It gasped as it was released, collapsing to the ground to message the burns around its neck. It cringed at the smell of burnt fur and turned to dip its paw in the river next to them, splashing it over its neck. "Damn, dude, is this how you greet everyone?!" It listened, barely interested in what he was screaming at it. It didn't give a shit that he thought it was cowardly. It knew it wasn't, it just had absolutely no interest in fighting when it didn't need to. This battle was pointless and it wasn't going to get injured and take it out of work when it didn't need to. "Fine, fine, I concede. You're stronger or whatever. Just...cut it out, alright?"

It turned as he crouched down, unimpressed by his display. "Why would I tell YOU. You're the one who attacked me. I'm not just gonna lead you back to attack someone else." It started scooping up cool mud and laying it over the burns on its neck. "If you must know, I'm building dens. Not that it concerns you at all. Fuckin crazy is what you are." But, then again, he kind of reminded it of Alpha in its early days, always ready for a fight, always pushing it around.

And as that thought passed across its mind, a thought flashed like a lightbulb. Maybe, if Azrael was steered right...he could be a real asset to the Forge. There were others that Beta knew were stronger then him and could put him in his place. Perhaps he valued strength - it should introduce him to Draconua or The Sentinel. Or even Master Vargas. He'd really be humbled then.

A smirk played across its expression. "Actually, listen. Uh...it was Azrael, right? I take it back - I'll take you to a good fight. But you gotta promise not to just start blowing fire everywhere."

The creature's nonchalant attitude was grating at Azrael's nerves and every moment it spoke had him clenching his jaw tighter and tighter, threatening to explode again any second. It was just...sitting in front of him, licking its wounds! He could tell that it was barely giving him the time of day, that it was just trying to continue on like he wasn't there and the refusal to acknowledge him, his challenge, and his questions, had him seething, so much so that heat and light started to pour from his orifices, the rumbling growl in his chest growing louder and louder.

He was about to lash out at Beta again when it turned and, at last, and gave him something useful. A fight - a better one then this at least - is what it promised him. He let himself cool down for a moment, glaring at Beta as the gears turned in his brain. He didn't like this creature - not one bit - and he'd attacked only to clear the sting of defeat that always gnawed at his heels like a piranha. But if it was being honest, that it knew of some kind of fight that would really make Azrael's blood boil, then he was willing to take the risk.

Still, there was mistrust. This creature had cheated and lied before, it would do so again. He held out a threatening finger to it and growled, "If you are lying to me, and this is some kind of trick or trap, I will not stop next time."

Beta stared up at Azrael, waiting for his response, wondering who it was gonna be that would fight the beast. Any of them would do, probably. Give him a fight to satisfy and maybe beat him as well. Would losing turn him away, or urge him forward? Same with winning. I can't predict this guy. When Azrael finally gave his acceptance, albeit with threatening warning (which Beta stashed in the back of his mind to remember later) it jumped to its feet. "Great, then follow me."

It glanced over towards the pile of mud brick mixture it'd made and decided to come back for it later. It wasn't an urgent matter and it didn't think Azrael would have the patience to help it haul all of it back to Draco. This was more pressing.

It started to lead the way to Draco, Azrael following behind, a silent guide and wondering if he was fucking up by showing Azrael the way. When they reached the exit of Pegasus, Ruby-Beta paused. For a moment, there was a flash of doubt. If he brought Azrael there and something went wrong, it would be the one to blame. It didn't care what happened to the demon, or really to most of the Forge, but Vargas would bring it all down on its head.

It turned back, a frown on its face. "Listen, Azrael. Where I'm taking you, there's gonna be a bunch of people, really powerful people, with status. You don't want to make enemies of them, okay? For both our sakes."

He gave a grunt, eyes flashing dangerously as Beta didn't visibly react to the warning. If it betrayed him, then it would figure out later what a grave mistake it would be. With a snort, he turned to follow the beast out of Pegasus. The cave he was being led to wasn't one that he had entered before, reclusive as he was. He glanced at the cat-like beast and wondered what tricks it had come up with to change its mind so easily. He didn't doubt that it had some ulterior motive, to flip around and change its mind in seconds, but the last few cycles had been so incredibly boring that Azrael was raring for some excitement. If it was a trap, he would enjoy tearing it to pieces. If it was a honest battle, he would relish the combat.

He paused when Beta paused, snorting at the comment. "You speak like I will make trouble. No, I only wish to fight a worthy opponent. Anyone not involved will not become involved." He crossed his arms. "Do not mistake me for a bloodthirsty beast. My blood runs hot and it has been cold for too long."

Beta only gave a short remark before leading the way out, and Azrael followed, quiet, but already feeling his blood beginning to simmer again. Whatever the outcome, at least it was staving away the boredom for now.

*exit

Ruby-Beta stared. He did realize that he'd attacked it out of nowhere, right? It wasn't involved in this at all, yet here it was with burns around its neck, leading him to Draco for someone else to take up a fight he'd started. "...Right." But, honestly, whatever his logic, as long as he didn't start trying to murder everyone in Draco or attack the Spire it didn't really care. And this was taking such a long time, and it was so tired by now it just wanted a fucking nap.

Shrugging, it turned back and led the way into the tunnel towards Draco.

*exit