He was a yearling now and for Charlie that meant the world. He still had much to learn compared to the rest of his siblings, but he had been dabbling in patrols, fight training, and even a different sort of skill in helping Isa cook for the pack. But the boy knew that as a yearling now there would be more expectations placed on him. He needed to be more proactive in the pack, and work towards bettering himself for the Armada. Patrols and such were great, but he needed to find his place among the ranks. And he had decided today was the day he would officially ask his father for his placement test. He had slipped into his chest piece, gathered up Yorrick and Silveris, and made his way out of the dens in the Col. He was sure he had enough skill to at least get the basic fighting rank. But would his father agree? Would he have seen that Charlie was trying to make the right efforts? If not, the yearling was sure his father would instruct him on how to achieve that. He came to a stop in an open area of the Col and tilted his head back, requesting his father’s presence.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

The call from Charlie was a pleasant distraction, and he pulled away from his patrol in the woods to answer it. He left Bast in his place, so there would be no hole’s in the Armada’s route. Turning inward as he trotted towards the Col, and his pale son.

He found him in the Col’s grass and sucked in a breath. The yearling he had become was almost as tall as his dead, with much of his mothers colorings. He schooled his expression into a smile before the boy could see him, and closed the distance between them. “Charlie, you called?” He asked softly. He reached out a paw and brought the other wolf into an embrace.


"Speech"

Charlie knew his father would not keep him and his companions waiting long. Sirius had been nothing but a good leader, and a great father, especially given the burden he had to bear. It couldn’t have been easy raising more than half a dozen yearlings without his mate, and as Charlie grew older he could only marvel at his father’s strength and resolve. It was inspiring. The boy drew in a breath and glanced toward his companions, the shrike and fisher that he was proud to call his allies.

“This is it. As of today, there is no more messing around. We pour our hearts and souls into getting better for the good of the Armada.” He told them. Silveris would give a bob of her head and Yorrick would grunt in agreement. They would continue to work together as they had been. They were a good team, and together, they would help Charlie find his place among the pack. Whether at the market, doing patrols, or defending the borders from any threat that dare approach, they would all do their part.

As Sirius approached the yearling’s blue gaze shifted to his father. A man who still stood a bit taller, stronger, not that Charlie would ever dream of toppling his old man. The youth wore an expression that was serious, but the look in his eyes softened ever so slightly on seeing the Warlord. “I’m sure my siblings have already started trying to work for their ranks,” Charlie began. “...and I’d like to join them. My heart is for the Armada, with the desire to be a warrior, and assist in whatever other tasks that may be necessary.” The boy’s gaze didn’t leave his father as he spoke, hoping to express his resolve with both words and body language.

“I want to challenge for the rank of warrior. Here and now, if you’ll allow it.” The yearling shifted his stance, taking on one that was more battle ready. “I’m ready for the responsibility. I’ll be someone you, no, the whole Armada can count on!” No matter which of their wolves needed him, Charlie would be there. He would never turn a blind eye on his packmates, even if he didn’t understand their task, he would work at trying to understand. No matter what, the Armada was his family, and Charlie would not allow himself to fail them.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

The Warlord’s expression softened as Charlie spoke. Putting passion and pride into his speech as he attempted to persuade his father. Little persuasion was necessary, but it still did the Warlord proud to hear it. He fought against the urge to ruffle his son’s coat. Deciding to treat him as a man - even if he would always be Seer’s child -

“I accept your challenge, Charlie.” He said, already putting a respectable space between them. If this was how Charlie wished to challenge for a better rank, then Sirius would honour that. “If you prove yourself, you will join the rank of Warrior. If you win you will automatically take the rank of Lieutenant.” He said, laying out the stakes so Charlton would know them.

Having backed up, the Warlord set his stances, his eyes on the pale wolf before him. “The first move is yours”

Sirius vs Charlton for Rank Challenge
Round 0/?
Age: over one
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"

His father would accept his challenge and Charlie felt his heart flutter. This was it then. His chance to prove himself for the Armada, that he would put in the work necessary to become what the Armada needed in a fighter. He wasn't quite yet a true adult but he was old enough, and he gave an appreciative nod to his father. There would always be that bond and love between the two of them; they were family and nothing would ever change that. He knew his father would treat him fairly.

As Sirius put distance between them Charlie would set his defenses. His stance would be widened, weight distributed evenly across all his limbs. Gaze would narrow both as a defense and with determination as he lowered his head to align with his spine and pinned his ears. Digits spread and claws bit into the soil. Tail raised to align behind him and aid in balance as Sirius spoke again, laying out the steaks of his challenge. Charlie gave a small nod. He didn't mind if he didn't get the higher rank yet. He would work for that too. He rolled his shoulders forward, smile replaced by that fire of passion and determination.

"I'll give it my all. For the Armada!" The moment his war cry left his lips Charlie would kick against the ground toward his sire. Sirius was large, stronger, and more experienced but Charlie and his companions would not let that deter them. Yorick flanked Charlie's right as Silveris took to the air, her sharp whistles filling the area. She would be eyes from above and the fisher would be more muscle in his attack.

Charlie sought to close the distance between them, coming in hard and fast. He also angled a bit lower, seeming like he might come in like a battering ram for Sirius' legs. But then, once he felt close enough, Charlie would kick forth with all his strength and twist his head up and to the left in hopes of not only crashing into Sirius to cause some bruising but to cut across his cheek with one of his saber fangs.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Charlton vs Sirius for Rank Challenge
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 Year (Yearling)
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked leather brace
Companion 1: Great grey shrike, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Fisher, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Sabre fangs - Offensive
Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Beginner Intellectual

The Warlord treated this fight as an assessment. He watched the way his son managed his companions, and how they worked in unison. What stances Charlie prioritised, and how he began the match. His son was determined, and it showed in his movements. When Charlie closed the ground, Sirius was ready. His own stances set, and his weight rolled into his core position. When his son collided against him, he absorbed the impact. But Charlie had gotten so big somewhere along the road, and the impact still rattled the Warlord. He knew he would be feeling it later.

Charlie’s head turned as he collided, and the Warlord felt the tip of his son's sabre graze against his cheek. The Warlord opened his muzzle with a snarl, turning his head into his son’s. Attempting to bat the younger boys muzzle away. At the same time, he raised his right left paw and twisted his leg enough to pop out the blade that lay in the sheath of the bracer there. Attempting to bring his leg up and hook it behind Charlie’s, so he could press the blade against the vulnerable joint behind the knee.

Sirius vs Charlton for Rank Challenge
Round 1/2
Age: over one
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"

Sparring with Andy and training with his companions would be nothing compared to his assessment today against his father. Fighting Sirius, who was a seasoned and worthy opponent, would truly put everything the yearling had been learning to the test. His father was not the sort of opponent who would flinch away, and instead of even making the attempt to dodge Charlie’s ram his father withstood the impact. Charlie could feel it on his end too - he would be feeling a bit of mind bruising from the angle and power of the attack later. For now, however, adrenaline pulsed through the yearling’s veins, and a small twinge of regret made his heart pang as he felt his saber graze his father’s cheek. It might have been the attack he was hoping to make but it still made the boy feel bad that he’d hurt his father at all…

But it was too late for second guessing what he was doing. A snarl ripped from Sirius’ muzzle as he turned his head and attempted to bat the boy’s muzzle away. Instinct would kick in and rather than allow that to happen, Charlie attempted to push further into his father. A struggle of dire wolves, the yearling would snarl back, choosing to use his head; literally. Rather than risk really hurting his father with a full bite the boy would roll his head back and then bring it forward with force towards Sirius’ own. Either it would work or both of them were going to have a bit of a headache after this assessment.

Charlie didn’t suspect the danger that could be coming from his father’s paws, but Silveris would catch sight of Sirius reaching for the dagger. A call from the bird and Yorrick would shift from Charlie’s side to get up under the large male. It was smaller attacks like this that he and Silveris needed to try and prevent from coming into fruition, though by getting up under Charlie he would prevent the male from easily dodging any other incoming attacks. But each action had a consequence. The fisher would snarl, head twisting as he hopped to intercept Sirius’ hooking leg with his fangs and hold the leg just out of reach of the vulnerable joint behind his companion’s leg. He’d only have one shot at this!

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Charlton vs Sirius for Rank Challenge
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 Year (Yearling)
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked leather brace
Companion 1: Great grey shrike, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Fisher, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Sabre fangs - Offensive
Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Beginner Intellectual

A rumble of approval sounded from deep in the Warlord's chest. A distracted sound made in response to his son’s return growl. He was fighting like a warrior, like this battle meant something. Distracted as he was, he had enough thought left to be proud. As Charlie attempted to headbutt him, Sirius turned his fangs into the push. If Charlie insisted on persisting with the attack, he would crack his head on the Warlords fangs. No doubt it would hurt the father too, but he would manage.

As the fisher moved under the Warlord, Sirius shot under the Warlord's belly. The leopard attempted to grab at the other creature in order to distract and defend. Marshal dove for the much smaller bird in an attempt to grab it from the sky. He was not trying to hurt the other creature, just take it out for the count. The Warlord shoved his chest further into Charlies, still attempting to grab a leg with his armed bracer

Sirius vs Charlton for Rank Challenge
Round 2/2
Age: over one
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"

And the winner is...

Sirius

Charlton must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Sirius: Attack Roll: 31 Defense Roll: 59 Agility Roll: 94 Perception Roll: 29 Total: 213 Attack[31] + 115% Bonus[35.65]: 66.65 Defense[59] + 20% Bonus[11.80]: 70.80 Agility[94] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 94.00 Perception[29] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 29.00 Total[260.45] + 40% Bonus[104.18]: 364.63 Charlton: Attack Roll: 6 Defense Roll: 48 Agility Roll: 86 Perception Roll: 49 Total: 189 Attack[6] + 40% Bonus[2.40]: 8.40 Defense[48] + 15% Bonus[7.20]: 55.20 Agility[86] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 86.00 Perception[49] + 10% Bonus[4.90]: 53.90 Total[203.50] + 10% Bonus[20.35]: 223.85

His attack would follow through, and unfortunately that meant that he was going to have a hell of a headache later. Charlie’s head would connect with Sirius’ fangs and he felt his vision darken around the edges for a moment. Oof! It wasn’t enough to completely disorient him completely, but it broke his focus. The snarls and growls of Yorrick below the warlord as the snow leopard tried to grab for him were heard, and as the fisher attempted to dodge away from the other companion’s grab, he actually ended up slamming into Charlie’s leg. The yearling’s leg gave in and, a moment later, was grabbed by Sirius’ own. But the real break in his focus would come from Silveris’ distressed cries as she was grabbed. She hadn’t realized that Marshall was only seeking to grab her, and that was enough to have Charlie give in completely.

“Stop! Silveris! Silveris are you okay!?” Forfeiting the match the boy broke away from his father and the companions in a stumbling motion, gaze frantically shooting to the sky. Seeing the smaller bird in Marshall’s claws was alarming, but seeing that he wasn’t actually doing more than that allowed the yearling to breathe in relief. His gaze would flick to his father and he gave the man an apologetic smile. “S-Sorry… I got worried she was really in danger…” He had gotten so wrapped up in the seriousness of the battle he had almost forgotten who he was fighting. His father certainly wouldn’t have allowed his companions to hurt his own. Ah well, he’d at least shown what he was capable of, and by backing down it wouldn’t be enough to get the higher rank, but that was okay. He had shown he was capable of  supporting the Armada and, for now, he was sure that would be enough.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

The Warlord frowned as he relaxed his stance, and took in his son. His concern for his companion was clear. "You lost your focus" he told Charlie, a soft hint of rebuke in his tone. "If Silveris was truly in danger, turning your back to your enemy would have increased the danger to yourself and your other companion." He told Charlie. His son had proven he wasn't ready for a higher position yet, but he was still a warrior. Even if his heart was sometimes in the wrong place.

He drummed a claw against the earth as he considered the predicament. His son had still come to him, shown initiative, and fought a tough adversary. Losing was expected, forfeiting was not. He was reluctant to turn his son away, but his current thinking would get himself killed. He could see that path before him, and enabling it was the wrong move. When he spoke, it was with great reluctance. "You are a fatalis, and we will always have enemies. Such rash thinking will harm yourself and those around you. You must know how to fight, even when the stakes are high. Especially with the stakes are high.those you love may be depending on it. If you want to pursue a warriors rank, you must fight me again today. But this time, if you lose, I will confiscate Silveris from you. Whether that is temporary, or to replace her with a more suitable companion would depend on how you respond." He decided. If he proved he could think critically and wisely when confronted by adversity, he would return the bird. If he could not, than Seer would replace it with one that could help keep Charlie safe.

The confidence that Charlie had felt before wavered. His ears lowered as his father spoke, the disapproval in his voice, though he tried to soften it, was a dagger to the yearling’s heart. His gaze and tail fell, disappointment in himself rising. He had lost his focus… and he could see his father’s point of view. He had been afraid that Silveris might have been lost in that moment, her life snuffed out, stolen from him when he had been unable to help, much like his mother. He had been powerless then… and he’d have been powerless now if Silveris really was in danger. If he had been fighting an enemy he could have been severely injured… could have fallen over Yorrick and cost them both their lives… that difference in scenario entered his head and Charlie stiffened.

The following words from his father, while right, hurt deeply. Not only had he failed in his attempt at properly securing a rank, he had disappointed his father and the next time he went into battle there was more at risk. Silveris… His father mentioned replacing her with a more suitable companion if necessary and Charlie visibly flinched, stepping away from his dad. He couldn’t look at Sirius now. He felt overwhelmed… if… if he failed… Her ability to stay with him, possibly even her life, was now in his paws… if he didn’t succeed… Charlie felt tears sting his eyes. It was a lesson he didn’t want to learn, to consider. Could he handle that responsibility? That pressure?

“I…” He squeezed his eyes closed. He didn’t want to fight his father again, rank or not, not if it would risk his friend! But even with his more loving nature, Charlie knew he would never be happy as a rankless member of the Armada. What good could he be to anyone then? What would be the point of remaining in the Armada? And if he couldn’t do this, would he even survive outside the pack? His heart sank in his chest, and he could feel Yorrick give a comforting brush against him as the fisher walked past the boy. If he really wanted to be the best he could for the Armada, for his family, this was something he would need to do. If he really wanted to do right by Silveris, he would need to sharpen his skills. Charlie swallowed hard, forcing himself to speak as he opened his eyes once more. He still didn’t look at his father, but he would acknowledge what needed to be done, and the stakes along with it.

“...I understand…”

"Speech," 'Thought.'

He said he understood, but he made no move to fight. Did he intend to turn away? Sirius spoke again. Ensuring his intent was very, very clear. "You must prove a willingness to fight when the stakes are high. When the lives of those you love depend on your commitment and focus. If you can not do that here and now, then you forfeit your right to ever become a warrior in the Armada." Sirius said firmly and fully believing that the life of his son depended on this. If he could not rise to this challenge, then Sirius would not have him on the field. He had lost enough. He would not lose Charlie, as well. 


He did not want to hurt Charlie, and if the boy rose to this challenge, if he lost but proved his focus, then he would return the bird after a set amount of days, and after some more training. If he lost focus again, he would take the bird permanently. If he did not fight today, he would never be a warrior.

Charlie didn’t want to do this. He could feel himself wanting to turn, to run away. His father could see that weakness, and when he spoke, he made it clear that Charlie was to fight now, when the stakes were at their highest. The yearling felt his heart leap to his throat. Now? Here and now would determine her fate? His claws dug into the earth. He… he wasn’t ready… There was no way he could beat his father in battle as he was now. But if he didn’t make that attempt now he would never become a warrior of the Armada. Forever weak. Forever helpless to protect anyone. Charlie drew in a breath, lifting his gaze to where Marshall held Silveris in the air. He could see the Shrike struggling, desperately trying to get out of the larger bird’s claws.

There was another pang in his chest. He needed to make a choice. If he fought now, he could risk losing her companionship forever… but if he didn’t fight, he would not only lose her, he would lose the chance to ever make anything of himself. All his goals, all his dreams… they would be laid to rest here. His mind again flicked to his mother. Losing her had been something he’d truly been powerless to stop… but… he had a chance to do better by Silveris now. He didn’t know if his father would simply send her away, or even sell her to another in their market, but if he did nothing, then it was worse than when he lost his mother. He’d be the reason she was lost. At least if he fought, as she was trying now, he would have done everything he could to try and protect her.

Charlie drew in a breath, closing his eyes for a moment again.

It would be now or never, and was he not a Fatalis? Was he not meant to be a protector and a warrior? Charlie’s gaze would snap open, and this time, rather than the softened, troubled eyes of defeat, the narrowed look of determination had entered his gaze. It was different from how he had looked before, and he would widen his stance. His tail would raise, aligning with his spine, as his tail lowered and moved out behind him. Digits were spread, claws dug into the soul, and Charlie raised his hackles once more. Shoulders were rolled forward, and before Yorrick could step in as an attempted aid again, Charlie would speak, his voice clear.

“Yorrick, you are to stand down this battle.” Charlie fixed his gaze on his father. “If he wants to see my focus, then he will see my focus and my resolve to keep Silveris with us.” He could feel a mix of emotions. Though he was doing his best to be brave, to be strong, he was terrified of failing. But he couldn’t think of what would happen if he did. He had to focus on the moment of trying. Yorrick would frown, gaze flicking to Sirius. If Sirius would replace one of his son’s companions for being a distraction and not up to snuff, would he consider replacing them both? Still… This was Charlie’s battle. He would respect the boy’s decision, even if standing on the sidelines would be hard.

In their first fight, he had seen that slamming his father wouldn’t be enough. Like himself Sirius was a dire wolf, and just a touch larger than Charlie himself was. His legs were armored, with bracers, and the front ones had knives… his father had already tried to use his own forelegs to sweep his legs from under him. Charlie would begin to stalk, circling, but it was clear his mind was at work. He moved with purpose, even as the glazed look for the tears lingered in his narrowed gaze.

With Marshall holding onto Silveris his father had two companions at his disposal. And, given his distraction with Silveris, he half expected one of them to target Yorrick whether he was participating or not to throw him off. He needed to be ready for anything. There was also the chance that they would try to target his own legs. Keeping his weight distributed to prevent going down would be important. His father was a seasoned warrior… it would take everything he had to make this work. He would come to a stop and face his father again, roughly six feet between them. No more stalling.

Charlie would come in hard, like had done before, charging Sirius with the intent of closing the gap between them. But this time he would not keep his straight forward path. Attempting to close the distance, he would deviate halfway in. Not worrying about the counter that was likely coming his way until he could read his father’s movements, Charlie attempted to use his momentum to come up alongside Sirius’ right. He’d kick the ground, seeking about half a body’s width of distance between himself and his father as he neared Sirius’ front, and then, as he landed in the short hop, kicked the ground again in an attempted second hop, this one with the intent of attack.

Hoping to have his rear angled away from his father’s jaws, Charlie was coming in at roughly a forty five degree angle toward his father’s back right leg. Charlie’s left forepaw was stretched forward, aiming to bring the weight down on his father’s back left forepaw. The goal was some bruising, maybe some superficial scratches from his claws, but without his father’s mutation those scratches wouldn’t take long to heal. Charlie wouldn’t stop there either. He sought to bring his jaws to his own left forward his father’s haunch and slice through flesh. The larger surface and his father’s thicker fur would make it pretty much impossible to keep any sort of hold, but he’d take the damage he could get should it be successful. Following up the attack and managing his father’s counter would be at the forefront of his mind. He couldn’t get distracted. Not again.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Charlton vs Sirius for Spar / right to keep his companion, Silveris
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked leather brace
Companion 1: Great grey shrike, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Fisher, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Sabre fangs - Offensive
Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Beginner Intellectual

The Warlord in his later years found it more and more difficult to be stern and harsh on his children. Standing here now, before Charlie, and giving him this ultimatum. He felt it was the right thing to do. In fact, he felt almost a desperate need for it. If his son was to become a warrior, he needed to know that he would be okay. That he could and would protect himself. Oh, Charlie.. He thought softly to himself.

As Charlie chose to fight without his companions, the Warlord respected that decision. He waved his own off with a paw movement. Marshal landed on a tree branch above them. One talon resting, the other gently clutching the small shrike.

He was ready when Charlie came at him. The Warlord braced himself in the familiar, fluid stance of battle. He could see by his son's body that he was fully committed to the attack now. His head was in the game in a way it had never been before. How would he fight when the stakes were high? Charlie came up at his side, letting his momentum carry him. He let Charlie’s paw slam into his back paw with a grunt. Pushing his weight into his back legs, he lifted his forepaw and attempted to bring it up under Charlie’s stomach, where his extended cat claws could do their work. At the same time he attempted to smack his hip into Charlie in an attempt to unbalance him and delay his attack on his rump.


Sirius vs Charlton for Rank Challenge
Round 1/2
Age: over one
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"

There was no more time for conscious thoughts, only actions could serve him on the battlefield. But though Charlie was not plagued by thought, his fierce desire to keep his companion by his side spurned him now. He had to quash that doubt, push all hesitation to the side, and give everything. But not just for Silveris. This would prove to his father that he could be serious, that he would be able to handle himself AND keep his loved ones and pack safe. Yorrick and Silveris, despite the two of them being different species, had become part of him. He was sure that even though they were not fighting beside him his two companions willed him on. Their belief in him would give the yearling the strength to charge on.

His father was experienced, but knowing what was on the line, finding his resolve, Charlton would not allow himself to falter. His momentum led him, paw slamming down on his father’s toes and sliding back a little. He would keep it pressed down, claws attempting to dig into the flesh despite how dull they were compared to his father’s. This was the centerpoint of his attack, his guide. Even as Sirius countered, he needed to keep that focus. Jaws would slide, catching fur as Sirius clawed his stomach. Pain bloomed, but he would push through. He could tend to the cuts later. Sirius would not stop there, using his hip to bap into his muzzle, attempt to unbalance him and delay the boy’s attack. But Charlie wasn’t going to give in so easily this time.

No distractions. No hesitation.

Charlie stumbled a step back, balance compromised for the briefest of seconds, but the yearling fought to turn that into an advance as his weight went back. He’d let the weight fall into his hind legs and Charlie would then attempt his next move. The yearling aimed to lunge back toward Sirius’ back leg, seeking to once more bring his leading forepaw down in a stop on Sirius’ toes and worsen any bruising or other damage. This time he did not go for the wider area, but rather that soft, fleshy hanging area that connects Sirius’ leg to his stomach. He wanted a fang to piece through that and get the front of his teeth sinking into the thicker part of Sirius’ leg. His jaws were spread for the attempt as Charlie gave his all into this next, and possibly last, attack.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Charlton vs Sirius for Spar / right to keep his companion, Silveris
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 Year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Heavy
Defensive Battle Accessory: Spiked leather brace
Companion 1: Great grey shrike, Female - Perception
Companion 2: Fisher, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Sabre fangs - Offensive
Skills: Intermediate Fighter & Beginner Intellectual