The taste of blood still lingered on his forked tongue, though whether it was his enemies' or his own, he could no longer say. He had returned overall victorious from the battlefield, but there was no triumph in his heart. Only a hollow emptiness that gnawed at his insides like a ravenous beast. He had reveled in the challenges. Losing some, winning others. But now, in the cold light of home, he felt only a creeping sense of unease.

Was this all there was? An endless cycle of violence and death, a futile grasping for glory that slipped through his claws like sand? He had proven himself time and again, carved a bloody path through opponents. And yet, the gnawing fear of inadequacy still plagued him, a festering wound that refused to heal.

He needed more. More power, more control, more everything. Only then could he fill the yawning void within himself. Xairo stalked through the shadows, his movements fluid and predatory despite the injuries that marred his powerful frame. The throbbing ache of torn flesh and bruised muscle only fueled the dark hunger that coiled in his gut.

"Xairo Saxe"

He was just returning from a failed hunt when the scent of blood moved through the breeze, and not just any blood, but Xairo's. Sure, it could be anything, but the scent of his family's blood always made him worry, not that he'd ever admit it or show it.

Changing course, he followed the scent until he saw the familiar blue hulking frame of his not-brother. He seemed well enough, besides the obvious injuries. Nothing life threatening, nothing to worry about. Other than the look on Xairo's face anyway, something was on his mind. Approaching from the side, his pace slowed into a walk as he looked over the injuries marring his brother before falling into step beside him. "I trust you left them looking worse," he teased with a light smile playing on his lips. "What's on your mind?" he asked a moment later, the smile fading from his features as he glanced over at him while they walked.

Speech ─ Think

─ by Skelle !

Xairo barely registered Dracun's presence as he continued his restless prowl through the valley. But of course, he couldn’t help but let out a low, mirthless chuckle at Dracun's attempt at levity. "Of course I did," he growled, his voice rough and grating. "They were weak. Pathetic. Hardly worth the effort. Certainly not worth my time."

He flexed his nails, relishing the dull ache that radiated through his battered body. The pain was a reminder that he was alive, that he could still feel something beyond the suffocating emptiness. Dracun's question hung in the air between them, an unwelcome intrusion into his brooding thoughts. Xairo's first instinct was to lash out, to shatter the fragile connection they had in the moment with bitterness and disdain. But instead, he bit down on his irritation, directing it inward.

"It's nothing," Xairo snapped, though the heaviness of his tone betrayed him. His eyes flickered to the towering rock faces that framed the valley, as if seeking answers within their stoic shadows. "Just... boredom." The last word was laced with a venomous edge, fueled by an impulsive desire to incite curiosity from his brother.

"Xairo Saxe"

Of course he did. It was a silly question to ask, but that had been partly why he'd asked it. Unless Xairo was willing to admit to a loss, anyway, but even if that was the case he doubted any sort of admittance. He didn't think his brother was lying though, there weren't many stronger than them all. Maybe he was a bit of a fanboy for his blue brother, but it didn't negate the strength and skill that their family had taught him.

He expected nothing less than a wall, however, in response to his question. He raised a single brow as he was snapped at before rolling his eyes with a knowing smile and shook his head. It was never nothing, certainly not now. And when he did finally get an answer, it was hardly a real one. Boredom? Well, that could be easily fixed with fun. There was definitely more but he wouldn't push, not now. Xairo needed to loosen up first. "Well, lets have some fun then. Wanna make a bet?" he asked with a toothy grin. "I bet I could beat you in a fight now that you're all beat up."

Speech ─ Think

─ by Skelle !

Xairo's eyes narrowed at Dracun's challenge, a dangerous glint flickering in their emerald depths. For a moment, he was tempted to lash out, to prove his superiority despite his injuries. But something held him back - perhaps the realization that such a display would only reveal his own insecurities.

Instead, he forced a smirk onto his face, baring his sharp canines in a mockery of amusement. "You think so, do you?" he drawled, his voice dripping with condescension. But even as the words left his mouth, Xairo felt a twinge of uncertainty. What if Dracun could beat him? What if his injuries had weakened him more than he cared to admit?

Xairo felt the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins, pushing aside the ache of his wounds. His smirk widened, becoming more genuine as he embraced the challenge. "Very well, brother," he growled, his voice low and tinged with anticipation. "Let's see if you can back up that bravado."

Without warning, Xairo lunged at Dracun, his powerful frame coiled and ready to strike. But even as he moved, he was acutely aware of the newly imposed limitations. His movements, usually fluid and precise, felt sluggish and uncoordinated. The torn flesh along his side screamed in protest as he twisted, attempting to grapple with the other brute.

"Xairo Saxe"

Xairo vs Dracun for Spar
Round: 1/2
Age: Under One Year
Size: Titan
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Leather armor
Defensive Battle Accessory: Ram horn headpiece
Companion 1: Annellated Coral Snake, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Raven, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Split pupils - perception
Mutation 2: Saber fangs - offensive
Mutation 3: Ram horns - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Expert Intellectual

Dracun smirked as Xairo fell for his taunt, his condescending words earning a wink from the red brute. Perhaps now would be the only chance he had against his brother and he wanted to make the most of it, without further injuring him anyway- Dracun didn't want to be the reason Xairo left here today worse than he already was, he just wanted the guy to loosen up a bit and talk to him.

As expected, Xairo wasted no time in charging towards him at full speed and strength. They were equal in size, though Dracun had some speed while Xairo carried strength. He was quick to dodge his attempt at a grapple, slinking beneath his grasp with his spine arched inwards as jaws turned and reached for the tender flesh of his the back of his arm just beneath his shoulder.

Speech ─ Think

Dracun vs Xairo for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: under 1
Size: Titan
Build: Light
Offensive Battle Accessory: Creepy Contacts - Perception
Mutation 1: Thick scruff - Defensive
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Intermediate Intellectual

─ by Skelle !

Xairo snarled in frustration as Dracun slipped from his grasp, the pain in his side flaring anew. He felt his brother's teeth graze his arm, and instinctively jerked away, his own jaws snapping at empty air. The near miss only fueled his anger, and he whirled to face Dracun again, his green eyes blazing with a mixture of rage and wounded pride. "Lucky dodge," he spat, circling his brother warily. His injuries screamed for rest, but Xairo pushed the pain aside, focusing instead on the burning need to prove himself. He couldn't lose, not here, not now.

With a roar that echoed off the valley walls, Xairo charged again, this time feinting to the left before abruptly changing direction. He aimed a vicious swipe at Dracun's flank, his claws extended and seeking purchase in his brother's flesh. But even as he attacked, Xairo could feel his movements growing sluggish, his reactions dulled by exhaustion and pain.

"Xairo Saxe"

Xairo vs Dracun for Spar
Round: 2/2
Age: Under One Year
Size: Titan
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Leather armor
Defensive Battle Accessory: Ram horn headpiece
Companion 1: Annellated Coral Snake, Female - Battle
Companion 2: Raven, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Split pupils - perception
Mutation 2: Saber fangs - offensive
Mutation 3: Ram horns - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Expert Intellectual