[Spar: NuclearCommando vs True Lycalo] The battle of beasts

[True Lycalo 123]

@NuclearCommando

It was a day of overcast on a distant mountainside. The usually bright rays of the sun were impeded by numerous clouds. The radiance of the oversized orb was not completely halted, however, as small pockets of warmth and light graced the many hills and clearings. In one such clearing resided a lone figure who had ownership of a log cabin a fair distance away. This individual appeared to be in the midst of a training ritual of sorts, standing in a firm stance and testing his strength and balance with a series of one legged kicks. One quick look at him would swiftly remind any passerby this was no mere man, but instead a humanoid beast. Bright gold talons pierced the air with remarkable speed and strength as the kicks continued. The long and curled claws of his other foot was firmly planted in the dirt below for maximum hold on the ground. An occasional grunt surfaced from the curved, goldenrod beak. The tan brow fur covering a majority of his robust body danced elegantly in the soothing breeze. Large pawed hands coiled into tight fists as he assumed a more rooted stance with both feet now secured on the ground.

This was the daily routine for the warrior known as Tharraleos; training his body to become as powerful as possible. It had been a long time obsession mainly as a result of being empowered by pride and knowing little else aside from combat. He was a rather large and somewhat menacing combatant, standing slightly taller than a normal man and boasting an incredibly toned physique. His array of feline and avian features was also a prominent indicator for those to proceed with the utmost caution. Not only did his deep gold eyes convey a piercing and rigid expression, but his features swiftly denoted the fact he was indeed the amalgamation of the predatory eagle and the fearsome lion known as the Griffin. This had garnered various types of intention, some unwanted, some flattering. It had certainly harbored more negativity as foolish a great deal of foolish mortals believe they can best him and have his hide as their prize. Most had seen such was a fatal flaw in judgement.

Today had been relatively peaceful, however, much to the bird cat's slight uneasiness. An assortment of hunters knew Tharr was living somewhere in these mountains; perhaps showing mercy for life wasn't the best option at times. Many times did he nearly give into dark temptation and make an example out of the foolish men, but his honorable code prevented any hasty actions. It was all to quiet, all too peaceful and it bothered the hybrid more and more. While remaining standing, he entered a light meditative state, keeping his array of enhanced senses for any potential threat. He couldn't help but feel he was not alone, but part of him acknowledged his mind was playing tricks on him. It was always best to never let your guard down and as such, he would remain in this state until he determined whether he was truly alone or not 

Edited April 3, 2016 by True Lycalo

[NuclearCommando 666]

A lone, somewhat short figure was climbing up the mountainside, a silver-reinforced bow almost as large as her in her hands, her long brunette-to-blond hair blowing in the wind. There were easier ways to get up the mountainside, yes, but that would require doing things she'd rather not do unless it was absolutely needed. Her mind wandered back to why she was heading in this direction. During a stay at a village nearby, she overhead stories about a creature in this mountainous area. When she questioned them, she learned that many hunters have went after it, but none have ever returned. Upon hearing that, she decided to try to help these people out.

After climbing for some time, she came across an area of hills and clearings, with the sunlight only reaching the ground in some of the clearings. "H-how strange." she said aloud, not seeing a location like this in a long time. She began stalking through the location, peeking over each hill at the clearing beyond before continuing her hunt. After hunting for sometime, she peeked over the hill into a sun-filled clearing, and saw a peculiar sight. A log cabin stood tall, and a fair distance away was a figure. Not just any figure, a weird chimera like figure. She was intrigued by it, a combination of talons, a beak, but yet also a man. Was this the creature she was told of? Assuming the answer was yes, she stepped forward a bit so that her bow could have clearance of the hill. She nocked an arrow and drew back on the string. For anyone else, the heavy draw of it would be nigh impossible for them. For her though, it was a simple task. Taking into account the wind and adjusting her aim accordingly, she let go, releasing the arrow into the air and at the creature training in the clearing.

[True Lycalo 123]

Tharr continued to analyze his surroundings, just about  to a conclusion there was not another here. Then an abrupt disturbance from the rear; a faint whistling through the air as something was sent hurtling his way at tremendous speeds. Reacting instinctively,  the beast pivoted his body to the side, watching as an arrow that narrowly missed by a few mere inches sail straight past him. That certainly wasn't a good thing, but he at least preferred that over the more noisome firearms many threats wielded. He took this moment to face himself towards the source of the projectile.  The hybrid's eyes began to take a noticeable increase in size, eventuality doubling as his vision Tharr continued to analyze his surroundings, just about coming to a conclusion there was not another here. Then an abrupt disturbance from the rear; a faint whistling through the air as something was sent hurtling his way at tremendous speeds. Reacting instinctively,  the beast pivoted his body to the side, watching as an arrow that narrowly missed by a few mere inches sail straight past him. That certainly wasn't a good thing, but he at least preferred that over the more noisome firearms many threats wielded. He took this moment to face himself towards the source of the projectile.  The hybrid's eyes began to take a noticeable increase in size, eventuality doubling as it acted as a telescope of sorts to enhance his vision. It was then he was able to distinguish his attacker; a woman with a very particular looking bow. Females were rarely encountered like this and the nature of her weapon brought instant intrigue.  It certainty was no ordinary bow and those with more exotic weaponry proved to be the most formidable. This could potentially be fun. 

Spreading out his immense black feathered wings, the hybrid bent his knees and leapt upwards with a powerful jump. A hefty flap from his large appendages caused him to propel futher into the air by a slight margin. A flurry of rapid wing beats was necessary to gain the needed altitude for successful flight. It appeared he was having difficulty taking flight and this was a correct assumption.  The sheer girth of his body and wings made him one with horrible acceleration, but once it was achieved, he could effortlessly soar through the sky for hours. Knowing he was a slow target for additional arrows, Tharr watched her with the utmost precision and cautiousness,  ready to react at any given moment. It would be a number of moments before he would finally make an advancement towards the hostile visitor and see just what her intentions were. 

[NuclearCommando 666]

She didn't swear or react negatively to the fact that the creature dodged her arrow. Even though it made the hunt the harder for her, it also allowed her to fight to her fullest, something her elders always taught her was the best. Flying creatures were always fun to hunt, and something she fought against a lot back at her tribe. Knowing that she was spotted, she didn't bother trying to hide and find another sniper spot, the open hills and clearings would make it impossible to sneak away from a flying beast, so instead she started to advance at a slow run. Another arrow was nocked and fired, followed by five more. She was altering between aiming at the body and aiming at a wing, anticipating wings and trying to read a dodge or two. She figured if she could hit a wing, she could knock the beast out of the air and hopefully make an easy kill, or hit the body, which saves her from having to do the former.

[True Lycalo 123]

Much like he expected,  a small torrent of arrows were launched towards him. Growling under his breath, he watched as the projectiles careened towards him, determining their trajectory and estimated time of impact within mere seconds with the use of his powerful mind. As they drew near, he reacted with a sense of gracefulness.  Giving his wings a flap with all their might, he folded the feathered appendages around his body, twisting his body in a number of ways to narrowly avoid them all. The closeness of which was to the point that chunks of his fur and feathers were severed and blew away into the air.

While the archer had missed her mark, her plan to ground the aeial beast was successful. Needing to conceal the large targets that were  his wings had resulted in too much altitude lost. As such, he found it impossible to gain height at this point and began to glide towards his for instead with his wings outstretched. He needed to close as much distance as possible and quick.  Although he was more than aware that the closer he got, the more likely he was to get an arrow stuck in him. A stinging pain just now made itself known just now in his left shoulder and the side of his right knee. The projectiles had failed to stick into his flesh, but still caused minor wounds. A barley audible growl emerged from his beak as his eyes narrowed on the oncoming female. 

[NuclearCommando 666]

She smirked, they were now on even terms. She slowed from a slow run to a brisk walk. She nocked another arrow, drew it back, and aimed it at the creature who had now hit the ground. The beast was as intelligent as the rival tribes she fought against, and despite the large size she was impressed at the dodging capabilities that was just pulled off, especially on such short notice. Maybe this beast was intelligent as well?
"I-I heard rumors from the village that there was a beast killing hunters in this mountain. F-from the looks of things, you're the beast they were talking about. I-I came up here to stop you, but from your actions you look like you're quite intelligent." She stopped walking, but didn't stop aiming at the beast. Her eyes narrowed, and she could see the wounds that she caused. "I-I take it you can understand me?"

Edited April 4, 2016 by NuclearCommando

[True Lycalo 123]

Tharr landed a small distance away from the shapeshifter, golden eyes rigidly staring at her. It seemed he had little care her bow was ready to unleash an arrow despite the limited range. He had an absurd amount of concentration pinpointed on her and the moment any notion of firing was given, he would react instantly. He had mostly avoided a bullet from a handgun at this range, or at least ensured it struck no vital areas. Surely he'd fair better against this type of weapon. Although now that he had a closer look at it, perhaps more caution was in order. His brows furrowed faintly at her words as his wings retracted and folded along his back.

"Yes. I am very much capable of speech." he responded with his thunderous voice. His words were clear and sounded very much like human like. The fact his beak moved while talking meant no forms of telepathy were in play. His tone was bland with very little emotion. "I am indeed the beast you speak of." he continued with a slight nod. "As such, I advise you return to return to your village or end up like the others." he warned, deep gold eyes shooting her a piercing glare. "Hopefully you do not repeat such foolishness." he finished, narrowing his eyes at well. It was at this moment he unsheathed his duo of hidden weapons. With his beak agape, an array of pointed teeth revealed themselves. With this, short pointed claws protruded from each of his fingers, slashing at the air a small number of times as if giving her a final warning.

[NuclearCommando 666]

Obviously, the creature was intelligent, but from how it spoke, it came off with a hostile tone. She drew the bow back a little harder when he started speaking.
"A-are you threatening me? I-I came all this way up here to avenge some fallen hunters and you tell me to go away?" She started off in a quiet voice, but it got slightly louder as she went on. "H-how can I end up like the others when I'm nothing like the others?"
She didn't even cringe when the beast unveiled it's weapons and barred it's teeth. In fact, her face suddenly turned to a more evil grin. In a mature and much more womanly voice, she spoke. "Oh? It looks like you're taking the gloves off. I guess I should do the same then. You know, even the odds a bit. Make it easier to bring the pain."
It was a blink and you could've missed it moment. Maybe it was a trick of the eyes. But the girl's eyes looked almost reptilian for a second, and what looked like fangs were suddenly replacing her teeth. This change in physical appearance was so brief it could've easily be missed. What was more obvious, was the fact that the arrow was now engulfed in flames. As soon as it was, she released the arrow from it's full draw at her point blank target. Despite the recoil of the bow, she still preformed a mighty leap backwards immediately after the arrow was released, culminating in a tight back flip. Upon a graceful landing, she immediately nocked and lit up another arrow, pulling it to full draw and firing, all within the span of a second.

[True Lycalo 123]

The change was visible for only a second, but that was more than enough for the keen awareness of Tharraleos. A look of shock nearly broke his stern gaze as he instantly recognized these attributes and was fairly certain of her alternate from. If the eyes and fangs weren't indicators enough, the bow bursting into flame with what he sensed as faint Draconic energy was more than enough. But now was not the time to dwell on what he was fighting at this point, but instead on the fact she was squeezing the trigger to let off this dangerous arrow. While flaring out his tail feathers, he pivoted his body in a vary quick spin. In the middle of this rotation, an arc of razor sharp wind was unleashed from the two-toned appendage was unleashed towards the bolt. The projectiles clashed, causing hers to be directed just barely past him. As he finished the spin, he felt the searing heat fly by him, singing a small patch fur and leaving minor burns on his left shoulder. Facing Eve once more, he watched as another arrow was quick to careen towards him. Given the increased distance between them, the warrior of pride was able to avoid this one much easier, dropping to the ground in a low crouch the moment she fired.

"Tell me." he started, remaining in this nearly feral pose. One paw was on the ground supporting his weight while his other arm was extended to the side. His powerful talons dug into the terrain and one of his knees was tucked in near his chest. His lengthy feline tail swished about as his eyes narrowed at her. "Is this form a disguise. or your true self?" he inquired, raising a brow slightly.

[NuclearCommando 666]

She was impressed at the creatures reflexes, yet still proud to have some affect on him. She dropped the aim of her bow and put her hand on her hip
"Well that depends more on who you're talking to dear. Us half-breeds have two forms, and with it two identities. Right now I'm using this body because my other half so graciously let me. Let me tell you, she's quite an adept fighter on her own, but she knows that I'm much, much better. Of course, I could always change into my other form at any time, but where's the fun in that when we're just getting started?" She started playing with her bow string. "Besides, I don't think you're worthy of seeing my form yet. So come on then." She extended her right hand and curled her finger in a beckoning gesture. "I've been showing you what I've been capable of, why don't you show off your moves? Or do you not think you can handle little ol' me?" She flashed a playful grin after she said that, resting her hand on an arrow in her quiver.

[True Lycalo 123]

"I see." Began the bird cat, standing fully upright. His robust, brown furred arms crossed over his broad chest, piercing golden eyes never straying from her. "You have thoroughly peaked my interest." he admitted, nodding somewhat. "I look forward to seeing this other form of yours. You might even be of the few to witness the power dwelling within me." he explained, his beak contorting into a prideful grin. At this moment, his eyes became purple in color for only a few seconds. This was an automatic indicator of any notion of his pride power, signifying an increase in power. These augmentations would stack until he unleashes them all at once, granting him immense but momentary power. "Before we begin; I would like to request an exchange of names. I am Tharraleos." he told her, bowing respectfully before standing upright once more

(There's a method I have to keep Tharr's Pride ability in check and to ensure I don't give him too much. Each action, thought or word ensues the purple eyes. Each time this happens adds a new stack and if it doesn't happen for 3 of my turns, it resets to zero. Each stack adds a tenth to his base power (so 10 pride stacks doubles his power and so on)

(Pride stack = 1 - Turns to reset: 3)

[NuclearCommando 666]

The purple glow caused her to smirk. She knew she was in for a fight, and she was thrilled.
"Well dear, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but revealing my real name would be pointless because it's only pronounceable by my tribe to begin with. However, I also go by my friend's name here, which is Eve." She pulled the arrow out of the quiver, twirled it, and rested it on her shoulder. She was never one for formalities anyways. She just wanted to get into the fight. "Just remember, Eve might've come here because of the hunters, but me..." once again that playful grin flashed across her face "...I'm here because of the lust of battle. I do hope you won't disappoint me, because I get very, very angry when I'm disappointed."

[True Lycalo 123]

"Rest assured, Dragoness, you will soon discover I will far from disappoint." he assured, grinning smugly as his golden orbs briefly flashed purple once more. Retaining his blunt disposition once more, the warrior shifted his gold taloned feet along the ground somewhat, eyes never leaving her. At this point he was scanning for any sort of weakness. Her slim figure suggested she wasn't one to take damage from physical attacks and her weapon of choice furthered his theory on this. This was mere speculation, however, as he had encountered foes boasting vast durability despite a thin physique.

Pondering only for a brief moment, the avian feline suddenly raised a foot up a small distance. Abruptly bringing it down with tremendous force, the earth would tremble under his sheer might. If Eve had her feet planted on the ground, she would find herself stunned from the impact, losing balance briefly as the terrain shook somewhat violently. If he were successful in this, he would lunge forward in a blur of fur and feathers, separating the remaining distance in a matter of seconds. From here, he would unleash a flurry of swift but weak attacks, aiming for more vital pressure point strikes that would paralyze her momentarily. If she wasn't disorientated from the tremor, Tharr would still charge forth, although his plan of attack would be more defensive.

(Pride stack = 2 - Turns to reset: 3)

[NuclearCommando 666]

So far whenever he grins his eyes glow, which seems to bode well for him, she thought to herself. I should...
She watched him do his little leap, and when he hit the ground it caused her to stumble. As she tried to regain her posture, she could see Tharraleos lunging towards her, quickly closing the distance. Though she was off balance, she managed to contort her body so that her back faced somewhat perpendicular to the lunging beast's angle of attack. Suddenly, a pair of wings, both as wide as she was tall, grew out of her back and gave an immediate flap, propelling her in the direction her back had been facing. As she was "flying", she quickly grabbed another arrow and nocked them both at once, lit them both aflame, and then fired them, one going to where she was formerly standing, one in the path of the beast. It was reactionary, and would've been done regardless of if he continued moving or not. She landed and as quick as they appeared, the wings disappeared. "You know, you keep flashing that grin like you're flirting with me. Let me tell you, it aint happening! I've seen snakes with more charm than you!"

(Yes, it is possible to fire two arrows at once from a bow. What's been lost in power here is replaced by the flame of the arrow. Also, if you've seen Corrin in Smash 4 and/or Fates, that's similar to how fast Eve can cause her transformations)
 

[True Lycalo 123]

(No worries. I don't doubt her abilities with her weapon at the slightest. And that's a pretty good comparison. Pretty cool too. )

Tharr watched as the wings suddenly manifested from thin air, slightly awestruck from such an ability. He found himself somewhat envious as ridding himself of his wings would certainly help with his lack of mobility. The feathery appendages were 60 pound weights constantly hindering him, although through the years he found the means to nullify it. As he sent his claws towards her wings to slash them to shreds, she leapt up and behind him at the last possible second. Luckily, he had yet to unleash his torrent of attacks, otherwise it'd leave him vulnerable to her duo of arrows.

His acute ears had picked up the sound of the bow being cocked back. Knowing he had to act now or suffer the penetrating agony, the hybrid used his momentum for a very short hop. Upon contacting the ground, he suddenly vanished beneath the earthen surface narrowly avoided them. Tharraleos emerged seconds later a small distance away from her. He had burst from the ground and into the air, wings and tail feathers fully outstretched, the former flapping rapidly to sustain his hovering.

"Oh?" He questioned with a raised brow. "Do not flatter yourself, ma'am." He stated, snickering faintly. "It will take far more than being a remarkable warrior for me to exhibit coquettish mannerisms." He informed. "Now. I grow bored with this mortal form of yours. Reveal your Draconic alteration you speak of." He requested,  visage become bland once more.

(Pride stack = 2 - Turns to reset: 2)