15 Final match

FIFTEEN

„This is it." Sabinus said. „Your final match is tonight."

„Win this and you are free." Fausta added.

Storm rolled her eyes. „No pressure, it's just the rest of our lives at stake."

„We will win." Jungkook said. „I am sure."

„That is the attitude, junior." Fausta said. „Your opponents are no joke this time. They were here for a long time, crowd loves them and they are fighting because they like it."

„Crowd likes us too, lanista." Jungkook said.

„You two can put on a good show, but so can they. Don't get too arrogant now. We are almost at the finish line." Sabinus warned.

Jungkook and Storm exchanged a look. „We got this." They said in unison.

„You are just so perfect together." Fausta wiped her eyes. „Time to get ready. I will leave you at it."

They put on their armors and when a servant came to take them to the arena, they walked out hand in hand.

Announcer was spinning stories again about their incredible journey.

Jungkook kissed her hand. „Together." He whispered.

„No matter what." Storm whispered back, squeezing his hand.

„And here they are now, incredible duo that stole our hearts! Storm!" the announcer shouted and doors finally opened.

In the special box was hierophant and his knight. He stood up and raised his hand. The crowd fell silent. The Knight stepped forward with a tray. Hierophant took one gladius and showed it to the audience. „Today, they fight, not just for glory, but also for freedom. May the divine be with you tonight." He put the gladius down and took a seat. The gong sounded and fight was on.

Tonight their opponent was careful, trying to break them apart because they saw how dangerous they were when they were together. They always stayed just one step too far to reach. Jungkook clenched his teeth. They moved for the combination sequence, but they saw it coming.

Shorter of the two finally lounged at Jungkook. Swords clased and both were forced to take a step back. Short one threw his shield on the ground and charged again just as the Tall one clashed with Storm. The two were exchanging blows fast and they finally manage to separate them.

Short one used a moment of distraction when Jungkook looked where Storm was. Jungkook lost his sword first. He was on the good way of losing his shield too, when he saw how worked up his opponent really was. He fainted moves, changing direction at last possible moment and then bashed his shield against man's face, He dropped his sword and Jungkook threw away his shield. Short man flew at him with punches, but Jungkook practiced hand-to-hand combat. And he had patience Short man lacked. He avoided few more punches and then managed to hit the man with a roundhouse kick. He fell to the ground and stayed down.

Storm was still fighting with the Tall one. Jungkook picked up his sword and jumped in the fight. Tall one was extraordinarily skilled with sword, but he was no match for Jungkook and Storm together. In a few moves, they had him on his knees, swords against his neck.

The gong sounded the end of the fight. Petals started to fall and crowd went wild. Storm dropped her sword and Jungkook pulled her in a hug. He even span her around.

„We won." She yelled. „We are free."

„I told you."

One tear rolled down her cheek. „Jungkook, I-"

„Congratulations to the winners." Hierophant said. He came down from his box, Knight behind him. „Now, I have a gift for you. Kneel."

Jungkook's knees gave away and he shivered. Storm was beside him, also shaking.

„I honor your bravery and strength." Hierophant said and touched the gladius to Storm's head. „Accept it, warrior, and go free with my blessing."

Storm took the gladius and bowed her head. „Thank you, Your Excellency."

Hierophant turned to Jungkook. „I honor your bravery and strength." He said as he touched the gladius to his head. „Accept it, warrior, and go free with my blessing."

Jungkook took the gladius. it was shorter than he expected and also heavier. „Thank you, Your Excellency." He said.

„I am very happy with the way it all played out." Hierophant said gently. He then leaned a step closer. „And all the best to you in your future. It always astonishes me how love manages to grow in the most unexpected places." He winked.

Behind him, Knight was gaping at them both. „Really?" He mouthed and hierophant laughed.

„Pay more attention, boy."

Jungkook tucked his gladius against his belt and turned to Storm. „You were saying?"

She was still holding her gladius. „I said something?"

Something behind her flashed and Jungkook saw Mairin with a crossbow pointed at Storm. He pulled Storm close and turned just as people started to shout and point. He felt burst of burning pain in his back. His legs gave out and his vision turned hazy. He moved away and saw Storm's horrified face. He tried to speak, but h was in too much pain. He collapsed on the ground.

Something ice cold fell on his face and he opened his eyes for a moment. Storm was crying. He wanted to wipe away her tears, but he couldn't move. It required too much strength. She was holding his hand tightly as she leaned forward.

„I love you." She whispered. „I love you more than you can imagine. Don't leave me. Please, please. I love you."

He managed to squeeze her fingers one last time, to show her he heard it. Then the blackness pulled him under.