Chapter 52 - Heads Up

Li's eyes opened, looking up at the ceiling of the infirmary, noticing Avi checking a monitor at his side.

Avi: It seems you're in stable condition. I recommend getting rest, don't try to get out of here.

Li: I wouldn't plan on it. I feel too tired anyway.

Avi: Also, you have a visitor.

Li: Oh, thank you. Hey Th-

Li looked down, noticing that Mike stood at the foot of his bed. Li closed his eyes, a nervous smile growing on his face.

Li: Looks like you were right. I guess I overestimated myself for this tournament.

Mike: Bullshit.

Li: Wha… 

Mike: You were a single attack from winning, why did you stop?

Li: Stop? Winning? I think you're giving me a lot of credit here, Mikey. I thank you for having that confidence, but I have no idea what you're talking about.

Mike: Cut the shit, Li! First your name only has two letters and no last name, and then you stopped yourself from winning the match. What is your deal?

Li became silent, his expression turning blank as he stared up at the ceiling. He let out a small chuckle, meeting Mike's eyes once more.

Li: I think you're overestimating my actions, Mike. I was beaten and tired. I only did as much as I could. Whatever attack you thought I had in store was likely me just acting on instinct.

Mike: As if instinct could make you that capable. Whatever your deal is, I hope you make it clear one day. Cause I know what made me so annoyed with you. You're a liar and a bad one at that. Someone who's strong that pretends they're not.

Li: Aren't you the same?

Mike: What did you say to me?

Li: Thong told me about it. About how you became more reserved about your strength once you met with the Imperium again. Is something the matter?

Mike gritted his teeth before turning his back on Li. Li looked at Mike with a sad expression before closing his eyes.

Mike: I have nothing to say to you anymore. I hope you're happy with your little pity party. I have a promise I need to keep.

Mike walked out of the infirmary, Li hearing a familiar voice yelling after Mike.

Hugo: Yeah! And stay out!

Li's thoughts: I guess he's in here too… I hope Thong isn't too lonely. I thought he would have met me here. But his match is in this block. And against Mikey no less. I feel bad for him.

…

Thong wandered the halls of the stadium, rubbing his eyes. His tears stung his cheeks, but he couldn't help the emotions that burned inside of him.

Thong: Hugo… Li… Why did both of you have to lose? We were going to make it through this together…

???: What's up with you?

Thong looked up to the voice that called out to him, Nupan standing before him.

Thong: Aren't you…?

Nupan: One of the Arachna members, yeah. Unless you only know me as Dianshi's brother.

Thong: You're Dianshi's brother?!

Nupan: You didn't know that? Maybe I should've kept my mouth shut. I was just heading to the infirmary to check on Arthur, but I heard you crying.

Thong's thoughts: Crap… Was I that loud?

Nupan: I'm assuming you're friends with Li looking at your reaction.

Thong: Well, with Hugo and Li. I didn't know them for very long, but…

Nupan: But what? They tried their best, didn't they? If you cried every time someone you liked lost, you'd be nothing but a crybaby. Hugo got the short end of the stick and Li cut it pretty close. And if I remember your name correctly, your match is coming up soon, right?

Thong: Yeah…

Nupan: Then suck it up. You don't want to be drained by the time you've reached your match. I doubt you want to have your whole friend circle lose round one. Though, if I had to put my money on it, you aren't making it past round two.

Thong: Why's that?

Nupan: Cause you're likely going to face Shun. It was nice while it lasted, so go put on a nice show for everyone. See ya.

Nupan walked past Thong, Thong turning back to stare at Nupan who slowly disappeared down the hall. He gulped as he clenched his fists.

Thong: He's right… I can't afford to lose. Even if I'm fighting him…

Thong walked through the halls, catching his breath as he made his way outside.

Thong: I might as well get a bit of training in before I have to fight.

…

The rest of the Arachna all sat in the observation deck before Shizu suddenly stood up.

Shun: What, you plan on joining Nupan in seeing Arthur?

Shizu: There's no need. More importantly, a guest is here. 

The Arachna turned to the door, hearing a muffled laugh and conversing from beyond the door. The door swung open, two old men walking in. Moll wore a smile on his face while the man accompanying him was more reserved.

Yussuf: What the? Our guest is an old person?

Dianshi: Don't tell me you have a fear of them too.

Shun: You make it sound like that's a gimmick you've seen already.

Shizu bowed before lifting her head back up, pushing her glasses.

Shizu: Hello, Mr. Midori Kageyama.

Magnus: Kageyama?

Simon: Hold on, isn't that…

Midori: Correct, I'm the grandfather of the man that is going to be fighting your leader.

Shun: I didn't know you were going to apologize for his performance already. But better to get it done sooner than later.

Kageyama: Apologize? I see you kids think this match will be an easy one.

Simon: Why wouldn't it be? Your grandson is up against the head who's been in power for two years now.

Shizu: I think it'll be better if you witnessed what he meant.

Moll: This guy's a jokester, I tell ya. Haven't hung out with him in a long while. So if he's saying things are gonna be rough, you better believe it'll be.

Shun: What's that supposed to mean?

…

Zachary: The ring has finally been cleaned up! That last match was a powerful one and one that definitely left a bit of a mess in the ring. But now the ring is clean once again for the start of Block B! So everyone, are you ready?!

The audience let out a roar as a shadow stood at one of the entrances. Daymond stared intently at the ring before a small smile grew on his face.

Daymond: A Kageyama. This should be promising.