2 YEARS LATER
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Cleo strapped on her boxing boots.
“You ready, Cleo?” her dad asked.
“Yep!”
The pair set off for The Ring, the premier place for amateurs and professionals alike to train their fighting skills.
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“Remember Cleo, you have tons of natural talent and potential, but you’ve got to use your brain while you fight!”
“Yes, Coach!”
Cleo was sparring with the man she had been training under for the past 2 years - Jon Santaro. He was an Amphese boxing legend, winning 7 lightweight titles during his professional career. Now, he spent his time coaching the next generation of champions, Cleo being one of his most promising students.
“Don’t just rely on your speed and athleticism! It’s crucial to be able to outsmart your opponents! Maneuver in ways they won’t expect!”
“Yes, Coach!” Cleo yelled, ducking underneath Santaro’s jab and landing a sturdy hit to his midsection.
“Oof. That’s enough for today,” Santaro said, sweat dripping down his face.
Goddamn, she’s a prodigy.
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After she finished changing and walked home with her dad, Cleo checked her calendar.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I’m hanging out with Finn today.
A second later, she heard a knock at her door.
Must be him.
She hopped out of her bed and unlocked the door, letting in the awaiting Finn.
“I see you haven’t grown any taller since we last saw each other.”
“Shut up,” Finn grumbled. “It’s not my fault the food here sucks. That’s why I’m so… vertically challenged. And it’s not like we haven’t seen each other in years, it’s been two weeks.”
“Well, I eat the same food as you do and I’m a perfectly average height for my age, so I think that’s a you problem.”
“Someday I’ll be taller than you. Just wait.”
“Sure, sure.”
The two smiled and embraced each other.
“How have you been?”
“I’ve been okay. How about you?”
“Bored. Boxing can’t make every part of the day go by fast.”
“Speaking of which, how’s that going?”
“Really good, actually. My coach says that I’m one of the most naturally talented students he’s ever taught.” Cleo flashed a smile.
“Stop bragging,” Finn said lightheartedly.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8wJ0rrnp5
“Fine. Well, what have you been up to? How’s your grandpa doing?”
Finn glanced at the ground.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z4mQVu00z
“He’s… not doing too well. The doctors are doing everything they can, but they say they don’t have the proper equipment.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I know he’ll pull through! Try not to worry about it too much, okay? He’ll have support from all of us in The Dumps.”
“Thanks.” Finn smiled at her.
“So… how’s Ezra doing?” Cleo shifted.
“He’s doing alright, I think. He’s been really busy, though. He just became an apprentice to Governor Madeine, so we haven’t had much time to hang out.”
“Oh, okay. I’m glad that he’s doing alright.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to try and rekindle with him? It’s been 2 years, Cleo. I’m sure he has no hard feelings.”
“I scarred him. Permanently. There’s no way he’s forgiven me.”
“Yeah, but he doesn’t blame you for it. He blames himself more than anyone.”
“I’m sorry, I’m just… scared. I’m nervous. Maybe ask him if he wants to see me?”
Finn sighed.
“I already did. He said the same thing! That he doesn’t think you’ll have forgiven him.”
“Ugh. Okay. Just give me a little more time, alright?”
Finn put his hands up.
“Alright, alright. You win.” The two stood there for a minute, awkward silence separating them.
“Do you want to play some video games? My dad gave me his old TV. It’s not the best quality, but…”
“Sure!”
“Alright, then, Come on!”
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Ezra walked up the spiral staircase leading to his room and flopped down on his bed.
“God, that was stressful.”
Mrs. Cooper knocked on the door, surprising him.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw9Q7MQsJs
“Hey, kiddo. How was your first day?”
“It was fine. He did a lot of talking and I did a lot of listening. I’m pretty tired, though.”
“Alright, I’ll let you get some sleep then. I’m glad it went well, though.” Mrs. Cooper gave her son a smile before closing his door and walking downstairs.
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“Do you think Ezra has what it takes to become a governor?” she asked her husband.
“He might. He certainly won’t be driven by his emotions, so that’s an advantage. He’ll have a good chance if he studies well and pays attention to what Madeine says. Madeine’s one of the best, after all.”
“Good. By the way, have you noticed those marks he’s been getting? I don’t know where they come from.”
“He probably just has that condition that lets him bruise easily. Hemo-something or other? I wouldn’t worry about it.”
“Okay, as long as you aren’t concerned. I’m gonna keep a close eye on him, though. We can’t have our little prodigy getting into fights now can we?”
“You do that,” Mr. Cooper said, flipping the page of his thick book.
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Street lights clicked, signaling sunset on the surface aboveground.
“Alright, I better get going,” said Finn.
“Okay, but before you leave, can I tell you a secret?” Cleo asked.
“Of course. I won’t tell a soul.”
“I’m gonna find out who killed my mom.”
Finn was taken aback.
“How…?”
“I don’t know. But I’m gonna find a way.”
“You need to have some kind of plan, though.”
The corner of Cleo’s lip curled up.
“I said, I’m gonna find a way.”
“Okay, okay. I believe in you.”
A bright smile returned to the girl’s face.
“Thanks, Finn!” Cleo quickly wrapped her arms around him before opening the door. “See you later!”
“Yeah, see you."
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