"Yeah, I do too," Akita agreed with Kiro.  How could they celebrate their victory when at the same time their companion struggled with defeat?

Ally's smile slightly faulted at the two's comments about her loss, but she quickly recovered.  She was determined not to let them down and wishes to keep them in high spirits, though she did wish Kiro wasn't so quick to say everything that came to mind.  "Hey, don't worry about me, you guys are in!  That's really all that matters."  She meant this too.  The tournament wasn't a waste because they were competing in it.  "You two just better not think you can beat me just because of this," she chuckled and winked.  When they were out she scanned the crowds for Roshi.  [i]Probably still Jackie Chun...  Maybe this is why Master Shen and Master Roshi never got along...[/i] she thought.

"I don't know," Akita began, "in your old age I think we have a chance."

"Old age?" Ally shouted in a silly-damatic way, "I am at the age where most people have the most fun in their lives!"

"See, mid-life crisis," Akita whispered loudly to Kiro, though she figured he wouldn't get the joke.