Scott needed no further encouragement. He took several steps back and sprinted toward the observation window.
He leaped through the wide opening and activated his size controls mid-flight. Growing to giant proportions in the air, he drove one massive foot into a rancor, launching the beast into an adjacent viewing platform.
Just minutes earlier, Cap had been struggling against this same rancor, which had managed to inflict serious damage on him.
He was breathing heavily, exhausted, and aching from head to toe.
This had been his daily existence for over a month, probably closer to two months based on the tally marks he'd carved into his cell wall.
Constant fighting.
Barely any food or water, and no proper rest.
Adrenaline had carried him through many brutal encounters.
But at the end of the day, Steve was still human.
Even with his enhanced physiology, he felt completely drained after every battle, nothing but pure exhaustion remained.
Sometimes his hands would shake at the end of each day.
Not that it was entirely negative.
He'd certainly gotten plenty of exercise.
He firmly believed, hoped, that when he finally left this place, he'd emerge stronger than before.
He just prayed his friends could find him and extract him from this nightmare.
Fortunately, as he stood over the defeated rancor preparing to face the new alien creatures released from their cages, the collar around his neck suddenly deactivated.
"What, "
Suddenly, the ground shook violently, and moments later Scott's giant foot stomped past him, launching the arena's newest rancor onto one of the stadium's viewing platforms.
Steve looked up in amazement and stared forward in disbelief. Seeing Scott towering above him, he smiled broadly for the first time in weeks.
"Hey, Cap," Scott's voice boomed down. "Sorry we're late."
Within moments, the rest of his rescue team revealed themselves.
Delta Squad discarded their concealing cloaks while the Avengers and Jedi leaped into the arena.
Sam took to the air, firing precision missiles at the alien predators, some moved too quickly to hit while others with thicker hides screamed in pain from direct impacts.
Anakin and Aayla charged forward with ignited lightsabers, cutting through Steve's remaining opponents with elegant efficiency.
Vos positioned himself alongside Khaleen, Boss, and Sev, who were engaging the guards now flooding into the arena.
"I believe this belongs to you, Captain America."
Cap blinked and turned to see Black Panther standing nearby, holding his distinctive shield for him to reclaim.
Steve smiled, gripping his signature weapon after so long without it.
"Feels strange to be without it," he said, securing the shield to his left arm. Then he looked at the others around him. "It's good to see you all again."
"Glad to see you're still fighting, Steve," came Natasha's familiar voice as she and Fixer appeared at his side.
"Nat," Steve said, looking over at the Clone Commando with recognition. "Fixer. Good to see you too."
"Honored to be here, Captain America," Fixer replied.
"The legendary Delta Squad here to help," Steve said with a smile. "Is Vos still driving you all crazy?"
"They enjoy returning the favor, you know," Quinlan said, having joined their group with the others.
Steve nodded approvingly at the Kiffu Jedi, pausing when he noticed a pale-skinned woman beside Vos.
"Khaleen Hentz," she introduced herself quickly.
"She's the reason we found you," Natasha added.
"Then I owe you the greatest debt of gratitude," Steve said seriously.
"Save it until we're out of here," Khaleen said with a grin. "Having the Avengers owe me a favor is excellent currency."
Steve shook his head in amusement, then hurled his shield forward with tremendous force.
The twelve-person team now fought as one, battling the numerous guards and violent creatures contained within the arena.
Complete chaos erupted both inside and outside the stadium.
As this unfolded, the operation's ringleader had completely lost his composure. Seeing pure pandemonium engulfing his arena, he frantically observed that all the enslaved combatants had broken free of their restraints.
"No! What the hell is happening?"
He desperately activated his communication equipment and contacted his superior.
"Boss," he said fearfully. "We have a serious situation!"
"What?" came his employer's bored voice from the other end.
"Avengers, Jedi," he said rapidly. "They're here. They're attacking the arena, and all the slaves have been liberated."
"You mean the Avengers?" his employer said with sudden interest. "I assume they're here to rescue their leader, Captain America."
"Yes, sir," the ringleader said in terror. "All the creatures have been released, and all the gladiators are in revolt. What should I do?"
Silence for several seconds, then...
"Release Gorog."
Those not engaged in battle against the freed gladiators and invading forces froze in shock and fear.
The ringleader went pale upon hearing the order.
"But the arena's containment systems haven't been properly tested, " he said in horror.
"Open Gorog's gate immediately!" his employer shouted. "Abandon that facility. Better not to linger over failure."
On the arena floor, Steve and his companions had been systematically clearing the area, defeating the remaining large alien predators.
By now, the arena was mostly secured, with all twelve standing together in the center.
The battle seemed to be concluding until they heard another gate opening, this one noticeably larger than the others, something Steve had always noticed during his fights.
The others quickly prepared for whatever emerged.
Initially, Steve relaxed when he saw an ordinary rancor lumbering through the passage. This wasn't his first encounter with such creatures, he'd just defeated one minutes earlier.
The group's relatively calm demeanor while facing this familiar threat shattered moments later when a massive three-fingered hand appeared, seized the rancor, and dragged it back into the darkness beyond the gate.
"Um..." Scott squeaked. "What was that?"
Seconds later, the rancor was thrown back onto the field.
More accurately, the torn halves of the rancor were hurled out, further staining the ground with blood.
"Not disturbing at all," Natasha said flatly as the group felt the ground tremor and an echoing roar emanated from the gateway.
"I have a very bad feeling about this," Skywalker muttered, genuine dread filling his expression.
The arena continued shaking as the approaching threat drew nearer. Moments later, a colossal creature emerged from the underground gate, releasing a deafening roar. Gray, leathery flesh covered its massive frame. Its head bore a metal plate scarred from countless battles, with chains attached to broken shackles. Four enormous fangs protruded from its jaws.
At this point, all remaining spectators fled the arena in absolute panic.