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The Champion

By Cris Fireheart / Ken Anderson

Chapter 8– Rest and Reunions (Part 2 of 2)

Author's note: This story contains scenes of extreme violence, profanity, drug and alcohol use, sale, and abuse, and some sexual situations. Reader discretion is DEFINITELY advised. That being said, if none of that bothers you, then enjoy!

As ever, any comments , watches, faves, or votes are well appreciated!

Now, we come to close to a changing point in this story, where a lifetime of nonstop action has finally managed to return to a fragile peace... But will this 'peace' last? What exactly does James have in mind for his 'guests'? Is there something more in the works? I couldn't tell ya; you're gonna just have to read on. Yeah, I don't know where it's gonna lead, but it'll lead SOMEWHERE...

Let's get on with the drama. This is another one of my build-up chapters, but once again, bear with me. It all leads to something in the end. At least, if my literary coherence remains sharp...

--C.

4 P.M., The Clayton Estate

After taking a couple of hours to make themselves appear presentable, Marco Binetti and Lenny Rhah once again found each other standing side-by-side in front of the grand entrance which led into the three-story mansion that served as the primary residence of James and Jakob Clayton, along with the coyote's adopted uncles, 'Oz,' and Cory Franklin.

The gray wolf had changed into a casual lightweight white button-up shirt and blue jeans, his left arm supported by a simple homemade sling to keep it from pulling against the stitches in his shoulder. Lenny had also opted for a more subdued look for once, having donned a plain black Polo shirt and matching jeans. He'd even gone so far as to remove his heavy neck and arm bands, along with a majority of the piercings which usually adorned his ears. Still, he couldn't stop fiddling with the homemade plaster cast keeping the large, stitched wound secured on his left arm.

“Well... We're here," the lion muttered as he turned to face his compatriot. “You talked to Rick and Connor? They said they were on their way, right?"

“Yeah..." Marco nodded, as he traced his eyes over the intricately-carved wooden double-doors in front of them. “Ricky said he was gonna be bringing some food, along with someone else who wanted to drop in. They're gonna be bringing some booze."

Sharing one last glance, the pair stepped gingerly up to the entrance. Marco slowly raised a clenched paw to knock, when suddenly, the two heavy doors were forcefully pulled inwards, revealing the heavily-tattooed, ash-gray form of Jake Clayton, naked from the waist up, save for the thick, blood-stained bandages which covered his chest and back, and a pair of loose-fitting, faded black jeans.

“You guys DO know we have more than a few cameras out here, right?" he announced with his trademark smirk. “I've been watching you both just standing there for a full five minutes!" The coyote gave a slight chuckle, shaking his head.

“Come on in, both of you. My dad's probably out back with my uncles. Ted and Jimmy showed up before you did, so they're out back too, smoking up our latest harvest while we wait on Davis and Connor. Dad also apparently called up the twins, so they should be showing up at some point." Jake gave a slight tilt of his ash-colored muzzle, and Marco took the initiative to step inside. Noticing the lion, Jake couldn't stop the involuntary grin from spreading over his face as he looked the familiar lion over from head to toe.

“Lenny... It's been awhile, big cat."

“Yeah... Look, I know that it's more than a little late, coming from me, but I'm sorr--"

“--Don't apologize," Jake interrupted sternly, meeting the lion's steely gaze with his own. “What happened back then, it happened. We were both lonely and knee-deep in combat hell. I wanted more and you didn't. We both got hurt as a result, not to mention you and Marco, when you two f_ought it out and got court martialed over me._ For what it's worth, I forgave you a long time ago... And thanks, by the way."

“For what?"

“For ending that prick Scars, and for having Marco's back, even after all the bullshit you two went through because of me... It really means a lot."

“Hey; wolf-boy came to me for the job. Truth be told, I would've gutted the old bastard for the asking... And you look better, these days, by the way; I almost forgot how quickly you canines heal up, but seriously, should you even be on your paws right now?"

“Honestly? No. But it doesn't really matter, as long as I don't do anything too stressful for the next month or so, apparently. Anyway, screw all of that; come inside, and let's head out back. I don't want my dad and my uncles to smoke up all of our newest shit before the food and drinks get here!"

Lenny obediently followed at Jake's heels as the coyote led the three of them inside, taking particular notice of the large, black USMC tattoo, done in block lettering, which was half-covered by the rolls of thick fabric adorning the exit wounds on Jake's back and shoulder.

Just as he and Marco had once had a 'history' between one another while they'd served in the Corps, there had also been a time, years ago, when he and Jake had shared a kind of 'history' of their own. But now, as the coyote had said, what had happened between the two of them belonged squarely in the past, and was better left buried than dredged up and brought to the surface.

Jake led the two of them through the large, spacious den area, which was heavily decorated with gilted and polished fixtures, along with a large crystal chandelier, and a stand-alone see-through humidor displaying its wares of rare and expensive cigars, which was situated directly across from a complete set of what appeared to be late nineteenth-century purple-velvet covered furniture, arranged tastefully in front of a large hand-carved stone fireplace, which held many framed photographs and painted portraits, along with other mementos which hung above and were seated upon its heavy mantle.

Out of the corner of one eye, Marco spotted an old, framed photo of Charlie Clayton, Jake and himself, a grinning, casual shot they'd taken while out drinking at Fender's old Pub with Charlie's band. The image had been taken nearly a decade ago, back when they were still students at Harbor City University. Back during a time when their lives, whilst, truth be told, hadn't been perfect, had yet to completely go to hell in a hand basket.

Everything had changed after Charlie had been killed...

Lenny was also turning his head to and fro, taking in the regal sights of the obviously-restored early twentieth-century mansion. He suddenly paused, however, as one of the pictures above the fireplace caught his eye.

“Hey... Hold up a second..." he called out as he slowly stepped closer to get a better look. The photograph was a high-res ten-by-twelve image, that had been printed and laminated in clear plastic instead of being placed in a fancy-looking frame. It was prominently displayed directly in the center of the gathering of photos above the mantle; a place of honor. As Jake and Marco stopped as well, the wolf turned around to see what had gotten his old friend so worked up.

“I can't believe it..." Lenny muttered as he pulled the photo away, and held it out so that Marco could see it as well.

There, frozen in time, were ten people who were intimately familiar to them. From left to right, standing, leaning, and kneeling in front of a battered and bullet-damaged pair of Humvees adorned with the red, spray-painted logo of a half-feline, half-canine skull snarling from behind bars, stood a twin pair of dusty white tigers standing back-to-back, holding a pair of sniper rifles, an annoyed-looking gray wolf and an ash-colored coyote whose uniforms were spattered with mud and dark stains. A golden-maned lion whose fur had been marred by what appeared to be soot and blood stood next to a young, blonde-haired human crouching near the center, his M4 rifle cradled in his arms, one knee on his helmet and a smirk on his face as he mugged for the camera. Alongside him knelt a hyena who seemed to be cackling, a bored-looking dingo with a tired stare in his eyes, a jaguar who appeared to be agitated by something, and a tall, thin gray rat who'd turned his muzzle to one side to avoid looking directly into the camera.

“Damn! I haven't seen this in years..." Marco muttered, as Lenny turned the photograph over in his paws. On the back of the laminated photo, the same skull-and-bars logo had been crudely drawn with a red sharpie, along with a simple notation beneath it:

CONVICT UNIT. JULY 2018. 'TIL DEATH

.

Below the quote was a list of names:

Left to Right:

Lcpl. Ian Westbrook - Bronze Star, PH, C.A.R., Hon. Discharge (2020)

Lcpl. Michael Westbrook - PH, Meritorious Service, Hon. Discharge (2020)

Ssgt. Marco Binetti - Wounded, Friendly, PH, C.A.R., Dishon. Discharge (2019)

Pfc. Jakob Clayton -Wounded, PH, C.A.R., Hon. Discharge (2020)

Ssgt. Leo Rhah – Wounded, Friendly, PH, C.A.R., Dishon. Discharge (2019)

Lcpl. Richard Davis - Wounded, PH, C.A.R., Bronze Star, Hon. Discharge. (2020)

Pfc. Robert Sargent – MIA (04-03-2019) / CONFIRMED KIA, (04-22-2019)

Pfc. Alex Lopez - KIA (09-22-2018)

Pfc. Daniel Rogers - KIA (11-07-2019)

Spc. Kenneth Markus – MIA / AWOL (Possible Deserted. Last seen 04-09-2019.)

“You know..." came a familiar baritone voice from behind them. “When you all went overseas, I honestly worried about you three the most...."

The tall, thin figure of James Clayton, dressed in a simple pair of black denim shorts and a black, button-down shirt, opened to reveal his ghostly-white chest, stepped silently into the den. Smiling fondly, the older man approached them, his usual heavy bangs falling over his green eyes as he continued to stride forward.

“I used to wait for every letter, every call, and any word on what was going on with you all back then. Believe it or not, I really was worried about what might've happened to you all over there. Jake actually sent me that picture after your second year up. When he came home for good, he added the list on the back, himself."

Marco and Lenny took one last fleeting glance at the photograph, before the lion returned it gingerly to its place at the center of the mantle. Turning his head slightly to face James, Marco caught a glimpse of a large, extremely intricate tattoo which adorned the center of the man's chest. There, above his heart, was the highly-detailed, smiling face of a once well-known German Shepherd, who looked as if he were staring proudly out into the room before them. Above the artwork, in a semi-circle around the top of the image, were the words 'Qualis Artifex Pereo' done tastefully in black Olde English lettering.

“We've got a lot of history in this house, as you all know," James with a continued with a sigh. “From Oz's Family owning it for three generations, to having it nearly burnt down over a decade ago, when Charlie and I started our... thing. And then, our own family purchasing it from him; leaving our own mark here... But I've learned not to dwell on the past too much these days; it took me quite a while to learn that after Charlie died..." The older man's gaze fell down to the artwork on his chest, which he drew a soft hand over lovingly.

“Those words, they're Latin, aren't they?" Marco piqued up in interest. “Qualis Artifex Pereo?"

“They're the last words of the Roman emperor Nero," James explained, tracing a fingertip over the text. “'What an Artist Dies in Me.' Charlie always used to say that he liked to party like Caligula, but he always expected to go out like Nero... It seemed appropriate at the time..."

Marco, Lenny and Jake lowered their heads slightly in a silent memoriam. Heaving a sigh, the old man raised his head once more, and immediately locked eyes with Lenny.

“Leonardo... It's been a long time, cub. I was damn near sick to my stomach after I first heard the story of how your... father... treated you when you first came home. That doesn't sound at all like the lion I used to go to school with..."

“Yeah... He changed a lot over the years. And I just go by 'Lenny' these days, Doc. I even started up my own little thing on the Northeast after the Pride threw me out..."

“--And I lost my license to practice Psychology almost five years ago, remember? So you don't get to call me 'Doc' anymore. Just the same... It's good to see you again after all this time. Marco told me how you helped out with our 'problem' with Scars the other night. You have my gratitude; truly. Thanks, Lenny."

“Heh, you were still the only therapist who ever managed to get through to me... But while I appreciate the thanks, truth be told, I'd actually just rather settle for twenty minutes or so of your time, sir. Marco and I are planning on a major move in the streets. I really need your help and advice, Mr. Clayton... You, Marco, Ricky, and Jake, if that's alright..."

“Then you'll have the time you need. Later on. But for the moment, let's all head out to the back yard. The staff has set up the long oak dining table out on the grass, along with our best chairs, and a selection of fresh Cuban and Honduran cigars, rolling papers, about a half-pound of our best pot, and a table lighter. Oz and Cory, along with the Fenders, are already outside. We're just waiting on Rick and Connor to arrive with the food. The twins said they'd drop by in a couple of hours after their shifts at the docks ended."

“Wait; both Ted and Jimmy are just 'The Fenders' now?!" Jake blurted out incredulously. “What the hell happened while I was out?"

Marco let out a mirthful chuckle as he nodded his head in response.

“Ted nearly beat one of my personal bodyguards into a coma a few days ago, the night of the Scars job," the wolf explained, “I sent a pair of them home with Rick for added protection while you were laid up in the hospital. The two pups made the mistake of insulting both Ted and Connor. You can guess how that likely went over."

“Shit..." The coyote's ears flattened as he shook his head slightly. “Wish I could've been there to see that. How bad were they? Anyone lose a few teeth?"

“Danny got three of his top canines knocked out; I'm pretty sure your friend Ted kept them. They were both barely able to walk, let alone talk after those two got done with them. After it was all over, I sent them back for 'retraining' under my Beta, Giancarlo. Should keep them off my back for awhile while Lenny and I finalize our business later on with you and your Dad. But yeah; I'd say Ted has definitely earned his father's nickname."

“Old Jimmy seems to feel the same way," James interjected with a nod as he led the group through the den towards a large, ornate pair of French doors which has been propped open for the occasion. “Since they got here and started rolling up, he's been bragging about how his boy took out a wolf nearly twice his size, and kept the teeth to prove it! Ted's actually wearing a pair of them as earrings right now, as a matter of fact. We'll likely be hearing more details about it from him and Connor once our two 'Champions' get here with the food and the booze... Oh, yeah... That reminds me. Lenny? Could you stay behind for a second?"

The tall lion paused in mid-step as Jake and Marco continued walking towards the backyard. Turning on his heels, he met the old man's gaze once again.

“...What is it?"

“We have a special guest coming, as well. Don't be too hard on him when you see him; he's missed you, you know?"

“What? Who are you talking about?"

“Your younger brother Henry is currently on his way here with Rick and Connor. They met, purely by coincidence, at Benny's Diner a couple of hours ago when Rick went to pick up some food and to pay for the damages from the little shootout the other day. According to Rick, he all but begged to be allowed to come, so he's bringing the drinks."

“Henry?! But... why? I mean, I love my brother, don't get me wrong, but... Why would he want to see ME?! As far as the Pride is concerned, I'm disgraced. If my dad ever found out..."

“...That's why he's NOT going to find out, if I have anything to say about it," James intoned sharply, “And as well as I'm concerned, you're FAR from disgraced. But your brother is still a cub; he's seventeen years old. From what I've managed to piece together from my source in the Pride, your father has been grooming him for the last three years since you were ousted. I've heard plenty of first-hand accounts, concerning him running shipments for the Pride and collecting debts for your dad, while he's not busy studying Accounting and Business Management at Harbor City U. He's been building a steady name for himself, which neither concerns nor surprises me; it's what your Father wants, after all. But I know for a fact that there's ONE thing he hasn't done yet, that last step he has to take to earn his place, just like you did. That brings me back to my earlier request..."

James stepped closely up to the lion, raising his gaze so that their eyes met.

“My contact tells me that Henry hasn't killed yet. Your dad's made him do everything else under the sun, EXCEPT cross that particular line. So, like I said, Go easy on him. According to Connor and Rick, he's actually a bit of a timid cub; almost like he doesn't really want to be a part of the 'life.' He just puts on the 'gangster' persona because that's what he was taught to do, and it's expected of him. You and I both know your father would demand it."

“Yeah, my dad's right," Came Jake's voice as the coyote called back over one shoulder. “Truth be told, I was actually expecting Henry to be the one to show up to Benny's Diner for that deal, not Scars. I'm not gonna lie to you; I've smoked a couple blunts and cracked a few beers with the kid; so have Ricky and Connor. I mean, some of us older heads have gotta at least TRY to keep the young ones alive and on the 'right' side of this world, you know? If it had been HENRY at the diner like I'd hoped, I wouldn't be wrapped up like a fuckin' mummy right now. ...And yeah... Like my dad said, it's kind of obvious when you talk to the kid... Your pops hasn't made him go all the way yet."

“...So what do you guys want me to do?" Lenny muttered, his eyes tracing the carpet as he struggled to process his thoughts.

“Confirm it," James replied with a slight nod of his head. “Be the good big brother that I know you are; he really looks up to you. Warn him. You KNOW your father's laws. Henry's already been working for the Pride in different ways since before he graduated from High school. And if the stories I've heard are true; that he's been escalating his position in the Pride, your father will definitely give him his first kill order SOON. Now, Henry is definitely already a part of our world, but I'm sure you of all people can agree that it's still a little too early for him to see THIS part of it yet... And if we can intervene before it's too late, we might be able to spare him the nightmares... for now."

Lenny's heavy shoulders sagged slightly as he offered a nod of his head, his thoughts racing as his eyes traced the expensive, hand-woven tapestry beneath his feet.

“Alright... I won't go off on him. I promise. Part of me actually feels happy, and also a bit relieved, since I'm gonna get to see him for the first time in person ever since I got stripped of my colors... Though, Jake? Once I'm done talking to Henry, I'm gonna want to talk to you, your Dad and Ricky later on. I seriously want to know what my little bro's been getting into... and where we all go from here."

The Coyote nodded his head in acceptance. “Yeah; we kinda figured you'd either be pissed or want to talk about it once you found out. I mean, none of us have seen YOU since we all came back three years ago. Your brother's done plenty of business with me and Ricky for awhile, though. We'll fill you in on it; just--"

“--Yeah; I get it. Take it easy on the cub... And find out just how far my asshole dad has pushed him... And Mr. Clayton? James?"

“Yeah?"

“I need to know. Who's your source in the Pride? Do you trust them?"

“What, you assumed that Marco and your father would be the only ones to keep tabs on all the gang bosses in the city? Hah! No way in hell. Your Uncle Rory was pretty relieved to hear that you made it out of the Serengeti in one piece, by the way. On that note," James interrupted, “Let's finally get our asses outside. If I know Oz and Cory, not to mention the Fenders, that half-pound of Trainwreck is likely to be half-gone by now!"

“...So Uncle Rory works for you, sir?"

“He works for me when it's convenient, especially when involves YOU. Rory was actually your mother's littermate, as I'm sure you know. He was her younger brother. He only ever wanted what was best for you, cub. Who do you think he called to have you patched up after your dad had Scars violate you and throw you into the street on that night?"

“Wait... That was you who had me picked up and taken to the hospital?"

“We'll discuss that particular matter way later, cub, as part of a much larger conversation between those of us who need to know. But not tonight. Right now, we've got guests to entertain, and other, less depressing things to talk about."

James turned around to lead the group towards the large, open doors which led out into the inviting weather. As the four of them stepped outside, they were greeted by the warm summer breeze, along with the sight of a long, ornately-carved oval-shaped oak table, which had been set up directly in the grass beneath the comfortable shade of a trio of massive maple trees, and had been surrounded by eleven heavy-looking hand-carved chairs, four of which were currently occupied by a few familiar faces.

Marco and Lenny immediately recognized Ted and Jimmy Fender, who gave them curt nods and waves, as the pair of weasels continued to chat amicably with their current audience, an aging, brown-furred otter whose muzzle had long ago begun to turn white with the passage of time, and a skinny cheetah, sitting upon his lap, whose coat and spots had also appeared to have faded with age. His shoulders, arms and back were covered in what appeared to be burn scars, now that the group had come close enough to notice. Still, the couple showed no sign of discomfort as they listened intently, passing around a pair of large joints between themselves and the two weasels as Jimmy continued to regale them with his story.

“Now..." Jake began as they approached the table, “You've never actually met them, but they know all about you two, already," he nodded towards the otter and cheetah. “Still, I should probably do the right thing, and introduce you properly. They ARE family, after all. Hey! Uncle Oz! Cory! Come and meet some old friends of mine!"

The older otter turned his head nonchalantly, offering a rebellious sneer. After a moment, he nodded and whispered to the cheetah, who rose up from the otter's lap so that he could stand. Taking a second to stretch out their limbs, the two of them exchanged glances as they sauntered up to Jake and his friends.

“Uncles, I'd like for you to meet two of my oldest friends. This is--"

“--Marco Binetti and Lenny Rhah," Oz finished for him, crossing his thick arms over his faded black t-shirt, speckled with holes. “Yeah. We all know who you both are, around here. I used to know both of your families personally, back in the day, not by choice, but still. My parents and grandparents were always connected..." The otter reached out an arm and pulled the cheetah closer to his side.

“This is Cory, my mate. We've been together a little over sixteen years, now. We both used to play for Chaos Theory, back in the day, with Charlie Clayton, before he... passed. My family used to own this mansion, as a matter of fact, before we sold it to our friends more than a decade ago. Nowadays, the two of us just stick around here, keep our heads down... and keep tabs on everyone else who's 'anybody' who operates in this city... It's not much of a retirement, but hey, we get to grow and sell all the weed we want, and the rent is free."

“Please, out of respect, don't sell yourself short, sir," Marco interjected, his ears perking up in recognition. “I know who you are, too, Ossico Franklin. Once upon a time, according to my father, when he was still a young pup, he and a few of his older associates used to run liquor and cigarettes with your grandfather, back during prohibition. Also, I still love your music, by the way. È un onore incontrarti."

“No," the otter said with a smile and a slight shake of his head. “L'onore è mio, Don Binetti. Truth be told, I'd never thought I'd get to see another Binetti wolf in this house again during my lifetime. Not since the last time your father was here, anyway. And after what you and Lenny did on behalf of my nephew, I can only say those words with pride. Grazie."

The wolf reached out to take Oz's paw when it was offered, and gave it a single shake as he nodded his head in respect.

“Hey!" Cory piped up, his round ears perking as he turned to face the tall wooden gate which led around the side of the large house. “I think I just heard Rick's truck pull up! Jake! Come with me to get the plates and glasses from the kitchen!" He turned to face Lenny and James with a look of sympathy in his eyes.

“You two should probably get the front door," he instructed, “ Especially YOU, Mr. Rhah." He nodded towards the lion as he took Jake by the arm and began to forcefully lead him towards the spacious kitchen.

“...Are those two always like that?" Lenny muttered under his breath as he followed James back through the spacious den.

“They were always like brothers, to Charlie and I," James responded with a slight smile, “They'd been through hell together. Fights, overdoses, near-death experiences... and some pretty good times, as well. When we adopted Jake after we got married, back in 2012, they became his Uncles. But don't let their streetwise and careless demeanor fool you; they may not have had military training like you, Marco, and Jake, but Oz and Cory have a serious reputation in this city that still stands to this day... Maybe one day you can sit them down and ask them about it. Right now, it's time to greet some family..."

With that, James led Lenny up towards the large double-doors, and reached out to grip the polished brass handles, before giving them a firm twist and pulling the doors inward. As expected, Connor and Ricky were standing at the entrance, their arms full with what appeared to be large aluminum trays and antique wooden crates. “I'll take a couple of those," the older man intoned, before reaching out to retrieve another one of the crates from Connor. “You guys follow me out back. Let's see what you've managed to scrounge up."

As James led Connor and Ricky through the den, Lenny stood paralyzed as the form of his younger brother came into view. Henry was dressed in a simple black t-shirt without logos, and black jeans which had been designed to be 'fashionably' torn and stitched shut. His mane had been slicked and tied back into a ponytail, and the edges of his muzzle had turned up into a smile as he caught sight of his older brother for the first time in over a year.

“Lenny! Holy shit... I mean, I almost didn't believe them when Connor and Rick told me that you'd be--" The younger lion's words were cut off as Lenny sauntered directly up to his brother and wrapped him up into a full-body-hug. Henry could almost feel a patch of moisture forming on his shoulder as he returned the embrace, his own eyes beginning to well with tears.

“I missed you. I want you to know that. If I could've done anything to get you away from dad--"

“-- Don't. I missed you, too, big brother. I... finally heard from Uncle Rory a few days ago about what Dad really did to you that night... Did you know that he never told me the truth? He always used to say that you'd abandoned us; that you'd gone off and left me behind..."

“Of course he would say that bullshit... But... Now, you know? And it doesn't... bother you?"

“Lenny, you're gay. Personally, I always thought that Dad might let that go; you were always ten times the soldier that I've ever been. Hell; you went and became an actual SOLDIER! You were always the one he'd chosen to lead the Pride; I was always the 'Second Son..' But after what I just found out... I don't know if I can keep going, the way Dad wants me to. I mean, I've got a good head on my shoulders; I can be Pride. But I'm not like YOU, Lenny. I don't think I could ever go as far as you did..."

----End Chapter 8----

Well, this is the beginning of the beginning of the end, if that's a thing. Starting on the next chapter, things are going to change and likely get heated once again, Old secrets will come to light, and truth will be told... Til' Next time.

– C