Chapter 4 - of blood or not

The two young boys got on like a house on fire. They had their good times and bad but often Nero would take great care of his new partner in crime. Ezra was born with a disability but he was determined, it would not hold him back. The two was getting into adventures on a daily basis.

It was James who would encourage them to stick together help each other and grow up as one. The things Ezra couldn’t do, Nero would step in and finish the Job. Daily Training was on their chores and each day that passed the bond grew between them, thicker than any bond of blood could be.

Even though James seemed like a very generous and caring Man to take in a lost soul like Nero, more often than not, He would remind Nero of the kindness that was shown to him. He made sure it was ebbed into his mind, so he wouldn’t forget who had taken him in, who fed him and why he should be grateful at all times. There had been days where Nero wished his Family were still by his side but he knew there was people out there responsible for their Deaths. Driven by the wish to avenge his Families death, he made sure he gave it his all, when training.

Nero became stronger going from strength to strength as they grew older and so did Ezra at his own pace with Nero by his side. Nero was incredibly fast and always lead by example. A fine young man with hazel-coloured short locks and dark brown eyes. Ezra was often the one pulling the ropes behind the scenes when they was planning tricks on others including the Alpha and other Pack members, in their free time. Silvia knew it was never an easy thing, to scold the both of them in the right way as they both were playing different parts in the tricks. They stuck together like glue.

For years now the kingdom of the wolves had been in continued fights, often over territory. Luckily, this Pack was well guarded and prepared for any situations. Even if they were surrounded, they would be well off as they had everything they needed within their Walls. Many Packs had not been as fortunate and have been taken over by bigger and stronger Packs.

It hadn’t come as a complete surprise when a letter was posted to many Packs within miles of each other inviting them to a tournament.

This tournament was held by an Alpha called Raymond. He had one Daughter and instead of just waiting for someone to take over his Pack he was willing to give the hand of his daughter away, with  the hope of an alliance between the two Packs to be bound by marriage.

When James received the letter, he called Ezra and Nero to his side. Explaining the possibility of an even stronger Pack. He knew that his own Son would have not have a chance at winning the Tournament and He himself was too old.  

“Nero, I will need you to be Ezra’s champion in this tournament. You will take his place and fight for the hand of the Alpha’s Daughter in Ezra’s Name.” He less proposes but more likely demands.

“But father she might not be my mate?” Ezra protests on the top of his voice with a frown as he looks over to Nero.

“It does not matter Son, not everyone is as lucky to find their Mate and this is the perfect opportunity to strengthen our ranks without having to start a fight with another pack, you will have noticed how we have stayed the same size for years now as we haven’t got many Pack members in the first place.” He stops the protest of his own son in an instant.

“Will you let me be your Champion, Ezra?” Nero asks for his companions permission before he gives a definite answer to the Alpha who is stood waiting impatiently. Nero will not agree to anything Ezra doesn’t want to do. He knows even though Ezra is slower than others and maybe not as strong, he would still rather fight for himself.

“Ezra… “ his father says in a strict voice.

After taken a moment of consideration he runs his hand through his light brown short hair. If falls back into the same shape right away, falling lightly into his face.

“If it helps the Pack, I guess I have no other choice. Yes, be my Champion for this tournament.” He takes a deep breath before turning away from his father looking out of the window.

“So, it is agreed, Nero shall take your place and be the champion, I get everything arranged. Gordon and Samuel will accompany you Nero, to make sure you see it through.” The Alpha claps his hands together in delight as he gets right onto the matter.

“Will you accompany me?” Nero asks Ezra as they are both heading outside of the house.

“No, I will not, I don’t want to know what she is like beforehand, just make sure you win or we will never hear the end of it.” Ezra gives Nero a nudge on his shoulder.

Knowing full well that there is a lot at stake for the pack Nero gets right back to the training. Within days of the letter the tournament is ready to take place. Gordon leads the group of three as they arrive near Alpha Raymond’s Pack territory. They have erected extra wooden seat’s for the spectators, who have come from near and far to watch. Nero tries his best not to get nervous but at his age it isn’t quite as easy with such a crowd around. Nero is only 20 years old and one of the youngest to actually take part, he is aware that everyone else might be stronger and bigger but he can’t be for certain. It will only show in the fights.

“Welcome fellow Werewolves. I would like to thank you for coming today joining me for this tournament.

We have all together eight contestants fighting, duels and only each winner will proceed to the next round. Now we would like to avoid any deaths so, you win when your opponent touches the ground with his shoulder blades. We do like blood though so don’t go easy with that part.

Let the tournament begin.” Alpha Raymond announces and from there everything goes quite fast, each one of the contestants has their own small tent where they can wait and relax in-between fights. Gordon advises Samuel and Nero to take shelter and get out of the sun. While waiting for him inside the tent, as he goes to sort out the administration side of things and to find out who will be the first opponent.

“Are you scared?” Samuel drops the bag on the ground they have taken on their journey, with clothes to change for Nero.

“No not scared. Watched some of them while everyone was talking. They are strong, mostly Alphas so I will take the role of the wild card I guess.” Nero sits himself on one of the chairs after he grabbed a cold bottle of water.

A sip of water then starts to take his shirt off as the tent has heated up quite a bit in the sun.

Samuel notices a necklace around Nero’s neck. “Never spotted this, what’s the necklace for?” He asks curious.

“Just a talisman I guess.” Nero runs his fingers over the medallion dangling on his chest. Gordon walks into the Tent shaking his head in disbelieve.

“Well guess we will have quite a task on our hand there are some right monsters out there. All Alpha’s, I don’t think James has thought this through properly, bloody hell.” He pats with his hand on Nero’s shoulder who is taking off the medallion ready to start his first fight.

“The first one is Jordan. He is in his late 20s. His pack is one of the smaller ones so hopefully you will sail through this one.” Gordon tries to talk to Nero but he is already walking out of the tent. As they are waiting for the announcer to reveal the names of the contestants, Nero hands his medallion to Samuel. “Hold this for me will you.” Then he turns around, concentrating on what is happening in front of him.