68

The next morning.
7:49 am.

All eight of them were at the hotel's restaurant's VIP section, seated around a large round table made of rosewood. Through mind link, they discussed who among them would possibly battle today and also the various strategy that could be used. Phoenix provided quite a lot of help in the latter regard but didn't divulge too much since it might lead the other 6 to deduce something that he didn't want them to. Then he and Lavana surprisingly chose to talk to the six about what happened yestermorning.

"Um... My mate and I, we're kind of um... special wolves. We don't know if it's ever been on record but after shifting, we both have this ability to fly and um... vanish. It's the moon goddess' gift to us."
Mel sighed before responding to Lavana's mate's words. "Phoenix, Lavana, everyone has their own secrets. I'm sure you guys had your reasons for not telling. Unlike yesterday, I'm not that keen on knowing."
"Me neither," said Oliver. The other 4 agreed too by nodding their head.
"This..." Lavana was stunned. They weren't eager to know what she and Phoenix were anymore? Both of them spent quite some time discussing what kind of story would satisfy their curiosity but they didn't want to hear it?

Rolandro spoke: "Lavana, you saved my son and gave hope to our pack. And I have no right to ask you two to disclose your secrets. I have mine too just like everyone here. And Phoenix, even though I don't like you that much, for the fact that you're Lavana's mate, I'll try to get used to your ways. But you also need to improve..."

"I'm a talkative. Nothing can change that." Phoenix harrumphed, his arms folded.
"Er... Let's not get into a fight this morning. Oh look, the food's here." Mel rubbed his palms while almost drooling at the sight of the food on the large trays that were being brought over by 4 waiters.
The trio elegantly arranged the plates of food on the table. Another waiter soon came over with bottles of water on a tray.

Werewolves loved meat and they were going to a special battle today so eating meat is a must. Lavana ate a lot of the food and the amazing thing was, her belly was still flat!
"My dear, I wonder how long it will take for pregnancy to become evident on you." Phoenix wondered out loud.
"Hey!" she slapped his shoulder. "How can your mind go that far? We're not even married!" she scolded him telepathically.

A smile found its way to Phoenix's lips and he answered her. "Lavie honey, you look cute even when angry."
"You..." she pointed at him at a loss for words.
"Eat your food." he put her right hand on the plate after licking her fingers clean.
"We'll be waiting for you in the garden," Oliver said as he got up with the others.

This Phoenix must have a mission of making others eat vinegar. The mated trio (Rolandro, Dante and Mel) wished to go back to their mates even more but they must stay here for all the days of the competition. And the fate of their pack also lay in the contest's result.

"Are you that eager to father a child?" Lavana asked in mind link while chewing on a chicken leg.
"It would happen eventually, it doesn't matter how long," Phoenix replied as he served some rice into her plate.
She nodded before speaking: "I know. Once this pack's fate's sealed and we're done dealing with our enemies, then we can settle down and marry. Children will naturally come along."
"I like that word."
"What word, Sullivan?"
"Children. How many children do you want us to have?" he asked.
"Um... Maybe 10?" she replied without thinking much.

"Ten?" he exclaimed, causing another group of 9 men in the VIP section, a bit far away from the two of them, to stare at him with unreadable expressions. He wore a sheepish smile as he waved at them before looking at his mate, now wearing a serious look.
"Mate, do you know what you're saying? Ten kids? Are you that willing to go through parturition so many times?" he asked worriedly.
"What? You don't want that many?" she asked, still munching on the meat.

"Er... It's not that I don't want many kids. I'm just worried for you." he replied, rubbing his neck.
"Oh. Dragons rarely give birth to one child so are mermaids." she disclosed. "So if I'm right, I will only go through that pain 3-5 times."
"Okay." Phoenix nodded his head. "Ten kids it is. But you say it like it's easy to give birth. A lot of ladies are unwilling to go through it again after their first time."
"Yes, it's not easy but I want to give birth to at max ten kids for you." she drank from the bottle of water and then put it down.

"But if after the first time of parturition, you suddenly decide that it's enough and..." his question was cut short by Lavana.
"Don't be too worried. Let's take things slowly at a time, okay? Let's finish this contest and claim the crown."
Phoenix nodded. "Okay. We'll talk about this after marriage."
"Want one?" she offered him a chicken leg but he shook his head.
"I'm full. You eat up."
"Okay." she sank her teeth into the meat in her hand.

***

An hour and a half later...

Since the competition would start around 2, the group decided that lazing in the hotel won't be good. They got into the vehicles and went sightseeing. They even went to an amusement park to have fun for a while before going sightseeing again. They also got new outfits on Phoenix's request at the most expensive clothes store they found. Then they returned to the hotel to rest.

At 1:30 pm, they were on their way to the venue in the new clothes they'd acquired.
Reaching there, they found that a large ring had been set up. It was sturdy and could withstand the battles that would take place in it today. There were several banners of various colours bearing battle slogans that had been hung around the place. At specific points were retractable stands with some vital information to the attendees.

"Dear, you're sure you'll be fine if you see him?" Phoenix mind linked his mate and she nodded in response to his question. From the second day, it was important for the top three packs to be present though not compulsory. The top three Alphas could actually choose to come on the third day which was the finals for the Alphaless packs.

...

The time finally came.

A silver-haired, dark-skinned, tall and slightly plump lady with a charming appearance (wearing a long, fitted crimson gown that revealed her cleavage, and accentuated her feminine shape and 8-inch silver heels) ascended the sand-coloured platform. She waved at the audience, doing a little happy dance that made her boobs jiggle, causing some unmated males to whistle. When she was done with her demonstration, she blew a kiss at one of the males in the audience. He pretended to faint, causing his pack members to giggle.

She steadied her posture and began her speech with a sweet melodious voice.
"Good afternoon, lovely ladies and charming gentlemen. It's nice to see you all here, to witness this contest in person. I'm Charlotte DeManuel, daughter of the Beta of the 9th-ranked pack. I'm honoured to be on this platform and I can guarantee, this competition won't be boring with me here. Also, I'm single." she winked. There were some who got into relationships before meeting their fated mate. But they never took it seriously for they'd never feel for the other person what they'd feel for their fated mate, even if they didn't like the latter.

"Alright, playtime's over. Let's get to the real business. Today, as the norm, each Alphaless pack must produce 6 members to battle. We've specially selected the warriors from each Alphaless pack. So I'll be calling your names. Then you'll take your spot on the field with your pack members and form a group. Am I clear?" she asked with a serious expression.
Those in the packs who were to compete today yelled: "Yes!!"
"Fantastic! I'll be calling the names randomly but you'll know where you belong. (looks at the paper in her left hand) First on the list is... Dexter Iddyson."
Hearing his name, the particular warrior left his pack mates and headed to the field.

Seeing this, she continued without looking at the audience. "Ralph Linnington, Cuzner Louis, Ryan Cooper, Juliet Ackley... Hmm, interesting. Romeo Bierton, Urwin Zacksfield, Gilbert Dallison, Zain Dumphy, Zachary Braxton, Eaden Kaine, Zyair Leoson, Liam Brooks, Vincent Rangecroft, Jade Daliby, Erwin Zacksfield, Karlin Naylor, Johnson Roman, Oliver Miles, Luca Jandrill, Kyle Foster, Robinson Jephcott, Kai Mcllvain, Arleth Weston, Greyson Hunter, Dominic Jaxon, Zehelina Mockridge, Dante Harrison, Hazel Anderson, Mel Puxty, Aubrey Pulvertoft, Theo Xavion..."

Minutes later.

"Emberlyn Galusha, Mylah Fynch, Isla Ayrmyn and lastly, Oaklynn Elrod." she put her hand down, heaving a small sigh as she faced the audience once again. All those whose names were called stood with their pack members forming 20 groups, each having their own flag with their pack's name on it, held by the chosen pack member at the front. Seeing this, Ms Charlotte nodded in satisfaction.

"Now that you're all here, I'll let you know a few things. Of the 6 from each pack selected, only 2 will compete. One is the main fighter, the other will be the substitute. The other four members will be the supports of the 2 fighters. You are to give them the encouragement and whatever they need during the short breaks assigned to them. The breaks are no more than 2 minutes so you supports must be diligent. Boxes will be passed around each group. You all must pick whatever you touch in the box with your eyes closed. Please pick whatever your fingers touch otherwise if unlucky, you'll be disqualified from the group immediately. That could mean one less support or, worse, one less fighter. Alright, please close your eyes. Stretch out your right hand only when the assigned staff instructs you to."

The 20 groups closed their eyes, hands clasped behind their backs.
20 assigned people headed to the field carrying several beautiful small boxes of various colours. They took their positions in front of the groups and at Charlotte's signal, they started going around, gently tapping the shoulder of the warrior they stood in front of, urging him or her to pick something from the box.

Those who tried to pick something that they hadn't touched were pinched on the left shoulder by the assigned staff carrying the box. This meant they were disqualified and must leave silently. Soon the people carrying the boxes left the field.
"Some of you can be so headstrong." Charlotte shook her head in pity before continuing. "All of you, open your eyes," she commanded and they obeyed her. Some groups could see to their dismay that they were missing one or more members.

Ms Charlotte resumed speaking again with a serious expression. "Those holding leather wristbands, you are the main fighter. Those holding either an arm sleeve or armband, you are the substitute fighter. The others holding ribbons of varied colours, you know yourselves. The groups who lost members are displayed on the screen along with what they lack together with those groups whose members are complete."
Everyone could now see on the screens around the venue, the current status of the groups.

Blue Cove - Minus substitute fighter.
Moon Dream - Minus 2 supports and substitute fighter
Bravemane - Minus main fighter.
Western Moon - Minus substitute fighter.
Serenic Moonlight - Minus main fighter, substitute and 1 support.
Shadow - Minus main fighter, substitute fighter.
Blood star - Intact!
Storm Riders - Minus 4 supports.
Crimson Fangs - Intact!
Mystic Howl - Minus Main fighter.
Wild Fang - Intact!
Volatile Berserks - Minus 4 support, substitute fighter.
Cruelcrest - Minus main fighter, 3 supports.
Silent Inferno - Intact!
Lunar stone- Minus 4 supports.
Blazepaw - Minus main fighter, 2 supports, substitute fighter.
Moon's Paladin - Intact!
Real Fangs- Intact!
Erion- Intact!
Goldfang - Minus main fighter, substitute fighter, 1 support.

Everyone awaited the decision that would follow.
A few minutes later, a stern-looking, brown-haired man of average height, dressed in a red and black striped suit ascended the stage and introduced himself as George Whitlock, Gamma of the 10th-ranked pack. He was the one who would decide the fate of the packs who disobeyed.

"I will announce the solutions and penalty for you disobedient fellas. Firstly, the following packs listed will not participate in this event today. You're welcome to try in three years' time or just disband if this was your last chance. Serenic Moonlight, Cruelcrest, Blazepaw, Goldfang, Shadow, Volatile Berserks. Members of these packs, please leave the field.
Secondly, two people make a group, hence, Storm Riders and Lunar stone packs can participate without supports but before the fighters can compete, they must serve the punishment of 1000 pushups which must be done in a span of 20 minutes. If unwilling, they are free to go home! And lastly, Blue Cove will sacrifice the last two supports to bring back the substitute fighter. Bravemane and Mystic Howl will sacrifice all 4 supports to bring back their main fighter. These three packs penalty is also 1000 pushups. Congratulations to those other packs who stayed honest. I wish you all good luck." he then descended the platform.

Ms Charlotte resumed speaking: "This activity has never been done in the past contests. This competition features things that no one expects. And it will be a warning and a lesson for future competitors. Now that you guys know where you stand, it's about time to prepare for the battle. For the groups with complete members, please head to the costume centres and for those who are under penalty, please head first to the disciplinary hall. If you successfully serve your punishment, then you can compete."

After the contesting groups had left the field to the various destinations, Ms Charlotte smiled.
"We've prepared a little show for you all to send away your boredom as you await the upcoming battles. Have fun!" she then left the platform, blowing a kiss at a dark-skinned older man who was standing behind an Alpha King. He simply harrumphed. That was her father, Beta James Demanuel.

The 9th-ranked Alpha King, Dyneley Rowden chuckled. "James, your daughter never minds where she is. You're lucky to have such a nice baby girl. I wish I had a daughter like that. Mine only loves guns more than her father. (sigh)"
"Alpha, I'd love it if we could switch daughters." Beta James replied.
"As if you can last a week without your real daughter. I don't want you knocking on my door for another exchange. I'll pass!" the Alpha laughed while his Beta just folded his arms.
"And why do you keep standing? There's space here. I told you to sit."
"Alpha, maybe at home I can agree but not here." Beta James replied.
Gamma's usually stay behind in the pack, maintaining order during this competition. But in rare cases, if they are assigned a role in this competition, they can then tag along with the Alpha.

Not long after, a group of 8 men dressed in matching costumes and a veiled woman whose fur costume was different from the rest rushed to the field.
6 of the men were carrying drums of various sizes and colours while the other two stood in front of them hands clasped behind their backs, wearing stoic faces. The lady stood in between them, hands akimbo.
Suddenly, flute music was heard as two pretty ladies ran unhurriedly to the field dressed in a different dancing costume that was not as elegant as the first woman’s.

The 6 men commenced playing the drums while making different nature sounds. Then the lady in the middle of the two men raised her hands towards the skies and knelt, before singing in a language only werewolves would understand. The two men pressed their palms together and hummed occasionally while taking a few steps forward. Then they’d return to the original spot.

5 minutes later.

The female fluters danced around the drummers who seemed to be in a competition of their own. At one point, two more ladies joined the group, each carrying a small bowl. They danced around the two men in front. After a while, they both poured the contents of the bowl- milk- on the female singer’s head. Then they helped her stand and danced together with her.

Soon the entire group danced around the ring thrice before ending the performance, hands across their chest. The singer was an exception as she had her left hand on her waist, beckoning at the audience with the other while wearing a provocative smile.
The audience applauded their performance as the troupe left the field unhurriedly.
Not long after that, Ms Charlotte returned to the platform and expressed gratitude to the troupe for their amazing performance.

“The fun’s about to begin. The rules of the matches today are simple. No cheating! No shifting! No killing! Injuries can be featured. Supports cannot give anything other than water, first aid and a towel. Fighters cannot use weapons nor wear footgear. No trying to amputate body parts. Either fighter of the same pack can take over the moment the first fighter is down; This must be done quickly and the opponent fighter can be replaced or choose to continue with the new contender. If you knock out or throw the opponent out of the ring, then you’ve won that round. To sum it all up; Don’t go too far but don’t restrain yourself nor pity your opponent. Now for the first match, Erion and Real Fangs packs will be contending. Good luck!” she descended the platform.

The indicated packs’ main fighter, the substitutes and supports headed towards the ring. The main fighters were shirtless and wearing shorts and wristbands while substitutes wore transparent crop tops and loose pants along with their armbands. The supports wore white t-shirts and black joggers along with various coloured ribbons tied around their heads. Erion’s substitute fighter, a tall, slim and dark-skinned man with dyed golden, braided hair, was the first to go up.

Seeing this, the substitute fighter of Real Fangs, an olive-skinned, short man who had a long scar on his left shoulder, also entered the ring. Both walked around each other for a few seconds, assessing each other and at the referee’s whistle, they pounced at each other with their fingernails transforming into claws.
Injuries soon appeared on their body as they swiped their claws at each other, also taking chances to land a punch whenever they could.
3 minutes later, they stood, staring at each other with frowning faces as their chests heaved. After resting a few seconds without calling for the help of the supports, they pounced at each other again, becoming more brutal than before.

The substitute fighter of Erion suddenly missed his step and fell to the floor, the opponent wanted to sink his claws into the fallen fighter’s shoulder but the main fighter of Erion jumped into the ring and pushed the opponent away, causing the latter to fall to the hard floor of the ring. The main fighter of Real Fangs also got into the ring. The substitute fighter of Erion quickly rolled towards an extreme of the ring. The supports quickly pulled him out and took him to the allocated spot on the field where the weakened fighters were to rest while being tended to by their supports.
Now the two main fighters were up against each other, both wearing baleful expressions.

The Erion fighter showed his opponent a middle finger. “You’re going down." he spat before rushing at the opponent speedily.
“Haha. As if I'm afraid of you.” the Real Fangs' main fighter ran towards the opponent with a gleeful expression. “I hope you’ll be able to entertain me for a while, simp.”
“I’ll wipe that smile off your ugly face.” the Erion fighter replied as he threw fast punches at the opponent who blocked his attacks with elbows. The Real Fangs fighter suddenly kicked his opponent, causing the latter to try retreating.
"Haha. Coward!" he mocked as he kicked his opponent again, causing him to kneel.
"Wrestle it is then." The Erion fighter pulled on the opponent's feet, causing him to fall. Then he got atop him and began raining successive punches.
"You're good but not strong enough." the Real Fangs fighter suddenly overturned his opponent. Now he was the one atop.

Lavana who was watching the battle from the costume centre looked at Zehelina. "So that's how it is. This is brutal."
"It's just the start." the latter replied with a serious expression. "Mel is the main fighter. You are the substitute, Lavana. You don't have to do much. Just do your best and leave the rest to him. "
Lavana rose and walked to where Mel and Zyair sat.
"Mel, I'll be the first to go up," she said.
"Okay. It doesn't matter who goes first. What matters is that the pack wins the round." replied Mel.
"Thank you." she then headed back to sit with Zehelina.
"Just like you said, I'll do my best," she said with a smile while Zehelina nodded.

10 minutes later, the Real Fangs main fighter was pounding the ground hard. His opponent had just thrown him out of the ring. That meant he and his pack had lost.
"No, I can't let this be. This was our last chance." with that thought, he jumped into the ring and punched the elated Erion fighter.
"You aren't that sure about your defeat, huh?"
"I won't accept it. You should be the one to go down!" yelled the Real Fangs fighter.
"Idiot!" the Erion fighter threw a hard punch at his opponent's stomach and also kicked him out of the ring again. This time the Real Fangs fighter landed more miserably than before.

"Are you convinced, Zain Dumphy?" the Erion fighter asked with a smug look on his face.
The latter harrumphed and struggled to rise, rejecting any help from his supports.
"I'll never be convinced, Theo Xavion." Zain spat as he limped away with his substitute and supports following behind.
Charlotte got on the platform and began speaking:
"Well, that was a tough one. The winner has thrown his opponent out of the ring twice. That is incredible. Zain Dumphy, you violated the rules. Hence you'll serve a punishment of 5000 pushups or detention throughout the days of the competition. The choice is yours. Please, a round of applause for the winner of this round."
Following her request was applause from the crowd.
"However, Theo, you shouldn't be too happy. You know why."
Theo nodded in understanding. He waved after getting off the ring. His excited supports and substitute carried him on their shoulders.

"Alright. The next contestants are from Silent Inferno and Wing Fang packs. Look forward to your amazing performances." Charlotte then got off the platform.
Soon the groups representing the two mentioned packs came to the field from the different costume centres. The fighters of Wild Fang were female while that of the opponent pack were males. The main fighter of Wild Fang was the first to get in the ring.
Seeing this, the main fighter of Silent Inferno also did the same thing.

"Hi, I'm Emberlyn Galusha." said the petite lady with reddish blonde wavy, short hair, and brown eyes. She's attired in a blue scoop-necked tank top and black leather shorts. She had a winged sword tattoo on her left arm and piercings on her eyebrows.
"Robinson Jephcott." the black-haired man said in an apathetic tone. He just wanted to get this battle done with. He felt this was an easy battle as the opponent was the frail-looking woman who was trying to get on his good side.

"Look, I'm not gonna show clemency just because you're a woman. I'm gonna punch that face till it's disfigured," he cautioned. If this woman knew what was good for her, admitting defeat without getting any injury was the best option.
"Er... Ok. We'll fight then. Just don't cry later." she said with a charming smile that caused him to chuckle in mockery. This lady... He shook his head, thinking how miserable she'd look later because of her stubbornness.