nevermore [malleus]

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.