Page 18 of Hunted By the Dragon Alien

Takkian stepped into the arena, heart pounding with the rhythm of the crowd’s roar. He moved forward, scanning the space for what weapons they’d be given to use. This time, there were none. This fight would be a battle of fists and endurance. Maybe some kicks and body slams, if someone was unfortunate enough to fall. That meant he and his adversary were well matched, physically. Instinct pulled his gaze to the opposite side of the arena.

His opponent emerged from the shadows—a hulking brute of a being. His name was Chakix, if he remembered correctly. The creature stood nearly a head taller than Takkian and carried himself with the confidence of a seasoned fighter. Chakix was notorious for his raw strength. Takkian had faced this male before. And lost.

Takkian narrowed his eyes, sizing him up. Muscle rippled beneath Chakix’s hide, and the vicious glint of teeth peeked through a sharp grin. Already, the crowd roared. Their collective anticipation thickened the air. Takkian clenched his fists, feeling the familiar weight of the arena descend upon him.

As the announcer’s mechanical voice echoed through the stadium, Takkian took a deep breath. “Takkian, 752-X versus Chakix, 946-B,” it shouted, amplifying the frenzy of the crowd. “Begin!”

The signal was immediate. Chakix charged, swinging a massive fist through the air with brutal force. Takkian’s instincts kicked in and he sidestepped, feeling the rush of displaced air asthe punch barely missed his face. He kept his wings tucked close and tight to his body so they’d take as little damage as possible. His wings healed very slowly from injuries. Bruil’s had been destroyed in this place.

Chakix stumbled past him, but he quickly regained his footing, turning with a furious snarl. Takkian could almost feel the hot breath of the crowd washing over him, mingled with malice and greed.

Fight smart, he reminded himself as he calculated his next move. He needed to keep his footing, to feel the ground beneath him. It was the only way to maintain control in the arena. And hehadto maintain control.

Chakix lunged again, this time aiming a lower jab toward Takkian’s ribs. Anticipating the attack, Takkian dodged to the left and countered with a sharp kick to the creature’s knee. The impact landed harder than expected, and Chakix let out a pained grunt as he stumbled back, talons clawing the air for balance.

The crowd roared with excitement at the ebb and flow of the battle. Takkian didn’t let up. He pressed forward with all his strength, landing a swift jab that struck Chakix squarely across the jaw. The force sent the massive being reeling, but it only fueled his anger. With a roar, Chakix surged forward again, muscles coiled as he unleashed a flurry of strikes.

Takkian ducked and weaved, relying on his agility. He had learned long ago how to read the patterns of a fighter’s movements, and Chakix was no different. Each swing was predictable; the brute’s strength lay in its simplicity. Takkian knew he could outsmart him, but timing and precision were everything.

“Focus,” he muttered to himself as he sidestepped another punch that flew, barely missing. Using the momentum, he stepped in close and delivered a crushing blow to Chakix’s ribs,feeling a sickening crunch resonate against his knuckles. The creature staggered, letting out a hiss that cut across the arena.

The crowd erupted. Screams and cheers were so loud, Takkian could barely hear the announcer’s commentary. “Takkian, 752-X is taking control of the fight!”

But Takkian kept his focus, not letting the chaos seep into his mind. He saw an opening as Chakix swayed unsteadily, catching his breath for a moment. His leg muscles bunched, and he dashed forward, shoving the brute backward. In an instant, Takkian threw his shoulder into Chakix’s chest, leveraging his weight to topple the massive being.

The thud echoed through the arena like thunder. Chakix hit the ground hard, sending out a spray of sand and sprawling out with a grunt.

Takkian remembered Chakix being faster, having agility that matched his own. It was possible that his opponent had been told to throw the fight. That rarely happened, and Chakix was a popular fighter. Why would the handlers, who arranged the fights, want to see one of their stars taken down so easily?

“Get up!” a voice boomed from somewhere in the crowd. It was a reminder that he had to ensure his victory was absolute. He stepped back, surveying Chakix, who struggled to push himself up, panting heavily.

Takkian couldn’t give him a chance to recover. He prepared for the finishing blow when he noticed the edge of the arena, lit by the glaring floodlights. A mech, stationed just beyond the arena’s boundary. It was waiting for the imminent end to this fight, and seeing it there, in his space, sparked an idea.

With a glance at Chakix, Takkian charged forward and punched Chakix directlyintothe mech, slamming his opponent into the machine’s exterior. The clang was sharp and jarring, and the mech’s system sputtered.

The crowd gasped. A wave of uncertainty rippled through them for one hot moment, as the specter of the mechs losing control over the fighters loomed. A moment of stillness hung in the air. But it wasn’t Takkian’s intention to rebelnow. He wanted to test the mech’s durability and cause a little damage, but not enough to disable it. That was perfect. Exactly what Takkian was going for. A beaten-up mech was easier to get past than a fully functional one.

Takkian turned back to Chakix, who lay groaning beside the mech. He wasn’t getting up. Takkian could see the fight was over, and it was definitely easier than it should have been. Despite Chakix’s breath coming in ragged gasps, his defeated opponent glanced over at him and grinned. Takkian’s gut tightened as his suspicions were confirmed. Chakix had thrown the match quickly. The mech knew the plan and was there even before it had happened.

“Takkian, 752-X has won the match,” the announcer cried.

The crowd booed and threw their rocks and food and filth at him, but Takkian barely noticed. Their jeers echoed wildly off the walls as Takkian stepped back, flexing his sore hand. The sound turned his stomach. So much cruelty, but it still wasn’t enough. It hadn’t gone on long enough. They were angry that there wasn’t more blood, more pain.

A second mech rolled in quickly. Takkian watched as both mechs locked onto Chakix’s body. The wounded fighter’s protests were drowned out by the crowd.

“Retrieving the incapacitated combatant.” The mech’s voice was devoid of emotion as it dragged Chakix toward the exit, leaving a trail of sand and blood in their wake.

Takkian couldn’t help but watch as Chakix was pulled away, limp and defeated. A sour taste formed in Takkian’s mouth, mixed with the stale air around him. This victory was moredangerous than a loss, and it only compounded the nagging sensation in his gut.

The third mech advanced closer. “Get moving, fighter,” it ordered flatly.

“Right,” he muttered. His body was still taut with energy. He pivoted and strode towards the exit, aware of the crowd’s roar behind him and relieved when their shouts faded as he left the arena floor. He was done with this. The fighting. The cheering crowds. All of it.

He stepped into the dark hallway. Each step led him further from the wild energy of the fight and closer to the grim reality of what he and the others were daring to attempt. The mech ahead of him reeled back before turning to face him. “Victory recorded. Takkian, 752-X will report upon request.”

That was strange, and he wasn’t even sure what it meant. A mech had never said that to him after a match before.

Takkian continued down the corridor behind the mech. There was no thrill of victory. Only an unsettling emptiness that confirmed the need to get out of this place, no matter the cost. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he approached the cell.

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