They had their spear, they had their 'armor' (which was really just a few deer pelts stretched over their chest to provide a bit of cushion from any blunt blows), and they had their feathers woven perfectly into their quills. They were ready.

"AND FIRST INTO THE RING IS... THE MIGHTY MAXIMUS!!"

Oh that was them!!

Maximus drew themselves up and grabbed their spear, clutching it one hand tightly as they smoothed back their quills. It was now or never.

They took off at a jog to the doorway, bright light streaming in and nearly blinding them as they ran out onto the sandy grounds, their throat clogging with nervousness as they saw all the gembounds gathered to watch them fight.

’Maybe I should have just been a medic,’ they thought, doubt welling up. They dashed the thought as quickly as it came, their brows set in a frown. They couldn't think that way, especially not now when it was too late to turn back.

After a deep breath and a shake of their head they raised their spear up instead, eyes shining with determination. They remembered what Giggle said, her words of wisdom she spoke without even needing to speak to the bones. But they weren't here to make Vargas proud, not anymore. If they were making anyone proud, it was themselves and Khavur.

No... they were here to fight. And they were here to win!

With a battle cry shouted into the air of the arena they turned, slamming the butt of their spear down and facing the doors where their opponent would emerge. With a determined grin they set their stance, ready for whatever came out of those doors.

Maximus looked upon the lion and swallowed. A worthy foe, that was for sure. But they had training and this gembound in front of them simply had instinct, since they doubted there was anyone out there as experienced as their teachers had been. He turned with the beast, studying it intently before it or them attacked.

’Identify weakness and strengths,’ they thought, and looked Melinoe up and down, ’A thick mane, most likely hard to get through, so aim for tendons in the hind legs and arteries in the armpit and thighs. Big claws, big jaws, avoid both... it's eyes. I can blind it and confuse it.’

Immediately Max had a plan. Blind the beast and create an advantage for themselves (aside from the obvious). They fixed their grip on their spear and swung a foot out to kick up dust and sand. Of course it didn't reach the lion's eyes, only making a cloud between them, but it was a start.

They would only get better from here.

The lion lunged and Maximus jumped too, forward and with their feet lifted. There was absolutely NO magic allowed, but they were built to be a weapon without it anyway, so a weapon they would become. A kick to the face with the equivalent of rocks tied to your feet would certainly hurt, that was for sure.

Their legs were built for running, being those of a bipedal being and an addax. Their exercise and training in Pegasus meant that on top of their natural strength, the corded muscle that layered their body gave them even more strength to their movements.

As their leg shot out to slam right into Melinoe's face, they just hoped it didn't break anything. At least they had the means to heal it afterward if the lion let them.

Maximus looked out into the stands for a moment with a look of distaste on their face. They knew how to fight, they didn't need to be backseat... gladiator-ed from the stands, thank you very much.

"I'd like to see you come in here and do this," they mumbled under their breath, not recognizing Elayne and not really caring. She could shut her piehole for all they cared.

But if she wanted blood, they'd give her blood.

Maximus snarled and roared at Melinoe, their first ever bellow that sent blood flying from their mouth from opened scabs. Their tongue was a mottled, ugly mess, but it hadn't stopped them before and it certainly wouldn't now. With that they lunged, their prowess with a spear unmatched as they spun it about themselves and used the momentum to propel it forward towards the lion.