Book Two – Chapter Eleven – Part Three – Tournament!

“Alright now, folks! It might be hard, it might be chaotic, and it might even be impossible, but we’re going to have four matches going at once!!! If I have to introduce everyone and their backstory, we’d be here for years! But wait, I don’t even have that information! Hahaha!!”

“Mommy, is he supposed to be funny?” Mari asked as she looked up at her mother.

“I don’t know, dear. Maybe?” Marissa answered with a strained face.

Claire, who sat next to her, cringed and felt embarrassed just by listening to Toni speak.

“Mama, Servi is about to fight!” Meri said, who couldn't contain her excitement. She pointed and smiled at a girl with black hair and red eyes.

“That’s right, she is. Be sure to cheer for her, okay?”

“We will!!” Mari and Meri stood up and shouted Servi's name.  Claire smiled and joined in with the girls' cheering.

Her opponent was a Human boy of around 17. He had very little armor on that only covered his stomach and lower body, and that was it. His back, chest, and arms were fully exposed, allowing the entire audience to bear witness to his toned muscles and dark skin. With no weapon on his back or his hips, he was someone who fought with his bare hands.

“So, starting now……… FIGHT!” yelled Toni, whose energy somehow rubbed across and affected the audience. They started clapping and cheering as the four fights began simultaneously.

I shall turn on Soul Essence of Primal Combat for you—wait, why did you turn it back off? Itarr asked.

Shaking lightly from fear, Servi answered in broken words. “Need practice without it,” she hastily held her shield up in preparation.

But why? Itarr wanted to know, but Servi couldn’t answer her. She was distracted by a swift roundhouse kick that she couldn't defend against. It was aimed directly for her sword hand, and she felt the bones crack.  Unable to keep a grip on her weapon, her sword was sent flying by a second kick to the same hand. Her blade slammed into the glass walls of the arena.

“Wow!! In the very first seconds of the match, Servi is WITHOUT A WEAPON!! She is not in a good spot, folks!!”

“Don’t talk!” Servi shouted as she walked back with her shield up. She meant it for both Itarr and Toni, but only one of them clamped up. She felt the invisible sensation of sweat pouring down her skin, even though it shouldn’t have been possible, and Servi realized, at that moment, she was utterly outmatched.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, and I'll be quiet now.

“What’s wrong with her?!” asked Riki, who immediately sat up in his chair.  His eyes focused on Servi's fight because she seemed to be having the most trouble.

“I don’t know…” Momo choked back tears. "Is she still affected by the sleepinwillo?”

“She shouldn’t be. She woke up and was fine for the last two days or so, so it shouldn’t be that, but....” answered Dineria, who trailed off and finished that sentence in her mind.

Servi, what's wrong? I know you can fight better than this! Fisher watched with an analyzing eye.

Momo was going to say something, but Toni spoke first.  His loud voice was starting to irritate her.

“Folks! That was a dangerously hard kick. Servi was disarmed, and I’m surprised she can even move her hand! If that was me, my hand would've been totally shattered, and I’d be crying like a baby. She looked so confident coming into the match, but none of that remains now!”

Aaagggahah!! Can he shut up?!! Stop distracting my best friend!!!

Shit! Servi tried to force herself to calm down, but she was forced to be on the defensive. Kick after kick, punch after punch, Jooe was most certainly trained in hand-to-hand combat. Even though each strike wasn't at the level of a mid-ranked fighter, Servi was still panicking. After a few seconds, the attacks slowed down enough for her to block them.  Bit by bit, her confidence grew, but after a swift punch knocked her down, she then realized Jooe was going easy on her.

Servi held out her hand, forcing Jooe to back off for a split second.  She had no plans to use a skill.  Unfortunately for her, Jooe called her bluff.

How pathetic, he thought. This girl lost her sword, and she’s afraid to get it. Now I just need to take this shield. If not that, I can break her arm. Jooe faked a kick and rolled into Servi’s range. She panicked and went to bash with her shield, but he ducked it and came up with a swift punch to her elbow.

Thanks to her True Immortality, the bone was regenerated mere moments after his punch to the point where it was as good as new while his fist still touched her. Servi realized she could use this to her advantage.

Jooe believed he had won. After all, he had broken her shield arm, felt the bone crack, and Toni even commented that it was Jooe’s victory. He didn’t expect her arm to be healed up, and he certainly didn’t expect her to reach out with her other hand while ignoring the pain thundering through her body.

“Got you!!” Servi shouted.

“What is this?!?! I thought it would be over, but it’s not! Her arm WASN'T broken?! Servi, the red-eyed girl, had turned the fight around and grappled Jooe to the ground. What?!?! Folks, I do not believe my eyes. Servi has somehow straddled Jooe, and she has his arm in a lock!!! Will she break it?! Will he tap out?!?!”

“Give up, or I’ll snap your arm!” Servi shouted. She had it in a weird grip that gave her total control of his left arm. “All I gotta do is pull back, and it’ll break!”

Jooe tried his best to break free, but his strength was no match for Servi as she pulled more and more on his arm. “A warrior never admits defeat! You say you’re going to break it, but you won’t. You don’t ha—AAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Jooe screamed as his arm was forced back in a way that wasn’t natural, and he quickly used his other hand to tap the floor.

“Ouch!!!!! Who knew we’d see a gruesome injury in the very first match. Mom and dad, don’t let your children see this. Speaking of which, medics to arena 1!”

The cries of pain echoing from her opponent felt familiar and nostalgic, but Servi had trouble assigning it to a memory she didn’t have. She stood up, retrieved her sword, and walked back to the tent as her footsteps were drowned out by the cheering. As she did, she watched the three other fights. Well, one other match. She only cared about the one involving Silverado, and he was on the attack. She had no doubt he would win.

As she sat back down, she was met with a bunch of different stares. Some were of fright, and others were from anger, but she only cared about the looks of her friends, who were just worried about her.

I only won because I knew my arm would heal right up.  I’m so fucking useless without Soul Essence of Primal Combat. Servi was seething inside, but she did her best to hide it. Was breaking his arm necessary? Am I just causing pain for the fun of it? Was there not any other way for me to win?

“I didn’t want to break his arm, but I had no choice. He wasn’t going to give up,” explained Servi. She realized it wouldn’t do her any good to think about the ‘what ifs.’

“Are you okay?” Momo didn’t care that her best friend just broke someone’s arm because she accepted that could’ve happened. She wouldn’t be mad if her arm broke during her matches. Of course, she would be in a lot of pain, but if it was an accident or whatever, she wouldn’t hold a grudge.  That was the nature of a fighting arena, and Momo knew the risks.  In her mind, the most important thing was that healing was just a few short seconds away.  “You kinda don’t seem like yourself. Oh no! Are you sick?!”

Servi shook her head. “I feel alright.”

“Servi, let me talk to you for a moment,” Fisher stood up, and Servi followed him over to a corner of the tent where they wouldn’t be heard.

“What happened out there?” he asked her.

“I decided I wanted to fight fair, so I turned off my 497 experiences. That way, I can’t rely on them to guide my body and mind,” she answered him truthfully but didn’t reveal the name of the skill which gave her those experiences. “What you saw out there is the true me with no help. It’s pathetic, isn’t it? If I weren't blinded by hate, I could have properly learned,” Servi sighed.

“Pathetic? No, I don’t think so. In fact, I think it’s the opposite. Just imagine how strong you’d be if you did know how to fight without the experiences. Then when you use those experiences, they’ll combine with your newfound knowledge of fighting. Does that make sense? I’m not sure how your abilities work, and I might be wrong, but my intuition is usually right.”

Servi smiled at the man who she used to want to kill. How ironic that he would end up being the one to know more about her than her best friend, and he would be the one to her some much-needed advice. Servi may have been a few years younger than Fisher, but he had a decade of life experiences.  Servi, on the other hand, could only count the last few months. “Thank you, Fisher. I think I needed to hear that.  And Itarr, I didn't mean to snap at you.  I'm sorry.

It's fine.  I love you, Servi.

“You’re welcome," replied Fisher. The two walked back over to the group and discovered Silverado was there. They had kind of tuned Toni out during their conversation, so they weren’t listening when he announced the silver Koena as the winner of his fight.

Servi took a seat, and Fisher went back to stand with Dineria. Her arms still held Momo's black bag close to her chest.

Silverado was all grins and smiles, so Servi congratulated him on winning. He did the same and wondered if she was alright.

“I saw you were struggling a little bit,” he asked.

Servi replied, “I’m fine now. I guess it might be the sleepinwillo, but it’s like my movements are a bit sluggish.”

“Aye, once you get the blood pumping, you should be fine,” Riki leaned back in his chair. He looked relaxed, with a pleasant expression on his face.

"I couldn't say it earlier, but I love you too, Itarr," whispered Servi as quietly as she could.  It was during times like this that she wished she could communicate with Itarr by using her thoughts.  For some reason, that wasn't possible.

“Servi,” said Momo, who moved seats so she could be closer to her best friend, “if you’re sick or anything, you don’t have to force yourself, okay?”

“I promise you, Momo, I’m fine. It might be my nerves.”

Momo smiled. “Okay,” she leaned back in her chair and waited with her friend. The day had just begun, and it was going to be a long one.

It took around fifteen minutes for Momo’s name to be called. She stood up, not even a single bit nervous, and turned back to her best friend.

“Well, it’s my turn,” said the Singi. She stood up and stretched her arms, lightly moaning when she felt a small pop.

“I’ll be cheering for you, so go out and do your best!” Servi said.

Momo nodded at Servi and then to her other friends and walked up to Dineria. She gave Momo a small pat on the head.

“Remember the training, and use the rolls and dodges to your advantage. I’m sorry that the bow is useless during this tournament, but I’m sure everything else can help. You’re a Singi, athletic and agile, and my style of swordplay is best suited for that. It's like it was made for you, so go out and do your best, okay?” Dineria smiled at her mentee, and Momo nodded in return before she proceeded to the arena Toni specified.

Her fierce blue eyes no longer belonged to a frightened kitten who thought her fate was loneliness. Instead, two months' worth of experiences had hardened Momo, and her eyes reflected that. All in all, she far surpassed the Momo of before, and she couldn’t wait to show Servi.

Servi, I hope I became someone you’d be proud to have in a party! Momo drew her weapon from her waist, a thin longsword with a silver blade. It looked somewhat standard, but it was the first choice sword of Sumo, a Rank 3 Warden member. And he had given it to his precious granddaughter. Grandpa, right now, I’m the strongest I’ve ever been. If this was a month ago, I’d probably be crying. And nervous, too. But I’m not anxious...and I’m not crying... Okay, maybe I lied. I'm a little bit nervous, but that's okay. For the first time in my life, I think I can do this.

Stepping into the glass door and into the area, she saw her opponent, who was already there. Tall and proud with yellow ears and a red tail, Momo's foe was a Singi wearing a cloth shirt and leather pants. His feet were exposed, showing off harsh cuts that were the result of hellish training. A single scar went down his left cheek, and a wooden staff was held gently yet firmly in his calloused hands.

Momo took a stance Dineria had taught her. She was lightly bouncing on her feet, ready to dodge and roll in any direction.

“And now, if you’d look at the second arena, we have Momo, pink and pink against Vue, yellow and red. FIGHT!!!” Toni shouted before turning his attention to another fight.

Vue calmly walked forward, and his mouth began to move. Momo, seeing this, began to chant Magic Missile. She finished her chant first and fired it, purposely missing and forcing her opponent to dodge right. Vue couldn’t resume his chant, and he stopped when pink hair flashed in his sight. Momo had rolled forward, keeping low to the ground, and rose to her feet while preparing an attack.

It was a simple bash with the pommel of her sword, and Vue couldn’t completely jump back. Her attack glanced off his forehead, but Momo didn’t let up. She rolled backwards, preparing another Magic Missile and fired it towards him.

I don’t need it to hit him. I need him to think about what I’m going to do next. The moment the colorless arrow left Momo's outstretched hand, she transitioned into a roll that dodged away from Vue. He was distracted, using one hand to nurse his forehead and the other to keep a grip on his staff.  The Magic Missile ended up striking the glass to his right.

“And right away, folks, I turn my attention back to arena 2. What a quick advancement by Momo, able to get in and out quickly. But what will she do now?!?! Vue might have the reach, but Momo has the speed. FOLKS?!!! Am I going senile already?! Why is Momo walking straight towards her opponent?!” Toni observed from the announcer’s room. Being suspended in the air, he had an unobstructed view of all four arenas.

As he said, Momo was walking right towards her opponent, her mouth was moving, but no skill came out. She was pre-casting. All she had to do was fill in the name and element of the technique, and it would go off. It wasn’t an arduous technique to learn, but most wouldn’t acquire it until Rank 7 or 8 since it had its odd quirks.

Dineria told me to be unpredictable. That, with my natural swiftness and agility, combined with pre-casting, should be enough for right now. It’s like this style was made for me in mind! Momo dodged forward, using her free hand to stop herself, and rolled to the left, avoiding an incoming slam by Vue. He now had both hands on his staff, and his mouth was moving again. He couldn’t pre-cast, so it was an ordinary skill.

Got ya! Momo used Dazzler, a skill that only affected monsters. Even though Vue wasn’t a monster, he was a Rank 10, like Momo. That meant he might be inexperienced. And in that inexperience, there was a chance he would mistake the harmless Dazzler for something else.

Even if he doesn’t react, I have a plan. Momo thought as she tossed it when she got to her feet. Vue panicked, jumped away from the shadowy ball, and Momo grinned like a mischievous cat. She knew she could win. Running forward with the speed she had gained from doing the obstacle course at Levadia Woods, Momo was on him in an instant.

“MOMO! I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!” a loud shout came from the tents. Momo instantly felt energized after hearing the voice of her best friend, and she re-doubled her efforts.

Like she did to Servi during their first match, Momo dropped down low and tackled Vue to the ground. He was panicking and dropped his staff, but he didn’t protect his head, which bonked against the hard surface and knocked him out.

Momo got to her feet and walked back with her, hand ready to use Magic Missile, but Vue wasn't moving.

“Ouch, folks!! Vue knocked his head against the ground, and he’s out. I don’t see blood, so he’ll be okay. Regardless, he cannot continue the fight.  Give it up for Momo, the pink-haired Singi!!!” Toni yelled over the microphone. He was getting into it, and even Servi had to crack a smile after being infected by his positive energy.

The audience exploded with cheering and clapping.

As the medics rushed in, Momo meekly asked them if he was going to be okay. They reassured her he would be fine. After thanking them, Momo walked back to a very happy Srassa and Servi.

“Good work, Momo,” Servi said. Srassa said the same thing, but Momo found herself happier when those words came from Servi's mouth.

That doesn’t mean anything, does it? I mean, I just wanted her to be proud to have me as a party member since she’s so much stronger than me. Momo thanked both of them and sat down. Srassa, meanwhile, began to do some light stretching. She knew her turn had to be coming up.

Dineria walked over and praised Momo, telling her she was excellent.

“Momo, I’m proud of how much you’ve improved in just a month,” she continued to say. “If you keep your training, I have no doubt you would become an impressive Warden member. I truly believe you can reach Rank 1. I really do.” Dineria smiled at the blushing Momo, who could only nod. She desperately wanted to thank her, but Momo felt like if she talked, she would cry. It wouldn’t be tears of sadness but tears of happiness.

Of course, the following words her best friend said would push her over the edge. Coincidentally, those were the very same words she had longed to hear.

“I’m proud of you too. I’m happy to be in a party with my best friend, and you’ve gotten so much stronger.”

Momo turned to her best friend, and hot tears fell from her pretty blue eyes. On her face sat a smile, pure as the driven snow and as bright as the sun. Servi felt her heart stop for a moment as a single statement came to her mind.

She looks so beautiful….

Shaking her head, Servi quickly spoke. “Why’re you crying? Did I do something wrong?”

She shook her head and smiled, happy tears still falling from her eyes. “You can’t say something like that and expect me not to cry. Servi, I got something to say. Ever since we partied up, I wanted to become someone you would proud to have in your party.   And…”

Servi reached into her pouch and took out a clean napkin she had stored sometime ago. Momo took it with a quick thanks and wiped her eyes.

“You were that person on the very first day, Momo. I'll trust you to watch my back when we go on quests. Now, I just hope I can be that person for you too.”

“Dummy, you are that person. You saved me in the sewers, and you saved me when we went to Tarch’s village for that quest. Remember? You pushed me out of the way of that rat's attack. I am proud of you,” said Momo. More tears fell, prompting her to wipe them away again. They were so lucky that their fellow friends were focused on the matches. Dineria, however, peeked back and saw the two friends in a most important conversation.  She just smiled before returning her attention to the fights.

“I guess we’re both proud of each other.” Servi felt her cheeks turn red from embarrassment.  She felt super relieved and happy.

“And nothing will ever change that,” added Momo as she searched around for a trash can. Finding one, she excused herself for a brief moment.

Nothing will ever change that, huh? Thought Servi as she watched Momo walk away. She had a jingle in her step, and her pink tail danced around in glee.

Are you going to tell her?

“I can’t. It’ll break Momo's heart.”

The longer you wait, the more it’ll hurt. Itarr didn't want to see the irony in the advice she spoke.

“And?!” Servi snapped. She was a bit louder than she wanted, and Fisher turned around. She sighed and shook her head, and Fisher nodded to himself.

If she’s having outbursts like that, and no one is around, then this Itarr must be inside of her. As I thought before, Itarr could be a spirit... Perhaps they’re feuding? Fisher thought.

I’m sorry. Itarr meekly said.

“No, I’m sorry. I brought this whole thing on myself, and now I’m just souring the fucking mood.”

I—Itarr was going to say something but stopped. She realized she had no right to lecture Servi.

At that moment, Momo came back. Her eyes were a bit wet, but she was giddy. Sitting back down, they both stood up when they heard Srassa’s name.

“Guys, I guess it’s my turn,” she said to the two mentors standing up and her friends sitting down.

“Aye, do your best out there,” said Rakkire.

“I’m sure you have it in you!” Silverado quipped. Srassa smiled at her new friends and potential party members, then walked to Dineria.

“Remember, you can use Instant Cast. You can use skills by saying their name, so be sure to use that advantage. I’m not saying you have to choose one or the other, but try to combine your skills and my training to create a style that is perfect for you,” Dineria patted her darling mentee on her blond head.

Srassa smiled and nodded before drawing her sword.

It should be alright. Only my friends know I can use Instant Cast. It’s not against the rules, and it’s not something I can just turn off, so it should be fine. Srassa thought as she walked towards the arena.