Chapter 11: Gym twice?

Benjamin stepped out of the greenhouse, brushing ash out of his hair with Velena's help. Isaiah stood between Evan and Corey, apologizing profusely. Charles, on the other hand, had collected some of the ash and was using it to practice his skills, shaping it into a dragon. Xavier approached Charles, stopping at his desk, and asked, "Charles, what on earth are you doing?" Charles, not looking up, replied, "I don't know, I'm just bored." Lennox, from across the room, chimed in, "Looks like you're just making a mess, if you ask me." Charles glanced at Lennox, as if wanting to say something, but then returned his attention to his ash creation.

Isaiah finally managed to escape Corey and Evan, only to come face-to-face with Coach Haynes. The coach spoke sternly, "I'd appreciate it if you don't start any more fires in the greenhouse." Isaiah quickly defended himself, "It was an accident, I swear." Coach Haynes shook his head, "You're still going to install that sprinkler system, right?" Isaiah confidently replied, "You can count on it."

Meanwhile, Benjamin observed all of this without much interest. His mind was preoccupied with the various internship opportunities he had been offered. He pulled out a list and slid it over to Velena, asking for her opinion, "Which one of these do you think I should choose?" Velena took a moment to scan the list before responding, "I don't know much about these companies, you'll have to research them on your own." Benjamin retrieved the list and tucked it back into his backpack.

As the bell rang, Benjamin stood up to leave the classroom. Isaiah shared his plan, "I asked Mr. Martin if we could use the second gym today instead of attending class, and he said yes." Benjamin exclaimed, "Nice!" raising his fist in the air, "Who's going?" Isaiah replied, "It's just the people who are ahead on their work, our group, Ja'quan, and Ashley. Miles should be there too, right?" Benjamin confirmed, "Yeah, he should. Oh, and Isaiah, you mentioned having a new invention to show us?"

The mention of Isaiah's inventions elicited groans from the others, as they were often dangerous, despite serving their intended purpose. Benjamin thought to himself, Hopefully, this one goes better than the last one did. He led Velena and Jackie out of the classroom, following Isaiah and Lennox who had already walked ahead. They found Miles waiting for them at the entrance to the second gym.

Miles questioned, "What took you so long?" Benjamin replied, "We were just caught up in conversation." Jackie excused herself to change into her gym clothes, while the rest headed to the boys' locker room. Isaiah remarked, "Gym twice in one day, I might have to take a shower tonight as well as in the morning tomorrow."

After Benjamin closed his locker and grabbed his gear, Velena jokingly warned him, "Try not to destroy the gym this time." Benjamin smirked and replied, "We'll see." He entered the gym, with Velena by his side.

Jackie was already on the side of the court, stretching. Isaiah, Lennox, Xavier, Corey, Evan, Miles, and Charles emerged from the locker room, engaged in light-hearted banter. Benjamin, Jackie, and Velena turned to face them. Benjamin proposed, "What do you say we have a team battle?" Isaiah immediately responded, "I'm in." Corey and Evan agreed as well. The boys all agreed to Benjamin's proposal, prompting him to select team captains.

Lennox and Evan became the captains. They surveyed the group and decided to settle the first pick with a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Lennox emerged victorious, selecting Benjamin for his team. Evan countered by choosing Corey. The selection process continued until the teams were complete. Lennox's team consisted of Benjamin, Velena, Jackie, and Miles, while Evan's team comprised Corey, Isaiah, Xavier, and Charles.

The two teams stood on opposite sides of the center court, facing each other. Evan turned to Isaiah and asked about his invention, which Isaiah had been hyping up. Isaiah replied, "I wasn't planning on using it, but since they have two boosters on their team, it's only fair that I can use this." He pulled out a black device with straps and strapped it to his chest. The device instantly came to life, emitting a red glow. Isaiah proudly introduced it as his amplification matrix, leaving everyone curious about its purpose. Isaiah tapped the device, causing a symbol for speed to appear. The symbol vanished, and a stream of energy enveloped Isaiah and his teammates, bathing them in a red aura. Lennoxsmiled at the sight of his team's enhanced abilities. He snapped his fingers, and a yellow aura appeared around his own team, including Benjamin. Benjamin could feel his power doubling within the yellow aura.

Lennox turned to Evan and said, "Let's get started, shall we?" Evan replied, "After you." The two teams positioned themselves on opposite sides of the court, ready for the battle to begin.

Isaiah, fueled by the power of his amplification matrix, dashed forward with incredible speed. He weaved through the opposing team, leaving a trail of confusion in his wake. Corey, Xavier, and Charles tried to keep up, but Isaiah's speed was unmatched.

Meanwhile, Benjamin strategized with his team. Velena's analytical mind came up with a plan to counter Isaiah's speed. Jackie's agility and Miles' strength would be crucial in executing the plan. Benjamin nodded, and they put their plan into action.

As Isaiah zoomed past, Benjamin signaled to Velena. Velena quickly calculated the trajectory and timing, then unleashed a powerful gust of wind that disrupted Isaiah's path. Isaiah stumbled, momentarily losing his balance. This gave Jackie the opportunity to swiftly dodge his attacks and counter with her own agile strikes.

On the other side of the court, Evan's team fought back fiercely. Corey's precision and Xavier's strategic thinking kept Lennox's team on their toes. Charles, with his dragon made of ash, unleashed fiery attacks that forced Benjamin's team to stay on the defensive.

But Benjamin's team was determined. They utilized their unique abilities and worked together flawlessly. Velena's wind manipulation created openings, Jackie's agility allowed her to dodge attacks effortlessly, and Miles' strength overwhelmed their opponents.

As the battle raged on, the gym echoed with the sounds of clashing powers and the cheers of their teammates. Benjamin's team managed to gain the upper hand, slowly pushing Evan's team back.

Isaiah, recovering from his stumble, activated another feature of his amplification matrix. This time, a symbol for strength appeared on the device. The red aura surrounding him intensified, and his attacks became even more powerful. He charged towards Benjamin, determined to turn the tide of the battle.

But Benjamin was prepared. He had been training diligently, honing his own abilities. As Isaiah approached, Benjamin focused his energy and unleashed a powerful force field, blocking Isaiah's attack. The impact sent shockwaves throughout the gym, causing everyone to pause for a moment.

With the battle momentarily halted, Benjamin and Isaiah locked eyes. There was a mutual respect between them, despite being on opposing teams. Benjamin nodded, acknowledging Isaiah's strength and determination.

The battle resumed, with both teams giving it their all. The gym was filled with excitement and adrenaline as the clash of powers intensified. In the end, it was a close match, but Benjamin's team emerged victorious.

As the teams caught their breath, Benjamin approached Isaiah. "That amplification matrix of yours is impressive," he said, extending his hand for a handshake. Isaiah grinned and shook Benjamin's hand. "Thanks, man. Your force field was incredible. We make a good team, even when we're on opposite sides."

The rest of the group gathered around, congratulating each other on a well-fought battle. They may have been rivals on the court, but their friendship and camaraderie remained strong.

As they left the gym, Benjamin couldn't help but feel grateful for the bonds he had formed with his classmates. The internship opportunities and battles like these were just a small part of their journey together. They were a team, supporting each other through thick and thin, and Benjamin knew that with them by his side, anything was possible.