maybe it's a little foolish to keep getting so close to Viking territory, but it's not like they're breaking any rules - and anyway, every time they come here, they meet a new viking kid! how exciting! and if there's one thing bumping into Strai has done, it's inspiring them to begin training to become a warrior in earnest. with this in mind, Spider sets out bright and early for serpent plains, finding it easier now that they've already visited before. unsheathing their dagger from its brace, they grip it firmly and begin a series of feints, parries and jabs, leaping back and forth as though attacking an invisible assailant. "take that, intruder!" they hiss under their breath, imagining a big scary rogue bearing down on their packmates. not on Spider's watch! "that's right, you better run!" "Speech"

The rather large, rather round pup finds herself outside of Vikings lands and enjoying some newfound freedom in this somewhat strange place. Large paws crunch across the frost covered ground as she plods onward, mismatched eyes wide with wonder as she scans the area with a fervent intensity. It is still early in the morning and the waking sun has yet to burn off the chilly frost that clings to the grass or the low fog that seems to linger close to the ground.

In the midst of her aimless wanderings, a strange series of sounds catches Unagi’s attention and pulls the girl off in a new direction. A dark form slowly appears against the green and white backdrop of the morning and the larger pup slowly and curiously approaches the unknown pup. They are small, much like her sibling Delphi and the monochrome girl watches them quietly as they appear to fight off some unknown assailant.

Suddenly, a dagger is pulled from a brace that the girl had not seen before and her steps halt as she watches them feint, parry, and jab at the make-believe attacker with wide, awe-filled eyes. Excitement thrums in Unagi’s veins as the stranger shouts after the retreating rogue that they have successfully beaten and the watching girl blinks at the space that the stranger seems to be staring at.

With a suddenly boldness usually reserved for her siblings, the large pup strides forward until she can stop a respectful distance from the dark pup and joyfully asks, “Whatca doin’?” Black and pink eyes gaze at the stranger with a warm, friendly curiosity and Unagi’s posture is relaxed, open, and as non-threatening as a fat, round, tall pup can be. Tail wags at her haunches as she hope that, maybe, just maybe, they will let her play with the dagger too!


"Hattori-Klein Unagi"

it's the girl's heavy steps that draws Spider's attention before the actual words themselves, and they glance up mid-swipe to observe a black and white figure bundle towards them. her stance is open and friendly, about as non-threatening as you can get, so Spider wastes no time in sheathing the dagger and eating up the last of the space between them in a few swift steps. "training," they answer promptly, pleased to have been asked. "warrior training, to be specific - i'm gonna become the greatest warrior the Aramada's ever seen." in the months that have passed, they haven't become any less determined; rather, the dagger has only solidified their desire for the rank. they want to defend their pack, to prove themselves an asset not just to the Aramada but to Bas and Hazel, too. and if there's a part of them that delights in the efficiency of a knife, in the clean slide of it through the pelt of some unsuspecting rabbit or foe, well...that's no one else's business but their own. besides, the girl has an eagerness to her that seems to mirror Spider's, and something about the gleam in her eye makes Spider thinks she wouldn't judge them for it. in fact...Spider runs an appraising up and down their rotund form, eyeing the suggestion of muscles just beginning to form beneath their monochrome pelt. "would...you like a go?" they offer, lifting an inquisitive brow. "because i'll lend my dagger to you - if you spar with me, first." "Speech"

The unknown wolf sheathes their dagger, closing the space between them in a few swift steps as they answer the question that Unagi had put forth. Mouth rounds into an ‘O’ at the excitement of getting to see someone use a weapon to train with. Head tilts to the side as they mention that they will be the greatest warrior the Armada has ever seen and the rotund girl’s mismatched gaze sweeps over their features as she attempts to memorizes them. If they are going to be the greatest warrior of the Armada (whatever that is), then it is probably a good idea to remember them!

Scanning their face, Unagi nods absently to herself as she says, “I can see it. My name is Unagi. May I know the name of the Armada’s greatest warrior?” Tail wags behind the fat pup rapidly and her words are absolutely sincere since the girl has no doubt that this stranger can be whatever they wish if they put their mind to it since it seems to be true for most of the wolves that the black and white pup knows. While she herself may appear to be fat and lazy, the truth is, she couldn’t be further from those things if she tried. With each passing day, the layers of puppy fat are giving way to muscle and she trains rigorously to understand the limits of her body.

As the wolf invites her to have a go, sweetening the pot with lending her the dagger if they spar first, Unagi’s eyes light up with joy. Barking a happy, “You’re on!” the girl is quick to backpedal away and settle into her defensive stance. Ears pin back, hackles bristle, lips peel back, eyes narrow, and her head lowers to align her spine. The height difference is evident between the two but she does not count out her opponent because of it since Unagi knows that they will both have their own sets of strengths. For her, the extra weight means she can absorb blows better but she sacrifices speed for it. With her defenses set, she dips her head in a show of readiness, allowing the other wolf to make the first move as she excitedly waits to see what they can do.



OOC (in case the fight judges are curious about the age): Unagi was a pup when this thread started so I am putting her age as under 1 for the fight.


"Hattori-Klein Unagi"

Unagi vs Araneae for Spar
Round 0/?
Age: Under 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Skills: Novice Fighter & Advanced Hunter

yeah, Spider likes this girl immediately. for one, she seems to support their warrior mission wholeheartedly, which is a pretty easy way to get into Spider's good books. and for another, she shows an enthusiasm for sparring that matches their own tenacity. as the girl - Unagi - readies herself for battle, they make an impressed noise in the back of their throat, admiring her form and defensive stance. she really seems to know her stuff! "i'm Spider," they call to their opponent, now beginning their own series of stretches in preparation. the gristle in their back gives a satisfying pop, as does each side of their neck. "remember that name, cause i'm gonna be a big deal one day!" from others it might have sounded arrogant, but their tone is good-natured and their smile is genuine. shifting into a stance of their own, Spider takes Unagi's nod for the permission it is and charges forward, crossing the distance between them in a few bounds. head lowered and ears flat against her skull, the pup aims to ram their shoulder into Unagi's, hoping to knock her off-course. it's maybe not the best plan, given the marked size discrepancy, but they've always been an act-first, deal-with-the-consequences-later kind of kid. Araneae vs Unagi for Spar Round 1/2 Age: under 1 year Size: Extra small Build: Light Offensive Battle Accessory: Small dagger engraved w/ "Spider Fatalis" Companion 1: Raven, Male - Flying Skills: Expert Fighter & Advanced Hunter "Speech"

Unagi really enjoys Spider and, as they tell her to remember their name, the monochrome girl offers a bright smile as she joyfully quips, “I’ll be sure to keep my eyes out for you!” With that the pair settle into their stances, the taller, fatter Unagi taking a more defensive approach as she awaits Spider’s move. A nod is given and Spider charges forward, crossing the distance in a few bounds with their head lowered and ears flat against their skull.

Mismatched eyes watch them intently, trying to read their moves from the way their muscles flow and how they place their paws. They attempt to ram into her and Unagi splays her toes, gripping the earth and leaning slightly into the shoulder that has been targeted. Fat absorbs much of the blow, minimizing the attempt to knock her back and only causing the girl to fall back a step or two.

With Spider now so close to her, Unagi uses the opportunity to lean in and attempt to grab ahold of their scruff, not wishing to hurt them just to better control their head and any attempts that may be made bite at her. At the same time, Unagi’s leg snaps out toward, hoping to trip up the wolf so that they are easier to grab ahold of.


"Hattori-Klein Unagi"

Unagi vs Araneae for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Under 1 year
Size: Extra large
Build: Heavy
Skills: Novice Fighter & Advanced Hunter

Unagi absorbs the blow, and Spoder squeaks as the larger pup grips their scruff, keeping them in place even while Spider snaps their jaws, head whipping from side to side. they’re so preoccupied that Unagi is easily able to trip them, causing Spider to lose their balance and lean the bulk of their weight against their opponent. however, as they fall, they grip onto Unagi with their forepaws and attempt to pull her down with them. should this be successful, the result would likely be a clumsy entanglement of limbs, especially as the Viking girl (presumably) still has Spider’s scruff in their mouth. still, anything to level the playing field and ensure Spider isn’t completely at the girl’s mercy. Araneae vs Unagi for Spar Round 2/2 Age: under 1 year Size: Extra small Build: Light Offensive Battle Accessory: Small dagger engraved w/ "Spider Fatalis" Companion 1: Raven, Male - Flying Skills: Intermediate Hunter & Master Fighter "Speech"