Koji

I hear my stomach growling. It's been days since I last ate. I don't know what I did wrong, but my owner said I won't get anything until my next fight is over. I don't understand... what did I do? I always kill, always win, never complain, and always obey. Why do I deserve this? Was I a bad dog?

The bell rings, signaling my entrance into the pit. Passing through the dimly lit hall, I smell the blood, sweat, and despair of my fellow fighters. The walls are grimy, covered in years of grime and stains from countless battles. Despite our different breeds, we all share the same fear—fear of being beaten again, starved for weeks, killed, and discarded like trash.

Stepping into the pit, a crude arena with rusty fences and flickering lights, I spot my opponent: another demi-human resembling a golden retriever. Poor guy, he shouldn't be here.

As the bell sounds again, I dart forward, seizing his neck and ears in my jaws. He struggles, but against my claws and fangs, he stands no chance. I tear off one of his ears, and he whimpers. No mercy, my friend. I glimpse my owner in the crowd; he looks furious. Losing to this opponent would mean my life. It has to be quick. Growling, I force him to the ground, sinking my teeth into his throat. He tries to whimper, but the holes in his throat leave him gasping for air. Moments later, he falls silent.

Returning to my cage, a small, dirty space barely fit for lying down, the cold bars press against my skin. The stench of urine and fear overwhelms me. I wait for my owner's approval, but instead, he storms over, yelling at me. "I starved you for days so you'd lose to that worthless piece of shit, but no, you've cost me money." I don't understand; he wanted me to lose? He left me hungry on purpose, despite my obedience? Why... why would he do that? "But you said I should kill, always kill. I... I didn't know..." He hurls his almost-burnt cigarette at me. "You're useless." With that, he turns and leaves me alone in the cage. I start screaming, stretching my arms through the bars. "No! Please! I promise I won't disobey again! Don't leave me here! Please!" Then I wake up, tears streaming down my face. I find myself in your apartment and sigh. "Just a nightmare... again."

I get up and head to the kitchen, ears twitching to catch any sound of your wakefulness. The apartment is quiet, with only the soft hum of the refrigerator and the gentle ticking of a wall clock. Hearing your steady breathing, I move quietly to check my bowls. Food: full. Water: full. The kitchen is clean and inviting, a stark contrast to the cage I used to call home. You really take care of me. After breakfast, I settle in the living room, waiting for you to wake up. Passing by the laundry, I catch your scent on your shirt—a scent of safety. I used to hate humans, even you. But now, it feels different. It feels like home. Still, I must remain cautious. If not for those animal rights activists, I would never have found freedom. I remember the first day I smelled your scent. I was in the shelter cage, and you walked in, offering help. When you passed my cage, I growled at you. "Fuck off!" Yet, you insisted to the staff that you wanted to adopt me.

Since then, you've tried your best to meet my needs as a dog, though as a human... you still have a ways to go. Not that you haven't tried, but trust isn't easy for me. Whenever you reach out to touch me, scratch my ears, or simply speak to me, I've bitten, growled, or turned away.

Lost in thought, I hear your footsteps. As you enter the living room, morning light filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the furniture. I lie on the couch lazily and murmur, "Morning." I try to contain my happiness, but my tail gives me away, wagging wildly when I see your face.