The entire arena erupted in thunderous cheers and howls, like a frenzy of fanatics partaking in a ritual blood sacrifice. Veronica grew incr
The entire arena erupted in thunderous cheers and howls, like a frenzy of fanatics partaking in a ritual blood sacrifice.
Veronica grew increasingly agitated, her fists clenching involuntarily.
"I'm going to check on Rango," Amir said, rising from his seat.
Following the signs, he walked to the restroom and pushed open the door—empty.
A terrible feeling struck Amir.
"Amir!!!" Veronica's voice rang out. He dashed outside.
No sooner had he stepped out than the announcer's voice roared:
"Let the battle begin!!!"
Veronica grabbed him. "Rango's in the arena!"
"What?!" Amir was stunned. Rango had been unusually quiet, but that wasn't too strange for the reserved lizard.
Who knew what he was thinking? After finally rescuing him, he'd thrown himself right back in?
Amir sprinted to Arena 3, forcing his way to the front. He spotted the small green figure below. Rango, still not fully grown, looked tiny among the towering gladiators.
The fight had already begun. Rango entered through the audience gate—most fighters from that side were elite bodyguards purchased by the wealthy, their victories a symbol of their patrons' taste.
Rango didn't hesitate. He dashed into the arena where cold weapons lay scattered—brutal instruments of bloodshed far more visceral than blasters or lightsabers.
He picked up a short sword, eyes scanning the field, clearly searching for someone.
Amir didn't fault him—just didn't understand what he was planning. Rango wasn't reckless. He must have had a reason.
"Hey," Amir flagged down an attendant, one of many who recorded fighter sales and dispatched medpods.
"That green Falleen in Arena 3—he entered through the audience gate."
The attendant tapped a tablet. "Correct. He registered and paid for the lowest-tier medical plan."
"How many tiers are there?" Amir asked.
"Basic, which offers minimal aid; Medium, which prioritizes survival; and Premium, full recovery with cybernetics if needed."
"Prices?"
"200, 2,000, and 20,000 credits, respectively."
Amir winced. He didn't have 20,000. But medium? Painful, but manageable.
"I'll pay 1,800. Upgrade him to medium."
"Understood. Enjoy the show."
Amir handed over his largest credit chip, eyes blazing. Rango owed him an explanation.
In the arena, Rango dodged more than attacked.
Other fighters, many audience members themselves, were already slashing into prisoners with wild glee, reveling in carnage.
Most prisoners weren't killers, but pain and bloodlust had pushed them over the edge.
A human dodged a bear-like creature's charge, slicing a deep gash in its back.
The beast roared and charged again—but from the side, a massive black bear blindsided the human, sending him flying.
A hovering medpod swooped in, strapped the man down, flipped him, and rushed him away.
Survival uncertain.
Rango watched, saw the black bear being surrounded. These slaves knew the longer they lasted, the likelier someone would buy them—their only shot at freedom.
Eliminate the strongest first.
"I want to buy that beast!" someone shouted.
Bidding erupted.
"10,000 credits!"
"12,000!"
"12,500!"
The black bear roared, blood soaking its fur. The smaller bear had already collapsed and was retrieved by a medpod.
Likely bought—or just too valuable to waste.
A Klatooinian set his sights on Rango. Tough, dog-faced, desert-dwelling. Enslaved by the Hutts for generations.
Rango's slim frame made him an easy target.
The Klatooinian tailed him, staying within ten meters.
But Rango was still searching—he hadn't found who he was looking for.
Spotting a momentary lapse, the Klatooinian lunged, spear aimed at Rango's back.
A hit would impale him.
Veronica's hand tightened on the railing. Amir touched her arm. Don't act impulsively.
But Rango wasn't so easily caught.
At the last moment, he twisted left, letting the spear graze his shirt. His left hand clamped the shaft.
Using the motion, he swung his reverse-gripped short sword and sliced clean through the Klatooinian's armored arm.
"RAAAGH!!" the attacker screamed.
Rango kicked him away and seized the spear.
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