Weakness

Weakened from his last fight Tal's owner Raa Ursk turns to a new method to ensure his prized fighters victory. One that would prove more potent than any could imagine, and with a bigger price than either of them could anticipate.

Weak. He felt weak. It was a foreign sensation. As he sat there, a single Huragok tending to his wounds, Tal's whole body felt strained. Each breath sent a shudder through his massive frame. Every muscle and fiber of his being had been pushed to his limits, that last fight had cost him more than he had known.

Outside the little room, his prison, Tal could hear the sounds of battle. A dull beat, flesh on flesh, blades on blades, the backing roar of a baying crowd. It called down to him. Daring Tal to stand, to prove that there was no equal, that he had no limit.

But he couldn't, even if his mind couldn't comprehend this weakness his body understood. His own body was stopping him. It was knowing that stung the worst.

A clicking sound to his right and Tal turned his head, his neck raging as he did. It was Raa Ursk, that pathetic slaver scum, his 'keeper'. Tal hated him and as the Kig-yar minced his way into the room Tal allowed his mind to fantasize about all the ways he could break that creature in two.

"You have grown weak, my champion" the words rasping from his mouth in a whisper "That will not do"

Tal looked forward again, he didn't need this strength-less retch telling him things he already knew. He focused on the wall, focused on growing strong again.

"You have given your best for me I appreciate that" Suddenly the Jackal drove something into Tal's neck "This is a token of my appreciation"

A sudden surge flowed through Tal. Strength, he felt strong again. He stood, one swift motion. As if all the pain had been drawn from his body. Above him the sound of battle was louder, calling him home.