IF IT FEELS GOOD, TASTES GOOD, IT MUST BE MINE ooc. for reference, he is roughly 4 months old, closing in on five, and is about half of his adult height, so 20" give or take an inch He was tired of playfighting! He wanted to learn the real thing! It didn't matter that he was too small or always falling over himself like papa always said. He wanted to learn how to fight, and he was going to make someone teach him! Whether he had to take the lessons by force, and show off his might, was up to his unwitting teacher. He skidded to a halt near the swollen creek, staring resolutely at its raging waters. He'd had his moment here, watching the thunderstorm. He'd come to one conclusion: he would make God proud, and be a mighty warrior! Better than his papa, and better than his mama! He would wear his scars proudly, as trophies of victory! Lifting his head, he unleashed the loudest, most fearsome howl he could muster. Compared to his last summons for a teacher, this was far stronger. Not that it was all that powerful, all in all. He was still a skinny, lanky pup, without his brother's bulk. Thin and reedy from the moment he was born. Flexing his muscles, he scuffed the dirt beneath his paws. Stomped like a raging bull, ready for battle. The young phoenix fluffed up his fur so he would look rough and tough, and no one would doubt how strong he was. Tail flagging high over his hips, and head held proudly aloft, he scanned the surrounding area for his new teacher. "Speech" <

A forceful howl lifted Malleus' head. He cocked it to the side, his curiosity evident to any who might be looking. That sounded like one of Kaine's boys. Whichever one it was, he was certainly a child Malleus was going to keep an eye on now. He was only a few months old and already he was taking the initiative to better himself. That made him, in Malleus' mind, a promising prospect. Arriving on the scene, Malleus looked the boy over. He stood straight and proud, and exuded the Abraxas spirit. Although he wasn't much to look at now, all spindly legs and soft, childish features, Malleus was hopeful. "Who do you think you are," he began gruffly. "Demanding your betters do your will?" He was curious as to what answer the boy would give him.

IF IT FEELS GOOD, TASTES GOOD, IT MUST BE MINE A titanic form forced itself through the tangled foliage, steeped in ash and charcoal. The young Abraxas felt the ground quake beneath his paws far before he heard the giant approaching. It were as if the ground were trembling with fear at what was to come. When he arrived, he was nothing less than his approach alluded. Where Mephistopheles was a radiant ember, Malleus was cinders. A reminder of something long burned to the ground. His cerulean gaze neraly matched the child's own. This man was titanic, corded with thick muscles and dripping with confidence. Everything that the young pheonix wished he would grow up to be. "Who do you think you are," he said in a deep, warning tone. "Demanding your betters do your will?" Though experience said he should apologize, he would rather be beaten into submission than display a pitiful soul to this goliath. Instead, the boy lowered his tail. Papa said it was better to do if you weren't ready to fight with whoever you were meeting. Holding his head high still, he stared this strange man in the eye. He smelledd very faintly like that nice golden lady who let him explore. "I am Mephistopheles Aman Abraxas." A mouthful, but he had a reason. He wanted the world to know his name, soon enough. How would they know, if he never introduced himself? That was another thing papa made sure he knew. Always introduce yourself, if you want someone to know you, and remember you. "I need to learn to fight! And bring glory to our name! For the Fallen God!" Really, the boy was just shouting until something stuck. Whatever it took to get this soot marked male to teach him everything he could learn, that was what he offered up. He didn't know his motives fully, except that he wanted to bring glory to his family. "Speech" <

The boy's words and manner brought a ghost of a smile to Malleus' lips. He was a smart kid, but it was clear he wouldn't allow himself to be cowed easily. That was good. A healthy respect for superiors was important, but there was a difference between being respectful and wilting like a picked flower in front of a superior. In response to the boy's other statements Malleus nodded. "If you keep after it like this I have no doubt you will do just that." He studied the boy for a beat, then said, "I'll teach you." While it was Kaine's place to lay a firm foundation, the Abraxas were only as strong as their weakest member and that meant that Malleus was obligated to do his part to see the boy to his full potential. Each member had something to offer the boy, some bit of knowledge or skill, and Malleus would be remiss if he chose to pass this opportunity up. "Tell me, what has your father taught you?" He didn't want to repeat something the boy already knew.