“We have Future Beta Mateo. Ready? GO!”
Mateo has a better strategy at least, he runs a couple circles around the obstacle course and when they catch on he runs under it to cut off the two groups they formed, jumping to the rope climb, I’m sure he’s hoping they don’t know how to use, but he underestimates my training or their abilities or both. A kid follows him up his rope and two jump on the ropes on either side of him, effectively blocking him in.
“That was done in two minutes thirty five seconds.” The kids scream at their accomplishment. “Damn, they are fast. What kind of training do you put them through?” Mateo asks, going to grab a bottle of water and stands next to Oliver.
“Let’s do this. All I have to do is make it longer than two forty.” Sam chuckles.
“Willing to make a bet?” Oliver asks. Seriously these two and making bets. I’m sure they bet on who can hold their pee the longest. I roll my eyes.
“You’re on, winner buys lunch, for all seven of us.” Sam wiggles his eyebrows. This must be a very good wager. I’m not sure if I will ever understand the dynamic of boys.
“Okay, Ready for Future Delta Sam?” I don’t even wait for their response before shouting, “GO!” trying not to laugh at their antics. Sam is actually really fast and seems to be just as sporadic in his movements as the kids. I hate to doubt Oliver, but Sam might actually win this bet. He’s laughing and dodging, spinning and jumping over the kids’ heads. He clearly has the movements of a natural born warrior. He’s leaner than the rest of the guys, like a runner who just happens to lift a ton of weight. The kids eventually break into 5 groups, 4 of them covering an entrance to the obstacle course Sam decided to climb and the rest have made a perimeter around in case he decides to jump from somewhere random. Which of course he did. He made a running jump to the rope climb, but did not anticipate the kids being able to shimmy up and tag him.
He climbs down laughing with the kids, looking at me expectantly. “Sorry… Oliver, he made it, two minutes and 43 seconds.” I looked at Oliver apologetically, while Sam is hooting and hollering doing the do-se-do with some of the pups.
“Ugh! I’m never going to hear the end of it now.” Oliver rolls his eyes, but has a smile on his face. Both of the twins take their turns, but they are less serious about it. Opting to tease and taunt the kids before letting themselves be caught after only a minute or so. I’m not sure if they were trying to give the kids a break or if they didn’t want the added pressure of having to beat Sam. He would definitely gloat.
“Alright cadets, now it’s time to see if you can finally stop your biggest nemesis.” Delta Kyle calls from the seats near the center of the arena, only he isn’t alone. For the first time in a long time he is accompanied by the Alpha, Luna, Beta, Gamma and a couple of our Elite warriors.
Some of the kids groaned and some cheered. I get why, though. This is the only challenge they haven’t won yet.
“What’s he talking about?” Sierra asked.
“They have to play capture the flag against me.” I wink at her.
“Wait, you’re their biggest nemesis?” Dakota asks.
“I guess, you could call it that. I think Delta Kyle is being dramatic, but they haven’t beaten me yet.” I shrug my shoulders.
“What do you have to do?” Cameron asks.
“I have to capture the flag.” I point to the flag one of the pups is attaching to the top of the forty foot rope climb. “And get back to this side of the stadium without being tagged in under a minute. “WHAT? And they haven’t beaten you? How many times have you played this? Once or twice.” Oliver asks
“We have played this at the end of every Saturday training for almost a year.” I say walking to my end of the field, not looking over my shoulder. I don’t want to look at them and I also have to get my head in the game. I’ve never had an audience before and the current and future leaders are here, including my dad. It’s a little bit nerve wracking.
