*One Week Later*

I went to the market with Amira holding my hand. I saw the flier to apply for the tournament. Next to it was the number of people who signed up. I found a nearby pen and signed my name.

“Momma.” Amira calls me.

She points at the paper I signed my name on then pointed at me. She was asking “What did you sign your name on the paper for?”

“Momma signed her name to enter in something.” I told her to where she understood me.

She motioned “Why?” or “What for?” with her hands.

“Because Momma wants to make our land better for the people… and for you.”

I decided to pick her up and she motioned “Why?” For a 2-year-old, she may not speak well, but her signaling is great. Then again, she’s my daughter. She can be observant when she’s not full of energy.

“Because I don’t want you to struggle too much when you get older; along with kids your age.”

She then looks out in the distance, pointing at the temple.

“Yes. That’s where I will be.” I reply to her.

She then looks at me, points at herself then to me. She was asking “Will we be living there?”

“We’ll see how that goes.” I answer.

I didn’t know how the Queen would be if I took Amira with me. Amira then puts her thumbs up at me motioning “You can do it.” Which made me smile.

“Thank you, little one.” I said and kissed her forehead.

*Two Weeks Later*

I’m in line with 127 other people in the temple’s courtyard and it’s 6:00 S. I’ve been practicing my Sui and I feel ready for this. From the stairs of the temple is young Queen Furia herself, her parents, Lord Kivu Nyle and Lady Faye Nyle, the Queen’s brother, Sir Kai Nyle, and the Safekeeps from the other lands. Safekeep of Light, hailing from Pamola, Lord Yurich Kelun. Yurich is a mix of human and elfin. He’s tall out of everyone with shoulder length platinum hair, and golden eyes. It’s possible since there are more elven in Pamola than anywhere else. Also, the elven and humans there live in harmony, to a fair extent. Safekeep of Time, hailing from Satori, Lord Senuo Mika. Senuo is… older than he looks, but his height doesn’t make it better; he looks like a child. The shocking thing is he’s a year older than me and looks far wise than his age which I admire in a person. Safekeep of Life, hailing from Oreads, Lord Landon Endreas. How stylish his clothing looks along with his hairdo. Handsome in the face, and it looks like some of the girls in the audience are ready to scream in delight. He doesn’t look like the person to be a Safekeep of Life, but looks can be deceiving since I’ve heard of his accolades. Safekeep of Fire, hailing from Alpine, Lady Xianchi Soule. Mocha skinned, lively, free spirited, and hair as red as fire. That’s what I see from her, and it suits her well. I noticed that the advisor, Yenish Darsha is nowhere in sight. It was said that she was going to be here. Maybe she had to… do something? Anyway, there’s no need to think about that now, time to hear the Queen.

“Hello and welcome, great people of Haliae.” Queen Furia speaks. “As you all know, Elem has suffered a devastating act of betrayal from your former Safekeep, Hanchia Gabura. Not only is she banished and imprisoned because of the crime she committed in Bura, Elienta, but also from the many guards that were killed under her command along with the water shortage, which happened two years prior. On this day, we are here to undo and heal from this damage mistake and renew the Safekeep name. Not just for Haliae, but for all our people in the land of Elem. Today, the 128 people that stand before you will compete for who is most worthy for the position of Safekeep of Elem’s Water; for Haliae is the water lifeline to all lands, the main source to help food grow and for water to stay purified to drink. To the 128 participants born and raised here, it is brave and gracious of you to come up to the challenge. Becoming a Safekeep for your district is a very responsible task to take on oneself. But understand you will not be alone on your journey. For you will have your soldiers, your fellow Safekeeps, and I, your Queen, to help you. There are no such things as failures in our books, only victors. So, if the 127 of you that did not make it all the way in this tournament but showed effort, you are victors in the books. In this tournament, you will show your determination, your prowess in full display as you battle with your opponent. This tournament is a 6-day tournament and will be categorized with hand-to-hand combat, weapon use, and the combat of Haliaens to use their Sui; showcase of it first, then combat. Since this is the first day of the tournament, the first 32 people who entered early are first to compete. In direct order, the showcase, hand to hand, weapons, and Sui. The Safekeeps will judge the participants and I will announce the winner at the end of the day. So, for the audience and the other 96 participants, enjoy it and may Alpha be with you all. Let’s begin.”

I was one of the last people to sign up, so I had to wait on the fourth day. The last thing I can do is study the others so I can learn from them and how to defend and counterattack. I’ve got to give it my all when it’s my turn.

*Fourth Day*

Today is the day for me to compete. 3 people have claimed their spot for the semi-finals. 32 of us are setting up for the tournament. In my tent, my mother, father, daughter, and… Jos came to visit me. Amira gave me a hug along with my parents. Jos walked towards me. The look on his face, his whole demeanor was humble, and he dressed in formal Haliean clothes. I stand, picking Amira up and facing him.

“Hey.” He greets me.

“Hey yourself.” I greet back. “You look great.”

He smiles. “Thanks. I got a better job a few weeks ago. All the stuff that happened that night, it had to take that reality to set a fire within me. Dad has been giving me advice and helped me out. Oma, I sincerely apologize of how I was—”

“It was two years ago, Jos. I see how much you’ve changed, and I do forgive you. You’ve been a great father to Amira. I commend you for doing that. You have proved enough. Just keep it up.”

“Thanks. I just wish I was doing this tournament. I think I could’ve done more if I entered.”

I put my hand on his shoulder to assure him.

“Please don’t think of this as a contest on who’s the best parent. You’re doing a great job. If you want to do more, then go for it. I wanted to do this to better myself for Amira; this is one of my ways. Also, think of the things I can do for our people, for our parents, our daughter, and you. If you want more in our land, I promise that I will make Haliae better than what Hanchia could ever do.”

He starts to laugh. “Oh, that I believe you can do better than her. I know you’ll make Haliae a better land.”

Outside, I hear them announcing the last 25 people’s names. My name was called with the other 24. I look at Jos and my parents, prompting me giving Amira to Jos.

“You all wish me luck?” I ask.

“We’re right with you, darling. All the way.” My mother replies.

My father nods and smiles.

Amira gave me a thumbs up.

“Best of luck, Oma.” Jos said to me.

Feeling encouragement from my family and friends. I never knew it could fuel my fire to go out there and show the Queen and the Safekeeps my discipline, my determination, my perfection. My parents and Jos along with Amira left the tent to join the audience while I left my tent to join the other 24.

*Showcase*

Seeing the others showcase their powers was remarkably interesting to look at, but they lacked something. Some didn’t have grace nor were fluid when they performed; I can see their flaws. It’s like they made it up as they kept going. As the last one was finished, my name was called.

“Oma Warrens!” Queen Furia calls out.

I slowly step to the center of the courtyard, surrounded by the audience, the other participants, the 4 Safekeeps, the Queen herself, her brother, and her parents.

“Perform what you can do in your repertoire. Anytime you’re ready.” The Queen speaks.

“Yes, your majesty.” I respond.

With my presentation, I wanted to move just like water, fluid. I took a deep breath, put my hands together, and I exhaled. With the nearby water barrels, I used my Sui to manipulate the water forming a swirling water barrier around me. With the water, I made it form around my fists and my legs. I performed punches, back hands, open palms along with fluid sweep kicks, roundhouses, sliding kicks, and flips to make them all come together, ending in a graceful stance.

*Hand to Hand, Weapons, and Sui*

30 people have fought so far and 15 have lost. I’m next and I’m fighting against a woman named Kendra Vincenzo. From how she looks, she looks full of herself, but I digress. When she was showing her performance, she was one of the people that didn’t look fluid. Since she’s my opponent, we’ll see how this goes. As we stood in the courtyard face to face, I kept a calm look on my face, but her demeanor looked overconfident; not good. She may be taller than me, but I am not submitting to this woman. She has a snarky way about her. I know I can be snarky as well, but I have skill. I need to play my cards right with her if I need to get the upper hand.

“I hope you’re ready for the fight, because I’m going to wipe the floor with you.” She speaks in a conceited tone.

It made me smirk. She is overconfident. It looks like I need to show her humility.

“Good luck to you on that, Vincenzo.” I retort.

I back away from her to get ready for the tournament to start. With the battle portion of the tournament, the fights are for 10 minutes, and 15-minute breaks will be issued until the weapon portion starts. The Sui portion is the same as the other two. This woman is my first opponent out of five, if I make it to all five. As we readied ourselves, the signal was issued for us to fight.

*Fifth Day*

I was able to win against Kendra out of all 5 trials. I feel like I’ve been lucky throughout my battles. It’s been a struggle though the six last battles, but I’ve won them. I am surprised that I’ve made it this far. But I can’t celebrate just yet. My final battle is close to beginning. 128 people went down to 4, now 4 goes down to 2. Me and this guy, Amaris Gundy. Humble looking man looks like a gentleman. We shook hands and readied ourselves.

“Ms. Warrens, ready?” The Queen asks.

“Yes, your majesty!” I shouted with pride.

“Mr. Gundy, ready?”

“Yes, your majesty!” He shouts proudly.

“BATTLE!”