Day of the Grand Tournament.
The group's arrival at the arena was anything but graceful. It was rather...rowdy...
March 7th burst through the entrance first, arms spread wide like she was greeting an adoring crowd. "BEHOLD! The future champion has arrived!" she declared, nearly tripping over a low step and catching herself with a dramatic twirl. "Totally intentional," she added, brushing imaginary dust off her coat.
Kevin followed behind, dragging a comically oversized bag labeled "20 Jin of Premium Melon Seeds" that thudded heavily against every stair. "Can someone open the gate wider? There's so much people coming in..." he groaned.
Firefly practically skipped in, her boots lighting up slightly with each step. "Ooh, is that cotton candy over there?!" she gasped, already veering off course.
"Focus, Firefly," Yuri called behind her, walking with the quiet menace of someone who'd rather be anywhere else but had already committed to the bit. He narrowly avoided a falling banner that had come loose from the rafters. "This place is a lawsuit waiting to happen."
Ayaka entered last, serene and composed as ever, only to halt abruptly as someone shoved a flyer for fried yakisoba into her hands. "Would you like to try our arena special?" the vendor asked.
"Thank you, but I must—" Ayaka started politely, only to be dragged slightly as the overly enthusiastic vendor tried to guide her to their stall.
"Try the combo! It comes with a commemorative bowl!"
"Let the woman breathe already jeez" Kevin muttered, tossing a melon seed shell at the vendor's feet. It missed entirely.
March 7th was beaming with joy, her face aglow with excitement as she held an animated discussion with Kevin. Her energy was infectious, her voice rising and falling with enthusiastic flair.
"Kevin! Let's head to the practice arena! I want to show you just how much more awesome I've gotten with my aim! I can't wait to talk about it after with everyone when we're done!" March 7th said cheerfully.
Kevin smiled as he went along with March 7th.
Later...
"I'm telling you right now Kevin! I'm gonna win this whole damn thing!" she said, swinging her legs off the edge of the bench.
Kevin raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Confident, are we now?"
March puffed out her chest. "Absolutely! Did you see the shots I was hitting in the practice area? They were perfect!"
He chuckled and leaned back, cracking another melon seed between his fingers. "I saw. Not bad. Just don't let it go to your head, sharpshooter. You've still got some tough competition ahead."
March rolled her eyes with a grin. "You're just salty because I'm getting more screen time."
"Hey, if I wanted screen time, I'd be out there stomping faces," Kevin replied, tossing a seed shell into a nearby bin without looking. "I'm good right here with my snacks."
Nearby, Firefly was deep in conversation with Yuri, their tones lower but no less engaged.
"I'm so glad I got to come along, Yuri! This should be fun!" Firefly beamed, her eyes reflecting the vibrant energy of the crowd.
Yuri gave her a sidelong glance, lips curling into a faint smirk. "It's gonna be interesting to see how this goes for everyone involved."
Firefly nodded vigorously. "I honestly wish I decided to participate but I was pretty late to recognize this entire thing..."
Yuri leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees as he studied the arena with a smile. "There's always next time, so don't worry."
They fell into a companionable silence, letting the atmosphere settle over them.
Kevin, sitting a few feet away, continued to work his way through the massive 20-jin bag of melon seeds beside him. He cracked another with practiced ease, his eyes flicking between his companions and the arena workers resetting the field for the next match.
Yuri added, "Just relax. We're not in battle yet."
Ayaka hesitated, then stood with a small plate in her hands. "Actually… I was wondering if I could have some melon seeds."
Kevin looked at her, surprised for only a moment, before grinning. "Of course! Sit down, make yourself at home."
He scooped a generous handful of seeds onto her plate without hesitation. "Here you go. Eat as much as you like. We're all friends here."
Ayaka took her seat beside him, a bit unsure at first. Kevin handed her a chilled bottle of iced cola from the massive icebox at his feet.
"Try this. It's my personal favorite," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.
Ayaka accepted it with both hands, murmuring a polite thank you. The cold fizz danced across her tongue, and she couldn't suppress a tiny smile.
"This drink…" she said softly. "It's delightful."
Kevin chuckled. "Told you. Refreshing, right?"
"I still prefer the iced tea that I got for the both of us the other day..." March 7th pouted under her breath.
"We can still get some later! I'll get you extra for the fridge if you win it all actually..." Kevin said with a smile.
"You know what...deal..." March 7th drooled.
Ayaka nodded and finally allowed herself to recline a bit, feet resting lightly on a stool Kevin had nudged in her direction.
It was the most relaxed she had felt in ages. Cracking a melon seed between her fingers, she savored the salty crunch and the cool sweetness of the cola. It felt...liberating.
Yuri, noticing her change in demeanor, gave a quiet nod of approval. Firefly grinned.
But the moment of peace didn't last.
"Next match: Kamisato Ayaka!" boomed the announcer.
Ayaka instantly sat upright. She placed the plate aside, stood, and walked toward the competition stage.
Drawing her weapon, she bowed with perfect form, her voice steady.
"Excuse me. Kamisato Ayaka, founder of the Kamisato School, is here to report."
From the opposite end of the stage, a swirl of hydro energy surged.
"Hey… Long time no see everyone!"
The voice was unmistakable.
Childe stepped out of the mist, his trademark grin flashing.