Disclaimer: I will only say this once. I DO NOT own Blizzard, StarCraft, or any of Blizzard's other works. Everything that Blizzard did not create for StarCraft is mine.
Prologue
200 years before the first Zerg probe was intercepted by the Protoss . . .
'What did I do to deserve this?' Kurai thought as he dodged yet another punch from Hasun. Both Kurai and Hasun were training to become Zealots, maybe even High Templar. And they were only fighting to impress the judges.
The two were on a stone platform, raised a few meters off the ground, and surrounded by stadium-like seats, also made of stone. It was one of the few ancient training grounds still in use on Aiur. The five judges were seated in the shade cast by the pillars outside of the arena.
Kurai ducked a swinging kick from his opponent, and seeing an opening, delivered a swift uppercut. Hasun was sent flying. Kurai smiled. He had put quite a lot of psionic force behind that punch.
"You have yet to beat me." Hasun said, leaping to his feet. Once again, he charged at amazing speed, this time with psi-blades shimmering around his wrists.
In order for it to be a fair challenge, neither of the young Protoss had been granted weaponry. They were also prohibited from using armor. So they had been forced to fight using only their martial talents and civilian garments.
That didn't stop Hasun from conjuring ethereal psi-blades. It was the same tactic as the Protoss tribes of old used. The only difference between an ethereal psi-blade and a Zealot blade was the amount of stress the mind was put under. And right now, Hasun was sweating from the effort.
'How cute.' Kurai thought. 'A last ditch attempt.' The attack was over before Hasun could reach his target.
In a flash, Hasun found that he could barely breathe, and something both cool and warm was barely touching the skin around his throat. Kurai was kneeling on top of the bigger Protoss, pinning one of his arms to the ground and holding the other, with the still active psi-blade, to Hasun's neck.
"Now it is you who have yet to beat me." Kurai said.
The judges stood, and one of them exclaimed, "This match goes to Kurai! However, we must also recognize Hasun for his ability in combat and his resourcefulness. They shall both continue, with our highest recommendations."
The two young Protoss smiled. Kurai stood and helped the other to his feet. "You fought well, my friend."
"As did you," Hasun replied. "Although I would never think of actually killing you."