The 5th Annual Feral Paw Tournament (R18 Warning)

  Three months had passed without issue and finally, the Feral Paw Tournament was upon us. The crowds roared wild with anticipation for the upcoming matches that will take place today. The announcer was first to step into the center of the tournament platform and turned on the microphone.

  "I welcome all of you to the fifth installment of the Feral Paw Tournament~!!! I hope you're all excited as I am. Four whole years of breathtaking battles that'll keep you on the edge of your seats took place on this very platform. Before we introduce our combatants for this year's tournament, I'd like to welcome all of you to our special guests, two of the five Pillars that helped forged our very nation! Give it up for the Harvest Queen and King of Beasts~!!!"

  Two figures stepped up onto the stage. It's been a long time since anyone has seen any of the Pillars. On the left, there was a dragon in the form of a woman. Her attire was nothing short of common. A traditional kimono lined with reflective colors in the form of well-crafted patterns.

  Her horns well-trimmed, only curling back to her shoulder which complimented her long hair, which was tied up into a bun. She was quite tall for all things considered. While not the tallest woman out there but you'd have no difficulty spotting her out from the masses.

  On the right accompanying the dragon was a goat, who was much shorter in comparison. Don't let her size fool you as there is good reason that she's known as the King of Beasts. Instead of any fancy attire, she wore bandages that wrapped tightly around her torso and a custom made open-vest shirt with a belt strap on each side, lining down from the shoulders. It complimented the draw-strapped pants she was wearing as it was clearly meant for combat.

The audience all stood at attention before bowing in respect as the Pillars did the same.

  "You don't get to see these folks often as one could imagine. However, that's what makes this year's tournament a sight to behold! Not only have the Pillars came to observe the matches for the duration of the event, whoever becomes this year's Champion is going to get something very special to commemorate five years of this very tournament taking place. Will the winner be our Champion for the past three years? Or will one of our contestants finally take the crown~? Speaking of our contestants, allow me to present them to you now. Give a round of applause to this year's combatants~!"

  The crowd cheered as all the fighters made it onto the stage, standing only a few feet away from the announcer and the two Pillars that came to spectate the event. The contestants respectively bowed before receiving one in kind from the Pillars, allowing them to leave to their designated stand.

  The announcer looked at each of the contestants, noticing there were a few familiar faces among the group. It was clear that they could tell that it's going to be quite an event. As the audience calms down, the announcer allowed the combatants to head back to the lobby to interact with one another until the first match is decided.

  Only a few groups of contestants actually knew each other from outside the tournament, one of which being Gale and Rumin. They were soon visited by Ume, who decided to greet the duo before the event kicks off.

  "Now that's the uniform I remember." She acknowledged Ume's Gi, which had a sleeveless top and a tight-fitting bottom.

  "Well I certainly can't be fighting in clothes that doesn't suit the stage now could I?" She seemed to be in a much chipper mood lately. She stifled a cute giggle at the mention of her attire. "And I can see that the 'Dragon Twins' aren't looking too shabby themselves either."

  "That's what they're calling us now?" She looked quizzically at the mouse before taking a look at the uniform she and her sister wears. "Ha... I guess it's the symbol etched onto them. Though, our Father never really got to tell us the meaning behind them. Best he said is that we'll find out as we grow."

  "Yeah! He's always been pretty smart though. Taking care of us was no easy task. I think it's some sort of old proverb or something. Can't really say for sure since I haven't figured out much of it myself." She bashfully rubbed her head while thinking about that title Ume mentioned. "Guess we do have a reputation here don't we? Sounds cool and all but I can imagine what others are thinking of it."

  "That's to be expected I suppose. Even I started to have a title ever since I won my first tournament. You two always kept coming close; so I can't really let my guard down at all. I hope to have the chance to face either of you again this year. Looking forward to seeing how you've both improved since last time."

  "No worries. I'm sure you picked up a few tricks yourself as well. It wouldn't be any fun if you were slacking for a whole year. Me and sis were practicing at least twice a week leading up to now." She pointed a finger to herself while baring a toothy grin.

  She could only giggle at the confidence her sister is exuding, being the more humble of the two siblings. "Oh she's been putting in the work alright. I suggest you be on your toes this time around."

  "I'm sure of it. Your sister is always someone to not be taken lightly. Especially in the ring." The group shared a laugh together and turned their attention to the bulletin board, noticing everyone else had already gathered around it to see who their opponents for the first round are going to be.

  Back at the dojo, Hiraku was finishing up his cleaning duties when a student attending for the day rushed in, notifying him that three strange individuals had arrived asking for him. The notice sent shivers down his spine. Did the person he spoke on the phone with sent collectors to get what they want? He nervously gulped, using the moment to garner the courage to ultimately meet them at the gate.

  "Welcome to the the Fearsome Paw Dojo. Unfortunately the Master of this establishment is still absent as of this current time. Is there something that I can assist you with?" He respectively bowed at the trio that stood before him, only to be met with annoyed looks on their faces. It was worth a try, but the hope was for naught. They were here...

  "Tch! Get a load of this chump. I swear our Boss really knows how to find them huh?" She eyed the lizard head to toe, seemingly not all too impressed with what she's looking at. "I think we can find someone more worth our time honestly. We should kill him but I guess that's out of the question isn't it?" She heaved a sigh of disappointment. "Guess we can make it worth our while for the time being. He is the product after all."

  "No need for the subtleties. You're already well familiar with our employer already. I hope you weren't trying to fool us just now. Not that it would work, but it certainly wouldn't have did you any good if you were in fact the wrong person." She smiled at the man, who could only look with fear and worry as she puts her hands together. "Mind letting us in hun? We got some business to attend to after all."

  Hiraku hesitated, but sighed since there wasn't any point in resisting anymore. He led them to the living quarters of the dojo lets them take a seat before he does.

  "It may not be to your liking, but this isn't my property. I assume you want to get straight to business then?" He was clearly nervous, shaking a bit in his seat. However, he wasn't expecting to be visited by women. Then again, the world has already been changing for quite some time now.

  "Very astute of you. Don't get to see much men with a wit to them, but regardless..." She folds her legs, adjusting her posture to be more dignified. "I take it you've already secured the product in question?"

  "Y-Yes! Yes!" He jumped slightly before pulling out several jars of a mysterious white fluid. Embarrassment was clear on his face, but that didn't deter the group, who immediately decided to inspect a jar.

  She was the first to take a whiff from the jar, recognizing the substance instantly. "Guess this is the guy we get the 'juice' from. I'm surprised he can produce this much in such a short time. He must be one of those 'real' freaks out there~."

  "It's unbecoming, but I suppose it keeps bread on the table." She pinched some of the contents between her fingers to inspect it thoroughly. "Fresh and ready to serve as well. Never really had it raw before but since we already opened one, we may as well have our fill."

  The three agreed in unison and stripped right on the spot to drink directly from the jar, each gulping down their own portions before finishing it entirely. Hiraku couldn't believe what he just witnessed, turning to look away from the scene when he felt a softness pressed against his back. The culprit was none other than Nastya, who was the most abrasive of the group.

  "What's wrong big guy? Never seen a woman before~?" She smirked before pressing herself against him more forcefully before whispering into his ear. "If you be a good boy, then you may get a treat. So how did a virgin like you produce this much huh?"

  It was clear that she wanted the details on the nature behind this vast amount being produced in such a short time, but Hiraku was at the point of speaking incomprehensibly, not used to this kind of experience. The hyena couldn't help but giggle, knowing just how much she was taking advantage of him.

  Nonetheless, she still tried to egg the pressure on until being stopped by Clarissa. She huffed before letting the man go and putting back on her clothes alongside her comrades finally giving him the time to recover.

  "Either way, don't mistake this as any kind of reward. We just don't like needlessly sullying our uniforms. Any longer and she likely would've killed you. Just a fair warning in advance, but we'll be looking forward to your next batch~." She stifled a smirk which could only spell an imminent demise if he ever slipped up.

  "R-Right... I'll work on it soon as I can." He tensed up but the group soon stood up and left him to his own thoughts. Only dread, worry and panic filled his mind, constantly putting him on edge of what's to come if he were to fail. He could only sigh in relief that the ordeal was over for now.

  With the business portion of their trip dealt with for the time being, the mercenaries decided to speak matters over as they walk.

  "You never let anything slip by do ya? I was this close to getting that information too~... Though, it ain't no surprise as to what it is. A guy pent up like that... No telling he's doing some shady shit one wouldn't normally do. Guess it's more fun to expose him when the time is right."

  Her smile turned wicked for a moment before she spat on the ground. "Shame he couldn't produce anything good either. I swear I almost gagged from how bad that was. No wonder it had to be processed into juice first."

  "A sentiment well shared. In honesty, it would've made a worthless endeavor to serve something like this for procreation. Even if the consumers are desperate, it'd just be bad for business; so best we can do is make it into an aphrodisiac beverage. The Boss sure knows her stuff but don't worry. You'll have your chance on the last delivery coming up." She hinted at the next transaction they were going to have with Hiraku, likely being the last they got to deal with the likes of him an longer.

  "So everything's taking place at the Harvest Festival? Heh... I may just dress festive for the occasion after all." She was looking forward to the upcoming events. For now, she just has to be patient with her team. Seems this is going to be quite an eventful trip for them.