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Thomas looked out at the crowd gathered on the hill as an owl in a navy robe stepped onto the platform. The young Lion shivered as the wind blew across his bare torso and legs. He spotted his Mother and Father in the crowd, his Mother sobbing as his Father held her. He wanted desperately to do the same, to jump from his position on the Platform, and wrap his arms around her. To tell her he'd be okay, and tell her he loved her. Unfortunately, he was bound to two separate posts, his arms spread eagled above him. "People of Aramat! We gather to witness the punishment of this Lion!" The Owl cried out as the crowd silenced. "By the Kings order, this Lion shall be given 30 lashes, before being sacrificed to the Protector, as punishment for disobeying the King's order to lay with him!" The crowd cheered approvingly, as Thomas heard his Mother wail in despair. Thomas remained silent. He wondered what would become of him after being given to the Protector. He let his mind wander as the Owl continued to speak to the audience gathered, as a muscular horse walked up behind him. Truth be told he hadn't refused the king. He had been attacked, and beaten by thieves into unconsciousness on his way to the castle. His right eye was still swolen from the attack, and bruises adorned his body. The King had actually been quite sympathetic to the Lion's plight, however, the laws had been in place for Generations, and his paws were tied. "I truly am sorry Thomas. If you survive your encounter with our Protector, You may return, and will be given untold riches." He had said as he hugged Thomas tightly in apology. The Owl was stepping away from Thomas as a drum began beating in the background. He heard the experimental crack of the whip behind him as he flinched. He tried to put on a brave face for those gathered as he looked at their faces. He recognized nearly all of them. Most he didn't know by name, but he'd seen them as a servant to the King. His best friend Jacob smiled comfortingly. He nodded back at the Fox, who had been his best since childhood.

As the drums went silent a loud crack was heard. Thomas nearly screamed as Fire rushed across his back. Another crack, this time Thomas DID scream in pain. Another crack, Thomas stifled another scream by biting his cheek tightly. After another 10 Thomas was losing the fight to remain awake. Every blow was a new experience in pain. He blacked out after another 7. When he woke again the count was 29. With a final crack, Thomas groaned as the flogging ended. As the crowd disapaited, He heard his mother crying as he felt different pairs of hands gently carressing his teenaged mane, and wrapping around his bare torso. Looking up he saw his parents getting to say what would undoubtedly be their final goodbye to their only son. His father held a wineskin to Thomas' lips as the younger lion drank deeply. Letting the cool water inside quench his thirst, and soothe his sore throat. He then smiled softly. "I'll be okay mom. I promise. I'll come back, and we'll be happy again." His father smiled. As his mom sobbed further. "You hang on to that thought, boy. No matter what happens to you, you keep that thought in your head. And know that whatever happens, we love you, more than anything on this planet." His father said kissing his son's forehead. His mother showered him with more kisses, holding tightly to him and sobbing into his chest fur. "Stay strong, my child. Please return." She cried as Thomas managed to kiss her forehead. "I will. I promise." He said as his father gripped his mother and pulled her away, before grabbing a bucket filled with scented oil. Dipping his paw inside, he began rubbing it over his son's nearly bare body. Coating his chest, arms, legs, footpaws, paws, back, head and tail in the mixture, until his body was slick with it. It was by tradition, that the Parents be the one to anoint the sacrifice. He next pulled a dagger, and cut away the Prisoner loincloth, baring is son's body completely.

Next he pulled out a necklace he kept tucked in the neck of his tunic. Removing it from around his own neck, he placed it around his son's. The design was intricate. Gold wrapped around two Onix stones with silver plated Lions chiselled into the center of each. His mother in tears removed a scarf from around her neck, and tied it as a sash around Thomas' waist. It draped delicately covering his sheath and balls. She next removed her ring from her finger. It was a gold band with Saphirre, Ruby, and Emarald insets. She placed it on his right pinkie and backed away. His father than spoke. "With these gifts, these prized possessions which have belonged to our family for generations, we send you as Sacrifice to the Great Protector. May he show gratitude for our strength in parting with them, as well as you. My only son, My only Child." He then turned, said one last Goodbye, and with that his parents walked off the platform, down the long hill, and back into the city's walls, Leaving their scantily clad son to face the unknown, alone. He stayed there, bound to the posts at the top of the hill. The city was barely visable below. A small section could be seen, as people went walking about completing daily mundane tasks as they bustled about. Some he thought would occasionally look up at him. He stayed there for an unknown amount of time, before he heard a church bell sound in the city. It was answered by a loud conch horn. The Great Protector had been summoned. He watched as the people in the city began running indoors, many fearing the stories that anyone caught would also be considered a sacrifice.

He remained there, nearly naked, arms bound spread eagle above him as he felt his blood drip down his back. He wondered exactly how many of the lashes had broken his skin. He'd watched a number of different anthros get whipped. Some for petty theft, others for desertion of the King's Army, even more for disobeying the King. He remembered, many had only recieved welts at first, but as the floggings continued, the lashes would cut into the prisoner's flesh, leaving long gashes criss crossing the unfortunate anthro. He stayed there as the sun began to set, as sleep began to overtake him. As the last rays disappeared over the horizon, so too did the last ounce of strength as the lion fell asleep. He dreamed he was a cub, back in the city. His father beamed down at him as the cub looked up with big eyes. "You did a great job today son! I'm so proud of you!" The cub smiled at him as the larger lion picked him up. "I did?" The cub asked. His father nodded as he kissed his son's cheek. "Yes. Even the Prince praised your song. How'd it go again?" Before the cub could answer Thomas awoke. The moon was now directly over him, everything was bathed in it's soft glow. He shivered as the wind blew again, chilling his nearly nude body. He silently wished for his fur blanket, or even just some clothes so he could warm himself. He sat silent for a moment before beginning to sing softly.

"Should've stayed. Were there signs I ignored?

Can I help you, not to hurt anymore?

We saw brilliance when the world was asleep.

There are things that we can have, but can't keep.

If they say,

Who cares if one more light goes out,

In the sky of a million stars?

It flickers, flickers.

Who cares when someone's time runs out,

If a moment is all we are?

Or quicker, quicker.

Who cares if one more light goes out?

Well, I do.

The reminders pull the floor from your feet.

In the kitchen one more chair than you need.

Oh.

And you're angry, and you should be, it's not fair.

Just 'cause you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there.

If they say,

Who cares if one more light goes out,

In the sky of a million stars?

It flickers, flickers.

Who cares when someone's time runs out,

If a moment is all we are?

Or quicker, quicker

Who cares if one more light goes out?

Well, I do.

Who cares if one more light goes out,

In the sky of a million stars?

It flickers, flickers.

Who cares when someone's time runs out

If a moment is all we are?

Or Quicker, Quicker,

Who cares if one more Light goes out?

Well I do.

I do."

He finished his song with a choked voice. He'd sang it after the King had died as a cub during the funeral, after the Prince and future King had requested for the best singer at his school to sing. He wondered as he sang it, if he was singing it because this was his end, or because of the dream. "That was beautiful." A voice said as he was shaken from his thoughts "Wh-Who's there? Show yourself!" At this a large dragon approached. It had scars on it's face, and side, and it's body was covered in orange and red scales. "Tell me, Little one, do you know who I am?" The lion was scared silent. He knew exactly who it was. The Great Protector. He realized he was trembling, be it from cold, fear, or both, he wasn't sure. "I'm sure you are too scared to speak so just nod." The Protector said. Thomas forced his trembling body to nod. "Good, so you know I am the Great Protector, as you call me?" Again a forced nod. "I'll be honest, I normally don't much care about the Sacrifices I'm given. Many of them, beg, and scream, and cry. Normally they wind up eaten, because they annoy me. But you, you welcome me with beautiful music. I like that. Tell me, what is the name of that song?" Thomas forced his body to answer. "O-One M-More Light, Great one." The Dragon circled him slowly, taking in the trembling Lion's body. He stopped as he saw Thomas' scourged back.

'Damaged, A shame, angels like this should NEVER face the lash'

"For one so... damaged, you certainly are beautiful, Little one. I'll make you a deal, if you come with me for the next 24 hours, and do everything I tell you, regardless of what it may be, or how embarrassed you may be doing it, I will allow you to go home. If you refuse, I will leave you here, but when they find you, you will not be able to ever speak or sing again. Do you agree to my terms?" The young Lion wanted nothing more than to be safe, but even so he was scared. Just as the young Lion was about to refuse, he remembered his promise, that he would return, and they would be happy. One of the many things that made his parents happy was hearing him sing to them. "I agree, Great Protector. Do with me as you will." The Dragon smirked before biting the chains which bound Thomas in two. Thomas felt his exhausted body crash to the wooden platform as the chains broke. He groaned as the nerves in his back screamed in agony. The Great Protector, looked sympathetically at the young anthro lion. "Can you stand?" Thomas tried in vain to move, before replying. "I can barely move. I apologize, Great Protector, I'm just so very tired."

"All is well, young one. Lie still, I'll help you up." The dragon gently gripped the lion in his maw and lifted him onto his back. "Hold tightly to my spike." The dragon said as he took off with a single flap of his powerful wings. As they flew, Thomas quickly fell asleep. When he awoke, he found his mother's scarf had been removed, as had his father's necklace, and his mother's ring. He was lying on his stomach on a pile of soft furs, which caressed his bare body. Looking around he found himself in a cave, a bonfire roared to his left. He layed back against the furs, strangely finding safety in them, as though if he left, he would die. His back ached dully as he lay still, the Protector nowhere in sight. He sat in silence, wondering exactly what it was the Protector would do to him. He and Jacob often talked about it each time a sacrifice was returned safely. They would always be male sacrifices, and almost always would seem as though they had been changed completely. Many of those who had bullied Thomas had come back differently. Kinder, gentler, and always, completely naked. Jacob would often joke that the Protector would steal their minds, change them completely, and return them. He wondered if it was true. Perhaps if he asked, the Protector would tell him.

He slowly found himself falling back to sleep as he heard the heavy thud of the Protector approaching behind him. "Are you comfortable, Lion?" The Protector asked as Thomas gingerly turned to meet his gaze. "Yes, thank you, Great Protector." The dragon rolled his eyes. "Enough of that 'Great Protector' stuff. My name is Akimaru."

"I'm Thomas, sir." Akimaru smiled. "Quite a strong name. Lay back down Thomas, I must tend to you before we begin." Thomas obeyed the instruction, before asking a question. "May I sleep while you do Akimaru? I'm still quite tired." Akimaru smiled "If you are able to sleep, you may, Thomas. If you aren't able to I should warn you this will feel quite strange, borderline uncomfortable, But I swear to you, it is necessary." Thomas nodded and layed his head against the soft fur. "I trust you sir. May I ask one last question?"

"You may ask questions at any time." Thomas wondered if he truly wanted to know what Akimaru would do to him, or if it was better not to know. Sealing himself he asked, "What will you do to me while I'm here?"

"I haven't quite decided yet." The dragon said simply. Thomas let the words sink in. He wasn't stupid, he knew the dragon intended to kill him, the dragon just didn't want him to run. He wondered if it would hurt when he died. Akimaru Layed down by Thomas. "Lay still, I'm going to begin now." Thomas layed still as he felt something as thick as his body, and very wet begin rubbing his back. it moved from the base of the top of his tail, to his neck, before repeating the motion, over and over again. Thomas layed still, the sensation similar to when his mother had licked his wounds after he'd get hurt as a cub. The repetitive motion soon lulled him to sleep, as Shikamaru continued to lick the injured Lion's back.

When Thomas awoke again, he felt his nude body lying against Akimaru. He quickly realized his back no longer hurt,but his member was erect and throbbing against his stomach. Embarrassed, he covered his erection. "Don't cover it. I find it... pleasing." Akimaru said softly. Slowly Thomas moved his hands away, his head lowered in shame. "You don't need to be upset, my dear Thomas. This is a result of me tending to you." Thomas remained with his head down as he responded, "What do you mean?" Akimaru smiled softly, though Thomas couldn't see it. "My saliva holds healing properties, Any wound, regardless of severity will be healed. However, if it gets in one's bloodstream, well... that is the end result." Thomas smiled softly. "I thought it was because I normally awake this way."

"Why do you not look at me, Thomas?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Why, when you speak to me, do you not look at me?" Thomas shrugged. "I was told I am not to meet the gaze of you by the King, sir." Thomas replied truthfully. "Meet my gaze, Thomas." The young Lion looked up at the great dragon. "I can understand your fear. I can understand you not wanting to be here, and yes, I even understand your embarrassment. But you were left for me. Honestly, I never once asked for a sacrifice each year, but the King insisted I take a virgin to do with as I see fit."

"What did you do with them?" Akimaru smiled. "At first, I wasn't sure what to do. At first, I would simply strip them of the gifts given to me, then I would release them. After a while, they got beligerant, angry, many would even go as far as to attack me. At that point, I simply ate them. Now, I just don't know. I was going to eat you. But I.. I honestly don't know what to do with you. I do not want to kill you for you have such a wonderful voice. Would you do me a favor, my dear Thomas?" Thomas nodded. "Sing me a song. Any song you think I'd like, while I decide what to do." Thomas thought of the songs he knew, before he licked his lips, and began to sing.

"There are places I remember, all my life,

Though some have changed.

Some forever, not for better.

Some have gone and some remain.

All these places have their moments,

Of lovers and friends I still can recall.

Some are dead and some are living,

In my life I loved them all.

And with all these friends and lovers

There is no one, compares with you.

And these mem'ries lose their meaning,

When I think of love as something new.

And I know I'll never lose affection,

For people and things that went before.

I know I'll often stop and think about them.

In my life I loved you more.

And I know I'll never lose affection,

For people and things that went before.

I know I'll often stop and think about them.

In my life I loved you more.

In my life I loved you more."

Akimaru smiled warmly as Thomas finished his song. "You have the most beautiful voice I have ever heard, young Thomas. That song, it sounds so... Happy, how you sing it, but the words, they are so haunted. As though the writer will never again see his true love. Sing. Sing one last song. I was so caught up, I hadn't even considered what to do with you, but make this an upbeat one, would you?" Thomas nodded, "I have a song that the cubs like to hear, if that would please you sir." Akimaru nodded, as Thomas began,

"I'd like to be under the sea

in an octopus' garden, in the shade.

He'd let us in, knows where we've been,

In his octopus' garden in the shade.

Thomas sped up the tempo, remembering the cubs enjoyed it slightly faster.

I'd ask my friends to come and see,

An octopus' garden with me.

I'd like to be under the sea,

In an octopus' garden in the shade.

We would be warm below the storm,

In our little hideaway beneath the waves.

Resting our head on the sea bed

In an octopus' garden, near a cave.

We would sing and dance around,

Because we know we can't be found!

I'd like to be under the sea,

In an octopus' garden in the shade.

We would shout and swim about,

The coral that lies beneath the waves."

"Lies beneath the ocean waves!" Akimaru sang as he joined in. His voice booming along the cave walls, yet almost magical.

"Oh what joy for every girl and boy

Knowing they're happy and they're safe!"

"Happy and they're safe!"

"We would be so happy you and me!

No one there to tell us what to do!

I'd like to be under the sea

In an octopus' garden with you."

Akimaru hummed along with the last chorus, his forepaw tapping in front of him as Thomas sang. As the song concluded, Akimaru sat silent, looking thoughtfully at Thomas.