Chapter 2: Island of Pride
The lone warrior walked down the stone steers of Ang Zang. The ground's tiling was crudely planned its construction as there was the occasional loose brick or misplaced tile. The dark silence of night created an eerie, almost ghost like chill; but the leopard examined the town to find numerous signs of recent residence: kept outdoor furniture, maintained halls and even the slight whiff of lingering smoke from put out candles in the windows frames. Just as he was about to turn a corner, his excellent ears detected the repeating noise of footsteps nearby. Quickly he stepped back and hid behind the wall, concealing himself in the shadows as he waited in silence.
Around the corner walked a fat boar dressed in a captain's robe and walking with a luxurious cane. He was followed by a small band of servant goats carrying what appeared to be their master's money bags, water jugs and a basket of unknown contents. The leopard watched and listened from the nearby darkness.
"Pick up the pace slaves. And if you so much as dare drop a single coin, you'll be treated to a good many lashings!" The boar captain threatened.
"Y-Yes… master… o-of course." One of the goats replied, shaking and terrified.
The boar turned to one of his other slaves, saying, "You made sure to place an extra lock on my quarters, correct?"
"Yes master. Your, um… possessions are safe." The slave said with intimidated fear.
"At least your capable of following orders. Hopefully betting our plunders will put me in a more… merciful mood. "
"Y-yes… captain." The slave said in fear.
The leopard took mental note of this new information. He now knew that a ship was docked at this port town. Meaning he may have found his way off this gods forsaken island. The pirate captain and his slaves made their way through the almost deserted down. The snow leopard quietly and carefully followed them. He knew this was the lead he needed. The group of rogues arrived at a stoned bell tower and knocked on the door. The leopard got in close, and listened carefully.
The captain knocked on the door again and a view port slid open on the other side, where a pair of eyes were visible. "What is the joy of winter?" asked the doorman.
The captain answered, "When the spring shows its envoys."
With that, the sound of a lock rang before the entrance opened. The leopard watched as the group entered and the door shut closed again. In order to avoid suspicion, the lone warrior waited ten minutes, remembering the pass phrase before he walked to the door and knocked with his large paw. The eye view slid open again and the door man asked the same bizarre pass question.
"What is the joy of winter?"
"When the spring shows its envoys." The leopard replied.
The wooden door opened and the lone warrior stepped in. The entrance shut behind him and he looked down to find the doorman to be a lanky weasel dressed in shorts and a vest. The rodent eyed and scanned this new comer with questioning gazes. This stranger was cloaked and hooded but tall and large.
"Never seen you around before stranger?" The weasel asked suspiciously.
"I was forced to dock at his town to re-supply. Heard about this place from a fellow sailor awhile back, thought I'd check it out."
"Well, this here's the only joint worth your time around here." The weasel said before drawing a dagger and pointing it towards the stranger. "New faces have to pay a… special and hefty tax." He gave a scum ridden smirk.
But his expression of extortion quickly changed as the stranger grabbed the dagger, placed both his paws on it, and with minimal effort, broke the blade in twain before shoving it back to the weasel. Sudden fear was shown on the rodent's face as the leopard proceeded to walk down a flight of stone stairs. The dark, descending halls were lit only by the occasional candle. After a few minutes, his ears picked up the muffled noise of cheers and roars. Upon reaching the bottom, he was met with double wooden doors. Taking a deep breath, he opened them, only for the noise to intensify greatly. Entering in, he found himself a giant open room, with dozens of people shouting and cheering at the attraction they relished in: for in the center of the room was a massive caged sparing circle. The snow leopard walked over to one of the benches where numerous goats, pigs, boars, wolves and lizards ate, drank ale, cheered and cursed at the fighters in the cage. The leopard observed the match currently at play. It was a brutal brawl between a croc, who had dark scales and sharp teeth, and an ox that was strong and mighty; his shirtless torso possessed a large chest, a gut belly and muscled arms. The bloody corpses of a wolf and a lizard laid at the edges of the ring, former combatants who'd met their death in a free for all.
The bull, with blood and sweat staining his body, attacked the croc with a forward punch. The reptile retaliated with a swing of his long tail, which had a mace attached to its tip. The ox quickly stepped backwards, dodging his rival's tail. For a moment, while the croc was turning around, the ox grabbed a paw full of the sand that covered the fighting ring and threw the dirt into the croc's face. Upon facing his foe, the reptile's eyes suffered sudden blindness and itching. The roars of the audience's blood lust echoed throughout the large underground room and the tunnels that exited to the upper town. The ox realized this would be his opportunity for victory. He charged towards his enemy and in mere moments, pierced one of his horns straight through the chest of the crocodile gladiator. The bovine pushed until they both collided with the stone wall that had steel cage bars that kept the spectators from the gladiators. The croc let out a sharp but quickly fading yell before he succumbed to his death. The ox pulled his horn out and stood with his naked torso covered in blood. The crowds cheered and drank at the Bull's victory.
"ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE!" The ox shouted in pride. "NO ONE SURVIVES ME WITHIN THESE WALLS BUT ME!"
Meanwhile, a pig stood in an upper balcony who held a wooden microphone shouted "Alright you bastards, tonight's last fight will commence in twenty minutes. Place your final bets now!"
The ox warrior was let out of the caged wing by a rhino warrior clad in dark armor. Afterwards, the ox made his way to a bathtub while scantily dressed feline women washed his body of blood while a goose servant served the victor fruits. The snow leopard watched carefully, examining the scene as another pair of double wooden doors opened at the far end of the room. Outwards walked a goat man wearing a luxury purple robe followed by two heavily armed and armored rhino bodyguards. The leopard took mental note of this goat's attire, posture and the way he carried himself. The well dressed goat took a seat in a decorated throne where his rhinos stood by his sides.
"ALRIGHT YOU SONS OF BITCHES-" The announcer proclaimed. "THE FINAL FIGHT IS ABOUT TO START!"
The ox warrior returned into the caged arena as the roars of the audience filled the underground club. He looked up to the women servants who bathed him and he flexed his arms and pecs to impress them before his final victory of the night. fantasies of victory popped into his mind as he showed himself off. While at the top, the well dressed goat nodded towards his rhino guards, signaling them about they're task. They made their way to two cranks with chains and each used all they're strength to pull down, bringing a large, wooden door in the arena up. Once it was fully raised, the ox looked in to see a hallway in darkness. But moments later did he feel something, a large thing that shook the floor from its rushed footsteps. Before he realized what was approaching, the ox was forced to step back a few feet. Out from the dark tunnel, ran out a large, immensely muscular gorilla gladiator. Even for apes he was a beast: Giant arms the size of tree trunks, a massive torso of great muscular development, legs that were more than strong enough to support his monstrous size and his face was shown with massive teeth. The only clothing he wore was a tan cloth kilt. The ape stood on his hind legs, roared at the top of his lungs and beat his chest with his massive hands. Nearly the entire audience instantly became fearful; the other half was too drunk to be afraid and only laughed at the simple minded simian.
The announcer shouted "HERE HE IS YOU CUMPS, CHONG THE CHAMPION!"
The audience booed at the gorilla, earning only murderous snarls from the caged bulk.
The Ox stood with pride at seeing his foe. "A simple idiot like you is no match for me, dumbass baboon." The ox said his mind while drunk with pride.
"Grrr… must… kill… must… kill." The gorilla grunted loudly.
The ape's eyes were shown with a bloodlust that was near impossible to satisfy. He lightly hit his own head; his depraved, simple mind depleted of all more compass.
"THE FINAL MATCH… BEGINS…-" The announcer shouted. Then, a gong sounded. "NOW!"
Roars and cheers rang as the ox charged towards the ape. On all fours, the bovine quickly made speed against the final foe that stood between him and his glory. The ox made sure to keep his horns facing towards the gorilla's chest, ready to pierce right through the heart of the beast. Only seconds away from his target, the ox braced himself for impact… but in the spam of a single brief moment, he felt the massive hand of the ape grab him by the head. The crowd gasped in shock at the gorilla picking up the ox and threw him at the metal bar sealing with terrifying force. The ox landed on the hard, sand cover stone floor and a loudly shard yell of agonizing pain escaped his mouth as the sounds of his spine cracking was heard. Hellish agony raked over his body. Looking up, he only saw the ape blocking the lamp lights and a chilling, malevolent, blood thirsty grin showed on the Chong's face. Instantly the ox regretted every decision he made this morning: listening to that goat, his lies and fake promises and coming to this gods forsaken island. The gorilla raised his massive, mighty arms and, one after the other, slammed his fists on the ox's face and head over and over again. His horns broke off, blood spewed from his mouth and the sounds of his skull cracks were audible to the audience. The spectators watched with open jaws of shock as the ape relentlessly slammed on the ox's head with mortifying might. The ground shook with each impact and more blood was spilled on the floor than any previous fight the same evening. When the bovine were just within an inch of his mortal life, all he saw was the ape's giant fists rose up before slamming down and then nothing but darkness.
Chong roared and beat his large chest in victory. The audience booed at the stupidly minded monkey. He returned they're disapprovals by jumping onto the metal cages and roaring directly at the spectator's faces just a couple feet away. Had that cage not been present, they wouldn't even be breathing by now.
"AND THAT'S THE FINAL FIGHT OF TONIGHT!" The announcer proclaimed.
The well dressed goat nodded approvingly and stood up from his seat to return to his chambers.
" WOAH, WAIT A MINUTE PEOPLE-" the announcer yelled unexpectedly."WE GOT AN UNEXPECTED CHALLENGER!"
The goat quickly turn back and looked into the cage. Curious gasps escaped the audience's voices upon seeing an unknown visitor in a cloak and hood step into the cage. Chong looked at the new fool and snarled while pounding his fists on the ground. The stranger simply stood in the caged arena.
"You dead… dead as dust fool!" Chong shouted in his simpleton manor.
"WELL WELL, LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A NEW IDIOT WHO WANTS A DEATH WISH!"
But the announcer's mocking ceased when the stranger removed his hood and cloak, revealing himself to be a powerfully muscular snow leopard. The crowd was taken aback upon seeing this unknown man. Every part of his body looked hard trained way beyond normal soldiers or mercenaries. Those possessing seats closest to the bars noticed a few battle scars adorning the leopard's body. It didn't take much for the people to imagine that this was a man who'd seen a great deal of violence in his life.
"WELL FOLKS, SHOULD THIS SNOW CAT FIGHT THE CHAMPION?"
The crowds replied with thunderous cheers before the gong sounded again. Quickly, Chong rushed to his new victim, roaring and baring his terrifying teeth. The leopard simply remained still in a battle ready stance. The ape reached the leopard and raised his massive arms up. They both slammed down with incredible force upon his foe. Chong expected his enemy to be nothing but a bloody pulp on the ground. But only shock and surprise was expressed when he realized his fists were being held and pushed back. The audience watched in awe as the leopard mustered all his might to hold up the ape's first blow. Every muscle in his body rippled with strength as he slowly pushed the gorilla's arms back up; grunts of struggle were audible from his throat. Chong pushed down as hard as he could, but to his surprise, the leopard pushed his arms upwards suddenly, forcing the ape to pace back a few feet and regain his balance. The crowds cheered. The sight of a champion to finally dethrone the hulking gorilla reignited a fire of carnage in their minds.
Chong became frustrated and charged his opponent again. He slammed his right arm down, only for the leopard to dodge with swift speed. Seconds later did ape see the feline attack his arm with only two of his fingers extended before an agonizing sensation ruptured his right arm; then suddenly, any and all feeling in the gorilla's arm was gone. The ape's arm just dangled and Chong instantly became fearful and wrathful. He attacked in the same attempt with his left arm but was subjected to the same result. Chong stood on his hind legs with both arms paralyzed. Looking back he had only seconds before the leopard charged, jumped and back flip kicked the ape in the jaw, knocking the ape down onto his back like a falling tree. The impact of his colossal back landing shook the entire room. The leopard then walked over, grabbed the ape by the hairs on his head and pulled the giant over to the wooden doors that lead to the tunnel of darkness. Every man and woman within the underground fight club could only watch in shock and horror at what transpired next. The stranger pulled Chong to the closed exit, then he hoisted the door upwards with one arm while pulling the ape under its way with his other muscle bound limb. For once in years, Chong's face was shown with fear at the implications around him. The snow leopard, with no remorse or hesitation, slammed the door onto the gorilla's head, and then raised the door again, only to do the same over and over again. The repeated loud sounds of slamming thuds echoed through the tunnels. Over and over again the ape's skull suffered impact after impact and the sounds of his thick head cracking was enough to make even the most resilient of men shake with horror. The spectators' cheers of victory quickly changed to a horror filled silence.
Blood spewed from the ape's head wounds and his vision faded. Finally, the leopard raised the door for the last time before slamming upon the ape's head with such force his head burst with blood, pieces of skull and ape brains splattered over the ground and door. The snow leopard caught his breath as he walked towards the exit of the caged arena. The crowd realized what had transpired, and though they had every right to be terrified, the rush of sudden, but long overdue victory over the hulking ape overtook them. They all cheered louder than ever.
The well dressed goat looked upon the stranger with inquisitiveness. The snow leopard exited the cage to find the crowds cheering for him. All around him, surrounding faces exalted his exploits. He took a moment to stand and listen. This praise, this renown, this respect, it was all uncommon though he felt entitled too. Making his way through the crowds, he brushed off the advances of both the spectators and the women, though he allowed the servants to wash the traces of blood that stained his fur. Various men exchanged bags of coins as part of their bidding process. As the leopard was prepared to rest, a goose servant approached him.
"Great warrior, my master is impressed greatly by your feats in the arena and urgently requests for you to join him in his room of business."
"Very well" The leopard replied.
He proceeded to follow the servant. On the way, numerous spectators continued to offer they're praise, while a few of the females snuck quick caresses of the snow leopard's muscular torso as he walked by. He found their admiration amusing but maintained a serious mindset. After a minute, he was lead to the doors that lead to the arena's owner.
"My master is waiting inside." The servant said.
"Thank you." The leopard replied.
Opening the doors, he stepped inside. The room was decorated lavishly, with red curtains, well made wooden furniture and paper lanterns illuminating the space. The first thing that caught his eyes was the well dressed goat sitting at a rectangle table, on which sat some wine bottles, glasses and fruit.
"Welcome, new champion." The club master greeted. He then directed towards his two rhino guards, "You two, leave us. I will speak to him privately."
"Yes master." The rhino's answered in unison before exiting the room and shutting the doors behind themselves.
"My apologies-" the master said, "Take a seat, please."
The leopard did so and remained calm and collected. The master of the place poured wine into glasses and gave one to his guest. The leopard drank it down slowly. It had been a long time since he'd enjoyed good drink from the vine and the taste was exquisite.
"Congratulations my friend" The goat said before taking a bag and tossing it to the leopard.
He looked in and saw a good assortment of gold coins and priceless jewels, easily worth a small fortune.
"And this is for what?" The leopard asked, though his curiosity didn't keep him to tying the bag to his belt.
"Why, for slaying my champion, Chong. Do you know how long he's gone undefeated?" the goat asked with a hint of hysteria.
"Judging from the attitudes your guests displayed, I'd say a few years."
"Four to be precise. Almost five had he lived for another two months. But let's not discuss the past. You my good sir, not only killed him, but did so in less than five minutes. What was your secret?"
"I have my ways." The leopard replied while taking another sip of the wine.
"I understand, every man has his secrets. But allow me to introduce myself I'm-"
"Heng, owner of the iron arena club." The leopard answered for him.
The Heng showed a face of surprise as he replied. "So you've… heard of me?"
"From a man who is a fan of your shows." The leopard replied.
"I see. Well, You know me but, I don't know you?" Heng asked while pouring himself more wine.
"Tai"
"That's it, just Tai?"
"Yes." The snow leopard said simply.
The goat shrugged his shoulders. "Fairly short and simple, but who am I to judge." He quickly changed his tone. "Well, Tai, I have the best deal of your life."
"Oh really?" Tai replied with a raised eyebrow.
"You have earned yourself the rightful title of champion within these tunnel walls. And thus, you're deserving of all the glories that come alongside such prestige."
"What kind of glories?"
"Why, living in the most luxurious home on this tropical paradise, dining on the finest of fruits and foods, basking in the adornment of the audience as you win victory after victory and, of course, your own harem of eager slaves."
The leopard paused a moment, taking this offer into consideration. "You offered Chong the same opportunity, didn't you?"
"Ah, forget that stupid ape. You my good sir are the next hot commodity."
Tai sat for a moment and collected his thoughts. The master of the club couldn't help but ponder on what was taking this man so long?
"I decline." Tai answered simply.
The Heng was instantly taken aback. "Y-you refuse!? My fellow man, what could be better than this?"
"You" Tai answered.
"Me? What on earth are you-"
"You've failed to pay tribute for the past year. Jiong has run out of patience" Tai said coldly.
Sudden fear overtook Heng's mind upon hearing that name. Suddenly it dawned on him the purpose of which this snow leopard had arrived on this island. His body trembled and he could barely make out words. After witnessing what this snow leopard was capable of, all of the goat's enthusiasm was stripped away. Out of panic, he rushed towards the exit of his room of business, only turning back for a second see Tai had stood up from his seat. Heng rushed out of the room and slammed the door shut.
"What's wrong master?" One of his rhino guards asked.
"Th-that man in there is a maniac!" Heng stuttered with terror. "Kill him, kill him now!"
The armored rhinos rushed into the room to do they're master's orders. Heng stood by the door and listened. But the horror in his mind intensified once he heard the cries of pain his rhinos yelled from the other side. And then, he heard a pair of footsteps approaching. Driven by sudden panic, Heng rushed through the now less populated arena and hurried up the dark, lightly lit stairs that lead to the surface. As he made his way up, he stopped to listen. The noise of fighting and dying screams were echoed from below, the sounds of a one man war. Heng hurried until he reached the exit, where his door man weasel stood guard, minding his own business. The wealthy goat wasted no time in grabbing the door handle, only for it to be locked.
He turned towards the weasel, shouting "LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT NOW!"
The weasel shrugged his shoulder and a sly smirk was shown on his face. "You wanna get out? Then how about you-" But his scheme was interrupted by the goat forcing a bag full of coins into the weasel's arms.
"TAKE IT ALL! JUST PLEASE GIVE ME THE KEY!?"
The weasel shrugged again as he pulled the key out from his pocket. Rather than handing it to his boss, the rodent just tossed it down the stone steps, faintly glittering in the little candle light while bouncing downwards. Heng, out of fear and desperation, chased after the key and even fell down a bit before grabbing a hold of it. But once he looked back, he saw the shadow of that snow leopard from one of the candles in the tunnel. He rushed in horror to unlock the door and hurry outside in the night. In his hurry his foot tripped on a loose stone brink in the ground and he fell on the cement ground. As he began to get back up, the sudden sound of a loud grunt and thud was heard from behind. And without warning, the massive body of one of his rhinos fell right in front of Heng. He screamed in terror at what happened to his strong bodyguard: His armor was cracked and his large horn was broken off and impaled into the rhino's head. Heng tossed onto his back before seeing Tai's fist colliding with his face. And then… darkness.