Chapter 97: Chapter 97

Miatta

I sat crosslegged in wonder, surprised that my plan had worked. Ryker had tagged me crazy but I was desperate to save my mate through any means possible. Therefore, I had decided to try something I could recall my mother talking about. She had been at her weaving looking, making me a new dress that I wasn't planning on wearing. I preferred wearing buckskin trousers like my brothers, Franco and Valerian. They were easy to run in and a dress was a lot to handle.

“Mates are for life, dearest. Once you find yours, you will be very happy and you will feel fulfilled,” she had said to me, smiling brightly. I remember rolling my eyes in exasperation. Everything was roses and sunshine to my mom.

“Why bother finding a mate? Love makes you weak anyways.” I was not the lovey-dovey type, affected by the cynical attitude rubbed off on me by my brothers’ friends. They were more interested in chasing she-wolves in heat than looking for their mates.

“No, my dearest. Love makes you strong and the love between mates is the strongest of all. A connection is created between them, one that can never be broken or severed unless in death. You will understand when you find your mate, dearest and then, you will understand the beauty of having a mate.”

I understood now what she had been implying then and I needed silence to concentrate. Trying to relax absolutely, I channeled my mind, searching for his in the midst of others. I felt my spirit reach out to him once I had found his wolf spirit and the link fell into place. It was shaky and his mind was weak, straining mine as well. His last message to me approving my plan was like a breath of fresh air.

“Ryker?” I called for him with my eyes still closed.

“Yes, mistress?” He drew nearer to me and sat on his haunches.

“I have mind-linked with Lucas. We are going to save him and don't tell me I can't.”

“I will do what I can to help,” he replied and waited for my next order. I switched back to Lucas who was on a knee as if in surrender.

Okay, Lucas. Ryker and I are going to control your hand and feet coordination, pointing you in the right direction. Is that okay?

For now, he replied, until he knocks me on my ass again.

He sounded angry and I could hear it in his lack of enthusiasm. He had already given up on himself and he needed some encouragement. I opened my eyes, testing the connection and it remained intact. Ryker was watching me with panic boldly written on his countenance.

“What is it, mistress?”

“Go, Ryker. Convince the people to cheer for their champion. He needs our encouragement. Now, go!”

He ran off at once, not questioning me though I could tell that he thought I was crazy. Once alone, I stepped out and ripped a large portion of my red dress. Seized by a strange source of confidence, I started a chant, waving my red piece of cloth madly:

“Get up, champion! Get up, champion!! Get up, champion!!!”

I didn't care about the attention or if anyone thought I was crazy. Beta Logan frowned at my audacity and stood up to put an end to my seeming madness but to my surprise, the Lycan King kept him at bay, silently giving me a go-ahead. I increased my voice at the danger of having a sore throat and soon, the rest of the pack picked up the chant. They stole the mantra from me and amplified the volume. The noise distracted Hanjo and gave Lucas enough time to get back up. Ryker returned to my side speedily after aiding my cause and for once, a broad smile was on his lips.

“You did it, mistress,” he said, grinning from ear to ear. The hooting and whistling filled the air as their champion was back on his feet, shaking the dirt off his body.

“Yes but our work is not done yet. Hanjo is still standing meaning that Lucas has not won yet.”

His smile slumped in realization and his frown was back on his brow. “What else can we do?”

I ran back into the booth and sat crosslegged again, ideas stewing over in my head. The flap parted to admit Ryker and he paced nervously around me.

“I need silence. Either you stop that incessant pacing and help me or you go out and join the chanting.” I had never heard my voice at its strongest and even the warrior was stunned by its strength. He opened and closed his mouth, unable to form a sentence.

“Tell me what I have to do,” he finally conceded, standing at the entrance of the booth.

“Have some faith in me.”

The plan was in motion and I closed my eyes, instantly seeing through Lucas’ eyes. I saw the mountainous monster before him and my battle tricks kicked in almost immediately. Hanjo came at him in a rush and I yelled a command.

Sidestep to the right and trip him with a foot.

He acted immediately and managed to stumble the big cat a little.

Come at him from behind and swing at him above shoulder level.

Lucas shot a fist out blindly and cuffed Hanjo at the space behind his ears, eliciting a groan from him. The blow must have packed a punch as the latter missed a step and crashed to a knee. He took off anyways like a rocket, taking Lucas down with him by projecting his head into Lucas’ stomach. They both hit the floor roughly and hit at each other even while flat on their back.

Say something, Miatta! Lucas beseeched when Hanjo got up and I snapped back to my duty.

Stay down, Lucas. He is up but you can sweep him off his feet when he comes close enough.

Just say when, he complied and once Hanjo rushed at him, I yelled a single word: Now!

Lucas boosted himself on his palms and kicking his legs out, he took the giant off his feet again, Hanjo crashing down unceremoniously. He cursed loudly and punched the ground in anger.

Nice tricks so far, Miatta but maybe if you can put me in a good position, I can actually fight him upfront.

Alright. You have to get up first.

Lucas shrugged and was up at once. He must have regained some of his strength and was moving as if he was in control again. The fight continued in earnest and the two fighters went at each other mercilessly. I directed his blocks and feet coordination, moving him to safety when necessary and soon, the Lucas I knew was back.

Thank you, Miatta, for believing in me, he said before I felt the connection break. I made my way to the entrance of the booth where Ryker stood, watching the fight. Lucas was on the offensive now, crowding the cat and giving him no breathing space. Hanjo’s weakness was in his height and he could not hunch over fast enough to aim accurately at Lucas. The both of them were covered in bruises and blood but carried on until in the heat of the hour, they collided heads together. I winced at the contact and the duo laid on the floor, having knocked each other unconscious. The noise died down as everyone waited for them to move. A minute passed but none of the great wrestlers was making an attempt to arise.

Suddenly, my mantra was picked up again by a pup, followed by his mother and soon, the entire pack. Tears flowed down my eyes and I waved my red cloth head high, joining in the chant. Lucas moved a finger, then shook his head. The cries of “Get up, champion !” electrified the air and excited chills tickled my spine. Finally, Lucas shook a fist in the air and cries of jubilation exploded everywhere. Slowly, the indomitable champion rose from the dirt, leaving his dead opponent behind.