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Jon screeched as the net flew over his back, pinning him to the ground. The ropes it was woven from were rough against his skin, rubbing uncomfortably at his injured wing.
“I’ve got it!” One of the men shouted.
A flurry of footsteps crunched towards him on the forest floor. A group of human men, about five of them, surrounded him on all sides.
“Oh god, look at it!” One of them sneered. “It’s horrific.”
“Bet you it’ll fetch a fine price on the black market.”
“Compared to the reward for catching it? No way!”
“Only one way to find out…”
Jon tried to curl in on himself. He felt exposed under so many eyes, like he was splayed out in a spider’s web, waiting to be devoured.
“Aw… poor thing’s scared.” Another man cooed mockingly.
“Don’t worry, little guy, we aren’t gonna hurt you.” This man’s smile was crooked, his eyes cold.
“No promises on whoever gets their hands on you next, though. I’m sure plenty of bidders would love a mounted moth-monster head.”
That comment roused uproarious laughter from the others.
Jon’s stomach twisted in knots. He was surely done for, just another smear under the boots of these hunters. He closed his eyes tight, urging the fearful tears he felt building behind them to stay put. Crying would only make the situation worse.
“Hey, back off!” A voice called from the trees.
All the men turned their heads as a figure dashed in front of Jon’s caged and huddled form.
Martin?
“As if!” The man sounded offended. “This one’s our catch.”
“Yours?” Martin challenged, brandishing his sword out in front of him with both hands. “Like he’s an object you can own?”
Run, Martin! Jon wanted to wail. There’s too many of them, run!
The slim hope of his own survival kept him silent.
“Who does this guy think he is?” One of the attackers taunted.
“Listen, whoever you are.” Another said. “You don’t know who you’re messing with here.”
“I’m giving you one last chance.” Martin warned. “Back off.”
He finished with gritted teeth.
The man who seemed to be the leader took a threatening step forward, weapon unsheathed.
“Wrong decision.”
At that moment, Martin began to change. He grew taller in size, now towering over the human men. His hidden limbs, an extra pair of arms and an extra pair of legs, revealed themselves one by one. All of his eyes blinked open in unison, and his fangs peeked out from underneath his top lip.
“What the hell?” A man cried.
“That thing’s a monster!” A different one shouted.
Martin lashed forward and sank his teeth firmly into the leader’s shoulder. The man crumpled to his knees, and Martin released him so that he could face-plant into the mud.
One of his companions came to retrieve him as the others fled for the hills. The remaining man followed, slowed significantly by his leader thrown over his shoulder.
Once all the men had disappeared over the horizon, Martin shifted his focus back to Jon.
“Oh, you poor thing.” He said, much more sincere than the humans had been. “Are you alright?”
“Get me out of here,” Jon insisted, voice hoarse. “Then we can talk.”
Martin nodded. He took the net in his many hands and lifted it easily up and off of Jon’s form. Jon scrambled to his feet, Martin jolting forward to support him as he stumbled. He pressed their foreheads together.
“That was a close one.” Jon breathed, begging his heart to stop hammering against his ribcage.
“I’ll say.” Martin agreed. “Are you hurt?”
Jon shot a glance over his shoulder.
“Oh love, your wing!” Martin cried.
He dragged his gentle fingers over the delicate appendages on Jon’s back, avoiding the tear.
“One of those idiots nicked it with his spear.” Jon explained with a bitter grimace. “I’m lucky I didn’t get hurt worse when I fell.”
He gestured to his bruises.
“That’s awful!” Martin exclaimed, sounding absolutely distraught.
“It’ll heal.”
I hope he added wordlessly.
Martin gave him a single nod, worry still clouding his expression.
“Look, those guys will be back as soon as they realize my venom only causes temporary paralysis.” Martin insisted. “Let me take you back to my den so I can care for you properly.”
“Alright.” Jon agreed, too tired and shaken to argue he was fine.
He yelped as Martin scooped him lovingly into his arms, but settled as the man-spider moved towards home.