Bruised

My heart throbbed and my entire body was jolted in and out of consciousness. Someone screamed, and I think it was me. It sounded like me, but I can’t perceive anything besides the electricity coursing through my body.

All I wanted was a home, not to be transferred back. I didn’t aspire to end up here, in a dull, black crate on a black semi on a dark trail. So much wickedness... there is no light here, or where I’m traveling to. I guess I’ll just fall to the darkness, as sleep overtakes me.

Screams and wails of agony are my wake up song. Chains clink together as I become cuffed. My feet bound, and my hands, restraining me from moving. Anyways, I’m too tired to fight back. About eight, rugged guards come striding towards me. Two guards hook their arms under mine, allowing me to fall limp. Four more arrived on all sides of me, front right, front left, back left, and back right. The last two conform in the very front and very back.

My head hangs and I relax my body. I’m getting dragged off the truck and I can’t help but think, “I wonder how many fights there are scheduled this time?“, “I miss the sky already...”

2 Weeks Later,

Only a few fights are scheduled for today, and I’m the main attraction, per usual. I sit up on my cot, pushing the delicate blankets away from me. I stand up and make my ‘bed’, fluffing the pillow a touch before setting it back where it belongs. I pick up the new set of folded clothes and walk towards the solid wall, setting down the clothes in the ‘cleanest’ spot in the small cell.

After taking off my top I look down to see the scars I’ve accumulated over the years, admiring the deep crevasses in my skin, and running my hands over the ones on my face. I snap back to reality when I hear the crowd’s rowdy shouting and smell the blood in the air. I quickly pulled on my tank top and my shorts. I can still remember ‘cages’. The huge stone circle dug into the ground. The stone rose up about 11 ft and the other 11 feet was covered in chain, for the viewing experience and safety for the audience. A modern version of gladiator fighting arenas.

My ear twitches, focusing in on the guard’s conversation at the window.

“Venom will get eaten by Lynx, don’t ’cha think?”

“Mmm...I don’t know man. Since we picked up Lynx, it’s been so passive. Maybe it’ll get sliced up and beaten this time. Never know with those animals, am I right?”

Both guards chuckled while watching the two gigantic beasts fight each other with every fiber in their being. The one called ‘Venom’, clearly winning, as it’s hideous claws scrape the dusty, blood covered floor, dashing towards Lynx, who’s wobbly standing. Venom, pinning down the other wolf-like beast, embedding his claws in her hide. Venom finally managed to lock his jaw around the opponent’s neck, dangerously sharp teeth piercing the thick hide. Lynx thrashed around, desperate to get out of the grip of the opponent. Her actions quickly subsided due to the pain of which her actions were bringing her. The owners of the monstrosities ordered them to stop and get to opposite sides of the ring, which they obediently followed. Lynx struggling and heaving finally arrives at the other side of the ring and plops herself down.

The announcer walked out proudly and shouted into the microphone to silence the roaring crowd. The roars of protest and victory quiet down quickly as the announcer shouts, ” Now! We saw the true winner of this vivacious battle, Venom! W-” the announcer got cut off as the crowd cheered and booed Venom. The announcer cleared his throat and waited for the crowd to settle down. ” We now get to see if the owner will decide to spare Lynx!” The announcer paused as he struck a dramatic pose and the crowd booed at the thought of the beast being spared. “Or let Venom finish her off!” the announcer finished, striking another pose to express emotion. The arena went dead silent as the crowd waited in suspense for the owner’s answer.

The man took the cigar out of his mouth as he stood up. Smothering out the burning embers as he rubbed it against a silver tray in a maid’s hands.

He puffed a cloud of smoke into her face before he answered. “Let him have at ’er”, the old man stated as he slumped back down into his plush seat. The crowd erupted in vocal approvement.

The announcer stood up and shouted,” Great choice, Ivor!“. Lynx dropped her head in submission, as Venom stalked over to her. Venom sunk his fangs into her neck, for the last time. He shook his head violently and clenched his jaw even further down, making it quick. When Lynx’s body stopped writhing and her breathing ceased the crowd went quiet. Venom released Lynx. He backed away and licked his lips, then howled a fierce cry as the crowd erupted in laughter and shouts of encouragement. Venom’s owner called him back and roughly attached the collar and chain to the huge animal.

Venom’s master gave him a quiet command before giving his chain a little slack. Venom took a few steps toward the middle and bellowed out a bone-chilling roar, and the audience went crazy.

That's when I was suddenly snapped back to reality.