Sins of the Flesh: Part 02 The Introduction
The world slowly starts to return to the polar bear. His eyes glint open to a dark room, his ears start to pick up the sound of a heavy engine revving and the small but sudden bounce in the room brought him back to consciousness.
Every part of his body aches from weakness and neglect. His stomach growls from hunger only overshadowed by his thirst. He struggles to push himself up to a sitting position before starting to adjust to his surroundings. He notices there's not a shred of clothing on his body and his fleecy white fur hadn't been washed for so long that it was closer to grey than white.
"Hey! I think I see him moving..." a voice from the darkness calls out. The polar bear looks to where it came from and just manages to see a large creature sitting in a cage. It's at this point he notices that he is also caged. "Hey buddy. You okay?"
Even squinting in the darkness he could not clearly see the trapped being. It was far too dark to make anything out and his eyes were still hindered from a long sleep, "Where am I?"
"We are currently in the back of a truck. You were out the entire journey. Before getting on this truck we were on two different planes. They kept you drugged."
The bear examines his bars, sliding his weakened claw up and down before relaxing up against them.
"My name is Jason. What's yours?"
"Ro... Reece..." the bear found it hard to speak those words. His throat's beyond parched.
"You sound awful but at least you are still alive. It's nice to finally talk to someone. The dragon isn't exactly mister charisma."
"Dragon?" Now that his eyes had just about adapted he could make out his surroundings. The truck's bare aside from three cages. The Polar Bear, the Red Dragon and the Orca. The dragon sat in his cage turned to the wall, uninterested in finding a new friend. He merely glanced over his shoulder at the bear with bright yellow eyes before returning to stare the wall. The Orca seems to be in the best shape, eagerly looking to the polar bear with a glimmer of relief. His present company was also bereaved of clothing. The three of them were strong, well hung beings deprived of modesty. Reece strangely felt a little more comfortable knowing he wouldn't be facing the unpredictable near future alone.
"I am guessing we were all bought at that auction by the same girl. I am still trying to get my mind around it. One day I am out fishing with my friends and then I pass out over dinner. When I wake up I am in a cage being sold off. How in god's holy fuck nugget can that happen so quickly?" Reece detected a distinct Canadian accent in the voice of the distressed whale.
"You're Canadian right?" Reece tries to strike up a different conversation, just to relieve the negativity that gloomed over them.
"Yeah that's right. Although I am more of a soccer fan that a hockey nut. What about you?"
"English. Do you know where he comes from?" Reece points to the dragon.
"You think I would know. I have been trying to talk to him the whole damn trip but he is a stubborn asshole. Maybe you could get a word out of him?"
Reece looks to the dragon and pauses, "No. He needs time with his own thoughts. He may not look it but he is young and inexperienced. Being thrown into this kind of scenario so quickly is... challenging."
"Do not talk about me like I am not here..." the dragon growls under his breath.
There was a brief pause. Jason stared at the dragon with mild shock, "It speaks! I was starting to wonder if you spoke any English."
"I wish I didn't so that I could tolerate you two idiots talking."
Reece picked up on the Dragon's accent pretty quickly, it sounded Middle Eastern but it wasn't terribly thick. There was a little Greek in the balance of his voice, "You're Turkish. Am I right?"
"You have experienced ears... bear."
"You better improve your attitude Dragon. If you don't get past your stubbornness and pride it will only hinder you."
"Keep your advice to yourself. I don't give a shit about you or that fucking fish. Just stay out of my way and out of my life."
"Hey! I am a mammal!" the Orca interrupts with a huff.
"Like it or not we are in your life right now. If we don't face what is to come together our chances of getting out of this alive will certainly not improve..." Reece says trying to make the dragon see some form of reason and common sense.
His message fails to sink in and the dragon keeps to himself, staring at nothingness. "Well can't say you didn't try polar bear," Jason says with a beleaguered sigh. "I have no idea where we're going but we can play twenty questions till we get to wherever we are going. These bars are solid titanium, must have cost a fortune to put together. No way of getting ourselves out."
"No. It's fine. I think for now I should be alone with my thoughts for now. We can work on a plan once we know where we are. We must be nearing our destination."
"I certainly hope so... I have been holding my bladder for far too long."
Reece tries to relax in that cage as best he could. Find a position comfortable enough to think clearly in was a challenge in of itself, especially with the truck bouncing every few yards. However Reece wasn't thinking of a plan. He could not help but think of the circumstances that brought him into that situation and everything that has lead up to his enslavement.
The chauffeur opens the limousine door for its two occupants. A charcoal black wolf steps out first sporting a fine grey suit with matching tie, adjusting himself before leaning in and taking out his shoulder bag. Following the wolf is a snow white polar bear sporting a black suit with a matching tie. They both look up at the impressive skyscraper towering over them. It was uniquely designed and looked a little like the Shard in London.
"Okay. I will admit that this is not the worst idea in the world... I am almost convinced this is not a trap," the bear says with a hint of sarcasm.
"Come on Rob. This is definitely a risk worth taking. An opportunity like this doesn't happen every day. Besides we have our guardian angel if shit just happens to hit the fan," the wolf replies optimistically as he adjusts his glasses and pulls out his mobile phone, making a quick call, "Are you in position?" a few words are spoken on the other line, "I don't care how sexy you find us in these suits. Can you see our P.O.I? ... Okay great don't take your crosshairs off him until we leave the building safe and sound," he hangs up and slides the phone into his inside pocket.
"She confident she can make the kill if needs be?"
"I think her words were, 'The little mouse is in my claws' you couldn't find a more poetic sniper," the wolf says as he leads the way inside into the lobby. The interior had a unique feel to it. There was a professionally designed look to fuse between Japanese culture and cold rough business. The floor comprised of dark stone colours and the decoration was stereotypical Japan, a large rock garden in the middle with a small fountain and a few places to sit down. Some stone carvings on the walls but nothing too overwhelming.
They both approach the large reception desk still chatting. Only one person sat behind it.
"Does she make you uncomfortable?" Rob asks.
"Very."
"You should cut her some slack David. She has seen a lot in her short life. Nobody comes back from war whole."
"I am sure I would be more comfortable around her if I was balls deep in her every day," he says sarcastically. David's comment suddenly caught the attention of the female equine receptionist now looking at them with some amusement, "Apologies madam. We have a meeting with mister Oda, The Grey Brothers."
She nods still grinning and starts to look up the schedule on her computer. Rob resumes their conversation with a lower tone of voice, "If you weren't gay I am sure she would have no objections. She obviously finds you attractive."
"When do you think she will catch on?"
"No idea."
The mare receptionist speaks out to them, "I have your appointment details here. You are to take the private elevator to the penthouse on the top floor. Mister Oda has cleared his day to see the two of you. Follow me."
The two of them share a surprised glance before they follow the mare across the lobby. "Let me be the first to welcome you to Oda Sciences and Technology. The building you now stand in is the central hub for the entire company. We now stand as the forefront in applied sciences and new technology..."
"You don't have to make a speech love. We aren't investors," Rob interrupts we a slight chuckle.
"Oh... okay then. I just assumed you were. Investors are the only ones Mister Oda will clear his schedule for. He is a very busy man as you can imagine. He likes to keep himself involved in all that goes on here which is why he has taken residence on the top for."
"Not uncommon for business tycoons..." David mutters.
The three of them approach a lone elevator at the back of the lobby guarded by two security canines armed with automatics and geared up in body armour, "Well... he seems a to be a careful man..." Rob says eyeing the guards with suspicion.
"Mister Oda has good reason to be so guarded. Threats on his life have increased due to his research into bio augmentation and stem cells. Although it wasn't until recently he has brought armed security into the building. Lately he has been... quiet..." The mare presses the call button and the doors open, "Ah... I shouldn't speak about him so freely. I apologize."
"It's quite alright," the bear says as they enter.
"So what business do you have with Mister Oda if you don't mind me asking...?"
"He has asked us to help with field testing of some of his military tech." David claims knowing full well that isn't the whole truth.
The Mare enters the combination on the elevator keypad carefully, shielding it away from Rob and David. The doors close and they begin their ascent. As David compliments the Mare on her beautiful glossy mane Rob keeps focused. He has no idea how things are going to play out with this meeting. Seeing armed security present makes him all the more uncomfortable.
They stop at the very top of the tower and lead out of the elevator into an office very similar in style to the lobby, cold yet culturally stylish with a huge amount of space to spare. A lone desk sits in the centre fitted with a computer and magnificent view of the city portrayed behind. The office had a large bed on one side of the room and an area to lounge around in with a couple of sofas and TV. There was only one other door besides the elevator, presumably the bathroom. Only one obvious thing was missing from the room.
"Where is mister Oda?" Rob asks.
"Just freshening up gentleman, I will be with you in a second," a voice calls from behind the door.
Rob and David stand at ease with the Mare. The bear's eyes look out into the cityscape wondering where his sniper had decided to take position. It was impossible to tell.
The door opens revealing their host. A tall athletic equine, almost red in colour, stood before them in a fine charcoal business suit drying off his hands with a towel. He had a long silky dark blood red mane and almond brown eyes. For such a business tycoon he was in remarkably good shape. Even for a horse.
"Thank you Noh. You may leave us," he instructs the mare. She gives a short respectful bow to him then to Rob and David before leaving on the elevator. "Now which one of you have I been chatting to online?" he asks.
"That would be me. David Jones. It's good to finally meet in person Mr Oda," the wolf shakes his hand pleasantly.
"Please I think after all those late nights gaming with you I think we are on a first name basis. Call me Nick."
"Unusual first name in japan," Rob remarks.
"I was born in America. I am surprised you haven't done your research."
"He hasn't, I have. Rob is the doer in our organisation. He leaves all the thinking up to me," David interrupts shooting a quick glare at Rob for his immediate attitude problem.
"I can relate to that. Nobody can do everything at once. I know you must have your suspicions about me but as unpopular as the two of you are I can assure you I didn't call you here under false pretences. I do wish to establish a relationship between Oda Information and Technology and... what is your group called again?"
"We... are still working on a name. Our group is still very young," David says scratching at the back of his head in embarrassment.
"I think we should find the chase and cut to it. Japan wouldn't be terribly welcoming to us if they found out we were here," Rob says in a direct tone.
"I understand. However I have taken precautions in that matter. You will be out of the country hours before Interpol finds out about it. It has cost me quite a few favours."
"Generous."
The horse slowly walks over to his desk and stands at it, looking down and resting his hands on the surface, "I have a lot to offer you. As you can understand I will not be able to give you any money. My accounts are watched very carefully. However I can give you resources and technology which will allow you to carry out your operations more effectively..." his upbeat tone changed to morbid. As if he was ashamed for some reason, "I know you must be wondering what I am asking for in return."
"The thought has crossed my mind," Rob said crossing his arms, giving Nick his full attention.
The horse gently takes a photo frame from atop his desk and looks at it with comfort. He turns and shows it to the bear and the wolf.
It was a picture of a young female equine smiling fondly for the camera. She carried the features of a Zebra, black stripes across her clearly displayed but instead of white skin it was almost red, the same colour at the horse that stood before them, "my daughter... I need you to save her..."
Rob... or Reece for the moment, snaps to his senses when he notices the truck has just stopped and the engine turns off. The sudden calm was far from calming. Jason stands and looks to the rear doors eagerly, "Uhhhh... okay what next?"
"Let's just play along and see how things progress. We need to know what we are dealing with before taking action," Reece replies standing in turn and watching. The dragon stays seated, choosing to remain stubborn and proud.
Reece's keen ears catch the sounds of running footsteps and quick movement from outside. Some words are exchanged but they are too muffled to make out. Suddenly the doors are flung open breaking very bright sunlight into the van. They squint and shield their eyes, trying to adjust as quickly as possible so they can see who is greeting them.
Suddenly the truck tilts a little as a heavy creature jumps in. Reece could make out a silhouette of someone larger than he, someone intimidating. He blinks a few times and his sight returns to normal. The being greeting them is a massive male silverback gorilla. The beast wore only boots and dark green cargo pants. His bare muscular upper body covered with tribal tattoos and scars. He even sports a Mohawk to finish off his menacing look.
The gorilla carefully inspects all of them in silence, shadowing them with deep black eyes. The orca looked taken aback by the sheer size of their captor. The dragon remained defiant to do anything but sit and look away. The gorilla grabs the corner bar of Reece's cage and pulls it with ease out the end of the truck. The bear doesn't try to stop him. It wouldn't be a productive move.
The cage is allowed to fall out of the truck and onto the ground, landing on its side with a hard clang. Reece is struck by the impact of the bars and the noise certainly put a sharp ringing in his ears.
The two other cages follow in the same fashion, their beasts suffering the same as Reece. The dragon roars in anger but it only greeted with laughter from the other captors encircled around them.
Reece took a good look around to see where fate had led him. It seems he had been brought to the front of a large compound mansion. The heat and humidity of their new climate didn't make being out of that truck any more bearable. However the clearer scent of the land around him was very familiar. He knew exactly where he had been brought.
The house itself had a very unique look to it as well, three floors with a dominating rooftop. A lot of the exterior had full glass windows overlooking the gardens of the compound. As for the gardens themselves they looked strictly attended, near perfect, not a flower or shrub out of place.
"Which one do we collar first?" an enthusiastic canine calls out, looking at the three of them with hunger. All within sight were male mammals, each seeming to take a great deal of enjoyment tormenting the beasts.
"Let's do the dragon first..."
"No! The killer whale! I want to see him squirm!"
"The polar bear looks angry! I want to see him try and fight back!"
All of them bickered back and forth like a bunch of playground bullies until the Gorilla decided for them. He unlocked the top of the Dragon's cage and allowed the hatch to fall open. The red being took his chance, darting out of the cage and leaping into the air trying the get his broad wing to catch the air. However he winced in pain mid take off and landed square on his face, barely getting two feet off the ground. The attempt made their captors laugh all the more harder. The only one maintaining professional composure is the giant gorilla. He approaches the floored Dragon with an overbearing demeanour and presses his heavy boot onto his back in between the wings. It is clear to see that the struggling dragon had no prayer of fighting back, not against such a strong Anthro.
Another approaches with a collar in hand, it looks high tech and made of thick strong metal. The gorilla takes the collar and leans over, quickly locking the collar tight around the untamed beast. Whatever that collar was it seems that once that gets around your neck it won't be coming off, a truly gruesome tool.
The Gorilla points to the Orca, signalling the next to be collared as he keeps his attention on the Dragon. Three captors approach, one holding the dreaded collar, "now little fish, you aren't going to give us any trouble, are you?"
Jason looks to Reece with worry, looking for some kind of sign on what to do. Reece shakes his head to him. Any action now will not meet with success. Their captors are on guard and experienced fighters. They know how to handle prisoners.
They open the Orca's cage and Jason exits carefully, "Good little fish. Here, I will even allow you to put this on yourself," he hands the sleek sea creature the collar.
Jason snatches it away in anger, "I am a mammal you cunt."
"Oooh! A dirty mouth, I can already tell you are going to make some very close friends here," the amused sarcasm was very clear.
Jason begrudgingly slid the device around his neck and locked it into place. He tugs on it a few times and sighs, feeling a little more naked that he already was. It isn't easy to so willing accept forced servitude.
The bear's cage opens next and Reece does the same as Jason, taking the collar in hand and locking it on around the thick scuff of his neck, trying not to get any hairs caught in the lock. A small cheetah captor approaches Reece with a great deal of sass, "Aww. What's wrong? I heard you were supposed to be the most aggressive delivery. Have you already given up? That would be disappointing for the mistress. She likes the violent ones."
"Back off," Reece warns, eyeing the cheetah coldly, beginning the clench with rage.
"Or what, you going to hit me? I would love to see you try. Go on, I dare y-UCK!" his last word suddenly cut off by the sudden impact of a broad fluffy white knuckle in his lower intestine.
He falls clenching his gut in tremendous pain. Reece expects a swift and sudden repercussion from his action but surprisingly it is met with laughter from the others, "Daryl. You gotta stop teasing untamed pets. You know we can't harm them once their collars are on."
As Reece suspected, these collars are more than meets the eye. He toys with it a little, as strong as it was it certainly wasn't uncomfortable. The metal was as soft as gold but as strong as titanium.
"What do these collars do?" Jason asks ominously, his anxious eyes clear to see.
"I think we will leave it to the mistress to explain everything to you. I will just say that jumping over the walls with that collar on wouldn't be a good idea," one says with a giggle.
"Yeah. Remember that tiger a few months back?"
"OH YEAH! HAHA! He looked so pleased with himself didn't he? Oh the look on his face."
It is safe to say the three of them didn't share the amusement. The Gorilla allowed the Dragon to stand. He reached to around his red scaled back trying to rub the muscles at the base of his wing. It seems that his ability to fly had been stripped from him. Reece could only imagine what that does to the pride of a Dragon.
"Move it. We need to hand you over to the mistress and get our pay quick. This heat is murder," the captors lead the way keeping the three of them herded together in a square. The silent Gorilla following behind watching them carefully. That one intimidating primate stood apart from the rest. The polar bear had a funny feeling he wasn't associated with the other captors.
As they entered into the building they all breathed a sigh of relief as the cold air conditioning swept over them, Reece also enjoyed the sudden change in temperature. "Come on. I want to hand you over and get paid," said a begrudged hyena seeming to be the one in charge for the moment. The canine looked to the Gorilla, "Where is she?" The gorilla didn't speak, he just started signing with his hands in reply, "I don't know sign language, monkey. Write it down."
The ape took a small notepad and pen out of his pocket. After scribbling down a few words he showed it to the Hyena discreetly, "What? We aren't doing that! I just want to get paid and leave. It has been a long job. If you don't take us to her now we will take the pets back and leave. Move it!"
The gorilla frowned and snorted a little, insulted by the hyena's tone. But alas he did as he was requested, leading them further into the rich interior.
All three of them took in everything as the marched, the interior of the mansion was as stereotypical as you could imagine. Fine art and decorations, stone walls and pillars of marble, red carpet and crystal chandeliers. Nothing brought about surprise.
They are taken to a large set of wooden double doors at the end of the hallway, finely made and hand carved by skilled carpenter. This home was made to impress. But impress who?
The gorilla knocks three times, "You may enter," a female voice calls. The ape pushes the doors open. They enter a large office library. A large lone wooden desk sits unattended at the far end. A few seating areas arranged accordingly and a massive collection of hardbacks covered the shelves on opposing walls all the way to the ceiling. Straight wooden floor perfectly waxed and polished, they could see the reflections of their naked forms perfectly in the sheen. Ears catch the sound of Mozart's requiem at its finest.
Reece looks to the female sitting in the corner reading quietly, not taking her eyes off her read to look at the new guests. She was a Zebra, beautifully formed from head to toe. Her dyed blue mohawked mane certainly clashed with her black and white stripes but it seemed she just wanted to match the fine blue dress she sported around her well-endowed form.
"We have your delivery mistress Rin, we await ou-" the hyena calls out before being silenced suddenly when the equine held up a single finger signalling him to wait while she finished her page. She certainly seemed to hold a commanding presence. They waited a minute, the captives look at each other in some confusion and impatience.
She places her bookmark gently in her place, closes the book and looks up to the others, "Yes?"
"Look. It has been a long haul and we need our pay," the hyena says standing at ease.
"Why are you presenting me with my pets in such a state? Didn't Goliath tell you to send them to the baths before bringing them to me?"
"Well... yes but..."
"I am deducting ten percent."
"What?!"
"Ten percent for poor presentation. A flesh club trafficker should know better."
The hyena's eyes look as if they were going to catch fire, "Are you serious!? Do you have any idea how hard it has been getting these three across continents! We haven't slept for days!"
"Mind your tone. You forget who you are speaking to. I am deducting ten percent. If you wish for full coverage, speak to your employer but I am certain he will agree with me and punish you for such unprofessional conduct," she speaks so calmly and doesn't move an inch from her seat. She shows who truly is in charge.
The Hyena wanted to argue but no words escape him. He was well and truly held by the balls on this one, he clenches his sharp white teeth and mutters, "I accept."
"Good. Now stand aside. I want to see them."
She lays her book to one side and stands. The beautiful equine the three bare beasts confidently, with a slow and sexy stride in her step. The others allow enough room for her to stand close but also keeping a close eye on their captives.
She stands casually with her hand on her curvy hips. She doesn't look at their bodies but deep into their eyes. There was no way of telling what she was thinking behind those deep shining brown eyes. Not the slightest expression was given away. "I apologise for such an unfitting introduction. You three should have been treated better as soon as you set foot in my home. Now I know you all must have many questions to address. Rest assured they will be answered. You have had a long journey and need some time to relax."
She looks to the Gorilla, "Goliath, lead them to the baths. Fetch Aphrodite, Artemis and Hera. Ensure they bathe them thoroughly. Bring them food and drink, let them eat like kings."
He nods in reply and opens the door, ushering them to follow. The Dragon and the Orca begin to leave, Reece remains standing in the same spot. He didn't take his eyes off the female once.
She looks to Reece and stares for a moment, "Yes?"
"Why are you doing this?"
"Elaborate."
"Why treat us so well if you bought us as slaves?"
"Slaves is a strong word. Consider yourself my guest."
"Then I should be free to leave at will."
"That won't be possible... for the moment."
"They why are we here?"
"I already told you, questions later. Now go, you will feel better once you get a nice hot soak and some food. You will have some satisfying company too," she conducted herself with such control. As if she knew the words Reece would say beforehand.
As anxious as he felt the thought of a full belly was too sweet to pass up. He leaves with the others and the Gorilla takes his leave with them.
Rin remains in the room with the others. She briskly grabs a suitcase from behind the desk and lays it on the table. Popping open the top revealing a full neat pile of green notes, "As agreed the money is paid in American dollars," she proceeds to take a handful out, "I am taking out ten percent as agreed," she leaves the cash to one side of the suitcase and looks to the hyena, "Take it and go. You have worn out your welcome."
They did as they were asked, the Hyena takes the suitcase and leaves through the door with the rest following. Not even bothering to close the door behind them.
Rin returns to the corner of the room and picks up the book, "There's no need for you to hide anymore."
A shocked sigh could be heard from right outside the open door, a young lone black striped mare pokes her head out, "How did you know I was here?" she steps into view prudently wearing typical teenage girl attire, Pink shirt and skinny blue jeans. She certainly looked like a Zebra aside from her having a red coat instead of white.
"You're predictable."
"Are those your new pets?"
"Yes they are. What do you think of them?"
"Uhhh... I don't know..." she says blushing a deeper shade of red in her cheeks.
"You are a sixteen year old female. I don't have to smell the heat coming from you to know you had a reaction."
"Well... they were kinda cute...."
"Did they see you?"
"No. I hid."
"Good girl," Rin returns to her place in the book.
"Are you going to hurt them like you hurt the others?" the young girl asks with a great deal of unease.
"Hurt is a strong word."