We found Niko's father waiting for us near the arena's exit, waiting for us to come up. Pride was beaming from his face as he smiled with relief and joy.
He gave each of us a pat on the head. "I knew you could do it. But I was so nervous because I scarcely saw you guys before the match started."
"With all those huge bodies surrounding us, we were practically invincible," Niko said.
"You mean invisible." Ivan tried to correct him.
Niko closed an eye, grinning. "Yeah, I guess. Perhaps."
Mel shook his head helplessly.
There was a twinkle in the captain's eyes, as though he had caught a hint on something. But he made no further remarks.
"Did you wait long, captain?" I asked. "I apologize for that, we were delayed on our way here by certain . . . circumstances."
I didn't want to tell him about the encounter with Tyron, and that Ren guy. It may only worry him.
