Lyra's POV
The bananas I grabbed on our way to Basics had satisfied my hunger perfectly. By the time we reached the training facility, I had finished every last bite. Just like Ash had predicted the evening before, Coach had arranged everyone into pairs. And true to his word, we had been matched together.
Poppy gave me a playful nudge with her shoulder as I began walking toward where Ash waited across the gymnasium.
He had claimed a sparring mat positioned away from the central training area. Xander stood there alongside Kenji, his hostile stare following me as I passed by. The urge to stick my tongue out at him crossed my mind, but I resisted the childish impulse.
Poppy found herself partnered with another second year student. The girl towered over most people with her lengthy brown hair streaked with bright pink highlights. Nervousness radiated from Poppy as she approached her designated mat. I made a mental note to question her about this reaction later.
