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AMA - Episode 3, "I'm Feeling Like The King Of The Burrow" - Part 1
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AMA - Episode 3, "I'm Feeling Like The King Of The Burrow" - Part 2

AMA - Episode 4, "Tooth And Nail" - Part 1
ama_episode_3_part_2_i_m_feeling_like_the_king_of_the_burrow.doc
Keywords male 1108962, gay 139763, furry 103900, males 41610, straight 40035, otter 33501, muscle 27994, muscles 15879, muscular 14277, clean 10220, ferret 9608, mustelid 8412, badger 6383, abs 6336, weasel 5667, alcohol 3983, reward 2920, stoat 2099, pizza 2039, story series 1751, stud 1737, marten 1623, slice of life 1492, wolverine 1465, hunk 1377, mustelidae 1273, character development 1266, challenge 1230, stone 1136, beefcake 1002, ermine 815, alpha 718, competition 710, tv show 592, television 565, sea otter 500, honey badger 450, sex ed 341, sex education 321, polecat 301, duel 274, studs 227, ama 212, american badger 139, hottie 126, mustelids 124, alpha male 88, european otter 86, strategy 84, hunks 68, least weasel 62, reality show 58, giant otter 53, reality tv 39, american mustelid alpha 36, hotties 29, beech marten 23, european polecat 23, hog badger 20, reality television 18, beefcakes 15, strongman 13, individual 11, individual challenge 8, alpha males 5, smarts 3, italian food 2, stone lifting 1, cube roll 1, italian pizza 1
American Mustelid Alpha
Episode 3, “I’m Feeling Like The King Of The Burrow” - Part 2


The losing team plus the unselected otter make their way into their home’s changing and shower quarters, eager to wash the sand and the grime of the day off their bodies.

“I know this royally blows, but you all put your best efforts, and that’s what counts...” Chayne solemnly speaks up.

“Yeah, well, we were outmatched from the beginning… tough to beat the team with all the best brawlers,” Kenneth scoffs, not failing to toss in a subtle dig to the captain’s picking choice.

“You all got great scores on the qualifying against many of them, so I trusted you could make it count when time came,” the marten replies back with a thinly-veiled stab of his own.

“I mean dude, if you wanna keep playing dumb that’s fine and good, but don’t take the piss at me, will ya?” the badger replies angrily. “That was an obstacle course, this a full-contact brawl. You can’t be dumb enough to not understand there’s different sets of skills at stake. I mean c’mon, you left Eddie with Crispin, John and the big ‘rine…”

The hog badger lets out a loud snort at Kenneth. “Y’all can be mad at Chayne all you want and keep making excuses, but for me it sounds like you sayin’ you ain’t good ‘nuff,” Zakee speaks up, Andrew raising his eyebrows, trying not to get involved in another discussion. “Challenges are challenges, and we just here to tackle ‘em the best we can.”

“Another one siding against me, eh?” Kenneth sneers. “You got him to thank if those guys are gorging on pizza and you have to fight for your life tomorrow,” he says, not waiting for the mechanic’s response as he heads towards the showers.

Arron just looks down as he strips from his clothes, looking at the fellow badger stomp away. “Like… both of you got points, and I’m not here to blame anyone...”

J.J. sighs. “Dude’s here with the competition living in his head rent-free...” he quips, drawing at least a snigger from the other team. “Even if you’re not a fighter, you just step up and try to do your thing, no one here does the shit we do here in their daily lives.”

“I’m mad at ‘em because they keep fucking up, dragging me in the shit with ‘em, then blaming my attitude for their shortcomings.” *the camera shows Kenneth showering on his own, at the far end of the communal shower* “If they want to turn all of this into Kenneth Geib versus the world, so be it… but I’m getting back at ‘em when they least expect it. Damn right I will.”
~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor


Meanwhile, as the sun sets down, the white team crowds around the recently decorated corner on their patio, freshly showered and changed into clean clothes.

“By the way, if we lost, I would have taken it extremely personal with you guys...” Eddie jokes. “I don’t fuck around with Italian food!”

“We got it, dude…” Crispin playfully smacks the giant otter, taking a seat around the already set table alongside the rest of the group. “Where’s the pizzas, though?” he asks, all five mustelids quizzically looking around the place.

Eventually, they see a figure nearing them. “Wait, what’s that?” William says, getting up and checking over who it was that came towards them. “Oh my God, guys...”

The entire group lets out a laugh as they take in the sight of Ludwig, walking towards the table, dressed head to toe in a delivery guy uniform as he carries a huge warmer bag. “Delivery for Mr. Caprio, party of five…” the stoat smiles, walking into the gazebo where the five mustelids already got comfortable amidst the white team’s cheers. As the mustelids huddle around the table, he opens the lid of his delivery bag - a small cloud of steam bursting out as a dozen freshly baked pizzas come into view, in a variety of different flavors. “The other drinks and goods are on that table over there. Enjoy the dinner, guys…” Ludwig says, before heading out.

“Amazing authentic coal-fired Italian Pizza from Franco’s, wine, beer, all that we could want, delivered by our host, what more can a stoat ask for?” *the group of five sits around the table, Eddie starting to open the boxes and serve the pizzas* “All that plus immunity from getting sacked and I’m feeling like the King of the Burrow, hah!”
~John, 36, Stoat, Jailer


“Normally I only reserve this kind of food for special occasions, like nights out with Gisele,” William chuckles, accepting his plate from Eddie with a flourish. “But guessin’ you four will have to do...”

“This is like, the best fucking thing ever!” John speaks up, laughing as he serves himself from a bottle of red wine.

“You can say that again,” Crispin laughs as he raises his own glass for a toast. “Let’s enjoy this, ‘cause we might be forced to go sober for a good while…” The tattooed otter doesn’t bother to wait for the rest to pile up his plate up high. “Okay, I got Pepperoni, Neapolitan style… anyone got Hawaiian over there? Is there?”

“What part of ‘Italian’ you didn’t understand?” Eddie asks his friend, his features immediately turning dead serious.

“I mean, no big platter of pizza ain’t complete without Hawaiian, Eddie...” Michael comments up. The otter swiftly flexes his arm in order to fake-out the wolverine into pretending he was going to slap him, Michael flinching in response. “Now, Mike, Cris… I wanna see your two asses try and go to an Italian pizzeria, ordering up a ‘Hawaiian pizza’...” he snarks, making an air quote gesture with his fingers, “And see if they aren’t tossing you out on your sorry asses like the knobheads you gonna look like when you do!” Despite his serious stance, it was clear Eddie was mostly putting up a show.

John and William immediately crack up at the display. “We gonna have a show now, fight up!” the stoat loudly says, barely able to contain his laughter.

“I mean, I did tell ya I was serious about my food…” the lutrine shrugged his shoulders, smiling despite himself as he serves himself Cantabrian anchovies. “Like… try spending two full years on mission and NOT crave good cooking when you’ve been running on shitty rations and adrenaline!”

The entire group doubles down in laughter. “You got him started, Crispin...” William points at the other otter, not waiting for the others to begin as he takes a large bite of his pizza.

“The atmosphere is great, and well, despite us being five burly dudes from different corners of America…” *Eddie is shown finishing to give out a first serving* “There’s more than enough pizza for us all.” *grins*
~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman


“To the top five!” Crispin declares, the whole group raising their glasses for another cheer and knocking them back.

“Eventually, as I open one of the boxes, I see there is something weird printed on the outside, right where the ingredients should be.” *the otter is shown putting the pizza on a platter and posing it at the center of the table, mentally checking the box’s position before tossing it out with the others* “I immediately could tell those ain’t ingredients. If that’s something that might help me and my game, the last thing I want is to share it with others just yet. Guess I’ll wait for the right moment to strike and get that intel. And to help my chances, booze for everyone! Let’s get wasted, people!” *laughs*
~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman


“You know something?” William asked out loud to the group, the ears of the rest perking up. “Aren’t the oldest guys of the house like, all here? You’re older than Z, right Cris?”

“I reckon…” Crispin nods. “I’m joining the club of 30 in two weeks, Z’s birthday is in August he said once…”

“Well, doesn’t it feel good to prove us oldies still got it?” the weasel smiles. “I will say, back at the Bootcamp I was all like ‘what am I doing here with all these kids?’, but I feel we’ve set us pretty well after all, and most of them are watching us from home...”

“I mean, like…” the bouncer replies. “You’re making it sound like 30 is so much worse than 29. How old were you again, Will?”

“I’m 34, but you know, training and genes help up,” the weasel smiles, getting a bite from his pizza.

“Yeah, for a dad of five you look well-put,” Michael replies, his mouth half-full, looking at the stoat next to him. “Now John Blake looks his age...”

“Hey now!” the jailer gets defensive at his name being mentioned. “Is it because I’m the one not running around with half of his body all painted up in tattoos?”

“Nah, John, hold up…” the taller otter interjects before Michael could answer. “Mike’s right, you know why? Cuz you’re an ass half the time...” Crispin adds up, everyone laughing to the otter’s quip. “You either cheer up or get bald before you get to 40, yanno?”

“I still got more than you and Eddie combined,” John strikes back, hooking a claw behind a strand of his black hair.

“Eddie, how old are you?” Michael asks up.

The lutrine gulps down a long sip of wine, then turns to the wolverine. “I’m 32, why’s that?”

“And he looks older than everyone else!” John intercepts the question.

Eddie rubs his chin, halfway between amused and taken aback. “You’re kidding, right? You wish you had a body like mine at 32…” he says. “And unlike y’all, I can say I lived them in full…”

“...and a half, alright?” Michael speaks up, playfully elbowing the otter.

“Michael, hold up, cuz you’re already on strike two after the Hawaiian pizza, and you’re closer than me to the prostate exam age, so sit down and look who’s talkin’...” Eddie replies, the rest cracking up at the lutrine’s burn.

“We’re having an amazing night out there. Clearly, the alcohol quickly got us five loosening up, though some don’t really need that kinda encouragement.” *the group is shown in a celebratory mood, getting second and third servings and generally enjoying the evening* “This is the perfect pickup I needed after last week’s defeat, and I’m happy enough to be sharing this moment with these folks.”
~William, 34, Least Weasel, Personal Trainer


Eventually, people start getting up from the table and go relax on the patio, too full of food to do anything else. “You go ahead, Imma clean up a bit and join you in a minute…” Eddie says, subtly encouraging the tipsy mustelids to leave the table. It doesn’t take much for the group to follow his lead, laying down on the comfy chairs to digest the meal. The otter starts clearing the table, tossing out the rests of the dinner in the trash and surreptitiously wiping off the crumbs. As soon as he realizes the other four are not paying attention to him, he turns his attention to the empty pizza boxes - immediately fishing out the one he noticed and set aside before.

“I look over to read the side of this box and I’m like… wait… is this the upcoming challenge?” *the otter is shown pacing around and pretending to pick up part of the mess* “‘Individual: Nine stones from 150 to 350 pounds, in increments of 25, are set under nine pedestals. Contestants have to bet on how much they can successfully lift, and if they fail, they could face elimination.’ My guess is that this is more information than those people will have, and at this point, it is valuable knowledge only I got.” *smirks* “Only thing is, how to use it?”
~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman


***

Back at the Burrow, the mood that lingers is a direct opposite from the other half of the group. After a frugal dinner of sandwiches and wraps - a result of having the cook of the group outside at the pizza reward - the six are strewn around the living room, mostly keeping to themselves and avoiding to partake in any conversation.  Greasy Z is lying upside down on the couch, his bare feet dangling in the air. “I’m bored,” he says, at a loud enough volume to be heard by anyone.

“Thanks for the status update, pig. And now J.J., with the weather...” Kenneth replies deadpan, not looking at the hog badger.

“You’re so funny, Ken,” Z strikes back with a cheery voice tone that displays his obvious sarcasm.

“Guys, if we don’t cheer up, I’m going to die of a sugar crash...” Andrew speaks up. “It’s enough being crammed up in here and being pent up as… shit,” the polecat gulps, feeling he overshared in his frustration. “Heh, forget about it, y’all...”

“This sucks major balls, and not in the way I would like, I can say…” Z says, putting a pillow to his face. “Kid here got a point. I know Arron’s hitched, but anyone else got a honey at home?”

J.J. raises his paw. “I got a girlfriend, but like… can we not talk about it, please? I feel like I’m on a hair trigger as is,” the young otter shrugs, tossing around on the sofa.

Z looks over to where Kenneth is sitting, the upside-down hog badger poking at the other badger’s foot incessantly. “What about you, Ken? Ken? You clawin’ at the doors wanting some, Ken?”

“Will you just shut your trap?” Kenneth scoffs, inching away from the mechanic. “It’s tough out here as is, even without you constantly reminding us of all the pussy I could be bagging back hom-” the badger abruptly shuts his muzzle at his own Freudian slip.

“SEE I said you were!” Zakee guffaws, swiftly getting back in an upright position, an amused grin lining his features. “And tell me, dudes… had any chances of pulling the pork yet?”

“Pulling the…fucking God, Z...” Andrew shakes his head, amused.

“Hey I don’t buy it’s just my cum that gets the gutters all clogged up in here,” Zakee strikes back nonchalantly.

“Zakee!” Arron interjects, letting out a sigh. “Come on...”

“It’s true, Arron...” Kenneth finally eases up to speak. “I’m like, if I’m released into the world now, it would be like… five minutes until I get my relief again.”

“Stewardess at Miami International?” J.J. cracks up, getting a much needed laugh from the group.

“I mean I’m literally inches from humping my damn pillow like I was a teen again,” the badger grunts. “I got my regular hook-ups and all that jazz, but fuck if this isolation ain’t triggering something up deep…”

“I’m like… all for the guys speaking up of their thirst and sexuality, but herein lies the twist with me. Cuz I know when I start speaking up, the convo would go like...” *record scratch* “...but fuck it, I’m pent up as all of these guys!”
~Chayne, 28, Beech Marten, Bartender


“You think you have it tough?” the marten speaks up. “Least there’s no girls for you to gawk at 24/7 here in the house. I’m this close to getting a stroke...”

“TMI, brother...” Arron perks in. “We already have enough crazy with him,” he says, motioning towards Z with a claw.

“Perfect amount of I, thank you very much...” Chayne valiantly speaks up. “I’m calling a spade a spade, and I got my needs as much as you guys. That stick up your tail ain’t gonna be nice for ya in the long run...”

“Like the ones ya like, Chayne?” Kenneth quips to the blonde marten.

“The which ones I like, Mister Kenny?”

“Sticks up your tail?” he follows in amusement.

“WHAT- NO, I’m a damn top, okay?” the marten throws a pillow at the badger, snickering.

“O-oh….” Zakee perks up, in amusement at the conversation, followed by laughter all around.

“Seriously, large, small, I don’t discriminate as long as I’m doing the deed,” Chayne cockily replies. “I’m the boss of my territory!”

“There you go…” Arron facepalms. “Why are you even feeding the fire, Kenneth?”

J.J. laughs. “Wait so we got Boss hog AND Boss top?” the question cracking up the room and even getting a snicker out of Arron. “I’m like… the marten got a point, guys. We’re all in the same boat here, and I could swear the folks out there are having it as bad as us,” he says. “It’s a bit of an equalizer, right? Gay or straight, hitched or not…”

“I admit I’m somewhat out of my wheelhouse once these guys talk up about chicks and all. I’m sure it’s just the matter of being in here for days and being young and not settled. Once you get in my situation with my wife and kid, you’ll know you can still be the top guy and not be all rrrrrragh, you know?”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter


“And like,” Chayne continues, “We’re sexual animals, just being real, and do we get it on every once in a while? Sure, nothing wrong with that, be it you like girls or guys, as long as everyone’s cool and says yes, go on, suit yourself, take care.”

“I mean, brother...” Arron cocks his head. “I’m not judging or anything, you guys do you, but that feels like the perfect recipe for getting H-I... I mean, any kinda nasty bugs inside of you,” he says.

The blonde marten flicks his ears, getting the obvious point Arron wanted to make. “I see what it is now…” Chayne replies, sitting up and crossing his legs. “Sex Ed time, folks. I know you ain’t being demeaning, but fellas… we’ve come a long way since, and it’s more than what you probably are thinking. HIV ain’t a death sentence and you know it can happen to everyone. Every single one.” he fixes his long hair. “I’m like you, I got my sexual health, I take care, I wrap up, I fall in love… I just happen to give a good blowjob too…”

Andrew lowers his head and snorts, the rest laughing as well. “Nah I get ya, I’ve seen worse shit and had the talk after my first major tour…” the polecat says. “But like… what do you really do that’s different from the norm?”

“Well there’s PrEP, some kinda drug you got to take on the regular to caution yourself against HIV. Doesn’t help against any STDs other than the big one, though…” the marten shrugs. “My point is, like… it still falls on your own judgement whether to protect your own health, and in my case is pretty similar to any other guy. If you’re on PrEP and you go bare with someone, it’s on you as much as the other guy. And to be honest, well… I find it preferable than agreeing to condoms and then slipping them off.”

“Yeah, but what about other nasty shit?” Zakee asks with an oink.

“Eh like… it can be annoying, but these days if you get it, it’s a pill or a shot and you’re good. And again, it’s on you and your own judgement. You can choose not to stick your dick into trash, you know...can happen with chicks as well.”

“Again, you do you,” Arron nods in an aloof manner. “But it just seems like… eh, too alien for me. I heard it, you probably too: an excuse to cheat and sleep around, no morals, no principles, no guidance...”

“Just think of it this way… we are all a bit more equal than we thought,” Chayne shrugs. “Ain’t just gay people who got the cheat gene, you know… Again, loyal, active, single, fooling around, anyone can do it,” he says. “Using it as an excuse to point your claw at others you see differently is when it becomes an issue. Just play it by ear, and not by premature judgements, honey...”

“Ya heard the pretty boy, we’re all just locked up and horny as he is...” Z loudly replies while messing the marten’s hair as he looks at the badgers. “Come on Ken… ‘hon’, let’s wrap this night up!”

“It’s really hard to get someone else’s point of view when you’ve spent your entire life being taught the exact opposite.” *Arron is shown looking pensive as the other mustelids keep chatting* “I don’t mind Chayne, he’s here to prove he’s an Alpha like all of us - just a different brand. But heh… I’m like, let me ease into this step by step, and we may even be friends when we get out of this.”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

“It is kind of amusing to see all these guys look up at me and go like ‘well, you ain’t like the gays we know from TV!’ It can be annoying, but it is a huge opportunity for guys in the community. I can be gay AND show my own skills here, I can be everything an Alpha is, and that includes freedom to just… be me. I’m thankful these fellas are cool, and hey… bet I taught them more about STDs and safe sex than any of their school districts combined.” *laughs*
~Chayne, 28, Beech Marten, Bartender


***

It’s late in the night when the winning team returns to the Burrow, some of the losers ready to retire to their sleeping quarters. As everyone minds their business, Eddie silently peeks out of his room, and motions to Andrew and J.J. on the hallway with an unmistakable gesture. “Come on… come on guys...” he whispers to the pair, directing them to an empty corner of the upstairs communal area.

“So, while I was on the reward, I found something. I know what the individual challenge is,” Eddie tells both mustelids in a conspiratorial tone.

“What?” Andrew asks in shock.

J.J. just looks at the Navy veteran intently. “You’re messing with us, aren’t you?” the younger otter asks.

“I swear I ain’t,” Eddie replies. “I want you two to succeed, so keep this shit to yourself and maybe we can put a wrench in some guys’ plans, aight?”

“I decided to tell Andrew and J.J. because considering who is on the chopping block, I’d rather them winning than Kenneth or even Arron. Z’s…. a nice dude, but I can’t risk him blabbering Eddie Caprio gave him the advantage! He can manage, I feel, and if he doesn’t… well he’s always been strong competition, nothing personal.”
~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman


“So, those are the weights...the lightest stone starts at 150 pounds, and then it goes up in 25-pound intervals. All on you to figure out how much you can lift and save your rudders…” Eddie keeps saying. “If you save yourselves, it’ll be up to the others, and ain’t that the best outcome?”

“Of course,” J.J. ponders, still rather skeptical. “I’m just wondering, are you sure nobody else from your group got the same hint?”

“Impossible...” Eddie confidently nods. “It was written on the lid of one of the pizza boxes, and I disposed of ‘em immediately. People were too drunk to go check themselves.”

“I really want to believe Eddie gave me the right intel, since we’ve been solid ever since we stepped into the Burrow. Then again, though, the guy is a tactician by trade, and I struggle to think he does anything without a hidden agenda. It’s nice that he confided this to me and Andrew, but I’d rather not be made a fool of later.”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


*the polecat cocks his head* “I’m like… that’s... really neat, but I cannot have Eddie pulling the strings of everything there is here. I want to use this to my advantage too!”
~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie


“Eddie gave me an advantage for the individual,” Andrew whispers to Chayne as they brush their teeth, the blonde marten letting out a gasp as he turns towards the polecat. Andrew just smirks. “Shut up, or my ass is toast...”

“I’m like… I’ll take anything at this point, but can he be trusted?” the bartender asks the youngster. “It’s easy enough for anyone to start the rumor mill at this point.”

“He told me all in detail and seems kosher. He really wants Ken out. Just don’t tell anyone else… especially Z, you know he will tell the entire house.”

“My lips are sealed,” Chayne winks, running a fingerclaw over his mouth for good measure. “But man this info will save our asses, I swear I could make out with ya now...”

“Don’t get too excited!” Andrew laughs, playfully elbowing the marten. “We still got a challenge to ace, right?”

“This is perfect! I don’t know how much of this is factual truth, but I don’t want to be in the Duel again. If I play my cards smartly, I can get out of there quick and knock out some competition in the process. Drew, if I save my ass tonight, it’s all on you, mate...”
~Chayne, 28, Beech Marten, Bartender


***

February 25, 2020
12:00 PM
85° F


The camera pans into the challenge arena, the main field still delimited by sandbags, but a new set having been built in. Nine heavy, round, ash-colored stones are lying in front of nine waist-height pedestals, the camera running along the line before focusing on the grandstand bench. “Welcome back, guys…” Ludwig greets the winning team, the five mustelids sitting down with a smirk as they try to guess what is about to come.

“I got no idea what’s gonna happen...” William whispers to Eddie.

“I do,” Michael says back, snickering. “It’s about to get insane…”

“Let’s bring up our challengers,” the host says, the losing team as well as J.J. starting to file in the lower portion of the arena, marveling at the scene. “Andrew, Kenneth, Arron, Greasy Z, the losing captain, Chayne, as well as the one left out, J.J.,” he comments, all six ending in a line in front of the grandstand - clad in the dark blue garments symbolizing being at risk.

“So, we got an even split…” the host grins. “Three taking on the Individual Challenge for a second time in a row and three new faces. Kenneth, is it safe to argue that the former are popping out as the weak links of the pack?”

“I guess it’s just a matter of drawing the wrong cards and an iffy leadership to boot,” he replies stoically, Chayne rolling his eyes.

“Arron, Chayne, you two were part of the bottom three last challenge, and yet here you are again...”

“Thanks for reminding me, Ludwig…” the marten snarks. “I am not happy about this, even more when I think I was the one to put all of these people at risk. But it’s every fur for himself now, and I won’t take a fall for any of these guys.”

“I promised myself I wouldn’t end here again, but I must be carrying some bad karma somewhere. As long as I am the first one out of here, I am good to return and try to win this.”
~Chayne, 28, Beech Marten, Bartender


“What about you, Z? From winning captain to here, how does it feel?” Ludwig prods the hog badger.

“I could kick ya in the balls and then you can tell me how that feels, Lud - exactly the same...” the mechanic answers, people struggling to contain a laugh at his bluntness. “I’m havin’ the time of my life here, but I know this is one of the risks. It’s all about showin’ these guys who’s boss now.”

“Spoken like a Boss Hog, Z,” the host smirks. “Moving on to J.J., the only one who isn’t here because of his own fault. How did it feel to not get picked yesterday? Is that digging somehow into your Alpha credentials?”

“One can say so, but for me it’s whatever,” J.J. speaks up. “People only saw that I’m short, nerdy and smart and thought they didn’t need brains for this particular challenge, so...” he shrugs his shoulders - a couple of his rivals, both safe and next to him, detecting the jab.

“Yeah, but like, you all are here to prove you’re above and beyond the rest of your competition,” the stoat prods further. “One could easily say the fact you weren’t chosen to be part of a team is actually a sign you’re not Alpha enough. As in, there was something that wasn’t enough to convince Eddie or Chayne you were worth a shot…”

“Maybe they wanted to put a strong one here instead?” J.J. raises his eyebrow. “And I mean, that was a full-contact challenge, and I will say with all honesty that’s not my strong suit. But it’s fine, like, everyone here has their strengths and weaknesses. I know I’ll get my time to shine at some point.”

“There is a lot of strategy in this game, it is not just brute force. All I know right now is that, if I get back, both Eddie and Chayne very likely have lost someone who could back them up for when the times get tough.”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


“Alright then, I hope you’re ready to take on today’s Individual Challenge,” Ludwig says, the group joining in a cheer. “For this challenge, we’ve decided to bring back an Alpha tradition of yesteryear, sparking from some fishing communities in Iceland. There, aspiring sailors auditioned to get a job on fishing boats by lifting stones of increasing weight.” The whole group follows Ludwig’s gaze as the stoat motions towards the row of stones. “The most famous set of stones can still be found on the beach of… Djúpalónssandur,” he continues, struggling to manage the pronunciation of the foreign word. “The sailors started with the Hamlet, a small stone weighing about 50 pounds, then moved on to Half-Carrier at 120 pounds, Half-Strength at 220, and Full-Strength at 340. The bigger the stone they lifted, the greater share of the catch they would bring home… and that’s pretty much how this is gonna play out.”

“For this challenge, you’ll come here and draw a number from this small bag - that’ll be the order in which you will perform. You will all be taken off stage and come on one by one. Once you’re here, you will bet on how many of these nine stones you think you’ll be able to lift. If you lose the bet, you’ll be automatically at risk of elimination,” he says. “Bottom two will be made up of either who lost his bet or the two contestants who won their bets by lifting less stones. If more than two people lose their bets, we will go to a tiebreaker.”

“This might be the first and only time I wish I was down there with ‘em and not on the winners’ bench.” *laughs* “You see, I got a bit of strongman training, and I’ve tried myself on the Atlas stones before. I can say, man - it ain’t easy for a newbie, and some of these guys out there… I reckon they’ll have to pick ‘em up with a stretcher.”
~Michael, 35, Wolverine, Blacksmith


Some of the contestants’ faces are betraying serious concern. “So, since I guess most of you haven’t ever done this before, I guess I’m gonna show you how to do this properly. Guess this will do...” the stoat says, walking to the biggest stone in the set.

The contestants are shown watching with bated breath, in anticipation of Ludwig’s own strength feat.

“Come on down, Navy SEAL...” John snickers from the bench.

“So, first of all, you ought to be standing over the stone with your feet apart,” he says, getting into position and making sure everybody is watching. “You bend down with your hips high, spreading your fingers around the sphere as much as you can…” He does so, then leans back on his heels, pulling the stone up to knee length. “As soon as it gets this high… you pull your knees close and use them to… get some leverage,” he pants. “With the stone on your legs, you lean slightly behind, almost as if you’re sitting on an invisible chair… then move your hips forward in a strong push as you load it up.” With a loud grunt, he does so, setting the heavy stone on the pedestal amidst the cheers and applause from the group. “And that’s how you lift a pretty heavy 350 pounds of stone,” he says nonchalantly, before setting it down with the others and rejoining his spot.

“Okay, it does connect with what Eddie said, the heaviest is 350, that means the lightest is 150 and goes from 25 there… If I make enough effort I could just need one lift session to be done.”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


“Alright, y’all more confident now?” Ludwig asks the six, who loudly agree. “Okay, let’s make the draw...”

One by one, the mustelids step forward, take their numbers and exit the dueling grounds. The winning team looks down, curious to see who would be the first one to step in.

“Let’s do this...” Kenneth steps up to the center of the arena, having wrapped up his wrists in anticipation of the challenge at hand.

“I come here from winning the last individual, and as the first to go, I need to make a statement for the other five to come and let them know they are not going to pass over me.”
~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor


“Will he make it?” Crispin whispers to the group.

“He looks a bit too confident for his own good, chances are he’s done this shit before…” Michael shrugs.

“Remember Kenneth...” Ludwig speaks up. “Once you lift the stone, it cannot touch the ground, else you lose your bet. From 1 to 9, which stone do you place your bet on?”

“I think up to 7 sounds good…” the badger says confidently, eyeing the seventh ball in the row with a determined glint in his eyes. The crowd gasps. “He’s acting cocky,” Eddie frowns. “Let’s see if he can back it up…”

“Seven? That is a pretty tall order...” Ludwig insists.

“You carried the 350 one that’s over there. I feel I can do one closer to it and… intimidate the competition,” the badger smirks, cocking his head towards the five on the grandstand.

“As you wish, Kenneth. Get into position…” The badger doesn’t need to be asked a second time, taking the proper stance around the lightest stone. “Ready...GO!”

Kenneth easily lifts the first four stones, barely flinching as he moves down the line, his focus set on the seventh. Muscles bulge with exertion as he loads the fifth, letting the stone fall into its receptacle without even having to help himself with the edge of the pedestal. The crowd watches intently as the roofer tears through the challenge, approaching stone number six with determination. It’s clear to everyone that he is starting to struggle, already going into oxygen debt after having whipped through the lighter stones in mere seconds.

“Kenneth is having a hard time on the sixth,” Ludwig comments, the badger thrusting the heavy sphere onto its pedestal with a strong push of his back. “Son of a…” he mutters as he approaches the seventh stone, squatting low as he gets into position, his badger paws spread wide around the concrete. “One stone left for Kenneth to win his bet,” the stoat announces. “Can he make it?”

Slowly but deliberately, Kenneth sets up for the final lift. He pulls the heavy stones over his knees, his back twitching, ragged pants coming out of his muzzle as he tries to muster up whatever strength is left in his body. Eventually he leans back to perform the lift, but just as it feels he’s about to complete it, he loses balance and has to take a step back - the heavy stone falling to the ground with a loud thud.

The crowd lets out a shocked gasp, as the badger sits on the ground, tired and frustrated. “Kenneth, since you didn’t complete your bet, you will have to sit and wait for the rest. If four or more win theirs, you will be heading to the duel...”

“This is horrible to watch,” William says, looking at the badger sitting with his head tucked in on his knees in clear frustration, grabbing his hair with his hands..

“No, it’s not...” Eddie replies, trying to suppress his glee.

“Step one of the plan is going along nicely. Now time to let the other cards fall…” *camera focuses on a very dejected Kenneth* “Y’all… don’t fuck with Eddie Caprio, aight?”
~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman


“Chayne, step in…” Ludwig announces, as the marten takes center stage, his long hair tied in a loose ponytail. “What will your bet be?”

The bartender looks around nervously, clearly concerned about the task that is to come. “I’m just going with 1,” he says, stunning the rest of the group.

“Just one?” the host asks. “Remember that if you want to save your tail, you gotta place in the top four…”

“No one won by overshooting. Sometimes you gotta use what you got upstairs...” Chayne replies, ostentatiously pointing at his temple.

“Brute strength ain’t exactly my best skill, so I reckon I need to play this smart.” *the marten is shown as he takes place next to the smallest stone* “I only need two guys to fuck up. Two. If I lowball, I can assure I win my bet and hope others fail theirs.”
~Chayne, 28, Beech Marten, Bartender


“Alright then - to win his bet, Chayne needs to lift just the lightest stone,” Ludwig recaps, the tiniest hint of sarcasm in his voice. “Ready… GO!”

The marten spends a lot of time just trying to get his best grip on the smooth surface. Eventually, he manages to lift it and prop it on top of his knees, the entire group cheering as he takes his time before going for the load. To give himself better leverage, he places his hands underneath the sphere, hoping to get better control by putting most of the weight on his biceps instead of his larger back.

“Oh man…” Michael comments, covering his face with a paw. “That’s exactly the worst way to do this…”

Oblivious to the wolverine’s remark, Chayne goes to lift the stone, his grip wavering a bit as he rests it against the pedestal. Eventually he repositions again, flinching in pain as he pushes the sphere on top of the platform - letting a satisfied sigh as he realizes he’s managed to complete the task.

“Chayne wins his bet!” Ludwig announces, the group politely clapping and sighing in relief while Kenneth angrily scowls. “To progress to the next round, you need to do better than at least one of the remaining contestants. If someone ties you at 1, we’ll have to look at who took the least time…”

“My back is fucked, can’t imagine how others will take it, but overall, I did what I was set to do. My one gamble paid off, now let’s see the others.” *the marten sits on a chair next to the badger*
~Chayne, 28, Beech Marten, Bartender


J.J. walks onto the stage, the short otter displaying a confident swagger as he parses and weighs the options in his head. “I’m going up to level 3.”

“I’ve walked over Eddie’s instructions a hundred times in my mind. Now I admit I’ve never done this before, but I reckon two hundred pounds should be feasible and enough to set a beatable limit.”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


The lutrine takes on his task, confidently loading the first stone then taking his time before moving onto the second. He studies the “problem”, spreading his webbed palms as much as he can to get a better grip on the stone, then pulls it up and onto his locked knees. With a single push of his hips and a deep sigh, he then loads the heavy sphere onto the platform - most members of Eddie’s team cheering him on as he gets ready for the final lift.

Everyone watches with bated breath as J.J. loads the 200 lbs. stone onto his legs, seemingly in full control of his movements. Suddenly, though, his left leg spasms - the otter having to reposition in order to keep hold on the heavy sphere. Feeling it on the verge of slipping he panics and tries to hurry up the final lift, but his legs give up on him as he’s in the middle of the final transition. He takes a step back, holding the stone with just his arms for a long second, until it slips from his grasp and falls to the ground.

“YES!” Chayne jumps from his chair with a big smile on his face and his arms flailing, clapping once the verdict is done. “Fuck… YES!”

“I might have bitten a little more than I could chew, but I don’t regret my choice.” *the otter immediately falls to his knees, chest heaving as he covers his face with his webbed paws* “Nine times out of ten I would have lifted that stone. It feels awful, especially since I genuinely thought my strategy was flawless, but I’m gonna suck it up and stay focused on saving my rudder.”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


“J.J., unfortunately, you did not complete your bet, you will have to sit out and wait for the rest…” Ludwig tells the otter. “Right now, Kenneth and J.J. are our duelists unless someone else loses their bet, in which case we would go to a tie-break. Chayne, your strategy paid off, you are safe from elimination.”

“THAT’S how you do it. Lesson to learn. Sometimes in life, you need to use these...” *the marten taps his temple, laughing* “I’m here to fight another day, yes I am!”
~Chayne, 28, Beech Marten, Bartender


It’s time for Arron to walk in, the honey badger coming onto the stage in just his forearm protections and gym shorts. For the first time ever since stepping foot in the Burrow, a hint of nervousness seems to be tracing his features. After having dominated the selection cuts yet lost the first two team challenges, the firefighter can’t help but picture himself in a precarious position.

“So, Arron…” Ludwig addresses in a provocative tone. “What is your bet? How many stones do you think you need to stay in this competition for one more day?”

The honey badger rubs his chin, looking intently at the row of stones as he ponders his choice. “I need a tall number to assure myself, these guys aren’t weaklings… I’m going up to number 5.” The entire crowd gasps at Arron’s deliberation, him immediately realizing something is amiss. Nevertheless, he gets into position over the first stone, shaking his dreadlocks off his face and rubbing his paws together before taking a grip on the smooth concrete.

“I have no idea what’s going on. I might be undershooting it or I’m the tallest bet to date. Whatever goes, I don’t want to be here any longer, so I best perform what I promised.”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter


As soon as Ludwig signals him to go, Arron dashes forward and loads the first stone with little effort, his explosive upper back power driving the sphere off the ground and onto the pedestal. With every lift, the honey badger’s sculpted delts visibly ripple under the short fur - him tearing through the line like a fine-tuned machine, every motion underlined by a loud grunt followed by a strong exhalation. Less than a minute in, the firefighter is already tackling the fifth and final stone.

“Arron’s tearing through this like a pro. I’m honestly impressed by the dude.” *camera shows the honey badger loading the stone onto his knees, his back straining and quivering with the effort* “There’s literally no way he can screw this…”
~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor


As he gets ready for his final push, Arron grips the ball a little lower - mistakenly thinking it can help drive the momentum of his hips. Kenneth tries to warn him from the sidelines, but it’s too late as the firefighter mimics J.J.’s fumble of a few minutes earlier - managing to save the lift by leaning the ball against the pedestal, but struggling to reposition in order to push it over the edge. Eventually, his arms give up, the badger managing to step back a split-second before the sphere plunges in the sand.

“...fuck.”
~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor


The group explodes in a ruckus as Arron lays down, paws covering in his face, cursing himself for his stupid mistake. “Arron, you failed to complete your bet. This means you will have to face the next level alongside J.J. and Kenneth.”

The honey badger immediately cocks his head to where the other mustelids were, not believing what Ludwig just said. “Kenneth?” he asks, as he takes a seat next to J.J..

“Let’s just not talk about it, pal,” the roofer scoffs, flinching at the notion of having to contend for safety with his best friend in the house. Meanwhile, up in the stands, Eddie struggles to keep in a smug grin as he looks down.

“I may be less versed in sheer athletics or combat than most of these folks, but lifting heavy stuff is my bread and butter.” *Andrew is shown coming on stage with a determined grin on his muzzle* “I’m literally itching to get started and show these folks up. Let’s do this!”
~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie


“Andrew, come on in!” Ludwig says with enthusiasm. “You are the second to last, so make your bet count. What is the number you need to take your tail to safety?”

The polecat juggles the numbers he knew prior in his head. “I think 4. That looks like what, 220, 225 pounds?” he mockingly tries to guess. “I can do that.”

“During tours, I’ve often been put in charge of the heavy liftin’ - everyone else wants to do wiring and sound check,” *laughs* “But it’s fine with me; I’ve become an asset to any show and it has built my form to peak shape. I know I can ace this challenge, no issue.”
~Andrew, 22, European Polecat, Roadie


As soon as the horn sounds, Andrew tackles the first stone, lifting it onto his thighs and then up to the pedestal with relative ease. A few contestants are shown with their mouths strewn open as the young polecat quickly makes work of stone two and three, looking perfectly in control of what he’s doing as he moves down the line.

“So here we got the one who’s using Eddie’s cheat sheets right...”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


All eyes on him, the roadie moves to the 225 lbs. stone, taking a breather before tackling his last obstacle in the challenge. Hooking his paws against the smooth concrete, he hoists the heavy ball on his thighs then convincingly pushes it up - slightly struggling to drive it onto the pedestal, but managing to overcome it with a hard push of his rear delts. The group gasps in surprise, then breaks into a small applause as Andrew pumps his fists in celebration - knowing well he could have probably lifted more.

“Andrew wins his bet!” Ludwig addresses the heaving polecat. “And just so you know... you’ve scored the best among all the contestants this far, which means…”

“YEE-HAW, BABY!” the polecat interrupts the host, predicting what he is going to say.

“...you’re safe for this round and through next week, go sit with your fellow competitors!” Andrew can’t stop beaming as he joins the rest of his team on the bench, looking at the loud hog badger making his way as the last individual challenger.

“So, the hog’s last in the pig pen to face the trial. I need to think well of what number I’m gonna say, I need to have ‘em squealing, not smirking. I’ve lifted some pretty fat pigs in my life without help, so this is manageable.”
~Greasy Z, 29, Hog Badger, Automobile Mechanic


“Time to bust some balls…” the hog badger chuckles as he comes on stage, winking at the safe crowd for good measure, before looking over at the different stones.

“Zakee, our last to face the gauntlet. What number will you bet on?”

“Mmmhhh…” the mechanic ponders. “4 sounds good, right? Right?” he says, trying to get some kind of hint from Ludwig.

“I don’t know, you tell me,” the host chuckles.

“Cuz size wise, looks like a cross between Bertha and Biggie-Not-Smalls...” Z quips, to the amusement of his host and the laughter of the winning team. “My pigs, and I mean… they’re not made of concrete, but on some days, they might as well be!”

“So…” Ludwig addresses the hog badger, as soon as the laughter has died down. “Is four your final choice?”

“Yuh-huh, yuh-huh,” Zakee confirms, working some circulation in his arms before squatting low over the first stone, waiting for the host’s nod to start loading.

“I sometimes wonder how it is in that hog head of his… Must be an acid trip, maybe a literal one.” *snickers*
~Michael, 35, Wolverine, Blacksmith


“Ready… GO!” Ludwig calls, the bleached-haired mustelid immediately springing forward and lifting the first stone as if it weighed nothing. With a single, coordinated push, he brings the heavy ball onto his haunches and up to its platform - inhaling sharply just as he moves onto the next, which he wastes no time in lifting in a similar fashion.

“Man, he’s tearing through this...” Crispin says, a grimace of surprise lining his muzzle as Z completes the third lift - roughly in the same time it took Chayne to load a single ball.

“No doubt he’s supposed to be here,” William replies. “All that farm work must have gotten him somewhere…”

The mechanic pays little attention to the crowd. After wiping his paws on the front of his shorts, he crouches on top of the fourth stone, gripping it tightly and pushing his shoulders together as he focuses on the task at hand. With a loud grunt and some added effort, he manages to lift the weight on top of his legs - readjusting his grip before exploding his hips forward, the motion helping to drive the heavy stone up. A second later the ball is resting on top of the pedestal, Zakee screaming with glee, jumping on one spot.

“Zakee… Zakee,  I’ll let you know this,” the host tells the giddy hog badger, soon as he’s regained his composure. “You have not just won your bet, but you scored the best time and weight out of ALL the six fellas!”

“What the…” Z’s mouth falls open, the profanity stuck in his throat. “YES! Hot damn, yes!” he screams, pumping his fist as he dashes towards the bench with his fellow mustelids, noting the elation some of the guys were in.

“So, Chayne, Andrew, Greasy Z, you live to fight another day, you can go join the winners up there...” Ludwig says. “Arron, Kenneth, J.J., it’s not over for the three of you. You have failed to fulfill your bet, and therefore you’ve been put at risk. At the same time, though, only two competitors are meant to go to the duel, hence a tie-breaker round is needed. The three of you will be competing at the same time, and who manages to lift more stones in a minute will be safe from elimination. Give us a minute to set up...”

“Everything’s going according to plans. *Eddie is shown looking over at Kenneth and Arron who are comforting each other in preparation for the next round* Eddie’s here to show everyone here how this game is played. And y’all better believe this ain’t changing anytime soon.”
~Eddie, 32, Giant Otter, Demolition Foreman


“Hey, J….” Eddie speaks up as the next phase is taking shape, production assistants wheeling in two additional sets of stones and pedestals.

“I don’t know if I can do it...” J.J. mouths towards Eddie and Crispin upstairs.

“You gotta watch your shape...” Crispin replies. “Use your rudder to add to your strength as you push the stone up...”

“Like support?” the curly-haired challenger asks in curiosity.

The two big otters speak up with their advice, gesturing towards the smaller lutrine. “Yes yes, just from the bottom-up, use your whole body t-”

“Hey...” John approaches Eddie and Crispin from behind, immediately shutting the two busted otters. “Don’t help… your fucking competition...” he says between gritted fangs.

“I’m fucking pissed now. I don’t think it is a surprise that the otters are teaming up to take us badgers out, but this is getting ridiculous.” *the badger is shown glaring daggers at Eddie and Crispin* “It’s now clear that either Arron or I are going to the duel, and if we get fucked up because they are conditioning one of theirs, it’s on. Eddie, that little curly-haired minion of yours is gone.”
~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor


“J.J., hug it from the sides, not the diagonals...” Eddie says to the smaller otter, which prompts the CrossFit instructor to flip the bird at the winners’ bench.

“I don’t think Kenneth gets why he’s the unpopular kid in the playground. No one came thinking Ken was an ass, he’s just proven himself as such. But if the ganging gets to his head and causes him to trip, all the better for the rest.”
~Crispin, 29, European Otter, Bouncer


“Okay, for a spot in the top ten and safety… Arron, Kenneth, J.J., you ready?” the host asks, all three challengers letting out a nodding grunt as they straddle their stones. “GO!”

The crowd cheers as the mustelids jump forward, hunching their backs and exploding their hips to drive the stone up. The two badgers are quick to complete their first load, while J.J. fumbles his lift and lets the ball drop.

“Rudder! Use your rudder!” Eddie shouts from the sidelines. Despite the fanfare from a large part of the safe group, it’s clear the curly-haired lutrine is struggling to keep up with Arron and Kenneth, both badgers already on their way to set their second stone.

“I… I can’t do this…” the triathlete mutters under his breath as he rolls his own stone back into position. Letting out a grunt, he grasps it from the sides and stabilizes his body by leveraging against the ground with his muscular tail.

“As much as I’m trying to give all I got, these two still got fifty pounds and a whole lotta lifting experience on me. I can win them anytime with this…” *pokes at his temple* “...but I’m out of my element here, admittedly. Going against them so soon after our first try is short of assisted suicide.”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


Eventually, J.J. manages to complete his first lift, just as the two badgers pull through with the third almost at the same time.

“Thirty seconds, and the badgers are on their fourth stone, we got a race to safety now!” Ludwig shouts, as Arron and Kenneth move to the fifth stone on the row, clearly exhausted and struggling to set the heavy boulder on the site.

“Five… four… three...” the mustelids loudly yell the countdown, CrossFit instructor and firefighter hitting the end in a photo finish as they both set the fifth stone on the plinth, collapsing on the ground afterwards.

“Five stones in a minute is already a pretty tall effort. I knew Arron would push me past my limits, but a badger needs to set his priorities straight and I’m not going in the duel tonight.”
~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor


“Great effort guys,” Ludwig nods. “J.J., you will be in the duel. As for you two, Arron, Kenneth, both of you lifted the fifth stone, but one of you missed the buzzer when placing it, therefore it only counts to the fourth. Kenneth...” he pauses.

“Come on...” the badger mutters under his breath, Arron looking on the ground, trying to remain expressionless.

Ludwig continues. “You beat the buzzer, you’re safe...”

“YES! Go fuck up someone else today!” Kenneth instinctively points at the otters above, panting in an adrenaline rush. “You can do this Arron...” he whispers into the firefighter’s ear, pulling him into a close hug before making his way up to the winner’s bench.

“Arron, J.J., this means you two are our next duelists. One of you is going to go home tonight,” the host recaps, turning towards the otter and the honey badger. “Go get some rest, we’ll be meeting up in a few for your Duel.”

“I can’t believe I’m among the worst for the second time in a row. I ain’t got nothing against J.J., but at this point it’s either slay or get slain... Once I get out on that field, I’m gonna put all my strengths into dominating him. It’s just how it is.”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

“I did not come here to lose. I’m as every bit of a beast if not more than anyone here, and I will prove it by knocking Arron down and keeping otter strong. Nothing personal, it’s just Alpha.”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE #2, “Stake Your Claim”

1st: Greasy Z
2nd: Andrew
3rd: Chayne
4th: Kenneth
To the Duel: Arron, J.J.

***

6:00 PM

Sun is about to set as the contestants walk back into the arena, setting on the grandstand with excited looks on their faces. Some torches have been lit around the field, two large cube-shaped cages having been placed at the start of what seems to be some sort of course marked by flags.

“Let’s bring in our duelists…” Ludwig announces. “Arron, J.J., come in…”

The two contenders walk into the area, eyes taking in the scenario as they stand in the middle of the field, facing the host and the crowd of safe mustelids above.

“Welcome...” the host says in a soothing voice, “...to the second Duel of this season. Both of you have come a long way to prove your status against the pack, but have failed to do so thus far. This is your last chance to stay alive and earn a chance to strike back at ‘em.” Sea otter and honey badger nod along, standing defiantly side to side, not daring to shoot a look at their opponent. “Your task is called Cube Roll, and will test your speed, cunning and tenacity. You’ll both get locked in each of those cages, with a small bag containing six numbered balls.”

William leans on the tail in awe. “This is some Hollywood stuff...”

“On my go, you’ll use all your might to roll your cage down your path. Around each flag you’ll find a landmine with a Roman numeral on them, which you’ll have to neuter by placing the ball with the corresponding number in. Once you’ve put all balls in, you’ll turn around, work your way around the path and get to the starting point, where you’ll have to write in the entire combination of numbers to detonate the final landmine. First one to set his firework bursting wins the challenge and keeps his spot, while his opponent will become the second eliminated from American Mustelid Alpha. All clear?” Both mustelids nod. “Well, then let’s get started…”

“I don’t want to be tooting my own horn, but I think I might have a chance against Arron in this challenge.” *the otter is shown strapping on a helmet and knee guards, some players in the grandstand watching him with apprehension* “If I keep up with him in the physical section, I can blow past him once the mental part kicks in. Hell, he might not even know how Roman numerals work…”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager

“Now the deal is - that cage looks pretty tiny, and I’m 6’ 2” of honey badger stud.” *Arron flinches as he’s forced inside the small cage, having already put on his protections* “J.J. got a definite advantage here, but I’m stronger and more agile than him, so my focus is onto getting that cage to roll like nobody’s business. And once it gets to the combination - otter might feel he’s the smartest here, but I ain’t no dumb jock.”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter


“Arron, J.J., you ready?” Ludwig yells. “GO!”

Otter and badger slam into the wall of their cages, struggling to move it at first as the structure refuses to budge. Arron is the first to get the hang of the challenge, having more brute force to slowly tackle the box towards the first mine. Even with taking the time to get the first cue ball prior to moving his cage, J.J. has to lunge his body more to make the cage move successfully.

“This thing weights like ten fucking tons, what even? I’m slogging around, trying not to crack my neck in the process, and surely, as soon as I get the ball number one, I see Arron is farther. I can only hope he slips sooner or later.” *Arron is shown putting his second ball in*
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


Both mustelids have different systems at play. What J.J. lacks on pure strength he makes up in wits, having the right ball on hand for the next mine, based on the number he can see on the stop in front of him. However, the honey badger is a lot more effective in moving the cage around, easily succeeding in gaining an edge over the triathlete. Pretty soon he’s tumbling his way into the farther edge of the course, where the other three mines are. “Great job, dude!” Kenneth urges him on.

“J.J. is a smart cookie, but when it comes to dragging himself to the next stop, Arron is no doubt the one who’s slaying.” *the badger is shown giving a hard push to the wall, the momentum of his fall helping him to drive the cage forward to a double roll*
~Chayne, 28, Beech Marten, Bartender

Even with his body cramped and sore, each breath more strained than the prior, Arron is quick to put the ball in the fourth mine - making his way to the fifth in much less time than it took J.J. to go from one side to the other.

“Wait, this is the… darn it!” the honey badger rummages into his bag, looking at a ball marked ‘IV’, immediately reversing and pushing back to the mine he just left.

“So, I’m done with the fourth station, I quickly make my way to the next mine and I see number six. I look over and realize... I mixed the numbers, this is number four, not six.” *camera pans on the fourth station, focusing on the wrongly placed ball in its lodging* “I left ball six over there, I need to make my way back, and what I ain’t got right now is time.”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

“A major setback for Arron, he is making his way back!” Ludwig shouts, to the shock of the group.

*the camera focuses on an otter looking at the scene from above* “I’m in complete shock. How are you going to mix numbers like that? No, no, dumbass. Have you never owned a watch? Have you never been in school? Come on now…” *facepalms* “J.J. can not just gain ground, but he can surpass you, easy.”
~Crispin, 29, European Otter, Bouncer

An exhausted J.J. makes his way to the fourth mine, putting the score at four to three in his favor. However, Arron is right on his tail, rolling the cage at a breakneck pace with little regard to his own safety. Kenneth and Michael openly cheer as the firefighter reaches the fourth station, quickly switching the ball he put in earlier with the correct one before turning around and dashing towards the next.

“Keep pushing, J!” Eddie screams as the younger otter takes a short breather, lying on his back within the cage, clearly exhausted from the ordeal. The two contenders are neck and neck as they reach the fifth station, Arron pulling in the lead again shortly after as he makes the most of the double roll technique. J.J. is doing whatever he can to keep up with the honey badger, but it is clear he’s overpowered strength wise.

“Soon as I’ve put that XI in, I turn around and sprint towards the final station with all the fire I got left in me. I need to nail the combination before he gets there, otherwise I’m done.”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

Arron starts rolling the cage forward, covering the distance with a few hard tumbles just as J.J. is about to reach the sixth and final mine. The honey badger uncovers a six-digit combination made of six rotating discs, each spinning with the numbers from 1 to 15. “Alright then…” he mutters under his breath, immediately starting to spin the discs. Within seconds he got a combination in place, the camera zooming in on the six numbers as the grandstand is watching with bated breath. “LUDWIG!” the honey badger screams, thinking he’s got it right on his first try. But nothing happens.

“Arron’s got it wrong!” the host roars, much to the white-and-black furred mustelid’s frustration. “This could be the opening J.J.’s been waiting for!”

Up in the grandstand Greasy Z elbows Crispin, struggling to contain his excitement. “He’s so gonna fuck it up, dude…” the tall otter comments.

The black-and-white furred mustelid is clearly panicking, testing different combinations to no avail just as J.J. starts tackling the final stretch - utterly exhausted by the ordeal but fueled by the knowledge his opponent is in real trouble.

“I’ve got like...14, 2, 9, 4, 6 and 11. I’m 100% sure these are the numbers I started with, but the order isn’t right for some reason…” *the camera focuses on the badger frantically pawing at the lock, then on the landmine Arron messed up earlier on* “No way I’m going home because of some stupid numbers…”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

“You got this, J.J.!” the giant otter screams, as the triathlete manages to tumble his cage forward with a double roll. He’s mere inches from the starting line now, the honey badger feeling the pressure more and more as he hears his rival thudding his way forward.

“I can almost feel J’s breath on my neck, when suddenly I realize I was about to make the same  mistake twice.” *camera shows Arron switching 6 and 4 around* “There we go!”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

With one last, decisive push, the otter positions his cage under his own combination - just as soon as a bright, fiery flare shoots up to the sky, marking Arron’s victory.

“ARRON WINS THE DUEL!” Ludwig declares, the honey badger bowling over in the small cage, heaving intensely as he throws out his protections. Immediately, Kenneth jumps up in elation, most of the crowd politely clapping at the beaten lutrine as he climbs out of the cage, a disappointed scowl marking his usually cheery features.

“I gave this all I got, and if I’d been given a chance to tackle the lock I would have had it down in a heartbeat.” *J.J. is shown shaking paws with Arron* “Guy’s a fuckin’ bulldozer. He messed up the balls, he messed up the combination, yet he still won. I can honestly admit he proved his Alpha worth in the toughest way, so kudos to him.”
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager

“Arron, congratulations, you have survived this Duel to fight once again,” the host says to the exhausted honey badger. “Go back to the rest of the group now…”

“Thank you Lord… Thank you Jesus.” *Arron makes his way up to the bench with the rest, sitting down* “All I want is to have the chance to prove why I deserve to be here, and this gives me the fuel to fight and keep going. I want to win this more than ever.”
~Arron, 28, Honey Badger, Firefighter

“Oh, Jordan,” Ludwig muses to the dejected, curly-haired otter. “I’m pretty sure you were written off by many you left behind, but you can rest assured, you’ve got it. Unfortunately, this is the end of your AMA journey.”

“Thanks, Ludwig,” J.J. says, walking forward to shake the host’s paw. “I’ll always be thankful to you and the team for giving me this chance. Too bad it didn’t last longer, but these guys know what they’re doing…” he says, motioning towards the ten surviving furs on the grandstand. “Can I go say goodbye, Lud?”

“Sure, go ahead.” the host nods.

“Having J.J. leaving is a kick in the gut. No matter what people may think, he did keep up with all of us and exceeded everyone’s expectations.” *the otter is shown hugging his fellow competitors one last time before heading off* “They’re going to make it sound like he needs to be happy with leaving this early, but I feel he had a lot more in the tank than what he could display.”
~William, 34, Least Weasel, Personal Trainer

“Bottom line? The otter clan is one rudder down, while us badgers are standing strong. If I was those two…” *camera pans on Eddie and Crispin* “I’d be careful writing us off, that’s all I’m saying. You tried to play us, but look who got bit in return, bitch.”
~Kenneth, 24, American Badger, Roofer/CrossFit Instructor

“Eddie, Cris… give ‘em hell for me too, alright?” Both otters nod. J.J. looks up at the safe bench one last time. “And for nine of you, where you see me, is where you will be,” cockily told off the rest of the mustelids. “Godspeed to y’all.”

*takes a deep breath* “I won’t lie - I’m putting up a strong front, but I got TONS of shit to say at the moment. Not being able to get in and prove my worth in the team challenge really crippled my chances out there, and now they can walk around and say they were right in dismissing me.” *the otter is shown packing his stuff back at the mansion, a bit of a scowl lining his features* “But what matters most is that I got this experience and got the most I could out of it. I’m 5’ 7” and I proved I can compete with these goddamn Hulks, what more could I possibly want? Besides the quarter million, of course…” *chuckles*
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager


“To the ten of you, listen up.” Ludwig looks to the rest of the competitors. “The more of you leave, the more arduous the challenges will get. If you manage to keep your head above water, you may survive, but only the real Alpha will succeed in his goal. Go back to the Burrow,” he says, the group quietly filing out the grandstand.

The otter is about to walk out of the bedroom, suitcase in tow, when he suddenly stops in his tracks. “We can’t let them forget about J.J. Bolkema, can we?” he smirks, opening the bag and fishing out his signature Colorado Triathlon shirt he walked into the competition with. His features distend into a grin as he tosses the garment over his bed before leaving for good, closing the door behind himself.

“Dad always said, make sure you leave a lasting impression. And I’ll be damn sure these guys know the mistake they made by targeting me this early. The Alpha game continues out of here, and I promise I’ll keep being at the top of it.” *grins confidently*
~J.J., 25, Sea Otter, Construction Project Manager

***

DUEL #2, “Cube Roll”

Arron defeats J.J. and eliminates him from American Mustelid Alpha.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Ep 3, Part 1 || Archives || Ep 4, Part 1

While five mustelids are enjoying a sumptuous Italian reward, the remaining six are once more getting ready to battle in order to escape elimination. The next set of challenges will test them mentally as much as physically, changing the game for good and adding the dynamics of strategy to the game we've gotten to know. One contestant in particular is looking forward to exploit such factor for his own gains - will it pay off? And who will be the next mustelid to bite the dust?

Again, thank you to all of our readers and supporters! Please keep watching, faving and commenting with all of your thoughts on the episode :)

Episode 4, "Tooth And Nail", will be out on Tuesday, January 19th and Thursday, January 21th!

Mature for mild sexual themes.

American Mustelid Alpha is the brainchild of HeadQuarters (the joint project of Qovapryi and Harlow). All mentioned characters belong to them both.

Keywords
male 1,108,962, gay 139,763, furry 103,900, males 41,610, straight 40,035, otter 33,501, muscle 27,994, muscles 15,879, muscular 14,277, clean 10,220, ferret 9,608, mustelid 8,412, badger 6,383, abs 6,336, weasel 5,667, alcohol 3,983, reward 2,920, stoat 2,099, pizza 2,039, story series 1,751, stud 1,737, marten 1,623, slice of life 1,492, wolverine 1,465, hunk 1,377, mustelidae 1,273, character development 1,266, challenge 1,230, stone 1,136, beefcake 1,002, ermine 815, alpha 718, competition 710, tv show 592, television 565, sea otter 500, honey badger 450, sex ed 341, sex education 321, polecat 301, duel 274, studs 227, ama 212, american badger 139, hottie 126, mustelids 124, alpha male 88, european otter 86, strategy 84, hunks 68, least weasel 62, reality show 58, giant otter 53, reality tv 39, american mustelid alpha 36, hotties 29, beech marten 23, european polecat 23, hog badger 20, reality television 18, beefcakes 15, strongman 13, individual 11, individual challenge 8, alpha males 5, smarts 3, italian food 2, stone lifting 1, cube roll 1, italian pizza 1
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Published: 3 years, 2 months ago
Rating: General

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