Page 50 of Becoming One
CHAPTER 17
“The Bástroid? What the hell does that mean?” Nelson heard Jewel ask from beside him, but he was too lost in Ezra’s words.Two men enter, one man leaves. This is a battle to the death.
“It’s Celtic. It literally means Death Match,” Jael answered in a whisper, and Nelson could hear the fear in the man’s voice.
Nelson quickly looked around at all in attendance and saw that all eyes were on the center of the ring as everyone sat on the edge of their seats, transfixed by what was about to happen. Everything was so still and quiet, it was as if everyone held their breath.
“Nicu, you have accepted the challenge Orion has chosen, so it is your right to choose the first foot,” Ezra said.
Nicu smirked as he faced Orion then lifted his right foot, outstretched it, and placed it on the ground between them. Immediately Orion smiled and Nicu’s smirk fell as his eyes went wide and he drew his foot back.
“Too late, Nicu. As you know, first choice, is the only choice in the Bástroid. There is no going back. Return your right foot to the field,” Ezra instructed.
“What does that mean? Why does Orion look so happy and Nicu looks like he’s going to be sick?” Nelson asked.
“Because Orion is the challenger and picked the challenge, Nicu gets the choice of which foot is to be bound,” Jael explained.
“I got that but what does it mean?”
“One foot and one hand will be tied to their opponent. Nicu stepped in with his right foot first, which means the opposite hand must be bound. Their lefts.”
“And?” Nelson asked anxiously.
“Oh, I get it,” Jewel replied happily.
“What?” Nelson asked as he kept his gaze on his mate.
“They each put out their right foot, inside ankle to inside ankle, see,” Jewel said, and Nelson watched as Ezra knelt and began to bind their feet together.
“Then they will each clasp their left hands in a handshake of thumbs clasped together and the rest of the hand wrapped around the others wrist. Then Ezra will bind those together,” Jael continued.
“I’m still confused. I mean, I understand what you’re saying, but I still don’t get the significance of Nicu’s right foot. And won’t they be able to snap the bindings with their vampire strength?” Nelson asked, as he watched Ezra now begin to bind their left hands together.
“No. Those bands are made of thick leather and have been spelled. Even their super strength will do nothing,” Jael replied.
“And as for Nicu’s right foot,” Jewel said happily. “Right foot means left hand. Orion is right handed, Nicu is left handed.”
Nelson thought about what his friend had said for a moment, then suddenly what Jewel was saying dawned on him. “So, my man will be fighting with his strongest side, while Nicu will be using his weakest.”
“Exactly,” Jael and Jewel said in unison.
“Well, it wouldn’t make a difference anyway, because my man is strong and skilled with both hands. Hell, Ezra could tie both of Orion’s hands behind his back and he would still beat the snot out of that asshole.”
“Very true,” Jael replied with a chuckle at the same time as Jewel said, “Amen, brother.”
They watched as Ezra finished binding Orion and Nicu together, then he stepped away and nodded. He then turned and made his way out of the ring and the guards closed and locked the doors behind him. Now no one could enter or exit until only one man remained alive.
Ezra joined Jewel and Nelson, and stood against the rail, his gaze on Orion and Nicu who remained as they were when Ezra departed. Each man turned their head to look at their Re, waiting for the signal. Ezra raised his right arm high above his head and made a fist, then thrust his hand down like an ax. Immediately Orion threw a right punch, connecting with Nicu’s left temple, and he stumbled backwards.
A collective cheer rang out through the crowd as everyone jumped to their feet, the sound deafening.
As Nicu stumbled, Orion pulled back, countering his move so Nicu wouldn’t tumble to the ground, taking them both down. As Nicu shook his head, Orion didn’t wait for him to regain his bearings, he struck again immediately as he raised his right arm, crossed it over his chest, then backhanded Nicu. The slap was so loud, Nelson could hear it over the crowd.
Orion quickly brought up his left leg and smashed the bottom of his booted foot into Nicu’s right knee. Nicu screamed out in pain as he bent forward and collapsed to the ground. Orion was on him, raining blows to Nicu’s head and chest.
Nicu raised his free hand and punched at anything he could connect with, but in the position they were in, he wasn’t making much of a difference.
Suddenly Orion wrapped his arm around Nicu’s waist and hoisted him to his feet as Orion stood. “I won’t let you go down that easily, you pussy. Now fight!” Orion sneered, then remained still as he lowered his arm to his side.