Kai and Aria slipped back into the Halo tunnel like guilty raccoons, arms loaded with steaming boxes.
Lila was already there, stretching her shoulders with her staff across her lap.
She blinked once.
"...Did you rob the entire food court?"
Kai and Aria sat in perfect sync, tore open lids in perfect sync, and began eating in perfect sync.
Slurp.
Slurp.
Oil and broth gleamed on their mouths. Smoke-salmon noodles, soul-steam buns, a wedge of Forge Bread stuffed with stew — gone in seconds. They both looked up at her, chipmunk cheeks bulging, nodding vigorously.
"Mmmh," Kai managed.
"Sha' tisfied," Aria added around a mouthful.
Lila just stared. "...You two are disgusting."
Another synchronized thumbs-up.
She couldn't help but twitch the corner of her mouth. "Okay, a little iconic. But if you puke during my match, I'll heal you with cold water and no painkiller."
Kai saluted with his chopsticks. Aria fanned herself with an empty carton. "Worth it," they said together.
The crowd's roar echoed down the tunnel — another match ending, another chime along the Engine Spine.
Lila's smile sharpened.
Right. My turn.
She stood, staff in hand. Rolled her neck until it popped, then started bouncing on the balls of her feet — small hops first, then higher, shoulders loose, braid flicking. Light taps to her cheeks. Slap-slap to wake herself up. Breathe in, breathe out. Aura settling.
Two days ago flashed behind her eyes.
Mom's training yard. Laila Butters' shadow long over the water-lines. Endless drills — breaking waves on her shins, holding forms until her arms shook, being told, again and again.
"You're not just a healer," Laila had said, hand on her head. "You're a wall and a tide. Don't apologize for either."
Back in the tunnel, Lila exhaled.
Kai had a win.
Aria had a win.
Rin had just carved his name into the stone.
I'm the only one who hasn't done anything yet.
Her heart beat faster. Not fear. Not exactly.
A slow grin spread across her face.
"Alright," she muttered to herself. "Let's show them I'm not just a healer."
She spun the staff once, water whispering along the grooves. The move settled her.
I'm not only a healer.
The roar outside reached a peak; the Velarium dimmed for the next announcement.
I'm also the Water Queen.
Out in the bowl, the Oathmaster stepped forward on the Dais, cloak catching the light.
"Citizens of Janoah," his voice resonated, calm and commanding. "Trial by Mercy, Match Four — Lila Butters of Halo... versus Timmy of Tropic Thunder."
The crowd responded with a wave of noise — Tropic chants, Halo shouts, rising curiosity. Water-Muti Seekers always performed well in Magnara.
Lila's stomach fluttered once. She planted the butt of her staff, then turned to her squad.
Kai was on his feet, noodle box finally empty. Aria cracked her knuckles, eyes shining.
Lila pointed her staff at them like a microphone. "Well?"
Kai grinned. "You got this, queen."
Aria punched the air. "Go drown somebody, Butters!"
Lila's ears burned; she still smiled, bright and happy. "Don't blink, then."
She turned, shoulders loose, braid swaying, and walked toward the light as the tunnel gate irised open and the Mercy Deck awaited — Magnara roaring her name for the first time.