Accessory Wars

Chapter 61-Felisa

            "Are you sure you're okay?" I asked again as Pjeljbrok pulled off his helmet. His pale blonde hair was messy from sweat and his ice blue eyes kept their spark as he smiled.

"Yes. Good match," he said with a heavy accent. I saw him throwing up on the way back to our queues so I went with him to make sure he made it back alright. The helmet in his hands turned into energy and his younger brother, Jlelbrin, appeared next to him. Jlelbrin turned and threw up into the trash can. I un-equipped Kami and grabbed a juice box from the table of snacks in the corner. Pjeljbrok gave us a nod of thanks as we stayed with his brother until he was able to control his heaves.

"Takk fyrir," Jlelbrin muttered as he wiped his mouth.

Pjeljbrok thanked us for our concern and escorted his brother to a chair to rest. Kami and I took our leave, heading towards one of the buffet stations. With our competitor entries, we were given meal passes along with the usual full spread to keep ups fed during the tournament. The meal passes allotted a set amount of money for all three days but it gave fighters a chance to try the concessions. We ended up getting shakes to drink along the way, the frozen treat welcoming in the warm halls.

The competitor buffet looked like it came out of a picture from a five-star hotel. Kami started drooling as soon as we stepped into the room and I gave up trying to identify foods in favor of piling them on my plate. I recognized a couple dishes from Jascaré and filled half my plate with those alone. I missed food from my home county. We made sure to get a good seat by one of the screens picturing the A-class fights. Donna and Valorie were fighting soon and we didn't want to miss it.

As we ate, I noticed a shadow in the corner of my eye. I looked up from my food, embarrassed for having so much piled on my plate. A young man stood anxiously next to our table with another two standing farther behind.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Are you Felisa Ouranda?" he questioned.

"Yes?" I said, the statement coming out more as a question.

"I saw you across the food court and I just wanted to say I'm really proud of what you do. It's not easy to be openly trans in the tournament world. I've wanted to join the tournament world for awhile but I'm too scared of what everyone will think. You're a huge inspiration for me." I blinked as the words registered in my head. A bubble of pride and honor swelled up inside of me. I wasn't the only one struggling. I offered my hand and he accepted with a smile that could warm the winter.

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Price. Price Bradly," he stammered. "My friends and I transitioned together a few years ago. This means so much to me, being able to meet you in person. I cried when I saw you on the news. It's so hard to believe there are other people out there like me who want to fight." Tears brimmed up in the corners of his eyes. I glanced past him to his friends. Both boys gave me tiny nods.

"Is this your first tournament?"

"Yes! We were knocked out in the first round but we're staying to watch."

"Who's all on the team?" Kami asked, motioning to the other boys. Price waved his friends over and we were introduced to Jeff and Adam. Jeff was the Elicit of the group with Price and Adam both being low-tier A-class ice attunements. They were all freshmen in college this upcoming fall and only started practicing for Liliael a month ago. It reminded me of my first tournament in Waterliep.

I told the boys I'd be happy to meet them in the arena some day and they all lit up like fireworks. They had me sign their programs, which I felt awkward doing, and they got Kami's signature as well. Then they hurried off, talking excitedly amongst themselves as they compared signatures.