Age 9

Kong liked his private lesson, loved them absolutely since it was less chatter. Alas! some classes must be conducted with tons of noble kids and ordinary ranked wolves pups alike. So, right now, he and Arthit sat with thirty or more kids, all excitedly chattering about the blue moon.

" How big do you think alpha Guss's wolf will be ? "

" Do you think he will find his mate today? " someone added excitedly.

" I bet he has black coloured wolf, he is very powerful, he defeated four grown alphas in last year challenge ."

Kong raised a brow at his tawny, sand haired classmate, Gem " Who told you most powerful wolf is black? " Kong asked.

" Isn't it ? " The kid asked, sticking his nose in air " Mostly the alpha heirs are black. Our alpha is black" Gem added to prove his point. " And Redford's alpha too is black, he is very strong."

Kong smirked "How can be black wolf most powerful when so many alphas have black wolf.  Most powerful wolf is golden, like rays of the sun. His eyes are red like rubies"

Arthit grinned at him, raising an eyebrows as if to ask ' Really? '  and Kong jokingly elbowed him in the stomach.

Plin, the minister's daughter made a face. " Omegas are light coloured, betas ochre to brown and alphas different shades of black. No wolf is golden Suthiluck."

Kong shrugged " I already know one."

Arthit bit his cheek, barely stopping laughter.

" Oh, who is it, Kongpob ? " He asked, making the most innocent face.

" Really Kongpob?" Gem asked, eyes wide in wonder " Who is it ? "

" Ofcourse, alpha guss " Plin interrupted before Kong could say anything" He is chief heir, who can have wolf stronger than him?."

Kong stared at the girl " heir , historically speaking is the most eligible person to inherit the throne. Not the first born.Birth order doesn't matter. Khun Arak had an elder brother, but he was made the King.."

What Kong didn't know was Guss with his cronies, was listening to them, from behind a tree.
Guss ground his teeth, fuming . But when he stepped out, he did it with a smile, which only served to make him look more menacing rather than approachable.

" That's just a story, Nong." Guss said sweetly. " And in that too Khun Perwat was made the King, because his elder brother, Khun Gamon, the crown heir died."

"With all due respect alpha, the King had made clear, both his son's were equal contenders for throne. Khun Gamon, was a jealous alpha, who didn't think he will win against Khun Arak in a fair fight. So, he attacked Khun Arak's mate, and died a dishonorable death."

Guss clenched his fingers, his cronies glared at Kongpob.

" Be that as it may, Nong" Killian, Guss's best friend and only level headed alpha in group of Guss's cronies spoke.
" That was a story from centuries ago, in our world, the eldest is the future King. You all should know this " he swept a gaze over all the students present. " And since you people are so excited about Blue moon, let us tell you something about blue moon."

And they started telling the class about blue moon lore.

" Once upon a time, several centuries ago, the monthly moon phases were each given names that helped people prepare for various types of weather and crop rotations. Although these names varied depending on culture and location, they generally identified the sort of weather or other natural phenomenon that might take place in a given month. 

The moon itself is typically associated with mysteries, intuition, and the divine aspects of the sacred feminine. Some modern magical traditions associate the Blue Moon  with the growth of knowledge and wisdom within the phases of a wolf's life. Specifically, it is sometimes representative of the elder years, once a wolf has passed far beyond the status of early cronehood; some groups refer to this as the Grandmother aspect of the Goddess.

Still other groups see this as a time—because of its rarity—of heightened clarity and connection to the Divine. Workings done during a Blue Moon can sometimes have a magical boost if you're doing spirit communication, or working on developing your own psychic abilities. Some witch covens only do initiations during blue moon and so do we wolves.

As the blue moon gets close, We can feel the moon's calling in our soul. The wolf within us gets agitated. It's most aggressive in this period and that is why, the week of blue moon is filled with different tournaments and challenges in almost the areas.

There is culinary and household skills challenges for omegas — "

" Why not combat ? " Kong asked.

" Because Nong, earlier omegas were mostly confined in the roles of cooks, butler, Gardner and everything related to den management and upkeep and pup caring. Scenes are changing now..." Killian provided.

" Our pack does allow omegas in combat and weapon handling challenges since last two decades but we don't see any stellar performances " Mok, another Guss's friend added " Sometimes, I think old rules are the best. "

" Yeah...isn't it waste of resources and money to train people who do not have natural skill and physique for warfare? " Guss added. " We know omegas have most weak physical constitution out of all three, because they are not meant to be warriors. No omega in last two years have become even assistant trainers in two and a half decade since omega integration has started. It naturally proves that they are wasting their time in mastering a skill not meant for them, only to turn out trackers at most. They need to do what mother nature had made them for, to be healers and nurtures."

" Skills are built alpha " Kong glared at the alpha " by giving blood , sweat and tears to the chosen task. Not even alphas come round house kicking and fencing, out of mother's womb."

Kids started giggling at Kongpob's satire. " They are taught and  trained and tested again and again, honing their skills to the best capacity" Kong concluded despite anger rolling out of Guss in waves, making everyone anxious.

" I agree brother" Arthit added " also, omegas are made to spar with only other omegas and sometimes betas. Mostly trainers are alphas and they go easy on omegas. If we make our omega trainees practice with alpha trainees and trainees and trainers don't go easy on them as they do, I am sure we will have excellent omega warriors in no time. When I become trainer, I am going to implement this. I even have proof " he smiled looking at his best friend " I spar with Kongpob daily, I am sure he can stand his ground against any alpha present here, even you. "

Most of Arthit's classmates looked at him in awe. Alphas didn't generally agree to spar with omegas since their natural instinct to protect omegas go against the idea of attacking them. And they didn't think omegas as worthy and equal opponent.

But some classmates didn't like Arthit's outrageous and modern ideas and behaviour.

" So, you mean to say, Kongpob can take on alpha Guss ? " Plin asked, eyes narrowed in disbelief.

" I don't know if Kong can take on my brother or not. What I know with surety is that, he won't be defeated. Besides, it's his decision, if he wants to spar or not. " Arthit replied.

" Challenge...challenge " All the kids started eyeing Guss.

" I won't challenge him, since I don't believe in hurting omegas which is inevitable in a fight " Guss stated , smirking knowing what he will say next will irk Kongpob. " But I will definitely accept a challenge if Kongpob is up to it. I am sure everybody is eager to see how someone can think omegas could defeat Alphas. "

"If he keeps spouting shit, One of these days, I am really going to sneak belladona in your brother's food " Kong hissed angrily at Arthit.

" Calm down, Kong. " Arthit patted his shoulder " It's not good to go angry in to a fight. Go show him and every one else , how strong an omega can be. "

Kong just glared at Guss fuming. Arthit saw his brother smirking at Kong. He laughed internally. Kong was lethal in duals, Guss won't know what hit him.

Arthit smirked " I am challenging you to win that fight in two minutes, omega Kongpob. If you do, I promise to learn and build you a tree house on tallest tree. "

Kong raised a brow. " You will build a treehouse and we can have sleepovers there ? "

Arthit nodded encouragingly.

" Don't back out later" Kong warned " I am going to choose tallesttttt tree. "

" I don't like heights, but I will go there with you. You sneak with me to the lake too na .. we are a team and team win over fears together.  "

" Okay " Kong grinned. " Alpha Guss, I challenge you to a battle of strengths. May the best win. "

Guss smirked. " I accept your challenge, omega. And to even the challenge, I will tie one of my hands at the back. You may choose which one.  May the best win. "

Arthit was one to answer " Keep both your hands free, brother. I am speaking from experience.  You will need it to save your nose from cracking. "

" I hope you don't have to pick your omega in pieces alpha Arthit " Mok taunted.

" You need to revise your basics Phi Mok " Arthit chuckled " First lesson in warfare is to not think that your opponent is weak. I advise you to keep first aid kit ready ."

A circle was quickly cleared out.
The challenger and challenged stood before each other, bowed slightly and took their stance. "In less than  two minutes , Kongpob " Arthit yelled. " And no nosebreaking or jaw cracking, remember he is my brother. "

Kong looked back at Arthit " You are no fun. " he hissed.
Arthit grinned " I am just upping the ante "
Kong huffed " Fine.

Killian stood as a referee. He blew first warning whistle " The first one to make other submit or unconscious wins. No fatal injuries are allowed."
Both nodded and with the second whistle the fight started.

Both circled each other to look for the opening. Seeing one, Guss lunged at Kong, holding his right leg just below the knee and pulled, knocking Kong flat on his back.
He smirked at Kong, Kong just swiped his right leg under Guss's making him loose his posture, before he jump stood. Grabbing Guss's head,Kong  slammed his same knee at Guss's face, making his nose bleed out instantly.

Guss growled, his eyes turned dark, his claws came out, he took a blind swipe at Kongpob who quickly pressed some points on Guss's body, rendering him unable to move before finally pressing a point behind alphas  right ear, making him fall in a heap of bones and muscles.

" he is just unconcious" Kong told the horrified crowd " he won't be waking up for few hours. I guess, I win then? "

Arthit loudly clapped his hands. And ran to hug his friend. " You won your first challenge, this calls for celebration. "

  " He cheated " Plin and Mok cried at once. " He did something to the alpha " Mok said, " These techniques are not taught in our pack."

" These are just acupressure points and healers practice it everywhere. " Arthit defended Kong . " You can go ask our healer and even moon blessed is said to have used these to avoid injuring people who attacked him but render them unable to do harm at the same time. "

" I do recognise two points , I have had healer practice it on me when I broke my hand and couldn't stop moving it. " Killian offered to the crowd " While they look lethal, they are not even painful. I am surprised Nong Kongpob is able to perform them with such deftness and precision at this age. You must take healing profession Nong — "

" I am not a healer " Kong growled, glaring " I will not ever become one " He left the ground angrily.

" Everyone knows he gets angry when anyone suggest him about taking healing, why would you upset him ? " Arthit glared at Killian " Now, he will sulk for atleast three days. Do you know how hard is it to cheer him up ? "

" Okay...let me apologise to him na."
Arthit nodded and Killian went to find Kongpob.
.........

Surprisingly, Killian was able to find Kong and calm him enough to listen to his apology.Kong did forgive him and was instantly back in class, grinning and  happy.

Arthit was happy to see Kong happy but he was angry too. How could Kong easily become happy by few words of Killian ?

Seeing him sulking , Kong pulled at his cheeks " It's not because alpha Killian apologised. He told me, I have changed his views about omegas . He used to think omegas are weak and naturally unsuitable for combat but now he thinks, We need to innovate our techniques and stop training omegas according to alpha training regime since it is made according to alphas strengths and weaknesses. We need omega regime which will use omega's strengths and teach them to apply it effectively while facing the opponents. "

" But I told you this long ago. Didn't I say, you fight however you want, whatever comes naturally to you? Then what is so special ? "

" Yeah...you said long ago, last year only. But he isn't genius like you, Arthit. If he is seeing omegas as strong , other people will soon start thinking like that too. "

Arthit grinned " You think I am genius, wickedly smart. "

Kong raised a brow , Arthit continued " and I have strongest wolf ever..."

" I think you need a smack on the head too " Kong added chuckling. Arthit just grinned. " Doesn't mean I am not wicked smart and strong. "

" Attention  class " Killian clapped to the class " with alpha Bermont's permission, I will be your mentor for today. "

" Tell us more about blue moon " Toota Said. Most of the kids hummed in agreement. 

" Okay. " Killian smiled " On Blue moon, every wolf , who has attained the age of 14 and above, will feel the call of moon. The wolf in us, come to surface, taking the physical form for first time. We worship the moon goddess by offering our blood to our clan, offering our service, loyalty and life to the pack and by association the alpha,  for the greater good of our pack and packmate. And then we run, under the protection of our moon goddess, watching us from sky as we run, hunt and play together in our goddess given forms. "

" And we find mates " Toota , a chubby cute omega, added excitedly.

" Although, not every time, but We do on occasions." Killian answered.

" Can a wolf who is younger than 14 not change on Blue moon ? What if he is very powerful? " Plin asked.

Killian pursed his lips to think " The Myths do suggest it, but We have not yet seen such a case in real life." He answered, sending a glance at Kong. But the omega wasn't paying attention.

" I'm waiting for the day you turn 14" Kong whispered. " I want to see their eyes fall out of sockets ! "
Arthit giggled. Kong smirked.
They had secrets of their own.

Plin glared at the pair " Alpha Guss will change tonight." She added stubbornly. " You cheated , no matter what alpha Kilian says. "

Kong shrugged nonchalantly.  He truly didn't care. He knew in his heart that his best friend was the most strongest wolf in the continent and the rightful alpha too.

..............

Kong was exhausted after enduring a long day of chattering of pre teens and his first challenge too.  As soon as they returned to his room, Kong Sprawled on his bed.

" Kong" Arthit poked a dozing Kongpob.

" What ? " Kong barked, eyes still closed.

" How do I do it ? "

" Do What ? " iterated an exasperated Kongpob.

" Change! " Arthit replied, equally frustrated.

Kong huffed , glaring at Kong " Seriously ? You can't  untie it again? " He pulled the drawstring of Arthit's trousers " Now, go change."

" Not this, Kongpob" Arthit whisper yelled, quickly tying the strings back.

" Change in to wolf form on Blue moon."

Kongpob's eyes snapped open " Are you mad? "

" You know its hard to resist normal full moons. No wolf can resist the pull of blue moon, Ai Kong. I barely restrained myself last year. "

Kong intertwined his hand with Arthit's
" You are strong Thit. You can do it. I will help you na. I will even sneak with you to the lake, We can even sleep there if it helps. We will take tons of food, even that stinky squid crackers. I won't even get angry, even if I get cold or even fever. Na
...  " Kong stared at Arthit hopefully.

" Kong, " Arthit's spirit didn't even lift when Kong hugged him, patting his back in support "That sounds so nice. But, I know I won't be able to Ai Kong. I don't want to lie to you. I want a backup plan."

" Talk to your father then."

" What if he forbids it like last blue moon ? He alpha commanded me not turn, last time! "

" It's good isn't it ? Let's do that again... "

Arthit sighed, his shoulders sagged " His alpha command barely held last time. I don't want to forego his command , Ai Kong. It will be directly challenging him."

" But, he is our alpha! How can you forego his command? "

" I can , Ai Kong. I can feel it in my bones. Saeng is strong enough to break his command"

Kong pursed his lips. " yeah, i felt that. Saeng is indeed getting stronger. What if I knock you out ?"

Arthit narrowed his eyes " Why does your plan always involve knocking me out ? "

Kong frowned, as if Arthit was overreacting " If you are knocked out, then you can't change right ? So, you will not forego King's command and no one would see you, so you will be safe... its a win win right ?  And it won't even hurt, i will just make you a potion, you smell it and you will be knocked out. You will even have nice dreams..."

" I don't want nice dreams Kongpob. I want to run under full moon, in my goddess given form... "

" You will have to wait for 4 more years my friend..." Kong said, caressing Arthit's shoulder in pity. Arthit just sat sagged.

Kong sat wordless for a moment.
" There will be lots of newly turned wolves on Blue moon, Ai Thit.  Their strengths will be at peak, so will be their sense of smell. I am afraid what will happen if they discover you.....we handled prince Guss, but many wolves together ...how will we handle that? "

Arthit looked helplessly at Kong " I don't know Kongpob. But, I know I need a plan, because i feel Saeng will claw itself out, if needed. He wants to honour the moon goddess. "

" He started talking to you ? " Kong asked surprised, " That doesn't happen before 17 or 18 years. "

" No, but I can feel his thoughts. "

" That's how wolves talk. "

" Then he started talking since last year I guess..."

" Oh... then this is indeed matter of worry. What if I mix the knockout potion in drinks of blue moon party. It won't taste or smell different. Nobody will know. "

Arthit's jaw fell open " Are you seriously considering to knock out our  whole pack?"

Kong looked at Arthit, brows knitted with confusion" You said you wanted to run in wolf form... didn't you ? If anyone sees you, We will break King's express command. But if they are unconscious.... " Kong smirked mischievous. 

" Absolutely No, Kongpob." Arthit yelled horrified " No knocking out. Not me, not the pack. "

Kong threw his hands in air " Then, I don't know what to do!"

" we will find a way"

Kong ran through his brain, but he couldn't find a solution, so he just hugged Arthit tightly, hoping Arthit will get some comfort in knowing Kong was always with him.
" Yeah..." Kong hummed " We will find a way."

........