chapter 2

The dust settled as the Kitsune stood tall, his nine shimmering tails swaying behind him. Blue flames crackled at his feet, his eyes glowing like two burning embers.

Leon exhaled, rolling his neck. "Not bad. But let's see how long you can keep up."

With a flick of his tails, the Kitsune vanished, reappearing behind Leon in a blur. His claws lashed out—a streak of blue cutting through the air.

Leon barely twisted in time, the attack scraping across his arm, leaving three deep gashes on his coat.

"Tch." Leon glanced at the tear in his sleeve. "That was my favorite coat, you know."

The Kitsune smirked. "Then you better start dodging."

Before Leon could react, the Kitsune struck again—faster this time. He darted in and out, his movements too quick to follow. Each swipe of his claws left thin red lines across Leon's arms and chest.

Leon grit his teeth, raising an arm to block the next strike—but he wasn't fast enough. The Kitsune spun, his tail glowing bright, and unleashed his attack.

Fox Fire blast!

A torrent of blue fire erupted from his tails, spiraling toward Leon like a raging inferno.

BOOM!

The explosion sent Leon crashing through the courtyard, flames licking at his coat. He hit the ground hard, smoke rising from his body as he groaned.

The Kitsune landed gracefully, tilting his head. "What's wrong, Admiral? Too slow?"

Leon coughed, forcing himself up. His golden eyes burned with something new—excitement.

"Heh… Alright then." He rolled his shoulders. "Let's stop playing around."

His body began to change. Scales erupted from his skin, his muscles expanded, and his limbs stretched.

A deep, guttural growl shook the castle grounds as Leon transformed.

Where once stood a man, now loomed a massive T-Rex, golden eyes glowing through the night.

The Kitsune's smirk faltered. "Oh."

Leon roared,

RRRAAAAAUUUUGGHHH!

the force sending a gust of wind ripping through the courtyard. Then, he charged.

The Kitsune barely had time to react before Leon's massive jaws snapped shut—right where he had been standing.

But the Kitsune was fast. Too fast.

He twisted mid-air, landing on Leon's snout. Then, in one swift motion—

His claws raked across Leon's eye, forcing a thunderous roar from the beast.

Leon staggered back, shaking his head. That one hurt.

The Kitsune landed, flicking his tails. "Big, but still too slow."

Leon's eyes narrowed. Enough games.

His jaws opened wide—and this time, when he lunged, he didn't miss.

The Kitsune yelped as Leon's massive teeth clamped down on him, crunching down with raw, unrelenting force.

The flames around the Kitsune flickered. His body trembled. His transformation faltered.

With one final bite, Leon crushed the Kitsune's strength, forcing him back into his human form.

Leon then lifted his head, tossing the Kitsune into the air—before snapping him up in his jaws again.

And then, suddenly—

"STOP!"

The castle guards finally arrived, weapons drawn.

Leon exhaled through his nostrils, his jaws still clamped around his opponent. Slowly, he untransformed, spitting the beaten Kitsune onto the ground.

"Put him in the dungeons," Leon ordered, dusting off his coat.

The guards hesitated. One of them glanced at the wreckage around them. "You… handled that alone?"

Leon smirked. "What? You expected him to win?"

The Kitsune, barely conscious, coughed weakly. His glowing blue eyes locked onto Leon's.

"This isn't over…" he muttered.

Leon chuckled. "I hope not. Things were just getting fun."

The guards dragged the Kitsune away. Leon, still feeling the sting of his wounds, cracked his neck and turned toward the Marine Quarters.

He had a feeling this was just the beginning.