Nia expressed an unexpected desire to enact revenge on Apprentece, but it was too soon to celebrate.
"Your motivation is nice and all," Yuel said. "But, for now, these are just words. You'll have to prove how serious you really are by working hard on your core issues, starting with your sleepiness."
"Gufu..." All of Nia's motivation vanished all of a sudden. POOF! just like that.
No, no. Bad attitude, bad! Nia shook her head. If I just sit here doing nothing until the regionals, the Leopards will just bully me there again. Scary.
She had to improve her stealthiness further, to become a ruthless phantom who could gank even the likes of Apprentece! And, she might actually get closer to that ideal if she practices really hard.
But, for any of that to matter, she first had to be able to participate in the games themselves. That won't be happening until she fixes her sleepiness.
Problem is, I've been taking naps at these hours for as long as I can remember myself. Nia thought. So, I dunno if it's a habit I can just "fix". These naps are almost like a part of who I am or something deep like that, I dunno.
Nonetheless, right now, these unruly naps were a liability. They were comfy moments of escape but Nia had to get better at controlling them.
But, it was easier said than done. How was she actually going to achieve that?
"Maybe I can start exercising like you suggested before..." Nia mumbled. "A-Actually, let's try other things-"
"Yes, exercising is a great idea," Yuel cut her off. You've brought it up yourself, so I won't let you weasel your way out of it. It's checkmate, Nia.
A demon! He's a demon! Nia cried. Somebody, save meeeeeeeeeeee!
"Don't worry," Yuel reassured. "I've done plenty of research on how best to get into shape for unathletic people."
"Oh, that reminds me!" Lars jumped. "You also used to be against the idea of exercising at first, I remember that! How the tables turned, haha!"
"Yes, I had such a phase, too," Yuel admitted. "This is why I understand the worries of somebody who's just starting out. Don't worry, Nia. I'll instruct you."
"Somehow, that makes me even more scared…" Nia was on the verge of tears.
"Heh." Kai chuckled. "Get ready for some private lessons with the Demon Coach."
"Nuuuuuuu!" Nia shook. "It's scary! I didn't sign up for thiiiiiis!"
"Fret not, Nia!" Vincent exclaimed. "This is just the typical routine of sports shonen. After the protagonists lose an important game, it's always time for special training!"
"Heck yeah!" Lars pumped a fist. "I've watched some cartoons like that!"
"I believe these were anime, not cartoons," Vincent corrected.
"Dunno how they're called, but them special trainings are always hype!" Lars said. "Dudes always level up like ten times over afterward! I also wanna do one of those!"
"Indeed, we should all come up with special trainings for ourselves!" Vincent proclaimed. "We must push ourselves to the very limit and beyond in order to emerge victorious against the Leopards during the rematch!"
"Special training, huh," Kai mumbled. "Alright, I'll also do some 'special training' to prove I have absolutely no problem defeating female opponents. So, Nia, let's a first-to-100 in Duel!"
"Eeeeeeh?" Nia panicked. "Why does everybody bully me today. Sob."
"As interesting as that duel would be to analyze," Yuel said. "I don't think it'll prove much if you only fight Nia. You might be able to overcome your issue through repetition if you fight the same opponent all the time."
"Tch, you just gonna insist I have that 'Softhearted' disease no matter what, huh." Kai clicked her tongue. "So, what do I have to do to prove it's bullishit? Raid every single club in the region and beat their female players to a pulp? Will that convince you?"
"That'll definitely be very convincing if you can pull it off."
"Then, you know what? I'll freaking do it!" Kai declared. "I'll go and challenge each and every one of them! Nobody will dare to call me 'Softhearted' ever again after I'm done mopping the floor with all of them!"
"Indeed, indeed!" Vincent supported this madness for some reason. "Once you triumph over all the female gym leaders, you will be known as the 'Ruthless Amazon'!"
"I really hope you guys aren't being serious…" Yuel made a face. "Well, not like it's possible to do, anyway."
"Just you watch!" Kai insisted. "I'll make you regret ever thinking that it made sense to call me something like 'Softhearted'!"
I see she really has an allergy to that nickname… Yuel shrugged. Well, at least she's motivated to work on her issue, even if her approach seems a bit misguided. Overall, I'm happy with how this meeting turned out.
Especially, Nia's newfound motivation was a welcome change. Hopefully, she'll stick with that determination all the way through.
On the flip side, the team's other Jungler wasn't even present in the meeting. Luke was arguably the biggest troublemaker of the club, the one who had the most to work on. Yet, the guy wasn't even here to be lectured. The nerve of this young man.
Hopefully, he'll also have a change of heart before the regionals and will start working on his issues, too…