(Jade T)

Jade spent the next few days in a blur of high intensity drills. She refined her counters specifically for Desirae Big Bear’s reach, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts as she worked the speed bag. By the time the Thunderbird Championship tournament was 48 hours away, Jade’s knuckles were taped, her mind was clear, and her body was ready.

“Next up, we have Jade Turquoise taking on Desirae Big Bear!” Kaya announced.

Outside, a handwritten sign invited anyone passing by to come watch Free Matches today. Inside, the speakers vibrated slightly with excitement as Kaya’s voice echoed off the warehouse walls.

Jade’s stomach did a slow roll as Kaya’s voice boomed her name. She wiped her palms on her shorts one last time before pushing through the heavy cedar-scented curtain. The fabric was rough against her skin, a sudden, grounding reality check before the blinding lights of the arena hit her.

She threw her arms up and celebrated with a grin that felt half defiant, half electrified, performing for the half empty seats as if a hundred fans were screaming her name.

Mia Fox sat in the middle row, her quiet clapping echoing through the warehouse. Seeing the two Council members nod sent a chill down Jade’s spine, But then there was Nakia. Seeing her leaning against the punching bag with a rare, encouraging smile finally made Jade feel like she could breathe.

“I know you’ll do great,” Mia whispered from the crowd.

Jade climbed into the ring and stood tall in her corner, waiting. Desirae entered next, towering over everyone in her wrestling gear, a brown bear emblazoned on her left thigh.

“They’re both locked in and the tournament begins!” Kaya shouted into the mic, her grin wide and energy unmatched.

The gymnasium was stifling, the air thick with the smell of pine soil and old sweat. Desirae stood in the center of the mat, her eyes locked onto Jade’s every move. She didn't look angry; she looked bored, which was far more intimidating. Jade shifted her weight, her sneakers chirping against the rubber as she looked for an opening.

“This is a huge turnaround! Jade with the armbar on the Big Bear!” Kaya yelled. Mia Fox winced and held her ears. Kaya was practically screaming into the mic.

“What a turn of events! Jade’s going up top, she flies!” Kaya exclaimed.

But Desirae was ready. She caught Jade midair, parading her around the ring before slamming her hard to the mat. The referee hit three, and Desirae picked up the win.

Two hours later, Jade sat slumped in the audience, her muscles aching and her eyes fixed on the ring as she waited for the next results. With a towel draped around her neck, she was joined by Tessa Bison and Syuri Kazumi. On opposite ends of the room sat Citana Star and Sha Warpony, both nursing their losses, while Desirae sat in calm focus, the only one of them who had won so far.

The final match of the first round was about to begin: Ravina Hawk vs. Nakia Waters.

“You think Nakia has a shot?” Jade asked.

“Not a chance,” Mia Fox replied without hesitation. Kazumi nodded in agreement.

Tessa leaned forward, her arms crossed. “Don’t count her out. That MMA background is no joke.”

“As the bell rang, Nakia came out swinging, a blur of controlled aggression. She drove Ravina back, cutting off the ring until Ravina was trapped in the corner. Nakia unloaded a series of punches, jabs, and stiff kicks, an onslaught that left Ravina struggling to counter.

“No!” Jade shouted from the crowd, momentarily distracting Nakia.

Nakia turned to talk trash back at her just long enough for Ravina to roll her up for a surprise pin. Kick out at two.

Ravina pressed forward, grabbing Nakia by the neck and launching her into the ropes. A brutal headbutt followed, then a pin attempt, but Nakia reached for the bottom rope just in time.

The momentum shifted again. Nakia was locked in a deep armbar on the mat.

“Is this it? Will Ravina pass out to the former MMA Champion?” Kaya’s voice rang out, tension rising.

Ravina, gritting her teeth, powered through the pain, standing up with Nakia still clinging to her arm. She slammed herself sideways, shaking Nakia loose.

Ravina went for the figure four, but once again, Nakia grabbed the ropes.

Both women were running on fumes now. Nakia rushed in, trying for another armbar, but Ravina knocked her off with a sharp elbow to the jaw.

Seizing the moment, Ravina scooped Nakia up and slammed her down, locking in the figure four once more.

“You’re the winner, advancing to the next round, Ravina Hawk!” Kaya roared.

The room was stunned. Even Jade had to admit Nakia had held her own.

“Nice going, Nakia,” Tessa said, offering a nod of respect.

"Everyone gathered around, some offering applause that broke over the field like waves against a steady cliff, acknowledging the strong showing from the losing side."

“In a couple of days, round two of the tournament will begin,” Kaya announced, standing by the bulletin board. “Match-ups are already posted.”

Jade stood up, watching the crowd rush forward, shoving and leaning over each other to get a look.

“Well? Who’s facing who?” she asked, looking around.

She spotted Tessa heading straight for the locker room after reading the board.

“Where’s Tessa going?” Jade asked.

“She always meditates after finding out her match up,” Mia said with a shrug. “Her way of mentally preparing.”

Kazumi stood, brushing off her jeans. “I should train, too. It is the championship tournament, after all.”

And just like that, she was gone, heading toward the training area.

“Tessa’s facing Desirae,” Mia Fox said, now alone with Jade. “And Kazumi… She's up against Ravina Hawk.”

Jade exhaled slowly. The tournament had just gotten a lot more serious.