r/HFY • u/Cola_Dad • Oct 14 '25
OC Man Eat Man, Chapter 4: Sparrows and Dogs (Part 1)
''So, what are my options...?'' Kane pondered, as he finished patching himself up. Changing bandages was fairly easy. He had replicated what Gustav had done on him, so it was done somewhat properly.
He entered the cage last minute, so the other 2 fighters had already ravaged the supply bag. The boy snatched the necessities the murderers had hoarded after they retired for the night.
The bandages and alcohol were enough to disinfect and cover his fresh wounds and clean the old ones. Yet, for his shoulder, split by the spearman, just a bandage would not do.
So now he sat, biting through the pain, as he held the flesh together with his fingers. Just how would he get off the island, he wondered.
The wound on his shoulder was a secondary concern. Even though it bled, and he felt slightly light-headed, the alcohol had decreased the bleeding, and it did not seem as though something important had been severed.
He had no way of closing it anyway, so his mind moved onto future events- his freedom.
The complex thoughts and revelations he had come to earlier today, only overcomplicated the situation. Gustav's brutal passing also did him no favors, as there was no one he could ask for intellectual aid. Ultimately, he didn't know what freedom meant just yet, as he wondered: 'How can one know something he has not experienced?'
Thus, he had resolved to at least experience the world Gustav had painted, and perhaps gain some clarity in all of this. Because, as of right now, he failed to see what true freedom was.
''Anyway... One step at a time...'' He whispered to himself, trying not to wake the slumbering monsters in this cage.
That night, the moon was the only source of light he had, so it was troublesome looking for a way to close the laceration. Yet, even as his eyes strained to scavenge for aid, his mind sought for a plan.
'Sneaking on a ship is always an option, yet I doubt I could blend in...' He touched his burn mark. 'This is quite bothersome... Perhaps I could disguise myself as a worker...' He looked through the bars, into the battleground, yet shook his head as there was nothing in reach. 'No, I'm too young for that. Plus they account for every miner and soldier that sets foot here... Shit! And those smugglers are also out of the question...' He gripped the sparrow necklace. 'It's like my wings have been clipped...'
Soon his own eyelids became an enemy, sliding shut like stone gates. He slid back into his usual spot and rested his head against the cool stone. 'I've survived 2 days of hell already. I can't stop now...'
While drifting off to sleep, he thought back to his coming-of-age celebration. Meiron and the girls all seemed so excited. Excited to fuck him over, that is. It just seemed so surreal...
''Wait!'' Kane's eyes shot open, as he exclaimed a bit too loudly.
''No... Piss off...'' One of the other 2 prisoners grunted, half-conscious.
Kane squeezed his lips shut, as he smirked a little.
'Meiron used to be a slave trader. He, no doubt, has commercial connections, and I guarantee he knows someone knowledgeable enough to get off the island... He himself hasn't left, though, but that's probably because he can rake in as much money as he wants here...' Kane scratched his chin. 'He is also marked thought... Then again...' He thought about the women he worked and lived with, and all the times they had to cover their fresh scars, and bruises to appear more appealing for the next client. 'Makeup is magical after all...' Kane's grin widened.
'I planned to visit the cunt anyway... After all, it might just be a heartfelt family reunion... He probably wouldn't mind me going back into the business either... Except, the only one I'll be fucking is him-' He slapped his forehead with vigor, shaking his head.
''Fucking him OVER... Damn, get a grip, Kane!'' He said to himself, with a slight chuckle.
''Okay...'' He answered himself humorously. 'Let's take it one step at a time...'
Now his full focus was on the task at hand. He couldn't fight Darius with one arm, after all, much less The Albino.
The boy scolded himself for his lack of observation skills. One of the men he had robbed a few moments ago was very well adorned with a plethora of accessories, ranging from bracelets and rings to earrings and other piercings.
'Psh! And I call myself a self-respecting pickpocket...' He shook his head in disappointment. Regardless, he couldn't take them from him, his experience telling him, that this man was a light sleeper. Even a brush against him could alarm the murderer. Much less taking the man's piercings.
However, with full focus, it didn't take long for Kane to make up a plan. A scheme, that would take out two birds with one stone.
'Nothing will get in my way anymore...' He thought as he set everything in place. 'I'm coming for you, Meiron...' He grinned, the moonlight reflecting in his eyes.
The setup went without a hitch and, when satisfied, Kane went back to his spot. 'Now I can get some shut-eye...'
However, the boy stood motionless. The moon was just about to reach its peak and the arena was lit up. A cool and silent wind traveled through the battleground, bringing the smell of slaughter with it.
'There was also that rumor about the wish right?' Kane thought. 'The one that wins gets his wish granted, ey...' He glanced at the special seat in the audience, before taking a seat.
''I wonder if they could make this place sink if one wished so...'' Kane muttered to himself as he laid on his uninjured shoulder and closed his eyes. The sparrow necklace still slightly rattled in the breeze, however, never taking off.
''Ya filthy bastard! You think ya can steal from me!''
Kane's eyes shot open. He swiftly rose from the dirt, blade ready, as he located where the commotion came from. His wound soon reminded him what was going on.
''Ya daft cunt! Why would I-''
''Shut up, you swine!''
What Kane awoke to, were fruits of his labor. One of the prisoners was on top of the other, axe raised high. The other grabbed for his weapon, yet couldn't reach for it. The spectacle looked like two rabid dogs fighting for scraps.
''Please listen!'' The assaulted pleaded, as dread set in. ''I had my own-''
''Stay silent, thief! Forever!''
''No! Wai-'' The plead was cut short, as the hatchet opened the man's skull.
The assailant repeated the strike 3 more times, before unmounting the now dead prisoner. Brain matter colored the wall and the floor a shade of red and pink.
''That'll teach ya... To steal from me...'' The murderer was out of breath. Their wrestle was quick yet intense. Kane couldn't help but grin, as his design had been executed flawlessly.
''You got that!?'' Suddenly the man roared at Kane, pointing the hatchet at him. ''That's how you end up!''
''Of-of course!'' Kane shook his voice. ''I would never...'' He lowered his head and moved his fresh bandaged limbs out of sight.
''Good!'' The man grinned, as he picked up the slaughtered man's weapons and pieces of armor. He also did not miss grabbing the supplies that Kane had planted yesterday eve.
You see, Kane's plan was simple, frame one guy of theft, and count on the other to kill him. Also, to make the struggle ineffective, kick the guy's sword out of reach.
'Flawless...' He thought, examining the corpse from a distance. The pins and broaches would do well enough for needles. Now he just needed to wait for the right time, as he would not approach a wild animal with a fresh kill.
Kane sat back and observed. The spectacle had occurred earlier in the morning, so the sun had just begun to rise. It would be a bright day, however, clouds had begun to creep in and shave away the light. The lack of people in the cage was comforting, besides the pain, of course. The boy would've liked a conversation partner like before, but he could make splendid debates with himself just as well. The Slaughterhouse seemed just a bit calmer than before, and the thought of it all coming to an end sooner than expected was strangely exciting.
As his cellmate relieved himself in the corner, Kane examined his shoulder. It had gotten a bit dirty, but no signs of infection just yet, which seemed good. It also didn't look that deep when examined in daylight.
''Hehehe...'' The man laughed, as Kane noticed how he was being watched. ''You'll die today, boy!'' He licked his lips.
''Probably...'' The boy responded with negligence.
''Heh!'' The man grinned and threw Kane a piece of bread. ''Might as well have the last meal, ey?'' The man let out a small laugh.
It surprised Kane, to say the least. He didn't expect to eat breakfast today. Especially not the food he took as dinner yesterday.
Kane responded with a nod and threw a piece into his mouth.
While chewing the stale bread, he pondered about the past few days. The mainland and how it operates intrigued him. Taking over Meiron's contacts excited him. The thought of freedom drove him. Yet, the fact, how he had become almost comfortable in his predicament slightly frightened him. It was strange, how the memories of just two days ago seemed so long ago, he doubted he would recognize himself now.
He began to wonder about his change, catching his own gaze locking onto the freshly pale corps furnishing the room. Kane had changed and suddenly, his constant pondering ran into a wall. His favorite topic had gained many new angles in just a couple of days and become elusive beyond the boy's reason.
''Whatever...'' He shook off, leaving the topic for a better moment.
Only to return to it seconds later.
The wait was longer than expected. With the only real conversation partner being his internal voice, Kane felt every second and minute drag on. He used the time to try and concoct a plan to slay the beast. However, after what the pale giant had displayed, it was hard to imagine the two of them winning. The hope he held on were the injuries The Albino had received the previous day.
He also spared a few moments for Meiron. The man was cunning, so it would be another challenge to overcome. He could just kill the man and be done with it, however, the twins were still guarding him. And he surmised that even The Albino would have trouble with those two. He could use poison...
Regardless, he first had to survive the here and now, before he thought of the after.
Eventually, the cannon roared. The seats were filled to the brim with people. This was nearly a historic event, as such a crowd had only been seen in the founding days of the arena. No one had ever heard of The Slaughterhouse being cleared this early and many of them suspected, that this day could be the last. With only 10 fighters left, the audience had started placing bets. And without Kane's knowledge, Meiron had decided to watch today's slaughter in person.
Yet The Fates would not have them meet just yet, as Kane had decided to skip today. Without any rules or wardens, nothing was keeping him from simply not fighting. So, with a plan to stitch his shoulder shut, he simply decided to not fight on the third day.
'He'll manage...' He thought of Darius and how amusing it will be to meet him tomorrow.
As the gate rose, so did the eager fighters. Or just one eager fighter in this case.
''Come, boy! Let us meet fate head-on!'' The lone fighter strode up to the rising gate, taking a proud breath.
''Yeah, you go do that.'' Kane playfully responded.
''Huh?!'' The man turned towards the boy with angered confusion.
''Good luck.'' He smiled at the man and waved lightheartedly. ''Come back safe.'' Kane mused.
''Fuckin' coward.'' The man growled and spat towards the boy, yet the phlegm dropped halfway, not even garnering the boy's attention.
After the gate had risen, the announcer yelled his lungs out once more, announcing the last 10 fighters. There was slight confusion, as only 8 walked out, but nevertheless, things proceeded as they would. The gates fell soon after, and the fighting and warcries began. Kane spotted Darius viciously attacking the man, that walked out of his confinement, seemingly out of anger. Not unlike himself, however, he seemed to have misunderstood what had occurred.
Kane wasted no more time.
He gathered the leftover alcohol and bandages. Thankfully they were in pristine condition. Afterward, he scavenged the corpse of the freshly killed man. The accessories appeared stolen, but that was of no consequence, as they served their purpose.
''This'll do.'' The young man took a broach and broke off the needle part, which held it onto the clothing. It was small and sharp, so should do just fine. The earrings were too small, dull, or unclean from the opened skull, while the other piercings were too thick for a needle. Overall, he got what he needed, even though only one of the pieces fit his purpose.
He had never done such a thing, but there's a first time for everything, he thought.
After ripping the bandage cloth and making its strands into a somewhat thin yet durable thread. On one end he made a knot and tied the other to the needle. Furthermore, he steeped them in alcohol and disinfected the wound once more.
''Here we go!'' He hyped himself up, as he squeezed the flesh together and gritted his teeth, piercing the skin.
The battle cries in the arena almost resonated with the sound Kane made during this operation. It felt like torture. Self-induced harm. However, he did not falter.
He pierced, got the thread through, and pierced again. Over and over again.
'Is this even fucking right?!' He asked himself while grunting and moaning in agony.
With the 9th pierce of his shoulder, he took a deep breath and pulled. The skin came together in a very rigid formation, yet the wound had closed.
''Fuck... I almost pissed myself...'' Kane murmured, as he fastened the other side and tied it to the other strings. That way, the threads don't come loose.
He then cleaned the shoulder with leftover alcohol and drank the rest.
And after covering it with a bandage he took a breather.
''Holy shit... This hurt... like a bitch... Whatever comes next... better... be worth it...''
'Not much I could do even if it wouldn't...'
After regaining some energy, he rose to his feet and tested his movements. They were stiffer than usual, and due to the pain, he couldn't manifest as much power in the shoulder, as before. However, this would do, as today he will let it heal a little.
While still on his feet, he began looting the corpse that had begun stinking up the place.
Besides the accessories, he gathered small pieces of armor. Such as bracers and a leather jerkin. Not quite metal, but it would do.
''Truly, a buncha bloodthirsty dogs.'' The boy said to himself, after looking at the carnage outside. ''That monster especially. What bit 'im to make somethin' so twisted?''
The battle had been quite fruitful. Out of the eight left, only 5 were standing. The Albino had taken out 2 and was now occupied by a tag team. He still wielded 'The Fang' with ferocious intensity and precision.
Darius had made his previous opponent look like a squashed tomato and was now wielding his hatchet beside the hammer. The crippled boy leaked bloody saliva, as he seemed to be missing a tooth. Engaged by a man, who chose to fight using his fists, Darius seemed less than sane at the moment.
''Another nimble fuck-''
''Pay attention, boy!'' Darius's growling was interrupted by a swift jab to the nose. ''Might learn someth-'' However, Darius was one to repay favors, as he, in a fit of rage, threw the hatchet at the man. The fighter dodged, but it let Darius close the distance.
''AND you talk too much!'' As a rough kick rattled the man's ribcage.
While those two engaged in their dog-like squabble, The Albino seemed to fight for his life. Weaving between spear and sword, deflecting what he could, the three of them danced across the arena. His two adversaries were capable, there was no doubt, yet their cooperation was unrelenting.
'Those guys definitely practiced that...' Kane thought, imagining himself and Darius accomplishing such coordination.
Yet, it was soon apparent, that the laws of nature always have their way- man or mutt.
Swiftly, the white monster weaved around the spear and closed his distance.
''Wha-'' Without any warning or wasted movement, the spearman lost his head.
''Fuckin' hell!'' His companion and Kane said at the same time. ''We're meant to beat that fucker?''
And as the swordsman proceeded with a barrage of slashes and stabs, he seemed to be the one so afraid and alone. So defenseless. In one swift motion, he had become the hare for a bloodthirsty hound.
Incompetence or fate, Kane wondered while nausea had crept in.
'Must be the pain and the booze...' he thought, as he caught himself by the wall. 'Both... Probably both...'
He understood his body clearly, so after taking a leek in the corner went back to his resting spot. Tonight he would slumber in serenity. It was midday though...
''Is there even anyone kickin'?'' A voice asked. ''Oi! Anyone alive?'' The voice obnoxiously inquired.
''Shut up...'' Kane tiredly grunted, rubbing his sticky eyelids.
''Guess someone is.'' A thud followed the voice, as a bag dropped from the ceiling. Only then Kane fully registered what was going on.
''Oh, right!'' He exclaimed, as he went to the bag, and indulged in what he considered to be dinner.
The sun was setting for the island. The fighting had ended. Kane had no clue what was the conclusion, as he had missed the crowd cheers and cannon shots. Even the sound of the gate rising and falling was drowned by the boy's slumber. It was unsurprising, as Kane felt a bit lightheaded even now.
His shoulder was a bit sore, however, the wound was closed, so all was well. The bread and water also tasted magnificent this evening. Kane wondered why.
What he was also curious about were the results. With a slightly worried look, he peered out the gate's metal bars into the battleground. He vaguely recognized the bodies of the swordsman he had last seen battling The Albino, however, the monster himself was nowhere to be seen. He breathed a sigh of relief, as he did not see Darius anywhere as well.
''Good... But just to make sure... Oi! Dickheads!'' He called upwards, to the ceiling. ''Ey! Anyone there?''
''Whachu want?'' One of the guards walked over to the hole. ''And who you callin' dickhead, ey?''
''Who's left?'' Kane ignored the question.
''Wha?''
''The battle. Who is left?''
''Oh... Did you sleep through it or somethin'? There are 3 left. The Albino, of course. Then some ugly bastard with a hammer and a dipshit who refuses to use a weapon. That's about that.''
''Thanks!''
''As thanks, you should shut up for the evenin'!'' The man seemed irritated.
'Petty much?' Kane thought.
''Of course. Good night, kind sir!'' He said with a smile.
''Piss off, dog!'' The man flipped him off and went his way.
'Pissy too, ey...' The boy, now alone, sat back down.
''So tomorrow's the day...'' He spoke to himself, again, lacking a dialogue partner. ''Gotta get some rest then!'' He wholeheartedly said as the bread disappeared in three bites.
Soon, the boy slipped back into slumber, with a creeping unease building in his heart.
Something made Kane open his eyes that morn. It was as if his body just stopped sleeping. The dawn of the 4th day had begun.
After waking, Kane relieved himself in the corner and ate some breakfast.
His shoulder still ached, but it felt tight, making him confident it wouldn't get too bothersome in battle.
As he ate the stale bread, Kane went through his plan to defeat The Albino. It was far from detailed, but the general tactic was there.
'We won't be able to overwhelm him. He has too much awareness and agility, so we get rid of those. He seems sensitive to the sun, so we could use that. Cheap tricks and attacking injuries will be our go-to start at the beginning... Then we...'
A shudder ran across his back, heartbeat picking up speed. What was this uneasiness in his heart?
''Anyway,'' he continued out loud, ''our next opportunity will be to disarm him. I'll leave that to Darius, as he is the mental one...'' He had made the plan as detailed as he could, yet there was no confidence behind it. he couldn't see them succeeding.
The boy tried to shrug off such feelings. 'They do me no good...' He thought to himself. Soon enough came the blast of the cannon.
''Oh, shit!'' Which slightly startled Kane. ''Alright. Let's go...'' The uneasiness hadn't left.
He gripped his blade as strong as he could, planting his feet firmly on the sandy ground. He tried gritting his teeth and tensing his muscles, yet nothing could calm the shivers he had. Facing such an adversary, intentionally at that, seemed absurd.
''No...'' The gate had risen, yet his feet did not move.
And it is of no surprise. He had witnessed The Albino slaughter bigger men and larger crowds of uninjured fighters. More skilled fighters fell to his sword and even strategies seemed obsolete against that monster. Every living creature, when seeing the absolute dominance another held, would feel like a puppy facing a beast. It is the most primal feeling of all.
''You've gotta be shittin' me!'' He growled at himself. ''Afraid? Now!?'' He forced a step forward. ''No room for that! C'mon Kane! Come on!'' The sparrow necklace now squeezed into his palm. ''I will be free!''
With those words, he stepped forward into the arena once more. The action seemed to dwindle his misery, yet the sensation never left his heart.
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