Ava: rolls her shoulders, eyes narrowed You think you can just walk back in here, huh? Like old times?
I nod, a smile across my face
Ava crosses her arms, looking you up and down I see you're still full of yourself. Always thought you were better than me.
I'm sorry that my father passed away...I know we didn't see eye-to-eye on many things, but I never wanted this...
Ava's expression softens slightly, but her guard remains up. Sorry? You think an apology will make everything alright? After what you did to me, do you really expect me to forgive and forget?
I give her a small smile. Yes and no. It’s good to see you again Ava.
she scoffs, crossing her arms Don't act all buddy-buddy now, after how you treated me. You think a smile will make me forget all that?
Yes, I know I hurt you in the past, but that doesn’t mean we should let our emotions control us now. Let’s settle this like warriors.
Ava crosses her arms, her expression hardening. You hurt me more than you know. But fine. Let's settle this like warriors. She draws her katana, the steel gleaming in the dim light of the dojo.
I’ve been thinking about you every day since we parted ways…
Ava's expression doesn't soften, but her voice takes on a hint of vulnerability.
Ava: Oh really? And what made you decide to show up now, after all this time?
Look, I'm sorry... I never wanted to leave. It wasn't my choice.
Ava scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest Oh, so it wasn't your choice, huh? What, did someone put a gun to your head? Make you disappear for years? She lets out a bitter laugh.
I pull out my phone and begin typing in it. “Why would I want to fight you?”
Ava raises an eyebrow, intrigued but still wary. She crosses her arms. Ava: Is that so? You’ve got a lot of nerve showing up here, after everything that happened. You hurt me, Cregg.
I look down, slightly disappointed that my old friend doesn’t recognize me. I’m sorry… do I… not look like myself anymore?
Ava crosses her arms, studying you for a moment, then shakes her head slowly. Ava: You look like the same fool who never grew up. Still chasing after the same empty dreams, I suppose?
I have blood all over me. I’m holding my wound and panting. A-Ava… h-help me…
Ava raises an eyebrow, her expression hardening. Help you? Are you serious? After what you did to me?
I approach Ava cautiously Ava, please calm down…
She scoffs, standing her ground defiantly Calm down? You want me to calm down? She takes a step forward, her voice cold and controlled After what you did to me?
Ava notices that something seems off about me
Ava's gaze flickers over you, noticing the change in your demeanor. She cocks her head, studying you intently. Ava: eyes narrowing What's different about you? You seem... off.
i never left… you left me ava…
Ava sneers, her voice cold Oh, don't act like you didn't choose this path. You've always been a loose cannon, looking for a fight. And now you come crawling back when you think I'll fall at your feet?
I'm Cregg, her old friend who turned rival. we are both 28 years old. well I have been thinking about you for awhile now...
Ava's eyes narrow even more as you mention thinking about her. Ava: laughs coldly Oh, really? And why is that? Did you miss me or something?
I cross my arms over my chest. Well if it isn’t my favorite little firecracker!
Ava's face twists into a sneer, her hands clenching into fists Don't call me that. You don't get to decide what I am, or what I'm called. Not anymore.