I asked the cheetah to see what he thought, but that was no help at all. After that when I went to ask him again the next day I found his mangled carcass had been mauled by lions. Oh well, that's just how the world goes round!

Finally making my mind up, I began the long trek back to the arena.

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The humans didn't seem to mind me sneaking in. In fact, they realised who I was and welcomed me back in their own special way. I was put in the same cage as I was in before since the leopards that had lived in there since hadn't survived their first day. Posters of my return had been plastered on the night's schedule. -a Shadowclaw special.

The other leopards' views of me came in a wide variety. Some muttered of me as a warrior... others a fool. Sometimes young cubs that had been captured would question my dark pelt where my reaction depended on my mood. Sometimes I'll growl at them and ask what they're looking at and other times I wouldn't lash out and just ignore them.

Truth be told, I should've been dead long ago. I've fought more times than I care to count where the odds were in my opponent's favour. I've been shot, attacked and orphaned. How am I still here? No time to think about that now, the audience is arriving.

Once again dragged down Death Lane, I found myself face to face with a familiar group. I have to admit, this was dearly missed. The roar of the crowd was so satisfying after a kill. Chanting of my name filled the air as it had been what felt like an eternity ago.

Enter my first challenger.

A large, ragged, leopardess, her face scarred and with claw marks going down the back of her neck, across her shoulder and to her chest. I rolled my shoulders and gave a taunting grin as I edged towards her. I was impressed, she held her ground. I'll make this last... the people came here to see a show and a show is what they'll get.

A large, confident advance drove her back a single step. Her tough appearance was a lie and with a lashing tail, she landed a single, weak hit on my shoulder where I allowed her to gain a little self confidence. As she attempted to hit me a second time, I racked my claws down her muzzle and her foreleg. This was far too easy, she has to go, the people may be getting as bored as I am.
One
Quick
Bite...

Round two, grand massacre. I got this out of the way as soon as possible since there was no way this could entertain anyone, especially since they immediately turned tail and started scratching at the door.

Final fight, this better be good. In comes a broad-shouldered male with very few scars indicating that he was a newbie. He took up an offencive stance and flexed his claws. Plenty fearless. We circled sizing each other up and showcasing our muscles and sharp teeth. A quiet shuffling could be heard as the humans sat at the edges of their seats waiting for one of us to attack. He reached out with his claws unsheathed.

I ducked and headbutted him in the chest, but would that stop him? No. Within seconds we had wrapped our forelegs around each others shoulders and upper back fighting to get a decent bite on the neck.

Author's note: I hope you readers have noticed, but I have throughout the story left Shadowclaw's gender a mystery.... catch you in the next chapter!