A sharp exhale left him as the momentum of the tackle knocked them both to the ground. But it worked. He almost hadn't expected it to. Unfortunately, going for a shoulder tackle to the legs meant he wasn't in a position to land follow-up attacks on the upper body, especially with all those arms in the way. The most important thing to do now was to either keep Azrael on the ground or land some attacks on his more vulnerable areas.

The weak points were in range, the strategy now was to exploit them. Whereas V-Onyx-Three had chosen to sacrifice defense for offense in taking previous attacks head-on, he was careful now to try and deflect any further injury.

He raised an arm in response to Azrael's half-fist flying towards his shoulder, deflecting the attack along his forearm, which stung from the impact, but mostly diverted the force away. Then, he attempted to quickly follow up with his other free arm, using a fist to try and punch Azrael in the gut.

@Azrael

ROUND 4/5

ATTEMPT: Deflect and punch in stomach
DEFENSE: Spikes
INJURIES: Bruising across upper body and back, light bruising on forearm

The onyx was well-trained, although in the moment Azrael didn't much appreciate it, roaring with rage as his attack was blocked and immediately followed up with a brutal punch to the gut. The air was forced out of his stomach from the hit and for a moment he was stunned, but only a moment. As soon as the instant shock was gone he was reaching to grip at the canine-valkhound with a snarl.

He gripped what he could hard, losing himself to the fight, and then with all the force he could muster, thrust his knee up right towards the stomach that was helpfully right near his legs, to jab it right beneath his ribcage and throw the Onyx off of him.

@V-Onyx-Three

ROUND 5/5

ATTEMPT: knee to the gut
DEFENSE: none
INJURIES: fell :( currently has a very spiky dog on top of him, stomach hurts

Relief coursed through him as the punch landed. Finally, finally something was working. But the fight was coming to an end. He had deflected Azrael's first attempt at an attack, but the close range meant he was easily within reach. V-Onyx-Three felt his opponent grasp onto him. Having no opportunity now to dodge, he tried to lift a leg and lower his arm so that they could block a direct hit into his stomach.

The strong impact of Azrael's knee hit him with such force that V-Onyx-Three fell backwards. The breath was knocked out of him as he hit the ground. At least his stomach was free from injury, even if it were at the cost of bruising on his leg and arm where the elbow had contacted instead.

Even though none of his injuries broke the skin, the countless bruises he sustained throughout the battle had worn on him. Was this the end? Had he... lost?

ROUND 5/5

ATTEMPT: Use leg and arm to block
DEFENSE: Spikes
INJURIES: Bruising across upper body and back, light bruising on forearm, bruising on leg and arm

[Origin Cave]

Character: Azrael Age: +5 (73 Cycles) Magic Level: +7 (Transcendent Master) ROUND 1 Attempt: +10 Penalties: - ROUND 2 Attempt: +20 Penalties: - ROUND 3 Attempt: +9 Penalties: - ROUND 4 Attempt: +4 Penalties: - ROUND 5 Attempt: +20 Penalties: - Total: 75

Character: V-Onyx-Three Age: +5 (28 Cycles) Magic Level: +5 (Champion) ROUND 1 Attempt: +5 Penalties: - ROUND 2 Attempt: +8 Penalties: - ROUND 3 Attempt: +9 Penalties: - ROUND 4 Attempt: +9 Penalties: - ROUND 5 Attempt: +14 Penalties: - Total: 55

WINNER: Azrael

The final knee against Onyx-Three succeeded in getting the wolf off of him and Azrael was quickly scrambling up to launch himself again, continue the fight, eyes blazing from the battle's adrenaline, but there was cheering now, from the stands, heralding the end of the fight. Momentarily confused, Azrael turned his head and glared, but realization came moments later. It was over. He won.

He took a breath and looked back at the onyx, forcing his muscles to relax. "You fight well." He stepped forward and reached out a hand, to offer the warrior help back to his feet, if he wanted it. "I would fight you again, without restraint." There was a burning satisfaction in him, that he had won this fight, but it left something to be desired. Too many rules here, too much..."no hurting each other." That's not how Azrael liked to fight.

This fight, however, had felt good to win, and something heavy and powerful roared in his chest at his victory. He looked forward to winning all the rest.

*exit, unless onyx-three talks to him more

@V-Onyx-Three