He growled as he was shoved to the ground, pinned under them. The pain coursed through his body at being slammed into the ground mixed with their claws against his skin, but he didn't care. No, this was everything he wanted.

He let out a shrill screech as he twisted under them, aiming to lay on his back so that he could kick up at them with his back legs, claws trying to shove them away while also using his front limbs to scratch and batter their chest as well.

ROUND 5/5

ATTEMPT: attacking with just a flurry of claws
DEFENSE: claws out, tail for balance, head down protecting throat, teeth bared
INJURIES: scratched, bruised chest/sides

@Shrike

Blocking was for wusses--unless it was cool. If it was a STYLISH maneuver, then it was impressive, flex-worthy. And it had occurred to Shrike before Moonsetter attacked just what Moonsetter was about to do.

She curled in, wings slamming down like shields--they'd take the battering instead, if she was quick enough. No vitals seriously damaged, or at least... mildly scratched or bruised, given the competition's rules.

For a moment she looked rather like a boxer on the ropes--if she'd known what either of those things were: wings folded before her, leaning in, body rocking to and fro with the kicks that Moonsetter was pummeling her with.

It was exhilarating.

ROUND 5/5

ATTEMPT: block
DEFENSE: spiky
INJURIES: battered!

[Origin Cave]

Character: Moonsetter Age: +5 (46 Cycles) Magic Level: +1 (Fledgling) ROUND 1 Attempt: +8 Penalties: - ROUND 2 Attempt: +12 Penalties: - ROUND 3 Attempt: +20 Penalties: - ROUND 4 Attempt: +3 Penalties: - ROUND 5 Attempt: +9 Penalties: - Total: 52

Character: Shrike Age: +5 (47 Cycles) Magic Level: +3 (Brawler) ROUND 1 Attempt: +20 Penalties: - ROUND 2 Attempt: +16 Penalties: - ROUND 3 Attempt: +3 Penalties: - ROUND 4 Attempt: +14 Penalties: - ROUND 5 Attempt: +11 Penalties: - Total: 72

WINNER: Shrike

@Moonsetter @Shrike

He was injured, but was absolutely loving this, wanting nothing more than to continue fighting, continue getting hurt and continue drawing blood. But no, it was now over, and he reluctantly pulled away, grumbling like a child that was told no.

His posture almost looked like he was pouting, even though his face mask never changed. He didn't care about his own wounds, didn't care about checking on his opponent's wound, but he would suddenly stick his face into their space, sniffing heavily.

He wanted to know their scent, lock it into his memory. He would find them again and would fight them once more, without these stupid restrictions.

He looked up at them with vacant eyes, not saying anything but seeming to wait for something before leaving just yet.

@Shrike

Shrike leaned back, eyes bright. She wasn't even sure who'd won, only that they'd fought enough for the match to be called. They'd exit, she'd wait to hear who was moving on--for now she offered Moonsetter a broad, half-mad grin, mandibles wide. "Good fight. Next time," she said, and that seemed to be a sentence in and of itself--a promise, maybe. Not one given with any malice.

She, too, looked forward to another bout.

@Moonsetter

They agreed to fight him again!

Yes yes, that was what he was waiting for, exactly that. Good.

With a snort that said yes, he turned around and slowly wandered out of the spacious fighting arena, content to go find something to eat now. He was hungry and sore and wanting to find something big to keep him full and curl up in the shadows and not be disturbed.

-exit-