#GoldenWheelTournament
— Round 1 vs @AeroliteKnight —

[ It's reminiscent of their first battle, Ricky thinks, as he makes his way from the shadowed entryway towards the center of the battlefield, bathed in the light of the stadium. Something about facing Steven in a new --

-- arena, knowing so much of his new family would be watching, lights a fire within Ricky.

He doesn't expect to win, but he's confident he'll be able to put up one h*ck of a fight.

As the two approach one another, Ricky can feel his heart thumping in his chest. Why is he so --

-- nervous this time? It's just like any other time they've battled. It'll be fun.

Breathe.

He stops once they're a couple feet apart, his eyes glowing as he holds out his hand for Steven to shake. He doesn't know when he started smiling at him, but he can't seem to stop. ]

--

-- Didn't think we'd be doing this here, but... I wouldn't have it any other way. It's always an honor to face you.

We're gonna be coming at you with everything we've got. So don't you hold back on me. Got it?

Oh—and may the best man win. ^^