Chapter 167

Ivan

Yes, but that’s probably about the max he can put and he probably can’t keep it for very long. Remember you got back into the room and he released the pressure. But he also had me in the air at one point so I’m a little confused on what happened when. I was kinda out of it. Ariya said.

If the pressure is enough to break bones we’ll need to change tactics. I think you’re right on being able to fight through the pressure but I think you need to be able to move fast enough to get away from the pressure he’s putting on you as well. Drake said.

So 2 different parts to work on. Just 1 of them we don’t know where to even begin. Ariya grumbled.

It’s ok, we’ll figure it out. Caleb, have you recovered enough to be able to run back to them? I asked him.

Yeah I think so. You’re talking about the fast run, right? Caleb asked.

That’s right. We’re going to have a race. But with everyone staying connected. I don’t know if we can feel how the other is running but if we can maybe it will help us out? I suggested.

You’re on! Caleb said, excited.

Caleb and I turned to face the direction that Drake and Keo were in. We lined up evenly and leaned low to the ground.

Ready…Set…GO! Ariya called off for us.

I lunged forward, pushing off as hard as I could with my back legs as I raced back. Caleb and I were neck in neck as we ran. I tried to keep my body as low as when I started as we ran and slowly I started to push past Caleb. I pushed as hard as I could with my paws as I ran down the road. Each step propelled me forward as I went. We continued our race with Caleb slightly behind me. He wasn’t as far behind me as he usually ended up but I was very clearly faster than him. It wasn’t by a lot though. Caleb’s speed had increased drastically. The only thing we needed to work on was his endurance. That would come with time.

You ok back there? I asked Caleb.

I’m hanging on. I feel like I’m faster. I’m trying to copy what you’re doing. Caleb told me.

I could hear his labored breathing, even in his mind. He was running out of steam. We hadn’t been running for long but we were almost back to Drake and Keo.

We’re almost there. Give it every last little bit you have. I encouraged him as I surged forward even faster.

Keo and Drake were just up ahead. I could tell they were focused on seeing the way we ran. Seeing if there was anything that we could do differently to increase our speed. We slowed to a stop and Caleb laid down, panting heavily.

“You ok, Caleb?” Keo asked.

I’ll…be…fine. Ivan’s…trying…to…kill…me. Caleb panted.

My own breathing was faster than normal but not as bad as Caleb’s. He was trying to catch his breath.

Sorry Caleb. Maybe I pushed a little too hard. I apologized to him.

You’re good. I need to get faster. I also need more endurance. Caleb said, getting his strength back.

If that was one thing about all of us, we regained our strength relatively quickly. It wasn’t always that way but it was faster when we were well rested and fed. Ariya, Drake, and Keo were even quicker at recovering.

I shifted back to my human form. Caleb did the same thing. The others severed the connection we had in our mind and I looked at them curiously.

“You’re able to tell us what Ariya is saying. It’s not fair to you to be stuck with all of us in your head. You’re still getting used to it.” Drake told me.

I smiled to myself, “Thank you.”

They know this is an adjustment to you. They’re trying to respect that. We’ll need to talk at times, but it doesn’t mean that they always have to be in your mind. Ariya told me.

You’re the only one I want in my mind all the time. I told her.

I’ll be here, always. Ariya told me.

“Shall we check to see if your memories have been tampered with? Or do you need a minute?” Drake asked me.

“Does Ariya need to leave for you to check?” I asked him.

“It’s probably easier. Otherwise I might end up looking in her mind too.” Drake told me.

It’s not going to be for long, Ivan. I’ll be right back as soon as he’s done. I can go hang out with Keo for a minute. Ariya told me.

I sighed, “Ok. Ari’s going to hang out with Keo for a minute.”

Drake nodded and walked over to me putting his hand on my head. I closed my eyes, my breathing picking up. I don’t know why but I was nervous. I wasn’t worried about Drake but I was worried about what we would find. Drake looked at Keo who nodded, letting him know that Ari was with him. I gasped as a sharp pain moved through my body.