Sofia welcomed them with a beautiful sun and a light, cool breeze. He watched as he adjusted a maroon team jacket with the sleeves rolled up on his shoulders and tossed it with a gleaming golden braid. This time, again in a sports outfit - a tight-fitting cherry blouse, denim shorts, black socks reaching the knee and white sneakers. A long chain with a silvery ball gleamed around her neck. Nadia didn't actually throw away any of the gifts he was sending her. He remembered that there was this white gold pendant between them. He unbuttoned his jacket. Hadn't expected it to be this warm. Had to admit Tatiana did her job. The material was pleasant, durable, airy, it draped well, and the team logo, sewn with the highest precision with silk threads, looked impressive. He walked over to Nadia and, involuntarily, embraced her waist. She smiled radiantly, definitely encouraging him.
The qualifying rounds were just a formality. He suspected so. In fact, they walked by storm until the last fight, destroying all teams. There were, unfortunately, others who did just as well. Nadia was stubbornly looking for any way to defeat them easily and quickly. Not seeing many options, they decided to attack fiercely to significantly lower their opponent's morale. He went first and won surprisingly quickly. Johnny didn't go that smoothly. His opponent had the advantage that his beast used the element of water, which easily cooled the fire salamander. The case looked boring. After two matches, a draw. They had to win the last fight, there was no other option. He did not allow himself to think that they would be back on the shield, especially since the qualifying rounds were just a formality so that they could safely defend the title. He needed this victory. The blond straightened his sweatshirt and started walking. Robert still wondered if this was the right choice. Tornatore and his two-headed beast had ups and downs.
- Enrique, wait! - Nadia said from her laptop. - I will go.
- Are you sure? - he asked.
- I analyzed their tactics, did some research on the last player ... I have a better chance than you and Amphilion.
The blond looked at the captain. Robert wondered as he crossed his arms over his chest.
- Go. - He replied looking at her. - Look after yourself.
She gave him the silver gear, left her jacket on the bench, and pulled her disc out of her pocket. The medallion and the bracelet's ruby eyes flashed for a moment. Her opponent was weird to say the least. He looked physically strong and at the same time as if something was chewing him up. Jurgens studied him. He noticed that ironic smirk on his face. He guessed what was going on. The opponent believed that they set up a sweet idiot, not knowing what to do. The fact was inconspicuous, so he was surprised himself when it turned out that she is the champion of Russia. Majestics, however, knew that it should not be taken lightly, the cute appearance was just a cover. The enemy had no idea of this, apparently he hadn't taken the time to check them out.
- Ladies and Gentleman! Majestics set Nadia! - the commentator shouted. - Interesting move!
- Babydoll, are you wrong? - the opponent laughed derisively. - You'll break your nails ...
- I see you know something about broken nails ... - she muttered with a slight smile, looking at his hands.
He looked surprised. Even his reactions were special. He looked as if someone had accidentally brought an extremely juicy and sour lemon to his mouth.
~*~
The judge counted for the start, the discs flew into the arena. She watched him closely, letting him chase her, thought he was hunting game, felt more confident. The over-confident ones are the easiest to overcome. She had time to verify what she read about him.
- Are you hiding your beast? You are afraid of? I wonder what you got there ... a pink kitty? Sweet squirrel? Maybe a goldfish? - he chuckled. - Meet my monster. ARACHNE!
A black beam shot out of its disk, forming a huge spider. He was just like its owner - hideous, disproportionate, disgusting. She didn't care much about it, though she looked at him reluctantly. Robert was very curious what he would do. She didn't look concerned. On the contrary.
- Amphilion would actually have a problem ... - Enrique muttered incredulously.
- It doesn't look good, and Nadia ... didn't care at all? - Johnny was surprised.
- Giant spider? That's interesting ... - she asked with interest. - I missed this information ...
- Catch her in the web, Arachne!
- Vasyl! - she screamed. - Dinner is served!
A huge silvery-blue snake appeared in space. He loved the view. The majesty and immense strength were palpable. He noticed that the black arachnid was frightened, to the disapproval of its owner. Robert didn't know what she had done, but he hoped she wouldn't rest on his laurels. He watched the fight intently. It looked like the swap was a good idea.
- Arachne! Ride! - the girl's opponent squealed. - Attack!
- I wouldn't count on a miracle. Spiders are afraid of basilisks. This is their natural enemy. - Nadia laughed pearl, then added belligerently. - Vasyl! Freezzing Arrow!
The snake seemed larger than usual, especially as he took a deep breath and spat out ice arrows. He could not bear the emotions, he got up from his seat, carefully observing the battlefield. Some of the icicles stuck into the arena, but the rest hit the huge spider flawlessly, blocking its access to Nadia's disk and seriously injuring. The result was a doomed, but the basilisk waved its tail, knocking the opponent out of the ring.
- Nadia wins the duel! - the judge howled. - Majestics move to the final fights in Istanbul!
He fired at her like a slingshot, almost crashing into the arena where her disc was still spinning. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up, kissing her passionately amid general glee. The rest ran up shortly after him.
- I love you! - he whispered directly in her ear. - You are great!
- Love you too! - she laughed, hugging him to her.
The day of the finals was coming. He was training harder than usual. They had to win, absolutely. He had been preparing for that day long and thoroughly. He also spent a lot of time understanding his own beast. It made him neglect of Nadia. He was aware of it, and it hurt to know it. However, he was sure that when all went well, he would forgive him for his absence. For the time being, phone calls had to suffice, and they both knew it. At least he hoped so.