FSE

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CHAPTER 18: The Sacrifice

Pages 628-667

"I think you two should look at this," Tyrell announce nervously as he peaked his head out in the hall.

"What is it?" Tyberius questioned with a frown. He was sure it would be more bad news.

"I found this in the maintenance records. It is a test of new surveillance equipment recently installed. They have microphones hidden everywhere. I haven't found it yet, but everything we have said has been recorded somewhere. If they don't know our plans yet, they will if anyone actually listens to the recording," Tyrell explained nervously as he eyed the soldiers down the corridor.

"Well, that is just fucking great," Colonel Sanders, complained in disgust. He should have anticipated that from the security agency.

"Is there any way we can use their surveillance as well," Tyberius asked despite his doubt.

"I may be able to check on mother and Carl. I would only be able to play back their conversations, but at least we will not be in the total dark about Hunter's condition," Tyrell answered weakly.

***

"How are you feeling?" Carl asked as he stifled a yawn.

"Tired, hungry, and I need to use the restroom," Hunter replied as he eyed the open facilities across the large cell nervously.

"I don't believe you will get much privacy here," Charlet replied with a slight grin for his bashful ways.

"Oh, that is fine I suppose. This will not be pretty," Hunter replied before he attempted to stand. However, he barely made it two steps before the room tilted on him, causing him to stagger slightly. "Damn, they put a number on me," he complained with a scowl as his hand went to his ear, which still dangled precariously from his head. "Fuck," he added with a low growl as he tenderly touched his ear.

"Hunter?" Charlet questioned nervously as his low growls continued to send shivers down her spine. She forced her feet forward to comfort him. However, the way he flinched at her touch and shied away from her, stabbed at her heart with guilt as well as pity. "I am sorry, Hunter," she whispered weakly as her voice cracked with strain.

"I want to go home," Hunter whined before he shied away from her to resume his passage toward the facilities. However, he did pause one more time as he heard the chains clanking as they dragged behind him. He couldn't help but scowl at them while he tried to control his growing rage.

"I should retrieve some more meat," Yazhi declared as he watched with great sadness the great Lupus as he struggled to cross the room.

"I will go with you," Kleio offered with a frown. "I can't watch your back all day. I need to train some or I will look like him after the next tournament so make sure you get all he will need," he suggested after a little thought as they departed.

"For the love of Petra... You were not kidding," Carl complained as the smell began to permeate the room.

"I am sorry," Hunter replied with a blush.

"Stop teasing him," Charlet scolded with a frown before she shook her head in a futile attempt to clear her senses.

"Is there anything left to eat here?" Hunter asked feebly as he scanned the room before he sat on the edge of the bed. "Could someone try to hold my ear in place," he pleaded once he restrained his wince when his hand had returned to it.

"I can," Charlet offered nervously. However, it nearly broke her heart as the big man winced and shied away from her touch once again. "I am sorry. Did I hurt you," she asked despite the fact that she had barely touched him.

"I... no... it will take time to get used to being touched again I suppose," Hunter admitted as he looked away in his shame for his irrational fears.

"We are doing everything we can to get you out of here," Charlet repeated but found her words lacking. She hadn't really done a damn thing. She hadn't heard from her husband since they had arrived and she had no idea what they were doing.

"I don't understand. I don't know what I did wrong. I don't know what they want me to do to fix it," Hunter grumbled as he struggled with his frustration. "I... I... am ready," he assured weakly as he failed to look at her or restrain his wince at her touch. "Hold it as close as you can as to what it is supposed to look like," he finally instructed before he closed his eyes to focus his thoughts and resume his deep breaths.

Charlet used both her hands in an effort to form the now black dangling flesh into the shape she remembered his ear. However, she couldn't stop her hands shaking as she felt the warmth begin to radiate from his head. She could feel the warmth increase until she could barely remain holding onto his ear. However, that wasn't nearly as odd as she watched as well as felt stiff hairs begin to sprout from his matted scalp and continued to grow into his thick fur covered ear. "You have got to feel this," she declared once she noticed at Carl's amazed expression after Hunter's eyes began to flutter open once again. "One more ear and my injuries will be healed... well for the most part. I need more nourishment," he admitted with a frown. His stomach announced its agreement almost simultaneously as Kleio pushed the door open for Yazhi to push the anti-gravity platform into the room. "That should do wonders," he added with a lick of his lips, before he stood. He lifted large chunks of the raw flesh into his maw and swallowed without chewing. He barely spared time to chew the larger bones still in the cuts of flesh on the platform until he felt he couldn't eat any more.

"A Catain can eat nearly one quarter of his weight in one sitting. However, I have never seen or heard of a Canis...," Kleio marveled as he eyed the Canis distended belly in disbelief.

"I am Lupus," Hunter replied with a pout before he returned to the bed.

"Whatever," Kleio grumbled in disgust for Yazhi's involvement in this torrid affair. "I must go train. You be careful," he warned before he embraced Yazhi with a passionate kiss. "I will let you make up for this later," he teased with a wicked grin before he departed.

"I... we need to return to the others to see what is happening," Charlet declared nervously despite her exhaustion.

"I need some rest," Carl added as he stifled his own yawn. "Let's fix your other ear and get you bandaged up. I will write out a prescription for you to remain here to ward off infection and prescribe rest and nourishment. Charlet can you make up some sort of order for Yazhi to take care of you during our absence?" he added as he nervously reached out for Hunter's ear. It angered him to see the man flinch and shy away briefly before Hunter could force himself to hold still so he could hold his ear in place. There was no justification for what had been done to this man to make him act in such a manner.

Hunter continued to struggle to restrain his flinches the entire time it took Carl to wrap bandages all over him. However, his fears of being touched were replaced as Charlet and Carl lingered by the door before they departed. It was replaced by a great sadness as he watched them prepare to leave him. "Hurry... I don't like it here. I want to go home," he whined with a croak as he struggled to constrain himself.

"We will be back to check on you," Carl replied as he hesitated at the door.

"Let us know if they try to do anything to him," Charlet instructed and realized it was most likely Yazhi would not be able to do anything to help them or Hunter.

"Is there anything I can do," Yazhi questioned after he watched the Lupus' owner depart with great sadness.

"I need to rest, for a bit," Hunter replied with a sigh before he wiped the dampness from his face. However, he couldn't force himself to lay down in the empty bed by himself. "Could you... would you mind lying with me?" he pleaded as he failed to meet the Yazhi's eyes.

"I... of course I will. My services are yours," Yazhi agreed with pride as his smile threatened to split his face. However, he was puzzled once he knelt in front of the man and began to stroke his flesh gently.

"I... I meant...," Hunter began to stammer awkwardly.

"You wish to mount me. I thought you may not be up to that yet," Yazhi replied with genuine concern.

"I thought you... might hold me," Hunter replied in his embarrassment as he lay down and turned away.

Yazhi was puzzled by the request. However, he knew how he safe he felt to be held in Kleio's strong arms during the long nights. He just couldn't understand how this huge man could desire to be held by the likes of him. Nevertheless, he hesitantly lay down behind the large man nervously. He felt silly as he wrapped his frail arm around the bulking man. He was even more puzzled as the man moved his hand to his ear. It was almost an instinctive response. He didn't think about it. He simply began to stroke Hunter's ear tenderly as the man wept himself to sleep.

***

"Have you seen him? How is he?" Sylvy questioned once she saw her mother return with a very exhausted appearing Carl in tow.

"He is alive and healing... remarkably well," Charlet answered with a frown as she remembered watching his wounds heal before her eyes. "Have you slept at all?" she asked once she noticed everyone else as snoring away in one chair or another. Well, Rose was curled up in Tyrell's lap, but she was beginning to realize she shouldn't have been surprised by now.

"How can you expect me to sleep? They have given up. I haven't. I think I have a plan. All you have to do is get word to Hunter that we are leaving. We can fight our way out. He can kill them all for all...," Sylvy was explaining until a slap across her face startled her.

"Sweet mother of Petra... watch what you say," Charlet scolded with a glare as she considered slapping her daughter again.

"We can't leave him hear. Did you see?" Sylvy began until her sobs drown her words in her tears.

"I know... You should have seen him... What kind of monsters... have we become as a society?" Charlet replied as she embarrassed her daughter and began to sob with her.

***

"Wake up... You need to wake up," Kleio urged as he nudged Yazhi.

"I... I am so tired. You will not believe how much he eats," Yazhi complained at being woken again. It seemed as if the Lupus barely slept between feedings most of the night. He began to wonder how much sleep he had received since the day before... no it had been nearly two full days.

"Well, that would explain why I can't find a bite to eat around here," Kleio grumbled with a frown. "Here I thought you were tired because of some of his other appetites," he teased with a grin. However, he could see the hurt on his friend's face and he regretted his words. "I am sorry," he apologized quickly. "Is he well enough to wake," he added before he noticed the oversize Canis stir from his deep slumber.

"I am well...," Hunter replied as he wiped the sleep from his eyes. "Is there a place where I can run or find something heavy to lift?" he asked as he stood and stretched.

"Holy shit... How in the hell?" Kleio gasped as he took in the massive bulk before him. "You have... put on some weight," he mumbled in disbelief as he continued to stare at the statuesque Canis. The man appeared to have gained an incredible amount of mass and nowhere could he see a trace of fat.

"This is the best I can do without proper work. I need to work my limbs and take more nourishment. I don't believe that man is done with me," Hunter grumbled as flexed his stiff arms. It took to much concentration to do as he had done. However, he had no other options. At least, he didn't know of any. He doubted if the man would agree to let him run around the city as he had around the pastures around his home... The thought caused him a stab of pain as he longed to return to Sylvy's arms. "I thank you for your kindness. I will forever be in your debt," he announced as he bent to place his lips gently on Yazhi's forehead.

"I have... listen to me. You are out of time. They are transporting... the coliseum is beginning to fill with what could be every single lower species of this colony," Kleio stammered in a rush.

"Why would they do that? There isn't even another tournament scheduled for a couple weeks," Yazhi questioned as he grinned for Kleio's jealousy. He did decide to give the man a kiss and a tight embrace for reassurance, but did give Hunter a wink the man obviously didn't understand.

"Now there is. I have been scheduled for a fight this afternoon. I checked my contract. I can't decline or refuse this fight since it is billed as nonlethal combat. However, I don't see how it is anything but an execution," Kleio spat in disgust for being wrangled into this mess.

"I will not fight you," Hunter replied with a frown.

"I will not have to fight you, for you to end up dead. It is being billed as the Great Lupus versus the late Enyo's avengers. Hell, there are twenty... well twenty-three now that are billed to combat against you in retaliation, since you killed that sick bastard. Of course, I think there will be a handful of the Draconis signing up for the bout. The credits being offered are unbelievable. It is rumored that there will be a bonus if you are accidently beaten to death in front of all of those witnesses. I think they are intent to put your legendary Lupus ass to rest permanently," Kleio snapped in frustration.

"I will not fight without instructions from my owner. She would not approve of this," Hunter continued to argue.

Kleio was dumbfounded. He didn't know if the man was a fool or he had more honor than he had sense. "Yazhi, get your brushes out. You should at least look good on the day you die," he finally declared with a sigh of resignation.

***

"We are out of time. How much longer until you can use their communications," Tyberius declared through his gritted teeth.

"I have failed. I will not have it done in time to do anything useful. Hell, they nearly have the entire coliseum full to the rafters," Tyrell admitted in his shame.

"I think it is time to try plan 'b,'" Colonel Sanders suggested with a sigh as he watched the monitor of the coliseum arena.

***

"Who armed that man?" Mr. Smith screamed as his heart pounded in his chest.

"Oh, I am sorry. Has he officially charged with a crime," Kleio asked smugly as he sat across the small table from the magnificent looking Lupus with his chair tipped back lazily.

"He... he...," Mr. Smith spit in his rage. "Bind him!" he ordered with a screech.

Hunter stood but didn't resist as the men came forward hesitantly. "I will not fight," he tried to reassure as his muscles twitched and flinched. He tried to hide his anxiety but he couldn't control it. He held his hands out in front of him and was surprised to notice the soldiers flinched at his slight movement. However, one of the equine accompanying the men stepped finally stepped forward.

"Are you men?" the equine sneered with disgust for the other's cowardice.

"I am sorry about Enyo," Hunter apologized sincerely. However, the look on the Equine's face told him he didn't take it as one. However, as the man tried to force his arm behind his back he continued to hold his arm steady.

"You may bind me, but this is the way it will be," Hunter stated as he continued to struggle to control his emotions. He was relieved when the equine did begin attempting to add new chains to his wrists. "You may have to remove the others first," he added with a shake of his head. "They are not going to fit that...," he continued until he was interrupted.

"Shut up!" Mr. Smith screamed. "Silence! I don't want to hear another word from you," he continued to scream.

"I only hope my owner instructs me to kill you one day," Hunter replied in a barely intelligible growl.

"Bind him and take him!" Mr. Smith shouted before he turned to Kleio. "I expect you to be ready for the main event," he sneered before he stormed from the room.

"I notice there are no Catain with you this time horse boy. Are you going to miss being bred by your now headless champion?" Kleio teased with a toothy grin. "You see Hunter, the Catain respect fellow warriors. Some of these Equine think they are warriors, but they are just large bullyboys at the most," he continued until equine turned on him.

"I will kill you for that," the Equine threatened as spittle flew from his lips.

"You couldn't beat me on your best day," Kleio chuckled as the man appeared about ready to explode. "You men can go ahead. I will bring this warrior when it is time," he added as he leaned forward to rest his chair on all four legs. He watched as the men began to depart reluctantly from the room. "I do not understand it. Most of those men know this is wrong. You can see it in their eyes. Why do they follow that screaming small man?" Kleio asked once the last man was out of the room and the door was shut behind them.

"He didn't look any smaller than some other Draconis I have met," Hunter replied with a frown.

"You are measuring by the size of his physical form. Trust me... he has a small soul," Kleio assured as he held the large man's stare. "You will not fight?" he questioned as he stood.

"I will only fight if my owners wish it so," Hunter replied with less confidence than he had previously.

"I need to take a walk and prepare for our battle. I will be back for you shortly," Kleio warned with a shake of his head. "I will let you hold onto those blades for now but I will want them back at the end of the day. I don't know if they will do much more than give your back some protection while you are bound as you are, but they do look good on you," he added before he pulled the door shut behind him.

***

"It is time for you to watch the main event," Mr. Smith instructed as he glared at the traitorous Longfellows. "You might as well give up boy. You are out of time," he snarled at the foolish boy still tapping away at his personal device.

"What are you planning?" Charlet questioned through her gritted teeth.

"Come and see," Mr. Smith replied with a toothy grin.

"I want you to know," Sylvy began with a look of pure hatred. "You have stolen my property and when I see him again, I will instruct him to slaughter you," she swore with all the hate and anger she had bottled up over the last few days.

"I don't think I have too much to worry about then," Mr. Smith replied when he was finally able to quell his laughter, before he left the room.

"Let's go," Tyberius urged before his daughter did anything stupid... well anything else stupid. He did his best to push her after the soldiers without provoking any more insanity. However, he nearly laughed once he realized they had actually taken all of them across the hall to the control center. Now, if he could figure out how to take out all of the damn guards. Tyrell could take over the entire communications for the facility. At least, he thought his son could.

"There he is," Sylvy squealed as Hunter appeared on the bank of monitors. "He looks gorgeous," she mumbled as she fought off her tears.

"Thank you, Kleio and Yazhi," Charlet whispered as she watched Hunter enter the arena with a proud walk while Kleio escorted him. However, she noticed Kleio left Hunter in the center of the arena before he retreated to loiter at the distant wall. She watched the rest of the contracted Catain combatants enter the arena next. However, they seemed content to lean nonchalantly against the walls as well. She could not say the same as the equine entered the arena. However, it was obvious they were dismayed by the Catain combatant's postures. "I don't believe the Catain are going to fight," she observed as she tried to decide if it would make any difference.

"Someone better notify Mr. Smith there is dissention in the ranks," Colonel Sanders announced as he glared at the many guards in the room.

"How many is he supposed to fight?" Tyrell questioned as more men entered the arena behind the Equine.

"Shit! Don't those men see the Catain...? Fuck!" Colonel Sanders announced excitedly. "If those Catain join the Canis they will be slaughtered. Look at them waiting to pounce soon as those men turn their backs," he continued to rant hysterically. "Well, don't just stand there get down there warn them or something!" he shouted at the top of his lungs to get the men moving. He nearly laughed when most of the fools stormed from the room. However, he turned to Rose with a wink and a nod.

Rose made her way to one of the control consoles, where she fiddled nervously with her personal device.

"You step away from there," one of the men working one of the consoles snapped at Rose.

Rose jumped at the man's shout and dropped her personal device under the counter. "I am sorry... I was just...," she whimpered as she bent over to search for her dropped device.

Tyrell could help but smile as Rose bent over with her short skirt and raised tail to expose her beautiful sex and that perfectly puckered tail hole. However, an elbow and glare from his father reminded him to pay attention to something besides Rose's backside.

"I think it is under... Can someone help me," Rose pouted as she remained bent over and shifted her weight to continue her search, which caused her round buttocks to wiggle seductively.

Tyrell barely had time to react, as the room seemed to erupt around him. He dived for the nearest guard around him with his eyes closed.

Tyberius couldn't believe how well this was working. The young soldiers seemed drawn to Rose's tail like a moth to the flame. He moved slowly as he kept Colonel Sanders in the corner of his eye. When the four guards finally stopped behind Rose to marvel at the spectacle they acted as one. He struck out with his tail to sweep their feet out from under them before they knew he was behind them. He kicked one in the face as the man looked around in confusion. He leapt on the second man as he brought his right fist down on his frightened face. He was surprised the man went limp so easily. He looked around the room and the only guard still moving was the one struggling with his son. He couldn't help but shake his head as he retrieved two shock batons from the fallen men on the floor and went to his son's aid. "That is enough," he instructed while he wondered if the soldier hadn't gotten the best of his son. It wasn't as if his son had ever been the athletic one in the family. "I am sorry soldier," he offered before he powered up the baton and struck the poor young man. Maybe the poor boy was just a reserve and not regular trained military. "Tyrell, get busy," he added with a sigh as he looked around the room. "Where in the hell is Sylvy?" he asked when he realized his daughter was gone.

"Where in the hell do you think? She bolted before the first man was on the floor," Charlet snapped in disgust. She should have never allowed that foolish girl accompany them.

"Talk to me Tyrell and make it quick. I don't have time for technical jargon," Tyberius snapped with frustration.

"I can send a signal to the ruling council, but I don't see how it will do much good now. Hell, you know how long it takes just to get a hold of a live person?" Tyrell snapped as he pushed men out of the way with a baton. The best I can do... Switch the feed to this camera to catch the wind blowing through his thick fur. The best I can do is making him look good," Tyrell complained with a scowl.

"Okay, I will go find Sylvy. Doc, find some medical supplies. There will be those who will need them before this is done. Tyrell make Hunter look good and send that message to the ruling Council anyway. Governess find Mr. Smith and order him placed under arrest for treason and anything else you can think of to frighten those following his orders. Maybe we can still divert this before it escalates or at the bare minimum buy us some time," Colonel Sanders instructed with a sigh of helplessness,

"What about me?" Tyberius questioned with a frown.

"You stay here and make sure these men cooperate with your son," Colonel Sanders answered as he started for the door.

"Go ahead... I can handle that responsibility," Rose volunteered with a grin as she activated a baton she retrieved from the floor.

"Go... I will cover the rear," Tyberius urged without hesitation.

"Have you fellas ever had anything this big shoved up your ass? If any one of you gives him trouble I will not hesitate shoving this so far up your ass you can taste it before I activate it," Rose threatened with a look of insanity.

Charlet nearly laughed as the remaining men in the room winced and her son stood blinking in disbelief. She caught Rose giving Tyrell a wink of assurance, before she decided those two would be fine.

***

Kleio had talked to the rest of the Catain and convinced them not to participate unless it was conducted in fair combat, which he was sure was not going to happen. He had no doubt that the Equine would not hesitate to beat Hunter to death anyway. Nevertheless, the Catain would maintain their remaining dignity. However, he didn't seem to understand the delay. What were the Equines waiting for? They just seemed intent on circling Hunter while they glared. It was as bizarre of a scene as he had ever witnessed.

***

"Witness your great Lupus. Witness what happens to those who revolt. Watch what happens to traitors," Mr. Smith sneered from the press box.

***

"Where is that coming from?" Tyrell questioned with a frown.

"The press box," one of the men replied with a roll of his eyes.

"Is this all streaming over the communication networks," Tyrell questioned with a scowl.

"Yes, it is," the man replied with a shake of his head this time.

"I can dub my own narrative from here and not let it be heard in the press box... correct," Tyrell questioned with a grin and saw it was true, before he sat in the chair in front of the microphone. "Make it so," he instructed and waited for the nod, before he cued up his consol to play back the audio he had found from some of the hidden microphones throughout the structure, while he had been hacking all over the system in an effort to gain control. "He isn't even charged with a crime. You seized personal property without charging any crime. That is unlawful in itself." he heard announced to the crowd in the arena before he put the tag to the quote. "Words spoken by Governess Longfellow to security agent about the Lupus prisoner" he heard and he couldn't help but smile as he heard those watching begin to shout and howl in protest. He just hoped that stupid press box was as sound proof as he thought it was. Of course, if he were wrong he would find out after that announcement. "I want this streamed to the Ruling Council as well... Can we do that from here?" he questioned and couldn't contain his grin for the man's nervous nod.

***

Kleio heard the announcements and he could tell the all of those Canis gathered in the stands were beyond upset by the way they howled and howled until it began to grate at his nerves. It didn't take but a glance to recognize his fellow Catain were growing rather nervous as well. The soldiers appeared ready to soil themselves. However, the equine were blinded by their anger at losing their champion and seemed unfazed.

***

Hunter stood proudly as Kleio had suggested as the angry Equine continued to sneer at him. However, the strange announcements caused him to flinch. He didn't understand what was happening. However, his heart nearly burst as the Equine closed on him with a metal tube in his hand. It took all his restraint to remain still as he watched the blow coming. His face lit with a fire of pain as the tube connected. His vision blurred slightly but cleared quickly. "I will not fight you," he swore and worried how hard he had been hit when his words seemed to echo in his ears. "I will not fight without instruction from my owner," he repeated before another blow caused him to blink his vision clear once again.

"Beat him!" Mr. Smith screamed into his microphone and began to wonder if the stupid thing was turned on when no one seemed to be listening. It was obvious there was only one of the Equine down there obeying his commands. Of course, all he needed was one if the foolish dog continued to stand there and refused to fight like a coward.

"You heard your instructions... you cowards... you traitor," the equine shouted in his rage as the others hesitated to join him in punishing the dog for killing their champion. He ran to one of the young foolish soldiers armed with a bullwhip and took it from him, before he turned toward the dog.

Hunter felt the pain as something bit at his flesh. He couldn't restrain his flinches as he stumbled forward as the cracking noise continued to bite at him. His breathing became strained as his muscles tightened against his restraints. He was relieved when the cracking noise seemed to bite at the harness and blades Kleio had loaned him, a few times to allow him to collect his thoughts. He let his eyes flutter shut, while he concentrated on his breathing. It was beyond difficult to continue his deep breaths as that thing seemed to bite constantly at him, but every bite stung a little less until his mind was lost in the warmth that spread across his back.

***

Kleio became restless as he continued to watch the mad equine beat Hunter mercilessly. However, the replaying of the recording proclaiming he had not been charged with any crime was what was really bothering him as well as everyone else. He never even noticed he was moving closer to the equine with every land of that whip. However, the announcement to execute Hunter caused him to blink as he looked around in disbelief. He wasn't the only one who couldn't believe those instructions. However, it didn't take long for the equine to realize they were surrounded by the few Catain and turned on them immediately. Kleio didn't even realize he was already in his fighting stance until the Equine nearest him turned on him and took on a similar stance to his own. "Think about what you are doing," he warned with a low growl. "Do you really want to go down this road? We have not interfered. We will if you attack us," he continued to growl and he was relieved when the Equine took a few steps back while he glanced around at the others. However, movement from the high rafters of the dome over the coliseum caught Kleio's attention. "Fuck! They are going to hang him... for what crime?" he declared in disgust. However, his words caused him to flinch as he heard them added to the recording that continued to repeat continuously over the speakers in the stadium.

***

"Damn it," Tyberius cursed under his breath as he watched Sylvy simply walk by the two soldiers. "How come everyone we see attacks us and they continue to let her walk around without even asking her where she is going?" he grumbled in a whisper in disgust.

"It could be because we are armed," Colonel Sanders suggested with a shrug of his shoulders.

"We had better do something before that crowd breaks their restraints," Tyberius declared, as the roar from the stadium seemed to grow.

"What in the fuck are they doing to him to cause...," Colonel Sanders questioned before he heard the new announcement broadcast over the speakers.

"That can't be legal?" Tyberius complained before he felt the stadium shake.

"What?" Colonel Sanders shouted over the roar of the crowd before he looked up to see the dust filter down from the rafters above.

"Zoom up on the crowd and add that to the feed," Tyrell ordered but the man moved to slow to suit him. He pushed the man from the consol and began to pan the crowd with one of the stadium cameras. He could see every single spectator was now standing on their feet. Equine, Rabbit, and Canis stood and pulled at their restraints. He made a point to zoom in tight to show the blood running down their arms as the restraints continued to cut into their flesh. "This is fucking madness. How in the fuck did you bozo's think this was going to work?" he continued to scold as he continued to work the controls to move another camera to zoom up on Hunter who stood still as a statue while what looked like a cable was placed around his neck. Then he felt it. The entire building trembled. He turned his attention back to the captive audience to notice the Equine began to stop their hooves as one while the entire crowd seemed to yank at their restraints in unison. "Fuck they are going to tear this place apart if they hang him," he mumbled as he spared a worried glance at Rose.

"I will be fine," Rose reassured as she charged her baton and zapped one of the soldiers that had begun to move.

***

"Get your hands off me!" Charlet snarled at the agents as they forcefully drug her along. "Look around you this is madness," she tried to scream over the thundering crowd. However, she stopped her struggles as she realized the fools were actually taking her to the press box. "Why in the fuck didn't you tell me we were going to see Mr. Smith?" she cursed before something on the large screen caught her eye.

***

Sylvy continued through the maze of maintenance passages for as long as she could, before she slipped out into the main causeways. She held her breath as she passed the first two soldiers walking past her. She wasn't sure, if they were too busy to deal with her or if they didn't recognize her as a threat and she didn't care. However, the closer she came to the end of the long passage the more and more soldiers she passed. She was nearly to the end when she heard the announcement. She stumbled as her tears ruined her vision as she became panicked at the realization she couldn't help him. She felt the building tremble before she heard the sound of boots pounding towards her and she began to run. She ran to the open stadium and screamed as she watched the Equine place the thick cable around Hunter's neck. "Hunter fight back! Hunter!" she screamed as the soldiers stormed past her. She stumbled and nearly fell as they pushed past her. She had to get closer. She started pushing her way through with the soldiers towards the arena while she watched Hunter being raised into the air. She continued to scream, but the soldiers seemed everywhere once she reached the wall of the arena, but they seemed to ignore her. She recognized their terrified faces as they charged their batons. Occasionally one would strike out at one of those who were restrained to the seats of the stadium. She couldn't see a way down, but she had to help him. She flung herself over the wall and ran towards Hunter, screaming for him the whole way. However, there were soldiers swarming over her before she covered half the distance. "Hunter! Hunter! Help me!" she shouted before she let out a scream of pain as one of the men struck her down with his charged baton. She felt her legs collapse as her body convulsed. She knew the last sight she would have of her love was of him dangling high over her as darkness took her vision away from her.

***

"Fuck! What do you have to clean that audio?" Tyrell cursed as he tried to make out his sister's words as she withered to the ground. However, he never received an answer as one of the men at a nearby consol began to pound away at his controls until he heard his sister's words echo throughout the arena.

"Max volume!" Tyrell commanded franticly.

***

Hunter struggled to control his breathing as the cable around his neck continued to tighten. It took all his concentration to flex his neck against the biting cable for every breath. However, he could feel his consciousness slipping away from him. Every heartbeat became harder, until he began to hallucinate. He could hear Sylvy calling for him from some far off place, which he was convinced his mind had conjured in his exhaustion. However, he didn't have the strength to weep. Her cries for his help seemed to set his soul on fire as he abandoned his breaths to force his eyes open. The sight of his beloved's limp body being manhandled by the solders caused him more pain than he could bear. He no longer felt the cable biting his flesh around his neck as his blood burned with a heat he never knew. His lungs threatened to burst from his chest as he glared with hatred and malice.

***

"Come on Hunter," Tyrell breathed as he adjusted the camera tight on his hanging form high above the arena floor. "Fuck yeah," he cheered as he caught sight of Hunter's eyes fluttering open.

***

Tyberius had lost the colonel in their last confrontation with some soldiers. The man probably wouldn't wake until this was over. However, no one seemed to pay him any attention now and he understood why. He would guess there were maybe a thousand soldiers but there had to be at least fifty thousand outraged spectators. He didn't know how much damage a Lepu would do but he had no disillusions of what the Equine and Canis would do. Then to make matters worse, he was sure most of these soldiers were not regular military. They had to be younger recruits or reserve. They were just too young in his eyes. He could see open fear in their eyes as he pushed his way forward to the wall of the arena where he saw his daughter's limp body being roughly lifted from the ground. "You fucking pieces vile excrement!" he screamed as he threw himself over the wall where he landed hard. However, he couldn't help but stare at Hunter who hung high in the air above. He could swear the man was still alive... watching... glaring with a rabid hatred. For the first time he recognized his daughter's recorded cries for help being repeated over the speakers as the crowd fell eerily silent.

***

"This is over! Release me!" Charlet shouted when she witnessed her foolish daughter throw herself over the wall of the stadium. She could barely make out her husband forcing his way forward below her. However, she lost the last of her restraint as the man grabbed her arm with a yank once too many. She turned on him with a swipe of her tail to his knees before she gave a shove at the second man. They were large men and she had barely budged them, but it was enough. The nearby Canis seized them. They drug them into their mist before they began to bite and tear at their flesh while they screamed in agony. "Thank you, can you help me get down there to help Hunter?" she asked one of the nearby Equine. She heard him grunt and snort to those around him before she was lifted from her feet with a gasp. Her mind shattered as she realized they were passing her hand over hand down towards the stadium floor. She watched as the agents at the entrance of the press box used their batons on those in the crowd. However, they too were torn to shreds within moments. Nevertheless, it was the view she had of Hunter hanging high overhead as he glared down, which took what remained of her sanity.

***

Kleio and the rest of the Catain had decided not to intervene, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to remain neutral as the events unfolded. It was watching the young Draconis female as she called out to Hunter, which tugged at his heart the hardest as he struggled with his indecision. However, it was her words being repeated that forced him to look up at the honorable warrior above. She had been too late to give her consent to fight as he... "Fuck me!" he shouted in disbelief as the chains at the warriors wrists snapped with an audible snap. His words seemed to echo across the crowd that had fallen silent to watch the warrior above them. "Yes, you magnificent son of a bitch," he cheered as he watched the man reach for the cable around his neck. He was amazed as he witnessed the man raise himself with one arm while his other hand removed the cable around his neck.

***

Tyberius was stunned as he watched Hunter fall to the ground where he landed heavily. He tried to get to his own feet while he kept his eyes on Hunter as he too began to move. He noticed Hunter pause with a shake of his head as he knelt on one knee. He could see the man tearing at the ground with his thick fingers. Tyberius had barely made two steps as he watched Hunter visibly shake from a distance, before some of the soldiers tackled Tyberius to the ground. "Hunter! Hunter!" he screamed before his magnificent friends head snapped up to glare at him. "Hunter protect with extreme prejudice!" he shouted and was almost relieved when the man hesitated. However, he heard his words being repeated over the speakers in the stadium.

Tyrell tightened the camera up on Hunter as he slowly stood with a snarl to frighten any man. He continued to tighten it up to show Hunter's hideously white teeth as drool and spittle slid from his drawn back lips. He drew the shot back as the men set Sylvy down and released his father to face Hunter. He was stunned as Hunter leapt an impossible distance to land on the men nearest Sylvy. He didn't restrain his wince as he watched Hunter rip the first man's throat out with a swipe of his hand, before an impact with his fist deformed the second man's head almost beyond recognition. Tyrell stood there in shock as he watched Hunter follow his fist as he spun to bring kick out with his leg against the third man's knee. The man went down instantly. The man was out of the fight with his leg bent back on itself, but Hunter strode forward with a stomp from his other leg to the man's head, which caused it to burst open with a gut wrenching spray of debris. Tyrell was frozen in disbelief as Hunter continued to tear through the men that had been near his sister, before he turned to those who still stood in shock beside his father. Tyrell turned away from the scene on the monitors after Hunter jumped on one of the men by his father. However, it was too late. The image of the man's head as it exploded from the impact of Hunter's joined fists as he came down was burnt into his memory forever,

"Do you want us to cut away to something?" one of the men at the consoles asked nervously.

"Cut away to what? Fuck, he is ripping them to pieces," Tyrell complained as he hesitantly turned back to them monitor to witness Hunter remove another man's head with swing of... what appeared to be another man's dismembered leg. "Fuck... Hunter..." he grumbled once Hunter came to a stop. The only other man left standing was his father. Nevertheless, there seemed to be hundreds of men rushing forward to meet their end, while Hunter stood motionless as a statue with all manner of blood and filth dripping from his saturated fur.

"Hunter," Tyberius said nervously as he cautiously stepped up beside the man. He wasn't entirely sure the man was sane at this point, but he couldn't really blame him if he wasn't. Nevertheless, he bent over to retrieve two shock batons from the fallen soldiers. "Hunter, protect with extreme prejudice," he repeated before he strode forward to meet those who were foolish enough to come to them.

***

Kleio had been taught to fight since he was old enough to walk. When his father deemed him old enough, he was taken into the jungle to hunt with a spear. He had spent three years hunting the jungles of the Catain colony planets, before he took to hunting for bounties. He had fought at this arena for nearly five years. Nevertheless, he had never witnessed anything as brutal as what Hunter had done. He never felt envy as he did as the male Draconis charged his batons and began to lead Hunter to battle. He found himself stepping forward as he watched Hunter draw his two blades from his back with a long slow draw. He never even realized his hands had found his way to his own weapons, until he heard the roars and snarls of his fellow Catain warriors and his heart swelled with pride as he his fellow warriors marched to their death to join battle with the most honorable and greatest warrior he ever had the privilege of meeting.

***

Tyberius nearly stumbled as he heard the roars of the Catain. He barely spared them a glance, but couldn't hide his smile when he realized they would join with Hunter as he continued to march to his end as more soldiers hesitantly pushed into the arena. However, he did stumble when he witnessed Hunter leap into the midst of the soldiers with weapons drawn.

***

"The mountain of thunder and lightning," Tyrell mumbled to himself as he watched the carnage on the monitors. He found it hard not to watch Hunter as he sliced and diced his way through the mass of men despite all there was to see. He had known his father had once been in the military and it showed now. He was amazed by the way; his father wielded his twin batons while striking out with his tail and feet. Men fell before his father, as he never believed possible. The Catain were as deadly with their swords as they danced their way through the masses of soldiers with deadly precision and control. However, it was Hunter who fought with such rabid ferocity that held his attention. It was impossible to ignore the fingers of electricity that ran over his body, as soldiers swarmed over him with their shock batons. He had no idea how it was possible to ignore such pain as he continued to cut the men down around him while he was stricken repeatedly by those incapacitating charged weapons. He lost track of time as blood began to run deep across the arena. However, it ended as abruptly as it had started as Hunter removed the last soldier's head with a slice form one of his blades. He found himself staring in disbelief as he began to notice the piles of corpses around Hunter as the man eyed the Catain, before they bowed to him with respect for the great warrior he was. He released a sigh of relief once Hunter turned away from them and began what Tyrell was convinced was the man's hardest walk back to where his beloved lay motionless.

Kleio knew there was nothing left for him on this planet. He like his fellow Catain had come to prove themselves worthy to lead their warriors of their clans of their home society, because truly dangerous foe such as the mountain Canis had become too rare. However, he now understood it wasn't the strength of his arm but the strength of the heart that determined a true warrior as he watched Hunter return to his love. He realized it wasn't how many you could slaughter or maim in combat but what you were willing to slay for those you love. He let his tears flow freely as he decided to return to his people to spread his wrath upon the humans for those that remained regardless if it cost his life, because he now understood a true warrior didn't own his life. His life and soul belonged to those he loved.

***

Tyberius joined Hunter at his daughter's side as he restrained his smile. "Hunter, you realize...," he began before his words were cut off as Hunter seized him and threw him over his daughter. He nearly lost control of his bowels and he heavy man pounced on him. However, it was the sounds of lethal rounds being fired that took what remained of his sanity.

***

"Are you fucking shitting me!" Tyrell screamed as he watched Hunter's flesh ripped open by the lethal rounds. He could see the man's bared bones and spine once the firing ceased. "How could they?" he declared in shock. He didn't know what to do. They had lost. "Play that back at quarter speed. Start where he throws my father over her to save them. Let them see just how great Hunter was," he instructed as he wiped the dampness from his face before he wrapped his arm around Rose. He thought it was to comfort her, but he realized it was for him. He found his strength in her touch and decided he too, would sooner die than let anything happen to her.

"Sir... Sir... something is happening look," a man at one of the consoles declared excitedly as he tightened the shot on the magnificent beasts wounds.

"Hunter... Hunter... you are crushing us," Tyberius complained as the man breathed heavily on the back of his neck. He didn't know how badly the man was wounded but he was somehow still alive despite what he had heard.

***

Charlet had watched the entire nightmare from the top of the wall while she was surrounded by those Canis and Equine spectators who had finally broken their restraints. She gasped with those around her as she watched Hunter's flesh torn open. She cried as she watched his blood run in a river over her family. She never even realized she had leapt over the wall. She didn't feel her exhaustion as he legs carried her towards them. However, her knees failed her as she came to stand over Hunter's abused corpse. He didn't deserve this. She barely recognized her sobs for the universes loss of such a great... It was her husband's words, which shattered her thoughts. She wiped her tears from her eyes and realized she was kneeling within arm's reach of Hunter as she noticed his flesh spreading across his bare bones. She could see his fur returning in erratic spurts. She nearly leapt up to hold the magnificent man. The report of the single shot never registered in her mind. However, the fire in her side did. "Hunter... Hunter... they shot me," she mumbled as she fell back to her knees while her hands tried desperately to stem the flow of her blood.

Tyberius had seen his mate weeping and he knew Hunter must have been in bad shape. He tried to ease the big man off of him so he could help, but all his tender effort stopped when he witnessed the red blossom of his mate's blood appear on her side. Her words motivated his exhausted body as he clawed and scrambled free of Hunter's crushing weight. His tears mingled with his mate's as he tore away his shirt to press against her wound. "Hunter... Hunter...," he cried as he held the big man's blank stare. "They have shot her. Hunter... kill them. Kill them all. Kill any armed man you see," he ordered once his anger and pain became too much to bear. He didn't even bother to watch as Hunter leapt away to carry out his instructions.

"Play that back," Tyrell instructed as his mind raced. "Keep that camera on Hunter!" he screamed as Hunter leapt off the monitor. He grabbed the closest microphone before he screamed into it, "He will not attack you if you are unarmed," and switched the mic off. "Add that to the play back audio," he ordered with a grin. However, the sound of more shots drew his attention to the main monitor as Hunter leapt and bounded his way to the top of the arena, where a single man continued to fire from the roof of the press box. Hunter was moving fast but Tyrell witnessed some of those shots finding their mark as Hunter closed the distance. He watched in open amazement as Hunter continued forward with barely a flinch as one round tore through his shoulder while still in flight from his last leap. However, it was over. Hunter now stood toe to toe with Mr. Smith. Hunter held the end of the rifle pointed away from him as Mr. Smith struck him with a charged baton, but Hunter stood still as a statue as he glared with a rabid hatred. The man took another swing with the baton but Hunter easily caught the man's hand in mid swing. Tyrell noticed Hunter seized the man's other hand holding the rifle. "What are you waiting for? Kill that bastard!" he shouted to no one in particular. However, Hunter continued to hold the man as he pushed his muzzle forward in a nightmarish snarl. "What is he doing?" Tyrell asked as Mr. Smith began to scream in agony. Tyrell watched as one of the cameras zoomed in to show Hunter's tight grip squeezing the blood from the man's hand. Mr. Smith's fingers appeared to explode from the pressure before they fell to the ground. "Sweet mother of Petra," he mumbled as the rifle and Mr. Smiths other hand fell to the ground. He couldn't force himself to turn away as Hunter took the man's entire head in his mouth. The view tightened again to show Hunter's unnaturally white teeth as they clamped on the screaming man's skull. He could see those teeth as they began to sink in slowly. He could tell when those huge canine teeth finally pierced the man's skull; by the way, the man went limp. However, Hunter continued to close his jaws ever so slowly as if he was trying to prolong the man's agony. Tyrell had no idea how long it took for Hunter to close his jaws completely before he released the headless corpse to drop at his feet. Tyrell never even realized it was over until the other men in the control room began to cheer. "Keep the main cameras on Hunter, but continued to scan the crowd," he instructed as he regained his composure. "Stream the audio," he added once he heard the spectators begin to chant 'Lupus... Lupus..." while Hunter once again started his long walk, back to where Tyrell's sister lay. It amazed Tyrell as Canis, Equine, and Lepu bowed in respect before Hunter as he passed.

Tyberius finished tying his homemade bandage to his mate and helped her to her feet. "Are you okay?" he asked nervously as she continued to hold her side.

"I don't know how Hunter can stand it, if this is only a scratch," Charlet declared with a wince.

"I didn't say it was a scratch," Tyberius protested quickly before he turned to watch Hunter leap from the arena wall, while the arena seemed to vibrate to the sound from the chanting. He nodded to Hunter respectfully before he lost all restraint and took the man in his arms. He felt his mate join him with a groan. It took all his strength to break his embrace after they had been through so much in such a short time. However, he was puzzled by the way; Hunter stared at the crowd with tears running down his face. He never expected the howl, which came from Hunter loud enough to cause pain as it vibrated through his soul once the man raised his head. Tyberius thought he was rendered deaf as the howl faded to a dead silence.

"Release them so they can return to their families. Release them so they can return to protect those they love. Return to your families and protect them as I have failed to do mine," Hunter declared before he collapsed at Sylvy's side.

"When you return to your homes, you will return as an equal part of your families. You have my word on it. Hunter has shown who is the true superior species through his loyalty and self-sacrifice. It is not the Draconis," Charlet swore before the crowd went wild.

"Hunter... Hunter... You do realize..." Tyberius tried to explain to the poor man as he held Sylvy tenderly and wept. However, his words were drowned out by the thunderous cheers from the now free peoples.

***

Tyrell embraced Rose and returned her passionate kiss as the world seemed to right itself after his mother's announcement.

"Look at this ass clown," one of the men at the consoles laughed as he redirected one of the cameras.

"That is one of the new clean up crewmen. They will have their work cut out for them today," another man observed with a frown for the piles of corpses that were once men.

"What is his name? I think I know him," Tyrell replied a shiver ran down his spine for the way the man continued to walk with a purpose towards his family.

"Hunter... she is unconscious," Tyberius shouted over the noise. However, the man's blank stare as he held Sylvy tight told him all he needed to know. "She was hit with a baton. It is designed to stun. She was so exhausted, because she hasn't slept since you were taken from her," he continued to explain. He could see the doubt in the man's eyes as he lowered Sylvy reluctantly to gently shake her. No complaints entered Tyberius' mind as Hunter bent to kiss her. However, there was no way he could restrain his smile as his daughter's eyes began to flutter open.

Charlet watched with damp eyes as her daughter awoke in Hunter's arms. She couldn't help but to reach out to her cheap ass husband who had bought the most wonderful creature she had ever met and brought him into their lives. She was touched by the way, her daughter reached up to stroke Hunter's ear while he smiled blissfully at the cheering crowd. However, she couldn't help but scowl as the strange maintenance man approached from behind Hunter.

***

It took all of his restraint to contain his excitement at what fate had delivered to him. He was once Lt. Commander Jerkins and he would rise to his deserved rank once again. All he had to do was to put this rabid animal down to reclaim his honor and glory. It was really too simple. No one considered him a threat as he calmly walked up behind the monster to place the muzzle of the rifle between his shoulder blades and pull the trigger. "Dodge this, you son of a bitch," he announced as he fired point blank into the monsters back with the rifle adjusted to armor piercing rounds.

Time seemed to have stopped as Charlet watched the man raise the rifle from under his smock to fire into Hunter. She could see the spray of Hunter's blood as it coated her horrified daughter's face. In the matter of time it took her heart to beat once, the man raised a charged baton to send her husband into seizures. It felt as if her heart would explode as the man dropped the rifle to withdraw a knife. She tried to step away from that vile rifle as it fell against her.

"Your head will make a fine trophy on my new office wall," Jerkins declared as he stood over the vile beast with his knife at its throat. However, he felt his heart lurch as he felt the muzzle of the rifle being pressed to his head.

Charlet could see the fear in the man's eyes, before she pulled the trigger. In an instant the man's head was no more.