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Kieko generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
3!
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 Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:59 pm
First move: HitIt was difficult for Hodari to return to the Pridelands after he lost his first duel. His brother's teased that perhaps he shouldn't have tried to take on Savi's father, but he knew it was the clear choice of who to challenge. Joining the Firekin meant so much more than just switching prides. It was Hodari's opportunity to earn something for himself and to share that victory with the female he'd spent his entire life dreaming about. Being with Savi was finally a possibility! As he continued to train with his siblings, father and accepting rogues, those final word's of Bodaway's kept replaying in his mind. If you can beat me, you can be with my daughter. There were times when it seemed Hodari wasn't making any progress, but that simple sentence was enough to push him forward. Savi was worth all of it and Hodari would show that to her!
A brief month was all that passed before he returned to the Firekin lands once again. He hadn't trained as long this time, and perhaps he was a bit too eager to try again, but Hodari truly felt prepared. As he caught site of Bodaway waiting for him, he swallowed hard and then approached boldly. Hodari's nerves kept him from speaking, but he did his formal bow and then prepared himself for the combat.
As the two circled around one another, Hodari was careful to keep a close eye on all of his movements, studying his technique and forming a counter strike to any move that he would do. Hodari would be prepared now and use his mental strength to his advantage. As Bodaway left an opening, Hodari struck forward, claws extended from his front paws in a threatening swipe. As he met Bodaway's flesh and left a small mark, the dark male jumped back. He had hit.
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Andranis generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
3!
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:00 pm
The pain wasn't missed by him. The red lion was getting older, maybe slower, but he was as fierce as ever. The duel was one he anticipated. On one paw, he was protective of his daughters - Every single one of them. Even with some of them far away in the four winds of Africa, he still worried about them. They were his babies, his girls, his little princesses.
On the other paw, the fact this young lion was willing to fight him, just to not only join the pride but earn one of his daughters as a mate... It made him proud of the youth, in a way. It made him proud that one of his daughters had attracted such a boy that would do such a thing.
The male reeled back from the hit, then launched forward. When he felt his paw connect with the other male's side, he couldn't help but smirk at him. "You won't win easily against me, boy! I don't go down without a fight!"
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Kieko generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
3!
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:01 pm
Second Move: Hit
Hodari continued to circle around the large male, trying to keep himself moving so that he would be a more difficult target. During the last combat he wasn't careful enough, but he had learned a lot during his mock-fights with his family. A successful combat was not only a series of attacks, but also defensive moves to keep himself from getting hit. There were times to take an opportunity and strike and other times when he needed to just hold back and dodge an incoming blow. Hodari paws shifted quickly beneath him, following the lead of the more experienced fighter.
The younger male was focused on his target and determined to find another opening when he swore he saw a look of pride on the Firekin's face... Hodari missed his footing, leaving a huge opening for his opponent. The strike hit deep and Hodari was suddenly brought back to his senses. The cut was deeper than any his brother's had given him and as Hodari thought to remind himself, Bodaway took the opportunity to verbalise it. Bodaway wasn't going to make this easy and Hodari had to be careful.
Without waiting for Bodaway to prepare another attack, Hodari dove forward once again with both sets of claws extended. He swiped with both and felt them sink in. They weren't as deep as a one pawed strike, but they left twice as many small wounds.
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Andranis generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:02 pm
The older lion roared in pain as the claws sank into him. His face contorted, he jumped away, trying to recover. He'd gotten better... Much better. Now limping, the old warrior snarled. Hopefully this wouldn't leave a lasting mark... But age had a funny way of amplifying injuries down the road.
The charge didn't have quite as much umph to it as it normally would have. When he took a swipe at Hodari, he missed by a rather wide margin. Bodaway stumbled just a bit, sides heaving. When did he started to get winded so fast...? He'd have to retire soon if this kept up!
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Kieko generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:03 pm
Third Move: Miss
After his attack, Hodari had stepped back to regather himself and prepare for Bodaway's next move. He expected the older male to bounce back and act, but it seemed Bodaway was more injured than Hodari had intended. The dark male's ears folded back as he circled the large, red male, looking him over with concern. He couldn't lose his cool now, but he wondered when Firekin deemed it appropriate to stop, even if the combat was not entirely over.
Lost in his thought, Hodari wasn't entirely prepared when he had the opportunity to strike again. As he lashed out weakly with one paw, he wasn't entirely surprised to see that he missed. He had too much on the line to give up now, but a part of Hodari held him back. It would earn him no pride to severly wound Savitri's father.
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Andranis generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
2!
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:04 pm
The old lion paused to catch his breath, watching Hodari. "You HAVE gotten better... It doesn't mean I won't try my hardest, with as old as I am." As he started towards Hodari, he found the need to stop. For as strong as he was, he was beginning to feel drained, tired from the fighting already. The Firekin let out a low growl, moreso to himself, before stepping back. He would need a moment before he could compose himself for another attempt at attack.
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Kieko generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:06 pm
Fourth Move: Miss
Hodari took the compliment with enthusiasm, a proud smile on his face as he stood tall. For a moment the battle was lost from the dark lions mind. In that instance it felt to Hodari as though Bodaway was looking to him like a son. He experienced the same pride he felt when he had gone to hunt with his father and successfully took down his first rabbit. It was comforting to Hodari that he might make those types of lasting relationships in the pride. He did not waiver on his determination to join and Savi was more than enough reason for him, but Hodari knew that he would miss his family and friends in the Pridelands.
As Bodaway struggled to regain himself and mentioned his age, Hodari suddenly felt shamed. Would his victory mean anything or would it appear as though Hodari chose to challenge an older male to give him a better chance? Hodari shook his head. Bodaway was a skilled fighter and had beat him easily their previous combat. His speed and force was all but gone now as Hodari took a chance to swipe. He didn't really want to hit Bodaway while he was down and missed.
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Andranis generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:14 pm
Bodaway stepped back, watching Hodari's paw. He stared for a moment, before giving the younger lion a dark look. "Are you actually trying?" Gathering his strength, he hunched down before leaping forward. His timing and aim were off, though, as he missed Hodari, though just barely. When he landed, the proud lion turned towards the other, teeth bared. The fierce look, of course, was just an act, its use intending to make the other lion waver.
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Kieko generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
1!
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:15 pm
Fifth move: Miss
Although Hodari was taken back when Bodaway finally called him out, he felt reassurred in knowing that the other lion was alright and still interesting in finishing what they started. His ears rose and his posture changed to something more assertive and strong. He began to move quickly, pacing around the lion and debating his next action. He couldn't just swipe at the male again, he had done that too many times before and Bodaway would likely be expecting that.
Hodari matched Bodaway's movements again and the pair danced around one another in preparation for the mistake that either of them would make first. The competition was coming to a close and neither would risk making a foolish movement without thought. These last actions would make or break Hodari's acceptance into the pride.
As Bodaway left an opening, Hodari came fast. Bodaway seemed to catch his mistake, however and quickly corrected himself, jumping out of the way of Hodari's jaws. Hodari skid across the sand, but spun around and remained alert for Bodaway's response.
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Andranis generated a random number between
1 and 3 ...
2!
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:16 pm
Gold eyes followed the shadowy lion's movements, keeping a good watch on him. When Hodari moved, Bodaway moved. When Hodari missed, the old lion turned to face him. "You've fought well, boy..." He started to charge, only to stop. There was no use in trying now. It was over, they had come to a draw. Or had Hodari won? It had seemed so to the old lion. The younger animal had landed two blows to his one. Instead of attacking, Bodaway relaxed his body and demeanor, smiling at Hodari. "I don't think this needs to pointlessly draw on... Welcome home, Hodari... Your mate has been loyally waiting for you."
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Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:20 pm
Bodaway's final response truly caught the young male off guard, nearly toppling over from surprise. It took him a moment to gather himself, but finally he offered a respectful bow and stood tall, proud and incredibly pleased. A dumbfounded grin at the thought of of Savi, however, marred his regal look.
So deep in thought and concentration, Hodari had remained silent during the entire challenge. Bodaway's acceptance seemed to lift that weight from his shoulders and Hodari released a deep breath. It felt like the first time he had ever breathed! Taking in another breath, Hodari approached Bodaway and finally spoke, "I cannot thank you enough for giving me this opportunity and I am honored to call myself a member of the Moutoujamii-Simo." Hodari hesitated for a moment and then smiled warmly, a sort of glow about him, "The true honor, however, is to be given the chance to share my life and love with your daughter, Savitri. Your trust is invaluable to me and I will not disappoint you."
Glancing off towards the Firekin dens, Hodari's smile widened, "If you would excuse me, I'm afraid I cannot contain this news from Savi for long," He let out a light chuckle, "I have waited for this moment.. since cubhood." He returned his gaze to Bodaway and when dismissed, began in the direction he knew she lived.
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