Chương 18: Over coming impossible odds

The moment the match began, Mochi exploded forward, a blur of motion. He closed the distance between them in an instant, throwing a rapid barrage of punches and kicks. His strikes came fast and fierce, his flames igniting with each hit.

"Don't you dare think I'm going to go easy on you because you're still injured!" Rakai moved with perfect precision, blocking each strike effortlessly.

"Heh, I wouldn't want you to hold back anyways or my goal to beat you would be meaningless" Sparks flew as they collided, the arena lighting up with each impact. Rakai ducked under a high kick and countered with a devastating right hook. Mochi barely managed to block, but the force sent him skidding backward. He grimaced, shaking out his arms.

"He's fast… faster than I thought." But Mochi didn't stop. He launched himself back into the fray, his movements growing sharper and faster with each exchange. Rakai's eyes narrowed as he began to notice the shift. Mochi's strikes were getting harder to predict. Suddenly, Mochi slipped through Rakai's defences, landing a clean punch to his stomach. The impact caused Rakai to stagger slightly, his eyes widening in surprise. Mochi capitalized on the moment.

He spun around, grabbed Rakai by the arm, and judo threw him across the arena. Rakai's body slammed into the ground, cracking the stone floor. The crowd roared as Mochi leapt into the air,"Magic skill: Burning Mochi!" He hurled it downward, the fiery sphere spiralling toward Rakai like a meteor. The explosion rocked the arena, flames and debris erupting everywhere. Mochi landed a few feet away, panting as he shielded his eyes from the smoke.

But as the dust cleared, Rakai emerged, his body surrounded by an electric aura. He was unharmed. His smirk returned, more confident than ever.

"Not bad, Mochi," Rakai said, cracking his knuckles.

"I might actually need to put more effort in." Rakai extended his arm"Magic skill: Thunder FLASH!" Mochi's eyes widened in shock..

"Magic skill hand of Mochi!" The mochi hand extended as the attack collided with the defence Mochi gritted his teeth as he was beginning to get pushed back"Even though he's weakened his attack power is still crazy.." In a flash, Rakai closed the distance, his speed almost too fast for the eye to follow. Mochi's eyes widened"What the-" He struck Mochi with a devastating punch to the face, followed by a series of lightning fast jabs to his torso.

Each punch sent electric shocks coursing through Mochi's body, causing him to cry out in pain. Rakai grabbed Mochi by the collar, lifting him off the ground.

"Let's see if you can handle this shall we?" With a roar, Rakai hurled Mochi across the arena. Mochi hit the ground hard, rolling several times before coming to a stop. He groaned, pushing himself up on shaky arms. Rakai raised his hand, summoning a barrage of lightning bolts.

"TAKE THIS!!"

"MAGIC SKILL: HEAVENLY THUNDER!" The sky above the arena darkened as the bolts rained down on Mochi. He dodged left and right, leaping and rolling to avoid the strikes. But one bolt caught him midair. The lightning struck Mochi with a deafening crack, his body convulsing as electricity surged through him. He crashed to the ground, lying motionless as the crowd gasped in horror. Amelia covered her mouth.

"Oh no, Mochi!" Tony said concerned "Is he okay? That looked like a direct hit" The announcer began counting.

"One… two… three…" Tony and Amelia stood up, shouting his name.

"Get up, Mochi! You can do it! DON'T GIVE UP""IF YOU GIVE UP HERE THEN IT'S ALL OVER, GET UP MOCHI WE WANT TO SEE YOU WIN!" By the count of nine, Mochi stirred. He slowly pushed himself to his feet, his body battered but his spirit unbroken. He looked toward his friends and smiled weakly.

"Yeah, you're right.. yes you may be stronger than me, faster than me, bulkier than me.. and overall a better fighter" He powered up..

"But if you don't take your shot that's an 100% chance you're not making it!" Rakai smirked.

"You've got heart, Mochi. But your fancy speeches won't help you win." Rakai lunged again. Mochi slid back just in time, the strike grazing past his shoulder instead of tearing through it. He didn't counter immediately. Instead, his eyes narrowed.

"…Tell me, why are you so intent on defeat me?" Rakai clicked his tongue and came in with another heavy swing, then another same angle, same follow through. Mochi hardly dodged as he cracked. The arena went silent.

"I'm not even that popular," Mochi said calmly.

"I just joined this guild hardly over 2 weeks ago." Rakai yanked his fist free, breathing hard.

"I couldn't care less about you as a person.." Mochi didn't raise his guard.

"Then what? Tell me Rakai." Rakai froze. For a moment, the fire in his eyes wavered.

"…If I defeat you," Rakai said quietly, "his number one student… then maybe he'll finally look at me again." Mochi's expression softened just a fraction.

"My grandfather shut himself off from the family years ago. So if I win… I can make him proud by showing off my strength. I can make him open that door again." Up in the stands, Amelia leaned forward.

"What does he mean by that?" Tony nodded saying "Yeah, what's going on old man Thomas?" Thomas exhaled slowly, eyes fixed on Rakai. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"…A long time ago," he began, "when Rakai was still a child… my son, Raicoto and I were ambushed by a horde of high ranked voyagers. They poisoned us and took our goods. They practically left us to die." Amelia's hand tightened on the railing.

"We had brought an antidote suspecting it would happen," Thomas continued.

"But there was only enough for one.. it must of gotten lost. I told him to take it. He was young. While I was an old man." Thomas's voice cracked, just slightly.

"He refused." The crowd felt distant now. Like the world had shrunk to his words.

"Before I could stop him… he forcefully injected me with the antidote. The poison took him moments later." Amelia's eyes widened.

"I survived," Thomas said.

"Once I had recovered and reached full power, I hunted down the people who had tricked us that day. Every last one until there was nothing left..."

"But vengeance doesn't bring your son back." He swallowed.

"When I told his wife… but she blamed me for everything that happened..

""She said things like.. why wasn't I more alert.. why did you let him die, he's your own son.."

"She took Rakai and left. I never saw either of them again." A long silence followed.

"That," Thomas finished, "was the day I closed myself off from my family for the rest of my live."

"I wasn't hiding because I didn't want a grandson."

"I was hiding because I believed... my grandson didn't want me." Down in the arena, Rakai tightened his grip, shoulders shaking. Mochi released a slow breath.

"... So that's it." Rakai remained silent.

"You think beating me will finally prove you're worthy."

"..."

"You think if you win... your grandfather will finally acknowledge you." Rakai's eyes narrowed.

"... You don't know anything."

"Then tell me I'm wrong." Silence. Mochi continued.

"If I lose today..."

"... what happens?" Rakai answered almost immediately.

"He'll finally recognize me."

"And if you lose?" Rakai's expression faltered.

"..."

"Come on." Mochi pushed...

"What happens?" Rakai looked away.

"... He'll probably think I'm a disappointment."

"He'll never look at me the same way ever again, meaning I have failed and everything I have done since I was young has been for nothing..."

"BUT I'LL KEEP TRYING OVER AND OVER UNTIL HE SEES ME! I DON'T CARE HOW LONG IT TAKES!" Mochi sighed.

"So your entire future depends validation alone?"

"..."

"That's a pretty fragile dream." Rakai's grip tightened.

"You don't understand!"

"I've spent my whole life chasing him!"

"No matter what I achieved... it was never enough!" Mochi stepped forward.

"And you think one victory fixes all of that?"

"..."

"If someone ignores you for years..."

"... Do you really believe beating a stranger changes how someone views you?" Rakai couldn't answer. Mochi pointed at him.

"You're not fighting me."

"... Who you're really fighting the version of yourself that thinks you're never enough." Rakai's eyes widened.

"And that's why you'll lose this fight."

"Because every swing you've thrown this whole tournament..."

".. has been for someone else's approval." Mochi clenched his fist.

"I'm fighting because this is my dream."

"I want to lead the strongest guild in the world and this tournament is a stepping stone""I'm fighting because I chose this path."

"I don't need anyone to tell me I deserve to stand here." He locked eyes with Rakai.

"But you..."

"... still haven't chosen who you're fighting for." Silence consumed the arena. Rakai stood motionless. His grip loosened. The deafening cheers of the crowd slowly faded into the background. He gritted his teeth"... Maybe you're right..." Mochi remained silent. Rakai let out a quiet laugh.

"... I've been so obsessed with earning his approval... that somewhere along the way..."

"... I forgot why I became a voyager in pursuit of power in the first place." He looked down at his own hands.

"Every battle..."

"I kept telling myself it was for him."

"So that one day..."

"... he'd finally look at me with a smile." A slow breath escaped his lips.

"But if my entire reason for fighting depends on someone else's opinion..."

"... then it was never really my dream." He closed his eyes. For the first time in years...... the weight on his shoulders felt lighter. When he opened them again, the desperation had disappeared. Only determination remained.

"So..."

"If I beat you..."

"I'll be proud because I earned that victory."

"And if I lose..."

"... then I'll accept that and walk on." He smiled.

"A single fight doesn't decide my worth." He raised his fist once more.

"And if my grandfather still refuses to acknowledge me after this..."

"... then that's his decision."

"I can't control how other people see me."

"But I can say I at least tried and I hope he can see that I did too." His stance settled. It was firm.

"I don't need someone's approval to prove I deserve to exist."

"I don't need someone's praise to tell me I'm enough."

"I'll keep growing."

"I'll keep getting stronger."

"And one day..."

"I'll become someone I'm proud of." Rakai pointed his blade toward Mochi.

"So I guess I should thank you."

"You've reminded me why I stepped into this arena."

"And for that, I'll win for my sake" A grin spread across Mochi's face.

"... Heh, we'll see about that." Lightning crackled around Rakai's body. He steadied his stance. He charged, his fist glowing with intense lightning. Mochi cocked his arm back"Magic skill: Hand of Mochi!" Rakai collided with the fist as pressure was released across the arena.

Rakai pushed himself to his full power, and the hand of mochi cracked and shattered into pieces Mochi's eyes widened as he was then punched in the face sending him crashing across the arena floor He wiped his mouth as he couldn't help but let off a smirk Mochi didn't let up however, he charged forward, winding up for a final punch. Rakai, did the same. The two fighters met in the center of the arena, their fists colliding with an earthshattering explosion of energy. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

The arena fell silent as both fighters were launched backward, crashing out of bounds simultaneously. The announcer reviewed the footage, the tension in the air so thick it was almost suffocating. Finally, he raised his microphone.

"And after reviewing the footage, the winner of the tournament is… Rakai!" The crowd erupted, some cheering, others gasping in shock. Tony and Amelia froze, disbelief written all over their faces.

"By 257 milliseconds," the announcer clarified.

"It was that close." Mochi groaned while on the floor"Dang it.. I can't believe I lost.." Amelia from the stands said"No.. Mochi lost..." Thomas folded his arms"By not even half a second too.. that loss must be infuriating for him.." As the medics carried the two away, Rakai turned his head toward Mochi.

"You've got what it takes, kid. Don't stop here." Mochi smiled weakly.

"Yeah, thanks to you I now know how much more I need to grow to..." The crowd gave both fighters a standing ovation. Though Mochi had lost, he had earned everyone's respect. Amelia, Tony and Thomas went into the medical room to meet up with Mochi and Ace. Mochi was alright, fully awake but still too weak to move. Ace was back to his regular self but still was unconscious.

"Mochi, Ace, Im proud of you both, you made it a long way from where u was only 2 weeks ago." Said Thomas. Mochi chuckled"Thanks gramps, but I still got a long way to go if I want to take down Rakai" The peaceful moment was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps and frantic voices in the hallway.

"Mr. Rakai! Please, you need to rest!" one of the nurses called out, her voice tinged with exasperation. The door swung open, and Rakai stepped inside. His body was still bandaged, his left arm in a sling, but his aura of strength and confidence remained unshaken. Behind him, two nurses hovered nervously, trying to convince him to return to his own bed.

"I'm fine," Rakai said curtly, waving them off. His eyes scanned the room, locking onto Mochi. He took a step forward, ignoring the protests of the medical staff. Thomas raised an eyebrow at Rakai's stubbornness but said nothing, stepping aside to let the young fighter pass. Rakai stopped at Mochi's bedside, his expression softening.

"Mochi… Ace…" He glanced briefly at Ace, who was still unconscious, before returning his gaze to Mochi.

"Next time you better get stronger, I want amore even fight..." Mochi blinked, surprised.

"Even fight?" Rakai nodded, his voice steady but sincere.

"Our match may of been close but it was because I was injured.. If I was healthy I would of easily beaten you." Though Ace couldn't respond, Mochi's smile widened.

"Alright then, next time we meet, I'll be stronger. I promise." Rakai smirked, his usual cocky demeanor shining through.

"I'll hold you to that." Before Rakai could turn to leave, Thomas suddenly stepped forward and wrapped his arms around his grandson in a firm hug. The gesture stunned Rakai, his eyes widening in shock.

"Rakai," Thomas said, his voice quiet but filled with emotion.

"You've grown so much my boy. I am so sorry, I couldn't of watched you grow up into the man you are today." For a moment, Rakai stood frozen. Then, slowly, he smirked, his expression softening. The room was silent, the weight of the moment settling over everyone.

"Grandpa…. No it's not your fault, stop blaming yourself old man" The nurses then finally took the opportunity to usher him back toward the door.

"Come on, Mr. Rakai," one of them said sternly.

"You've done enough walking for today." Rakai glanced back at Mochi one last time, giving him a small nod before disappearing into the hallway. After a week of rest and recovery, Mochi and Ace were finally well enough to leave the medical wing. Mochi stretched his arms as they stepped outside, the fresh air filling his lungs.

"Man, it feels like I haven't seen the outside world in forever," he said, grinning. Amelia chuckled.

"You've been gone for, what, a week? Two?"

"Too long," Mochi replied dramatically. Ace, who was now fully recovered, rolled his eyes.

"You're acting like you've been on a deserted island or something, grow up..." The group shared a laugh as they made their way back to the main hall, where their belongings were waiting. Mochi suddenly stopped, a thought crossing his mind.

"Hey," he said, turning to a nearby staff member.

"Have you seen Rakai?" The staff member shook her head.

"I'm afraid he left earlier this morning. He didn't say where he was going, just that he had something to take care of." Mochi's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered.

"Eh, figures. Well, next time we see him, we'll be ready." Amelia nudged him playfully.

"You're already thinking about the next fight? Give yourself a break, Mochi." Thomas chuckled, watching the group banter as they walked toward the exit.

"You've all come so far. I can't wait to see what's next for the Voyager's Guild." As they stepped outside, the sun shining down on them, Mochi took a deep breath, his excitement bubbling over.

"Let's head back. It's been too long since we've been home." The group set off toward their next adventure, their spirits high and their bond stronger than ever. Though the tournament was over, their journey as a guild was just beginning. Who knew what challenges and triumphs awaited them next?