Chapter 43
Cheaters Never Prosper
Nome:
Dianna and I sit in the arena with several movies and snacks. We are waiting for the liars and cheaters to pop in. The kids would pop in and out telling us some exciting events that were taking place during the contest. Mom was supposed to come and take my place when I had to be a spotter in the weight lifting, but she showed up early since it was what we called girl time. We were sitting and talking binge watching Friends when the first person dropped in. Her name was Theora. She had tapped into her abilities on the obstacle course. Shortly after 10 more joined her. All for the same “crime”. It wasn't long that 20 popped in either they chose to forfeit or cheated during the 6 lap race. Only 3 had a less severe crime according to the kids. They shifted before both feet had crossed the line. More and more people were teleported in as the race went on. The race was narrowed down to only 10. It was lunch time at this point. To say we were starving was an understatement. Yes we had popcorn and gummy bears and chips but we needed real food. The only problem was we were stuck baby sitting these grown-up kids. I whisper to D. I hope they don't forget about us. Soon a food cart was brought out to us. We had roast beef and a salad. Another cart was wheeled in and plates were passed out to the cheaters and forfeits. The ones who had forfeited had a ham sandwich and the cheaters got a ketchup sandwich. No meat, no salad. The children had started their punishments. The face of disgust was clearly written on their faces. Suddenly Nick's voice came booming from the speakers in the arena. ATTENTION FORFEITERS AND CHEATERS. THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF YOUR PUNISHMENT. PLEASE ENJOY YOUR LUNCH.
How did the children rope Nick into doing that announcement? My thoughts must have shown on my face because D leaned over and told me that Nick is just devious and diabolical as the kids, she wouldn't be surprised if he helped them perfect some of the punishments. I asked her who she thought came up with the ketchup sandwich idea. She smiled and that was Monk and Lou and she told me that it wasn't just ketchup. The ketchup was mixed with crushed world hottest chips mixed with crushed devils toe suckered. What about the ham sandwiches I asked. She told me that they were regular sandwiches but since the participants couldn't keep up and chose to give up the kids felt that the quitters didn't deserve a big meal. I couldn't help but laugh thinking about what those kids have planned next. As the cheaters take the first bites of their sandwich from hell. I see their faces twist in pain and look for some milk. There was none. Another voice came from the speaker. This time it was Catilena. YOU MUST FINISH YOUR SANDWICH COMPLETELY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE YOUR TALL GLASS OF MILK. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TRIED TO COUNTER THE BURNING WITH MAGIC AS YOU CAN TELL YOUR MAGIC HAS BEEN RENDERED USELESS. REMEMBER THIS PUNISHMENT FOR YOUR CHEATING.
D and I couldn't help but giggle as we watched as people shove sandwiches in their mouth so fast I doubt they even chewed. Beads of sweat and tears rolled down the cheeks of the victims of this punishment. Once the sandwiches were swallowed another cart was wheeled in with tall glasses of milk on it. The look of relief on their faces was priceless as they drank the milk. The redness of faces faded, the beads of sweat were drying and the tears stopped falling, everyone relaxed for the first time since they came to the arena.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
The whistle blew indicating it was time for the next competition.
More and more people start showing up. More forfeitures and more cheaters. After several hours Maurice's voice came over the speaker. WE HAVE OUR FINAL 3 CONTESTANTS. WE ASK THE ONES WHO HAVE FORFEITED LINE UP ON ONE SIDE AND THE ONES WHO CHEATED ON THE OTHER. YOUR TRUE PUNISHMENT STARTS NOW.
As soon as he said the word now, the children walked in, wearing all black and their hands clasped behind their backs. They looked like miniature executioners.
Geneva was the first to speak. She said “Now all of you quitters have a second chance to redeem yourselves by repeating the competition from the start. Now follow us”. Her and Killian walk out the door with their crows. Vlad spoke next “ Those of you who shifted before both feet crossed the line, line up here, those who used magic or tapped into your abilities knowing it wasn't allowed at that time line up over here. Mom walks in and tells me I am needed for the weight lifting. I dismiss myself and head to the gym. What I saw on my walk there was unbelievable. Geneva and Killian were commanding the adults with superior authority. One person popped off and said he wasn't listening to some snot nose kid. I stopped in my tracks when I heard that remark. I saw Geneva smile and tell everyone, I may be a child but I know not to give up on myself even if it means coming in last. You didn't give up on the competition you gave up on yourselves. Now you will learn why you never give up on yourself. The person who spoke had shut up and showed his neck in submission. He knew he was in the presence of a true leader. My heart swelled with pride at that moment because I am the aunt and trainer of that little girl. I start walking to the gym again and look over and see Vlad. He is telling some of the cheaters about how he wants the borders run this time. I see Johanna, she is with the worst of the cheaters. She has Nick beside her. Knowing Jo, she is going through the legal aspect telling them the repercussions that will now suffer, not to mention the physical repercussions they will suffer at the hands of these diabolical children.
I walk into the gym laughing. I tell Dad and Jackson what I saw walking over. Dad says hopefully we can get out here quickly and see what the children are up to. I'm spotting for Wayne. He did really well at first then I put another 50 pounds on his already 500 pound bar. His back popped and I knew he was hurt. Thoran was tied with a fellow named Hynes. Mom and Dianna came in along with Sophie-Ann. Sophie went to the infirmary with Wayne and Mom suggested the kids decide who will take what position each will take. Dianna said that she, Mom, myself and Catilena will see over the task the kids have set. We find each kid and tell them they are needed and we will be taking over for them. They tell us their plans and say we can add anything we want. As they were heading to the gym discussing how to test, Ashura shook his head and said he feels sorry for our two competitors. There is no telling what those munchkins are coming up with.
Within 15 minutes 4 small children and 2 large adults came walking up to us. Killian tells us that they have reached a decision and both will share the responsibilities of Beta and Gamma equally and Haynes' mate will decide if she wants to remain head chef in the pack house or will become our head chef either way she will be given a pay raise for being the female Beta/Gamma. Jackson and Dianna agree with this turn of events and I say. I don't know about all of you but I'm starving. Everyone laughs in agreement and we head to the house for dinner.
