Dawn spilled golden tones across the castle walls. The air was fresh, heavy with an anticipation that was impossible to ignore: that day the group would depart for the Capital City, where the tournament's preselection awaited them.
Tifa gathered the three of them in the main hall. Asori, in the new clothes Eryndor had given him, seemed different—firmer, steadier. Blair watched him from the corner of her eye, still trying to grasp how much the clumsy boy from the mountains had changed in such a short time, and now, technically, was hers. Mikan, meanwhile, toyed with a knife, wearing that mischievous grin that always made her look on the verge of trouble.
—Listen carefully —said Tifa, her tone solemn—. From this moment on, you'll be in territory where Zeknier's eyes could be anywhere. Keep a low profile. Blair, you'll hide your identity. Asori, under no circumstances expose yourself too much in a fight where you might risk your life. And you, Mikan…
—What about me? —the ninja asked, raising a brow.
—You act as what you are… nothing more.
—I already do that well, Your Grace —Mikan answered with mock reverence, snickering.
Eryndor stepped forward then. His steps were so soft they seemed to merge with the murmur of the wind. He placed a hand on Asori's shoulder and looked at him with sternness, though pride flickered underneath.
—The wind is free, but it also knows how to obey. —His voice was calm but firm—. Don't let your power drag you, Asori. You guide the air, not the other way around.
The boy nodded nervously.
—I'll try, master.
He repeated those words to himself, trying to carve them into memory. His heart was racing, but when his eyes brushed over Blair, calm returned. She met his gaze, gifting him a faint smile.
Tifa embraced them one by one before letting them leave. With Blair, she lingered a little longer, as if she wished to hold her back.
—You are no longer only a princess—you're also a warrior. Don't forget it.
Blair pressed her lips together and nodded, tears threatening to rise.
The group departed at sunrise, following the dirt roads leading to the Capital. The atmosphere was nothing like what Asori remembered from his first trip: nervous merchants, soldiers patrolling, and constant murmurs about the tournament.
Mikan strolled on one side, whistling as if it were all a leisurely walk. Suddenly she slid too close to Asori and grabbed his hand.
—If we're going undercover, better to act like a couple, don't you think?
—Hey! —Blair flushed bright red, snatching Asori's hand from Mikan and clutching it tightly—. He's already with me.
—Oh? —Mikan arched a brow, smirking—. I didn't know you two were already dating.
—That's none of your business! —Blair snapped, but instantly lowered her voice, realizing what she'd just said—. Just… he's mine.
Asori's eyes widened.
—Blair…
—Forget what I said! —she blurted, face burning.
Mikan burst into roaring laughter, savoring every second.
—Well, well… looks like someone's marked her territory. Too bad, bush-head, your girlfriend just made things crystal clear.
Asori sighed, resigned, though he couldn't help but smile inside.
That night they camped in a clearing, a small fire crackling before them. The sky was scattered with stars, the silence broken only by the snap of burning wood.
Blair sat beside Asori, resting her chin on her knees, looking thoughtful.
—Are you afraid of the tournament? —he asked, breaking the silence.
—A little… —she admitted—. Not for me. I'm worried about you. Look, I know you've gotten so much stronger, but we don't know what kind of warriors you'll face. Some of the high-ranking generals… they're very powerful.
Asori stared at the fire, thoughtful.
—Doesn't matter. I'll do what it takes. I don't want anyone else to suffer.
Blair looked at him, moved by the determination in his eyes.
—You've changed a lot, Asori. When we first met, you were just a boy who wanted a peaceful life in the mountains, who didn't care to help others.
He rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish.
—I still want that peaceful world… but I can't ignore others anymore. And besides… I can't imagine that world without you in it.
Blair blushed deeply, lowering her gaze so he wouldn't see the shimmer in her eyes. Her heart raced too fast.
—To think you used to be so indirect… —she whispered with a soft smile. She leaned over and kissed his forehead, just like that night in the castle—. But I like you better this way.
Asori closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of the gesture. The fire crackled, and for a moment, the world was only them.
Mikan, of course, watched the scene with amusement, like it was her favorite drama.
—How cute, —she teased—. Why don't you two just kiss and save us all the tension?
—Shut up! —they both shouted at the same time.
After several days of travel, they finally arrived. The Capital City rose before them, imposing: massive walls guarded by sentinels, towers keeping watch over the horizon, and streets alive with banners celebrating the tournament.
Asori's eyes went wide in awe.
—It's still… huge.
Blair couldn't help smiling at his expression, finding it endearing that he still marveled at the Capital even though they had been there only weeks ago.
Crowds filled the streets: warriors from Donner, Caldus, Nifelheim, and Veltramar paraded in gleaming armor and hefted heavy weapons. The diversity of fighting styles was staggering—even Mikan seemed impressed.
—Well, well… this looks like a carnival of egos. —She grinned—. I like it.
Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the noise.
—Hey, guys!
Mikrom appeared from the crowd, waving extravagantly with both hands. His flirtatious grin was unchanged.
—So you decided to come? And hand in hand, no less! —he glanced at Asori, then at Blair, clicking his tongue—. Guess you love pretending to be a couple.
Blair shot him a glare sharp enough to kill.
—We're not pretending, we just… shut up, Mikrom!
—Oh, come on, cousin, don't be mad. Honestly, you two look good together. —He winked at Asori.
The boy sighed, already resigned.
Mikrom led them into a discreet tavern where they could talk. He explained that the preselection would begin in two days. The trials would be tough: short duels, physical endurance, and strategic evaluations.
—And a word of advice for you, kid —Mikrom said, suddenly serious—. Don't use your elemental powers. If anyone learns you're the bearer of Wind, every one of Zeknier's eyes will be on you.
Asori nodded, fist tightening.
Blair bit her lip, anxious.
—But what if he needs to use his powers at some point? Aren't there warriors here who fight with Astral elements?
—Sure, but Wind bearers are far too rare. It would draw suspicion immediately. —Mikrom's tone was cold—. But if he's discreet… he might survive.
Blair lowered her gaze. The thought of him in danger tore at her, but she knew she couldn't stop him.
When they left the tavern, the Capital was even louder than before. Yet from the heights of a balcony, a hooded figure in black armor watched them.
A grave voice muttered:
—So here you are. You'll pay for this…
The figure's lips curled into a cruel smile as his gaze locked on Blair among the crowd.
—We'll meet soon, girl.
Fate's dice were already rolling.