around in a blur; too fast for the bigger, slower Djinn to catch him with his tail or long, tooth-filled mouth. Little by little, the Tandile’s health ticked away.

  Akamu screamed, raging as much as his Djinn.

  “ENOUGH! FINISH HIM!”

  The Tandile tipped his head back and let out a dragon-like roar. The deafening sound reverberated throughout the inside of the forcefield ring and shook the air and ground alike. Halfway into another dive, Scrappy veered sideways from the blast and went beak-first into the ground.

  Before Jackson could shout a warning, the Tandile was upon Scrappy. In one giant gulp, it trapped Scrappy between the rows of its dagger-like teeth. Jackson’s insides froze.

  “I told you you don’t belong out here,” Akamu called out to Jackson. “And now, it’s over.”

  Jackson knew when its jaws closed, the Tandile would crush Scrappy completely.

  Fight, buddy, fight! Don’t give in.

  Jackson’s brow furrowed and he poured his will into one final communication with Scrappy.

  Akamu’s hand slowly lowered and, with it, his Tandile’s jaws began to close, like a fanged vice grip, pressing the life out of Jackson’s Magglecaw.

  DON’T GIVE IN!

  Scrappy let out an ear-splitting call. Jackson’s holo-watch shook and rattled until his wrist went numb. A ball of black energy engulfed Scrappy and whirled around him, growing and spreading from between the Tandile’s jaws.

  Jackson’s eyes shot between the two Djinn and his holo-watch. What was happening? He had no idea what attack Scrappy had used, didn’t know what was going on with his tech — had it malfunctioned?

  The black orb swirling around the Magglecaw exploded. The Tandile’s jaw’s forced apart and Scrappy flew across the ring. After a final shudder, Jackson’s watch stopped and let out a weak ding.

  Congratulations! Your Magglecaw has evolved into a Scoundrook!

  Scrappy — now a Scoundrook — let out a triumphant croaking call. His wings and tail feathers were long; as was his beak, which now had a vicious curve at the end like a scimitar. Flashes of purple, green, and blue shone in his black feathers. His dark, beady eyes shone with a dangerous, mischievous glean.

  GENERAL STATS AND INFO

  Djinn: Scoundrook

  Level: 17

  Name: Scrappy

  Element: Wind

  Species Rarity: Fairly Common

  HP (Hit Points): 255/255

  EP (Elemental Power): 95/95

  Attack: 86

  Defense: 94

  Speed: 165

  Accessories: None

  Items: None

  Status: Neutral

  Move Set: Swipe Left to See More >>>

  Jackson exhaled in disbelief. Not only had Scrappy increased its core stats substantially, but he had regained all his HP and EP in the evolution. This was unreal. So this was the kind of duress that led to evolution? Jackson never dreamed it would happen mid-battle like this.

  The Tandile let out a groan and heaved itself back onto its legs. Its movements were slow and sluggish. After the long, hard battle, only a sliver of its health remained.

  “No!” Akamu shouted. “No! I can’t lose to some damn newt!”

  Let’s end this. Feather Needle!

  Scrappy wrapped its wings around himself. They unfurled in a burst and dozens of long, dark feathers sprang like arrows from his body. The projectiles buried themselves deep in the Tandile’s scaly hide.

  Finish it off with one final Mini-Twister.

  Jackson had been saving this attack for when he could be confident it would finish the battle. Unfortunately, it took a whopping 35 EP, so he only wanted to use in case of extreme emergencies, for fear of being left with no EP left on other attacks. Finishing off a Djinn like a Tandile seemed like a good enough time as any.

  A twister formed between Scrappy’s wings and launched straight at the Tandile.

  That final attack was all it took. The Tandile may have been strong, but against a full-strength Scoundrook using a move with an Elemental advantage was just too much all at once.

  An instant later, it was all over.

  CHAPTER 32

  Jackson stood in his tamer’s box, stunned. The forcefield melted down around the ring and the blast of the crowd mingl
ed with the announcer’s raving hit him full on.

  “Jackson Hunt wins the match, Jackson Hunt wins the match! I can’t believe it, ladies and gentlemen!”

  Jackson couldn’t believe it, either. Scrappy floated over to him and landed at his feet. His new form came up to Jackson’s waist. The newly-evolved Scoundrook nuzzled Jackson’s hand. The action brought his tamer back into focus.

  “You were amazing!” Jackson said, kneeling down in front of his Djinn. Scrappy cackled and gave a weary but convincing victory dance by shuffling and hopping around. Jackson laughed and ran his hand over the Djinn’s glistening black feathers one last time before returning Scrappy to stasis in his Djinn ring.

  The referee motioned for both tamers to meet at the center of the ring and shake hands. Akamu stormed forward, still ranting and swearing. When they met, he shoved a finger past the ref at Jackson.

  “A fluke, a lucky fluke was all that was,” Akamu said. “He didn’t deserve to win here. He’s just some damn newt who got lucky with an evolution.”

  Jackson shrugged. “Well, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.” He didn’t mean it, but he knew it would ruffle Akamu’s feathers.

  It did.

  Akamu lunged at Jackson but the ref grabbed the opposing tamer’s shirt and held him back.

  “That’s enough! Knock off your nonsense, Kaleo, or I’ll see that you’re disqualified from Bronze League Regionals. Now, shake hands and act like a decent human being.”

  “If you think I’m going to shake that —”

  “Akamu!”

  Lei Kaleo stood on the edge of the ring. He scowled at his son. “You’re embarrassing yourself. Stop acting like a damn child.”

  Akamu stiffened immediately and took a silent breath, and for a moment, Jackson saw what he thought looked like fear in his eyes. He then glared at Jackson, who shrugged and offered a hand. After a few long seconds, the younger Kaleo finally grabbed the hand in front of him.

  Jackson smirked as they grasped one another in what he imagined was a pretty good imitation of the expression he’d seen so often from Akamu over the past several weeks.

  “Congrats on making it into the Bronze League, man.”

  Akamu gripped Jackson’s hand even tighter and pulled him in close. “You think this is the end? I’m going to prove once and for all that a kid who just picked up taming at age 17 doesn’t stand a chance against someone who spent his whole life dedicated to the sport. This. Isn’t. Finished.”