The cavernous chamber shook with the thunderous clash of slashes and punches on metal as Huntar, Zena, and Torag fought with everything they had against the towering mech suit piloted by Walter. The sleek, titanium armor deflected their blows with seemingly effortless ease, its servo motor whirring as it launched a relentless barrage of attacks in return.
The other Beastmen stayed back to avoid the other battle. Maybe most of them feared the mech monster.
Huntar rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding a scorching energy blast that seared the ground where he'd been standing moments before. He could feel the intense heat singeing his fur as he regained his footing, his golden broadsword held aloft, ready to strike.
Across the chamber, Zena darted in and out of range with blinding speed, her legs a blur of motion as she launched a flurry of strikes against the mech's armored chassis. Each blow reverberated through the chamber with a deafening clang, but the suit's reinforced plating held firm, shrugging off her attacks with ease.
Torag charged forward with a bellowing roar, his immense bulk slamming into the mech with the force of a freight train. The suit staggered under the impact, but Walter's deft piloting kept it upright as he retaliated with a fierce volley of punishing blows that sent the rhino-man skidding across the chamber floor.
"You can't win this, you primitive beasts!" Walter's voice boomed from the suit's external speakers, laced with arrogant disdain. "Surrender now, and I'll make sure your deaths are swift and painless."
Huntar's eyes narrowed with grim determination. He knew their situation was dire, but he refused to give up––not when the fate of their world hung in the balance. With a feral roar, he charged forward, his blade flashing in a deadly arc as he sought to exploit any weakness in the mech's defenses.
Nearby, Jenny's fingers flew across the console's holographic interface, her face etched with intense concentration as she fought to activate the Transgate. Sweat beaded on her brow, her heart pounding with a mixture of adrenaline and fear as the battle raged around her.
"Come on, come on..." she muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning the flickering readouts with frantic urgency.
A sudden flare of light caught her attention, and she turned to see the shimmering outline of the blue portal flicker into existence within the Transgate’s ring. A triumphant smile broke across her face as she realized her efforts had succeeded.
"Huntar! Zena! Torag!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the din of battle. "The Transgate is open! You and the others have to go now!”
Huntar's head whipped around at the sound of her voice, his eyes locking onto the shimmering portal that promised their escape. With a wordless roar, he signaled to his companions, and the beasts made a break for the Transgate, their movements a blur of speed and desperation.
But Walter was not about to let them escape so easily. With a guttural snarl, he maneuvered his mech suit into their path, its massive bulk blocking their route to freedom. A hatch opened on the suit's shoulder, and a fearsome array of weaponry unfolded, their barrels trained squarely on the trio.
"You're not going anywhere," Walter growled, his voice dripping with malice. “You’re all my specimens!”
Huntar skidded to a halt, his eyes narrowing as he sized up the formidable obstacle before them. He knew they couldn't win in a head-on confrontation, not against the mech suit's overwhelming firepower.
Gripping his sword tightly, he prepared to make one last desperate charge, when a blur of motion caught his eye. Jenny was striding towards them, her body aglow with an otherworldly radiance that bathed the chamber in shimmering white light.
As Huntar watched in stunned disbelief, Jenny's form seemed to dissolve into pure energy, her physical body giving way to a shimmering avatar of raw power. Her eyes blazed with ethereal fire, and the air crackled with the sheer intensity of her newfound abilities.
Without a word, she raised her hand towards Walter's mech suit, and a blinding lance of energy erupted from her fingertips. The beam slammed into the suit's armored chassis with the force of a small sun, sending shockwaves rippling through the chamber as the mech staggered under the onslaught.
Walter fought to maintain control, his suit's servos whining in protest as he struggled to withstand the relentless barrage of energy. But Jenny's power was simply too great, and with a final, earthshaking explosion, the mech suit crumpled like a tin can, its once-formidable armor reduced to twisted scrap. The CEO let out an agonizing scream with his final breath.
As the dust settled, Jenny's radiant form flickered and faded, her human body re-materializing amidst the wreckage. She swayed on her feet, her strength sapped by the incredible exertion of her abilities, but a fierce determination burned in her eyes.
Turning to face Huntar, Zena, Torag, and the other beastmen, she offered them a bittersweet smile. "Go," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "The Transgate is open, but I can't come with you. My place is here, in this time."
Huntar's heart clenched at her words, a wave of emotions washing over him. He had known, deep down, that their paths would eventually diverge, but the reality of it was no less painful.
He pulled Jenny into a fierce embrace, his powerful arms enveloping her slender frame. "We owe you everything, Jenny," he rumbled, his voice rough with gratitude."Without you, we would have been lost."
Zena and Torag joined the embrace, their bond of friendship forged in the fires of adversity stronger than ever before. For a long moment, they stood there, savoring their last moments together before the inevitable parting.
Finally, with a heavy heart, Huntar pulled away. He met Jenny's gaze one last time, conveying a lifetime of emotions with a single, weighted look. Then, with Zena and Torag at his side, he turned and strode towards the shimmering Transgate, his steps heavy with the weight of their impending separation.
As they approached the portal, Huntar paused and looked back over his shoulder. Jenny stood amidst the rubble, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, but a proud smile graced her lips. With a final, solemn nod, Huntar stepped through the Transgate, and in a blinding flash of light, he and his companions were gone.
*****
Jenny watched the Transgate flicker and dim, her heart aching with the loss of her friends. But she knew she had done the right thing, and with a steely resolve, she turned her attention back to the console.
Drawing on the last reserves of her energy, she channeled a last blast of power into the controls, her hands moving with practiced precision. The chamber shook as the Transgate flickered and warped, its delicate mechanisms straining under the onslaught of her raw power.
With a deafening roar, the Transgate imploded in a brilliant flash of light, collapsing in on itself until nothing remained but a smoldering crater on the floor. Grimly, Jenny watched as she erased the last remnants of the anomaly from existence, ensuring that no one could ever exploit its power again.
Nearby, Eddie emerged from his hiding place, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear at the display of Jenny's abilities. "Jen..." he breathed, his voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay?"
Jenny turned to face her friend, a weary smile tugging at her lips. "I'm fine, Eddie," she assured him, though her body still trembled with the aftereffects of her exertion. "But we need to get out of here. This place is coming down around us."
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
As if on cue, a deep rumble shook the chamber, and a shower of debris rained down from the crumbling ceiling above. Without wasting another moment, the pair turned and raced for the exit, their footsteps echoing through the collapsing facility as they fled the destruction in their wake.
They emerged into the cool night air, their lungs burning with exertion as they put as much distance as possible between themselves and the crumbling ruins behind them. Jenny paused, her eyes drawn to the plume of smoke and dust that billowed from the collapsed facility, a grim reminder of the battle they had just fought–and the friends they had lost.
Beside her, Eddie placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, offering her a supportive smile.
*****
The sun peaked over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the city skyline as Jenny and Eddie moved about their apartment, packing their belongings into duffel bags and suitcases. An air of solemnity hung over them, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on their hearts.
Jenny paused, her gaze lingering on a framed photograph of her and Eddie in happier times. A pang of nostalgia tugged at her heart, but she knew they could no longer stay in New York City—the place that had been their home for so long. Not after the death of Walter Freeman and the downfall of Thunder Tech.
The police would be hot on their trail, determined to unravel the truth behind the organization's collapse. They had no choice but to disappear, to find a haven where they could start anew, far away from prying eyes.
Eddie zipped up the last of their bags and cast a solemn glance at Jenny. "You ready?"
She met his gaze, a steely determination shining in her eyes. "As I'll ever be."
They gathered their belongings and made their way down to the parking garage, the echo of their footsteps reverberating off the concrete walls. Jenny's grip tightened on the strap of her duffel bag as they approached their car, a sense of finality settling over her.
This was it. No turning back.
They loaded their bags into the trunk, and Jenny slid into the driver's seat, her fingers curling around the steering wheel. Eddie settled beside her, and she could sense the nervous energy radiating off him.
With a deep breath, she turned the key in the ignition, and the engine rumbled to life. She guided the car out of the garage and onto the streets, the city skyline looming in the rearview mirror as they left it behind.
The weight of responsibility pressed down on Jenny's shoulders as they merged onto the highway, the hum of the engine and the rhythmic sound of the tires on the pavement providing a soothing backdrop to her thoughts. Understanding the high stakes, she was determined to take whatever measures necessary to protect the future from being invaded.
Mile after mile, they searched for a safe place to start their new life—a secluded cabin in the mountains, perhaps, or a quiet seaside town where they could live in peace, away from prying eyes. Despite knowing the challenges ahead, they were determined to find sanctuary at any cost. Jenny's thoughts turned to the events that had brought them to this point. She thought of Huntar, Zena, and Torag, their fierce allies from the war-torn savage future. She thought of the sacrifices they had made, the battles they had fought to protect their world from those who would seek to exploit it.
A lump formed in her throat as she wondered what the future held for humanity now that Thunder Tech had fallen. Would humanity face extinction when the time comes for their world to end? Only time would tell, but she vowed to do everything in her power to ensure that humanity's fate was a bright one.
Eddie reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, sensing the turmoil churning within her. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and she felt a sense of closure wash over her—a feeling of peace that came from knowing their mission was finally complete.
Though the road ahead was long and uncertain, they had emerged victorious against all odds. The wind whipped through their hair as they drove, the promise of a new beginning on the horizon. They embraced the freedom of the open road, their spirits buoyed by the sense of possibility that stretched out before them.
After countless hours on the road, they finally reached their destination: a quiet cabin tucked away in the countryside, enveloped by majestic trees and the serene symphony of nature. A feeling of renewal washed over Jenny as they stepped out of the car, breathing in the crisp, clean air.
This was it. Their sanctuary.
They unloaded their bags and made their way inside, taking in the cozy interior of the cabin. Jenny ran her fingers along the rough-hewn wood of the walls, a sense of peace settling over her.
They were free to live their lives on their terms, free from the shadows of their past.
At sunset, they took a seat on the porch and admired the twinkling stars in the inky black sky. Jenny raised her glass, and Eddie followed suit, the clink of their glasses echoing in the night.
"To the future," Jenny said, her voice thick with emotion. "Whatever challenges may come our way, we'll face them together."
Eddie nodded, his eyes shining with determination. "Hand in hand."
They sat in comfortable silence, watching as the stars danced overhead, their worries and fears melting away into the night. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, they could breathe easily, knowing that they had found the sanctuary they had been searching for.
A new life was beginning, and they were ready to face it head-on, side by side, come what may.
*****
The morning sun peeked over the horizon, its golden rays casting a warm glow over the village of the bear tribe. Huntar stood alongside Zena and Torag, surveying the damage that the battle against Thunder Tech's forces had wrought. Rubble and debris littered the ground, a grim reminder of the violence that had torn through their world.
Despite the devastation, a sense of relief washed over Huntar. They had survived against all odds, and Jenny was safe in her time, far from the reach of those who would seek to exploit her and the power she possessed.
As the villagers emerged from their shelters, their weary faces etched with exhaustion and pain, Huntar stepped forward, his powerful voice cutting through the stillness of the morning air.
"My friends," he said, his eyes sweeping over the gathered crowd. "The enemy is gone, and we are here to help you rebuild. Don't trade us for anything.”
He gestured to the ruined buildings and shattered structures that surrounded them. "You faced enough horror today. Don't let it sink further into your souls.”
Zena and Torag moved to stand beside him, their unwavering support a source of strength and courage. The villagers exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a flicker of hope at Huntar's words.
Over the next few days, Huntar, Zena, and Torag joined forces with the bear tribe, lending their strength and expertise to rebuilding. They worked tirelessly, their muscles straining with effort as they cleared away rubble and debris, laying the foundation for a new beginning.
As they worked together with the members of the bear tribe, they forged new bonds of friendship and camaraderie. They shared laughter and jokes, lifting their spirits amidst the chaos of reconstruction. Huntar marveled at the resilience of his new allies, whose determination to rise from the ashes stood as a testament to the indomitable spirit of their kind.
In the evenings, as they gathered around the crackling fire, Huntar, Zena, and Torag would reflect on the journey that had brought them to this point. They spoke of their adventures together, the battles they had fought, and the friends they had lost along the way.
Huntar's heart ached with the memory of Jenny, the brilliant human who had become more than just an ally—she had become a friend, a trusted confidante in a world that often seemed devoid of trust. Though she was alive and well in her own time, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of never seeing her again.
Zena seemed to sense his melancholy, reaching over to give his hand a gentle squeeze. "She's safe, Huntar," she said, her voice soft but laced with steel. "That's what matters most."
Torag grunted in agreement, his silent presence a comforting constant in the ever-changing tides of their lives.
As the weeks passed, the village took shape once more, the sturdy structures rising from the ashes like a phoenix reborn. Huntar stood amidst the newly rebuilt homes, a sense of pride swelling in his chest at the sight of their hard work coming to fruition.
"I will miss her," he admitted, his gaze sweeping over the familiar surroundings. "But I am glad that she is safe and happy where she belongs."
Zena nodded, her eyes shining with understanding. "We belong here, Huntar," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "In our own world, where we can continue to make a difference and forge our destinies."
Torag remained silent, his thoughts a mystery to his companions as always. But as he looked out at the vast expanse of wilderness stretching out before them, a sense of excitement filled his heart. He may not have been one for words, but his thirst for adventure burned as brightly as ever.
Sensing his unspoken agreement, Zena turned to Huntar, a mischievous glint in her eye. "We could settle down and live a quiet life," she mused, her tail swishing back and forth in anticipation. "Or we could seek out new adventures and challenges like we always have."
Huntar couldn't help but grin at her words. The prospect of embarking on a new quest filled him with a familiar sense of exhilaration. What was life without a little excitement and adventure?
"I think you know the answer to that," he said, a twinkle in his eye.
Zena and Torag exchanged a conspiratorial glance, their spirits lifted by the prospect of embarking on a new journey together.
Having decided, they acquired sleek reptilian steeds from the bear tribe, whose scales shimmered in the sunlight, resembling polished gemstones.Huntar swung himself up onto his mount, feeling the powerful muscles rippling beneath him as the beast shifted its weight.
Zena and Torag followed suit, their eyes alight with excitement and anticipation. With a nod to their newfound friends among the bear tribe, they dug their heels into their mounts' flanks, and the beasts surged forward, carrying them out into the wilderness.
As they rode, Huntar felt a sense of freedom washing over him, the wind whipping through his mane and the world stretching out before them, ripe with possibilities. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he could breathe easily, his heart unburdened by the weight of the quest that had consumed them for so long.
Zena's laughter rang out, clear and joyful, as they raced across the rugged terrain, their mounts' powerful strides eating up the miles. Torag let out a rumbling grunt of approval, his massive frame bouncing with each stride of his mount.
They rode until the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink. As they crested a hill, Huntar reined in his mount, taking in the breathtaking vista that lay before them.
"Where to next?" he asked, turning to his companions with a broad grin.
Zena shrugged, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Does it matter? We'll find our next adventure soon enough."
Torag grunted his agreement, his gaze fixed on the endless expanse of untamed wilderness that stretched out before them.
With a whoop of pure exhilaration, Huntar dug his heels into his mount's flanks once more, and they surged forward, their laughter echoing across the open plains as they raced towards the setting sun.
The end of one journey, and the beginning of another.
Aware of the new challenges and obstacles that lay ahead, Huntar, Zena, and Torag stood united, ready to confront them as one. United by their bond of friendship and their shared love of adventure, they rode forward into the unknown, their hearts filled with hope and excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the world in a warm, golden glow, they knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it side by side, their spirits indomitable and their courage unbreakable.
For in this harsh, unforgiving world, their bond was stronger than any force that dared to stand in their way. They are War Beasts.