In the aftermath of the meeting by the Spire, V-Onyx-Three came to realize several things. First, he was surprised at the sight of how many Forge members there were, and how many he didn't know. Sure, he may have seen them around here or there but he definitely had a long ways to go when it came to actually knowing them. Thinking about it now, it was possible he might know more gembounds from beyond the Forge than within it. Perhaps that was not the most reassuring thought.

Second, Ruby- no, Scion now, had earned itself a name. V-Onyx-Three had learned very well from the sandworm punishment from Vargas of the importance of teamwork. But he had also gained from the entire ordeal a kind of friendly competition with Scion and he was determined to win. Of course this was not only for the sake of winning. Such kinds of competitions were useful motivations to improve. Though they were self-disciplined enough to continue pursuing training without external pressures, this was out of habit from a younger age when it had been because of external pressures. Plus, an additional nudge was always welcome.

Third, there was the task of Canis to be patrolled. And he wanted, needed, to be useful. He had been too busy focusing on training to realize that it meant nothing if he could not actively apply it. Sure, he had done some patrols to cleanse Order here or there, but nothing of major significance. This was a good chance to contribute and get to know his fellow Forgemates. Canis was his next goal, or at least his next goal after the one step he had added in-between.

Next, transcendence! No no, that was much too much excitement to place into that thought. Transcendence. A necessary step to ensure that he would be strong enough to protect in any drones they may come across. V-Onyx-Three had thought this through very very well. He was eager to have more to do outside of Draco.

But there was also the half-step before that. He had asked Vargas if he was open to a spar before he set out to attempt to transcend. He needed to make sure he was ready, and that he had an opponent who he could try to his best again. With Alek and Tourmaline and others he had had to hold back. And with Helion-- well they had both gone too far. Emotions had gotten the best of them. This would be the perfect balance of both sides, not to mention he was sure it would be a valuable learning experience.

V-Onyx-Three waited in the general area for Vargas to arrive, armed with bow and arrow. He had warmed up a bit before this and was now preoccupying himself with running through future plans in his mind.

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas had a long list of things he'd had to do. The meeting had been, in part, a matter of delegation: sending others off to do the work of the Forge. That was its purpose, though; he wasn't shunting responsibility onto others. That was just their task. But his other work--speaking to V-Chaos-Eleven, and orienting V-Chaos-Thirteen--had come next. And now, at last, he strode from the shadows of the deeper cave and arrived before V-Onyx-Three.

"I apologize for the wait," was his greeting, with a deep exhale. "There is much to do. But now I have time. You wished to spar-?" he asked, tipping his head a little to one side. "May I ask--why with me?"

He was curious. Surely it had a better relationship with The Sentinel, who was specialized in such things. But why challenge the Leviathan himself? He didn't find it foolish--he wasn't so arrogant as to think he was unbeatable, even. But more to the point, V-Onyx-Three was not a stupid creature. He was, if anything, clever in Vargas's mind. Thoughtful and controlled, unlike many. That made Vargas curious, because it meant he had a reason--a real reason.

And Vargas could not think of what it might be.

@V-Onyx-Three (there i fixed it O.o wtf did i DO)

He dipped his head, "I appreciate your time Master Vargas." Vargas was always busy, and V-Onyx-Three was surprised when he had agreed to his request for a spar. He would take as much advantage of this opportunity as he could. Though the time had been allocated for this, that only meant he needed to prove that it was time well spent. But then came the question--

V-Onyx-Three blinked. All four of their eyes. Of course, this thought process was completely clear in their own mind, but translating it into words was something that took more effort. And the fact that Vargas cared to know why... why was he asking? Demand to know whether this was a regretful usage of time? A question of why he hadn't chosen anyone else when surely they too could fit this task? What was being implied!? Surely through all his experiences V-Onyx-Three would've improved upon his communication skills by now. Instead, he came to the conclusion that it was not in any accusatory manner which really didn't help much. He would give a truthful response either way.

"Yes. I sparred with many gembounds. Skilled opponents, but I hold back. I can not push myself." He paused here. A thoughtful pause. That phrase was true to even The Sentinel, who he felt he could spar with but could never bring himself to truly harm as he would in a true fight. He cared too much. Of course he cared. Even during the incident with Helion he had never wished a true death upon it. Chrysalis would save them as it always did.

"I need to know I am ready. Master Vargas... I request your permission to do my best. Live or die I will learn from a Master." They wondered if they had said too much. Or too little? Was this justification enough, and would he really allow them to fight as if it were real? It was implied that Vargas was someone who he felt comfortable going for killing blows against-- but only because there was no doubt in his mind that he would lose. He planned to lose. But he did not want to Vargas to feel the need to go easy on him. V-Onyx-Three was determined to fight to the death today if it meant he could truly push himself to his limits. He needed to know he deserved what he had. That his rank was not for nothing, and that he would be able to protect the Forge against Order when it came down to it.

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

He'd been listening curiously--and that's all it was, for all of Onyx-Three's fear of asking: curiosity. Vargas wished to know his motives; that was all. But the mention of "live or die" had him laugh--once, abruptly and sharp, too genuine and too surprised to cover it.

"Die?!" he demanded. "No, I think not. We won't be killing anyone today." He considered stating the obvious: that he didn't think it necessary to nearly kill V-Onyx-Three in order to win. That Vargas wouldn't have to fight at his strongest to subdue him.

That would be mean, but moreso, it would be arrogance. He didn't underestimate the power of a good weapon, and good training--and luck. Luck was always a factor. "But yes, if you wish to challenge yourself--to know your limits--I will of course help. It is an admirable desire." He paused, thinking, but beyond this there was little he could think to add. He wasn't asking Onyx-Three to hold back, at the very least--but he could pull his own punches, if need be. He certainly wasn't going to kill the creature.

"Come. When you are ready," he invited, easygoing. He himself was already turning to make space, limbering up with shakes of his limbs and brief stretching.

@V-Onyx-Three

They flinched at Vargas' sudden laugh, ears pressing back against their head for a moment. Darn- wait- no- it was alright, they hadn't said anything wrong. It was a good thing that Vargas felt the most could be made of this spar without death on either end. V-Onyx-Three hadn't been sure, but he was glad to have at least brought up the option to know for sure that this would still be of equal value despite it. "Thank you Master Vargas. I will do so."

And so all was said. He too backed up to create space, though he guessed that distance was an advantage he'd be able to take advantage for perhaps a few seconds at most if he were lucky. Looking at Vargas now, the sheer size of the being instilled into him the same feeling of fear-- but also excitement. This was a challenge. An opportunity. The adrenaline in anticipation of what was to come filtered into his senses. His mind cleared of attempts at further conversation, narrowing into analysis of what weaknesses and strengths to consider. Vargas was a big target, and he should try to shoot him while he could, before he would need to resort to close combat which he would not have the advantage in.

He nocked an arrow. But where, where to aim? He drew back the bowstring, hesitating. V-Onyx-Three had full permission to do what he wanted but it still felt wrong. Struggling to push back his nervous impulses, he aimed at one of Vargas' eyes, outstretched arm shaking. Aim for the weak areas, the senses. Then it would be much easier to do the rest. And eyes? He knew they bled, and hurt, and sight was most certainly an important asset. He loosed the arrow.

Round: 1/?
Attempt: Shoot one of Vargas' eyes
Defense: Thick fur, spikes
Injuries: None

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas, somehow, had been imagining combat that was, if not hand-to-hand or claws, a melee weapon. He'd forgotten that the bow V-Onyx-Three carried was not for show; that it was his new main weapon. The moment the creature began to draw the bow, to nock an arrow, Vargas realized he'd need to adapt.

There was time yet to rush in, to put pressure on V-Onyx-Three. First, though, he'd do his best not to lose an eye. Of course, he didn't know that's what Onyx was aiming for. He had the sense to shield his vitals, at least; one arm came up before his head, and his hind end half-curled so that his abdomen was not too exposed.

The shot, though, punched right into the space between the spines of his arm; while his wide eye placement was useful for expanded vision, it did provide more targets for a practicing archer. He had time to see the bolt with its sharpened head fling itself for his face--and then his vision was punched out there, the arrow skidding over hide and eye and lodging itself deeply in the meaty flesh just above. Any fletching would protrude, but acid blood welled and dripped, and the guttural, sharp inhale of breath was enough indication of sudden pain.

Vargas did not speak, but it also wasn't clear if his eye was flat-out gone or just injured; either way there was a torn wound along it and above it that would most definitely scar.

Round: 1/5?
Attempt: Block with an arm/spines
Defense: None
Injuries: None

@V-Onyx-Three

V-Onyx-Three hadn't really believed that the arrow would actually land-- but was it because of luck, or did he merely catch Vargas off guard? He couldn't tell how much damage it did, even with the crushing enchantment, he wasn't certain if it was a complete or partial blind to the eye. Either way, this did not change the fact that Vargas had many eyes, and this was probably not the best strategy given the short window of opportunity he had to loose more arrows.

He nocked another arrow in a fluid motion, almost unconsciously, guided by muscle memory. Meanwhile, his mind flicked to a memory of his first lesson ever. The Sentinel had told him to strike for weak points, which included joints. Joints... the arms were probably a easier target than the legs. This time they aimed for the shoulder joint-- yet there was no denying that he had yet to fully shake off the nerves. More than that. A feeling... of doubt? V-Onyx-Three was realizing that it would take much more than brute strength and basic strategy to make a noticeable impact. Just landing hits willy-nilly as had occurred with the sandworm had worked despite its massive size. Even though he had somewhat succeeded in his earlier attempt, it was not nearly as big of a crippling blow as it might've been against any other opponent.

Thoughts were not welcome in this moment but now that they flooded in they wouldn't stop. Their fingers slipped from the arrow too soon, before they had breathed, and readied their aim. It would go flying off in a completely harmless direction.

Round: 2/5?
Attempt: Shoot at the shoulder joint
Defense: Thick fur, spikes
Injuries: None

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas didn't make a sound, though his attitude toward the spar had gone from almost playful to deadly serious. He still had no intention of causing serious harm to V-Onyx-Three, but it was clear that the child (no longer a child!) wanted a true test, a real challenge, not for either of them to pull their punches. Which--admittedly, he'd said as much directly. But now, with one eye squeezed shut and dripping chartreuse acid, the urgency felt far more real.

As Onyx-Three nocked another arrow, Vargas leapt to one side and then charged in. He threw his weight behind a punch, aiming for the hybrid's upper left leg. It wasn't necessarily his intention to break bone, but if it happened, it would heal: he did, however, want to knock him off his feet and potentially keep him there. It was a calculated move: Can he shoot while unable to stand?

Round: 2/5
Attempt: Cripple Onyx-Three's left leg
Defense: None
Injuries: EYE

@V-Onyx-Three

Dodge? Or fight back? He couldn't let himself be forced onto the defensive-- dodging this one meant giving up the chance to retaliate, and opening himself up to continued pressure. V-Onyx-Three readied himself against the inevitable blow.

CRACK!

Pain exploded through his left leg. What felt like fire radiated from where the thigh bone had been broken, searing sensation growing in intensity as the milliseconds ticked on. By the time they regained controlled of their senses, V-Onyx-Three found themselves on the ground, still clutching their bow. Despite knowing it was coming, the suddenness of which it happened, in which the gap had been closed and punch thrown gave little time to process the event.

Their thoughts were leaving them. Only instinct and muscle memory remained.

Using their tail to prop themselves up against the ground, they drew another arrow from the quiver and nocked it into the bow. Pulled back. Aimed at the throat.

So close in proximity now, surely this wouldn't miss? Couldn't miss?

But what if it did? He had never attempted anything from this angle before. He had never been stripped of his mobility.

Released.

Shoot.

Round: 3/5
Attempt: Shoot Vargas in the throat
Defense: Thick fur, spikes
Injuries: Broken left leg

@Vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

Vargas came in fast. He was flinching, at least internally, from what he'd thought was the sound of a snapping bone. His focus, though, was razor sharp on the fight itself. V-Onyx-Three was--somewhat admirably--still trying to shoot him. He's able, then, Vargas thought, a fleeting and distant bit of knowledged tucked away for the future.

He pressed the attack, just as he would were this a real fight for his life--or the Onyx's. A lunging stride inward, as an arrow shot harmlessly past, and he aimed to grasp the bow and wrench it from the Onyx's grasp. He wasn't sure if Onyx-Three could fight without it; if Vargas would get blasted by magic, or a physical hit, as he made the attempt. And he wasn't trying to break the bow, either, just take it away for now.

Would that only be a minor setback? Or would it leave V-Onyx-Three helpless?

Round: 3/5
Attempt: Wrench the bow away
Defense: None
Injuries: yo his eye is all fucky tho

@V-Onyx-Three