Chapter 6; "The First Night, Part One."

"Breathe in."

"…Breathe in."

"Breathe out."

"…Breathe out."

"What's on your mind, Rena?"

"…Nothing, Sensei. I think I'm finally getting the hang of this whole mediation thing."

Flint Morris chuckled, opening his eyes to look at his pupil from his cross-legged position. Rena was dressed in her typical combat gear rather than her black dobok, wearing a black hoodie over her pink sports bra and matching compression shorts. The pink and black thigh-high socks were ever-present, complete with the soles cut out. The aged coyote himself was dressed in his worn black dobok with the accompanying eight-striped black belt, always giving off the air of wisdom and deadly experience. Rena's legs were still crossed and her eyes were still closed, continuously attempting to empty her mind. "Are you sure you've got the hang of it?" Flint asked with a quirked brow.

Rena sat still for a moment, before sighing and opening her eyes, slouching over with a bored expression. "It's really hard. I can't just sit still to improve! I've got to be training! How else can I pull off all the cool stuff you can?"

Flint chuckled again. "That's because that patience is one of my greatest weapons."

"Oh give me a farking break…"

"What was that?"

"N-nothing!" There was a bit of silence before Rena spoke up again, still obviously bored. "I really don't get it though, how's meditation going to help me win my fights? If anything, I'm getting a bit pissed off here."

"Do you trust me?" Flint suddenly asked, making Rena do a double-take.

"I guess so…"

"Then trust me on this. You've grown so much as a person, no need to give up when you're so close. Remember what I said about a martial artist's greatest weapon?"

"Right, right. Sorry."

Flint's hand quickly found its way to Rena's shoulder, who didn't so much as flinch at the gesture. "You don't need to be sorry. Instead, keep focusing. Always keep it at the front of your mind that dominance is not what martial arts is truly about."

"But it is what this tournament's about," Rena corrected with a cocky smirk.

Flint rolled his eyes with a smile similar to Rena's at the response, before firing back with his own. "That is true, but remember, this is a controlled environment to demonstrate what you've learned. Don't take this too seriously, alright?"

"With all due respect, Sensei, there's a lot of money at stake here. This is half for business and half for pleasure, so I'm treating this like it's a job."

"I understand, you know I've fought in these things before. Keep in mind that some people are here to have fun and demonstrate what they've learned, like Mr. Brooks. Don't let your aggression take hold of you here. Just focus on your meditation, and do not underestimate your opponent. I've trained with Rezo in the past, if Ms. Spitz didn't catch him by surprise like that, she would have lost."

Rena obeyed her sensei, continuing to work on her mediation as the arena's noises only continued to ramp up in volume. At least the empty gym would provide some semblance of Flint's dojo back on Papetoon.

~::::~

Walking down the hallway past the gym doors, Dean stretched his arms behind his head, dressed in his presenters' attire while Scott and Rymden walked beside him. Scott had his suit from the last fight still on, while Rymden's body was covered in a mess of cables, pagers and a pair of headphones, hiding his t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers in a form of technical camouflage. "So, Rym. Everything all set up?" Dean asked, finishing his stretch. Rymden nodded, but let a grin seep across his face as he placed his headphones around his neck.

"Yeah, it's all ready. But I've got a feeling that you wouldn't understand a thing I'd say if I really went into detail about it." Dean's face held an offended expression for a second before he shrugged in response.

"Yeah, you're probably right. Tech has never really been my strong suit."

"Like when you snapped a RAM stick in half?"

"You're never gonna let that go, huh?"

"Nope."

"Alright you two, professional faces," Scott commanded with a smirk, putting an end to the playful bickering as Rymden took the opportunity to take a sip from his Beryllium Blast can. The cheetah and fox looked at the tabby with amused grins, prompting a suspicious glare from Rymden. "Rymden, that's your fifth can today," Scott pointed out.

"So?"

"Are you sure your heart's not going to explode?"

"Hey, I've been wiring this place up all day. I need the energy! You should've seen the amount of cans I had to down after that training of yours anyway."

Dean and Scott shared a laugh as the cheetah jumped into the fray. "Yeah man, we gotta talk about your addiction. Back at the house, your room's littered with cans! I can barely set foot in there without crushing a can!"

Rymden's response was to blow air out of his nose as the cheetah and fox continued their laughter, before dying down quickly as they approached the gorilla position, filled with tech and TVs lining the room. In the corner of the room was an interview area, with cameras running as Harvey Stepples began his interview of Kargad. The massive rhino towered over the feline but always wore a grin no matter what. He was dressed in a flawless silver suit with a scarf around his neck and eyeglasses placed over his deep brown eyes.

"Harvey Stepples, reporting live from the first round of Lethal Lockdown! Next to me is Kargad, the wandering monk who braved the Badlands of Titania for six years straight in search of spiritual enlightenment and physical dominance! Kargad, your opponent tonight is Augustine 'Nail' Strafer, holder of the second-fastest knockout in Lethal Lockdown history. How will you brave this opponent?"

Kargad chuckled as Harvey lifted the microphone up to his mouth, looking down at the cat with calm eyes. "First off, it is an honor to be here, and I also wish to extend my gratitude towards Mr. Strafer. He is indeed a tough opponent, and living on Titania for all of those years has taught me to never underestimate my opponent. Sure, it might seem to be an easy fight to the untrained eye given my size and stature, but one of the biggest killers out in the Badlands is a feral lizard no bigger than your hand, Mr. Stepples. They have a relative species on Fortuna known as the 'Sleep-Well Lizard' because as the name suggests, you are in for a nap you do not wake up from." The rhino proceeded to pull a book out from his breast pocket, a hard copy covered in a maroon red body, with the rhino himself standing tall in clothes made of fur and bone atop a dune in the Badlands. "In fact, I talk about it in my book! This book details every single creature I fought, and every single way I overcame them. Each battle was a learning experience, and whether I won or lost, I took it as an opportunity to learn."

Harvey quirked a brow as he brought the microphone back to his lips. "So you're saying that if you lose tonight, you won't be upset?"

Kargad chuckled, his deep laughter vibrating Harvey's bones. "Precisely! Of course, I still would love to win, but to anyone watching, my fight can go one of two ways. If I win, that means that if someone dedicates themselves to a training regimen, anything is possible! If Mr. Strafer is able to overcome me, however, then that sends a message that if someone works hard enough, they can topple even someone like me! It's a win-win for those who need self-confidence, and that is why I am here!"

Kargad's enthusiasm rubbed off on Harvey, as the feline made a mental note to buy the book later tonight as the camera refocused on him. "Well, there you have it, folks! Kargad's battle will be coming up later tonight in what is sure to be one for the ages! This has been Harvey Stepples, live from Lethal Lockdown!"

Rymden quickly found his seat behind his tech booth, putting on his headphones and taking the seat next to Liutas, still as sharply dressed as ever. The lion took note of the tabby and shook his hand, before standing up and approaching Dean and Scott. "Hello, gentlemen! I trust that you two are ready for an exciting night?" After getting nods from the duo, Liutas chuckled as the smile failed to fade from his lips. "I can tell! However, there's been a slight change of plans. You two are familiar with Earl Robinson, right?"

"Yeah, he's been the Strikeforce referee since before I was fighting here. What's up with him?" Dean asked, a slight tone of concern blanketing his voice.

"Oh, he's okay, it's just that his wife called to inform me that he has come down with a nasty flu and will unfortunately not be able to officiate this year's tournament." Liutas was able to read the concern on the duo's faces and quickly worked to quell the fears. "But do not worry, I was able to find a suitable replacement thanks to Mr. Stekpannan over there. He assured me that you two know this man and that there would be no such problems with any officiating."

The smell of powerful whiskey hit the noses of Scott and Dean as soon as Liutas finished his sentence. Surprisingly walking and not stumbling through the door with a half-empty bottle of 120 proof whiskey was a zebra wearing the uniform of a Strikeforce official, identified by the two as Diggie Mals. The zebra looked over the cheetah and fox with a smirk before taking a swig of the whiskey in his hand. Well, it was more like draining the last half of the bottle. With a loud belch, Diggie tossed the bottle into a nearby trash can, before walking over to a mini-fridge in the corner of the room. To Scott and Dean's amazement, Diggie pulled out another bottle of the whiskey he was drinking before walking over to the duo. Any normal Lylatian would be stumbling drunk after draining a whole bottle of whiskey, much less 120 proof. But Diggie was infamous for his iron liver and alcohol tolerance. Once in front of the fox and cheetah, Diggie didn't say a word, instead holding the bottle out towards Dean with expecting eyes. The cheetah sighed before tearing the seal off with his index claw. Diggie quickly uncapped the bottle and took a quick swig, while Dean scoffed.

"I'm surprised your liver hasn't given up on life yet, Diggie," Dean remarked with snide in his voice. Diggie moved the bottle away from his lips before rolling his eyes at Dean.

"My liver's never giving up, lightweight. You can barely handle the soft stuff, right pussy?"

"That's racist."

"Then stop being a cuck."

Liutas chuckled as he smacked the verbally sparring duo on their backs, jolting them both to attention. "Well, I can tell that this is going to be one well-oiled machine! You three have fun out there!"

Before Dean could fire back, the pyrotechnics and rock music faded away as the voice of Howard Chimal broke through the walls of the arena, giving the opening remarks. Dressed in a black suit with a red tie, the Havanese dog stood in the center of the caged octagon with a microphone in his hands, ready to hype up the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen of New Atlantis, Aquas, welcome to Strikeforce's Leeeeeeethaaaaaaal Loooooockdoooooowwwwwnnnn! Tonight, twenty-four fighters will enter this ring, but only twelve will emerge victorious! This is the first step for all on the road to receiving the grand prize of 1.5 million credits and a shot at the Strikeforce Universal Championship! Now please welcome our color commentators, Scott Sheppard of the Corneria City Majors and former Strikeforce Champion Dean Elta, along with special guest referee Diggie Mals!"

(Song: Rebel Heart - CFO$)

Making sure he was the first one out, Dean sprinted ahead of his colleagues, appearing first on the stage to gesture to the crowd with open arms. Scott and Diggie followed him out closely but at a regular walking pace rather than his excited sprints. After waving towards their side of the crowd, each one of the officials struck their own pose in the center of the ramp. Dean held a martial arts pose, kicking into the air and holding his leg up high, while his hands guarded his face and he wore a smug smirk. Scott and Diggie were less than dramatic, prompting to simply raise their hands up to the crowd and smile.

Pyrotechnics erupted beside the three officials as the titantron began to play Dean's old entrance video, edited to add in highlights of Scott's hockey career and Diggie's officiating. After basking in the limelight for just a few seconds more, the trio began to walk down the ramp, with varying degrees of excitement. Diggie and Scott were the calmer of the group, giving waves off to the crowd along with returning friendly gestures. Dean on the other hand was bouncing around like a kit tasting sugar for the first time, running up to the barricade and interacting with the cheering fans. It took Scott tapping on the cheetah's shoulder to break him away from his crowd service, as the two quickly made their way to the announcer's booth on the side of the cage.

While Scott and Dean took their seats, Diggie made his way into the cage, shaking hands with Howard as the two walked to the side of the cage, watching the entrance ramp with trained eyes.

Throwing on their headphones, Scott and Dean did a quick mic check as Scott put on his glasses and Dean adjusted his jacket. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first round of Lethal Lockdown! As always, I'm Scott Sheppard, once again joined by the former Strikeforce Universal Champion, Dean Elta!"

"Thanks for the intro, Scotty! We've seen some tough and surprising fighters claw their way in for a chance at the prize, a fat stack of cash, and a shot at the title! Some advice for those in the back though, it only gets harder from here. Now, let's get to the fighting!"

The music began to slowly fade away as Diggie took a swig from his alcohol, before stepping outside and pouring some of the liquor on his gloved hands to sterilize them. Placing his alcohol on a small pedestal, the ref quickly got back in the ring, waiting for the first fighters to come out.

(Song: Rebellion - CFO$)

A wailing guitar suddenly pierced everyone's ears as the first fighter made her way out to the ring. Shira Amorae was back, the snarl still present on her face as she marched out to the ring. She was still clad in her fight attire from the qualifier, complete with a dark red sports bra, dark red compression shorts, and missing gloves. Some of Justin's fur was still visibly melded to her knuckles as she balled up her fists again. There was no fluff with her entrance, she was making it clear that whoever she was fighting was going to get hurt, really bad.

"So Dean, what can you tell us about this fighter?" Scott asked, the snarling collie-wolf hybrid not bothering to even glare at the fans.

"Well, she strikes me as a powerhouse if her qualifier is anything to go by. Big hits, hard to topple. She's the type of fighter that can eat a punch and send it back twice as strong. If it was me in there, I'd say chopping her down would be my first instinct, then locking in any submission that takes care of her legs. If I get a tap, that's perfect, but my main goal would be to wear her down."

Dean's analysis received a head nod from Scott as Shira entered the ring. The collie-wolf glared at Diggie as he frisked her, looking for any signs of pre-match wear or injuries, as well as making sure no foreign items were entering the ring. With the frisk complete, Shira began slowly pacing the ring, eying the opposite entrance as her music died down.

(Song: Cyberpunk Combat 2 - SYNTHETIK)

Blue neon lights flickered around the arena as a very technology-heavy presence hung in the air. Blue lasers and strobe lights accompanied the electronic beats as a tall wolf-like canine walked out, casting a steely glare across the arena as the music continued to swell up. As soon as the song hit the apex. A series of pyrotechnics exploded, the lights casting down onto the fighter as she held her hands out to the crowd, letting the cheers wash over her. She was wearing the typical shorts and rashguard, although they were both in a digital grey camo pattern, along with her gloves. Atop her head sat a similarly camouflaged military cap, which she adjusted as she pulled her hands back in. In a cyber-punk stylization, the words "Zarla Kristoff" appeared on the screen.

"And here we have Zarla! From what I know, she's not even from the Lylat System, but that doesn't change a thing in the ring."

"You know it, Scotty! Zarla is another powerhouse like Shira. If her size isn't enough to intimidate you, the weight behind her strikes and cold calculation would be enough to do it justice. Seeing her and Shira duke it out is one helluva a way to open up this year's Lethal Lockdown!"

Scott and Dean's commentary continued as Zarla stepped up to Diggie, the zebra frisking the wolf with some difficulty before allowing her to step into the ring. Zarla removed her hat and gently placed it at the top of the stairs leading up to the ring. The second her feet hit the canvas, Zarla locked eyes with Shira. There was a rage present behind those eyes as Shira cracked her knuckles, squaring up to the wolf as Diggie stepped into the ring, quickly worming his way between both women as Zarla's music finally died down.

The two women simply stood in place for a few intense seconds as the cheers in the arena poured in, bloodthirsty fans ready for the first fight of the tournament. They were trying to make the other show any form of emotion besides calculating or angry, both failing to do so. Looking at the fighters, Diggie nodded his head before he brought his arm down and stepped back, the bell ringing and the fans nearly exploding out of their seats.

"And here we go, Lethal Lockdown is underway!"

Following Dean's exclamation, Zarla and Shira began circling each other. The powerhouses looked for any weakness on the other before Shira stepped in first, throwing a quick jab. Zarla was quick to dodge the attack and re-assumed her stance. There were a few more strikes thrown out to test the waters, some landing with fleshy thuds as the two women refused to break eye contact.

After a front kick from Zarla whiffed Shira, the canine shot her body low and went for a takedown, locking her arms around the lupine's waist and tackling her to the floor. "We're in a ground game now, are we going to see a tap out in the first minute?" Scott's question went unanswered as the two fighters tried to scramble.

Thinking quickly, Zarla tried to create some space in the hold. Since Shira only managed to get in her guard, the lupine planted both of her feet on the canine's stomach. Shira's fist suddenly slammed into Zarla's muzzle, a small amount of crimson spilling onto the canvas as a result.

Rather than react to the pain, Zarla went with it, grabbing Shira's arm and using the shifted momentum to her advantage. As quick as lightning, the lupine used her feet to toss the canine over her prone body, executing a picture-perfect flip as Shira landed behind her on her back. The sound from the impact of flesh and fur slamming into the canvas echoed over the cheers as both fighters scrambled to their feet.

No sooner were the two women standing again did the slugfest continue, with a back elbow from Zarla being answered with a haymaker from Shira. Punches were exchanged as the crowd counted each punch landing with fervor. After a few straight seconds of seeing which punch would topple who, the two stumbled back from the brawl, before Shira went to the well again with her grappling.

Zarla saw what was happening and quickly broke the hold with a sudden kick to the canine's kneecap. Shira howled in pain as her leg gave out, her claws raking into Zarla as she fell to one knee. Zarla let a yip of pain escape her throat before she secured her arms around the canine's neck and pulled up.

"Uh-oh, Shira's in trouble now! Zarla's got that guillotine locked on tight!" Dean leaned forward in his chair after that call, intent on watching what was happening. Shria was snarling, suddenly using her upper body strength to lift the large lupine up and charge her into the cage wall in an attempt to break the hold.

The cage jiggled and violently shook as Zarla let a pained grunt escape her throat, but she was still hellbent on keeping the choke locked in tight. Shira had become a crazed dog, still snarling as she tried to break free once more. She began trying to pry herself out of the lupine's grasp, But Zarla doubled down, dropping her center of gravity a bit so that Shira had to bend down.

Desperation was peaking as Shira went for her last resort. Clenching her fists, Shira landed a punch clean to Zarla's stomach. The lupine let out an injured yip as Shira felt the grip slowly let up. This was her chance! Like a madwoman, she began punching as if her life depended on it, just as her vision began to border and blur.

Zarla was tough, but everyone has their breaking point, and she hit hers. Reluctantly, she let go of the hold, letting Shira get back up and poised to attack. With her fury at a fever pitch, the canine began her assault. Kicks and punches were tossed out at Zarla, while the soldier opted to block the attacks. Her blocks were clearly annoying the canine, something that Zarla picked up on. As the assault continued, Shira's attacks got slower and slower, while her panting became audible and visible.

Zarla waited for one last punch to come in, the slowest of the bunch. Zarla deflected the punch and brought her knee up, striking the panting canine right in the chest. A foreign and wild wheeze clawed its way out from Shira's throat as she held her chest tight, visibly dazed from the attack.

Out of nowhere, Zarla suddenly twisted her body and bent down and away from the winded Shira, her hand touching the mat and her leg rapidly rising in the air. With a sudden crack, Zarla's foot struck Shira's jaw as she was still recovering from the knee strike, the kick toppling the canine as cheers erupted from the stands. "Was that a mule kick?! From a girl her size?! Wow, she could kick the top of a building with that kind of reach!" Dean had nearly jumped out of his seat with those remarks, just as Zarla mounted Shira and began landing punch after punch to the dazed canine's jaw.

It was clear who the winner was, especially as Shira took punch after blood spilling punch. Diggie brought his hands up to an X-shape, signaling that this fight was now over. The bell rang and Zarla was quickly pulled off of the bloodied and knocked out Shira.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match by way of knockout, Zarla Kristoff!"

Zarla's music began to blare again as cheers once more poured out. "What a way to open Lethal Lockdown," Scott began, glancing over at Dean. "Dean, what caused such a turn of events for Ms. Kristoff? It looked like Shira had the upper hand until that knee strike."

Dean chuckled as replays of the knockout were put on screen, each one in slow motion and from different angles. "She winded herself, Scotty. Zarla played it safe once she saw her attacks come out there and let her tire herself out. But even then, no way I could have seen that mule kick coming! That's how you capitalize a fight!"

The surprising upset was finally setting in and the blood was quickly cleaned off the canvas as Zarla placed her cap on her head and looked down at the bloodied Shira. She was just coming to thanks to the help of medical staff, the pain of defeat sapping her mood into one of anger and sadness. Zarla held her hand out for Shira to grab, but the canine slapped it away with a snarl. Pushing her medics aside, Shira limped out of the cage, the shame of being the first one eliminated stinging hard.

Zarla waited for a bit before exiting the octagon next, followed by the medics giving her quick care and attention. The next fight was quickly started after a few short commercials.

~::::~

(Song: Bad Apple! - FalKKonE, Rena)

An intense orchestral intro and guttural yell followed by shredding guitars signaled the entrance of Urena Miyoshi, her face obscured by her hoodie. The vixen refused to acknowledge any of the cheering crowd as she quickly stomped down the ramp while migraine-inducing red lights flashed all around her. It perfectly encaptured her mindset and her shrieking music as she approached Diggie, changing his gloves out before pouring more alcohol on them and stealing a quick sip.

"And here's Rena, looking completely determined to advance. Word is that she's been training with Flint Morris himself for this tournament, which is not confidence-inspiring for her opponent." Dean's voice trailed off at the end as he looked towards Scott, who only shook his head.

"I hate to say it, but you're right. Rena is out for blood, and I don't think that anyone can stop her. Make no mistake, this woman is dangerous."

Rena softly growled as she took off her hoodie and tossed it, knowing what was about to happen. As a ring attendant caught her hoodie, the vixen shivered as she held her arms out and Diggie began his pat-down. Every instinct in her body told her to punch him in the mouth for daring to touch her in any way, but she quickly took a deep breath and focused on both Flint's words and her entrance music, happy that she was the only one who understood it. The slobs here did not deserve to understand her pain nor her rage in her native tongue. The pat-down quickly concluded as Diggie gave her a thumbs-up before stepping back, allowing her to step into the cage.

Rena quickly jogged around the ring, ignoring all the eyes on her. She could not help but feel exposed in her current outfit, hating everyone staring at her while she attempted to "blackout" everything outside of the cage. Still, the feeling of perverts in the audience and around the system all watching her nearly made her snap. But at the same time, they were clearly worshiping how much damage she could inflict on an opponent. The fear she was putting in every heart set her at ease, even as her entrance music faded out and her blood pressure quickly returned to a rising state as her opponent made her entrance.

(Song: Turn It Up - CFO$)

The angry and offensive metal was quickly replaced with a cheery pop beat, while the arena exploded in cheers. Soft pink lights replaced the burning red ones, as a certain bubbly husky clad in similar pink shorts and sports bra with black forearm and ankle bracers skipped her way out onto the stage. Waving to the crowd, Shelia's smile failed to fade from her lips, as she began sending out air hugs to the crowd.

The husky quickly began to skip down to the ring, but not before something caught her eyes. Looking to her left, she noticed a big sign being held up by multiple fans in the crowd, reading "Hugger's Section!" in big bold font. Shelia squealed in excitement as she quickly jumped the barrier and made a beeline to the fans, despite the protests of multiple security guards. There were at least thirty fans in the "hugger section", and Shelia was in no mood to deny them what they craved most. A hug!

"Well, Sheila is certainly a people person! It appears that she's jumped into the crowd and is handing out free hugs! I kinda want one!" Scott had become infected by Shelia's hugs as she proceeded to personally hug each fan underneath the banner of the Hugger's Section. The grip strength she was displaying was seemingly ineffective on her new "victims", as each one wore a wide smile despite their spines certainly crumbling in the husky's hug. Hug after hug was handed out, making Rena angrily pace in the ring. Out of everything she hated, waiting was clearly one of the things she hated the most.

As the vixen continued to grumble to herself in the ring, Shelia had finally hugged everyone in the Hugger's Section, leaving a series of shattered spines and smiles on the faces of all involved. Quickly spotting Dean and Scott sitting at their booth, Shelia's smile ignited once more as she sprinted towards the announcer's desk, bounding over the barricade and sliding over the desk itself. The husky knocked over multiple papers, equipment, and drinks before she gave her signature spine-shattering hugs to the announcing duo. Scott was first, the vulpine being physically ripped from his seat before Shelia commenced with her hug. Despite the smile on Scott's face, all that escaped his throat was a series of gurgles as Shelia shook him like a child with a ragdoll.

The vulpine was allowed to breathe as Shelia set him down and quickly grabbed her next target, Dean. Before the cheetah could react, he was also swept up in a hug. A similar gurgling along with a subtle cracking noise emanated from Dean, drowned out by the squeals of Shelia. Over the mics on the table, Shelia's took over the audio, allowing those at home to hear her excited yips. "Hey guys, I'm soooooo happy to be here! Win or lose, I'm just happy that I can make people smile! Plus, they gave me a bunch of free Happy Squires backstage!" Shelia went back for round two, re-cracking the duo's spines with more hugs.

As she finally put Dean and Scott down, Shelia skipped her way over to the cage entrance, quickly sweeping up Diggie for a hug. The zebra barely reacted, probably due to his intoxicated state, and simply continued to pat Shelia down while she shook him like a doll. Even though Diggie wrapped up his pat-down, Shelia still hugged him for a few more seconds before she entered the ring, her bright smile contrasting the brooding vixen across from her.

As Shelia skipped across the ring to hug the vixen, Rena shouted at the top of her lungs and held her arm out, a fire blazing in her eyes. The husky stopped dead in her tracks and cocked her head to the side, just as Rena assumed a fighting stance. "If you hug me, I swear I'll break both your arms and lock them around your body like a furry straight jacket."

Shelia's fading pop music set the mood, her smile turned into a worried frown and her tail drooped down her leg. "Oh come on, don't be such a sourpuss. How about a handshake then, since you're not a hugger?"

"I'll shatter the hand you try to shake mine with."

"Geez, no need to be so mean. This is just for fun…"

Rena snarled again. "I'm here to win. Go join some stupid little weekend kickboxing club if you want to "have fun"."

"Okay, now you're just being hurtful."

Before any more words were exchanged, Diggie stepped in between the two fighters and brought his hands up. Rena looked like a caged animal about to be set loose, while Shelia attempted to tone out the vixen's threats and put her guard up.

After agonizing seconds, Diggie's hands came down, and Shelia's muzzle was suddenly conjoined with Rena's foot. The jumping back kick sent the husky stumbling backward, caressing her muzzle with a whine as she fell to one knee. Pulling her paws back from her nose, Shelia was thankful that they were blood-free. For now.

Realizing that she was still in a fight, Shelia looked up to notice Rena bearing down on her like a runaway freight train with no brakes. Thinking as fast as she could, Shelia quickly rolled out of harm's way, dodging a knee that was aimed directly as her forehead. As soon as she got to her feet, Shelia's ears pricked up to the cage mesh rattling and a squeak of pain from Rena. Shelia's eyes were transfixed on the spot that Rena's left knee struck, the unlucky mesh was now dented severely. Shelia cringed as she felt a migraine crop up.

"Whoa, that's how you start a fight! Rena looks like she wants to put this away as quickly as possible!" Dean's commentary proved to be spot on, as Rena rushed Shelia with seemingly all she had.

The vixen moved like lightning, striking the husky in every conceivable manner as she left fist, foot, knee, and elbow welts all over the cinnamon fur of Shelia. Now the blood was flowing, and Shelia was feeling the pain. She needed space, and fast.

Thinking quickly, Shelia unleashed a front kick and a cry out of desperation. A meaty thwack filled the air, followed by an ear-piercing yip. Letting her guard down, Shelia found out that her kick found its mark perfectly, as Rena was lying flat on the ground canvas. It was short-lived as she quickly kipped up, Shelia froze in place as the vixen stared her down. Shelia's eyes suddenly went wide and a paw was placed over her mouth as she saw what she had done. Rena got the cue, and gently tapped her muzzle.

Her paw was red.

Rena, bloodied nose and all didn't bother to wipe the red off her palm, instead clenching her fist and snarling. If there was a fire behind her eyes before, this was now the devil's inferno that was being kindled. With her unsoiled paw, Rena pointed a quivering finger at the frozen husky, who was really wishing this was all a dream right about now.

"My existence is pain, now yours will be, too."

Rena took off like a shot, giving Shelia less than a second to prepare. She tried to go back to the well with the kick that made Rena bleed, but the vixen saw it coming this time. Shelia was treated to an uppercut that rocked her jaw for her blind faith in a repeated move before an elbow to her stomach caused her to double over.

"Rena's moving like a woman possessed in there! Poor Shelia…" Scott's lamenting language filled the air as Rena took advantage of the doubled-over husky, climbing onto her back and locking in a rear-naked choke as quickly as she could. Shelia's silent screams were replaced with desperate clawing at the vixen's forearms. Rena wished to inflict more pain on the not-so-bubbly husky by driving her heel repeatedly into where her elbow had struck Shelia's stomach. Yips of pain mixed with the choking as Rena could feel Shelia going out.

As if the Happy Squires finally dissolved in her stomach, Shelia suddenly got a burst of energy from the sugary candy. Using her newfound power and will to fight on, the husky leaped into the air before purposefully falling backward. Cheers erupted from the stands as Rena was nearly squashed under the husky, wheezing out a breath as she was forced to let go of the hold. With the fight turning in the husky's favor, Scott failed to call it down the middle as the arena backed behind Shelia.

Rena was up to her feet quickly, but she only played directly into Shelia's hands. Before the vixen knew it, she felt her bones being crushed beneath the husky's strength, Shelia resorting to rag-dolling the raging Rena. Despite the obvious signs of pain, Rena was still snarling, meaning Shelia could not let go just yet.

The hugging continued, and Rena refused to give in. The vixen had begun throwing kicks at the husky since her arms were being forced into her sides, but the bruises they were leaving only encouraged the husky that more had to be done.

Squeezing tight one last time, Shelia hoisted Rena into the air before slamming her down on the mats. The vixen let an awkward wheeze escape her body before Shelia used her full body to keep her pinned to the mats. Compared to Rena, Shelia's weight was an immovable mountain, and her being nearly a foot taller allowed her to completely immobilize Rena.

Rena refused to go down like this, thrashing and kicking around like a child throwing a tantrum. She quickly realized that she was going nowhere, and once Shelia put her forearm on her throat, Rena knew she needed an out.

The crowd and commentators were ready to call the victory for Rena, but she wasn't going to give these bottom-feeders the satisfaction. Calming herself down as best she could, the vixen wormed her left leg out, using some of the sweat on blood on the canvas as a lubricant. Despite the earlier mistake of kneeing the cage mesh, she gritted her teeth and powered through.

Shelia lacked the martial experience to realize that Rena's left leg was now free, but quickly realized it when it was repeatedly kneeing her in her sides. Rena's relentless assault was now clearly calculated, striking hard and precise rather than her earlier rage fueling the attacks.

The more Rena's knee slammed into Shelia's sides, the weaker the choke and pin became. Using the kneeing as a distraction, Rena quickly freed her left arm and suddenly cold-cocked the husky. The vixen swore she saw a tooth fly out as she used the opportunity to stand up and assume a defensive stance.

Diggie rushed over to the husky, who groggily got to her feet. "You still good to go?"

Shelia nodded and assumed her stance, even though her eyes looked glazed over.

Diggie stepped aside, revealing a much more focused Rena, still angry but now calculating. Shelia could feel that anger attach to her, as she spit up some blood before snarling as Rena did earlier. Approaching each other in the middle of the ring, the fight took a turn in Rena's favor almost instantly. Rena blocked a jab, ducked a front kick, and parried an uppercut thrown by the husky as if she was reading her mind.

Angered at the attacks being blocked, Shelia attempted a side thrust kick after one of her punches was blocked again, only this time, Rena struck back. The vixen's knuckles met the sole of Shelia's attacking foot head-on, causing an instant yelp of pain from Shelia as she hopped back on her good foot. Rena responded to this pain by leaping into the air and using her now-skinned kneecap to strike the husky on the jaw once more, before landing and attacking with a bell clap. Shelia hobbled backward, holding her now damaged ears and whining in severe pain while each step she took with her bad foot felt like stepping onto knives.

But Rena was not done punishing the husky.

With an angered shout and a leg cocked back, Rena released a series of kicks, each one leaving welts on the husky's body and finally crumpling her to the ground. Shelia had no time to defend herself as Rena quickly followed her to the ground, grabbed her injured foot's ankle, and began applying a heel hook. The vixen took her position at a rapid rate, locking her ankles up and bending the husky's knee while she took Shelia's foot and trapped it behind her body. Interlocking her own hands, Rena leaned back and twisted her body, straining the muscles in the husky's heel. Sheila's sudden screams of pain echoed throughout the arena, flattening the ears and tails of all as she tried to free her foot from Rena's clutches. The vixen refused to let go, biting down even harder with her legs and keeping her hands locked tighter than a bank vault.

Tears began to flow out of Sheila's eyes as she tried her hardest to escape. Desperate punches, pulls, and even scratches did nothing to make Rena break the grip. With no other option, Shelia had only one way out.

Tap.

Shelia began slamming her hand down on the canvas as hard as she could, Diggie quickly realizing the tap and signaling for the bell to be rung. As the bell rang, Rena refused to let go, keeping the hold cinched in as her vision was dominated by red once more, her calculating demeanor gone. Quickly, Diggie jumped into action and began pulling on Rena's shoulders, trying to get her to release the hold as jeers began flooding from the stands due to the poor sportsmanship being shown. Someone new touching her instantly snapped her trance, as Rena looked back with barred fangs to notice Diggie glaring down at her.

Finally conceding with an angered huff and letting her victory sink in, Rena let Shelia reunite with her foot before stomping off and grabbing her hoodie, rage still seeping through her fur even as she was announced the winner.

The commentary booth was dead quiet, as well as the arena as Diggie motioned for medical staff to come down to the ring. A trio of doctors rushed to the gently weeping husky's side, one analyzing her injured foot while the others treated her bleeding muzzle and bruised sides as best they could. She yipped in pain at each part of her body touched by the doctors as the arena stayed silent, everyone holding their breath as the scene played out.

Finally, after a minute or so, Shelia was helped to her feet by Diggie and the doctors. She took light steps, careful not to re-injure her foot or her other injures. Once she made it out of the cage, a few claps could be heard from the audience. Then a few more. Then even more. Soon, the whole arena was cheering and chanting her name, just as Shelia's music kicked in one more time.

With a pained yet earnest smile, Shelia did her best to wave to the crowd, easing their fears as the cheers intensified. As the arena shook, an audible sigh was heard from the announcer's desk. "Well, it looks like Shelia is going to be okay. She's certainly one tough girl."

"Oh one hundred percent, Scotty. It takes a lot to walk away from something like that, and she's doing it in stride even after that poor sportsmanship from Rena. Although she lost, Shelia's still got the hearts of the crowd on her side." Dean gently chuckled as he adjusted his mic, letting the audience calm down for a bit before continuing. "If these first two fights are any indication of the class of fighters we're gonna see here tonight, I've got a good feeling about this year's tournament!"

A/N: No, it's not dead! Sorry about the wait! Honestly, I don't have a good excuse, but I've got this back up and running once more! Huge shoutout to Groundis for helping beta this chapter!