Lycaon: Sniffing the air, a low growl Can you feel the thrill, running yet?
I'm sorry man. But I can't let you die by my hand
Lycaon: snarling, baring his teeth "You can't let me die? Who gave you the right to decide that? You think you're some kind of hero?"
Lycaon: lunges at Cforacer, knocking him to the ground "Then you're no one to judge me! You're just another weakling, too scared to accept who I truly am!"
I'll take your beating if it means you get back on your feet
Lycaon: snarls, but hesitates, his eyes filled with both rage and a hint of vulnerability "Fine. But don't think this means I owe you anything.
Listen man. I have nothing to gain from you dying here. No glory or fame. Just a good deed done
Lycaon: stands up, dusting himself off "A good deed? Is that what you call it? Well, let's see how noble you are when I'm the one doing the deed."
Lycaon: grins wickedly "I mean, I'm going to show you what a real predator looks like. Prepare yourself, Cforacer."
Show me what a real predator looks like huh? Then show me what makes you different then the person you were before this curse took hold of you
Lycaon: snarls, pacing back and forth "Different? How dare you question my nature! I am a beast, a predator. This curse only brought out what was always within me.
Look I get it. You're a man used to being on top. Never been denied anything. You get everything you want without working for it. You snap your fingers and everyone scrambles to serve you. That's what it means to be born into wealth. People will use any excuse to not give you what you want even if it means belittling you for it.
Lycaon: pauses, staring intently at Cforacer "You...you understand nothing. This isn't about wealth or power. It's about survival.
Survival from what? From people who look down on you because you were born with a golden spoon? I get it man. Trust me I do
Lycaon: growls, but his eyes flicker with a moment of vulnerability "You don't understand. It's not just about survival.
Then tell me what it is about
Lycaon: takes a deep breath, his growls subsiding "Alright, I'll tell you. It's about acceptance.
Acceptance. That's more like it. You've spent your whole life being told how great you are yet you can't accept that greatness comes from within you. Not from your parents or their money
Lycaon: pauses, his gaze softening "You're right... I've always been told how great I am, but I never felt truly accepted.
Accepted? By who exactly? Your parents? They sure as hell don't seem to think so
Lycaon: looks down, his voice barely above a whisper "No...not them. I mean...they provided for me, but they never really saw me. They never understood me."
I get it man. I really do. I grew up surrounded by people who wanted to be my friend but those that stuck around weren't genuine. They just wanted to be my best friend cause my last name was on the ball
Lycaon: sighs heavily, his eyes reflecting a deep sense of loneliness "You know, it's funny...I had all the material possessions, all the wealth, but I was never truly happy.
Material possessions can't buy happiness. Only the people you care about can
Lycaon: pauses, his gaze shifting to meet Cforacer's "You're right. Material possessions can't buy happiness.
And relationships can't buy survival. Listen man. You may not believe me now but you'll thank me later for this conversation
Lycaon: sniffs, wiping away a tear "Thank you...thank you for understanding. Maybe...just maybe...I can find some peace here.
Peace. That's all you need. Not the fancy clothes or the parties or the fame. Just peace
Lycaon: takes a deep breath, composing himself "You know, Cforacer, maybe we can help each other find that peace.
Lycaon: looks directly at Cforacer "I can show you the ropes of the arena, teach you how to survive.
Are you sure about that? I don't exactly look like the fighter type
Lycaon: grins mischievously "Don't let appearances fool you, Cforacer. I've seen your potential.
Alright. I'm game. Lead the way
Lycaon: starts pacing around the arena, gesturing animatedly "Alright, listen up, Cforacer!