They were close now, the giant thought. Closer than they probably realized and he knew that this would not go well. He hid beneath the branches on the ground. As massive as he was, he had learned to hide pretty well. But the Regional Guard was well-trained and they might have infrared and heat-detection devices. Maybe. Maybe not. In any case, they would have guns. He prepared himself. He was ready to kill. He had killed many times before. Since he started running he had convinced himself that he wouldn't have to kill again. He realized that was just wishful thinking — just as unlikely as escaping.

A snap of a twig let him know they were coming. He prepared. From his vantage point he could see two Guards. They were young. He tried not to think about that as he held his breath. His hand clasped around his knife.

"Perimeter six clear," said the young guard’s voice speaking into the crackle of a walkie-talkie.

Good, no infrared, he thought. He would only have to stay put a little longer.

And then he heard the dog. Worse than infrared. It growled.

"Hold on," said the young Guard.

"What's up?" said the second Guard.

The giant sprang forward from the pile of leaves and branches. His fist connected with the first Guard’s face, sending him hurling toward a tree. A kick dispatched the second Guard. And a lightning-fast punch laid out the dog.

The giant rose. Soon they would bring more guards. And then they would bring Champions. He was running out of time. He was probably out already.