The two rows of teeth had grinded down the spear shaft even further, sending hairline fractures across the surface while the youth below held on for dear life. It was unlikely that there was much time left, the pressure would cause the wood to give in. Although clearly in pain, the young man moved his right hand to the center of the shaft, opening his palm and pressing against the beast’s injured snout.

This movement had allowed him to wiggle his left hand into the gap between his right forearm guard, using two fingers to remove the dagger tucked within. Following this he dropped the dagger to the ground within easy reach before repositioning his hands to their original position.

These actions had not gone unnoticed, irritated the leopard placed more strength into its bite while at the same time retracting its left forelimb. Instead opting to position its limb for a swipe, the target was obvious, a clear shot at the youth’s head. It was unknown whether the bronze helm had any chance at diverting or protecting against the force of the beast’s clawed forelimb. A question that most already had an answer to, it was clear what would happen should that limb connect fully with the youth’s skull, helm, or no helm.

It was in that moment, the second its fore limb reared prepared for the strike that the spear shaft could no longer withstand the pressure. The leopard reared slightly, committing to its attack, and leading with the swipe of its claws. Yet, in that instant that the shaft snapped, the champion had also not been idle, moving quickly as if acting upon an already existing plan.

His right hand moved before the beast could unleash its attack, grasping the dagger lying in the sand where it had dropped. The blade came up, positioned directly in the path of the incoming swipe. Unable to stop its attack, the creature’s own strength was used against it, the tip of the dagger impaling itself within and through the sensitive pads below. That action had also slightly changed the angle of the attack, instead of striking directly, the claws merely delivered a glancing blow, leaving a gash across the right side of the champions helm as well as a slight gash upon his cheek. The leopard on the other hand was left roaring in pain, reeling from the immense pain.

Not missing this chance and showing signs of falling into an adrenaline-fueled rage, the champion grabbed the nearest shard of the shattered spear. Having grabbed the bottom half, he immediately flipped it over to the bronze capped butt, using it as a makeshift mace. He struck again and again, bludgeoning the beast’s left eye with the metal cap. Even when it was stunned and whimpering on the ground he did not stop, the vicious and brutal attack continued, smashing bone, destroying the orbital bone, and leaving half the creature’s face a mangled mess.

It was only when the creature’s whimpers had died down to a soft mewling did the attack stop, he stood over the dying beast, finally awake from his battlefield trance. Only then could he notice the pitiful creature in front of him.

Even before his attack the leopard was in a sorry state, its ribs were visible through the dull, mangy coat. Less a regal predator and more comparable to the many broken slaves in the cells below the arena.

“How long have you lived here? Are you like me, born in this wretched place, never knowing the love of a mother? The only thing we have ever learned was battle and the harsh ministrations of the whip… I was lucky to at least have found one to take the place of the parents I never knew. But you, they turned you into this, always forcing us to kill one another. What have we done to deserve this…? I’m sorry. You don’t deserve this but allow me to at least send you off quickly.” Tears dripped down the sides of the young champions face, obscured from view by his helm. Within this creature he had seen parts of himself, both were trapped within a cage, subjected to the whims of those above.

The creature dazed, confused, and blinded could only cry out in pain. It lacked both the energy and capability to stand, at this point barely even alive.

“Apologies oh majestic beast, one of us must die… and I am no saint. I hope you find happiness within your next life. Farewell.” The youth limped over and retrieved what remained of the top half of his shattered spear. Blood poured out from the massive gash on his right thigh, numerous black and blue splotches had appeared upon his uncovered flesh, signs that his condition was worse than it appeared. He was even having difficulty limping along, at times appearing to stumble as he made his way back after retrieving the remains of his weapon.

Undeterred the youth took aim, the target the dying beast’s heart. He could have simply allowed the beast to die on its own, to bleed out, yet he chose instead to end its suffering. As if in understanding, the creature simply lay there, breathing labored, resigned to its fate as the bronze head struck true. The bronze spear tip penetrated deep, sinking into the flesh, and skewering the heart. For its part the leopard chuffed lightly, the rise and fall of its chest slowing as the last embers of life slowly wilted away.

As the light faded from its eyes the young champion rested his bleeding hand upon its head, patting its mangy fur lightly as it breathed its last. Like a puppet with its strings cut the youth fell backwards, the blood from his wounds pooling underneath him. Turning his head to the side he managed to heave the combination of bile and blood that had threatened to suffocate him. It was clear as day that his body was in a bad state and that he was holding on by a thread through sheer willpower at this point.

His focus drifted in and out, eyelids barely managing to remain open. With the adrenaline rush having worn off, the pain of all the numerous wounds had also compounded. So out of it that the youth did not notice the figure limping along in his direction. All focus had shifted to the beast that had been unleashed within the ring, yet the champions original opponent still lived and now he towered over his unconscious form sword in hand.