thinking "speech" "others" It seemed like it had been far too long since he'd taken part in a good brawl, and the phoenix was eager to stretch his muscles today. Late morning sunlight was beginning to lift frost from the ground, a light mist clinging to the terrain. His breath escaped in thin clouds around his muzzle. Cerulean gaze surveyed the landscape in search of anyone who might already be lurking about in search of a spar. When one wasn't immediately apparent, he decided to tip back his crown and call out for an opponent. Auburn banner sweeping loosely across his heels, he shook himself out. Loosen the joints, pull some cool air closer to his skin. It would wake him up a bit more before his fight. Seeking out a patch of open ground, he made a point of clearing any sharp stones out of range. What would be the point of a good spar if it was interrupted by a torn paw or an sharp rock to the ribcage? Common decency, really. This wasn't war, or a raid. Brutality and excessive force wasn't necessary. Finally, he stood in the midst of his cleared patch, casting his gaze to the horizon in search of movement. I GOT LIES TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN, WHEN MY SMILE PIERCES THROUGH YOUR BONES

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The Warlord was out scouting out prey movements not far from the Battlefield, when he heard the call of a wolf summoning a challenger. It had been some time since he had made his way onto that field, and taken place in a spar just for the sake of it. Lately, when he fought, it was to teach younger wolves the way of it. He grinned at the prospect of stretching his muscles and pitting himself against a total stranger. Ones whose strengths and weaknesses would be a total mystery to him.

He fell into a light jog, and made his way to the direction of the caller. He found the red wolf standing in a cleared section, waiting for someone to answer his call. “I will take up your challenge, stranger.” He said as he placed himself a small distance before the other wolf. “I’m Sirius Fatalis.” He introduced himself.

"Sirius Fatalis"

thinking "speech" "others" He was left without a long wait, and neither was he left disappointed. A titanic male loped into view, false scars embedded in the hues of his pelage mimicking the damage of claws over one eye. Eyes as brilliantly blue as his own locked with his, and the russet man found a shiver of delight racing up his spine. Those fangs were impressive on their own, and certainly would leave a mark on his hide. A lopsided grin slid onto his features, drinking in the majesty of a formidable opponent. A shame there was the stink of a woman already on him, impossible to miss. He would have loved to try his hand at winning his affections, for the reward would no doubt overshadow any of his recent conquests. “I will take up your challenge, stranger.” the titan rumbled coolly, settling himself a safe distance away on the other side of the patch of dirt he'd cleared. “I’m Sirius Fatalis.” he added before falling silent. Dipping his head in greeting, the grin never left his face. "Mephistopheles Abraxas, it's a pleasure." he quipped, and dropped his weight evenly across all four limbs. Toes flexed, weight shifting with the intent to better his odds of being able to dodge a bone-crushing tackle that the larger man might land. Skull lowered between his shoulders to protect his vulnerable throat, and tail curled tight between his legs to protect his vulnerable areas. He took the opportunity to read one of the cues offered by the man's scent, and flashed his teeth in a snarky grin "Age before beauty." he quipped mirthfully, leaving the floor open for Sirius to make the first move. Auds flattened against his skull, and he bared his fangs in preparation, muscles coiling with excitement. Mephistopheles Aman Abraxas vs Sirius Fatalis for Spar Round 0/2 Age: 1+ yr Size: Extra large Build: Medium Skills: Advanced Fighter & Beginner Intellectual Specialty: N/A I GOT LIES TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN, WHEN MY SMILE PIERCES THROUGH YOUR BONES

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I can't destroy what isn't there

The Warlord raised a brow in surprise at the given name. An Abraxas? Was he in some way related to Archon, who had tied his bloodline to the Warlord's found family? He dismissed the thought in favour of the more interesting approaching spar. He grinned at the reddish wolf's words. “Talent before brawn?” he quibed back slyly.

Already he was leaning his weight into his back legs, eyeing his opponent. He was larger than Mephistopheles, but he had less on him then most. He did not delay for any longer than that appreciative glance, before he was charging in. He was always a head-first collision type of fighter, and he aimed to slam his right shoulder into Mephs’s right, bringing them into close quarters.

Sirius Fatalis vs Mephistopheles Aman Abraxas for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: 1+
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Front leg bracers with knife
Defensive Battle Accessory: Back leg bracers
Companion 1: Black Vulture, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Snow Leopard, Female - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Spectacled bear, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Fangs - Offensive
Mutation 3: Thicker fur - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Bloodletter

"Speech"

thinking "speech" "others" Sure enough, there was no waiting for the first move. The large man kicked off with powerful hind limbs, closing the distance between them in a few long strides and approaching on his right side. Meph aimed to push off with his right forelimb and dodge the brunt of the blow, though a glancing collision still sent pain lancing down his side as the man's shoulder collided with the outside of his shoulder and the ribs behind it. Taking the full brunt of that blow would have likely taken the entire limb out of commission for a portion of the day afterwards. He sought to whip his skull to the side and sink his fangs into the meaty area just above Sirius' right elbow as he slid past. It wouldn't do too much damage overall, but there was the potential to throw the titanic man off balance if he got a good enough bite in. Next he threw his hind end around ninety degrees, pivoting around the front half of his body that was still very much trying to keep Sirius at his front. It all depended on where the ebony male stopped, that would determine how he might be able to attack next. The juggernaut of a man would certainly cripple him if he didn't play his cards right. Tucking his head back down between his shoulders, the phoenix stood his ground and waited for the massive man to round on him again for the next assault. Evidently he'd gotten in over his head a bit, and would be stuck on the defensive unless the older male left him a good opening. Mephistopheles Aman Abraxas vs Sirius Fatalis for Spar Round 1/2 Age: 1+ year Size: Extra large Build: Medium Skills: Advanced Fighter & Beginner Intellectual Specialty: N/A I GOT LIES TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN, WHEN MY SMILE PIERCES THROUGH YOUR BONES

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His opponent was able to soften the blow of the Warlord's landing, and the two wolves collided in close quarters on the cleared battlefield. He felt the brush of Meph’s teeth as they sought purchase on the Warlord's elbow. His thicker than usual undercoat provided some protection, but his opponent had found a spot where his fur was thinner.

Snarling at the feel of the other's teeth biting through his skin, he whipped his head around aimed to land his own jaws over that of Meph’s muzzle. If he was able to land the blow he would jerk his head to the side in an attempt to drag the others teeth away from his own skin.

Sirius Fatalis vs Mephistopheles Aman Abraxas for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: 1+
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Medium
Offensive Battle Accessory: Front leg bracers with knife
Defensive Battle Accessory: Back leg bracers
Companion 1: Black Vulture, Male - Battle - Boosted
Companion 2: Snow Leopard, Female - Battle - Boosted
*Companion 3: Spectacled bear, Female - Battle
Mutation 1: Cat claws - Offensive
Mutation 2: Fangs - Offensive
Mutation 3: Thicker fur - Defensive
Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter
Specialty: Bloodletter

thinking "speech" "others" It was a stroke of luck that he'd managed to catch his teeth around the upper elbow of the larger male, but that left him quite vulnerable as a result. The snarl of the massive man reverberated through his skull, and he could only squeeze his eyes shut against the attack that followed. Those massive fangs tore ragged lines down the side of his muzzle as they sought to pry his grip away, and he found them to be quite successful in their goal. Powerful jaws gripping the top of his muzzle, the dark titan wrenched his grip free with a swift jerk of his head to the side. Whether or not he left and scores in the flesh in his wake would remain up to chance, given the thick mouthful of fur that had been his reward when biting down. Having not been kept from his attempt to pivot his hind end ninety degrees around it was a bit easier to use his front limbs without toppling entirely. Snarling in outrage, the russet male struck out with his right forelimb, lashing out blindly with the goal of potentially knocking Sirius slightly off balance, claws outstretched to rake against the side of his front right limb, a few inches below the elbow he'd just sunk his fangs into. This was a losing battle from the start, but Mephistopheles was not one to go out without at least trying to leave a few marks behind to remember him by. He shook his head, trying to free his muzzle from Sirius' grip and any further damage beyond the torn flesh on the right side of his muzzle from those long fangs slicing cleanly through the tissue. Mephistopheles Aman Abraxas vs Sirius Fatalis for Spar Round 2/2 Age: 1+ Size: Extra large Build: Medium Skills: Advanced Fighter & Beginner Intellectual Specialty: N/A I GOT LIES TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN, WHEN MY SMILE PIERCES THROUGH YOUR BONES

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Sirius was a confident bastard who knew his own strengths too well. This didn’t often hinder him in the battlefield, but today, as he held the boy's jaws in his mouth and grinned, knowing the victory to be his, he was caught unawares.

He didn’t see Meph strike out with his forelef, and rake his claws along the still-healing burns that lingered there. Almost hidden beneath his fur. The injury had been caused by kicking down a burning door in his bid to save his wifes companions. Now, it served against him. The sudden pain ripped up his side and he howled, releasing his grip on Meph’s muzzle.

As the Warlord staggered, Meph shoved him back, and the Warlord relented. Panting softly from the pain still zipping through him. “Alright, alright, you win. You have a damn good right hook” he complimented his opponent.

"Sirius Fatalis"

And the winner is...

MEPHISTOPHELES

SIRIUS must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Sirius: Attack Roll: 4 Defense Roll: 68 Agility Roll: 74 Perception Roll: 32 Total: 178 Attack[4] + 115% Bonus[4.60]: 8.60 Defense[68] + 20% Bonus[13.60]: 81.60 Agility[74] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 74.00 Perception[32] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 32.00 Total[196.20] + 40% Bonus[78.48]: 274.68 Mephistopheles: Attack Roll: 86 Defense Roll: 86 Agility Roll: 24 Perception Roll: 80 Total: 276 Attack[86] + 5% Bonus[4.30]: 90.30 Defense[86] + 5% Bonus[4.30]: 90.30 Agility[24] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 24.00 Perception[80] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 80.00 Total[284.60] + 15% Bonus[42.69]: 327.29

thinking "speech" "others" All at once, his frantic strike with that forepaw connected, and a howl of pain from his opponent nearly deafened him entirely. The grip on his muzzle fell away, and he staggered backwards in an attempt to put a bit of distance between himself and Sirius. Blinking to clear the haze from his vision, he stared at the panting titan. “Alright, alright, you win. You have a damn good right hook” the man growled, to which the russet wolf found himself chuckling shamelessly. Despite the pain from his torn lips, he grinned broadly at the strange male. A casual wink in his direction, followed up with a teasing purr of "No need for flattery, dear sweet Sirius. You don't need to butter me up to have your way with me, you need only ask." It was a mixture of the adrenaline and the dopamine of a hard won brawl that had him soaring high enough to try his luck with the man he had previously noticed wearing the perfume of a female. "By all means, you're welcome to a rematch as soon as you catch your breath." he added with another rich rumble of laughter, the grin curving his maw having turned softer. A few steps closer, favouring his right side where Sirius had done a hell of a job bruising down into the muscle of his shoulder and flank. He kept a respectful distance, in the event the teasing was not well received, and the larger man decided he did want to try again at beating him into the ground for his wicked tongue. I GOT LIES TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN, WHEN MY SMILE PIERCES THROUGH YOUR BONES

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The two exchanged grins of mutual appreciation for a good brawl, until Meph opened his mouth. The flattery that came from his lips was a little too much like flirting for the Warlords liking. “My wife and children would protest” he said dryly, putting forth the information of his family to fend off any advances.

The reddish wolf had taken a few steps closer and gave mention of a rematch. Sirius grimaced and lifted up his leg. The burn scabs had been torn open, and blood now dripped freely from the gash. “Perhaps another time, the Missus is already going to be grumpy that I've torn this healing.” He admitted ruefully. “Feel free to look me up for a rematch - I’m the Warlord of the Armada, a pack to the South of here”

"Sirius Fatalis"

thinking "speech" "others" Evidently even riding the high of a good fight, Sirius was not the type to enjoy uninvited flirting. “My wife and children would protest” the behemoth muttered. A tragedy of epic proportions, truly. Mephistopheles sighed lightly, shrugging his shoulders weakly. The right one was too sore to really give it the proper gusto, but it was the thought that counted. When his attention was drawn to the blood that was steadily trickling down the man's leg from a wound he had evidently reopened, the phoenix grimaced. He wasn't certain if he should feel bad, or shrug it off. Had he been to rough? He didn't believe so, but now he was concerned he ought to apologize. “Perhaps another time, the Missus is already going to be grumpy that I've torn this healing.” he admitted with a little more emotion than his last remark, and that was when Meph genuinely began to feel remorse. “Feel free to look me up for a rematch - I’m the Warlord of the Armada, a pack to the South of here” Sirius added, to which the russet male’s brows shot up. "Warlord? I certainly got a lucky hit in, then." he grunted with a wry smile. "Please extend my apologies to your wife, then, I did not intend to cause any strife with this little brawl." he added with a slight dip of his head in apology. Lifting his gaze to the south, he considered the potential that could be wrought if he opted to extend himself ever so slightly and attempt to smooth over his earlier lapse in flirting with the man. "If you would like, I can escort you to your borders and apologize to your wife myself, and perhaps you can tell me about your Armada. I’ve been meaning to settle somewhere for a while, anyways." he offered, taking the leap that Sirius wasn’t too put off by him at this point. I GOT LIES TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN, WHEN MY SMILE PIERCES THROUGH YOUR BONES

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The Warlord laughed softly at that. The flirting he might turn down, but some friendly banter was always welcome. “You did indeed, we’ll see if you're so lucky a second time” he challenged. It wasn’t often he lost, but then Sirius had been having it rough these last few months. That, and the fact he hadn’t stopped to take part in any spars for a long while. Perhaps he was getting rusty.

“You're welcome to come see the Armada. If you're looking for a place to call home, we wouldn’t turn away a capable warrior like yourself. But… perhaps we’ll patch this up and see if she notices before we cross that bridge?” He turned amused eyes to the reddish wolf.

"Sirius Fatalis"

thinking "speech" "others" Amused laughter rumbled free of Sirius' maw, followed up with a casual uttering of “You did indeed, we’ll see if you're so lucky a second time.” that sent a thrill of excitement tripping up his spine. Once the larger male had righted himself, and began to amble southwards, Mephistopheles aligned himself on the man's right side. More a supportive gesture, not uncommon when travelling with others. If an injured comrade stumbled, it would be easy to slip into a supportive stance and help them right themselves. Their pace might have been slowed by Sirius' standards, but it was rather comfortable for the phoenix, who tended to keep a lackadaisical pace most of the time. Without anything to move towards, what was the point of rushing? “You're welcome to come see the Armada. If you're looking for a place to call home, we wouldn’t turn away a capable warrior like yourself. But… perhaps we’ll patch this up and see if she notices before we cross that bridge?” the ebony Warlord made the offer quite casually, but it was far kinder than anything the man's own family had offered him. His aunt had offhandedly mentioned a band of pirates he might be able to join, but he was more of a soldier at heart than a raider. As much as he enjoyed chaos, there was something about an empire that still felt like home. With a soft laugh, he bobbed his head in agreement. "I'll follow your lead, Warlord. My bandaging skills could use some work, but I think they might be passable enough to sneak you past your lovely wife without inciting further injury." he quipped, glancing over to meet sapphire gaze with cerulean. "Tell me about her, so I can flee if I see her coming this way." he added with a lopsided grin. -exit Mephistopheles & Sirius to Armada lands?- I GOT LIES TO TELL YOUR CHILDREN, WHEN MY SMILE PIERCES THROUGH YOUR BONES

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