Chapter 11

The brothers made their way to City F the next day. Rumor has it there was a strong competitor entering the contest and they wanted to get a peek at them. They entered the arena and sat in the crowd watching with great anticipation. "Well, well, look who it is! Huh, I'm surprised you aren't in this!"

They turned and saw Class A Snek sitting just behind them. "I heard about what you did at the association. Impressive, you even made Atomic Samurai shut up!"

Pac stood up and turned to shake his hand. "Pleasure to meet you. You must be Biting Snake Fist Snek. Class A Level 37!" said Pac. Snek leaned back rather proud of the fact that he indeed was and instantly recognized.

"So you've heard of me huh? Good, I don't take kindly to those who don't realize who I am!"

Pac smiled, his hand remained extended. "Well, you're one of the first heroes who hasn't berated us."

Snek stared down at his hand, but brushed it off to the side, refusing to exchange pleasantries. "Yeah, well… honestly, I don't trust you or your family. You seem like decent enough kids but I got to go with the past experience I had with your father and what the other heroes have said of him… no offence."

Pac withdrew his hand. "Oh… too bad, you seemed like a nice enough guy."

Snek however smiled. "Hey listen, don't take it personally…"

"How else do we take it? You judge our family by our father's actions alone," said Hunter. "You do realize we have made it to the city elimination finals right? My brother and I are representing City Z."

He was taken aback by it. "You entered… fairly?!" he demanded.

"No, we knocked everyone else out so no one would be left. Of course we entered fairly!" snapped Hunter. "No wonder dad gets so angry at people. You never look beyond the past. Especially when the future sits right in front of you."

Snek fell silent. Pac gave a nod of approval to his brother, he sat back down and they watched the fights down below. The competitors were strong, stronger than what City Z had to offer. But there were so few of them in City F, the battles were one on one rather than royal style. Many of the combatants were from smaller dojos that were not recognized since larger ones were always given the invite. The strongest of these smaller dojos were sent in to prove their worth. Some appeared they could be a good challenge for them.

"Nice leg work on that one. He's got some skills." Said Pac.

"Yeah, but look at the one waiting his turn. Arms crossed, stern stare… oh… he's looking at us." Said Hunter.

The stern looking man began to approach them, taking to the steps he came up and stood over Pac and Hunter. "Why are you even here?" he demanded of them.

"Just checking out the competition." Said Hunter. "We're representing City Z"

"I know you are, everyone here knows you are. Question is, why are you here if you already have a spot? You aren't planning on taking out the champions of the other cities when the contest is over now, are you?"

Pac snickered. "Sounds like something dad would have done, but no. We aren't, where's the fun in that!"

The man sneered. "I can't wait to get my hands on you two. I'll show you how real martial artists fight!"

"Cool!" said Hunter. "Looking forward to it!"

The large man growled as he walked away. "He seems nice."

"That there is one of the top fighters in City H. He has no dojo, he merely travels and faces other dojo masters to prove his strength," said Snek. "Goes by the name of Kujo. Not someone you want to meet in a dark alley." But then Snek looked down at the two brothers. "Not that either one of you has to worry about that."

"No, we just have to be worried about people hocking rocks at us." Said Pac. "So how many times do you need to save a city before people consider you a hero?" he asked.

Snek was oddly silent, Pac turned and found he was at a loss for words. "People throw rocks at you?" he said.

"Rocks, garbage, anything they can find… you know, the usual ostracizing methods," said Hunter. "We have helped saved a city or two, saved about 100 children when we were young. Guess its still not enough."

"I… I had no idea…"

"Not many people do… not many people talk to us," said Hunter. Reaching under his seat he pulled out the lunches he and his brother made the day before. They decided to eat and watch the rest of the contest. Kujo won easily and was a finalist. The second spot when to a young woman. When it was over they got up to leave, yet found they were getting surrounded by the fighters who didn't make it. There were these odd looks on their faces, evil intent was on their minds.

"Well, look at what came to the show. The sons of Garou!"

"You all fought well today, you should be proud." Said Hunter.

"Oh, we only have begun to fight! How about you boys step down into the ring there. Let's see what the champions of City Z have in the way of strength."

The brothers were about to stand, yet were stunned when Snek did. "Back off!" said Snek. "They aren't here to cause trouble, they were watching the contest, lay off!"

This surprised not just the fighters but the brothers too! "Don't get involved Snek. You maybe and A class hero, but these kids… these kids are level dragon threat monsters! Personally, I want to see for myself what they can do!"

"You know, we could use some practice, why not!" said Pac.

"Yeah, we just ate, could do a little exercise to help digest this meal. Sure!"

"They are baiting you! They want to hurt you before the contest!" warned Snek.

"Oh… we know. We also know they can't do shit against us, so, we're good." Said Pac as he made his way down to the fighting platform. Hunter showed off my making a dead jump from where he was and on to the stage next to his brother. "We'll make this quick, we got to get home and walk Rover!"

Snek cringed as all these fighters, well over eighty of them charged the stage, the moment they stepped foot there was a burst.

BOOM

Next thing he knew, bodies were flying all around him, in the stands, embedded into the walls, others merely knocked out of the ring. The brothers stood back to back each baring a smoldering hand. "Huh… I thought it would have been more fun than that," said Hunter.

"Another blow out," sighed Pac. "We better get home and play with Rover or he's going to get too big to handle." Pac turned and waved. "Bye Snek, nice to meet you!"

Snek could barely raise his arm to wave back at them. "My God, they are just like their father… but stronger."