The Competition Begins

The day passed by in a blur and before I knew it I was heading towards the arena. I had asked Sukura to show Asaki to his seat so Ckoseki, Kiri and I could get ready for the competition. Our team didn't really have much of a uniform because our uniforms matched our breathing style, just like our school jackets.

I wore a short black kimono that stopped halfway down my thighs, in a sleek design with bright reddish-orange flame, black lace trim, classic wide kimono sleeves and a black waist belt with a flaming phoenix wrapped around it. I wore see through leggings with a fire phoenix spiraling up my legs.I chose a sunset themed eye shadow, a light orange bronzer, light ombre lip tint and clear lip gloss. My hair was fashioned in a high french braid and some of my bangs were out and looked wispy, making my face look well framed and soft. I put on my fire print high heeled ankle boots and then the last part of my outfit were fingerless gloves which were just regular black leather.

Choseki and Kiri wear similar styled kimonos. They wear traditional combat kimonos that had their breathing style designed on it. while many wouldn't look the part in them these two did. They walked in the field of the arena and into the audience's view. Cheers and shouts rung out throught the crowd. This wasn't any regular old competition this was a chance to show others that it would be us protecting them if they needed it.

I started to walk into the field when Asaki peaked his head in and called out to me. I walked back and he put on his usual grin that I was slowly becoming used to.

" What's up? " I asked hurried.

" Just thought I would come and wish you good luck. " He shrugged.

" I won't need it, this will be a win either way. " I said smuggly.

" Something tells me that your opponent won't be so easy to beat. " he said frowning.

" What do you mean by that? " I asked puzzled.

" You'll soon find out. " He said walking away and disappearing around the corner.

' What a help he is ' the phoenix muttered.

' For once I agree with you. ' I muttered while strolling into the arena field.

As I came into view the crowd began to applaud, and yelled our names. I knew the demons were there in the stadium and I knew that my friends were too. I only get to glance at Asaki before the announcer came on.

" Welcome ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Swordsman Competition. Let's welcome Raitoningu academy's swordsmen team: The Red Army. " he shouted.

Three people strolled out in a single file line, from my vantage point I could only see the front person. Just like always Akai Dokuhebi was always at the head of the line. His hair was bright red pulled under his back head scarf. He wore a kimono similar to Choseki and Kiri. His had a red background with black snake print to remind the audience of his team name. His eyes glowed with determination and a certainty that he never once held before.

" Let's Welcome the 5th place state champion, Red Viper. " he yelled.

Dokuhebi unsheathed his sword and showed off his fighting stance. Some people in the crowd cheered but our school hated theirs so I knew none of them were cheering for him.

Dokuhebi stepped aside to reveal Bāmirion Bōdō another regular teammate. He smiled that smile that had me bristling with every second that went by.

" Let's hear it for 6th place state champion, Vermillion Riot. " he yelled.

I scoffed at the fighting stance he chose this time. That stance would beat him before the match even began, we would only need to blow on him and he would be out. Again cheers rung out from the stadiums. When he stepped aside, my mouth felt numb and my throat felt like it was closing, making it hard to breathe.

I have never seen this member, because I think I would have known if a demon was on the team. This guy was just like Asaki execpt instead of a gold bronze colored tan this one was deathly pale and had white hair and white feathered wings. They were so much alike and the only other things that set them apart was his face shape which was all angles and his eyes were snow white. I looked at Asaki and he had a very troubled expression that had my skin crawling. His eyes already told me what I have already found out. They were related and they didn't like each other one bit.

I cursed and so did Choseki and Kiri. I played the words that Asaki had said about it not being an easy win. I looked at the others and they were ridged with shock and a little bit of horror.

" Let's give a special welcome to the newest member of The Red Army and the 4th place state champion, Sekushina Shōkan aka red redemption " He roared obviously in favor of this team member. The people from their school when wild with cheers, applause, and some even said " I love you Shokan" .

' Well, shit ' I mumbled in my head.

' Is that the one you are taking on? ' the phoenix asked

' Don't know yet, they don't let us know because they don't want us to take a close look at their abilities. It's called cheating in this sport, so I have no idea what I'm up against. ' I hissed.

' This will be interesting. ' it said, tense.

They were now in the waiting line, now it was our time to be introduced.

We lined in a single file. Kiri was first in the line then it was Choseki and then me.

" You know them , You love them, and You wish to be them, lets give a big welcome for The Born Warriors! " The stadium went wild like they always do when they hear our team name.

" Give it up for 3rd place state champion Megakuramu Kiri aka Whirl Wind! " The announcer roared.

Kiri took out his sword and twirled it around and over his body showing is deadly grace. The stadium screamed as he slid across the floor to the right revealing Choseki.

" Give it up for 2nd place state champion, Nami Choseki aka Typhoon. " he boomed.

Choseki did his move with confidence and perfection. Then he slid across the floor to the left revealing me. They slide to both of my sides this way so when he calls out my name I stroll between them and make a triangle formation. I strolled up ahead and the band played our team's theme song. The songs purpose is to get us hyped up and excited for the upcoming matches.

" Last but most definitely not least, lets give it up for our very own 1st place state champion Asahi Fenikkusu aka Phoenix " he said the sound blending with the slowly fading song.

" Now that both sides have been introduced it's time to announce the competitors going against each other in the matches.The first match will be against Typhoon and Red Viper. They went to the center of the arena and started to stretch. The second match will be against Whirl Wind and Vermillion Riot. I saved the best for last the third and final match will be against Red Redemption and Phoenix. " he said sounding proud of himself.

' Looks like you are going against him after all! ' the phoenix said.

I didn't realize how easy the guys had it, because to my disappointment before I knew it was my turn. I looked briefly at Asaki and he gave me a somewhat encouraging smile. I strolled to the center of the arena and faced my opponent. He smirked an evil grin, at that moment I knew I had to beat him. Seconds later the buzzer rang and we barreled to each other.