The sun fell directly over the Coliseum sands. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a blend of wagers, anticipation, and exhaustion after a tournament already marked by unforgettable battles.
The referee raised his hand.—Final Match of the Tournament! Asori versus Mikan!
The gates of the platform opened.
Mikan appeared first, walking with her usual poise. Her chin held high, a calm smile on her face, and that air of confidence that made many in the audience place their bets on her.
From the opposite end, Asori emerged. His entire body trembled. Each step was agony, yet he advanced with his head held high. The week of training, the battles against Riven and Kael… they had torn him apart inside. And yet, there was something in his eyes that hadn't been there before: the pride of a warrior.
From the stands, Blair pressed her hands against her chest. Every step Asori took made her hold her breath.
The referee raised both arms.—Let the match begin!
Mikan smiled… and in that instant, Asori fell to his knees. The silence that seized the coliseum was absolute. The boy tried to stand, but his body no longer obeyed. He collapsed before everyone's eyes.
Before he hit the ground, Mikan appeared at his side, gently catching him in her arms.—You've already done enough, bush-head… she whispered, with a smile blending tenderness and respect. Leave this to me.
The crowd erupted in chaos. Some shouted in outrage, others applauded Asori's bravery. The referee, stunned, had no choice but to declare:—Winner of the Tournament, Mikan the Ninja!
The cheers exploded, shaking the stone walls.
From the royal box, Darian rose with macabre elegance. He applauded slowly, like a predator pleased with its prey.—Good… very good, he murmured.
The announcer raised his voice:—The cash prize for the champion, Mikan!
A chest of gleaming coins was brought to her. Mikan accepted with a modest bow, though her eyes remained fixed on Asori, full of worry.
—And the second prize… to Asori!
The arena gates opened again, and several guards shoved in a chained young woman, dressed in rags. Her blonde hair was disheveled, her gaze dim.—The Bearer of Light, Aisha!
The audience roared with shock and morbid curiosity. Some cheered, others fell into a stunned silence at the grotesque display.
Asori, half-conscious, could barely register what was happening.
Darian descended from his box, approaching him. He leaned in, whispering venom into his ear:—I'll see you very soon, boy. And trust me… there won't be an audience to save you next time.
A chill ran down Asori's back, but he couldn't respond.
Blair, tears in her eyes, rushed to him and embraced him tightly, kissing his forehead.—You did it… she whispered. I'm so proud of you.
Then she stood, inhaled deeply, and faced the entire crowd. Fear burned within her like fire, but the memory of all they had endured—and what was yet to come—made her step forward.
Her voice rose, clear and firm, carrying the full strength of her lineage:—There's no point in hiding anymore!
The coliseum fell silent as the princess took a step that would change everything. She cast off her cloak, revealing the flower-jewel and her silver hair.
—I am Blair Julis D'Blank, heir to the Kingdom of Azoth and bearer of the Fire Orb! —she declared, raising her jewel-flower. And I swear I will not allow Zeknier's reign of terror to spread any further! I will end this war for what I am—a Princess!
The reaction was immediate. Half the crowd erupted in cheers:—The princess! She's alive!
The other half booed, shouting Zeknier's name and hurling insults.
From the arena, Darian merely smiled.—Uncle… your plan worked perfectly, he muttered, as if sharing the victory with someone unseen.
Blair returned to Asori's side, kneeling next to him. He could barely open his eyes, but he looked at her with awe and tenderness. She took his hand, tears streaming down her cheeks, and spoke only for him:
—Asori… do you remember? We met in that forest. I kissed you without thinking, just to save your life. Since then, everything changed. I saw a stubborn, clumsy boy who didn't want to fight… but who still stood by me, always protecting me. I saw you grow, rise every time you fell, face Jason, face Kael… endure the impossible. —Her voice broke, but her smile held— And along that path… I realized you weren't just my companion. I love you, Asori. I love you too.
Blair's tears fell on him, and then she kissed him.
The Coliseum erupted. Shouts, cheers, boos. That kiss wasn't just a confession—it was a declaration of war.
Asori, weak, felt the world spinning around him. Yet something inside him burned brighter than ever. He gathered the last strength in his dry lips and whispered:
—Then… I can't leave you to face this alone.
His eyes opened, glowing sky-blue. The white aura ignited again, faint but unmistakable. With the last of his strength, he rose to his feet.
—I am Asori Matsuda… bearer of the Wind Orb, and I will aid Princess Blair in whatever it takes to end this war.
The wind howled furiously within the Coliseum, intertwining with the flames of Blair's Orb. Together, fire and wind rose as an invisible banner—a symbol heralding the dawn of a new era.
The crowd roared, torn between hope and fear. Some cried their names, others cursed them. But there was no turning back.
The Warrior of Wind and the Princess of Fire had revealed themselves.And Azoth's destiny had just been changed forever.