Xania Chattersticks flicked her wrist and sent the yo-yo spinning down toward the cobblestones. The wooden toy snapped back up into her palm with a satisfying thwack. She stood in the plaza of Xukia Vala, watching the street performers work the crowds with their tricks and flourishes. One day she'd beat them all at the regional championship. A grand wooden stage stood at the plaza's center, adorned with vibrant lights that flickered and danced. Performers cycled through their acts while crowds gathered and dispersed like waves. Xania's fingers tightened around her yo-yo. She needed real practice in front of real people. The championship was only three months away, and bedroom tricks wouldn't prepare her for stage pressure. She walked toward the stage, her heart thumping harder with each step. When the current performer finished and bowed, Xania climbed the wooden steps. The lights felt hot on her face. Below, dozens of faces turned toward her, waiting to see what she could do.