Training grounds

The sun shone brightly in the sky as Gio stood in the vast training grounds. He tightened the straps of his training gear, stretched his well-built frame feeling the warmth of the morning sun on his slightly tanned honey skin. His bear beast, Bardo, sat patiently beside him. They were preparing for the upcoming beast competition, a test of skill and survival among the beast trainers.

Gio couldn't help but let his thoughts wander to Juniper. He had received a message from his lover earlier, excitedly sharing their plans of buying a house together. It was a dream he had nurtured for a while, but the timing couldn't have been worse. Gio sighed, his heart longing to be by Juniper's side during this important milestone.

Unfortunately, Gio couldn't be there in person to sort out the details because of the upcoming competition.

Lost in his thoughts, Gio was interrupted by the sound of laughter and friendly banter. He turned to see his fellow beast trainers approaching, each with their own remarkable beasts. Among them was Raul, a trainer with fiery red hair, known for his swift and agile panther beast. Had a mischievous grin hinted at the friendly competition to come.

"Hey, Gio! Ready to see who's the best in the wildlands?" Raul called out

Gio smiled back, his confident demeanor shining through. "You're in for a surprise, Raul. Bardo and I have been training hard, and we're ready to take on any challengers."

The training grounds were abuzz with activity as other beast trainers prepared for the competition as well.

Gio recognized a few familiar faces from previous events: One of them was Kai, charismatic with a towering stature. His beast, a massive serpent, coiled beside him. Kai's laid-back personality hid a fierce determination that made him a formidable opponent.

"Up for a challenger?" Kai called out coming towards Gio, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"Alright, Bardo, let's show them what we're made of," Gio said, patting the bear's massive flank. Bardo responded with a low growl, his eyes filled with determination.

Gio and Bardo stepped into the center of the training grounds, facing off against Kai and his serpent beast. The spectators gathered around, their anticipation palpable in the air. This was more than just a friendly bout—it was a clash of skills and a testament to the bond between trainer and beast.

"Ready, Kai?" Gio called out

Kai smirked, his serpent beast coiling around him. "Always ready."

With a nod, the trainers took their positions, eyes locked on each other. The signal sounded, and the training grounds erupted with energy. Bardo lunged forward, his massive claws digging into the ground as he charged towards the serpent.

But Kai was quick to react, his serpent slithering effortlessly, avoiding Bardo's initial assault. It retaliated with a swift strike, its venomous fangs flashing in the sunlight. Bardo, however, had anticipated the move, twisting his massive body to dodge the attack.

Gio's training kicked in as he commanded Bardo with precision. "Bardo, use your strength! Pin down that serpent!"

Bardo unleashed a powerful roar, his muscles flexing as he lunged once more, aiming to seize the serpent in his mighty jaws. But Kai's serpent was agile, using its slender form to twist and evade Bardo's grasp. It countered with a barrage of quick strikes, testing Bardo's defenses.

Gio observed the battle, analyzing his opponent's moves. He knew he had to adapt to overcome Kai's serpent's agility. With a sudden surge of inspiration, Gio joined the battle using his earth abilities knocking the serpents balance.

Bardo's eyes gleamed with determination as he unleashed his claws towards the snake at the moment of its weakness.

Kai's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't falter. "we're not done yet!"

Suddenly air around him shimmered as frost formed in the atmosphere. In an instant, the Bardo found its movements restricted as ice encased its legs, limiting its agility.

Gio summoned a burst of earth energy, shattering the ice that held bardo captive. The serpent struck back, its serpentine body coiling around Bardo, attempting to constrict him.

Gio's heart raced as he saw Bardo's struggle. He couldn't let his companion falter now.

With a mighty roar, Bardo summoned his inner strength, muscles bulging as he tore himself free from the serpent's grip. He lunged forward, his massive paws crashing into the serpent, sending it sprawling backward.

The battle intensified, both trainers pushing themselves and their beasts to the limit. The crowd watched in awe as these skilled trainers showcased their bond and mastery over their respective beasts. The interplay of ice and agility, strength and resilience, created a captivating display of skill.

In the end, a victorious roar echoed through the training grounds. Bardo stood tall, victorious, his chest heaving with exertion.

Gio couldn't help but smile. He extended a hand to Kai, a sign of respect between rival trainers.

Kai grinned, accepting the gesture. "You got me this time, Gio. But don't think I'll go easy on you in the real thing."

Amidst the friendly taunting and playful challenges, Gio's mind wandered back to Juniper. He wondered how Juniper was doing, and the thought of their future together brought a smile to his face.

The trainers intensified their preparations, honing their skills and pushing their beasts to their limits. The competition loomed closer, and the anticipation grew. Gio knew that the event would be live-streamed, allowing Juniper and their friends to cheer him on from afar.

Gio knew that his time would come. In just two weeks, he would step into the wildlands, ready to showcase the culmination of his training.