Merry Christmas, everyone. I pray you all had a wonderful day with family and friends. This year is almost over its so crazy how time has flown by. It's still crazy that I'm here writing this story with you folks reading my work. Thank you, and I wish I had started sooner.
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Walking through the lush clan grounds, the sun bathed Varn and Elyse in a warm, golden glow as they strolled peacefully, neither too eager nor too leisurely. The scent of blooming flowers mingled with the crisp, fresh air, creating an atmosphere of serenity that contrasted with their recent brush with danger. Although both had faced multiple life-and-death situations, they agreed that taking time to unwind together after such intense experiences was the best way to combat stress.
As they meandered through the vibrant garden, children from all five clans played energetically, their laughter ringing like music through the air. The colorful array of toys in their hands, vibrant against the clear blue skyand green grass, added to the joyful atmosphere. Varn and Elyse exchanged glances, recognizing the peacefulness of the moment.
Elyse smiled as she watched the children engaged in a game similar to cops and robbers, their faces flushed with excitement. Some darted through the lush grass, while others plotted their next moves with exaggerated whispers, relishing their roles as both heroes and villains. Varn, with a slight chuckle, greeted a few familiar clan members with a nod, appreciating the sense of community surrounding them. It was apparent to all that the two enjoyed their reprieve, and the others chose not to disturb their moment of tranquility.
But, as is often the case, all good things must come to an end. They soon made their way to the arena, where the atmosphere shifted, filled with anticipation and focus. The space buzzed with the energy of participants in the adult bracket preparing themselves for the survival challenge. A group of warriors stood nearby, adjusting their gear and sharing last-minute advice, while the tension in the air grew palpable.
Soon, the adult participants would be dropped off in a separate area of the forest, well away from where the youth participants were nearing the end of their own challenges. The survival challenge for adults required not only strength but sharp instincts, for it involved an increase in aggressive beasts and a scarcity of supplies. The contrast was stark against the previous youth version, which had provided ample support against the natural dangers.
As Varn and Elyse walked through the arena toward the observation center, they ran into Torin, who stood waiting for them like a steadfast sentinel. His presence radiated both authority, from his years as leader, along with warmth; his worry lifted slightly at the sight of them. Jarred had informed him that they had landed safely, and relief washed over him at their return.
"I heard you two got ambushed. I'm glad to see those skills of yours have not gotten rusty after all these years," Torin grinned, cracking a joke while feeling a deep-seated relief knowing they were both alive and well.
Torin, whose years of trials had etched lines of wisdom across his face, understood the fragility of life all too well. Having fought countless battles, he was haunted by memories of those who were lost, including his beloved wife, Maria. The fleeting thought of losing his son and daughter-in-law tightened his chest with dread. No parent should have to outlive their children, and the idea of Rayden being left an orphan under his watch was a burden he could hardly bear.
Sensing the mix of relief and worry in Torin's eyes, Elyse instinctively wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug. Her gentle gesture conveyed understanding, acknowledging the scars that shaped the old warrior's heart. Just being together and showing their presence helped soothe his troubled spirit.
Varn stepped forward, offering a reassuring pat on his father's shoulder. "Yeah, we're alright, Dad. It may have been a while since we've been in a fight, but we would never let our skills get rusty. Plus, it would take more than just Death Watch to kill us."
Torin's boisterous laughter erupted at his son's bravado, breaking the weight of silence in an explosion of familial pride. "Good! No son of mine is going to become a weakling. We are Mandalorians—we fight and fight and fight. No matter how many years go by between fights, we should never allow our skills to falter."
Elyse chuckled at the lively banter, the kind that signified deep-rooted love and respect between father and son. "Alright, you two, that's enough for now." She turned to Torin with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Varn filled me in on most of what I missed while I was gone. Can you catch us up on what else we both missed in the past day?"
"Not too much happened. In an hour or two, those in the adult bracket will be dropped into the forest. Tomorrow is when the kids come back." Troin led the two into the observation center, a large, well-lit room filled with screens displaying various feeds, casting a soft glow against the metal walls adorned with clan banners.
Once inside, Varn and Elyse were bombarded with questions from the other clan leaders, each one looking anxious, their expressions illuminated by lights above and around them.
They reassured everyone that they were fine and reported on the condition of the Duke, the tension in the room palpable as the weight of their words sank in.
Elyse then walked to a screen to pull up the feed from the forest, where the shadows of the trees swayed in the gentle breeze, checking on Rayden's situation. Varn took his seat at the long, sturdy table in the middle of the room with the other leaders, the polished surface reflecting each one's expressions.
"They missed their chance to take out the Duke. When he wakes up, the conflict will ignite and consume all of Mandalor," Veyra commented, her voice slicing through the murmurs of anxiety.
The others agreed. "What are our plans then? Since Elyse helped repel the attack, and with the ambush, it's safe to say that Death Watch and the traditionalists will see us as enemies," Ravik interjected, fingers tapping against the table.
Camren spoke up next, "I say we stay out of it. Let them fight; we'll inform Death Watch and the traditionalists that we want no part in their conflict." His posture was resolute.
Drenar scoffed, "You can't be serious. They sent an attack team against Varn and Elyse just days after their failed assault. They won't back down unless we make them." He gestured emphatically, his frustration clear on his face.
"I can see the traditionalists being open to diplomacy, but Death Watch? Not a chance," he added, glancing at the screens as he thought of the upcoming threat.
"Drenar is right; we need to show that we aren't afraid of a fight. But the question is, can each of us handle their attack on our own? I think we can all agree that pulling our forces together is the only way we can survive," Veyra argued while meeting everyone's gaze, her voice filled with determination.
Varn nodded. "We held these clan games for that reason, to begin with. We all agreed that whoever won in the end would become the leader of the house we would form. By participating in the defense of the Duke, we have painted ourselves as enemies of Death Watch."
"But don't forget, we already despised them. Now we won't hold back in killing them if they attack us. As a bonus, the Duchess told Elyse and me that when the Duke wakes up, she will inform him how Elyse helped protect him and that we are not their enemies."
The others nodded in agreement as they listened to Varn's explanation. The group then discussed defense plans and contingencies for when they would be attacked, the atmosphere tense as they mapped out strategies beneath the muted hum of the screens.
The consensus was that House Kyrze would win, as they had the support of a growing majority of the population on Mandalore, along with a larger force than either Death Watch or the traditionalists individually.
However, if the two groups combined, it would be harder to predict the outcome. Elyse mostly stayed out of the conversation, contributing her thoughts only occasionally, as her main focus was on the screens' flickering images of the forest, watching how Rayden was doing amidst the uncertainty that loomed around them.
Torin was off to the side as he sat leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, silently listening to the conversation.
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While the conversation in the observation center was taking place, Rayden was with the other kids from Clan Knight. Their campsite was nestled in a hidden grove, surrounded by stone walls with an opening at the top to allow sunlight in. There was a small cave that was their only way in and out of the grove.
A small freshwater waterfall fed into a pond, which provided both drinking and bathing water, sourced from a refreshing and clear underground river. Some of the kids in the clan had caught river fish, but instead of killing them and letting them rot, they kept the fish alive in the pond to be used when needed.
Over the past three days, a total of 47 kids have been eliminated. Clan Knight lost 8 members, Serdran lost 9, Tov'ra lost 9, Vhar'kar lost 10, and Drav'korr lost 11.
When everyone came together yesterday, Rayden was chosen leader with George being his second in command. Together, they assigned each kid to a specific task group. One group's job was to hunt for food, whether it involved tracking wild animals released for the competition, foraging for berries and fruits, or fishing in the river.
Another group focused on gathering firewood for warmth and cooking. Each meal was shared as a clan, with everyone sitting at a makeshift table crafted by some of the more resourceful members.
There was also a cooking team that ensured everyone had enough to eat and that no food went to waste. Being out in the wilderness had been tough on some of the kids, as this was the first time many had been away from the clan grounds.
A good meal could significantly boost morale and ensure they had the strength to survive.
Rayden and George could be seen walking around the campground right now, making sure everything was running smoothly. A few fights had occurred yesterday when tension ran high, but they were quickly broken up before anyone got hurt. And so far, no one has gotten into a fight.
Each kid managed their own bathing by taking water from the pond and walking away to the designated shower area. Rayden made sure this area was away from everyone else and that a privacy barrier was created.
He remembered a time on Earth when he went hunting and couldn't bathe for several days; he had become irritated by all the mud, grime, and animal blood. He understood that as long as the criteria of food, water, shelter, and a bath were met, one could live properly.
As Rayden walked around the campsite, he passed by the recreation area. Yes, there was a recreation area at their campsite. With everyone assigned to specific tasks, they were able to complete them in a reasonable amount of time. Since they had no access to the holonet, one clansman suggested creating a recreation area to unwind and have fun.
With the campsite well hidden and protected, they had the luxury to let loose a bit. They made their own Pazaak cards from wooden planks. In addition to Nova Crown and Galactic Expansion, a few kids had fashioned a ball out of vines they found and were playing a soccer-like game.
Some of the kids decided to have sparring matches during their free time. These mostly included those who had performed poorly back at the arena and wanted to improve.
"Everything is looking good. It's a shame we'll be leaving tomorrow; I was starting to enjoy this little groove of ours," Rayden commented as he walked with George. Both were in their armor, as even with the protection of the grove, you can never let your guard down.
"I agree, but I do miss my mother's cooking," George said with a laugh, imagining his mother's delicious meals.
"Eating and fighting—that's all you think about, George. You need to expand your horizons and maybe play some Nova Crown," Rayden teased him as they both took a seat by their tents in the middle of the campsite, grabbing a wooden cup of water.
"Don't judge me, Rayden. I don't have a girl like you to flirt with," George shot back, watching Rayden do a spit take when he heard him.
Rayden coughed, trying to catch his breath. "You saw that?"
George burst into laughter. "Please! Everyone from all five clans has seen you and Lexi flirting with each other throughout the entire competition. It's no secret."