Gallery link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16EIqpG6bHB9RJtI6TQWWI0WaF-WdwBWX0T509IW6y8Q/edit

Setting: the room is a small infirmary. Vequora is lying on the bed. A massive bandage is wrapped around her wounded foot. She wakes up to see Cyrus next to her.

Vequora: “Oh, hi.”

Cyrus: “That was some smart thinking back there, I can’t think of one person who would have won from a position like that.”

Vequora blushes a bit.

Vequora: “Oh cut the flattery, you know you’re just saying that because it will boost my spirits.”

Cyrus: “I think I succeeded in that regard, flattery or not.”

Vequora: “You sure put the ‘smart’ in ‘smartass’”

Cyrus: “At least I did something.”

Vequora chuckles at the remark.

Cyrus: “I was going to ask you out to dinner, but you’re clearly in no condition to be anywhere but resting.”

Vequora: “I’ll have you know that I would have accepted. I haven’t had much here outside of protein bars. And the only ‘American’ food I’ve had has been from back home, so it wasn’t… authentic… If that’s the right way to put it.”

Cyrus: “Wait… you aren’t from here? Are you European?”

Vequora: “I do have American blood, but I was raised Japanese by my mother.”

Cyrus: “Yeah, because you don’t look Asian in the slightest.”

Vequora sits up slightly and ponders something.

Vequora: “I was wondering, why exactly is this tournament even being held? Why can’t it be just an extreme sports event?”

Cyrus: “I’m sure the answer is as simple as money from spectators and people tuning in by tv.”

Vequora: “I mean, I’m sure it gets that job done…”

Vequora seems slightly unsettled. Cyrus puts his hand on Vequora’s shoulder.

Cyrus: “I don’t exactly know where you’re coming from, but just know, you have a shot to turn your life around, and me and your sister will be cheering you on. Worst case scenario, other than of course, you dying. You can stay with me. I’m not super well off, but it will give you a place to crash while you get a job.”

Vequora: “Thank you, but I won’t be needing that… You won’t find the word ‘surrender’ in my book.”

Cyrus: “That’s the attitude I like you for. You always try your best, and have unshakable confidence in the face of adversity.”

Vequora: “That sounded cheesy.”

Cyrus: “So what? It’s the truth. Anyways, you passed the qualifying round, so rest up for the first real round.”

Vequora smiles, and shuts her eyes. Cyrus walks to the door, opens it, looks back to Vequora, then leaves, shutting the door behind him.

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