The following day the tournament kicked off with a roar from the crowds during Side A’s portion of fights. Starlight was situated on Side B with some relatively strong schools, yet Side A was no pushover either.
“They were the runners-up from last year's tournament for a reason! In a devastating match of a Wheel of Fate draw, New York's own Millennium High moves on collecting the winnings from New Hampshire!” One announcer couldn’t believe a Wheel of Fate match occurred — A risky and bold move from either team.
The ruleset for a wheel of fate match to occur requires both teams to agree to relinquish all their points for one game. From the respective teams, they can select any fighter of their choice, and for a single match — The winner takes all! A rare ruleset that only springs up often during professional tournaments.
Ariella made it back to her team in a cheerful mood, being greeted by Mahdri. Lifting up a peace sign for Mahdri, Ariella couldn’t help but be in awe at her victory. “Oh yeah~! That’s what they get. Millennium High’s Vanguard proving they can’t match up!”
“Welcome back! You shall be on a roll for VP~!”
“MVP, Mahdri… Though, you're not wrong either way. Valued players get benefits — So if you don’t shine this time around. Don’t blame me~.”
“Have no worries. I already made my position!”
“True, last year's finals were insane. How many gods did you use?”
“Too many.”
From behind Mahdri, a male voice rose up as a rather stylish boy with flame-like hair wrapped his arms around the two ladies. “What side effects did you get from using so many in the days after?”
“Nausea, Headaches. Pet Dard.” Mahdri bit her tongue after speaking the last part.
“Triston, aren’t you meant to be on food duty?” Ariella shoved his hand off her.
“I ordered it. Why should I get up from this luxury when it can just be brought here.”
“Because I know you slack off at a moment's notice! Maybe we should trade positions so you stop slacking!”
“Ease up there, doll~. I’m fine with being ahead of Mahdri. Not fighting makes it better for me. Besides, just as the adorable Mahdri here said.” Triston started to poke Mahdri on the cheek. “You’re aiming for MVP. So I’m good.”
“You should also try aiming for it. If another school is crazy to do a Wheel of Fate, then we’ll send you in, Triston.” A familiar voice perked up — Twas none other than Valdo — Who flipped through the channels viewing the many fights taking place until he stopped on the one housing California. Seated next to Valdo was another girl dressed in their signature school uniform but mainly covered by the hoodie over their face. The only other noticeable feature was they wore glasses and seemed uninterested, merely glimmering at a tablet filled with spreadsheets of data. Occasionally, they’d glance up at the screen, primarily when California was shown.
“Hmph. Well, I’ll think about it if the time comes. Oi, Taylor, what about you? You wanna get in on the action?” Triston released Mahdri and moved to look at Taylor's datapad.
“...” Taylor continued to siphon through the charts. It housed information on nearly every individual participating in the tournaments. At one point, she even passed by Deveron’s name.
“No fun as always…”
“And with a tremendous leap ahead! California’s Silver Valley High defeats a seeded school in an awe-struck 3-0 rush!” The announcer from the TV couldn’t believe it. “Could they be the dark horse of this tournament?!”
A soft voice emitted from Taylor as the girl stopped observing the data. “You were right. They are a threat.” Her words were more so directed at Valdo.
“See. They’re on a course to face us also. Took out Michigan quick. Holly might have a run for her money in quick wins.”
“That's fine~.” Mahdri finally spoke up, which caught Taylors and Valdo’s attention. “If they want to aim for us, then let them. Dark Horse or not, they are nothing compared to the gods~.” As Mahdri said that — Valdo noticed an ominous sun-like presence behind her with faint arms reaching out in harmony.
“Oh~. Look, you have improved your English. Good job; you seem to get it right when serious. Or are you still pulling our legs?” Valdo smiled, turning his attention back to the TV.
While the first side of the tournament continued on, the 2nd half would prepare for its portion that afternoon. The two seeded schools for Side B were Texas and Georgia. Starlight was on a clear-cut route to hit Texas in the 3rd round if they made it past the second.
While glancing at the tournament board, Alexia noticed their next opponent was from Washington — recollecting Marissa from the train. “Hehe~... I wonder how crazy her team's ability is.”
Stolen novel; please report.
“I’m amazed you wish to know more about your opponent, though. In your case, that’s a double-edged sword.” Reynolds stood beside Alexia, also examining the board. Talk about crazy, nothing but trouble from here on out.
“Hey, Teach. No worries, this double-bladed sword won’t get itself broken~.”
“So you say, but every match you’ve been in has nearly been in defeat.”
Alexia froze up for a moment, recalling all her significant fights in the tournament. Indeed, every single one was very close to her losing. Even when her opponent went all-out from the get-go. Twirling the turquoise part of her hair, she took a moment to think.
“No worries~. I have a plan for next time I fight, and I've learned a few new tricks that even you’ll be amazed at.”
“Look, I know you have a rather unique singularity. But more explosions don’t make it better. The amount of collateral damage you can attain isn’t something worth noting. That and it puts eyes on you from the shadows.”
“Relax, I’m not going to blow up the stage... Unless I have to.”
“Alexia…”
“As I said, I’ve tried to refrain from utilizing that part of my power too much. Ever since you helped me get my gloves. My star power has just gotten better! Before, it was difficult to train.”
“Because of the burn marks. Yeah, I can tell. But, you just have an easier time in the formation of them. So what other nifty tricks have you learned that doesn’t involve that?”
“Heh. I’ll show you in today’s match.” With that, Alexia held up her left hand, showcasing all her fingers. “Five minutes for my first national debut match. That’s all I’ll need~.” Confidence overflowing and beaming from the girl brightly — Such passions many people wished they had.
Reynolds rubbed the back of his head — Perhaps he should have done better in teaching the team humility. Though Pearl and Adelle were good choices in teaching it, maybe he should've asked for someone more brutal.
“We both know you aren’t an early bloomer. So just try not to get knocked out. Well, that’s if the other four ahead of you even let you have a chance to fight. Come along.” Reynolds proceeded to walk off.
“It’s only a matter of time before they do. If I don’t have a chance to shine, then this would have been for nothing.”
“Yeah. Who knows, maybe I’ll show you the college leagues after you graduate.” The two returned to their room. When they walked in the door — the 2nd round for Side B was about to begin. Though, Starlight was abruptly halted by an announcement.
“THIS JUST INS~! I AM LIVIA HERE WITH THE LOVELY MADAM PAIGE~!” Extending an arm ever so exaggeratedly towards the professional fighter. Paige merely smiled at the camera and waved. “We have an important request for this upcoming fight! Oxford Academy is requesting a full-on WHEEL OF FATE! Against Starlight Academy! Winner takes all in the first round!”
“What?” Deveron couldn’t believe it. Nor could Cheveyo, though the more Chev thought about it — the more sense it made to do such a rare rule depending who you were up against and if you knew them in and out.
Right as Reynolds was about to speak, a knock came from the door behind him. Opening it up, a small group of foundation members were ready to receive Starlight's answer and request.
“Hang on. Did she say all-out?” Roy asked.
“Do they take us for fools?” Deveron finally rose from his seat; he looked ready to take it to them despite saying such.
“I say let’s do it!” Alexia, now adding to it. Deveron agreed while the rest didn’t want to gamble their luck in a single match.
“No way! Let’s just do this naturally! A wheel of fate is serious business. Our opponent probably knows what we’re capable of.” Roy wasn’t having any of it.
“Fine, you all can wait here while Dev and I decide on whose going.”
“Rock, Paper, Scissors it.” Deveron approached Alexia, and the two began their little game. A best of three with Alexia forming paper first, to Deveron's rock. Only to be bested by his rock again when she went scissors. And lastly, her rock beat his scissors.
“Damn it!”
“YEAH~! Put me in, Teach!” Alexia turned to Reynolds, who begrudgingly accepted. Allowed Alexia through for a risky reward. However, he needed to show confidence in the team. A concerned Roy merely sat back down, with Heidi confidently awaiting to see a dangerous play. If they win — More eyes on them. Cheveyo briefly started to mutter something in an unknown dialect. A spirit took over his body only to give it back once done.
The foundation members escorted Alexia to the fighting room. With the start of the second fights kicking off to a heated beginning just like the 1st — The lights, more glam, and all eyes now viewing this portion of the tournament. A perfect opportunity to showcase Starlight’s anchor.
Paige slowly eyed up Alexia from the screen — After a few seconds, she started to draw. So far only seeing three members of Starlight. But, this one she saw clearly had a different air about them — A faint hue of silver coloring wrapped itself around Paige as she continued to draw. The drawing board sprung up two mascot figures, one with a small star-shaped head and another resembling the moon.
Livia turned her head to see these two objects moving around — one on top of Paige’s head and the other dancing on the desk. Unfortunately, the announcer had to hold back her outburst — to witness such an ability up close was a godsend!
Alexia walked into the room, adjusting her gloves. Eyes locking onto a familiar face — Marissa. Who was adjusting their clockwork necklace. When their eyes met, Marissa didn’t entirely expect to be facing Alexia.
“Ah… Didn’t think you’d be the one I’d be facing in this ruleset.” Marissa pushed up her glasses, halting their fiddling with the clockwork.
“I didn’t expect it either, but this works fine for me. Let’s have some fun.”
“I’m not really here for fun. That prize will be ours.”
The two proceeded onto the machine — Alexia forgot about the prize in a spur of the moment. It seems that same excitement reared its ugly head again. No matter, everyone had their reason for fighting here. In the end, it was all for the greed of the prize money — She was the same in that regard.
“Oxford Academy VS Starlight Academy! In the 2nd Wheel of Fate match of the Nationals! As per rules! If a Wheel of Fate is called before the start of any match, the victor moves on regardless of points! Vanguard, Sargent, Lieutenant! You name it! It means nothing in this gamble of a fight!”