Manhunt part 3

		The arena is set. Maintanance teams are being evacuated. Everyone is being interviewed in turn by the same brunette as last time. Pretty good looking, wears glasses, and has nice legs. Her name badge says Erica Svenson. Interesting name. When its my turn she leads me aside to the camera and fires off a series of questions that I obligingly answer.

	"Mr Gallagher, you seem tense. Why is that?"

	I give the camera my best smile, "Well, I'd have to say it's because I'm up against record holding runner."

	"Indeed, Mr. Argus is the undisputed champion as of now. Any strategies on dealing with him?"

	I think back to Fatty and how I served him up on a silver platter. "No strategy yet. Just hope to outrun him."

	"An admirable goal! If you falter here today do you have any idea what you will do?"

	Tough question. "I'm not sure. Maybe take some of the money I've earned and open a bar. Always thought that would be fun." Like I have that kind of cash saved up. Probably get some minimum wage job.

	"One more question. What do you have to say to the protest groups that are boycotting the Manhunt?"

	I look into the camera and dial up the charm while giving a thumbs-up. "I think everyone has a right to find love. If they choose to do so through sport, how is it any different than meeting at a singles club? Well, aside from the obvious." I chuckle heartily, "Besides. It's all voluntary. Not a soul here is competing against their will."

	"Thank you for your time Mr. Gallagher. Good luck in the Hunt!"

	My nerves are on fire as I head back. I'm not ready yet. The bravado I managed to muster up last time is failing me now due to the blunder with Sadie. All I can do Is try to settle myself long enough to check out the runners during our peek at them.

	The others are already at the curtains when I arrive. Red velvet this time. That odd aura is still visible around the first cage on the left. I've done my studying, and it has to be some of that demon juju the monster folk go on about. Never really came into contact with the stuff, but I can sense it. That is whats causing this heavy feeling. It almost feels like it's pushing me towards the source.

	The curtain is ripped away.

	And what I see terrifies me.

	I take in all the cages at once. From the left to right we have a Dormouse, a Gazer, A fucking Jabberwock, a Manticore, and a Siren. We are screwed. Quite literally. Some of these women can fly, and they all have a way of messing with your head. Even with the revelation I go through my routine of inspecting each chaser in turn starting with the Dormouse.

	She looks exhausted. There is an empty energy drink container on the floor of her cage, and as I look up she downs one of those concentrated caffeine shots. Much like one of my fellow runners, she is dressed rather modestly in a tracksuit. Her face is set with determination as she drops the empty shot on the ground. That aura flickers every time she closes her eyes.

	The Dormouse sways a bit and speaks, "Good luck out there!" She waves as she brushes he long brown hair behind her little ears.

	What the hell. "Good luck to you too."

	She yawns. "Thanks."

	I move on to the Gazer. All of those eyes stare at me. She is wearing a t-shirt with a logo of some game company along with a pair of cotton shorts. She hovers ominously, eyes still leering. Environmental hazards will be pointless against her. She says nothing, but runs her eyes over the others.

	The Jabberwock stands a full head taller than myself. She has opted to wear swim suit of some kind. As she watches me the freakish mouth like appendages sprouting from her back begin to murmer back and forth for a moment before hanging out dripping tongues.

	Her voice is a sultry affair, "Mmm. I like what I'm seeing."

	I quickly move to the Manticore. She is clad in waist hugging jeans and a white tee matching the color of her mane. She has a ball cap declaring her "#1."  Her chocolate eyes match her hair. As I'm observing, that tail begins to sway back and forth. Guess I'll find out if I actually managed to build up that immunity after all. Her tail bulb presses against the cage.

	"Wanna touch it?" She whispers. The barbs visibly shift as she speaks.

	I politely smile, "I'm not that easy."

	She fakes a pout, "Is that so?"

	In the last cage is a Siren. At least, I'm pretty sure. They are the only harpy species I've studied who can influence the mind. She has brilliant blue plumage that clashes with the shorts and tank-top. Said top has "Pretty Bird" in whimsical lettering. Her blonde hair is cut short. Those eyes stand out though. Crystalline blue. She remains quiet but waves while grinning ear to ear.

	"No taunts for me?" I ask her. The last two certainly had some.

	She thinks about it, and settles on blowing a kiss.

	I've learned what I can, so I head to the starting line as the others continue watching the cages, presumably coming up with a game plan. The others get their turn with catcalls and bedroom eyes. Time to get focused. City has been rearranged by the mages to mix up the terrain.
	We are called to line up. Everyone looks ready for whatever happens.

	A burst of static echoes through the arena followed by the official, "TWO MINUTE HEAD-START BEGINS NOW!"

	The five of us explode from our starting positions. To my surprise, nobody seems inclined to fight dirty. The straightaway seems longer than before. Argus takes the lead, slowly distancing himself from the pack. We continue our mad dash until we reach the inevitable fork. Argus and Tracksuit veer left as White, Trench-coat, and myself go right.

	Ahead of us lies a supply cache on an oil drum. Looks like a pair of ear protectors and some rope. White tosses the rope to me and passes the ear muffs to Trench-coat. I wrap the rope around my arm as Trench-coat dons the muffs.

	The PA announces, "ONE MINUTE UNTIL RELEASE!"

	I glance over at White, "Don't you want one?"

	He shakes his head with a pained look in his eyes. "You'll need it more than me."

	He sprints ahead of me before pivoting on the ball of his foot and delivers a solid chop to my windpipe. I go down gasping, sliding on the blacktop and scraping up my sweats. I can't breathe, and I have been running since the start. My lungs burn as I gulp for air like some fish out of water.

	He ushers Trench-coat onward, calling back to me, "I'm sorry, but you have turned on a fellow runner. I can't trust you."

	The two of them get further away, eventually rounding a corner and vanishing. I'm lying on the ground in a panicked state. No matter how hard I try, I can't convince my brain that I'm not going to suffocate here.

	"LET THE MANHUNT BEGIN!"

	Shit. Relax. Breathe. In. Out. In. Out. Okay, I can breathe again. Just need to catch my breath. Shakily, I manage to stand up. Just in time to hear the flapping of wings. Above my, the Siren circles. Must be picking a target.

	There is a tapping of feet coming up from behind me. It's the Dormouse. Despite the dark circles under her eyes she is moving very fast. My throat still hurts as I inhale sharply and continue my run. I can hear her gaining. Much like the mice she shares features with, she can move very swiftly.

	I've never heard of a running Dormouse.

	Peeking behind me, I can see a look of relief on her face as she stretches her arms out towards me "I just want a hug! I promise not to do anything to you!"

	I'm not afraid of what she can do.

	I'm afraid of what she can make me do.

	Working quickly, I try to fashion a lasso. I have no idea how to make one, and just end with a tangled mess. Just as I give up, I feel an impact as small arms wrap around my stomach.

	 "Caught you! Did I win?" a peal of laughter rings out after she speaks.

	"Not quite." I pull her arms free and step away.

	Before I can run, she snaps her hand out and locks it into mine. Her voice suddenly takes on an ominous tone. "I think I did." Her eyes drift closed and she goes limp.

	Without realizing it, I catch her to slow her fall. That faint distortion around her flares to life. Oh no. The air gently ripples with demonic power. I leap over her and move to run. But... Whose to say I can't have a little fun first?

	She is sprawled out on the pavement, sleeping peacefully. I go to my knees next to her little frame. She smells good. Really good. Her hips and thighs are really well toned too. I wonder what she is wearing underneath that tracksuit. Reaching over, I zip down her top. A sports bra covers her small breasts.

	Surly it wouldn't be a problem if I just looked at her for a bit. I want to look closer at that face, so I carefully straddle her, keeping my weight on my knees. Taking her chin in my hand, I turn her face to gaze upon her. Those lips are so soft looking. Moving in closer I can feel her breath. It's warm.

	She murmurs to herself in her slumber.

	What am I doing here? Aren't I supposed to be running right now? It's ok. I can run when I'm finished here.
	Finished doing what?

	I bite into my right arm as hard as I can, teeth sinking in. I can taste blood. There is pain shooting through the limb as I run away from the young woman. After I clear the aura I let my arm go. Rivulets of blood trickle down, dripping off my fingers.

	My body shivers in disgust as I realize what I was about to do. I'll deal with it later. I have to get as far away from her as I can. After putting some distance between us, I can see a massive pink cloud floating over the buildings.

	A plan strikes. I round the building on my right and return to the starting line. The sound of singing seems to be coming from behind me, dulling as I get closer to the starting point. The singing is beautiful, but I know that it's a trap. Even barely audible I can feel a slight desire to seek out the source.

	In a few minutes I make it to the turn leading to the straightaway.

	Standing right there when I round the corner is the Manticore.

	"I knew if I waited here long enough someone would double back." She has the most evil smile.

	There is a sound like the crack of a whip, and something hits my shoulder. I reach up and pull away a spine. The tip has only the barest hint of blood. My entire body begins heating up. Whatever I was dosed with in training, it wasn't nearly this strong. I step backwards. Another whip crack. Another spike, this time in my arm.

	Her third tail whip misses as I run with all my might down the path Argus took, dropping my rope. A double dose of venom. I've experienced this before. And the toxin is still circulating. I have to rip my sweatpants off mid run. The fabric against my erection is almost painful. My now aching member pokes forth from my boxers.

	I just hope my family isn't watching. I appreciate the support, but I let them know I was uncomfortable with them recording or viewing my runs.

	I can hear the leathery snapping of the Manticore's wings as she flies above. No doubt waiting for me to succumb. The venom is like having the worst case of blue-balls and then eating a bottle of Viagra.

	"Why haven't you stopped yet?!" She shouts from above.

	If she questions it, I may have built up some kind of resistance-

	Another snap of the tail. Another barb in my back.

	During my run I look at my skin. It is completely flush. I look like a damned tomato. The air feels cold on my skin. My body freezes up and begins trembling. I can't move. Looking down I can see my throbbing shaft. It's turning purple. I violently pump away, trying to get some relief. It's not working. That can't be good. I need. I need...

	"I need your help!" I call out to my airborne shadow.

	She stops hovering and lands in front of me

	"Oh my really? Only if you ask nicely- Are.. Are you okay?!" She spies my swollen penis and sees the discomfort on my face.
	"No! I'm not okay!"

	"It shouldn't have taken that many. I thought you might be immune!" She seems confused.

	"Just tell me your name and do what you want!" The toxin finally reaches a peak. It's like my sex-drive was dialed all the way up and some jackass took a pair of pliers to it just to crank it further.

	"Why do you want to know my name?" She asks quizzically, stepping  forward.

	"It'll be less awkward for me later." I admit. I don't want to just have sex with anyone. I'd like a name at least.

	"Vanessa."  Her tail moves in front of my face. It blooms almost like a flower the opening is glistening. Damp from the chase no doubt.

	Vanessa strips away her top and mine before pressing me against her ample bust and buries my face in her mane. I didn't realize how tall she was. Easily 7'4". She takes off her ball cap and lets her short red hair spill out. "Breath deeply." She orders.

	I obey, and inhale several lungfuls. It's a powerful feminine scent. But there is more to it. I can't place it. But I don't have time to think as her tail engulfs my aching cock. It's so warm and tight. It starts rippling against me, sending waves of ecstasy through my body. This goes on for several minutes as the slapping wet sounds speed up, tail sucking and tugging on me.

	Vanessa pulls me away from her neck, face slightly red and definitely enjoying herself. "You don't have to try holding out. Just give in."
	It feels so good, but it's not working. "I'm trying to."

	She takes my left hand in her large powerful claws and places it to her breast, guiding me in fondling her. After that she shoves my other hand down the front of her pants. My fingers brush across the hair on her mound, feeling the moistness of the region. I tickle her labia, fishing around for her clit.

	It doesn't take long. I begin to furiously toy with her as she begins to moan pleasurably. She leans in and initiates the wettest kiss of my life. Our tongue lash about like duelists as we try to take control simultaneously.

	Her tail begins slamming into me like a jackhammer as her tail squelches and sucks. The combined stimulus lights a fire in my loins. I pull away from her, groaning as a stringer of saliva falls free. Vanessa immediately pulls me back in to continue our lingual gymnastics.

	My body begins rocking in coital bliss. After a few moments more I don't even have time to warn her as I spasm in time with my ejaculation. She places me on the ground as her tail continues to suck greedily at my member, which has a few after spasms before growing flaccid.

	My career is over.

	I give Vanessa a pleading look. "Please, no more right now. You've won. I'll do whatever you want, just let me rest."

	She seems to think about it. "You are going to make it up to me. Tonight. We don't stop until I'm ready."

	"Fine, Fine."

	She lies on the ground next to me, covering me in the flesh membrane of her wings. "Get some rest. You look sick."
	I fall asleep, wracked with worries about my debts.

	When I awaken, I'm in the infirmary. The doc says that I have great will power. But not a lot of sense. Apparently you can't build up an immunity to Manticore venom. I just resisted it through mental fortitude. Lot of good it did me.

	Thankfully, the camera crews leave me alone. They are more interested in the victors anyway. I just want to get home.

	Satsukie tries to talk to me on the boat home, but I don't feel like talking. She keeps saying not to worry about the rest that I owe, but I pay my debts. Vanessa is actually riding with me.

	Endearingly, she said that she has seen my previous runs. She saw the fear in my face when I was cornered in the last run, and when she herself caught me. Part of it was a turn on. Part of it made her feel guilty. She offered me a chance to go free.

	I turned her down. As odd as it sounds, I kind of want to learn more about her. I'm even willing to marry her if she wants (she does. It's a Mamono thing) and give this a shot. Besides, I don't want to be one of those assholes who runs off after losing. That just leads to heartbreak.

	Eventually I'll get my life sorted out.

	I have to put the Manhunt behind me.

	Despite my negativity, there is always a chance to do something great out there.

	Tomorrow starts a new chapter in my life.