Bears Play with Their Food: Final Part

Connor's face softens, the harshness in his eyes momentarily replaced by something deeper, something more human. He stands silent, listening as Feiyu speaks. He can see the raw emotion and hope etched in every word the boy says, and it stirs something in him.

"You think I don't get it?" Connor says, his voice quieter now. "I know what it's like to fight for the ones who never saw you. To feel like you're just another face in a crowd. I fight to honor my family too, to live up to what they expect of me... and, maybe even more, what I expect of myself."

They lock eyes, two warriors from different worlds, yet each fueled by the same burning desire to prove themselves. "You don't have to be the best warrior that ever lived, kid," Connor says. "You're already showing you're more than they ever expected. Just surviving this long takes courage."

Feiyu clenches his fists, swaying but still upright, his voice hoarse yet unbroken. "Then I'll fight you until I can't anymore. Because I'm not just fighting for myself."

Connor narrows his eyes, his expression caught between understanding and a hint of disappointment. "Don't make me put you down, kid," he warns, his voice steady.

Feiyu, struggling but resolute, finds his footing, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Don't worry, Connor," he says, his voice a low challenge. "I'm not the one getting put down." In a swift motion, Feiyu's entire form dissolves into a swirling mist, and within seconds, the entire arena is blanketed in a thick, unnatural fog.

From their chambers, Raiden, Kaito, and Zohar press their faces against the cold metal bars, trying to make sense of the sudden shift. Raiden squints into the fog, muttering, "What just happened? Where did he go?"

Kaito peers into the swirling mist, unease etched across his face. "I can't see a thing," he says, his tone tinged with both confusion and awe.

Zohar, his eyes darting back and forth, shakes his head. "This is no ordinary fog. He's got something up his sleeve," he murmurs, a mixture of respect and worry in his voice.

Inside the fog, Connor stands perfectly still, his bear instincts sharpening as he braces himself. He closes his eyes, taking in the sounds, smells, and faint shifts in the mist around him, trying to pinpoint Feiyu's location. For a moment, everything is silent—until Connor hears a faint whisper behind him, echoing from the mist.

"Think you're ready for what's next, Connor?"

Connor clenches his fists, his voice low but sincere. "Don't do this, kid. There are other ways to show them your worth. But you can't prove anything if you end up dead."

Feiyu's eyes blaze with determination, his voice defiant. "What don't you get, Connor? I'm not going to lose!" With a burst of speed, he charges at Connor, moving so fast he becomes a blur. Connor stands his ground, but Feiyu phases right through him, a sudden, powerful whirlwind erupting in his wake and sending Connor hurtling into a nearby pillar.

Dust and debris scatter as Connor struggles to his feet, but Feiyu is already on him, each punch and kick shattering bits of Connor's armor. Feiyu's voice rings out, desperate and wild.

"I must win! I must wiiiiinn!"

Connor, pinned down but unyielding, closes his eyes, reaching out in his mind for Morrigan. He catches a glimpse of the goddess, her figure dark and powerful, surrounded by crows. "Am I going to die here?" he asks, the quiet fear in his voice almost imperceptible.

Morrigan's voice echoes in his mind, steady and commanding. "No, my dear. Your fate is sealed for a different day. You shall live, my chosen. Now, rise above your enemy."

Connor's eyes snap open, now glowing with intense yellow irises, the whites turned a chilling black. His body shifts, growing and twisting until he towers in a form three times the size of a grizzly, his fur transforming into black, crow-like feathers with a menacing, shadowy aura radiating from him. The armor adjusts seamlessly, molding to his massive bear form.

With a ferocious roar, he lunges at Feiyu, claws slashing and fangs bared.

Feiyu fights back with all his strength, managing to leap onto Connor's back, attempting a chokehold. But Connor's sheer power overwhelms him. With a single, bone-crushing bite, Connor seizes Feiyu's arm and slams him into the ground, dragging him across the arena floor and throwing him hard into the stone wall.

Just as Connor moves in to land the final blow, the horn sounds, echoing through the coliseum, signaling the end of the fight. Connor halts, his breath heavy, chest heaving. He releases Feiyu and watches as the young warrior struggles to his feet, battered but unbroken.

In the silence, the crowd erupts into wild cheers.

As the cheers of the crowd slowly fade, Connor reverts back to his human form, his massive bear figure shrinking as the dark feathers give way to his bruised, battered skin. His armor, cracked and dented, clings to him as he stands, breathing hard, every inch of him showing signs of the fierce battle he just endured. He looks over at Feiyu, giving a small nod of respect.

"You did well, kid," Connor says, his voice tired but genuine.

Feiyu, however, scowls, brushing past him with an angry shove. "Don't talk to me," he snaps, storming off the battleground without looking back.

Connor watches him go, his expression shifting from understanding to a flicker of disappointment as the tension between them hangs heavy. For a moment, he stands there alone in the coliseum, the cheers and adrenaline fading, before finally turning to make his own exit.