ManBeast - Book 1: A Kingdom of Predators

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

Doug, Jules, Al (who was nearby, eating from a tupper-ware bowl that had the word "BETTY'S" written on it) and just about everyone within an immediate proximity to them were stunned and silent. Jules could not believe what he had just heard: not only was he addressed by name in front of so many intimidating, powerful and notorious figures, but he was the only person not being allowed to participate? No coherent thoughts crossed his mind, only a feeling of red-hot shame and anxiety of having been thrown this unwanted and unexpected attention. Doug's voice rang out, giving Jules something besides himself to focus on: "WHAT GIVES!? THE KID TRAINED LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, THIS IS BULLSHIT!"

The murmurs amongst the crowd had begun, giving Jules a claustrophobic feeling of inadequacy and judgment. Several of the nearby guards attempted to shush Doug, who was full-on in "rant mode". Al had joined the fracas, arguing with several guards as well; this only added the shame Jules felt of being the only one not allowed to participate in the proverbial "reindeer games." Here he was, not speaking up for himself and yet those who had invested so much time into his development were doing more to defend him than he was. "Maybe its...for the best" crossed his mind, now feeling the slight dregs of depression creep into his being. Jules wasn't a true Beast-Man to begin with, so his place amongst them was always a dubious notion at best...at least to him. This was NOT his world, and he was a fool for thinking it could be.

Frankie's voice rang out, silencing everyone: "Invoking the Brotherhood Code: Article 4, subsection A(2)(a), as the Brother who sponsors the consideration of draft for a Julius P. Jones, I request the Chairman give explanation for this impromptu decision."

Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch Frankie stand in as counsel against the Chairman; he had somehow made his way onto the same platform that held the press box, and even more strange and notable, had gotten a hold of a microphone.

"Of course, Brother Mack. By reason of the aforementioned assessment, Julius Jones has been found to be physically incapable of participation, by means of his species designation. All documentation used in vetting Mr. Jones, obtained through our private investigators, such as college applications and health care coverage, revealed that he aligns with being "human", and thus does not meet criteria for Brotherhood consideration," stated the Chairman.

"By reason of membership forfeiture pursuant to Article 6(1)(d), I request reconsideration, as there is sufficient evidence not yet proffered to prove Julius Jones is entitled to participate. Julius is in fact a Hybrid, and will prove it tonight,", Frankie stated with certainty. The murmurs of the crowd started to churn, as the word "Hybrid" caused many people present to react. Some Brothers were shocked or confused, others were dismissive. Jules saw one or two Brothers sitting near Manny bare fangs in his direction. The Chairman raised her hands to silence the dissent and noise, before turning her attention again to Frankie: "Brother Mack, am I to understand you are willing to potentially forfeit your rights to active membership, and even expulsion from the Brotherhood, if Julius Jones is unable to prove during the Gauntlet that he is, in fact, a Hybrid?", to which Frankie answered "Yes."

This caused the biggest reaction from the crowd; Brothers started chanting "EXPULSION, EXPULSION!", while several business types in the Committee sky box were frantically chatting and transcribing notes on their cellphones. They were preparing to gamble on this assertion by Frankie: was Julius truly a Hybrid, and if so, would it come out during the Gauntlet? The Chairman raised her hands again to silence the crowd: "Even still, I cannot allow for you to risk your membership; you are far too valuable and respected. As Chairman of the Brotherhood and by the powers vested in..."

"Wait, there's more" Frankie interrupted. The stadium went dead silent, hanging on for the additional information Frankie was going to marshal forth. "The second reason why Julius should not be dismissed, is because he is the son of Stephan "Stand-Alone" Jones, former Chairman of the Brotherhood."

Jules stopped breathing for a moment. Doug (in mid chest-thump with a guard) lowered his hands. Time had stopped; not a single soul present shifted within this new reality. Jules was no exception; a "bomb" had just been dropped on him. He obviously had heard Frankie's statement, but could not piece together the brevity of it. His father, whom he had never known, who walked out on him and his family at a young age, was not only a former Brother (let alone monikered "Stand-Alone") but also was a former Chairman? Jules' knees buckled momentarily, causing Al to jump over and help support him. "Did...did you know?" Jules whispered.

Al shook his head: "To be honest, I never knew the guy and Frankie never spoke to me about it. But this is good right? Sounds like your dad was considered a fucking badass!" Al's optimism helped steady Jules to his feet, but a truth that momentous could not be so easily shaken. Nobody spoke, sans a few whispers from the older crowd; they seemed to be the most aghast from hearing that name. Doug turned to Al and Jules, baring a pained expression on his face: "It's true, kid."

Frankie picked up from where he left off, allowing the weight of his statement to sit on the audience for a moment: "As such, but considering the dark, past events within our Brotherhood, I ask that at the very least, The Committee be put to vote on whether Julius should be allowed to compete, and whether I can stake my membership on him proving his rightful place amongst us." This sent the Committee members into a tizzy; audible arguments could be heard emanating from the skybox; Roger was surrounded by several people, looking as though he was explaining something of importance.

At the height of the commotion, a female voice rang out from the stadium speakers: "IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT NEWS BROUGHT FORTH, WE THE COMMITTEE, DO HEREBY AGREE TO VOTE ON THE MATTERS AT ISSUE: JULIUS JONES' ALLOWANCE IN PARTICIPATION, AND FRANCIS MACK'S EXPULSION, SHOULD JULIUS' SPECIES DESIGNATION AS A HYBRID REMAIN UNPROVEN." The frenzy of activity within the stadium picked up to a feverish pace; investors, gamblers and Brothers were all hooked into the uncertain outcome of a Committee vote.

One Brother thought enough of the situation to say so out loud: "MAAAN FUCK THIS KID; AINT NO MUTT HAVE A PLACE AMONGST REAL BEASTS, REAL MONSTERS AND CREATURES! I DON'T GIVE A FUCK WHO HIS DADDY WUZ; HE AINT SHIT, YA HURD MEH!" Both Doug and Al took special umbrage to this Brother and shouted obscenities back, whipping the crowd into bedlam.

After about 2 minutes of pure anxiety, adrenaline and abiotrophy of common decorum, the same female voice rang out again: "IT HAS BEEN DECIDED, IN A 8-7 VOTE: JULIUS P. JONES, THE PUTATIVE SON OF STEPHAN J. JONES, WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE. FRANCIS MACK WILL BE ALLOWED TO GAMBLE HIS MEMBERSHIP ON JULIUS' SPECIES REVEAL."

Realty shattered once again, everyone was either cheering or screaming in some fashion. Brothers were high-fiving each other, investors were pulling out multiple cell phones to make calls, and the other draftees and coaches were all ecstatic to hear that good news. Doug and Al grabbed Jules up and hugged him, jumping up and down like idiots; from afar, Frankie shook hands with the Chairman. Jules was still stunned; still lost in the vast amount of information he had been bombarded with.

"SMILE KID! WE'RE GUNNA SHOW 'EM!" Doug screamed in his face. Jules forced a smile as the original announcer came back on: ALL NINE DRAFTEES, PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT THE CAGE PRESS PIT FOR THE START OF THE GAUNTLET; YOU WILL BE ASSIGNED A NUMBER AND A SCORECARD TO PROVIDE TO THE STATION JUDGES DURING EACH OF THE EVENTS. GOOD LUCK AND GOD SPEED!" Al and Doug put Jules down, both slapping him on the back. "Go get 'em kid! We're here to coach ya up!" Jules walked over to the Cage Pit, ready to put his best foot forward. "...I can do this."