Lisia turned to Mortis, her eyes soft but firm. "Let's go back to the arena. Talk to Piper first. Tell her you want to become human—forever. Let her speak her mind before you talk to me again. Because if I do it without her knowing, it will kill her inside. I can't do that. And about Eileen, we'll talk to Kuina. Maybe she'll be able to bring her back after the tournament, okay, Mortis?"
Mortis sighed. "Alright. Maybe you're right. I'll talk to her, only because I really love her. But, Lisia… I have one more little request."
She smiled. "What is it, sweetheart?"
"Pet me. I need it."
Lisia burst into laughter. "Oh, my sweet boy, of course!" She reached down, brushing her fingers through his mane and along his glowing horn. Mortis tilted his head back, almost purring. "Oh, yeah, right there! I mean… uh, that feels nice, thanks." Lisia giggled softly.
Back in the arena, Lika was still attacking Arrito, her movements sharp but graceful. He dodged every strike with ease, smiling warmly. "You're amazing, Lika. Truly. Keep going!"
For a moment, Lika saw something else—an image flashing in her mind. She remembered her uncle, Mako, the man who had taught her everything. His gentle approach, his patience—it reminded her so much of Arrito.
13 years ago, sixteen-year-old Lika trained under a canopy of pink sakura trees. The night sky shimmered violet, lanterns glowing like tiny moons. Mako watched her with calm eyes as she tried to hypnotize a squirrel. "Go ahead, my sweet one," he said. "You don't have to hurt it. Just make it change its path for a second. Remember, it's not about control—it's about connection."
Lika concentrated, both hands raised. "Come on, please work… don't be stupid," she muttered.
Mako placed a hand on her shoulder. "Never call yourself that. You're not stupid. You're brilliant, powerful, and full of potential. Just breathe."
Her eyes glowed faintly. The squirrel's eyes turned black, and it suddenly started spinning in circles. Mako burst out laughing. "You did it, my sweet girl! Well done!"
Overwhelmed with joy, Lika hugged him tightly. "I love you, uncle. Thank you for being here for me."
He smiled, patting her head. "That's what I'm here for."
A year later, Mako died of an incurable illness. Lika continued training alone, building on everything he had taught her. Standing by his grave one evening, she whispered, "I'll always remember you, uncle."
Back in the present, Mira shouted from above, "Is it heating up down there? Come on, Lika! Show us who the Queen of Hypnosis really is!"
Lika smiled. "Arrito, you're so kind… and because of that, I want to show you my true power."
Arrito grinned. "That's why I'm here, sweetheart. Show me everything you've got."
Lika took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She pressed her palms together, and a glowing blue-orange vortex formed around her. Mako's words echoed in her mind:
'Remember, the Blue Vortex is not for destruction. It's born from peace. It makes you a thousand times stronger when your heart is calm. Use it with purpose, not pride. Arrogance weakens it. Serenity strengthens it.'
Lika whispered, "I haven't used this power in years… but now, I feel calmer than ever. Thank you, uncle Mako. And thank you too, Arrito."
Mira gasped from above. The crowd was stunned. Kuina murmured, "Lika… what incredible power."
Mortis and Lisia landed nearby. Mortis returned to the stands, Lisia to the gods' seats.
"What did I miss?" Mortis asked.
Piper stared at him. "Mortis? You turned back into a unicorn?"
Mortis laughed. "You're happy about that, huh? Listen, Piper, we need to talk. It's important."
Molly yelled, "Shut up! Lika's about to hit her limit!"
The aura around Lika blazed. Her hair turned light blue, her eyes burned orange, and her clothes glowed with a swirling pattern of energy. Arrito smiled with pure joy. "Amazing."
Ortus leaned forward, intrigued. James didn't even look. Prestik stared blankly. Lisia smiled gently. "Such a lovely girl. Impressive power."
Lika's transformation completed. She stood tall, radiant, and serene. "This is the Blue Vortex form. A power born of calmness. What do you think, Arrito?"
Kuina watched with admiration. "Lika… what an unbelievable force."
Kylie woke up suddenly. "Huh? Who's that?"
"That's Lika," Kuina said softly. "And wow… she's incredible. Why did she hide that until now?"
Kylie slung an arm over Kuina's shoulder. "Don't you dare leave me alone like that before a match. I need you."
Kuina smiled. "Okay. But cheer for Lika like only you can."
Kylie grinned. "You got it, babe! Hey Lika! My sexy princess, you're amazing! Show him who's boss!"
Lika winked at her. Kylie froze. "Wow. Didn't know she could do that."
Mira whispered under her breath, "Lika, I didn't expect this. You've been hiding so much."
Arrito clapped his hands. "Incredible power, Lika. Come on, show me what it can do, my dear."
Lika vanished in a flash, leaving a small orange vortex behind. Arrito looked up. She was above him, her fist glowing. "Here it comes," she said, her voice cold and focused.
She dove like lightning, fist first. Arrito caught her punch, but she followed with a flurry of strikes. "Whoa, a bit aggressive, aren't you?" he laughed, sliding back. Lika threw a wave of small vortexes, one after another. Mira cheered from above. "Let's go, Lika! What a fighter!"
The crowd roared. Molly's eyes sparkled. "Lika… you're incredible. I love you so much!"
Kuina hugged Kylie tighter. "She's amazing."
Clara smiled proudly. "Our sweet girl. Well done, Lika!"
Mortis glanced at Piper. "Come on, can we talk now?"
"Not now, Mortis!" Piper snapped. "After my match, okay? I'm on my period!"
Mortis blinked. "You've lost your damn mind… fine. I'm going up."
Arrito still dodged and blocked with gentle grace. Lika pressed harder, her breathing heavy. "Don't waste time," she whispered to herself. Like Mako taught me—finish what you start.
Arrito smiled. "That's it, Lika. Keep going!"
She gathered all her power, hands glowing like sapphires. "This attack… is my uncle's! The Hypnotic Vortex!"
A massive spiral of energy expanded from her palms, engulfing her entire body. She shot forward like a comet. The arena shook, debris flying everywhere. Mira screamed, "Go, Lika!"
Ortus smirked. "Not bad… little hypnotist."
Lika screamed, "Final Hypnotic Vortex!"
The blast engulfed Arrito completely. He tried to move, but his legs froze. "Hypnotic manipulation? She caught me… impressive. Well then."
He raised both hands calmly. "Hope Defence."
The entire vortex folded into his palms and vanished. Silence. Lika dropped to her knees, exhausted, back to her normal form. She gasped for air.
Arrito smiled warmly. "Lika, that was incredible. You're on such a high level… you know what? I have a surprise for you."
She panted. "What surprise?"
Arrito turned to the audience. "I… surrender!"
Gasps filled the air. Mira's jaw dropped. The crowd exploded. "WHAT?!"
"Yeah, yeah," Arrito said, shrugging. "Winning all the time is boring. She deserves it. I wouldn't have done it if she hadn't given it her all."
He helped Lika to her feet and smiled. "Well done." Then he kissed her cheek.
Lika blushed furiously. Kuina's eyes widened. Molly shouted, "Hey!"
Lika whispered, "You didn't have to do that… but thank you."
Arrito winked. "So, should I grant your wish now or later?"
"Later… thank you."
Mira jumped into the ring, grabbing Lika's hand. "Our winner!"
Arrito flew back to his seat. Mira kissed Lika on the cheek. "Oh, I missed you, sweet girl. You did wonderfully."
Lika smiled. "Thanks, Mira. I missed you too."
Ortus scowled. "Arrito, what kind of example is that for a god?"
He laughed. "Oh, come on, sweetheart. I just wanted to have fun."
James muttered, "You're a joke."
Arrito ignored him.
Mira raised her hand. "And now… for the most surprising match of the day—Piper versus Lisia! You've got five minutes to prepare!"
Piper stretched her arms. Kuina walked over with Kylie beside her. Piper eyed them. "Ugh, you again, Kylie, you're like glue."
Kuina smiled. "Good luck, Piper. Show her who the real Water Queen is."
Kylie leaned in, planting a kiss on Piper's cheek. "Oh, those black lips of yours. I forgot how much we match in style. Good luck, sweetheart."
Piper chuckled. "Ha! Thanks, babes. I'll show my bitch of a grandmother who's boss!"
Lika returned to the stands. Molly appeared in a blur and hugged her tightly. "Lika! My champion!"
Clara ran over too. "I didn't expect such a fierce side from you!"
Lika laughed shyly. "Me neither… thank you, girls. I'm so happy you're here."
Kuina smiled and winked at her. Lika blushed. Then Piper suddenly kissed Kuina full on the lips. Kuina froze.
"You're the one who gives me power, Kuina. My goddess," Piper whispered.
Kuina smiled faintly, pulling her closer. "Just don't lose, Piper."
The ground trembled. Lisia descended into the ruined arena. Piper walked forward slowly, eyes locked on her grandmother.
"My granddaughter!" Lisia called with joy. "Hey!"
Piper glared. Her voice was pure venom. "Not granddaughter. Nothing. Whore."
To be continued...