MATCHED

23.

"Ahh~ I'm so tired," Kieran said plopping down on their bed.

Kasper sat beside him with a smile. "Wash up first if you want to sleep," he said while swatting away the hair strands on his mate's forehead.

Kieran grinned, "Help me?"

Kasper's face turned serious, "Don't whine after,"

Kieran giggles, "Why would I when you're just going to help me?" he asked feigning innocence.

Kasper smirked, "Whatever floats your boat," he then scooped Kieran who squealed.

Their shower took almost 2 hours. Kasper surely "cleans" him well. They went out to go to the pack house to celebrate their victory earlier and of course, to report what happened in Hilfatrei.

***

At the pack house, the boys are having their dinner with their parents.

"Uncle Bright, I heard you went to Hilfatrei. How are they?" Kieran asked.

Bright swallowed his food first before answering.

"They are fine, for now. They heightened their security since we all know that what happened there will cause suspicions to their enemies," Bright answered.

Kieran nodded and turned to his parents, "Pa, Da, do we still have no idea who's behind all of these?"

Gulf chews his lower lip and glances at Mew.

"We do have a hunch-

"We do?!" the rest of the guardians exclaimed.

"Whoa~ their synchronization scares me," Timmy mumbled.

Gulf rolled his eyes sighing, "I meant the two of us," he said pointing at Mew.

"Who is it, Pa?" Kasper asked.

"Why are they doing this, Uncle Queen?" Flin asked.

"Why don't we seize whoever that is?" Eron asked.

Their parents chuckled at them.

"Easy, boys. One at a time," Mild said.

Mew clears his throat, "Don't worry about it, kids. Leave it to us. Just focus on your training for the upcoming grand rumble,"

"But-

"Kieran dear, I know you are worried about your new friends, but listen to your father. For now, leave everything to us as it is our job. I'm sure when circumstances need you, you will be there for them. For now, you've done your part and it's time for them to face their destiny," Gulf explained.

Kieran looked down with a sad pout. Kasper rubs his back.

"You will see them again, love, don't worry," Kasper consoled his mate.

**
After that, days went by fast. The boys are currently at the office of Gulf and Mew.

"Why did you call us, Da?" Kasper asked Mew.

"It's about the rumble," Mew answered.

The kids are all ears waiting for him to continue.

"There was a change," The Alpha king said.

"One representative per academy," Gulf added.

The kids look at each other. "So, only 4 will battle, Uncle?" Clyde asked.

"Yes, Clyde," Gulf confirmed.

"Who changed the rule, Pa?" Kieran asked.

"It was decided by all elders of each race," Gulf answered.