As Vayu submitted his approval for the final match, to the third elder, the very next day the matter was carried forward. The third elder wasted no time and reported everything to the first elder.
The response was immediate.
The first elder summoned the other elders for meeting, her voice was calm as she dispatched her assistants at once, all the assistants rushed through the academy grounds and the surrounding halls. The summons was simple "All elders should assemble at the First Elder's residence within two hours."
By the time the sun tilted westward, the meeting hall of the First Elder's house was filled. One by one, the elders arrived, their expressions showed curiosity and concern.
On long table, at the place of head member was seated the first elder, on her right side was the second elder on her left sat the third elder followed by fourth and fifth elder. The second elder sat in his place with calm expressions, his eyes sharp and unreadable. The third elder, who had brought the matter forward, waited in silence for the first elder to announce the matter. The fourth and fifth exchanged quiet murmurs.
At last, the first elder cleared her throat, folding her hands. Her voice was calm "Elders… today we have gathered to discuss the final fight of annual competition"
A ripple passed among them, second elder raised his eyebrows "It's not a matter we can decide, it can only be decided by the finalist".
"It has come to my attention that both finalists of the annual competition are in good health and have agreed to fight," the First Elder replied, her tone steady.
The Third Elder gave a short nod of confirmation.
"So," the Second Elder leaned forward, fingers tapping against the table, "what date shall we choose?"
"I suggest the sooner the better," the Fifth Elder spoke up with some hesitation. "The contestants are ready, what if one of them suffers an injury at a later date? It could ruin the match everyone has been waiting for".
"I agree with the Fifth Elder," said the Fourth elder in a firm voice.
One after another, the rest of the council nodded in unison. The decision was swift.
The match would be held two days later. Soon the news about the finals spread like wildfire. From the training grounds to the marketplace, every corner of the village buzzed with the same words. For two long months, there had been no news about the competition. Many had even begun to forget about the final match. Now, with the date suddenly declared, the village erupted in excitement. Children sparred in the streets, mimicking the fighter they admired, while adults placed wagers and whispered predictions about who would emerge victorious.
Excitement filled every household, except one.
Vayu's mother sat quietly at her chair, while her eyes looking outside the window, but her mind was somewhere else. Where others rejoiced, her heart felt heavy. While the village saw glory and honor, she saw danger and blood. Her son had already been through so much and now the thought of him stepping into yet another brutal battle made her chest tighten with fear.
She did not speak her worries aloud, but her eyes said it all.
"Mother?" Vayu walked over and gently shook her shoulder.
She gasped softly, startled out of her thoughts. "Oh... son you are back" Her voice was low, her eyes sad and distant.
"Are you all right?" he asked with concern in his voice.
Her lips trembled before she finally spoke. "Son… can you withdraw from the competition?"
Vayu blinked in surprise. "What happened, Mother?"
Tears welled in her eyes. "What if something happens to you in the battle? Do you know how worried I was the last time? I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat until I saw you conscious again…" Her voice broke, and the tears spilled freely.
Without a word, Vayu leaned down and wrapped his arms around her from behind the chair, holding her tightly. "Nothing will happen to me," he whispered in her ear "I promise."
But even as he spoke, his mother's heart refused to believe fully. She wanted him to leave the fight. After some more pleading and reassurance, silence fell between them. They shared their meal quietly that evening. When the plates were cleared, mother and son retreated to their rooms, each carrying their own worries into the night.
That night, Vayu slept without disturbance. For the next two days, he avoided his raining. Instead, he focused only on light stretches, steady footwork, and a few strikes. He had already driven his body to its limits for the past two months; now was the time to let it recover. With only strength you cannot overcome everything, you must maintain balance. Soon the two days were over.
When the morning of the final arrived, Vayu rose before dawn. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew and earth. He tied his cuffs tightly, then set off for a run through the village with a steady rhythm against the ground, his breathing even, his heart calm. After completing a full round, he settled onto the grass, stretching his limbs slowly.
Closing his eyes, he drew in long, deep breaths. The tension in his muscles softened, and the nervousness that had crept into his mind dissolved with each exhale. By the time he opened his eyes, he felt light and ready to fight.
After reaching back home, Vayu washed away the sweat with a bath. When he stepped into the kitchen, his mother had already prepared food for him, her eyes flicking up at him with a mixture of emotions, but when she saw him she smiled faintly, not wanting to disturb her son's mind before the battle.
Vayu ate very little today. Just enough to keep himself strong, nothing more. Overeating could slow him down, and in this battle, even the smallest mistake could mean defeat. His mother didn't say any word, she simply placed her hand on his shoulder, as if silently passing her strength onto him.
Soon, Vayu arrived at the central arena. The grounds was filled with people, the arena was completely surrounded by the villagers, people were pressed close, eager to see the upcoming battle. The air was filled with excitement and thrill today, they would witness the end of the competition.
On the raised platform, four elders had already present, their expressions calm. Only the third elder was missing. As the time approached, Aspen entered through the far side of the arena, and with him walked the third elder. The crowd hushed as the pair drew near.
The third elder placed a firm hand on Aspen's shoulder, his voice low but his gesture steady. Aspen gave a sharp nod in response, then the two parted ways. The elder ascended the platform to join his peers, while Aspen strode confidently toward the center of the arena, his steps measured, his presence commanding.
The atmosphere grew tense. Villagers leaned forward, their cheers getting louder and louder.
At last, the fifth elder rose to his feet. His voice hushed the crowd:
"It is time to begin the final battle between the last two competitors!"
The arena trembled with applause.
"Aspen and Vayu, step forward!" the fifth elder's voice rang out across the arena.
The crowd erupted, parting just enough, to allow the two young warriors pass through. Aspen walked with steady confidence, his twin axes resting casually across his shoulders, his gaze never leaving Vayu. In contrast, Vayu's steps were calm and deliberate, his knives strapped securely at his sides, the iron-cuffed nun chucks dangling quietly below his daggers.
The two stood face-to-face at the center of the arena, tension building between the two of them. The villagers held their breath, eager for the fight to start.
From the platform, the fifth elder lifted his hand high into the air. His voice boomed, sharp and commanding:
"Begin!"
His hand dropped, and the arena exploded with cheers, cries and the final battle begun.