Dominque was standing in the front. Once everyone had gathered, he said, “My wolves, you know why I have called you here. We are now ready to start the selection process for the ultimate championship. You will battle amongst yourself using your strength and using your wit. There will be one champion and this year, we have a twist.”
Rose frowned, wondering what was going on. The championship was pretty traditional, the same rules had been followed for decades. She could see everyone else was confused as well, looking around and whispering to each other.
“This time, the champion gets the rank of captain of my army and my right hand. This is a rank that requires someone who is not only the strongest, but someone who is the most intelligent, strategic, and ethically sound. I will be including new levels in the tournament. These new levels, or challenges, will be unveiled as we get into the tournament. For now, I declare this tournament open! Enlist your names and once the selection process is complete, we will have our opening ceremony,” Dominque said. He then walked over and hit the ceremonial gong.
Everyone cheered, and Rose could feel the infectious excitement running through her veins. She could see the selection committee sitting down and all the people starting to gather around. Most of the wolves signing up were the boys, even though the girls were waiting in line as well. But one thing they all had in common was that they were all much taller and muscular than her.
Excited, Rose got in the line, waiting for her turn. She was finally going to show everyone that she can also be a warrior. Everyone had always underestimated her for her small size and thin build, but she was going to achieve her dream. Her turn finally came, and she walked over.
“Hi, I would like to enlist. My name is Rose,” she says.
“I need your paw print…” The selector started to say, but then trailed off. “Sweety, are you sure about this?” the selector asked.
“Yes. I am,” Rose said, forcing a smile on her face.
“Listen, I don’t want to… dishearten you, but they are going to massacre you,” the selector said.
Before Rose could answer, one of Taylor’s friends shouted, “Hey! Rose is enlisting. Yo, you guys let anyone take part now? Look at her. She can’t even lift a rock.”
“The standards have truly fallen if we are letting weak people like her into the championship,” Taylor shouted.
“Especially after she had the gall to reject Taylor. Such a stuck-up bitch,” Harry shouted, and everyone started laughing.
Rose felt herself fill with fury. She marched over to Harry and stared him in the eye. She heard the laughter die out. “Try me,” she said, through gritted teeth.
“Try… try you?” Harry said, and they all started laughing hysterically. Rose was sure it was a hilarious sight. She was one foot shorter than Harry, and literally half his size. She clenched her hands into a fist, and with years of training behind her, brought her fist straight into his stomach. He coughed, blood sputtering out, as he doubled over.
“Still find it funny?” Rose asked. There was silence all around, and Harry was glaring at her.
“You bitch!” he shouted and reached out to grab her. He never managed to touch her though, because Taylor appeared, grabbing Harry’s hand.
“Leave her alone,” Taylor said, through gritted teeth. There was a momentary struggle where Harry tried to get out of Taylor’s grasp, but he didn’t succeed. Taylor was radiating power, as his hand tightened around Harry’s arm. Finally, Taylor let Harry go, who stumbled back.
“This isn’t over,” Harry said, pointing at Taylor, and then he ran off.
“I could have handled it,” Rose said. Everyone was going to talk about how the strong and powerful Taylor had to jump in to protect her.
“Yea? Handle it in the championship,” Taylor said, not even looking at her.
Rose was stung by the fact that he wasn’t even looking at her. He didn’t say another word and just walked off, leaving Rose standing there. Rose swallowed and turned around, walking towards the selector.
“Rose. I am here to enlist,” she said, once again. This time the selector didn’t say anything and signed her up.
“The selection matches start day after tomorrow. There will be a total of three matches. You must win at least two to qualify to the quarter finals. The time of your matches and your opponent will be revealed tomorrow, at the tournament board. I wish you the best of luck,” the selector said.
Rose thanked her and walked off. She was ready for this.
Chapter 6
Rose
“You actually signed up for the competition?” Delma said, her mouth open. Rose was hanging out with her friends. They had all decided to meet up for lunch. Rose had been training all morning and she was starving.
“Of course. You girls knew it was my lifelong dream!” Rose said, stuffing her face with some apples.
“Yes! But we never thought you would go forward with it!” Anna said.
“Well, I did,” Rose said, in between bites.
