The Spider Queen

(Hydra Star System- Outer Regions)

(S.S Defiance- Lower Deck- Gambling Hall)

Sophie held Cleo's hand as the pair made their way through a section of the crowded hall where passengers were lined up in front of machines.

Each machine was a heavy metalloid device shaped like a large rectangle.

A thin wire flowed out of the device's center and attached to the wire was a silvery-white helmet.

This was the section of the hall where the virtual reality games could be played.

Sophie didn't know why the casino used such outdated virtual helmet technology, but she curiously leaned in to get a closer look.

There was a sign next to each metalloid device that explained what the game was about and the number of credits necessary to play.

One of the games was called 'Survive The Predator' and the objective was to outrun or outsmart a monstrous creature in a random environment.

Players could lose or win credits depending on how long they lasted in the game.

It did seem pretty interesting, but Sophie wanted to experience something with her girlfriend.

"See any games you like?" Sophie asked gently as she rubbed her thumb against the underside of Cleo's palm.

"Hmm… the murder mystery one looks exciting… but I'm really not the biggest fan of virtual reality games," Cleo confessed truthfully as she looked around.

"Alright why don't we check out the fighting arena?" Sophie suggested playfully as she gestured towards the part of the casino where the largest crowd had gathered.

Cleo nodded so Sophie led her through the maze of virtual reality devices.

It was actually quite funny to see the different expressions flashing across the faces of the passengers hooked up to the devices.

Most had terrified or excited expressions…. well…. except for…

Sophie noticed a few Mendolesa warriors panting furiously with a fierce red blush across their wolf-like faces.

They were all connected to a virtual reality game called 'Pleasure Paradise' and judging from the description on the sign next to the game…

They seemed to be having quite the good time!

Sophie chuckled lightly and pointed out the game to Cleo who winked at her with a mischievous glint in her green eyes.

The hybrid girl stared at her adorable girlfriend and for a brief moment a faint pinkish mist began to spread from the corner of her right eye.

Sophie wanted nothing more than to return to their bedroom and throw the princess down on the sheets.

But… Cleo needed some time to recover…

Sophie silently counted to ten multiple times until those dark urges gradually faded away. She smiled warmly at Cleo and then led her towards the arena.

The arena was a miniature fighting ring with elegantly constructed walls that resembled an ancient Colosseum.

The fighters inside the pit where humanoid furry animals dressed in medieval armor and holding a variety of tiny weapons.

Some held bows in their furry paws, others held axes that were too big for their frames and finally the remainder chose daggers that more resembled long swords in their tiny hands.

The crowd surrounding the arena hollered and screeched in excitement as they watched their chosen fighter engage with multiple opponents.

"Come on number twelve! I placed a thirty thousand bet! GET UP NOW!"

"Brother you must be crazy! Number ten is clearly going to be the winner…"

"Nonsense! The odds that number three will win is nine to one!"

Sophie's intimidating appearance and bladed appendages easily cleared a path through the crowd and the pair eventually found themselves ring side.

The furry creatures inside the pit were using blunt weapons but there were trackers and scanners placed everywhere that ranked the hits that were scored.

After ten minutes the creature with the highest point tally would win and the house would pay out depending on the bets made.

You could bet on anything from who would be first to who would be last.

A fresh batch of creatures would come in at the start of a new round so it was impossible to bet based on previous performances.

A handsomely dressed android wearing a black suit walked up to Sophie and bowed respectfully.

"Good evening, madams… would you like to bet on the upcoming fight?" the android politely asked.

"Yes please," Sophie replied with a smile.

The android reached into his pocket and pulled out a small white booklet. He handed it over to Sophie with a certain page clearly marked.

"Here is some basic information about the fighters chosen for the next round… if you wish to place a bet then just press your wrist strap against my port."

Sophie handed over the booklet to Cleo and the princess began to casually read the marked page.

The hybrid girl had to admit that she was a bit tempted to use her foresight ability again but eventually decided not to.

She was here to have some fun and guaranteeing a win every time that she played a game of chance would get a bit boring after awhile.

"Hmm… I was thinking maybe… number thirteen will come first?" Cleo said hesitantly as she gave the booklet to Sophie.

"Okay we'll place a two thousand bet on number thirteen reaching first place." Sophie confidently replied.

She pressed her wrist strap against a port on the android's right shoulder and her strap vibrated twice.

"Thank you for playing," the android spoke softly as he gave a bow once more.

The android held out his hand and Sophie gave the booklet back to the mechanical being. He nodded at the two girls and then moved on to another person.

"Didn't you want to take a look at the booklet as well?" Cleo asked curiously as she stared at her girlfriend's face hidden behind the pair of oversized sunglasses.

"Or did you…"

"Nah… I think I'll keep things up to chance from now on… well at least while we are still up…" Sophie giggled as she removed the sunglasses from her face.

Her beautiful golden eyes stared warmly at her girlfriend who blushed under the intense love in her gaze.

Sophie was about to lean in closer and give Cleo a quick peck on the lips when a loud roar erupted from the crowd,

"Fuck! That was my last credit!"

"Number four won? No! This has to be rigged!"

"Son of a bitch… I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE BET ON THAT FURRY BASTARD!"

Sophie looked down at the arena and saw a furry creature holding an axe and proudly squeaking in the direction of the crowd.

Its short stubby tail flicked from side to side as it hopped up and down. A holographic window was projected above the arena and soon lines of blue text appeared on the screen.

[Points Tally List…. generating… generating…]

[First place: No. 4 – 138 points]

[Second place: No. 9 – 110 points]

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[Last Place: No.17 – 2 points]