December was coming. 1st December was the date when Marcus would be able to register himself as a power fighter. He was already a power fighter in China but he would have to register separately in America.

There were two times in the year when the power fighters could apply for the license. Initially they had to fill a form. Three days were given for that. Next the applicants had to undergo a psychological test. If they pass that test then they had to fight one of the power fighter judges who would decide based on the applicants strength, intelligence, speed and skill, whether he should be given a license or not. It was a tough system.

Newly licensed power fighters faced a probation period of one year. During this period the fighters are mandated to have a win percentage of 65. If they fail to achieve it then there license would be revoked. Moreover, they should have fought at least 125 matches in the year. Failing to do so would also lead to revoking of their power fighting license. Being a power fighter was a tough job. Retaining the license was even a tougher one. Many wanted to become a licensed power fighter. Few of them succeeded.

Selena was lecturing all these rules to Marcus. He already knew them. Still, Selena was performing her duties of a stastician. That is exactly what she had said and Marcus had rolled his eyes. Marcus sighed as Selena continued. This was going to be tiresome.

***

It was the 2nd of December. Marcus and Selena went to visit Big D. Big D welcomed them warmly. Apparently Big D and Selena knew each other. They had gone to visit him for a reason. Something was wrong in this time’s registration. Marcus had felt it in the atmosphere. There seemed to be hardly any applicants. Marcus wanted to know what was happening. There was one place he could get all the information about power fighting and he was there right now.

After they had settled down and got the formalities out of the way, Marcus came straight to the point. He wanted to know what was happening to this time’s registration.

Big D said, “You know who the Elements are, don’t you Marcus?”

Marcus smiled and nodded. He nodded who the Elements were. It was the team which had won the world tournament six years ago. He, Brock, Forum and Evana had been devout followers of the team at that time. How would they not be? The team consisted of Juran, Wizard, Tisane, Lara, Arthur and Shayona.

Marcus said, “What about it?”

Big D said, “This time’s judges for the physical test are all of them except Lara. Even Arthur and Shayona are coming out of retirement to take the test specifically.”

Marcus smiled inwardly. He knew the reason for these judges. He said, “Was this Lord Cyberton’s decision?”

Big D nodded. This confirmed Marcus’s suspicion. Still he said, “So what is the big deal then? Sure they are strong, but that doesn’t mean that people should stop applying. I have heard that they have given license to people even though they were defeated while fighting the judges.”

Big D said, “You do not understand Marcus. These guys have high standards of passing. They do not pass anyone easily. Actually they are selected if Lord Cyberton wants people to fail. The Trio is selected as judges from time to time for this reason only. Now Arthur and Shayona are also coming. This is a nightmare. Only fools, over confident people, ignorant or desperate people would apply.”

Marcus said, “That explains a lot.”

Selena asked, “Like?”

But Marcus shook his head and said nothing. Big D grinned and said, “You do not look worried Marcus.”

Marcus said, “No, I am not worried.”

Selena said, “What do you mean you are not worried?”

Marcus grinned and said, “Earlier I was worried that there was something seriously wrong with the oncoming registration. But there is no problem. I will pass easily.”

Marcus leaned back and put his arms behind his head in a relaxing position. Big D started laughing. Selena did not feel like laughing. Arrogant bastard. If he did not consider this seriously he would fail. And for a moment, just for a fleeting moment, she hoped he would really fail.

***

Tisane was looking at the list of candidates. This was not a list that showcased high numbers. Only 113 people had applied. It seemed that they were scared of the judges. After all, Tisane wondered, she and the others did have a scary reputation. She was waiting for the others. They were late. She was in the office of the building where the test was going to take place. The door opened and Juran and Wizard entered.

Tisane said angrily, “You are both late.”

They both apologized. Juran said, “Arthur and Shayona are still not here, I see.”

Wizard said, “They are late as usual.” He looked bored.

Tisane slammed some of the applicants in front of them and they both jumped a bit.

“Have a look”, she said.

Juran and Wizard looked at each other. Tisane was angry. This was not good. They wondered who will be the one who will get punched. They both hoped that it was not them. They started leafing through the applications.

Half an hour later Arthur and Shayona entered. Arthur started saying, “Hey ya there…” and the next moment he was punched by Tisane who had stood up as soon as the door opened. Arthur crashed in the wall behind him destroying most of the part of it.

Shayona started to say something angrily to Tisane but stopped looking at Tisane’s face. Shayona gulped and said, “Calm down Tisane. This is not you.”

Tisane blinked and looked at her. Then she asked, “Did I punch him?”

Shayona nodded while helping her husband up. Arthur and she were married. Arthur massaged his jaw. He said, “That was quite a punch.”

Tisane said, “I am sorry Arthur. I just lost control. I don’t know why. I have worked so hard. Still I don’t understand why this happened. I am so sorry. Maybe I should go to anger management classes again. Or maybe I should…”

Shayona said, “You are mumbling Tisane. And can we enter the office?”

Tisane started and let them in. They all sat down. Tisane had a problem with her anger which had led to her taking anger management sessions. Tisane normally did not get much angry. If she got angry she would sometimes vent it out. But sometimes it so happened that she simply lost control and punched the first person she saw. That was not good. She had worked hard on this issue and had managed to control it. It was still though that occasionally, but on a rare occasion she lost it and punched somebody. She wondered why this happened today. They were only late after all.

The former team went through all the applications. Then they discussed for some time. Finally they came with a figure. This figure was the number of people they would pass this year. This figure was normally a reference but they passed people with a few variations to the figure they had decided.

Today it was five.

***

Brock looked up from the newspaper he was reading. Marcus had prepared breakfast. Marcus usually prepared breakfast. Today he had prepared pancakes, boiled eggs and freshly squeezed orange juice. If Brock prepared breakfast it would be cereals and toast. They had finished their breakfast and Marcus was fiddling with his spoon.

Brock said, “Are you nervous about your test today?”

Marcus looked at Brock and said, “No, I am worried about Selena.”

Brock raised an eyebrow. Marcus said, “There is something about her which I can’t seem to put my finger on.”

Brock said, “Care to explain.”

Marcus said, “According to me she is a good singer. I have heard both her albums. Moreover she was progressing towards stardom. Then she suddenly quits and decides to be a stastician. Don’t you think that is weird?”

Brock said, “Hey, people do even weirder things. It is not our place to judge. You ran away didn’t you?”

Marcus said, “That was not weird. That was a necessity.”

“Still felt pretty weird to me.”

Marcus shook his head. Then he said, “She also emits an aura of a power fighter.”

Each of the power fighters have his or her aura. The stronger the power fighter, the stronger the aura he or she would emit. Some of the power fighters could disguise their aura making other power fighters think that he has less power than he actually has. Some can disguise it completely. Only people who have the potential to be power fighters can sense the aura. Not all become power fighters even though they have power. They also become people having other professions.

Brock said, “I have met her. I never noticed it.”

Marcus said, “She disguises it up to the level of the aura of a normal person.”

Brock said, “That is quite a talent.”

Marcus said, “Yes, but that also means that she has the potential to be a power fighter and she has been practicing.”

Brock nodded. Marcus was right. Brock said, “Then why the hell is she a stastician?”

Marcus said, “My point exactly.”

Brock looked at the watch and said, “Shouldn’t you be going?”

Marcus groaned. He cleared the plates away and left saying goodbye to Brock. He reached the test center. Flora and Selena were also going to come later. Most of the applicants had already arrived. Also some of the stasticians were present there. It was common to see stasticians to be there at the test center. Some of them would already be associated with some power fighters while some would be looking out for fresh meat.

He sighed. He had heard that there were 113 applicants. This meant that the tests would get over in one day only. He had the psychological test first. Half an hour later he was in his allocated room for the test. There were 24 other people with him in the room and a supervisor. The test was three hours long. As it started Marcus sighed. This was going to be a long day.

***

Flora and Selena were sitting in the waiting room. Selena was there because Marcus was going to be her power fighter if he passed. Flora was there for moral support. She believed that Selena somehow needed more moral support than Marcus. When it came to power fighting Marcus acted as an arrogant son of a bitch.

They were sitting in silence. Flora tried to make conversation, “You never told me the reason for you wanting Marcus to be your power fighter. I thought you would be uncomfortable as it may open old wounds. Instead you were eager for him to be your power fighter.”

Selena simply said, “Because I want him to train me.”

Flora raised an eyebrow. She said, “Are you sure you want him as your trainer?”

Selena said, “Initially I wanted him to be my trainer as he trained under Kami. He would have information that I would need. But when we met him I sensed his aura. He had disguised but there is no one in this world that can hide their aura from me. Flora, his aura was overwhelming. He is strong. He will be a good trainer.”

“And you think that he will agree to train you without any explanation?”

“I am sure that he would not ask for explanation initially. I know him. Oh he might have changed over these five years but I doubt he would have let go of his curiosity. I can always work with that. I would have to tell him the truth sooner or later. But for now, he training me would have to do.”

Flora nodded. She understood what Selena meant. She had always helped her, always wanted the best for her. But first, “Let’s see whether Marcus passes today or not else this will all be for nothing”, said Flora.

Selena nodded, “He has to pass”, and she sent a silent prayer to Marcus, “Pass Marcus pass. Please. I need your help.”

Flora shook her head. She hoped everything went well.

***

The doorbell rang and Brock looked up at the door. He wondered who it could be. He opened the door to find his brother standing outside. Leopold walked in saying hi to Brock and went to sit on the sofa. Brock had still not moved.

Leopold said, “Something wrong Brock? Why are you standing there like a statue?”

Brock suddenly started as if he had been brought back to reality. He closed the door and went up to his brother.

Brock said, “I am sorry. I was just surprised to see you.”

Leopold said, “Can I not come and visit my younger brother?”

Brock’s eyes narrowed. He did not say anything for some time. Then he said, “Why are you here exactly?”

Leopold sighed and said, “You don’t seem to trust me very much.”

Brock said, “Oh, I trust you Leopold, not just right now. I can easily tell that you want something. I wonder what it is.”

Leopold smiled and said, “Am I so transparent little brother?”

Brock simply said, “I know you in and out Leopold, just like you know me. I know when you want something from me. So tell me what is it?”

Leopold leaned forward joining his hands and putting his mouth on them. He said slowly, “Why have you not joined or formed a team yet?”

Brock said, “I am not interested. I am not a team player.”

Leopold said, “Is this another one of your rebellions against father?”

Brock said, “If you want to consider it that way then do so. I just don’t want to join a team and fight in the stupid tournament.”

Leopold said, “Then why did you become a power fighter?”

Brock looked at him questioningly. Leopold continued, “If your purpose is not to fight strong opponents like those who could be found all over the world, then why did you become a power fighter if it was not to fight?”

Brock looked straight into Leopold’s eyes. Brock knew Leopold knew why he had become a power fighter. Leopold just wanted him to say it.

Brock said, “I became a power fighter so that I could be stronger than dad, so that I could be free of him some day. I was not confident earlier that I would be free of him but now I have at least taken the first step forward.”

Leopold said, “With help.”

Brock nodded and said, “With help of course.”

Leopold smiled. He stood up. It looked as if he was leaving already. He walked up to the door and opened it. He said before leaving, “Tisane is forming a team. She is looking for strong fighters. I know you are not interested but think about it.” He left closing the door behind him.

After he had gone Brock muttered, “My whole family is mad.”

***

The psychological test was over. The results were out in an hour. Emma Knight looked at the results. They had passed only 10 of the 113 applicants. That was rough. She wondered if she was on the list or not. She looked at the list and whooped. She was selected. The person besides her stared at her amusingly.

She smiled and said to him, “I have been selected.”

He said, “Is that so? Congratulations. What number are you.”

“One.”

He looked at the list and mouthed her name. Emma asked, “Have you been selected?”

He nodded and said, “Ten.”

She looked at the list, at number ten. She read the name; Marcus McKnight.

She saw he had extended his hand forward, “Nice to meet you”, he said.

She shook his hand and said, “You too.”

He nodded and started to leave. “Best of luck for the next test”, he said as he left.

Emma decided that he was an odd guy. She started off towards the cafeteria. She was pretty excited. She was going to call her but she needed food first. She was hungry.

As she turned a corner she bumped hard into a girl who was hurrying.

“Sorry”, they both said together.

Emma recognized her. She had seen her pictures before.

She said, “Wait aren’t you one of the famous stasticians? Flora isn’t it?”

Flora smiled and said, “I am not that famous.”

Emma gave a laugh and said, “I am Emma Knight. Pleased to meet you. You seem to be in a hurry.”

Flora said, “Are you applying for the license of a power fighter? Is the list out?”

Emma said, “Yes the list is out. I am one of the ten who have been selected.”

Flora paled suddenly. She said, “Excuse me. I have to go look at it”, and she just left. Emma shook her head and started off. So this was Flora Stewart. She wondered if Flora would be her stastician. She would need a stastician after all. Lord Cyberton had promised that he would take care of the stastician for her but it would be nice to have someone like her as a stastician.

She entered the cafeteria and whipped out her mobile. She was now going to call her.

***

Marcus was the last to enter the room. It was a huge hall. It was there where the final test was going to take place. The wannabe power fighters would fight the judges. There was a box on the left side of the center. Marcus looked around. There were seats behind panels of glasses on the first floor on both left and right sides of the hall. They were all empty. Marcus looked at one of the seats and frowned. Then he smiled and nodded.

He walked up to the others. They were all standing in the center of the room. The judges were standing in front of them. So Big D’s information was right. Marcus stared at Juran, Tisane, Wizard, Arthur and Shayona. Only Lara was missing. Marcus smiled as he thought of the Elements. They were his favorite team. Actually it was Brock’s, Forum’s and Evana’s favorite team. He had supported them only because the others supported them.

Now he could sense them, their amazing radiating power which gave out a very strong aura which no one was trying to hide. So they were trying to intimidate the candidates. Marcus could see that it was working. A few of them looked shit scared.

Shayona started reading the candidates’ names off a piece of paper, giving a face to the name. She stopped at Marcus’s name. Her eyes narrowed and she looked at him. Marcus could see that Arthur was also giving him dangerous looks. Oh great; it seemed that Marcus would have to explain everything to them too. It had been a hard time talking with Juran and Wizard. Arya had explained to Tisane and Lara as they were all friends. It seemed that no one had told anything to Arthur and Shayona. He gulped as they kept on staring at him.

Marcus, Brock, Forum and Evana had met all the team members because of Tisane. They had all got on well together. Marcus was sure that Arthur and Shayona would have been pissed with his disappearance. He had a feeling he was going to fight Arthur. He gulped again.

Tisane spoke, “You will all be paired in groups of two. It is a random allocation. The two of you who has been paired will fight one of us. One pair per judge. You have the chance to decide who you would be fighting. Discuss amongst yourselves who would you like to fight. The objective of this fight is not to win but to prove your caliber. If you win then it is a bonus but if you fail to impress us, you are out. Is that understood?”

They all nodded. Apparently Tisane seemed to be in a bad mood. She was letting out threatening vibes. Even the other judges were cautious around her. Tisane started calling out the names of the pairs. Marcus was paired with Emma.

Tisane said, “You have ten minutes to make a decision. Start now.”

The other pairs started discussing who will fight who. Marcus said that he and Emma would fight whosoever is left and took Emma aside before she could protest.

Once Marcus was sure no one could hear them he told her of his plan. She was grinning when he was finished.

Marcus said, “So what do you think? Should we go with it?”

Emma smiled and said, “Hell yeah! Let’s do it.”

***

Flora and Selena were in the cafeteria when Lord Cyberton came and sat in front of them.

“Hey”, he said waving his hand.

Flora and Selena looked oddly at him. Was he all right?

Jian aka Lord Cyberton said, “So how are you doing Flora, Selena?”

They both said that they were fine. Flora then said, “So what do we owe you the pleasure of visit Master Chan?”

Jian said, “Ah now Flora. Call me Lord Cyberton will you? I really like that name.”

Flora really wanted to snort with laughter but she controlled herself. She said, “Okay Lord Cyberton. What is that you want sir?”

Jian rubbed his hands and said, “Oh good. Do you know of a fighter named Emma Knight?”

Flora nodded and said, “I met her some time back.”

Jian said, “Oh that is good then. You see I want you to be her stastician.”

Flora said, “I am sorry Lord Cyberton. I am fully booked. I cannot take any more fighters.”

Jian said, “Ah that is bad. What about you?”

Selena realized that he meant her. She did not know what to say. Flora looked at her and said, “She is my apprentice Lord Cyberton. We have talked with Marcus McKnight. He is to be her fighter. But if this Emma Knight passes then I believe that Selena would be easily be able to handle being her stastician. I am confident of that.”

They both looked at Selena who opened and closed her mouth like a fish.

Lord Cyberton nodded and said, “Excellent. It’s decided then. When Emma passes the test and has her license, I will send her to you. I am confident of her too.”

He said his goodbyes and left. After he had gone Selena said, “What the hell happened?”

Flora said, “Congratulations! Now you will have two fighters.”

Selena frowned. This was not good at all.

***

They were sitting in the booth and watching the other pairs fight. The first pair fought Shayona and lost. Second pair fought Wizard and was also defeated. They put up a good fight though. The third pair fought Arthur. Arthur defeated them as if they were mere trainees. Marcus had been right in thinking Tisane was in a bad mood. She beat the crap out of the fourth pair. The last pair was Marcus and Emma, and they were supposed to fight Juran.

They went to the field. Juran also came. Marcus went up to Juran and started discussing with him in a low voice. Juran frowned as he heard what Marcus had to say. Then he went to the other judges. They started discussing. They did not look much happy. Apparently what Marcus had said did not seem to bode well with them.

After some time Arthur came up to Marcus. He looked angry. He looked at Marcus threateningly and then simply nodded. Marcus looked happy. He grinned at Emma and gave her a thumbs-up. Emma looked excited too.

Juran announced, “There has been a change in plans. Marcus and Emma would not be fighting me. Instead Emma would be fighting Shayona and Tisane while Marcus would be fighting Arthur, me and Wizard. Do any of the other people have any problem with that?”

The others did not seem to have any problem. They looked bewildered at what was going to happen. Juran nodded and said, “Let the first match begin then.”

Emma, Shayona and Tisane positioned themselves. Emma was grinning at them. Shayona was smiling politely while Tisane looked furious. They had already been in a fight earlier. The medics had revived them a bit but they were still not at full power. However they were confident that the two of them could take on Emma easily.

Shayona said, “You are making a mistake you know.”

Emma said, “Doesn’t matter. I am still going to beat you guys.”

Tisane muttered angrily, “Such arrogance”, and charged at Emma.

Tisane started off the attack with an energized punch. Emma smiled as she realized what the attack was. She also punched back. Both their punches met and a loud booming sound was heard. The energy reverberated throughout the hall. Emma was unfazed by the attack. Tisane stepped back and Shayona attacked Emma with a Fireslash. Emma deflected the attack and was kicked in the gut by Tisane the next moment. She flew back and as she was going to crash in the ground, a fireball hit her from above making her crash with more intensity.

She stood up and dusted herself. Shayona and Tisane were panting a bit. Emma however looked fresh as ever, except a bit dustier. Emma counter attacked. She shot an energy blast at both her opponents. When they blocked the attack, Emma took this opportunity and closed the gap between them. She first took Tisane head on. She punched her hard and Tisane fought back. It was a series of punches and kicks after which Shayona attacked Emma with a Firespike. Emma was thrown back.

She however regained her ground and attacked back. Soon she had Tisane and Shayona unbalanced with a spinning kick. As they were falling down, Emma grabbed both of them by the ankles and tossed them around like rag dolls. As they fell, Emma made her way towards Shayona. It seemed that she had decided that she was the greater threat. Before Shayona could get up Emma had rained punches and blows on her and then blasted her off with an earthen punch.

Emma decided that Shayona was down and started towards Tisane who seemed to be powering up for an attack. Before Emma could reach her Tisane shot green energy beam at her, which hit Emma and she was thrown back. Tisane then extended her hand and clapped and the next moment slabs of earth rose from the ground and snapped into Emma.

Tisane was now panting from effort. Emma however stood up. She was damaged Tisane could see that but she could still stand. Shayona also came up to Tisane. It seemed that she was not knocked out.

Emma said, “Ouch that hurt.”

Tisane and Shayona were both surprised. How could still be standing?

Tisane said, “That’s it. Prepare to face my ultimate attack.”

Shayona said, “Mine too.”

Emma saw their energy rising. Their ultimate attacks. This was not going to be good. She could charge them but she knew that she would be hit by their attacks before she even got close to them. Before she made up her mind they attacked. Shayona shouted, “Pillar of Fire”, and Emma was surrounded by flames which rose fifty feet high. The inferno was huge and hot and Emma could feel her energy burning out trying to recover her.

Tisane said, “Mega Earthen Strike”, and she attacked Emma inside the inferno from the above. The combination of both the attacks was too much for her and she was hit with an amazing force. Emma blacked out. Juran started the countdown. Tisane said, “It is over. You are finished.”

However at the count of eight, Emma stood up. She was heavily injured and was panting. Her energy was healing her but was not fast enough. She said, “I still have sufficient energy to defeat you.”

Shayona and Tisane gaped.

“Impossible”, Tisane said as Shayona said, “Even after being hit with our ultimate attacks!”

Emma charged at them. She attacked them but her attacks were weak. Finally Shayona and Tisane hit her together with an energized punch and she went down for good.

Juran counted again and declared Tisane and Shayona the winner. But it was a silent announcement. They were all looking at Emma. Who the hell was this girl who had so much energy?

***

Evana and Forum were in Forum’s room. Evana had just told Forum about her joining Juran’s team.

Forum said, “So the team’s name is The Angels?”

Evana nodded and blushed and Forum started laughing.

Evana said, “Don’t laugh. It’s not that bad.”

Forum wiped the tears out of her eyes and said, “I didn’t think you would be one of The Angels. This is so funny.”

Evana shook her head. Forum said, “Have you told Tom yet?” Tom was Evana’s boyfriend.

Evana said, “No, I thought I would tell you first. I haven’t told even my parents yet.”

Forum said, “Wait a minute. You formed a team in the October I believe. And you have started telling now? Why is that?”

Evana said, “Juran had told us not to tell about the team to anyone until we had finalized a stastician. Now it is done and so we are announcing ourselves. We will be announcing it publicly soon. But before that I wanted to personally tell about it to you, Tom and my family.”

Forum said, “Congratulations. And here I was telling you to find a team as Tisane had already asked me and I was in a team and you were not and all the time you were in a team. This is great. Now we are both in.”

Evana said, “Your team is incomplete though.”

Forum waved away Evana’s concern and said, “Don’t worry. Tisane would have a team ready in no time. By the way, who is your stastician?”

“Flora.”

“Flora, but isn’t she the stastician for Wizard’s team too?”

“Wizard has a team?”

“Didn’t Tom tell you?”

“No. Is he in it?”

“Yes honey. It’s Tom, Mike, Milo, Mark and Robert.”

Evana frowned. She then said, “The next time I am going to meet him I am going to punch him. How could he not tell me such an important thing?”

Forum said, “You go girl. That reminds me. We need to leave if we want to catch that movie.”

Evana nodded and they both left for the movie. They both looked a bit worried. Forum was worrying about whether Tisane would have a complete team or not and Evana was thinking about what her boyfriend had to hide from her.

***

The next match was starting. Marcus, Juran, Arthur and Wizard went to the field. Medical examiners were taking care of Emma, Tisane and Shayona in the booth. Emma seemed to have recovered and was sitting now. She insisted on watching Marcus fight and was going to be taken to the treatment room after his fight.

Marcus looked at his opponents. All of them were looking at him. Arthur had a glint of threat in his eyes. Wizard looked at him with pity and Juran was looking at him in an amused sort of way.

Marcus said, “Shall we begin?”

Tisane shouted, “Match, begin.”

No one moved. The three judges were looking at Marcus as if they were sizing him up. Marcus simply put his hands in his pockets and stood there in a relaxed manner. No one attacked for a minute; two minutes; three minutes; four minutes. Five minutes later Marcus said, “Are you guys going to attack or simply stand there?”

Arthur said, “A defense master”, and the others nodded.

Marcus grinned and said, “Oh, so you figured me out. Congratulations”, and he clapped his hands.

The three judges charged. Juran attacked Marcus with Waterslash while Wizard attacked with Airslash. Arthur started running towards Marcus’s right. Marcus did not even flinch as the attacks approached him. They were deflected three feet away from him.

“Nice shield”, said Juran and then he and Wizard combined attacks to shoot Ice shards at Marcus. Marcus’s shield blocked them too. They continued the attack though and Marcus could see that the level of the attack was increasing. Still he blocked and deflected the projectile attack with his shield effectively.

Arthur had now positioned himself behind Marcus and he shot a powerful attack called Archer’s Lance at him. Arthur thought he had had Marcus when his attack was stopped three feet from behind. The three of them were confused now. What was this shield Marcus had which protected him from front and behind, and also to different attacks? No shield was this powerful. There was only a one type of shield for one elemental type of attack. Marcus had been hit with two different elemental types of attacks and he had blocked them both together with the same shield. They were confident Marcus had not used different shields. If he would have they would have felt it.

Marcus waved his hand and an earthen seat rose out of the ground. He sat on it. He looked bored. He said, “You guys are pathetic. You can’t even beat my shield. Forget that. You don’t even know what my shield is. I can tell from the confused looks on your faces.”

Arthur said, “Why don’t you attack? Are you intending to defend all the time? Remember you can’t win a power fight just by defending.”

Marcus frowned and said, “This is no fun. Very well then, I will play it your way. You want me to attack, I will attack.”

He stood up. All three of them readied themselves for Marcus’s attack. Marcus smiled. He took a step and then disappeared. Three seconds later, he reappeared. Juran, Wizard and Arthur were all down. They had all felt it, a massive energized punch in their gut. Marcus’s attack, it was too much. They did not even see it. He had taken a second for each one of them and had hit them. Two in his front and one at his back and all were down in just three seconds.

They stabilized themselves and Marcus said, “That was Martial Mastery level 9, Quickstep.”

They gasped. Level 9 Martial Mastery. It was a rare level to be reached at. Marcus was strong. They attacked him. Arthur attacked him with Shadow shot. Juran attacked with Water prison and Wizard attacked with Air Wave. Marcus easily dodged each one of them and then charged.

He first went close to Juran. He rained punches and kicks with such speed that Juran was not able to stop them. With an uppercut he made Juran fly up. Then he jumped and brought him down with a dual handed earthen attack. Juran lodged himself couple of feet in the ground. He was out.

As Marcus landed, Wizard had gotten close to him and attacked him with an Air ball wave. Marcus stopped it with his hand. Then he put his knee in Wizard’s gut and punched him and next moment felt something hit the shield on his head. He turned to see that Arthur had attacked him. Marcus’s shield had stopped the attack.

Arthur gasped, “What sort of a shield do you have that it automatically stops your attacks?”

Marcus grinned and said, “It’s a secret.”

Marcus attacked Wizard and knocked him out too. Both Juran and Wizard were out. Marcus knew they would not get up.

Marcus said to Arthur, “Just you and me Shadow Master. Give me your best shot.”

Arthur roared and charged. He used the Shadows to envelope Marcus and closed in the distance to hit him. He was not able to. His Shadows were not even able to bind Marcus. Marcus grabbed him, rained him with kicks and punches and threw him at the wall of the building. Arthur crashed into the wall which came crumbling down upon him.

Shayona was up with a cry of, “Arthur, No”, but Marcus stopped her saying, “Relax, he is all right. He is simply knocked out. I think this match is over.”

Tisane looked at the knocked out Juran, Wizard and the crumble under which Arthur would be, gave a weak countdown to ten and then declared, “Marcus McKnight wins.”

***

Jian Chan smiled as Tisane declared Marcus to be the winner. He had been watching the fight secretly from the seats on the upper floor. He had cloaked himself and was sure that none of the people who were present would be able to detect him. He had been satisfied with the fights he had just witnessed. He stood up now.

He had been right about Emma. She was a very strong fighter. He had been right to ask her to come and was glad that she had accepted his invitation. She was from England and had been somehow rejected for the license of the power fighter. Jian had wondered why. He had a look at her test results and had seen that the judges for the practical test had rejected her on the basis of having low potential. He had been confused till Emma had told him the whole story. He had not been happy on hearing it and had given her a chance in America.

Marcus was however a different story. Jian’s brother had been right. Marcus was in a league of his own. His brother had told him that Marcus and Chen trained under Kami and had reached amazing heights in power fighting. If what his brother had told him was true, then Marcus was not a fighter to be taken lightly.

Jian had actually been surprised to know that his father had trained Marcus. His father was an odd man. He had trained very few students over a period of time. He had once founded the institute and had trained many students. But when Jun became the primary master with Kami retiring early, Kami had trained only Tsi Tzu Tsen and then had decided that he would train only people within the family. Then why had he trained Marcus? That was a question no one has been able to answer according to Jun, not even Marcus.

He started to leave but froze. He saw it clearly. Marcus was looking straight at him and smiling. Even from far away Jian could read the words Marcus was mouthing, “I hope you enjoyed the show.”

Jian felt a chill down his spine. Yes, Marcus was not someone to be reckoned with. He was dangerous.

***

The fighters were taken to the treatment room after the fight was over. The judges were healed first and then they went off to a private room to finalize the people who had passed. The others were healed and then sent to a waiting room. They had to wait for a long time.

It was now 9 o’clock at night. Marcus and Emma had been chatting pleasantly till now but even they were feeling irritated that the results had not come out. The others were sitting in tension wondering what was taking so long. It had been over 4 hours now. How long to decide the names of the people who have passed and will be given the license?

Marcus had tried flirting with Emma but he was disappointed to find out that she was not interested in him or any man for that matter and already had a girlfriend. That did not stop him though. He inquired a lot about her and found too little and Emma inquired a lot about him and found little too. They decided that they were people of secrets who did not open up so easily.

Finally the five judges came into the waiting room. Some of the candidates rose up in anticipation. Finally the moment had come when the results will be declared. The tension in the room increased and you could literally feel it. They were all waiting expectantly. It was Tisane who spoke.

Tisane said, “We have the list of people with us who have passed. Out of the ten of you, only five have passed and their names are:

Marcus McKnight; Emma Knight; Jax Parson; Rwanda Graham; Soris Luds.

Congratulations to all those who have passed. Please go the Power Fighters’ Office day after tomorrow to collect your licenses. Those who have not been selected best of luck for the next time. Become stronger. We are done for the day. Goodbye and good night.”

After saying that, she left. She certainly was in a bad mood. The victors started congratulating each other and started leaving. Those who had not passed were grumbling and were highly disappointed. Marcus left with Emma. However he stopped near the judges.

He spoke in a low voice making sure that only they would hear, “Next time don’t hold back.”

He left. Juran, Arthur and Wizard smiled. Marcus had changed. He was no more the one they knew five years ago. He was going to cause some trouble after all.

***

The bell rang. Brock opened the door to see Marcus supporting Flora and Selena. They seemed to be drunk.

“He’s in”, Flora shouted as soon as she saw Brock. She flung herself on him and kissed him. Brock broke the kiss saying, “That is good honey. I see you have been celebrating.”

Flora said, “Yes, Selena finally has a fighter, well two fighters actually, but that’s not the point. The point is you and me are now going to make love.”

Brock said, “Whoa there tigress. Steady now. Let me take you to my room at least.”

He took her to his room. Marcus said to Selena, “Can I take you home now?”

Selena said, “No. Flora promised. She has to keep her promise. I won’t go home now.” She took few steps inside and sat on the sofa. She said, “Nice place you have got here”, and then she passed out on the sofa. Marcus put a hand on his forehead and shook his head. Brock arrived back at that moment.

Brock said, “What the hell happened, Marcus?”

Marcus explained, “I got the license. So Flora and Selena were giddy with happiness. So we went to celebrate. Actually they went to celebrate. I don’t drink but I had to go with them because they forced me. The other fighters who passed were also with us. They all drank like alcohol was water and then they were wasted.

Then Flora declared that she was going to have sex with you and ordered me to take her to you. Selena said that she wanted to watch and Flora promised that Selena could watch. I wanted to take them home but they would not listen to reason. Finally I brought them here and now it seems that Selena here has passed out. What about Flora?”

Brock replied, “She has passed out too.”

Brock groaned and sat down on the other unoccupied sofa. Marcus sat down beside him. Marcus looked tired to Brock.

Brock asked, “Long day huh?”

Marcus nodded. Then Brock said, “Who is this other fighter who has Selena as her stastician?”

Marcus said, “From what all I could gather, Emma Knight is a power fighter from England. She had been denied a license in England for what reason I do not know. Lord Cyberton saw potential in her and brought her here. She is a strong fighter and Lord Cyberton personally asked Flora to be her stastician. But Flora refused and now Selena is to be her stastician.”

Brock said, “Well, first of all congratulations mate. Next, this is too much. Where is this Emma now by the way?”

Marcus said, “Oh, she said she was okay and not that drunk and she was going back home to call her girlfriend.”

Brock raised an eyebrow and Marcus nodded. A feeling of understanding passed between them.

Marcus sighed and said, “Better put Selena in the guest room.”

As Marcus lifted her Brock said, “I would better call Flora’s roommate and Selena’s mom to tell them what has happened. They would be worried otherwise.”

Marcus nodded and then said, “Selena lives with her mother? What happened to her father?”

Brock said, “He is dead. Did she not tell you?”

Marcus shook his head. He then took Selena to the guest room as Brock made the calls. As Marcus put Selena on the bed and tucked her in, he wondered more and more about her. He was definitely going to decipher the mystery that was Selena Stone.

***

Emma entered the room she had rented and then called her. Genevieve answered the phone. Genevieve was in England Emma did not know what was the time but she did not care. She was going to call her.

Genevieve said, “Why have you called me Emma?” Emma could detect a hint of sadness in the voice.

Emma said, “I am a licensed power fighter now.”

“Congratulations I guess. This means you won’t be coming back.”

It was not a question. Genevieve knew. Emma said sadly, “Yes, Genevieve. How are you by the way?”

“Let me go Emma. It has been 3 months now. You are now in America. It is over. Please Emma, let it go. Don’t hurt yourself like this.”

Emma could feel the tears coming out. She was not going to cry but the tears did not obey her. Emma said, “I know but I don’t have anyone else. You were the only one I was close to and now you are gone too.”

Genevieve sighed and said, “The world is not over Emma. You could make new friends. You will make new friends. You will definitely find people who will be there for you. And when you have had closure, then call me. We will then talk as friends. Right now you are still not over me. We cannot be friends when you are like this.”

Emma understood. She said goodbye and hung up. She curled up on the bed. Tears were running fast down her cheeks. She was alone now. She had to accept it. She was alone in a country not known to her. The tears continued till she was tired. She did not even know when she fell asleep but before she slept, the last thought on her mind was of Marcus McKnight. She knew he was going to be an important person in her life. Maybe she would not be alone after all.

***

Tisane and Juran were having lunch. They lived together. The table was quiet. They were each contemplating yesterday’s test. Marcus and Emma had surprised them. They had never met such strong fighters.

Juran said, “Tisane, love, do you now want to tell me why you were so angry yesterday? Was it about the team?”

Tisane stopped eating and looked at her fiancée. She said meekly, “Yes.”

Juran also stopped put his hands together and said, “Would you like to tell me about it?”

Tisane said, “Juran I am not sure I would be a good manager. I am not even able to put a team together. I have only two members till now. There is a third but she is the extra. I don’t have any idea who I should select as the next three and I don’t even have a stastician. I can’t have Flora because she is the stastician for your team and Wizard’s team. And yes, you guys already have a complete team and here I am clueless and the New Year is approaching. I really want to have a complete team by then.”

Juran held Tisane’s hand and said, “Don’t worry Tisane. You are a great manager. You don’t have a team by now means that you are particular about who you take. You want the strongest of fighters and I am sure you would get them. Do not doubt yourself. Everything would be fine.”

Tisane scoffed at him. Juran sighed and said, “Do you want my advice?”

Tisane looked at him eagerly. Juran said, “I believe you were there at the test yesterday. Need I say more?”

Tisane nodded. She understood what he meant. She said, “But they are still new.”

Juran gave a short laugh and said, “Did it look that would matter in their case?”

Tisane nodded. She knew what Juran was saying was right. Then she said, “But what about the final fighter?”

Juran though for a moment and said, “How good are your convincing skills?”

He told her a name and she smiled. She kissed him. He was her savior. She was going to have a team after all.

***

Marcus smiled. He was making a late lunch for the girls who had finally wakened up with a massive hangover. He had done it. He had become a power fighter. The plan was on its way. He had finished the first step. As Kami would say, “Take the first step and the rest would follow on its own. The first step is always the hardest but that does not mean that the rest of them are easy.”

He smiled and looked around. Brock was talking with Flora and Selena; actually he was giving them a lecture regarding their behavior. Selena and Flora were massaging their aching heads. He felt happy. He was back, he had been accepted and he was a licensed power fighter now. Time for the next step.