Kuroki was eager to move onto the next race, to compete against someone who'd give him a better run for his money. Stepping into place besides the starting line he rolled his shoulders, weight hopping between paws as he wondered who would emerge from the crowd. There were plenty of people about, no doubt many racers who'd easily outpace him if they really tried. He didn't really expect to be the grand champion, especially after he'd gotten whooped by a pip-squeak, but no harm no foul. Today was a good day, better than most. "Hurry up, ain't got all day." He called out, hoping his rival would show up sooner rather than later.

Psalm wasn't really sure what to make of her moving on, but she was excited to get another chance to race. Though as she approached, separating herself from the group to move towards the younger male. She narrowed her eyes at him but her tone was playful as she spoke. "Hey, no need to rush, the race hasn't started yet." She stuck her tongue out at him as she got herself lined up with the starting line. She spread her toes slightly stretching her forelimbs and feeling the ground under her paws. She threw the young boy a cheeky wink and launching herself along the track when the starting signal was called. Psalm vs Kuroki for Race Round 1/2 Age: 1+ years Size: Medium Build: Medium Skills: Intermediate Hunter & Beginner Intellectual "Speech"

Art by nnn26

Kuroki grinned, baring the points of his teeth as his tail wagged behind him. See this was what he was after, a bit of playful banter. Cause come on, was there any reason to take these races seriously at all? He didn't really get to think of a proper witty come back though, as his focus snapped ahead to path ahead. Might as well give it his best shot, since he was clearly going up against someone who wouldn't start wheezing barely passed the midpoint. And they were off! Kicking into a dash, Kuroki used his talons to gain extra traction in his first few steps, before he lifted them up a bit to let his paws do the rest. He wasn't built for speed, that's for sure, but if this girl thought he was gonna roll over and give her an easy win then she had another thing coming! Kuroki vs Psalm for Race Round 1/2 Age: under 1 Size: Dire wolf Build: Medium Skills: Master Fighter & Master Hunter Specialty: Bloodletter

Psalm grinned as she pelted along the track, she had no real idea just how much of a fight her opponent was going to put up. She could hear the pounding of his paws but she wasn't going to focus on him too much at this point, if she spent too much time focusing on someone else she would let herself lag behind instead of doing her best to maintain a steady pace, and hopefully lead, before rounding the final bend, mud skidding under her paws as she ran, sending it splashing into the river. Then she put on a burst of speed hoping to outsprint the young boy in the last stretch. Psalm vs Kuroki for Race Round 2/2 Age: 1+ years Size: Medium Build: Medium Skills: Intermediate Hunter & Beginner Intellectual "Speech"

Art by nnn26