Mocha

'Cause I'm having a good time

Mocha seemed unsure, trying to decipher his companion's thoughts and actions as it just... sat there. The link was handy when it came to understanding the otherwise incomprehensible thoughts of lessers, but he wasn't yet used to using it. Nori seemed alright, for the most part, but he was definitely tired out. The blow had shocked him more than anything.

"He is okay! Just worn. Your friend has so much energy! Nori just wants to sleep." He laughed, reassuring both Pride and himself. He sent some encouragement along the link too, a last attempt to have him try just a little longer. Time was almost up, and then they could rest.

Seemingly reassured with the knowledge that soon it would be nap-time again, as it always was in the lizard's mind, it fought to catch its breath and slither through the puff of dust. With one last mighty effort in the last few seconds of the battle, Nori slithered up alongside the hare and thwap! his tail made contact with Mischief's flank. It was not the crack of a whip, but rather a somewhat gentle smack in retaliation for the whole being crushed thing.

Mocha cheered as Nori's feeling of pride was received down the link, eagerly awaiting Mischief's final move. "It's so close! I wonder what the judge will say!" His tail wagged violently, and he turned his hindquarters away from Pride to avoid repeating what his lesser had just done. He liked his new little friend, and he was glad that they had bonded so well in such a short time. Did lizards like water? He hoped so.

ROUND 5/5

ATTEMPT: tail slap!
DEFENSE:
INJURIES: kicked and crushed

@Pride

Pride couldn't help a surprised laugh escaping him. "Relatable," he replied, eyeing the little reptile with amusement. They weren't the sort of creatures to run all day, with massive bursts of energy and short lifespans, were they? They seemed the sort, instead, to lounge and laze in warm light and hide away in the dark.

He'd become distracted, though; Mischief was bolting for the thing after having been knocked back in the dust by the tail slap, doing something he'd seen her do in play: lifting up on her hind legs, using her forepaws to aim a flurry of boxing-like strikes at the reptile. Careful! he warned again--her claws could be sharp--but her amused dismissal rang along the link. She knew; she was being careful, and he was just fretting too much! Mischief was having fun.

red deer img credit - dan seagrave

ROUND 5/5

ATTEMPT: boxing mode
DEFENSE: x
INJURIES: bitten and slapped

@Mocha

(we can gm tag for a fight judge after your post maybe?)

Mocha

'Cause I'm having a good time

Mocha giggled at the comment, nodding in agreement. "I do like a good nap!" Mocha was more like the hare, in truth, a ball of nearly endless energy. When it ran out, however, Mocha slept like a log, impossible to wake.

Mocha snort-laughed at the spectacle as Mischief began to 'box', two front paws jutting out in a flurry of fluffy blows. Nori was stunned by the sight, he could tell, but was unharmed save for some bruising that would surely heal in a few days. "You have quite the friend!" He giggled again, simultaneously sending reassurance through the familiar link. Nori had some fun, but ultimately was glad that the fight was over as the buzzer sounded. He wasn't a very active creature, and would much rather not have to participate in another race or battle again if he could help it. Mocha's praise had been enough motivation for the day, but the creature was making it quite clear that there would not be a next time.

That is okay. Mocha reassured. You have earned all the naps you want. He smiled at his new friend, excited for all the adventures that they would have together. He had not been given the most useful creature, but it was of little importance to the sharkdog. Just being there was enough. Mocha didn't like to be alone.

ROUND 5 recap

ATTEMPT: x
DEFENSE: x
INJURIES: kicked, crushed, punched

(And now they await the judge!)
@Pride

Character: Nori Age: n/a Magic Level: n/a ROUND 1 Attempt: +20 Penalties: - ROUND 2 Attempt: +19 Penalties: - ROUND 3 Attempt: - Penalties: - ROUND 4 Attempt: - Penalties: - ROUND 5 Attempt: +12 Penalties: - Total: 51

Character: Mischief Age: n/a Magic Level: n/a ROUND 1 Attempt: +15 Penalties: - ROUND 2 Attempt: - Penalties: - ROUND 3 Attempt: +16 Penalties: - ROUND 4 Attempt: - Penalties: - ROUND 5 Attempt: 14 Penalties: - Total: 45

WINNER: Nori

Nemean's spotlights, music, confetti and fireworks all taken together were a little... much. At the moment, volume seemed to be favored over substance. Everything flashed and roared, blared and drummed. The thundrous applause that most definitely did not belong to the sparse audience filled the space, and the spotlights fixed on Nori.

"We have a WINNNNERRR!" Nemean's voice called, and if it were possible, everything got even louder. "WELL FOUGHT, not enough blood, but that's fine--JOKING. I'm joking! ...OKAY! Strike a pose, Nori! -It was Nori, right--okay now clear the platform! Who's NEXT?!"

---

Nori has won the battle, with a final score of 51.

This battle's win/loss magicka can be claimed as usual in Magicka Market, but will not appear in the characters' activity logs. Both characters may now exit; no post order is required.

@Pride @Mocha

He could feel Mischief's cheerful query: had she won?

Oh, how to break the bad news..? Nemean's voice had crowed, declaring the other one the winner, and so he quickly tried to cover that. It was about having fun, Mischief. There's no real winner.
A mental snort of amused derision greeted this. There was some disappointment, some annoyance--it rankled her--but not too much. She was atop his armor a moment later, scrambling into place, not so much as a nod goodbye to her opponent.

Pride was not so rude.

"It was good to meet you," he said, addressing both Mocha and Nori both. He dipped his head low, pale antlers gleaming as he half-bowed.

Then, as instructed--and with a glance up toward Nemean--he did indeed 'clear the platform.'

red deer img credit - dan seagrave

exit Pride! (unless stopped! but feel free to tag me for visibility?)

Mocha

'Cause I'm having a good time

Mocha congratulated Nori mentally, of course. He would not rub their win in the other's face, that was just not who he was. Nori seemed pleased enough with itself, but was mostly just excited for the battle to be over, sliding off the stage instead of 'striking a pose' as it had been requested.

You did so well, Nori.

He turned to the deer, now already walking off, to return the sentiment. "Good to meet you, too!" He called after the deer, simultaneously trying to waddle out of the way of the next contestants. Nori was already asleep again, this time laying around his neck like some strange necklace.

He really was proud of the lizard, and in some way, he was proud of the hare too. They both fought fair, and Mischief seemed to take the loss well enough, or so Mocha assumed. It had been quite the eventful day, though, and so he did not feel bad watching a new friend walk away. He was ready for a nap himself.

/exit
@Pride (vis)