Shun weakly walked through the halls of the stadium, his fading vision making it difficult to navigate. His legs still felt heavy and his head was pounding, but his steps didn't stop. He kept moving forward until he eventually bumped into something.
Shun: Dammit, I can barely tell where I'm going anymore…
Yussuf: Then let me help you.
Shun's hands moved out, reaching around to feel a bandaged up Yussuf standing across from him. His legs finally gave out, Yussuf catching him before sitting him down on the hall floor, sitting next to him.
Shun: Why are you outside of the infirmary? Theodore hit you pretty hard in the face, you know?
Yussuf: Yeah, I can still feel the pain from that gauntlet. I was surprised I was able to open my eyes to see the end of your match. That Bodin guy is pretty good at his job.
Shun: He is the Arachna's own private doctor, after all.
The brothers sat there in silence for a moment, the faint sounds of the audience talking amongst themselves being the only thing to fill the silence. Shun brought a hand up to his hair before bringing it back, letting out an exhausted sigh.
Yussuf: You were using Dragon's Breath the entire time to get here, weren't you?
Shun: It was the only thing keeping me from falling over and knocking me out. All that training really did help me.
Yussuf: It sure didn't help save your face. You should have a nice look in the mirror when your vision comes back properly.
Shun: The same can be said for you. I bet you look like a real mummy right now.
The brothers let out a laugh before Shun started coughing, Yussuf leaning over and rubbing his back.
Yussuf: I guess you shouldn't laugh too much. Tico left some pretty hefty damage on you.
Shun: Would ya look at you now? You're not as rash as during your match.
Yussuf: I guess you can say that a hit to the face really helped me realize something. Seeing some of your match and being in one myself really made me notice the flaw in my fighting style.
Shun: It's your lack of using most of the Katas, isn't it?
Yussuf: Yeah… Theodore was a hurdle I don't think I could've overcome even with a more perfected style. But I would've done more damage and left a better impact on you if I knew how to use the Katas better.
Shun: Trying to show off to me, huh? You must've got hit pretty hard. Thanks to the roster and Zachary, however, no one can say it was Yusuke that messed up like that.
Yussuf: Yeah. All they know is Yussuf. Who would've thought that a nickname would've become more popular for me than my own name?
Before Shun could answer, Yussuf's phone began to ring. Yussuf shuffled to his knees before reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. With a few quick taps, a man faced the brothers. His attire was entirely casual with a colorfully vibrant shirt. His black hair was tied into a ponytail, almost odd enough to distract from the chocolate almonds he was currently eating.
Hiroto: Yoooo… Shun, Yusuke. How are you two? Wait, don't tell me. I can't believe my own students have become zombies.
Yussuf: Master!
Shun: It was the old man that called you? He just can't stop giving us earfuls, can't he?
Hiroto: Hey! I ain't that old, you know. Plus, you kids do things that force me to give you earfuls. Anyway, from what I was told, you won your match, Shun.
Shun: I sure did. It was pretty easy if I do say so myself.
Hiroto: If your match was easy, then I must be eating laced almonds. And seeing how your eyes are right now… You must've used Mind's Eye, huh?
Shun: I only used it for a moment. I can't even tell if it was a full second, but I did use it.
Hiroto: That means you're on the right path. You two still have a long way to go before you can call yourself masters, but I'm pleased with your progress. I do have a few things to point out, however. Yusuke, you put too much focus on your own innate durability. You think that taking enough hits can make you outlast your opponent. Against opponents that can dish out and take more hits than you isn't going to work. And Shun, your own endurance needs to be trained. I can tell you used Godspeed, so you're probably as fast as a snail right now. Until you two fix your issues, you can think again about mastering the Raijin Style.
Shun: Thanks for the insults, old man.
Hiroto: What did I tell you about me being an old man?! You kids hurt my head sometimes. Welp, that's all I really wanted to say. Make sure you both head to the infirmary. I don't want to actually have to train zombies by the end of this. And make sure to keep your ears open, cause you might hear some thunder.
The call abruptly ended before Yussuf and Shun could utter another word. They both let out a sigh before Yussuf got up, stretching out his arm to Shun.
Yussuf: You heard him, let's get going.
Shun: I guess you're right… I'll listen to the geezer just this once.
Shun put an arm around Yussuf's neck, the brothers heading back towards Bodin's medical room.
…
Kammy's eyes began to water as Cero stood silently next to him. They stood outside of the infirmary that now roomed both Mason and Tico.
Kammy: W-We're brought down to only one… Why? Why are we losing?!
Cero: There's no point in crying about it now. Mason and Tico were simply just outclassed. So I'll take it upon myself to win. Their efforts will not be in vain.
Kammy: But do you see the block you're in?! You have two top tens in there!
Cero: Kammy, if you believe that simply because they're top ten members means my chances of losing increase, you are sorely mistaken. It is my intention to overcome all these obstacles.
Kammy looked up to notice the intense look in Cero's eyes.
Kammy's thoughts: This is the most serious I've seen him so far. Why does he look so terrifying?
Cero walked away from the infirmary, Kammy taking one last peek inside of the door window before following after him.
…
Mike walked into a changing room, noticing a suit sitting within one of the lockers.
Mike: I must've walked into the same one that the king used earlier.
He walked into the room, taking a seat on one of the benches before letting out a sigh. Cutting his moment of silence short was a quick opening and slamming shut of the door. Mike turned around to see that Carrie ran into the room with bated breath.
Carrie: She's after me… That butt monster!
Mike: Why the hell are you here?
Carrie: Hiding… Stay quiet! She could be outside at any moment.
Mike: Can you go hide somewhere else? I'm getting myself ready for my match.
Carrie tiptoed away from the door, leaning over to see Mike staring at the lockers in front of him.
Carrie: Oh yeah, your match is up next… I guess you're finally able to fight with your boyfriend.
Mike: Oh queeeeen! A quick mouse just ran into this room!
Carrie: You bastard! Keep quiet!
Loud steps could be heard outside of the door, Carrie immediately putting a hand over Mike's mouth.
Theresa: Carrieeeee… You may be a world-class gymnast, but I will make you answer for the comment you made earlier.
Mike pulled Carrie's hand away from his mouth.
Mike: I need to get ready, so leave, Carrie.
After uttering her name, the door slammed open, Theresa entering the room with a menacing look. Her hair seemed to defy gravity as she closed the distance between herself and Carrie instantly. She put a hand on Carrie's shoulder, her grasp being exceptionally strong. Carrie's face was full of fear, Mike turning away as he heard the sound of Carrie screaming before the door slammed shut. Her screams got quieter before being unidentifiable. Silence returned to the room as Mike looked at his phone, seeing a photo that he had taken with Thong and Tiana staring back at him.
Mike: If only I didn't open my mouth…