Ken went to the side of the stage to wait for the others to finish with their duels so that they could go home. He was extremely happy and some of his clansmen congratulated him with pride.
Caden went to duel next. The only youth descendant of the eagle tribe. Compared to Ken, five fifth rank beastmen and another eight third rank beastmen came to challenge him.
Aisha who was at a side with her mates frowned seeing the group that had come to challenge her brother's son. She believed in his abilities but she feared what could possibly happen to him, besides, there was no need to duel!
"Don't worry...he'll be fine." Her eagle mate comforted her and she looked at him with worry. She had a bad feeling about it!
Even Sia who had taken up the duty of spokesman went silent and had his eyes trained on the stage. The young male was only four ranks but fifth ran beastmen were dueling him....this wasn't good!
Sydney was left in a stupor as she watched Caden prepare himself and keep a keen eye on his opponents. Majorly there was a warrior from the falcon clan who was a rank above him and had more battle experience than him.
"Go!" the mcee opened up the duel and Caden didn't wait for them to attack. He bolted and attacked the opponent he was most wary of but his opponent was already prepared for him. He held Caden by his arms and flung him hard onto the stone floor.
Ken groaned in pain but got himself up immediately. The others had also chosen their opponents and were dueling seriously. Some shameless males tried to beat up Caden since he had sustained injuries which could award them an easy victory but the falcon warrior wasn't having it!
Caden was his for beating.
Sydney covered her mouth to stop her self from screaming out. The stone surface was rough and she was sure his skin would get wounded...it had to be very painful..she wanted to go to him but realised that Sia was holding onto her arm tightly preventing her from going forward.
"You can't!" Sia said resolutely.
Truth be was that Caden had just recently attained his human form and was only 18 years old and had not much battle experience despite having transformed as a four rank beastman. It showed that he had potential at attaining greater achievements in the near years but his potential had not been tasted which turned out to be his worst disadvantage right now.
"You are the pride of the eagle clan? I'm disappointed!" The falcon warrior taunted and punched Caden throwing him off to a distance. He walked over with an imposing aura, that of a warrior as he underlooked Caden.
Standing up "At least I'm not shameless to bring clan battles to a duel for females." Caden spat with disdain. He had initially thought that the falcon clan was here to battle to win Sydney's favour but it seemed it was clan battles and they wanted to do away with him or at least embarrass him before the city residents.
"Ha....shame?! I'll show your beloved female how much of a mistake she made when she chose you! I'd like to see how you'll look when I take your place not only besides your female but also having the falcons become the kings of the sky." the warrior said and transformed into his beast form.
Caden gritted his teeth at the falcon's words. He also didn't stand on ceremony and shifted. He let out a battle screech as he spread his magnificent wings. The two birds got into a serious battle. He wasn't in much of a disadvantageous position since this had been the form he was best at when battling.
But that didn't beat the warriors years of experience and after fourteen minutes fighting from the sky, clawing at eachother and viciously pecking with their sharp beaks. The falcon had its claws embedded in Caden's wings as they descended from the sky at a high speed smashing the eagle to the ground to the point that there was a crack in the stage.
Ken who was watching couldn't help but wince but his attention went to Sydney only to see that she was in tears and another female was holding her down from charging to the battle field. He looked back at Caden and saw that he hadn't risen from the ground. The falcon warrior stepped away seeing his opponent unable to stand back up and he let out a screech proclaiming victory. His clansmen cheered on happily.
Aisha had a sad look on her face as she watched her brother's son. She worried for Sydney's reaction towards him. Most females didn't like male beastmen who were beaten at such duels and she wouldn't be surprised if Sydney abandoned Caden...she only hoped Sydney would be different!
And true to her thoughts, Sydney was different as she stood up from where she sat with tears in her eyes and ran over. Aisha felt her heart brim with joy!
Seeing Caden unable to get back up on his feet, Sydney broke from Sia's hold and she ran towards Caden. The other opponents had stopped battling and were only watching.
Reaching where he lay, she went to her knees and carried his eagle head to lay him on her thighs and saw that muscles at his wing joints had been torn and was bleeding profusely which explained why he didn't attempt to fly. "Caden...are you alright?!" She cried as she inspected him carefully. He opened his eagle eyes and let out a low screech. He was sorry!
"I know...you don't have to say anything....I understand it all! Ash, Ken..." Sydney called out and the two stepped on stage upon their female's call.
"It's going to painful but please bare with me. Can you shift back?!" she asked sniffing back her tears.
Caden didn't waste time and immediately shifted despite the brain numbing pain. Sydney took her animal skin coat and covered Caden's modesty.
"Female" The falcon warrior called onto Sydney seeing that she was ignoring him. "....the winner is me. My name is Brandon, a fifth rank falcon beastman. Can I become your mate?!" he asked.
Sydney stopped what she was doing and handed Caden to Ken then stood up to face the falcon beastman. "I appreciate you coming up to duel for me but I already have a flying beastman I've chosen to be my mate and that's Caden. Unfortunately for you, you hurt him intentionally. I reject your pursuit. Find another female." She said and turned to Ash. "I will choose my mates on my own. Not that I don't respect your traditions but my mates well being is more important to me. I'll personally evaluate a male who wishes to join my family. If any of you doesn't agree to this and wishes to push your norms onto me, then I'll have no other choice but to leave this city and find a home somewhere else." she said and looked around for Shawn. "Let's go home." she said that to him and he walked over to the stage.
Ken carried Caden carefully not to hurt him anymore and they left the bonfire.
Ash remained stationed at the stage and watched Sydney's retreating back in thought. "Anyone who isn't pleased with my female's decision is free to challenge me for the position of city Lord." he said and stepped from the stage to follow her home.
The beastmen watched in silence as the city lord left. The beastmen were simple minded and didn't proceed to make things difficult for their lord. The female had proclaimed that she'd leave the city and they were sure their lord would follow her if she left.