To be honest, Jack didn’t know any fighting skills. But Fa, had taught him at least two- three moves. But he knew that wouldn’t help. He figured the big guy, would know more. I mean after all, he is muscular, He thought. Kalman had also mentioned not to use weapons except, for the swords he gives.

Kalmen called them both to come out.

Jack’s heart was racing. He couldn’t stop this. He realized, they were fighting in front of people. Jack knew he was going to embarrass himself.

But if it were for his Ma and Fa, he knew he would do anything to get them back. Plus, he needed answers.

So they both came ahead. The big man started to bow. Jack figured he had to do it too. So he bowed. The big man said, “I am Reed. The chief's secretary and guard.”

“I-I am J-Jack.” he said. Reed smiled and started to laugh. Everyone else started to laugh too. He figured, it was for how puny he was compared to him.

And everyone probably saw the fright in him. They all came to an end when Kalman raised his hand. He looked at Reed and Jack. He nodded at them both. “He means to step away and start. When you’re ready.” Reed said. Jack’s heart was pounding now.

His throat closed. He couldn’t speak. He didn’t want to fight. You idiot! You should’ve said something else! He thought. He took a step back and so did Reed. They both coincidentally bowed, the same time. Then someone shouted, “GO!”

Reed was fast as lightning, but not thunder. So Jack dodged that attack but fell down. And lost the knife. Great! Now you have only yourself, no weapons. Just Great! He thought. He was crawling back from Reed, as he was hovering over him.

“Please! Please! Don’t hurt me!” he cried. Everyone began to laugh again. Even Reed. “‘Oh! Please don’t hurt me’” he mocked.

Jack suddenly got triggered. How dare he mock me one part of Jack’s mind said. He quickly grabbed the hilt of Reed’s sword and stood up.

The laughter stopped.

Jack could see a hint of fear in Reed’s eyes. Reed took a step back, and ending up dropping the sword. Jack took a step forward, and picked up the sword. “Alright. I’ll make it easy on ya.” Jack said. He took a deep breath, and started towards him. Reed tried at the sword, but Jack transferred it to his other hand, and smirked.

Everyone gasped. He looked around. Everyone stood there. In shock. Reed stood back. Jack then purposefully dropped the knife, picked up the knife again and threw it as it landed near Reed. He ran to the other knife, he threw that again. Then he stood in front of Reed. Reed started to crack his knuckles.

“What are you going to do now?” he sneered. Jack started to move his foot on the sand, not taking his eye off of Reed. Once Jack created a small sand storm he quickly ran behind Reed. Once Jack figured Reed was clueless, he punched Reed on the back. Reed fell down face down. Jack was about to put his foot on Reed’s back, but his senses came back to him. “Don't ever step on anyone, mostly on their back.” Ma had said once. Don’t think about her! He thought. He pulled away his foot. Jack then quickly swallowed and apologized, but saw the fear. He let go of his armor and Reed ran away from the arena. He glanced around and realized how many people there were. There wasn't a single word being spoken.

He took a step forward. The people slowly started to clap. Then it turned into an outrageous clapping session. Everyone came out of the fence and admired his skill. Jack didn’t like this admiration. That was one thing he despised. He sneakily slipped away from the people. He ran to a random tent and saw Adina.