Journey of the warriors

Chapter one

Portia was not new to the Tournament. In fact, after two years, time that might seem short for others, she felt like a veteran in the game. She entered the so called competition to prove herself to everyone that doubted her ever since she was a child.

You see, Portia was born in, what some might call, a rich family.. A very rich family. Her father was one of the "big guys" from the Liandri corporation. Her parents met under unfortunate circumstances at first. Her mother, 25 at the time, was found unconscious by Xan Kriegor outside of the Liandri building and was taken inside to the hospital wing. For her father, it was love at first sight... She looked like an angel, having long blond hair and soft green eyes. He stayed by her side for a week, until she was fully conscious to comprehend where she was and to explain what happened. Apparently, she was rushing to the police to report a robbery at a flower shop when she suddenly felt very dizzy and collapsed.

Over the next two weeks, they grew very close until they, eventually, decided that they belonged together. And Portia was the second fruit of their strong bond of love. Yes, she had an older sister named Idina who was supposed to follow their grandfather's legacy in the Tournament. But a new carreer path sounded more suitable for her, and that was modeling. Portia suggested that she receive the necessary training to continue the legacy, but her father just laughed it off. Everyone in the family knew that she was the official sick girl. Being born with a hipoplastic kidney (one kidney was smaller than the other), she always found herself under some kind of treatment that only made her sick to her stomach. Everyone just assumed that she was weak and did not belong into a powerful family such as hers. Her parents were not so pleased either, but nontheless, she was their child and they loved her.

Idina, who was 15 years older than her, was not so understanding though. As a teenager, Portia was a bit overweight because her tissues retained a lot of water, a side effect of the kidney issue. All the way, Idina was shouting every way that it was shameful and that Portia should take her example or at least stay in the house. It is needless to say that Portia, 15 when this all started, was slowly drifting into a black void. That is until he came into her life...

*six years ago*

His name was Boris Nikoliavitch and he was 35. He came to their home as Idina's fioncee. Portia was out for a walk when they arrived home, so she wasn't there to greet them. When she did arrive though, she overheard everyone talking about her...

"[...] She is our youngest, so we don't expect much as of yet, especially in her condition"

She recognized that as her mother's voice.

"Why? What is wrong with her?"

Now this voice was new... It was a smooth male voice with a hint of a russian accent.

"She suffers from severe fatness, that's what's wrong with her!"

That despicable voice was her sister's. She still could not believe they were related...

"Now Idina... Portia has some kidney problems that cause her tissues to retain a larger than average ammount of water, so she is looking a bit overweight."

"A bit overweight?" Idina followed "Dad, she is too huge for my own liking and you know it! I mean, I'm a model here, hello!"

Portia's eyes started to sting from tears and she decided that she heard enough. She walked away and out of the house, slamming the door shut.

"What was that?" Idina asked.

"That, miss, was probably your baby sister overhearing you! I thought I told you to give her a break, she didn't ask for this to happen to her. Just because you're a model, does not mean that everyone has to fit into your standards, wether they are sick or not!" her father sternly stated.

Idina rolled her eyes and turned on the television.

"She's probably in the back garden, I'll go get her"

"Honey, you promised to help with the cooking tonight, remember?"

The parents both looked at Idina expectantly. She looked up and frowned.

"No way, I have no time to fetch a troubled teen. I have to do my manicure"

Boris rolled his eyes and could not believe that this was Idina, the woman he fell in love with.

"It is alright Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich, I will go find her. I saw where the back garden is when I came through the gate."

"Why thank you Boris, that's very kind of you"

Boris nodded and proceeded through the sliding glass door, leading to the back. The garden was truly beautiful, there were all kinds of flowers everywhere. A stone path was leading to a small lake, where a weeping willow resided. What he witnessed next broke his heart... Kneeling next to the willow, was a 15 year old blond haired girl shedding tears that could shake the soul of even the toughest soldiers. She was wearing a white summer dress, with black roses on it. Boris could see what her parents talked about concerning her condition, but Idina's words were now non-existent to him. She was, despite everything, such a beautiful young girl. He could not possibly see why people were often so displeased about. As opposed to Idina's brown locks, Portia had her mother's hair and facial features. The only thing different about her was the pale tone of her skin.

She suddenly looked up and that was when he realized she really was different from her family. Grey eyes, piercing with emotion, seemed to stare right through his soul, making him shiver. They were her grandfather's alright... Jonathan Dietrich. The most popular and strong warrior ever to step up in the Tournament. Some even say that Xan Kriegor made a role model out of him when he was young.

Portia frowned and angrily wiped away her tears.

"Who are you and what do you want?" she asked in an angry tone.

"My apologies for intruding... My name is Boris Nikoliavitch. I am your sister's fioncee."

Portia's eyes widened

"The Boris Nikoliavitch? As in Zenith, former leader of the Blood Reavers?"

Boris laughed out loud. It was not new to him that he was recognized at times. He had been a warrior in the Tournament ever since he was 20. Just recently, when the head of Liandri decided to switch team colours, he had given leadership to Kyla, otherwise known as Iliana, a female mercenary and crucial part of the team. Their team had switched from blue to red. He was still part of it, but 15 years of leadership was more than enough for him.

Portia grinned and sat up, extending her hand.

"I'm Portia Dietrich and it's a pleasure to meet you! I must say that I admire you greatly on the battlefields!"

Boris smiled widely

"Well it's good to know I have such a lovely fan!"

Portia chuckled and had completely forgotten what she was so upset about.

*present time*

Ever since that day, the two became great friends, in spite of their 20 years difference. When Portia turned 18, she decided to enter the Tournament to continue her grandfather's legacy since she was officially an adult and could do as she pleased without needing permission from her parents. She needed to prove that she was capable and Boris was the only one who supported her decision, although he didn't like it. It was not oblivious to him either that she had grown up into an outstanding young woman.

When she turned 17, Boris broke great news to everyone, that a friend of his, who was a doctor, could help with Portia's health problems. And it's needless to say that the promise was kept. When she signed up for the Tournament, gone was the plump teen who was feeling sick almost all of the time. There stood a tall young woman with much determination and curves to die for. One year, an experienced doctor and a supportive friend was all it took.

Now, as she was on her way to the Frigate ship for assault, she was also pondering on some deeper feelings that have been bothering her for the last two years...