Seiko had never been so far from home. Why would they, when they had everything they needed and more, practically within paw's reach? The further they trekked from their familiar bamboo forests, the stranger things got - neither they nor their cat companion had ever seen anything quite like this. Even the water looked so different from the water of their kelp-logged bay, from the sand that shimmered a myriad of colors against the spring's bright sun, to the clear blue water that reflected the sky's color in perfect clarity. Clinging close to Seiko through most of the journey, their tabby cat companion seemed to relax slightly as they drew closer to the water, scampering around in the sand and only pausing to bat at a small crab that skittered past. The air here was like home, at least, and Seiko breathed in a deep breath of salty sea air. They weren't here to explore, not really, and they reminded themselves of that as they refocused. They were here to train, to encounter wolves from different walks of life, to see where they needed to improve. They'd take that knowledge home with them and work on honing their skills as best as they could. Casting another glance to the sea, briefly wondering what the world beyond that land bridge might be like, they lifted their head to the sky and let loose a call for anyone seeking a friendly spar.

Atreyu was on her way back to the strange land of Auster, seeking out the rich garden there for herbs she would need during the summer. Bigs trotted faithfully alongside her as she walked over the land bridge that connected the two continents. She marveled at the sands of this land. One beach had black sand, another had bioluminescent sand, and this place appeared to be made of rainbows. The more she explored these new lands, the more she fell in love with them. Perhaps, one day she would settle on a land and stay there, but for now adventuring and meeting new wolves was going to be her focus. She had seen a couple of her family members, and she new a close family friend had survived the genocide of Judila. Perhaps she could gather them together soon.

Both of the canines stopped in their tracks, ears perking to the sound of a call to a spar. Spotted tail waving behind her, the dire female looked to Bigs, the dog nodding in silent agreement. Making a slight change to her previous path, Atreyu made her way toward the stranger's call. As she approached while keeping a respectful distance, surprise briefly crossed her face, then a warm smile replaced it. "Hello, I am Atreyu. This is Bigs. We heard your call?" She hoped she had the right wolf, sometimes there were more than one in an area. Looking between the slightly larger wolf and her feline companion, Atreyu made it known she was sizing them up. Bigs kept his beady eyes on the cat with a narrowing mistrust. He had been chased by the felines before, and had no interest in letting it happen again. "I am more than happy to let you have the first move..." Atreyu suggested, moving into a defensive posture with her legs spread shoulder width apart, her tail out behind her for balance, her head down and chin tucked slightly to protect her throat. Bigs also took on his own posturing, mirroring Atreyu's stance and narrowing his eyes.

"Talk." || Think || 'Hear.'

code by bird, art by alo

It wasn't long at all before someone answered Seiko's call. They didn't quite know what to expect - most of the encounters they'd had with strangers had been close to home. Were wolves from further away all that different? It made sense that they might be, and not knowing what to expect made Seiko feel deeply uneasy, though they tried hard to hide that apprehension as Atreyu approached. They'd certainly never seen another wolf with a pelt like hers; it was more feline than canine, vaguely reminding them of Herajika's tabby markings. Interesting. Seiko's eyes narrowed as they scrutinized the stranger, giving a respectful nod in contrast to their dark, somewhat cold stare. "I'm Hattori Seiko," the yearling introduced themselves in return. "And this is Herajika." As if on cue, the tabby cat scampered over to the two wolves, long tail giving a pleased little vibrate. "We were just hoping for a practice fight. Nothing serious," Seiko explained. Not that they necessarily trusted everyone to uphold the conditions they established, but they just hoped this wolf right now would. Atreyu offered the first move. Seiko wouldn't argue about that honor. Carefully they straightened their spine, facing their opponent head-on. A long moment passed as they sized up the stranger. They were about the same size, the same build... Seiko briefly studied the tiny canine that stood alongside her, though decided the wolf was far more a threat. Then, without waiting any further, they dashed forward. Herajika moved too, aiming to pounce on the tiny dog and distract him. Seiko's jaws parted as they aimed for Atreyu's shoulder, hoping to send their weight down hard and disrupt the other wolf's balance before they could get a move of their own in. Seiko vs Atreyu for Spar Round 1 / ? Age: Over 1 Year Size: Dire wolf Build: Balanced Companion 1: House Cat, Female - Battle Mutation 1: Antelope Horns - Offensive Skills: Advanced Fighter & Novice Intellectual

Atreyu gave a respectful dip of her head as the other introduced herself, explaining that she was just looking for a friendly spar. Atreyu could get behind it, she too needed to let off steam and frustrations, the best was to do that she had found was with a spar. "Not to worry, I won't leave anything lasting." She promised, and Bigs nodded his agreement. Then they both put up their defenses and readied for the fight.

The two of them moved as one, Seiko and her cat, the feline instantly going for Bigs. Atreyu side-stepped as Seiko moved forward, moving to avoid the teeth of the other, though just barely. The other landed a pinch on Atreyu's left shoulder, making her nearly yelp in pain though she swallowed the sound in a playful growl. Reaching out with her teeth, Atreyu aimed to send a single bite to Seiko's back leg, not seeking for a hold just a nibble, hoping to keep her closer. Bigs yelled out as the cat pounced on him, but he turned around and aimed a playfully hard bite at the cat's front left leg.

Atreyu vs Seiko for Spar
Round 1/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Five-inch long hawksbill blade
Defensive Battle Accessory: collar with spikes
Companion 1: Chinese Crested mix, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Retractable claws - Offensive
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Advanced Healer

"Talk." || Think || 'Hear.'

code by bird, art by alo

This stranger seemed reasonable enough, which Seiko appreciated. The two of them were quick to get into a fight with Seiko making the first move, determined to adjust their movements accordingly once they got a feel for how the female might fight back. Atreyu was able to step to the side and avoid the brunt of their attack, Seiko's teeth skimming Atreyu's shoulder. Not quite enough to hold, but they hadn't expected to be so successful right off the bat. A growl of their own was returned as they felt adrenaline beginning to course through their veins. It wasn't by any means a life or death situation, but their body reacted as if it very well might be - all of their energy and focus going into keeping themselves upright and unharmed. They couldn't quite tell where Atreyu was reaching but once they felt teeth going down on their leg they kicked it back, trying to pull away. Herajika hissed at the tiny dog as he bit her, lifting her paw up and bringing it down in some repetitive swats down on the dog's nose. Seiko vs Atreyu for Spar Round 2 / 2 Age: Over 1 Year Size: Dire wolf Build: Balanced Companion 1: House Cat, Female - Battle Mutation 1: Antelope Horns - Offensive Skills: Advanced Fighter & Novice Intellectual

Atreyu had landed her bite to the back leg, though the other yearling was quick to kick out of her grasp. The spotted dire woman let go of Seiko's leg, not wanting to truly hurt the other wolf. Bigs was not dealing with her cat so well, taking repetitive swats to the face as he couldn't get out from beneath the larger feline. Every time the cat batted at him with a paw though, he was quick to try and pinch her paw between his teeth. Not enough to break the skin, just enough to make the cat stop with the barrage.

Panting, Atreyu smiled and playfully shoved her shoulder into the other's hip, provided they were still aligned just so. "You fight well! Thank you." She was glad for the moment, the other not realizing just how much of a learning experience this was for Atreyu, and by extension Bigs. Hopefully they wouldn't have to separate the two, Atreyu taking her eyes off of Seiko to watch the cat and dog fuss it out.

Atreyu vs Seiko for Spar
Round 2/2
Age: Over 1 year
Size: Dire wolf
Build: Balanced
Offensive Battle Accessory: Five-inch long hawksbill blade
Defensive Battle Accessory: collar with spikes
Companion 1: Chinese Crested mix, Male - Battle
Mutation 1: Retractable claws - Offensive
Skills: Advanced Fighter & Advanced Healer

OOC: Sorry it's so short.
"Talk." || Think || 'Hear.'

code by bird, art by alo

And the winner is...

SEIKO

ATREYU must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: SEIKO: Attack Roll: 11 Defense Roll: 88 Agility Roll: 19 Perception Roll: 74 Total: 192 Attack[11] + 35% Bonus[3.85]: 14.85 Defense[88] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 88.00 Agility[19] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 19.00 Perception[74] + 5% Bonus[3.70]: 77.70 Total[199.55] + 15% Bonus[29.93]: 229.48 ATREYU Attack Roll: 69 Defense Roll: 28 Agility Roll: 24 Perception Roll: 27 Total: 148 Attack[69] + 45% Bonus[31.05]: 100.05 Defense[28] + 25% Bonus[7.00]: 35.00 Agility[24] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 24.00 Perception[27] + 0% Bonus[0.00]: 27.00 Total[186.05] + 15% Bonus[27.91]: 213.96