Page 69 of Torn from the Alien Commander

“And you, Klendathian? I’ve never seen a fighter so broad of muscles. You’d give a battlesuit a run for its Elerium!” the Imperator chuckles, glaring at Noroth.

“Noroth, Clan Draxxus,” he offers with icy focus, flexing his thick neck and rotating his enormous arms in circles.

“Noroth is one of our greatest warriors. I can only think of two others living who can match him in terms of raw strength,” Xandor states, adding more gravitas. Noroth glares at Xandor as if challenging the notion that anyone could match him.

“Indeed! Well, I shudder to think what size those other two must be,” the Imperator laughs, followed by the gathered Nebians. “At your discretion, Xandor,” he gestures towards my love.

Xandor rises a hand, as Noroth and Quad glare at each other. Noroth being half a head taller and much more heavily muscled than the bulky Quad, whose only advantage is his extra two arms. “No more dirty fighting, little Quad,” Noroth sneers.

“Just bashing!” Quad returns a look of glee, smacking his fists together. The meaty sound echoes through the deathly silent throne room.

“First to submit or unconsciousness,” Xandor declares, looking between the pair. “Begin!”

Quad roars, charging across the open space, his four arms reaching for Noroth. The long red-haired Klendathian smirks, standing as solid as a ship’s hull. Then, as Quad is inches away, Noroth’s fist strikes out in a flash, catching Quad in his big belly. I gasp in distress as the crowd roars their appreciation.

My heart aches as I struggle to watch Quad double over, spluttering onto the ground, clutching his stomach. Noroth raises a triumphant fist in the air, radiating strength and power.The crowd stomps their feet as Noroth bathes in the glory until a hush descends. Quad rises to unsteady feet, a trickle of blood leaking from his smiling mouth.

“Lucky punch, Squishy!” Quad booms, straightening with some effort.

“Stop calling me that!” Noroth roars back, his eyes flashing with blue mist as his muscles harden further. Dread fills me, wishing Quad would stay down.

Quad staggers forward, opting or only able to throw a flurry of punches towards Noroth. Compared to my Xandor, the blows seem languid and wild. Despite Quad’s extra arms, Noroth easily swats his blows away with speed and precision.

Quad bellows in frustration, until Noroth grabs one of his misplaced punches, yanking him off balance. Quad stumbles forward, and Noroth seizes the advantage, wrapping his meaty arms around his opponent’s neck.

“Submit, little Quad,” Noroth demands, as Quad squirms and swings his arms wildly but fails to break Noroth’s titanic lock. I wince when Noroth tightens his hold, hearing Quad’s croaking sounds as his head turns a deeper shade of green.

“We stop,” Quad wheezes out finally, giving me a sense of relief.

But Noroth only loosens his grip slightly. “And what’s my name?” he demands, shaking Quad’s head in his unbreakable vice-like grip.

I rush over, filled with concern. “Not Squishy!” Quad mutters, struggling to breathe. Noroth lets him go, and the crowd erupts into cheering. I reach Quad, who’s gasping for air sprawled out on the marble ground.

“Oh, Quad,” I mumble, my stomach sinking at his painful state. Filled with concern, I place my hands on his arm, channeling my healing energy into him. Quad gasps as if stuck by icy water.

He jolts upright, a big smile splitting his face, prompting my own smile of relief. “Thanks, Tiny!” Quad booms, standing up. Noroth approaches as the crowd continues to cheer.

“That was fun, Not Squishy,” Quad says, turning towards his opponent.

Noroth wraps an arm around Quad’s shoulder, beaming down at him. “You fought with heart, Quad. With some practice, you’d be a fine warrior,” he compliments in good nature, as Quad’s chest puffs up at his words.

This is voiding madness! He almost killed him!

Chapter 23

Tyrxie

Goodbyes

“Afine display,” theImperator states as the cheering dies down. “Although a little one-sided. But I suppose that was the point!” he laughs, and Xandor nods and bows gracefully. “How about a more even contest? Noroth and your other soldier.” He points towards Logarn. “The blonde one there.”

Xandor beckons Logarn over while whispering towards Noroth, “Be careful. Don’t rouse his rage.” I can just make out the words. Noroth nods in agreement as I lead Quad out of the impromptu circle. “Begin!” Xandor roars once the fighters are ready.

Logarn, youthful and the same height as Noroth, lacks his thick build and battle-worn flat face and lumpy ears. Still, hewisely stays on the outside, attempting to use speed, striking with quick, sharp blows before dancing away. But Noroth is like a stalking monster, catching Logarn’s blows with his guarded arms—a fortress of muscle. With each deflected blow, the crowd gasps between tense silences.

Despite Logarn’s efforts to evade, Noroth anticipates his every move with predatory precision. As Logarn throws another jab and attempts to sidestep, Noroth is on him in an instant. The crowd holds its breath as Noroth wraps his arms around Logarn’s waist, lifting him effortlessly before slamming him down onto the floor with a bone-jarring crack that splits the marble.

The crowd erupts into cheers as Logarn lies sprawled and barely conscious, writhing in pain. “Another fine display,” the Imperator laughs heartily. “Noroth is truly a ferocious fighter! Though it’s a shame about the floor being broken once more!”

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