Book Two – Chapter Eleven – Part Twelve – Tournament!

“And that’s why you don’t want to abuse Pulmoni Oxygeni. It’s useful and powerful, but it also has a major drawback,” said Silverado, explaining it to his friends. After the fight, Momo asked Silverado why Desperado suddenly fell to his knees. “It drastically increases the oxygen flowing through your body, making you stronger and faster, but if your lungs and body can’t take it, they’ll bust,” he continued.

Dineria saw the panicked look on Momo’s face, but the Elven mentor quickly assured her he would be fine. “Once the medics give me the all-clear, I’ll go and treat him after they leave. Don't worry. He's not in any danger of dying. There’s a little hole in his lungs where air is escaping from, but it'll heal up.”

Alright, I’m completely freaked the hell out. Just a little hole?! In the lung?!?!?! Servi quickly shook her head and watched as the medics brought Desperado to the bed where she was in just some time ago.

“ALRIGHT, EVERYONE!!!!” shouted Toni. “It’s getting pretty late and in here, and I know you all are tired!!! BUT!! The last match is coming up in just ten minutes!!! Momo versus Srassa Flinn, Singi versus Human, both trained by Dineria of Levadia Woods!!!! Ten minutes, folks!!! You don’t want to miss it!!!”

After Toni’s announcement, Servi, Momo, the two mentors, and their friends all visited Desperado after a medic talked to them.

Srassa was right there beside him, sitting in a wooden chair. For a split second, Momo thought she was looking at herself and Servi.

The only exception is that she isn’t holding his hand, but other than that, it’s just like when Servi was sleeping. Srassa, I knew we were similar. Heck, if you were born a Singi or I a Human, I bet we would’ve been sisters.

“Silver…?” croaked Desperado. His chest was barely moving, only giving him the minimum amount of oxygen he needed. Even if he took a deep breath, most of it would be wasted.

“Easy, buddy, just lay back and relax. I guess you know why I hate it, don’t you?”

His friend just nodded.

“Back when we were kids, we once had a foot race. I ended up using Pulmoni Oxygeni to run faster.  I won, but my lungs tore. We didn’t have access to many healers, and we couldn’t pay them, so I had to let time heal me. It’s definitely not something I want to re-experience. With that said, good fight.”

“Yeah,” agreed Momo, “That was an amazing match!”

The rest of their friends went around giving their congratulations on Srassa’s victory, but they also gave Desperado kudos for a well-fought battle.

I have nothing to be sorry about now. I did my best, and I lost. It feels like a great weight disappeared from my shoulders. I almost feel happy, Desperado thought.

“He’ll be fine. Just give him a day or two. Luckily, the tear wasn’t that big. It’ll hurt, though, and you’ll be short of breath for a week or so,” said a medic. It was the same girl who helped Servi.

Man, we’ve been running into her all day. I gotta say she’s good at her job, Momo thought as she turned to Srassa.

“I guess we’re having our rematch, Srassa said.

“I guess we are,” replied Momo.

“Why don’t you two go get warmed up? I’ll stay here with Desperado and do a little bit more healing,” said Dineria.

Momo nodded and asked Servi to help her. She nodded with a pleasant smile, and they walked back to their chairs in the tent across from them. Before she had gotten too far, Momo turned around and waved to Claire, Jony, Marissa, and the children up in the bleachers. They waved and cheered back.

“Momo, I’m feeling a little bit conflicted,” Servi suddenly said.

“What’s wrong?” said Momo, who was stretching. She bent over to touch her toes without bending her knees.

“I want to cheer for both of you, but I feel kinda bad. I…I really want you to win…” said Servi.

When she held Momo’s hand when she was unconscious, Servi made a declaration to tell the truth more often. Of course, this included the truth behind her abilities and powers. That was finally going to be exposed and explained to her best friend. It’d take a while because of the promotion quest, but they had a promise. And Servi wasn’t going to hold anything back. She was going to tell her every single thing. After that? She would beg for forgiveness from her best friend.

Two months of lying isn’t something to be forgiven so easily. Servi thought.  And I've killed so many... Can she accept that about me? Momo, please allow me to stay your best friend.

Momo looked up and immediately went to hug Servi, who hugged her back. “That’s sweet of you. To tell you the truth, I wanna hear you cheer for me. I don’t think that makes us bad people. I’ve known you longer than Srassa, and you’ve known me longer than her. I think it’s natural to want your best friend to win! And besides, it’s not like we hate her. She’s a friend to both of us.”

Servi squeezed a little bit harder, and Momo did the same. They let their nesting hearts do the majority of the talking. By the end, when they stepped away from each other, they had both conveyed everything they wanted to say.

The body was more honest than the mind, and that was true in almost every single situation.

Momo sat on the ground and bent over until her stomach touched the floor. It was kind of dirty, but she didn’t care. Win or lose, a long, hot, refreshing shower was waiting for her.

When it’s time, I’m gonna walk up to the ring with a smile on my face, and I’m gonna fight Srassa with everything I have. I’m gonna win! I’m gonna do it for us, Servi. I’ll win the camping set so we won’t have to spend a lot of money, and then we’ll go on the promotion quest and completely ace it! Then, we’ll come back and have a super yummy meal. I’ll be able to learn about you and your past, and then we’ll go on even more quests!!! I believe we can do anything if we’re together!!

And so, ten minutes flew by in what felt like seconds. The all the fluorescent lights lighting up the center arena flipped off, with only the dim lights left glowing, but the crowd didn’t panic. No, they cheered. The sudden change in lighting was a sign of what's to come. The bleachers were full, and a not-so-insignificant amount of people were watching from the ground. Due to the way the warehouse was laid out, they didn’t have the best view, but it was better than nothing.

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!!” shouted Toni. An infectious excitement powered annoying his voice. “It is now time for the FINAAALLSSSS!!!!!! I need Srassa Flinn to come to the center arena!!!!”

Srassa sheathed her sword and wiped her sweat with a small white cloth. The moment she walked out of the white tent, a spotlight turned on and followed her every movement until she reached the center of the arena.

“Her journey to get this far wasn’t an easy one. In fact, she had to fight many tough opponents. Desperado was a worthy foe, Arty almost won his spear techniques, and Silverado almost had her, but she always came out on top!!! Her single loss was against Momo, her opponent. Will it be a repeat of their previous match, or will she snatch the victory for herself?! LET’S GIVE IT UP FOR SRASSAAAAAA FLINNNNNNNNNN!!!!!”

Looking a bit embarrassed, Srassa kept her head leveled and looked around at everyone. They were cheering their hearts out for her.

When I get stronger and more experienced, it wouldn't be a bad idea to come back here and fight. Though, that's if there are more tournaments. The rush I'm feeling right now is incredible!

Her internal monologue was cut off by Toni, who went to introduce her opponent. “AAAAAND NOW, MOOOOMOOOOO!!"

“Servi,” said Momo. She used a cloth to wipe her damp face and drank a cup of water.

“Yeah?”

“It’s time. I swear when I walk back to you, I’ll be the winner,” there was no hesitation in her voice. She truly believed she had what it took to win it all.

I don’t believe I should be here. I should actually be disqualified, but I won’t question it!  Thinking I shouldn't be here and wanting to win are two totally different things!

“I know you will,” Servi stood up from her chair, and Momo gave her best friend a big hug. It somehow felt different from the other hugs they shared, but it wasn’t a bad feeling.

“You’re proud of me….right?” questioned Momo. She knew the answer, but she wanted to hear it one more time. That’s all she needed.

“Yes. Yes, I am. I’m so proud of you that it isn’t even funny. Look at you! You're in the finals! I’ll be cheering for both of you. But in my heart, I’ll be cheering harder for you.”

Momo produced her biggest smile yet and hugged Servi one last time.

“Well, I’m off,” she said, turning to the arena. Her back was to her friend, who simply smiled with pride.

“I believe in you, Momo!!!” Servi half-yelled. Momo couldn’t help it and let out a little laugh.

That’s right, she believes in me. That’s the only encouragement I need. Wait, was the crowd always this loud? Momo thought as she stepped out from the tent. Like with Srassa, a spotlight turned on and followed her every movement. All the while, the cheering from the audience exploded, becoming even louder.

But then, it turned into something Momo would’ve never expected. Not even in a million years.

They’re….chanting my name?

Yes, they were. The entire audience was chanting, “Momo!! Momo!! Momo!!”

They like me…?

“Honestly, I don’t even know how she’s still standing!! Her hand was completely broken by Blaire, not to mention the one broken rib that clearly multiplied when she broke her opponent's collarbone!!! Folks, she has a heart of steel. An unwavering spirit!!! Somehow, along the way, she’s captured our hearts with her creative fighting style and fierce determination. GIVE IT UP FOR MOMO!!!!!!!”

The chanting, somehow, became even louder, and the bleachers started to vibrate.

Momo was a bit shocked. All these people couldn't be cheering for her, could they? Was it just a coincidence that they just happened to be saying her name? She turned a cautious head towards Srassa, who smiled.

"Well?"

"Well, what?" asked Momo.  She was pretty confused.

"Hold your sword up," Srassa said, "They're chanting your name, so you have to give them something."

With a timid hand that grew more and more confident, Momo placed her palm on the grip of her sword.  Smooth and textured, it fit perfectly in her hand.  Drawing it from her hip, she raised her arm until it was fully extended.  Her pink ears twitched slowly while her tail extended outward, steadily becoming more and more livelier.

The crowd went wild, exploding and erupting, becoming louder by the passing second.  The stomping, clapping, hooting, and hollering topped out, only quieting when Momo lowered her arm.

Grandpa, right now, I’m so thankful I’m alive. I used to want to die. Especially after what happened in the village. But now? I'm glad I found my will to live. Somehow, I found the strength to make it all the way here. Sure, it was a difficult journey, but I made it safe and sound. I got to meet so many amazing people. Srassa, for example, is someone who I think I’ll be close friends with. Dineria is a super cool mentor, and it seems she cares a lot about us. And I guess it’s the same with Fisher and everyone else.

But there’s someone else I’m even more thankful for. Servi... Ever since I met her, my life has improved for the better. She’s so cool, strong, and pretty, but she’s also so mysterious. I like her, grandpa. She’s my first ever friend I’ve made besides you.

But she’s not my only friend. I have Srassa and the others. But in my heart, Servi will always be my first friend. I hope we'll be together for a long time!

Just like Momo, Servi was also at peace. She was by herself at the moment, separate from her mentor and other friends.  Fisher and the others were at the second tent where Desperado was at. She would make her way over there soon, but she wanted to have a quick conversation with Itarr before she did.

“She's so strong that I don’t even recognize her.”

I’m proud of her... But I need to tell you something.  When you were asleep, Momo talked non-stop.  It was all about you.

Itarr took the time to summarize just how much Servi meant to Momo.

I didn't mean to overhear her, but she cares a lot about you.

“I feel like crying...”

Me too, but what now? Do we stay in Canary with her?

“Of course we do! After hearing what she said, I'd have to be heartless to leave my best friend! Besides, if we get stronger and get promoted in Warden, we might take on more dangerous quests. Who knows, we might end up taking one that’ll take us to the Gods.  Maybe they can give us our memories back.”

I wonder if that will happen? I haven’t remembered a single thing.

“Neither have I. But that’s fine, I think. I have you, you have me, and we both have Momo. And Fisher and everyone else. We’re not alone anymore. We have friends... And we have people who care about us. But….the question remains: will Momo stay with us when she finds out about us? I want to tell her now, after the fight, but I don't know. Maybe the best time is when we get back.”

I’ll be hoping with everything I have, but I’m sure she will. We just have to get back from the promotion quest safe and sound. With our abilities, I don't think anything can stop us!

“Right! Now, let’s go over there and join the others. I love you, Itarr.”

And I love you too!  I’m going to cheer the best I can for Momo, but I don’t know how much it’ll help since she can’t hear me.

Servi smiled at nothing and giggled. “I’m sure she’ll somehow know. Now… MOMO, I BELIEVE IN YOU!!!!!” Servi yelled as she placed a hand on the railing.  With a bit of flair, Servi hopped the handrail and jogged to the other tent to join her friends.

Did she hear you?

Servi nodded and pointed.

It was then that Itarr noticed Momo’s tail formed a crudely drawn ‘S’ as it zipped from top to bottom, left to right. As if that wasn’t enough, she held a hand behind her and gave a thumbs up.

She knew, and she was smiling so brightly towards her opponent. They both held their swords tightly in their hands and were only waiting for the fight to begin.

At that moment, Toni, who had finished advertising for a store, finally said-- screamed-- the magic words.

“NOW, LET THE FINALS BEGIN!!!!!!! FIGHT!!!!!!"