The sun climbed lazily over the Safe house, golden light spilling through wide windows and brushing across tired bodies and silent determination. Only two days remained until the Tournament of Chaos, and the five days of brutal training that had passed already felt like years. Every day, the girls had pushed their limits in different ways, sometimes together, sometimes alone, but always with the same goal—grow stronger, survive, and face the gods.
In the wide backyard, Kuina was already on the ground, sweat dripping down her temples as her arms moved with mechanical precision. Ten, twenty, fifty, hundreds, thousands. Her body went up and down in endless push-ups, her muscles burning but her spirit roaring quietly inside. Ten thousand was her goal today, and not a single one less. She gritted her teeth, eyes glowing with that fiery mix of fury and focus that made her presence impossible to ignore.
Nearby, Piper's body glistened under the harsh morning sun. Her sports outfit was soaked, sticking tightly to her skin, yet even in exhaustion, she looked elegant, her lipstick still perfectly black, her necklace glinting against her damp chest. She was practicing water forms, conjuring streams and blades, controlling them with tighter precision than ever before. Each wave shimmered, each droplet bent perfectly to her will. Her breathing was heavy, but her eyes sparkled with that proud arrogance she carried like jewelry.
Out in the streets beyond the yard, Molly was a blur of motion. She ran in circles around the entire block, her speed already breaking the air, leaving faint cracks in the pavement where her feet touched too hard. Her ponytails bounced wildly as she ran, faster and faster, until her form looked more like streaks of light than a body. She wasn't even panting. For her, speed wasn't just training—it was existence itself.
Inside the house, Clara threw punches into a heavy bag with soft but relentless rhythm. Her body glowed faintly, white aura curling around her fists with every strike. She wasn't loud, she wasn't violent, but each hit echoed through the living room like a heartbeat. Boom, boom, boom. A rhythm of focus, of calm fury locked inside a deceptively sweet exterior.
At the kitchen table, Kylie sat still, shoulders slightly slumped, a cup of tea cooling beside her. Her black lips pressed tightly, her crimson eyes shadowed with fatigue. She looked as if she carried the whole storm inside her chest but refused to let it out. Her fingers tapped against the mug absentmindedly, her long nails clicking in tiny rhythms. She wasn't training. She wasn't laughing. She wasn't even complaining. She just sat, silent, and in that silence, everyone could feel her fear.
On the second floor, Mira was sprawled out on her bed, deep asleep, breathing softly. Even in sleep, she looked like a model, hair shimmering red over the pillow, lips painted perfectly. For her, rest was training—confidence her greatest weapon.
Above the house, Mortis circled tirelessly in the air, wings slicing the sky, his horn glowing faintly as he fired beams into the distance. His sarcastic muttering could be heard even from below. "Another spin, another pointless beam. At least I'm still fabulous." He was sweating, but he kept going, because nothing annoyed him more than looking lazy next to goddesses.
From the sauna at the corner of the house, Lika emerged wrapped in a fluffy white towel. Steam clung to her skin, her pale hair slicked back, her eyes glowing blue like calm oceans. She looked rejuvenated, smiling softly as if every pore of her body had just been reborn. She padded quietly to the kitchen and paused when she saw Kylie sitting alone. Her smile dimmed with worry.
"Hey, Kylie," she said gently, holding the towel tighter around her shoulders. "Mind if I sit with you?"
Kylie didn't look up at first, her face neutral, unreadable. Finally, she turned her crimson eyes toward Lika and whispered flatly, "Yeah, babe, go ahead."
"Heehee, thanks." Lika slid into the chair beside her, her warmth filling the space. "I stayed in the sauna for three hours. I swear, it opened every chakra in my body. I feel lighter, calmer, and focused. You should try it too, it might help release some of that tension before the fight."
Kylie gave a half-smile, more like a twitch. "I'm not really in the mood to sweat right now. But thanks for offering."
The brightness in Lika's face faded. She looked down at the table, her lips pressing together. Her voice lowered, trembling just slightly. "It hurts me to see you like this, Kylie. You're drowning in your own head. You need to breathe, to laugh, to let go a little. You're not alone. We're all scared of what's coming. I'm terrified of facing Arito myself."
"There's a difference, Lika," Kylie muttered, eyes fixed on the wall. "Arito is not Ortus. You'll be fine."
Something in Lika's expression snapped. She stood suddenly, her face serious in a way it rarely was. "That's enough, Kylie. If you won't make it easier on yourself, then I'll do it for you."
Kylie's eyes widened. "Don't you dare hypnotize me right now. That would break me."
Lika raised her hand, eyes glowing. Her voice sharpened into a chant. "Hypnotic Mess!"
A burst of aura exploded across the kitchen. Kylie's vision blurred, her head spinning as waves of compulsion tried to wash over her. Lika leaned close, her tone commanding but filled with desperate kindness. "You'll still be yourself, Kylie. But until after the fight, you will stay calm. You'll be light, funny, seductive, exactly the way you've always been. And that's not a suggestion, it's an order."
For a long second, Kylie just stared blankly at her. Then she blinked, her eyes clearing. She looked back at the wall, lips curving in a bitter smile. "Nice try, Lika. But it didn't work."
Lika froze. "What? How—"
"I already activated my immunity to hypnosis and toxins earlier today. Took me a while to remember, but now it's always on. Sorry, babe. Thanks for the effort, though."
Lika's mouth opened and closed, embarrassed, scratching her damp hair with the towel. "Heehee, right… I forgot you can do that. I just… I just wanted to help you feel lighter."
Before Kylie could answer, a thunderclap shook the floor. A violent gust of wind roared through the house as Molly appeared in the middle of the room, teleporting with such speed that the tiles cracked under her feet. Papers flew, cups rattled, and both girls had to cover their faces from the storm.
"Hey girls! Guess what?!" Molly was glowing, her cheeks flushed with energy.
Lika, startled, clutched her towel tighter. "W-what happened, Molly?"
Kylie stayed silent, staring at the floor.
"I… I broke the speed of light again. But this time… ten times over!" Molly's voice trembled with excitement. "It just happened. My body, my heart, it felt so full, like something carried me forward. Maybe… maybe it's love filling me up…" She trailed off, blushing, her green eyes glancing shyly toward Lika.
Lika gasped and rushed to her, throwing her arms around her with glowing joy. "Molly! That's amazing! I'm so proud of you!" She hugged her tightly, tears sparkling at the edge of her lashes.
Molly froze in shock, then slowly smiled, her heart pounding so loud she swore Lika could hear it. Kylie stood, her face expressionless, and muttered coldly, "Congrats." Without another word, she walked away toward her room.
Molly watched her go, sadness flickering in her eyes. "She's still like that, huh?"
Lika smiled softly at her. "Yeah. But we'll take care of her. Right now, I'm just so happy for you." She pressed a kiss against Molly's cheek, warm and gentle.
Molly's face exploded red. She trembled, then squealed uncontrollably. "Ohhhh Likaaaa! I can't take it, you're too sweet!" She peppered her face with kisses—"Mwah, mwah, mwah"—laughing like a child. "I feel like some auntie kissing her nieces at a holiday!"
Both of them collapsed into laughter, hugging tighter.
At that moment, Piper stepped into the lobby, dripping sweat, her outfit clinging shamelessly to her curves. She tossed her damp hair back, adjusting her necklace, her lips shining darker than ever. She paused, smirking, watching the two clinging together.
"Well well, am I interrupting something? Should I come back later?" Her voice was sly, her hips swaying as she leaned against the doorframe.
Molly yelped and stepped back quickly, her face crimson. "N-no! It's just a regular hug, that's all!"
"Sure, sure. Funny though, because when I wanted to kiss you, Molly, you ran off like a child." Piper tilted her head with a sharp smile.
Molly bit her lip, then gave a nervous giggle. "Things… things have changed. I'm working on myself now."
Lika stepped in front of her, snapping with unusual sharpness. "Piper! Don't push her! Let her take her time, you're embarrassing her!"
Both Molly and Piper stared at her, shocked. Piper laughed, eyes wide. "Lika… was that a tsundere moment? Oh my god, it suits you perfectly."
Lika blushed furiously, waving her hands. "N-no! I didn't mean it like that!"
At that moment, Kuina entered the lobby. Her body glistened with sweat, dressed in soft white training clothes, hair tied back, a towel draped over her shoulders, and a water bottle in her hand. She looked radiant, godlike, without even trying. The three froze, their hearts thumping.
"Girls… is everything alright?" Kuina asked softly, sipping her water.
Piper raised her hands dramatically. "The goddess herself enters, and she asks if we're alright… my heart can't take this much love." She blew a kiss into the air. Kuina chuckled, sending a playful kiss back. Piper nearly melted into the floor.
Molly, still red, stepped forward quickly. "Kuina! You want to hear something? In my training today I reached ten times the speed of light!" Her eyes sparkled, desperate for Kuina's approval.
Kuina rummaged through the pantry, distracted. "That's amazing, Molly. Congratulations. Ah, found it! Protein cookies! Anyone want some?"
Molly's face fell. "You… you don't really care, do you? That I broke my own record?"
Kuina turned to her, placing a hand gently on her head, stroking her hair softly. "I care a lot. I said congratulations, didn't I? I'm proud of you. But you have to understand—against a god of speed, it might still not be enough. You'll have to give more than your best."
Molly clenched her fists. "Then let's race right now, Kuina. Just you and me. No excuses."
Kuina raised an eyebrow, amused. "Interesting. I can also move faster than light, maybe more. But you'd probably beat me."
"Then prove it," Molly said, grinning. "Out in the yard. A hundred meters. No backing out."
Kuina smirked. "Fine. Let's do it."
The two stepped outside onto the balcony, the others following in awe. Clara paused her punches, Mira's voice shouted from her room, Kylie stayed hidden in her shadows. Mortis was still flying above. Piper leaned over the railing, her eyes gleaming.
"Ready, Molly?" Kuina asked, stretching slightly.
"I was born ready."
Piper raised her hand dramatically. "On my call. Three… two… one… go!"
In less than the blink of an eye, both vanished. The wind screamed, the ground cracked, and before anyone could process, Molly stood at the tree, panting but smiling, while Kuina stumbled, catching her breath.
"I'm tired," Kuina admitted, wiping sweat. "Maybe later."
Molly laughed, shaking her head. "I'm tired too. But I still won."
The others stared, stunned. Piper gasped. "We… we didn't even see them move. That was insane."
Clara clapped softly, smiling with quiet pride.
Suddenly, Mira burst out of her room, hair messy, still in pajamas. "Can you idiots shut up?! I'm trying to sleep! Kuina, you're sexy." She slammed the door and disappeared again.
Kuina blinked, confused. Piper rolled her eyes. "She always knows how to drop the exact line to piss me off."
Moments later, Mortis landed roughly, collapsing with exhaustion. "Don't talk to me. I'll snore like a pig until morning." He trudged inside.
Lika giggled quietly. Kuina tilted her head, smiling. "How are you always so funny without trying?"
Mortis shot her a glare. "Oh, Ginger, don't you have a James to eat for breakfast?" He chuckled.
Kuina smirked. "Trying to provoke me? Cute."
Hours passed. Night fell. Kuina showered, her body relaxed, her hair damp and tied back. She stepped into her room quietly, finding Kylie asleep on her bed, curled like a small cat, her chest rising softly. The system was silent. For once, there were no alerts, no reminders of missions. Just quiet.
Kuina sat on the edge of her bed, gazing at her. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Kylie… I know how scared you are. But I'm scared too. Facing James after all these years… it terrifies me. But I believe in you. If you give everything, you'll win. Goodnight, my sweet." She reached over, turned off the lamp, and closed her eyes.
A sudden warmth touched her lips. Her eyes shot open. Kylie was leaning over her, kissing her softly, trembling but determined.
"Kylie? You scared me," Kuina whispered, startled.
Kylie's crimson eyes glistened. "I love you. More than anything. Only you can calm me down. My love… make space for me."
Kuina sighed, smiling helplessly. "Kylie, this is a single bed. Go back to yours."
But Kylie curled beside her, wrapping her arms tightly. "No. I feel warm and safe here." Her eyes closed, her breathing slowed, and she drifted off like a child in her mother's arms.
Kuina kissed her forehead softly. "I love you too, Kylie." And then she, too, surrendered to sleep.
On the balcony, Piper and Mortis had fallen asleep side by side, Mortis snoring loudly. Mira slept in her room, alone. Lika and Molly curled together in the same bed, hands tangled. Clara lay in the living room, serene as always.
And when dawn broke, the day of the tournament had arrived.
The Red Arena stretched impossibly wide, a colossus of stone and steel. Millions filled the stands, their roars shaking the skies. The arena floor itself was as large as a thousand tennis courts, lined with cameras, lights, and banners. At the top, five grand thrones waited.
Backstage, Mira leaned into a mirror, painting her lips fire-red, her cleavage framed perfectly by her low-cut crimson blouse, her mini-skirt hugging her curves. She winked at herself. "You've still got it. Time to own the stage."
The goddesses waited outside the arena gates. Kylie clutched Kuina tightly, trembling. Kuina wrapped her arms around her like a mother, soothing her. Mortis exchanged sarcastic looks with Clara, who blew him a kiss. He grimaced dramatically.
Suddenly, a storm of violet energy ripped through the arena. Ortus appeared in a cyclone of raw desire and overwhelming aura, spreading her arms wide. The crowd went wild.
"Welcome, mortals and immortals! Welcome to the Tournament of Chaos! A tournament where almost everything is allowed!" Her smile twisted seductively. "The rules are simple. One-on-one battles. No time limit. You win by knockout, submission, or death if you feel like it. Leaving the ring doesn't mean defeat. Draws are possible but worthless. And the prize? One wish. Any wish you desire. The gods themselves will grant it. But no sex, no killing requests, no forced desires. Clear enough?!"
The entire arena erupted: "Yes, Goddess Ortus!"
Ortus winked at Kylie, her eyes sharp and mocking. Then she spread her arms. "Now… welcome the gods!"
A beam of white light descended first—Arito, cloaked in pure hope, smiling warmly. Next, a flash of blue shattered the sky—Prestik, cold, neutral, sitting silently. Then flowers rained down, and Lysia appeared, radiant and motherly. Finally, the ground shook red, and James arrived, his face emotionless, his eyes dark as stone. Kuina's heart stopped for a second, rage boiling. "There he is," she hissed.
Ortus clapped her hands. "And your host today… Mira, the queen of fire herself!"
Mira strutted into the arena like a superstar, hips swaying, lips pouting, waving kisses to the crowd. The audience screamed, blinded by her radiance. She bowed with a playful wink. "Good morning, darlings! I'll be your host for today's battles. And yes, my beauty is part of the show. But enough talk—you're here for fights, aren't you?!"
The crowd roared.
"Then let's begin!" Mira shouted, her voice booming. "First in the ring… Clara, our sweet healer… versus Mortis, the unicorn!"
The two entered—Clara stepping softly, her aura glowing white, Mortis flying down with wings stretched.
"Good luck, babe," Clara said softly, glancing briefly at Ortus.
Mortis smirked. "May the hotter one win. Which is obviously me."
Mira grinned, raising her hand. "No more introductions. Fight!"
And the chaos began.
To be continued…