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The herd would be safe. They would be free, at least for now.
He would be free too. He was too fast for the humans on their enslaved beasts. The forest edge was so close now. He would lose them in there.
And then, something sharp pierced his hide, gouging into his flesh, making him stumble at the fiery pain. Another one dug into his hind quarters, making his muscles seize.
He kept running, ignoring the agony of his wounds. He couldn’t afford to stop.
Yet another arrow struck his shoulder, making him lose his footing and stagger off balance.
A coarse noose landed over his head and around his neck, tightening and jerking him back when he tried to outrun it, choking off his air.
He snorted and kicked, crazed with fear and pain.
But there were too many ropes. Too many men.
They came upon him en masse. There was no escape.
A heavy, metal-threaded net was thrown over him, dragging him to the ground. Pinning him there.
He was defenseless on his side, his legs kicking but gaining no purchase. The stranglehold on his neck kept him from raising his head.
He could only roll his eyes to track the movements of the men who surrounded him. He neighed softly to the beasts they rode, hoping they would rise up and help him.
It started to work. One of them tried to rear and throw his rider off. Another bucked and shook.
But the humans were too smart.
Their ringleader dismounted from his horse and lumbered over to stand beside Andros’ head.
This’ll teach you to cause trouble,he grunted—
As a heavy hammer swung at Andros’ head, knocking him into oblivion once more.
~ * ~* ~ *~ * ~* ~ *~ * ~
Celestial Palace of the Jade Emperor.
“What did I say about punctuality,” the white-haired, white-bearded little old man more stated than asked, as if he was not expecting an answer but nevertheless felt obliged to make his point.
“That you are a big fan of it, Fufu,” Divina said cheerfully, a pretty smile adorning her pretty face.
“Fufu” frowned and exhaled deeply through his nose.
But he didn’t comment further.
Which rather astounded Ere, who’d been berated and punished for much less than the extreme tardiness that Divina perpetrated.
Maybe it was the gravity-defying boobs.
“What did I say about your pets?” the ageless being said next.
“That they should stay in my enclosure,” Divina answered promptly, not the slightest concerned that her gigantic beastie was currentlynotin her enclosure.
He was sitting between Divina and Ere, his fluffy, curling tail sweeping the pristine marble floor in happiness. Tongue lolling, panting, a constant huffing sound in the otherwise quiet, immaculate space.
Fufu—that is—Shifuopened his mouth to speak further, likely intending to remind her of this anomaly. But she beat him to it.
“Chewie is a baby, you know. I’m his mommy—”
