<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #FF4000">The night had been warm that night, urging them to open the windows to allow the sweet warm air of summer to waft into the room wrapping about the two young lovers almost like the embrace they were giving each other at the moment. The man nestled against the back of the woman, his arm over her holding her close to his body, hand resting on her own which rested on her slightly swollen stomach. Utter bliss written faces as they slept so peacefully together, unaware of the danger that lurked outside their front door.....though the woman sensed it first as it was her nature with these kind of things.<br/><br/>Sitting up in the bed, her actions rousing the sleeping man beside as worry for her and the treasure she carried within came to the forefront of his mind. As she sniffed the air a low growl came from her throat as she smelled the anger the hate coming from the hunters that had come from her. Moving to get out of the bed and heading to the door her arm was caught by the man, her gold eyes looking back into his blue, filled with such love and worry for her making her drop her hand from the door knob. Nodding to him she steps from the door and allows him to leave alone to face the danger, her hand going to her stomach resting on the beginnings of life that grew there her body filling with dread. <br/><br/>The sounds of shouting and cried of pain fill the air as the woman stands in their room alone forced to wait there and do nothing for the sake of the child they had hoped to bring into this world, into this very house even. Footsteps on the stairs makes her tense and prepare for danger only to sigh in relief when its her mate, her love. Embracing one another as a much needed kiss is exchanged only for her to shake her head as tears spill from her eyes as his words reach her ears. She did not want to leave him behind to face the danger alone, but she saw the logic in his words and it pained her beyond measure. The sound of glass shattering can be heard as something comes flying into the room, which then starts to pour out wave after wave of smoke till the room is filled. Normal smoke would have not been a problem for her, but this one burned her eyes, her lungs and skin as it made contact with her body. Causing her to fall into a fit of coughing nearly doubling over from the pain as it coursed through her body; silver in a gaseous form, that was playing dirty now. <br/><br/>The man took the woman he loved into his arms shielding most of her body from the smoke as he focused his gift on the wall where the bed rested and with a movement of his hand knocked the wall down creating a large gaping hole, which cleared the room some though the exposure to the gas had been enough to weaken the woman in her delicate condition. With urging hands and soft whispered words he guided her to the hole, using more of his power to help her land safely on the ground. Sparing one last look at each other, the woman noting the strain and exhaustion that was beginning to wear on the man, before she took off as fast as she could running into the woods that surrounded her home. Her heartbreaking with every step as she knew this would be the last time she would ever see her mate again, that the child she carried within would be fatherless but that his sacrifice would be what allowed them to live.....or so she thought....<br/><br/>Her bare feet carrying her as fast as she could though the silver made her trip and stumble along as she ran on and on trying to get as far from the first place she had truly felt at peace in her entire life. Even as she ran on through the night she could still feel him, could still his soul intertwined with her own, making the tears flow freely down her face once again as she ran on from that piece of soul, stopping only once when she felt him expend a large amount of energy and knew that he was most certainly done now. Turning to continue running she came face to face with one of the humans producing a snarl from her throat that was cut short as she felt the end of a barrel at the back of her head. Their laughter burns her ears as the one at her back grabs a handful of her thick hair making her grit her teeth against the pain as she is then dragged back to where she felt the other half of her soul. <br/><br/>There he kneels before the burning remains of their home, their little piece of heaven the exhaustion evident to her even from her, not to mention the looks of pain and shock as he pleads for her life making her hurt even more as she is then forced to kneel a few feet from him. Tears spilling from her eyes as she looks over at him, his face full of fear one moment and then a strange calm the next as he gives her a soft reassuring smile as the barrel of a gun is placed at the back of his head the hammer is pulled back. Everything seems to be moving in slow motion now as she kneels there pulling at the arms that held her, but her body unable to fight back as it was too taxed from the silver it was exposed to earlier as well as the child it was sustaining. Crying out for them to stop and leave him alone seems to only make them enjoy it even more as she watches the trigger get squeezed slowly and the hammer fall forward. As it impacts with the back of the gun she feels her heart stop and her breath caught in her chest as she feels his life end, his soul fading; a piece of her own dying.<br/><br/>Time crawled along as she watched him fall slowly to the ground nothing seemed to phase her or matter to her at this moment as she watched him fall to ground, her captors (his murderers) laughing as they looked upon the grief stricken woman the men promising that when they were done with her she would not miss him at all. Still their words did not reach her, nor did her heart beat or lungs expand as she watched him fall to the ground, even the woods around them fell silent like they were all waiting for the storm that was on the horizon. At the same moment that his body hit the floor her heart beat and she took a sharp breath as she felt something within her snap as her broken heart forced her body to make a choice. A choice that gave her body the energy it needed to get revenge against those around her....the choice that caused her pain both physical and mental...</span></span></span><br/><br/>Shey sat up sharply in her simple cot, as she gasped her eyes wild as she looked around the little ten by ten room that made up her home, though her eyes seemed to see past the walls caught up in the past itself as she dreamed that night yet again. She thought she had been past all of this shit, that she had buried it deep enough with other pain and memories, but perhaps she was wrong; she did not like being wrong. She needed to forget that, to forget her past she needed to forget about that time in her life for that woman no longer existed and had died that night alongside both her mate and unborn child as it was expelled from her body. No she did not want to remember that, she did not want to remember any of that...not now...not ever.....<br/><br/>Snarling she lurched from her bed throwing herself against the bars of her cell, her eyes wild with an insane gleam, â€œWHEN IS MY NEXT MATCH!!! I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIGHTING BY NOW!!â€ she growls in frustration as she pulled at her bars but felt the strong metal not even budge against her fearsome strength. Soon the growl becomes a snarl as fangs filled her mouth and her nails became claws as she howls out her anger and pain (as the collar about her neck burned and flared to life keeping her from truly accessing her power) for the whole arena to hear and feel, â€œWHEN IS MY NEXT MATCH YOU BASTARDS!! YOU BOUGHT ME TO FIGHT NOW LET ME FIGHT!! LET ME KILL!! LET ME HURT AND MAIME!!â€ she howled out as she sagged against her bars resting her burning brow against the cool metal bars, â€œLet me forget again...â€ she whispered out softly as she knelt there in her cell and forced herself to not cry and to ignore the feelings the dream had stirred up once again. â€œI don't want to rememberâ€¦â€ she almost sobbed out.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">Clang!</span></span>â€œShut up you simpering bitch!â€ the guard snapped to her, his baton making contact with her knuckles as her hands gripped the bars.  Her golden eyes snapped up to look at him, pure hatred and rage shinning from them which only seemed to make the guard enjoy it more. â€œThatâ€™s it. Get all mad and pissed at me. I got some money ridding on your next match, so you better be a good little bitch and winâ€ he said while waving baton in her face in a taunting manner. Taking a good look at her, like he was warrant to do, his smile broadened â€œToo bad your Master has stopped us from having our fun with youâ€¦â€ he leaned in closer to the bars â€œI so enjoyed holding you down and taking you like the animal you areâ€¦all that power and strength you possess yet because of one bit of metal around your neck you are no more threatening than a puppyâ€<br/><br/>Shey growled low in her throat in response which only made him chuckle, â€œSave it for the fight bitch. Which is coming up so you know the drillâ€¦â€ he began as he unlocked her cell and Shey moved to put her arms behind her head as the guard came in and roughly cuffed her arms behind her back. He made sure to take the time to grab her by the hair and pull her head back before licking along her ear, whispering a promise of some future fun to which Shey only answered with silence. A rough shove and Shey was on her way out of her cell to make her long way through the windy halls and passages that lead up to the arena.  Her master she was sure was already above ground in his private viewing box waiting for her match to beginâ€¦<br/><br/>Where is he?! Meredith thought angrily as she checked her watch once more, completely pissed and embarrassed with Adam leaving her waiting like this.<br/><br/>â€œI take it your illustrious husband is running late?â€ his smooth silky ice tone rolled across her skin making Meredith shiver a bit with the silent and unspoken promise in his tone.<br/><br/>Meredith turned to smile up at their host and rather close friend, Maxillias Henry Mathers though to those close to him they could address him simply as Max. Tall and of lean build, that she knew from personal experience hid some amazing strength and endurance. Today his long uniquely silverish hair was pulled back into a single pony tail at the nap of his head, done into a single long thick braid. His grey suit tailored perfectly to fit him was done in a flattering grey on grey (looking like a sexy storm cloud), which helped to draw attention to his hair and piercing steel blue eyes. The only thinking that was not grey on him today was his cane which he could not be found without though he walked with no limp, it was more for style and well other uses, though few knew what those other uses were.<br/><br/>The smile on her face was genuine as she allowed him to take her hand and kiss the back of it lightly, a practiced and well executed sigh coming from her lips â€œYes he isâ€¦which has me somewhat perturbedâ€¦â€ she commented to him.<br/><br/>Max smiled in that charming way of his while taking her hand in his own to escort her to his private box, â€œWell I am sure he is only out trying to get you a new â€˜toyâ€™. A fresh shipment did arrive today and I myself have sent one of my house slaves to see about getting me a few new choice pieces. I am sure he will be here in time for the matchâ€ the confidence with which he woke and spoke was damn near intoxicating to just about every female within range to view or hear him, it made Meredith feel even more exceptional  then she already knew she was as she walked along with him to his private box.<br/><br/>â€œIt had better be a â€˜toyâ€™ of exceptional quality or he may find himself without my company for a few daysâ€ was teasing in her voice as well as truth to the veiled threat. Still with Max for company she was certain she could find something else to think of instead of dwelling on where Adam was.<br/><br/>Max politely showed her to her seat then took his own, summoning his fairy slaves to bring them wine and something to snack on while they waited for the current match to end. A ferocious roar followed by the snapping of a bone and a bloodcurdling scream pretty much signaled the end of the match. There standing victorious over a now crippled centaur was a lion gargoyle, its leathery wings torn and bloody with several arrows still sticking out from various places all over its body. The centaur lay on the ground cradling its broken hind leg the best it could given how it was now laying, the crowd was on their feet chanting and cheering for the victor. The loser was unceremoniously dragged away while the gargoyle was muzzled and collared before being led away.<br/><br/>Max clapped along with the rest of the spectators though there was a certain rush in the air as his prized slave was about to be announced. â€œI do so hope you enjoy the fight. My little pet has been in rare form latelyâ€ Max says unable to keep the excitement out of his voice as the crowd suddenly jumped to their feet at the sight of Shey being led into the arena.<br/><br/>A hush fell over the crowd as she stood in the center flanked by a guard on either side, one having the honor of holding her sword; it was a thick blade that stood with a 100 cm long blade that was 5 cm in width. It was fairly plain and showed signs of much use, though the edge looked as keen as ever the intricate design that was etched into the blade had long since become worn down and covered in blood. Someday Shey swore to give the blade a proper cleaning, so that her familyâ€™s crest and honor could be proudly seen.<br/><br/>The large telescreen when came to life as the announcer came up to announce Shey, seeming to wait in order to build the crowds anticipation. When it seemed like a riot was brewing he finally spokeâ€¦<br/><br/>â€œLadies, gentlemen and our esteemed guestsâ€¦â€ taking this moment to bow to Max who inclined his head in turn. â€œToday you all have the honor, nay the privilege, to behold a true treasure. Fearlessly she faced and defeated Ravana the hindu demon, after nearly being torn to shreds by lunging with all her might straight through its claws and fangs to stab the mighty fiend straight in the heart!â€ he pauses as they cheer many having remembered the fight and what a truly bloody mess it had been. â€œThen she wowed us yet again by taking on three chimeras, cutting them down like they were nothing but kittens at her feet!â€ the crowd again roared as footage of that fight played on the screen, showing Shey splattered in blood with a indisputable look of pleasure and bloodlust in her golden eyes. â€œLast but not least there was her battle against the vile and putrid Hel, whose vile stench made us all gag and nearly felled this beauty before us!â€ a spotlight now lit up Shey, showing off her curvy form that was more revealed then it had been in previous fights; Max having made a wardrobe change much to the appreciation of her male fans who were hooting and hollering now. Her armor was now cut so that it basically a one piece body suit, the lower half cut into form hugging shorts that showed off her tasty firm backside; while the upper half no longer covered her arms and the front had a fairly plunging neckline giving them a glimpse of her full and ample chest.<br/><br/>â€œWithout further ado I give you the one and only Barbaric Beauty!!!â€  the crowd roared and clapped as if on cue her bindings were released and Shey snatched her sword up to only then tumble forward, jumping to her feet with her sword high as she howled loud and proud to the crowd. The crowd was chanting her name and Shey loved it, in some twisted way she felt at home there in the middle of the arena as her fans cheered her name wildly. It was music to her ears as she closed her eyes drinking it all in while the announcer went on to announce her next victim.<br/><br/>â€œCaptured in the Plaines to the north thinking long dead and gone with have for you this evening a creature of myth legend and power!â€ a cage began rising from the center of the area, squawking and flashes of energy coming from within. Sheyâ€™s focus immediately going to it as it was finally level with her, â€œFor your entertainment and pleasure! We give you the THUNDARBIRD!!!â€ the cage fell away from the creature who immediately took to the sky to try and escape, but was effectively stopped by the shield after a certain height. The mighty black bird cried out in anger and frustration as it hovered above the arena floor looking down at Shey who seemed to be waiting eagerly for it.<br/><br/>*Child of the earth and great mother, why do you fight for them?* the bird sent to Shey as it hovered above.<br/><br/>*Fighting is all I live for now! They have taken everything from me and so have left me with only this! Now stop stalling and get down here and fight me!* she snarled back mentally to the bird.<br/><br/>Sadness overwhelmed her as she the bird shared with her its emotions, *We are siblingsâ€¦of the same motherâ€¦.reduced to fighting like common dogsâ€¦what will become of the next generation when we are gone?....what will become of the world without us to protect her?* it tried to reach her once more.<br/><br/>*I no longer care about the future or this whore of a mother we share! I just care for the here and now so come down here and fight me!* she growled back.<br/><br/>More sadness and finally surrender from the bird, *Fairly wellâ€¦I see they have stolen your honor and made you their slaveâ€¦made you worst then themâ€¦* it sent her its sorrow before it tucked its wings and dived straight at her, Shey not hesitating to raise her sword and charge back at it.<br/><br/>The crowd roaring in pleasure as Max sat there and smiled his own pleasure at what a true treasure Shey really was.