Primal Outcasts

Chapter 7- Puzzling plates

The underground arena buzzed with the murmur of anticipation as the next bout was announced. Through the dim, flickering lights and the smoky haze, two figures emerged from the shadows, each led by rough handlers. On one side, a towering anthro male stegosaurus shuffled forward reluctantly. His spiked tail dragged behind him, a testament to his power but his scales dull and eyes weary showed an unwilling spirit. Opposite him, an eager masculine wolf muscles taut and eyes alight with fierce determination, prowled into the ring. His sharp claws flexed and fangs bared letting out a howl, a stark contrast to the stegosaurus' hesitance. Both fighters, trafficked from their distant homes and forced into this brutal spectacle, faced each other as the crowd's roar grew louder, sealing their fates in the illegal arena.

Kuma, Amy, and the crowd were started by a puff of smoke appearing, the large being with a cape and a skull mask, hiding his identity from anyone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for the clash of titans, one from the present and the past!" The crowd erupted in cheers, their bloodlust palpable. The stegosaurus, named Jagger, glanced around nervously, his heart pounding in his chest. He had been ripped from his serene forest home, his peaceful days of grazing and basking in the sun replaced by this nightmare of violence and captivity.

On the other side, the wolf, called Fang, relished the energy of the crowd. He had always been a fighter, his life in the wild a constant battle for survival. Now, in this dark arena, he saw an opportunity to channel his aggression and perhaps earn a twisted form of respect. His eyes locked onto Jagger, sizing up his opponent with a predator's keen instinct.

"So this what they meant, Warrior of the Past! Since the Dinosaur clans were first to roam the world." Kuma exclaimed. "But why... does that dinosaur not look as eager as his opponent?"

A harsh buzzer signaled the start of the fight. Fang wasted no time, lunging forward with a snarl, claws outstretched. Jagger hesitated, his massive form slow to react. He swung his spiked tail defensively, creating a barrier between himself and the oncoming wolf. Fang dodged nimbly, circling to find an opening. The crowd's cheers grew louder, egging on the reluctant dinosaur and the eager predator.

Jagger knew he had to defend himself, but every instinct in him screamed to avoid violence. He took a deep breath, bracing for the inevitable clash. Fang, sensing his opponent's hesitation, launched another attack, aiming for Jagger's vulnerable side. The stegosaurus managed to deflect the blow with his tail, but the impact sent a jolt of pain.

As the fight goes on, the darkness looms over Amy, stronger with each second. "Hey, Kuma? I know I have been in Demon Cross for a short time but I'm feeling something is wrong with that dinosaur." Amy whispered to Kuma.

"Yeah... something is very wrong here." Kuma mumbled to himself as the brutal fight went on. "Something about this place is just puzzling me."

As the fight dragged on, Jagger struggled to keep up with Fang's relentless onslaught. The wolf's speed and ferocity were overwhelming, and Jagger felt his strength waning. But in a moment of desperation, something shifted within him. He remembered the peaceful days in his forest home, the freedom he once had. A surge of determination coursed through him. He would not go down without a fight.

With a roar that shook the arena, Jagger charged forward, surprising Fang with his sudden burst of energy. The crowd gasped as the stegosaurus swung his tail with newfound force, catching the wolf off guard. Fang stumbled, momentarily thrown off balance. Jagger seized the opportunity, pressing his advantage as the wolf got knocked out.

The crowd went wild saying, "End it!" repeating repeatedly as the stegosaurus just stared down at Fang.

High above the arena, seated in a private box that overlooked the carnage, the male being with horns on the head sticking out watched with cold, calculating eyes. His skull mask remained expressionless, but his presence commanded attention. He leaned forward slightly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of his chair. In his other hand, he held his black cane with the silver wolf's head, the polished metal gleaming in the dim light.