Trevor could literally hear his own heart beat. He had prepared for this day as far back as he couldn't even remember. He was sure of his abilities. His martial prowess and his Hit. But for some reasons, he was terrified. Not only because of the tension of the challenge but also by the fact that his opponent was obviously older than him. He could bet an eye that the man was more than ten years older than his twenty-two year-old self. And they happened to be both storm surge users. Even if he could win, the man must be more experienced than he is which could cost him his victory.
Without warning, Dara, Trevor's opponent, launched a swift kick, aiming for Trevor's chest. Trevor effortlessly dodged the attack, his agility and reflexes allowing him to sidestep the blow. Dara quickly followed up with a flurry of punches, each strike precise and powerful. Trevor countered with a series of swift jabs, his fists moving in a blur.
As the two fighters faced off, their fists clenched even tighter and eyes locked in fiercely. Dara, a seasoned boxer, would never admit defeat to a kid. To him, he was way older than not winning a fight. And Trevor, he wasn't going to lose. He promised his father he'd win. He wasn't ready to imagine how embarrassing and humiliating it'd be for their family if he lost.
The fight erupted into a flurry of punches and kicks as the two men clashed. Dara's powerful hooks sent Trevor stumbling back, but the young cadet quickly regained his footing and launched a series of swift jabs. The two fighters exchanged blows, their movements lightning-fast and their techniques flawless. The sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed through their own ears as they battled on.
The two men clashed, their movements lightning-fast as they exchanged blows. Each kick and punch was met with a corresponding block or dodge, the warriors' skills evenly matched. The battle raged on for what seemed like hours, neither fighter able to gain the upper hand.
As the fight wore on, both Dara and Trevor began to tire. Their breathing grew heavier, their movements slightly slower. Despite their fatigue, neither warrior was willing to yield. They really did fought like their lives depended on it. It was then that they remembered their storm surge powers – abilities that allowed them to harness the energy of the tempest surrounding them.
Dara, focusing his mind, summoned a burst of wind energy. A powerful gust swept across the plain, knocking Trevor off balance. Trevor quickly regained his footing and retaliated with a blast of lightning-fast energy. The bolt shot towards Dara, who leaped into the air, hoping to avoid the attack by mere inches but instead the attack actually followed him and knocked him down.
The storm surge powers intensified the battle, each warrior unleashing devastating attacks that shook the earth and rent the air. Lightning bolts crackled and boomed, illuminating the darkening sky. The winds howled, threatening to sweep the fighters away.
•••
Lord Derek Ardo was literally at the edge of his chair. He couldn't believe his eyes. Trevor... The boy he picked up in a burnt village... The boy he took in as his own son and who knew he wasn't... That same boy is really fighting like a true Ardo.
"He must really want to prove to me that he's an Ardo." Derek thought. Some part of him felt guilty for having pushed him as he had but some part was also grateful for it. If he had allowed him slacked off, even if it's the tiniest bit, he wouldn't be doing as great as he is. He's so proud of his son, Trevor Ardo.
•••
As the fight reached its climax, Dara landed a particularly vicious strike, sending elven crashing to the ground. Seizing the opportunity, Dara raised his hands, and a brilliant flash of lightning shot towards Trevor. The bolt struck Trevor with incredible force, sending him flying backward.
As Trevor soared through the air, he focused his energy, taking control of the lightning bolt that had struck him. He infused his own storm surge power into the bolt, amplifying its energy. With a burst of determination, Trevor directed the lightning bolt back towards Dara.
The bolt shot towards Dara with redoubled force, striking him and sending both warriors flying backward. The impact was immense, the two men crashing to the ground, their bodies battered and bruised.
•••
As the storm finally began to subside, everyone awaited the arousal of these two young fighters but they didn't get what they were expecting. Both warriors laid down; motionlessly and breathless.
•••
The happiness and pride that Stanley felt as he watched his brother's performance soon turned into tears as he, Jacquie, and Nick rushed to the arena field. The healers has also arrived at the scene.
They tried to bring both men back to their conscious state. They did but it took longer than it should. By the time Trevor regained consciousness, Derek was already down there with them at the middle of the arena field.
As Trevor struggled to rise, his leg gave way beneath him. A searing pain shot through his lower left leg, and he realized with horror that the lightning had done more than just strike him – it had ravaged his limb, burning away the flesh below his knee. The crowd gasped in shock as Trevor's friends rushed to his side, attempting to heal the grievous wound.
•••
The healer worked tirelessly, channeling her energies into Trevor's battered body. However, the damage was too extensive, and the healing process was slower than it should be. Probably, it was his maind energy that was already exhausted. No one knew for sure and Trevor knew he wouldn't be able to continue the tournament, a sense of despair washed over him.
Stanley sensed it. He knew how disappointed Trevor would be if he couldn't continue the tournament. "How long would it take?" Stanley asked Jacquie.
"I can't say for sure but... Let's say three hours. Should be fully healed by then." Jacquie replied almost immediately. She doesn't fancy talking while working.
Derek sat down beside him, holding his hand. He needed to be here. To be beside his son. Because, truly, Trevor has proven to be a true Ardo. He was full of regret and other negative emotions.
"I should have kept him like I did Stan. That way he's have been safer." Derek lamented in his mind.
Stanley walked out of the hut to the sun. He couldn't watch Trevor in that tremendous amount of pain. Many things ran through his mind— Evelyn wasn't one. He mostly thought of the permanent effect it might cause. Even though, it might not cause any permanent effect.
From where he stood, he heard the announcer say Trevor only has ten minutes to return to the battle of victory automatically belongs to Dara. One thing was certain; Dara was back on his feet.
Stanley rushed back into the hut. Their faces said it all. They also heard the announcer. Trevor slowly cupped his face with his hands in shame of having lost the Legion Challenge. Derek and the others tried consoling him.
Stanley walked to him and hugged him on the bed he was. They all kept quiet and watched Trevor cry silently.
•••
Trevor was the strongest of them all. No matter the amount of trouble they find themselves, he's going to try to help them. That was who he was.
"No! The day can't end like this. I have to do something." Stanley thought. As he looked around, his eyes caught Trevor's uniform.