7 Seeing the match for the first time

SEVEN

On the morning of the match, Storm didn't invite him for run. Jungkook was up and waiting, but she didn't come.

„There will be no training today." Marco told him, still half asleep. „Ray said so yesterday. They need full focus."

„So, we are on our own for next three days?" Jungkook asked, dumbfounded. „We have trials soon."

„We are free to train whatever we were training before, but we can't pester our mentors. Ray said Fausta said so."

„Ok. I'm going for a run."

„I really hope part of the trials is running." Marco turned on other side, going back to sleep. „For your sake, JK."

Jungkook went for a run and did the whole routine, like Storm was with him. For next three days, neither of them saw their mentors.

On the day of the match, Fausta brought them new clothes. „There is few things we need to discuss before I let you out. First, you need to understand you are not free to do as you like. You are still my property, no matter how well I treat you. Second, we will be seated in our sponsor's private box. They will be there I want you to be nice to them. They will most likely be your sponsors as well. Third, you will not speak unless spoken to. You will follow all orders I or the sponsors give you without question. I don't want to trade you, but you make trouble for me or others and I won't hesitate."

Three of them nodded. „We will do as you order, lanista." They replied in unison.

„Fine. Get ready. We will leave soon."

Half an hour later, they were in front of the big arena. Place was packed with people, all eager to get to the fight. Bets were placed and Jungkook was surprised when he heard odds were not in Storm's favor.

„For the first time, I think she will lose." He overheard one man speak. „She bit more than she can chew."

„Still, it's storm we are talking about." His companion replied. „I will place my bet on her."

„We are long way form our tiny room." Tobias whispered.

„I kinda want to go back." Marco added.

„I know you three are the cowards." Fausta said sternly. „Now, head up, back straight and follow me inside."

Inside was a maze and Jungkook was surprised Fausta knew her way around. as they climbed higher, they met fewer people, but those they did meet were dressed in expensive clothes, adorned with jewels. Here and there, Jungkook spotted others dressed like he, Tobias and Marco were.

„It looked like some of the lanistae decided to show off their new recruits." Fausta commented dryly.

„But yours put everyone else to shame." Tall woman approached them, followed by a man. „Where did you find them, Fausta?" She was openly staring at Jungkook. He shifted uncomfortably.

„Lady Maxima." Fausta bowed her head. „Lord Sabinus." She bowed for the man. „These are indeed our new recruits. Bow boys."

Thee of them bowed awkwardly.

Maxima and Sabinus exchanged a look. „I hope there is skill behind pretty faces."

Fausta pulled Jungkook forward. „Storm trained him personally. You will see in few days, during trials."

„My. My. How do I see?" Another woman joined them. Beside her were two men and they were obviously gladiators.

„Mairin." Sabinus said. „Why are you here?"

„I have every right to be here." She snapped and looked at Jungkook. „Tell Storm lady Mairin sends her greetings, boy."

Jungkook stayed perfectly still. So this was the person that hurt Storm in the past and was now trying to hurt her again.

„Don't you have tongue, boy?" Mairin raised her voice. „Answer me!"

„You didn't ask a question." Maxima took Jungkook by the arm. „And my new protege doesn't have to respond to you." She smiled at him like they were old friends. „Come now, I've been wanting to show you the private box for days!" She lead him away before anyone had a chance to say anything.

„I hate that girl." Maxima whispered. „She thinks she is better than anyone else just because she married rich man." She squeezed his hand. „I guess Storm got herself a loyal junior."

Shortly after Maxima lead him to the box, others arrived.

„Mairin ran to her husband, who ran to his father who then sweet talked out father into watching the fight together. So we will soon be joined by Xander clan, Mairin and her husband." Sabinus plopped in a chair. „I wish Storm ended that girl when she had a chance."

„There is nothing we can do about it." Fausta said. „Let's just watch the fight."

A few moments later, Xander clan walked in with Mairin and her husband. She looked extremely pleased with herself. Her eyes narrowed at where Jungkook sat next to Maxima.

„Move to the back." She commanded. „I want to sit there."

Maxima stood up. „He will stay seated. You move."

Mairin's face was red with anger. „You dare-"

„I was born noble!" Maxima interruped her. „You are a former slave. Married to a rich family."

Master of ceremony's voice stopped the argument as he announced the fights and called Ray from Clan of the Winds and Grant from Xander clan. Jungkook focused his attention on the arena .Ray and Grant's fight was long and bloody, full of heavy blows. It was nothing like the elegant technique Storm taught him. In the end, Ray managed to win, but only barely. Xander clan looked pleased. Fausta was worried.

Next fight was Rose and Wanda. Their fight was quick and ended in a tie, as both kicked each other outside the ring. Xander's smile grew and Fausta looked more worried. It was clearly this wasn't the expected outcome.

When the third fight was announced, lights were dimmed. Drums started to beat fast tune and Xander's gladiator Dima appeared. The cheers were loud and grew even louder as he raised his sword and greeted the audience. Then the drums stopped and heavy quiet settled over the crowd.

Sounds of winds and rain grew louder until lights in the arena flashed and the rumble of thunder was heard. Storm stepped outside, glorious in her armor. The cheers that rose were deafening and Jungkook noticed Xander, Mairin and the rest looking worried for the first time.

First blows Storm and Dima exchanged were a test. Storm was dancing around, looking for weak points and possible openings. Dima managed to hold his ground and it looked like he was doing good. Jungkook clearly saw the moment Storm spotted the weakness. She went on the offensive immediately, her movements swift and deadly.

„How did you manage to keep all your limbs intact?" Marco whispered to him, but everyone still heard him.

Jungkook shrugged. „I was lucky, I guess."

In the arena, Dima was losing ground and Storm was advancing. It was clear she wanted to knock him out of the ring. Dima tried to switch directions, but was blocked each time. Storm finally managed to bash him with her shield across the face. Dima fell backwards and then rolled to his side, trying to escape, but he didn't notice how close to edge they were. When he fell, it Storm won. When he rolled outside, it looked like was escaping. The arena erupted in cheers and loud applause. Storm bowed and then raised her fist. Cheers were once again deafening.

„I'm so jealous right now." Marco told Jungkook over the cheers. He was clapping loudly and grinning like a madman. „You got to train with her."