Chapter 3

Ankary stood in another room, still. The guard was lying when he said he was going back to his holding cell. He gave a cold, hard glare at the arena owner, Kaizar. The Galra wasn't toned like other soldiers. He was a bit more on the heavier side, but strong none the less, covered in the trademark purple fur. The war paint on his face was hard to distinguish against the battle scars that marked all over his body. His yellow eyes emphasized the wicked smirk. There was a glimpse of his fangs when he talked, but they weren't nearly as long or deadly like the Dayan's, hence the guard in his jaws.

The Galra were more feline in characteristics, both in physical and social. Kaizar was no different, being the alpha of his own clan and multiple mates that were loyal to him and each other. Ankary hated the smell of his alphaic pheromones. Way too strong and musky, like when someone over applies cologne.

"Are you really going to stand there and glare daggers at me or will you join me over here and relax for once?" His voice was deep, like most of the other alphas in the Galra Empire. Ankary remained still. He'd rather chew his own arm off before he'd willingly let this Galra near him. Kaizar sighed before grabbing his tail and pulling him closer to finally sit down in one of the chairs. Ankary's nose scrunched, but he made no move to try and fight.

"I enjoyed your performance today. It's entertaining to watch you fight. Observing the way your opponent works before going for the kill at their weakest point is something I should expect of a Galra soldier. Even seeing the way the handlers have to adapt in order to bring you to heel has become amusing." Ankary tried his best to snarl at him, scrunching his nose and narrowing his eyes. Without his fangs he couldn't complete the silent threat, so he made do with what he had.

"When you were first captured and thrown into my arena, I was skeptical. You certainly didn't look the type who was going to survive the first round." That was a long time ago. Ankary could remember when he opened up his contract and read the information about his commission. Kaizar was in charge of the whole arena system. The multiple locations to hold matches were directly coordinated with the Galra prison ships. After he proposed the idea of using the prisoners as entertainment instead of a waste of space, the Emperor gave him all the necessities to open his gladiator matches which then spread throughout the universe. Kaizar was a powerful figure, indeed.

"You've proved me wrong, though. Not only do you know how to keep yourself alive against your opponents, you observe, analyze and turn it against them. You're a dirty fighter, I like that. A real weapon in my arsenal. It would be foolish of me to pass up an opportunity to offer you something more suitable than a common prisoner." Ankary narrowed his eyes. Was he trying to make a deal or something? His curiosity perked up, but he refused to lower his guard.

Kaizar smirked when he saw Ankary's shoulders lower. "I'll offer you two choices. One, you can either remain a prisoner here and continue to fight for the glory of the Emperor, or you can join my side and show the Galra army how real fighting is done." The Dayan cringed and leaned away in disgust. Why would he ever want to give any assistance to the Empire? He shook his head in refusal.

All he got in return was a knowing laugh. "I figured that would be your first choice, but let me elaborate. If you join me I can give you diplomatic immunity and your range of freedom won't be confined to prison walls. You be provided with an actual living space with your own bed, bath and privacy. You will be given a higher rank above the average soldier so you won't have to kneel to them anymore. I might even throw in a personal ship at your disposal. No more fighting for your life, treated with minimal medical care, or showering with the other prisoners and falling asleep in a comfortable bed. What say you?"

If it weren't for the guard around his fangs he would sink them into the Galra's purple fur and tear his throat out. It would be nice to actually have some luxury and freedom, but he would rather die than join Kaizar's team. This stupid war has brought in many prisoners from captured planets and star systems when the Galra Empire took over, more innocent than guilty. There's no way he could just let that go. It wasn't right. He gave his hardest glare and shook his head again.

Kaizar lifted a brow, "No? Pity. You would excel greatly in the forces of the Empire." He got up from his seat, making Ankary's guard spike higher. He went over to the door and touched the pad next to it. Typing something into the coding, Kaizar finalized whatever he was telling the ship computer. A few moments later and the door opened with a quiet whoosh. Two handlers entered, wearing sterile gloves and what looked like medical masks.

Ankary shot to his feet, but the restraints prevented him from fighting them off when one of them grabbed him. He struggled and hissed as much as possible, a fruitless effort to resist. The one holding him down had a tight grip while the other approached him and stuck a needle into him. The clear fluid inside it was injected into his bloodstream. A fiery anger flared inside him.

When they finished he was let go and instantly wished he wasn't. Already spent on keeping himself alive in the fights, whatever small ounce of energy he had left drained from him. He fell to the floor, laying limp. Kaizar almost laughed at how useless he looked. Mentally Ankary threw daggers at him. The handlers stood silently to the side, awaiting orders. "Don't worry, it won't last forever," he reassured. "This is just an experiment. I want to see how far I can push you without killing you. What does it take to break your spirits, I wonder? Consider it…motivation."

The Galra looked over to the handlers and said something Ankary was too mentally tired to interpret in his head. He could feel the effects of whatever drug this was settling in. Suddenly feeling just how burnt out his muscles were. They nodded and forced Ankary up on his feet. Kaizar gave him one last look. "I would love to stay here, but I have to attend my duties at another arena, and you have a few more matches tomorrow. I want a report on how well you handle them."

Ankary was so exhausted. How was he going to fight tomorrow with such a sore body? Kaizar left the room and the handlers had to help Ankary back to his cell. He ached all over and his soul felt so cold and small. He barely noticed the restraints anymore. It didn't take long for his whole body to go numb and the pull of sleep was so inviting. Whether he actually fell asleep or passed out was unsure. All he knew was the darkness that followed within a matter of moments.