The atmosphere was electric in the arena ahead of the final match of the Neo Gladius Tournament.

  Stefan began the introductions. “Here we are, folks! The Finals of the first-ever Neo Gladius Tournament! Both girls have shown tremendous firepower, but who will win? Introducing first, The Flame Princess! Misaki Mackenson!” The crowd erupted when Misaki entered wearing her Teal Fire Crown and robe to a song she had picked out.

  “Gladius Misaki, what battleground will you choose for this final match?” Stefan asked.

  “None. Leave the arena as it is. Just plain white tiles. I want no advantage.”

  “You gotta love the confidence! Now introducing The Lunar Dragon! Luna Cortez!” Again, the crowd roared when Luna’s entrance song began playing. This time, she strolled out wearing a Teal fire version of her Sunshine Cadet idol uniform. She adjusted her military-style cap by its bill. The audience adored how cool she looked.. Look around, Luna! Mom and Dad are watching, Rody, everyone! Show them! That you’re their next hero!

  Misaki looked at Luna’s uniform up and down. It’s perfect. I’m going to win! So I can wear it too!

  Luna cheerfully called over to Misaki. “I haven’t forgotten what you said, Misaki! You’re gonna beat me, huh?”

  “Yeah! That’s right! I don’t wanna hear any excuses!”

  Luna drew her katana and smiled. “We'd better still be friends after I win.”

  “Oh, we’ll still be friends alright, especially since I’m the one who's going to win!” Misaki signaled for Stefan to begin the match. Instantly, they raced toward each other to fight. They battled at high speeds around the arena, sparks flying as their blades clashed.

  Luna created some space for herself and threw pieces of Teal above her head to use her Phalanx. “Still think you’re gonna win?” Luna shouted, hurling spears at Misaki from all angles.

  “Get a new trick, Luna!”

  Misaki gripped her scythe and imbued it with Teal fire. She spun her scythe to destroy the incoming spears. Luna copied Misaki’s move, imbuing her sword with Teal fire; otherwise, Misaki’s scythe would have cut right through her katana. After another intense melee, the girls knocked each other’s weapons away.

  They stood facing each other, neither having broken a sweat. They stepped toward each other and wrapped themselves in the green Flames of Teal. They increased the size and heat of their flames as they clashed in the center of the arena, punching, blocking, and kicking aggressively.

  Luna managed to bring her knee up and hit Misaki in the face. Misaki responded with a strong punch right where Cassius’s hammer had struck Luna.

  Luna used her taller frame to her advantage, wrestling Misaki to the ground and hitting her with fiery punches. Many in the crowd believed the match was over until Misaki caught Luna’s punch in her hand, then the other.

  Misaki shouted and, with an incredible display of strength, launched Luna off herself.

  “I thought I had you!” Luna smirked.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “I’m just getting started! Let me show you what I’ve been working on!” Misaki shouted, and her green Flames of Teal power up to red. Luna’s eyes widened, feeling the power difference immediately in their flames.

  “H-how did you…?” Before Luna could blink, Misaki’s knee had hit her in the face. The attack sent her rolling across the arena. Luna stood up quickly, only to be attacked relentlessly by Misaki. Luna shouted and attempted to power up her flames to Misaki’s level, but couldn’t.

  During her onslaught, Misaki answered Luna’s question. “How!? Night and day, I pushed myself!” Misaki had played with the memories of longing to sing and dance, opting instead to train. Misaki dipped under Luna, wrapped her arms around her, lifted Luna onto her shoulder, and performed a running slam into the ground. Misaki recovered quickly and stood over Luna.

  “I have to beat you! For Akari!” Misaki almost teared up seeing Luna’s confused expression. She formed a red Teal fire scythe and, with a final slash to Luna’s chest, broke her Teal shield.

  Half the stadium erupted in applause and cheers; the other half was too stunned to move. No one had expected Andres Cortez’s daughter to lose. Luna lay on her back, staring up at the sky, trying to catch her breath.“I…I lost…”

  Luna saw the fireworks erupting overhead as Stefan announced Misaki as the winner of the tournament. Smile…Smile… Don’t disappoint them anymore than you already have…Luna flipped herself over and slowly got up, concealing her face.

  “Told ya I’d win.” Misaki crossed her arms and grinned at Luna.

  Luna lifted her face, brushed back her hair, and put on her idol smile. “You sure did! You worked really hard, Misaki, you deserve it!”

  How does she do that? I know this is eating her up inside… How does she shine and smile like that? Misaki was awestruck by the seemingly unfazed Luna. “J-just the first of many wins to come!” Misaki flipped one of her twin tails. “H-hey!” Misaki partially resisted Luna’s hug.

  “I’m so proud of you, Misaki, I know everyone is too! I’m gonna go, so you can enjoy your moment!” Luna flashed Misaki her perfect smile and turned to leave.

  “W-wait…” Misaki attempted to ask Luna her question, but her voice was drowned out by everything going on. Maybe… I couldn’t be an idol… I mean… could I have shone like she does… Misaki’s thoughts were interrupted by Cassie hugging her from behind and her parents congratulating her. She gave one last glance at Luna, waving to her fans and thanking them. I bet fans wouldn’t have liked me anyway… Misaki shook away her thoughts and received her trophy.

  Luna walked with her left hand on the tunnel wall to support herself and her right hand over her heart, clutching her chest, looking down the entire way. She made it halfway through the tunnel before falling to her knees. How could I… How could I have let everyone down like that… She wept bitterly. Luna tried to make as little noise as possible, which made her cry even harder.

  Up in the private suite, Luna’s friends and family had mixed emotions, happy for Misaki but worried about Luna. “Rody dear, please go check on our sweet Luna,” Kara implored.

  “Shouldn’t you and Mr. Cortez go comfort her?” Rody protested.

  “We know Luna well. She’s never lost at anything in her life. She’s not going to want to see any of us right now. Except you, son. Please help her.” Andres pleaded..

  “Yes, sir.” Rody did as he was asked while the others spoke about the match.

  Rody found Luna sitting with her back against the wall and her face buried in her knees. Her arms were wrapped around her legs, holding them in. He could hear her quietly sobbing. What do I say to her… He hesitantly sat next to her.

  Luna felt his presence, and it made her cry more.

  She feels really hot. Rody used his frost ability to cool her off. She leaned over onto him and buried her face in his shoulder. Why can’t my nerves be still around her…

  “Please cover my face. I don’t want anyone to see me…” She begged softly.

  “Okay.” He wrapped his arms around her and cooled her off.

  Luna starts to cry again. “I’ll never forgive myself…”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I… let e-every-everyone down!” She began sobbing, her cries echoing through the tunnel.

  “Luna, no one is upset with you.” Rody consoled her. How do I help her… she’s always helped me… I have to make her feel better…

  “I was supposed to win! I disappointed everyone! Now they’re going to hate me! And not come to the concerts and it’s going to affect Raine and Morgan, and my family. And I’m scared you’re going to leave me too!” She cried uncontrollably.

  Rody held her tight and remembered she valued his promises. He momentarily forgot his nervousness around her. “I promised, I’ll never leave you, Luna. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what happened.”

  Luna stopped crying. “Really?”

  “Yes, really. Please don’t cry anymore. If anyone can overcome this, it’s you.”

  Luna wiped her tears away. “What makes you say that?”

  “I’ve known you my whole life. You’re Luna Cortez. The girl who can do anything and everything if she tries.” Rody gave her a reassuring smile.

  “Thank you, Rody. Let’s go see everyone.” They got up and headed out together. Luna grabbed onto his arm as they walked, which jolted the bravery out of him, and he returned to his nervous self.