The Venom

Interrupted Training

      The next day, Panther and Tiger woke up, and began to get ready. Tiger equipped his sheathes, and his weapons, and turned to Panther. "Come on, Panther. We've got to get ready to go." Tiger said. "I don't know, I've got a bad feeling about today." Panther said. "What do you mean?" Tiger asked. "Just trust me." Panther said. "Alright, but we've got to at least turn up to the training site." Tiger said. "Alright. I guess a hunch is no reason to be late, right?" Panther said, with a nervous smile. "Sure, let's go." Tiger answered.

       Tiger and Panther started walking down the street, and they chatted with each other as they walked. "You know why the Grim Reaper wants members of the Skulls to be superior fighters?" Panther asked. "No, why?" Tiger asked. "It's because of the strain the Insurrectionists, and the Venom are putting on him. Needs people he can rely on to get the job done." Panther informed. "Interesting. I've heard of the Insurrection, but not the Venom people. Who are they?" Tiger asked. "Well, according to what I've been hearing. Grim Reaper had a brother, known as King Cobra. They were an unstoppable duo, fighting to maintain Pacifica's safety against formidable odds. Some even say they fought these mystical inhuman warriors, ones that almost destroyed this entire city." Panther said. "What happened to Reaper and Cobra?" Tiger asked. "There was some dispute, and they fought each other, and ended up mortally wounding each other in combat. The legend says they both died, and were resurrected as their spiritual counter-parts, hence them being known as Grim Reaper and King Cobra." Panther said. "How's that possible?" Tiger asked. "No one knows, but would be cool to find out." Panther said.

      The pair were getting close to the training spot, by this point, and began climbing to the rooftops. Tiger and Panther jumped from roof to roof, before reaching the training area. By now, everyone was ready to start the next lesson, and the teacher looked at Tiger and Panther as they approached. "Nice of you two to join us." The teacher said. Jaguar smirked, and Tiger felt embarrassed. "Don't worry about it. You'll be fine." Panther reassured.

     Training went on as usual, learning new tactics, and combat techniques. Panther and Tiger were still feeding their rivalry, trying to best each other in matches. "Do those two ever stop bickering?" Another student asked Jaguar. "Not that I know of, Max." Jaguar said. Max got Jaguar, and two of his friends, Ulrich and Rakhar, into a group. "We should head over to them, and challenge them in a 2v1." Max said. "Well, You and I can handle Panther." Jaguar said. "Then Ulrich and Rakhar, you'll challenge Tiger." Max said. They nodded, and began to walk over to Tiger and Panther, who were deep into their impromptu sparring with each other. Panther dodged several attacks from Tiger, and Tiger blocked two over Panther's punches, and jumped over Panther's low kick. Tiger and Panther were about to attack again, when Jaguar stood between them. 

     Tiger and Panther stopped, and looked at each other. "What are you doing?" Panther asked, shoving Jaguar. "Hey. I've got a challenge for you both." Jaguar said. "A little busy." Tiger said, getting ready for another set. "No. Our group challenges you two to take us on in a 2v1 match." Jaguar said. "You want one of us to fight two of you?" Panther said, flashing a grin at Tiger. "Absolutely. You two are good at one on one combat, why not two on one?" Jaguar said. "Unless you're afraid." Ulrich chimed in. "No one's afraid of you four." Tiger said, stepping forward. "Then it's settled. Panther will fight me and Max.  You'll fight Ulrich and Rakhar." Jaguar said. 

    Tiger backed out of the fight circle, and Jaguar and Max stepped in with Panther. Panther took his stance, and Jaguar and Max rushed him. Panther blocked the incoming attacks, punching Jaguar in the face. Panther blocked two punches from Max, before slipping the next punch, and punched Max across the jaw. Max stumbled back, and Jaguar rushed into the fight. Panther blocked Jaguar's punches, and evaded his kick. Panther kicked Jaguar in the side, and knocked him to the ground with a heavy punch to the face. Max rapidly attacked, and Panther smoothly dodged each attack, kicking Max in the leg. Max stumbled, and Panther kicked Max in the chest, putting him on the ground. Panther chuckled a bit. "That was fun. Tiger, you're going to enjoy this." Panther said. Tiger smirked, before stepping into the fighting circle. 

    Max and Jaguar stumbled out of the circle, and Ulrich and Rakhar stepped in. "You won't stand a chance against us." Rakhar boasted. "You put yourselves at high esteem, yet you've barely shown any improvement." Tiger said, taking his stance. Rakhar launched the attack, and Ulrich followed up. Tiger blocked Rakhar's punch, and deflected Ulrich's kick. Tiger rapidly punched Ulrich in the stomach, before darting to the side, to elbow Rakhar. Tiger lunged back at Ulrich, punching him in the sides. Rakhar approached from behind, and Tiger turned around. Tiger leapt forwards, swinging two consecutive kicks to Rakhar's sides, and punched him in the stomach. Rakhar stumbled back, and Tiger followed up with another punch to the face, knocking Rakhar to the ground. Ulrich approached from behind, and Tiger quickly stepped around him. Tiger swung his leg, connecting a kick to Ulrich's stomach. Ulrich leaned forwards, and Tiger kneed him in the chest, standing him up, before knocking him down with another punch. 

     Rakhar and Ulrich stumbled out of the fighting circle, and stood in their group. "Ugh, how is that possible?" Max asked. Panther and Tiger stood side-by-side. "You need to understand that combat is not something to be taken lightly. Anyone can fight, but in order to succeed, you must practice regularly." Tiger said. The teacher approached, and the other students returned to what they were doing. The teacher looked at the six students. "I saw the little scuffle that happened here. Tiger and Panther, good job for standing your ground." The teacher said. Tiger and Panther both nodded. "However, you four." The teacher said, looking at Max, Jaguar, Ulrich, and Rakhar. "You four have shown that you are unfit to join the ranks of the Skulls. If two of you are unable to take down one person, there's something wrong." The teacher said. "What?" The four students said collectively. "Leave, and do not return, until you've practiced your skills." The teacher said. 

     The students began to leave, as the teacher turned to Tiger and Panther. "You two are something special. I'll ensure that you two receive improved training. You'd be very useful assets to Grim Reaper." The teacher said. Suddenly yelling was heard. Jaguar, Max, Rakhar, and Ulrich returned, pursued by two Venom assassins. Max, and Rakhar unsheathed their swords, rushing at the assassins. Max's attack was deflected, and was kicked to the ground. Rakhar was slashed across the chest, swept to the ground instantly. The assassins were accompanied by four more Venom members. The other students unsheathed their swords and went to attack, but were easily outmatched by the onslaught. "I hope you two are as good as you've demonstrated, because you're going to help me until more Skulls show up for backup." The teacher said, handing Tiger and Venom two standard swords used by the Skulls.