ORIGIN

Were Vargas a different being, he might have bellowed on and on about how Orthoclase was turning down the Overseer's grand offer, etcetera etcetera. But as it was, he was himself and he did not care--it didn't affect him. If he wanted her aid later, he'd come back and demand it. As it was, she'd done what he asked--and well--and he just dipped his head at her and shifted his attention to his creation.

Vargas grunted in acknowledgement of Alpha's words, and then launched into a commentary of his own.

"A true fight will always, despite skill, hold some element of luck! A lucky strike; an unlucky trip. Finish it quickly, decisively. On your terms. And then luck won't be a factor--as well it shouldn't!--and neither will be your own exhaustion," he added dryly. "So that is a good lesson learned, as you say: do not let the fight drag on. Your weight will be an advantage, yes--in most fights. Use it. You will not always have the option to 'not let' your opponent use weapons. If they start with one you cannot take it away from them. Weapons are a powerful thing, and it would be wise to learn them--perhaps from her!--so that you can learn how to counter them. You have six limbs. If you find a way to lean back, to wield them, it may do you good, but swift movement and fierce weight is also good. Your weapons are here," Vargas added, lifting a hand to display his own six claws, "and here." He reached out to lightly flick one thumb against Alpha's teeth, or jaw, at least.

"But weapons add momentum! Length, to the swing. Has your balanced changed, at all, as you've grown? Do you think you can stand as she does?" and he nodded off toward the departing Orthoclase.

Vargas grunted his acknowledgement--venom was good, yes. He briefly leaned over to inspect Orthoclase's plates, and nodded once.

"Spar? Yes, of course. You're diligent; that's good. Keep improving yourself. If you do, let me know how it goes or bring me to watch, if you can." He paused, and then stood, indicating that he was likely about to leave--or to accompany Alpha back, perhaps. "Thus far, you are the most capable and diligent of all those created with you. You are doing well, and should I be asked to cull all but one child you would be my choice to survive. Continue your improvement, and you will be a worthwhile Champion," Vargas told Alpha, bluntly.

High praise, indeed.

Granted, much of the rest of the whelps were useless, or near-so, but some he did hold in some regard, nevertheless. Beta, while of fine physical form, was lax in developing it; Garnet-Delta had an excellent attitude, but he hadn't seen it around enough to know how well it had improved. On that front--"Tell Garnet-Delta I would speak with it, incidentally--I need to see how it's gotten along."

With that Vargas turned to go--whether Alpha accompanied him, and kept chatting, or not.