The Fossa squinted, trying to blink away stars. The hybrid judge roared, putting an official end to the match, and calling out for a Medic.

Humiliation ran through the Fossa--how had he been so stupid? Hurting himself while fighting? 'Dumbass!' he scolded himself, immediately planning on going out and training as soon as he could.

He twisted to lay on his side, wincing (or blinking? he had never been able to figure out the difference when you have only one eye) at the shift of his shoulder. "I understand." he responded to Azizos, watching as the crowdog approached.

"Makes sense," he nodded, bracing himself before forcing himself to relax. It would just hurt more if he stiffened up.

The bear spoke, and Mongo spoke up, "You fought well, Sergei. This wasn't your fault, you deserve to go on."

@Oliver

Oliver nodded, and moved to gently take hold of Mongo's limb. It was just a matter of pulling it out, a little--slight but sharp--and letting it settle back into its own joint.

"--Sorry," he murmured preemptively, followed by--"It might come out again if you're not careful with it for awhile. Like, if you fall on it, or something." Vivid memories of two young catsquirrels far too rambuctuous for their own good played through his mind.

Once finished, he stepped back. Though his body language was still shyly submissive, his eyes searched Mongo's face hopefully. "Does that feel better?"

{Table code credit to Madison, altered a bit!}

Sergei watched and listened sombrely before giving Mongo a very serious nod.

"You fought with honor," he rumbled, and it wasn't clear whether he was reiterating the point, or if he'd forgotten that he'd already said this. "Thank you. I hope you will watch my other battles."

Why he wanted this wasn't clear; maybe it was some strange idea of a warrior's code that the bear had just come up with. Either way, he lumbered farther off, though he did turn and linger, ensuring that Mongo was not too badly wounded from their bout.

exit Sergei
@Mongo

Sorry, the crowdog said, and Mongo nodded, closing his eyes. He forced himself to breathe, despite the instinct to hold his breath, as Oliver tugged his leg back into place. It hurt, for a moment, but felt so much better when he was done. He rolled his shoulders, testing it, before offering Oliver a smile. "Much, thank you."

He was a brute, but a brute who had manners.

Looking to Sergei then, he returned the nod, "As did you." Sergei wanted him to watch his other matches, and so the Fossa agreed, "Wouldn't miss them for the world," and stood slowly, watching as Sergei left. He gave himself a once over, making sure that nothing was broken, before turning to Oliver, "Thank you again."

That done, he plodded over to where he had left the skull, and carefully put it back on, sliding his head into the opening and feeling it settle comfortably onto his shoulders. The familiar weight was welcome and, feeling much more in his skin, he was off, to watch the other battles.

=exit Mongo=