12 Partners

TWELVE

News that Storm would be pairing with her junior traveled around like wildfire. People were confused, some were worried, but Maxima was ecstatic. She came by the house to deliver the armors for both of them.

„I was so happy when I heard." She exclaimed. „I knew I was right to order matching armor. What do you think?"

Servants displayed two beautiful, ornate gray armors.

„That is perfect for you two." Ray said. „Wish I got new armor."

„Have you decided on a name?" Maxima asked. „It's very important."

Storm shook her head. „I'm afraid we were to busy training. There is so much we need to learn about each other."

Jungkook looked at Storm. She was constantly worried these days. „Let's just go by your name- Storm."

„Oh, I love it." Maxima said. „The new duo, taking the world by storm. Fitting. And I had good sense to order gray suits!"

„Thank you, Maxima." Storm said.

„Sabinus says that if you need anything, you can call him. He is still your sponsor, Storm."

Storm nodded and left.

Jungkook looked at Maxima. „She thinks my grade is her fault. Don't be upset."

„What is your grade?" She asked. „Everyone's been wandering that. Some are saying you did as well as you did only to get paired up with your mentor."

Jungkook shook his head. They burned the letter and agreed not to speak about his results. To anyone. „Sorry. Can't tell."

She sighed. „I just came to drop the suits. Good luck to you both."

Three days later, they got the first challenge. Clan Atisa challenged them. They were known for having strong duos.

„I said yes." Fausta told them. „Match is in two days."

Two days passed in a flash and he was getting ready with Storm in the locker room. When time came to put the suit, Storm sent away the servants.

„This is one of the most important parts." She held up a flat board. „You place it against your stomach. Most men hate to wear it, because it flattens out the stomach and they can't show abs. You will wear it though. This little piece of armor just might save your life. There is another one for the lower back."

„It looks to me like most of the fighters leave out half to their armor." Jungkook commented.

Storm nodded. „They do and it usually costs them the match. But our opponents are different. They are smart and they have been in the game for some time now. I think they lost maybe twice, but audience loves them."

„Still, they never fought anything like us." Jungkook said. Ever since they paired up, in the morning they trained together, but in the afternoon, they went against Rose and Ray. Sometimes, Marco and Tobias joined in the practice, but Fausta kept them busy with their own matches. Storm and Jungkook knew how the other moves and where they will step before it happened. Add in their skills with weapons and the end result was chilling.

„Don't get too confident." Storm said.

A knock came form the door. Fausta came in. „It's time." She announced. „Knock em dead."

As they neared the arena, the noise became louder. They waited in fornt of the door and when Atisa duo came in, followed by loud applause, Storm shivered beside him. He didn't even think about it as he took her hand.

„Together. No matter what." He said.

„Together. No matter what." She echoed as doors swung open and announcer called their names.

They walked in hand in hand. Their opponents saw it and sneered.

„Cute." Taller man said. „Little junior needs his mummy."

Jungkook knew what they saw: experienced female fighter and newbie who never stood on the sands. The danger was Storm, so they will most likely go for her first and that would be their mistake.

The whistle sounded and Atisa ran straight for Storm, just as predicted. She evaded and they were met with his swords. Surprised, they forgot to watch their backs and Storm had them there. One man did turn, remember there was also Storm, but she disarmed him quickly. Just as his sword fell, Jungkook pressed his blade against other man's throat. He fell on his knees instantly. The whole match was maybe five minutes long. The audience was struck silent and then they jumped up and roared their name: Storm! And just like that, they became favorites.

In the locker room, Jungkook fell on the bench. „It didn't feel real. Any of it."

„I know." Storm said. „It will only get harder form now on. They were the first and they didn't know what to expect. Don't let your guard down."

„Storm team." A servant called them. „You are required back in the arena."

„Why?" Storm jumped up. „We won, fair and square."

„You are required to come back." The servant said and bowed his head.

They took their helmets.

„This never happened before." Storm said.

„Is there another match today? I though we were the last one." Jungkook said, recalling the schedule.

When they entered the arena, clan Xander stood there with Clan Shu. Fausta was there and so were sponsors. Two men stood in front of the group. One was fairly young and dressed in armor, with long cape over it and formidable sword at his him. Other one was short and round, dressed in long robes. He held a cane as tall as he was. He looked ancient.

„Here they come." Younger one said. „Come closer, we don't bite."

Storm clasped his hand and squeezed tight.

„What?" He whispered and slowed down.

„That man is Holy Knight and the short one is hierophant. He has the power to give gladius." Storm whispered fast.

„I don't get why we had to wait for these two." Mairin said. „You are here to evaluate our candidates form clan Xander. And clan Shu. They are unimportant."

„We have indeed traveled here to meet the young warriors." Hierophant said softly. „But the divine power had another plan in mind. We forgot to change clock and we came here hour early. And we saw this young duo." He pointed to Jungkook and Storm. „How fortunate."

„We have a proposition for you both." The knight said. „Five blows form me to each of you. You may evade them, meet them head on or try and strike back. I am curious if you'd manage a blow. If you can withstand that, you get invited to the Eternal Arena on Earth."

Storm went completely still at his side. Jungkook was blinking fast. Was he saying they had a chance to win gladius?

„Ten consecutive wins and gladius is yours." Hierophant said. „I swear it. If I am called before that happens, my successor will honor my vow to you both."

„What do you say?" The knight asked. „Yes?"

Jungkook looked at Storm. She nodded, so he did too. „Yes."

Knight smiled. „Younger one first."

Jungkook stepped forward. „Why not both of us together?"

„We have seen you together. Now we wish to see what you can do individually." The knight charged. One moment, he stood still, in another, he was flying towards him. Jungkook managed to evade first two blows. He met third and fourth head on. The fifth, he somehow managed to repel. He was breathing heavily. Knight's style was like Ray. Jungkook bowed his head and knight nodded.

Storm stepped up next. When the knight charged, she managed to dance around first four blows, but the fifth, she repelled, ducked and went for the throat. The knight froze in place and everyone could clearly see her blade touching his skin.

Hierophant clapped. „Well done, young warriors. I will see you in the Eternal Arena."

„Impressive." The knight said. „Where are you two from?"

„Earth." Jungkook said.

„Rosé." Storm said.

„I will see you both in the Eternal Arena. You can go now." He turned to the rest of the group. „Who wishes to go the arena? You think you have what it takes?"

The moment they were out of sight, Jungkook collapsed on his knees. „That just happened?"

Storm sat next to him and hugged him. „It did! We have a chance! Real chance!"