It's been a while since I updated this story, so it's about time. Although we're over 40 chapters in, numerically the story's only about a quarter done. Lots of stuff still to come! Three chapters to come today since they're all short.

As always the standard disclaimer applies: I do not own the Happy Tree Friends; they are the property of Mondo Media. In addition the character of Fresko the Feline belongs to Deviant Art user Yoshi Lord. I own only my own characters and this story.

Now here's chapter 41:

41 – SINGLE COMBAT

Unlike Klure, who was part human and part cyborg, Durago was entirely human – and proud of it. Although he could have gotten an artificial eye to replace the one he'd lost he refused to do so. Instead he got an old fashioned eye-patch and wore it like it was a medal of honor. It made him look a bit like a pirate, which suited him since he was a very big man, tall, and muscular. He had been a Marauder for as long as he could remember and had risen to become one of XL-Jack-3's officers, although not on the most senior staff. He had never actually been in command before and he'd really been looking forward to the potential attack on the Animal City. Unfortunately for him the animals were ready before he was.

He had been awake that night and had known what was happening as soon as the first tents began to shake. He snatched up two blasters, ran out into the night, and tried to rally his troops. Those who kept their heads when the attack started came to his call at once, but before they were fully ready the surface and air onslaughts had come rushing in, taking many of them down. Durago, however, was not taken down and began shooting. He was good shot too. When Fresko reached him he had already killed one anaconda, two wolves, a jaguar, an eagle, and was trying to shoot a lion and a bear. The sight of Fresko brought him up short.

"You" he had said at once, and Fresko had responded with "Me" and then "long time no see, eh Durago?" It was an unfortunate choice of words on Fresko's part. Durago became so enraged to be reminded of his injury by the very same cat who had given it to him that he lost all control and began shooting with both blasters at Fresko as if he were possessed. It was all Fresko could do to keep ahead of the shots.

Fresko's greeting hadn't been so unfortunate as it appeared. He knew Durago would probably lose control if reminded of their previous meeting. In fact, he was counting on it. But it didn't make dodging Durago's shots any easier. Those blasters must have been fully charged, Fresko thought to himself as he avoided more blasts, if I survive this I'll lose so much weight from the exertion I'll have to eat three meals at once just to get back to my ideal shape!

It seemed to go on forever before the blasts from Durago's blasters finally weakened and died. The energy from the guns was exhausted and Durago threw them away in disgust. Fresko came to a stop facing him, breathing hard. They stared at each other. All around them the sound of the battle seemed to be dying down. Durago and Fresko both stole glances around them. The animals were definitely in control of the field; tt was clear that they had won.

"Finished playing?" asked Fresko, "are you ready to surrender?"

"Surrender?" snorted Durago as he pulled out some knives "to you? Never!" Fresko bared his claws and closed in for the hand to claw fight. Again and again Durago slashed viciously at Fresko, but missed. Fresko jumped here and there trying to sink his teeth and claws into Durago, but the marauder kept him back until Fresko threw caution away and made a straight-forward leap at Durago's face.

Fresko landed right on Durago's head and bit the marauder's nose hard. Bellowing with pain Durago took a swipe at Fresko and grazed his side, drawing blood. Fresko let go of Durago's nose and sank his front claws into Durago's right shoulder, and his back claws into his left shoulder, and no matter how much Durago shook him he could not get him off. He didn't try to cut Fresko again because now it would have been much more dangerous to himself. There was a long moment where they stood frozen that way, almost as if they were statues, before Fresko spoke.

"Give up" he said, "or I'll kill you."

"Then kill me" growled Durago, "I don't care. We've lost. If you don't kill me, XL-Jack-3 will."

"Then I won't kill you" said Fresko,"I'll just take out your other eye – "

"No! Not that!" yelled Durago, as Fresko began to raise a claw. He dropped his knives and raised his hands.

"Are those all of your weapons?" Fresko asked. Durago nodded, but Fresko didn't let go. He nodded at the bear who had been watching all this time. The bear came forward and patted Durago down, removing another knife, and a small hidden blaster. Fresko raised an eyebrow.

"You could have kept shooting at me" he said, as he began to loosen his grip.

"That gun's not for combat" said Durago, "it's an exit gun."

"I see" said Fresko jumping down to the ground. He turned to the bear, "take him in."

The bear moved to grab Durago, but before he could Durago made one last desparate move. Throwing all his remaining strength into one lunge he pushed the bear aside and grabbed the small blaster.

"No!" hissed Fresko, realizing what Durago was about to do. Durago didn't pay any attention.

"Like I said" Durago declared, "it's an exit gun." He stuck the blaster in his mouth and fired, blowing his head to bits. His body stood upright for an instant more before finally crashing
to the ground.

(To Be Continued)