Okay, that last match had been super duper fun! Hunter really didn't want to go up against another huge opponent without some kind of weapon, though-- obviously, not anything that could really hurt anyone, but... He didn't have teeth or claws, nor any sort of big powerful tail or spikes or... Really, he was just a furry little noodle that could stand on his hind legs.

"Hey, judges?" Hunter called as he reached the arena, holding up a long stick (which was technically a spear, he had just taken the pointy end off of it so it was more like a staff) above his head. "Your call, but like, can I use a stick? I swear its not got any pointy ends, see?" He was hopeful. Technically, there wasn't anything in the rules against it.

"No offense, but if I have to fight a big tiger with spikes and stuff, I just think it's, um... a little more fair? I don't mind if someone else uses a weapon, too!" Actually, wait... Hunter didn't know who his next opponent was. "... who's fighting me, anyway?"

He hadn't seen anyone yet, and bicolored eyes searched the crowd for who was joining him as he hopped down into the arena.

@Morpho
and also whichever judge @Eythan @Tupu @Aran wants to make the call

Eythan thought he was hallucinating when he watched an entire mantis strolling around the arena earlier. Just... an oversized bug. He didn't have any qualms against insects, but it was - just a sight to behold.

Finally (finally!) settled into a comfortable seat, the spotted gryphon stared down at the kid and his spear. Ah, wait, the stick, as he called it. His ears swivelled around, tail flicking. He blinked slowly. Then, he picked up a set of talons and waved them dismissively, "sure, kiddo - seems fine t'me?" There wasn't anyone else here to tell him no, and... watching little Hunter cling to a triangle-headed monster's tail for dear life wasn't on Eythan's shortlist of favorite things to watch.

"Uhh, I think you're fightin' - Morpho? The big bug." Bright eyes scanned for the creature.

If he'd shown up, Eythan continued, "keep it clean and don't go breaking any bones or skin. Have at it 'til you hear a honk. G'won."

Morpho had seen various gembound- some even rivalling his size- around the arena, and had assumed he'd be fighting one of them.

The small fuzzy two-legged thing standing before him, however, he HADN'T been expecting.

The gigantic insect had arrived right after Eythan mentioned him, and he listened to the hybrid respectfully as he continued his speech. His gaze remained of his opponent- a mix of curiosity and not really knowing where else to look. Though, a giant, silent bug staring at you would likely come off as threatening more than anything else. When Eythan finished, he nodded in understanding- not that he had been planning to seriously hurt his opponent, anyways.

Oh, it was time to start fighting!

Morpho was somewhat stumped as what he should do. He was used to swift catching prey- but this was different. He wasn't sure if he could even use his claws, for fear of accidentally drawing blood.

But, he could use the not-sharp parts, right? He attempted to lash out with his claws, aiming to hit Hunter with the smooth, blunt part of the claw. The hit- should Hunter not be quick enough to dodge- would land on their right shoulder. Not very hard, probably not even hard enough to knock them off balance, but a decent whap.

coding by wulf for template purposes

Round: 1/5
Attempt: Bop!
Defense: Tall
Injuries: ---

@Hunter

Morpho?

Hooooooooo boy! That was, uh, a really big bug! Did bugs talk? This one didn't seem to, though, maybe he would if Hunter said hi? "Hi there! Let's have fun!" He grinned from ear to ear, fur bristling slightly with unease at the size of his opponent's huge mandibles and long, fuzzy legs. He tried not to be too creeped out-- that'd be rude!

The bug threw forward the blunt side of his claw, and Hunter reacted as quick as he could, stumbling back a step. It was a good thing he had a stick in his hands, because he was pretty sure Morpho could outreach him otherwise, and...

It made for a good thing to put between him and the giant praying mantis! Hunter threw his stick up, holding on tight with both hands, and used it to block the strike from his opponent. The stick jarred in his hands at the sheer strength of his competitor compared to him, but at least it did the trick. He was going to have to be creative... How did you fight a bug bigger than yourself, anyway? At least a cat he was familiar with the biology of, but a bug?

@Morpho

Round: 1/5
Attempt: block the boop with stick!
Defense: having fun like a kid with a pretend sword
Injuries: ---

"Morpho!" Shouted a tiny voice from the midst of the stands. It was hard to see her. And even harder to see her as anything a small, purple fruit, or a chip off an amethyst. She sighed, and hop scuttled closer, dangerously close to the fighting. She hung off the wall closest to the center. Pip, completely disregarding any rules. A full blooded anarchist. "Morpho! It's me! Pip!" She waved her forelimbs in the air, with legs gripping the stone. She wanted to give a pleasant chiming. A victory song, perhaphs. But all that came out was a dull thunk. She nearly leapt from her stone in shock. Nevermind that.

"Go Morpho! I'm rooting for you!" She cheered, in lieu of her song.

She was kind of into the stick Morpho's opponent was waving around. Pip wanted one like that. She made a mental note to pick one up when she got the chance.

“Hello..” He rumbled, his voice likely deeper than expected for a bug (though to be fair, it was a VERY big bug) He wasn’t exactly unfriendly, or reluctant to talk, but more just distracted. His one-track mind was already focused on winning the fight.

The stick struck against his claw and internally frowned, pulling his claws back. His head tilted slightly, trying to decide what to do. Eventually, he just decided to do the same thing as before, but with BOTH claws. It was more like a shove than a punch at this point, but at this point Morpho had completely forgone his usual hunting style in favor of abiding to the rules of the match.

However, he completely missed, and stumbled forward as a result- a good opening for his opponent. This was also the exact moment he noticed Pip, which certainly didn't help. Few things could break his one-track focus, but Pip was one of those things. "Pip!" He greeted happily Where did you go? he wanted to ask, but... this wasn't really the best time for small talk, Instead, he quickly turned his focus back to the fight. Talking was for later- wrestling was for now.

coding by wulf for template purposes

@Hunter
Round: 2/5
Attempt: Push em!
Defense: Still Tall
Injuries: ---

Hunter didn't mind that his opponent wasn't much for small talk-- hey, his sister wasn't a talker either! In fact, if anything, it made him grin twice as hard when the bug rumbled a hello, his tail wagging behind him. He ducked under the next lunge from the mantis, and his ears pricked as Morpho grew excited. Pip? He could hear someone small squeaking a cheer for Morpho, and that made him all the more excited. That must have been Pip!

This big bug must have been a good guy! Hunter was eager to prove himself against his tough, but frankly kinda really cool opponent, as he tried to take advantage of the moment. He swept his stick low toward one of Morpho's legs, but he missed the bug entirely, too.

"Oops!" The anthromorphic mustelid started to laugh, stumbling across the arena, eyes lighting up as he tried to regain his footing. Okay, okay! They were going to have a fun match, for sure!

@Morpho

Round: 2/5
Attempt: sweep the legs with his stick!
Defense: having fun like a kid with a pretend sword
Injuries: ---