[Sky Round 5] Nilima Naira vs Tsi-Tsi Kanati (FIN)

[mouselet]

It seemed like every match Tsi-Tsi had found himself in was different in some way. Not only was he now up against an older lioness, but she was his first opponent this year who hadn't been born into the Ela'wadiyi.

She'd also, so his sister confided, dominated her third round match. So he should obviously be careful of the strange techniques that she may have learned out in the rogue lands.

In truth, the yellow lion was absolutely amazed that he'd made it this far. To the point where the odds were good that he'd be one of the top three lions this year. He didn't even know how it was possible!

But now wasn't the time to let his mind wander. Tsi-Tsi drew a deep breath before turning to face Nilima.  

[magnadearel]

Nilima waited with her head held high. She was enjoying her first festival. There was so many new lions that she was getting to meet. She hoped that some friendships might arise out of this meeting. For now she was looking at her next opponent. He looked sturdy and she could believe he'd made it this far.

She smiled and nodded her head to him. "Hello. Congratulations on your wins." There had been so many participates in this festival. Nilima was eager to see just how far she could make it. Although the growing crowds was making her fur prickle. She wasn't use to having so many eyes upon her! It was a new feeling. She swallowed her butterflies and felt them settle in her stomach. The pale lioness prepared for the round.  

[mouselet]

"Uh, same to you. Congrats that is. On your wins," Tsi-Tsi stumbled slightly over the words. She was very polite, and he felt somewhat ashamed because he would have expected a former rogue to be coarser, especially if that one had made it all the way to the semi-final round of the Sky Ceremony. That was pretty bad of him, and he could feel the flesh beneath his pale yellow fur warming in embarrassment.

To distract himself, and to satisfy all the watching lions (he could feel Yinehi's gaze and almost hear her yelling at him to get on with it) he decided to start the fight.

"Uh, here I come!" the yellow lion cried, launching himself at Nilima in a giant leap, both forepaws extended.

Tsi-Tsi Roll 1: Double  

[magnadearel]

She smiled as he stumbled over his words, she knew they were sincere. "Thank you." The crowds were eager for the matches to start. He was even nice enough to warn her he was coming, but that didn't help her much. She tried to slither to the side, but it was no use and she got knocked off her feet and sent rolling.

Nilima tucked in her paws, going with the roll and rolled away. Giving herself time to catch the breath that'd been knocked from her and get to her feet. "Excellent start!" This was fun! Now it was time to return it. The lioness dashed forward low to the ground and swiped at his paws.

Nilima Roll 1: Full  

[mouselet]

He'd...knocked her over? Yay! Well, he hadn't meant to, so maybe not yay. But this was a fight, right? So it was yay! The lion was so distracted by trying to figure out if hitting the lioness was good or bad that he missed seeing her paws move until the last moment. Nilima's blow successfully took his feet out from under him and Tsi-Tsi stumbled to the ground.

Well, that was no fun. The yellow male reached for his opponent to drag her down too, hoping to buy himself enough time to regain his feet while she was (hopefully) disoriented.

Tsi-Tsi Roll 2: Full  

[magnadearel]

Her strategy worked beautifully! Nilima was pleased to see the large male start to tumble. She squeaked as he surprised her by grabbing for her. Well if she had to fall she'd make the best of it. Nilima pushed off with her paws to ensure she landed on top of the lion. Letting him cushion her before she rolled over his side to land on her feet once more.

Paws under her she jumped free lest he try to grab for her again. The lioness looked to see how much wind she'd knocked out of him. She stalked around as she waited for him to rise to his feet once more.


Nilima Roll 2: Half  

[mouselet]

Ow. That wasn't how that was supposed to work. Tsi-Tsi finally crawled to his feet as the lioness circled him just out of his reach. Ow. He shook his shoulders to settle himself and reached out for her again. He didn't mean to make this easy, and her staying beyond his reach wasn't going to help at all, so he had to keep her close!

Tsi-Tsi Roll 3: Half  

[magnadearel]

She knew the crowds wouldn't like her just circling out of reach. That wasn't how a fight was won. Her eyes narrowed as she searched for a weak spot to take advantage of. This was harder than she thought. She had to fight without seriously injuring her opponent. So her moves required more thought than if she was simply hunting a wildebeest.

Nilima snorted dust from her nose and launched her attack. She had let him get up, but that didn't mean she would go easy or give him time to gather his next move. The lioness roared and went in with her paws aimed for his head and neck which was well protected by his mane.


Nilima Roll 3: Half  

[mouselet]

Ow ow ow! She was strong! And Tsi-Tsi suspected the lioness wasn't holding back much, if any! But her current lunge had brought her close to him, perhaps close enough...!

The yellow lion opened his mouth wide, intending to get a firm grip on his opponent at last. Unfortunately, she was as slippery as a snake and his fangs clacked audibly on air.

Tsi-Tsi Roll 4: Miss  

[magnadearel]

Her hits had felt solid and she was fairly sure she hadn't truly harmed him. Hopefully it looked good for the audience. Nilima had pulled back for another round of paw smacking when she saw him open his mouth. That couldn't be good! Instinctively she ducked to the side and heard his teeth click where she'd just been standing. She shivered down her spine to her tail at the thought if he'd caught her. That was a lucky escape!

She brushed down along his flank as her momentum carried her past him. Nilima turned and pounced upon him like he was a piece of prime prey that she was trying to bring down. Luckily for him her claws were still mostly sheathed.


Nilima Roll 4: Full  

[mouselet]

Ack! Now he'd overbalanced on that extension and Nilima had pounced on him as if he were her next meal! No claws, sure, but still unpleasant! Tsi-Tsi, sensing the end of the match was near, flailed wildly at the lioness atop him. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be doing him very good.

Tsi-Tsi Roll 5: Half.  

[magnadearel]

She could feel the desperation in his moves now. The lioness had him right where she wanted him. Nilima tightened her paws and waited for the moment just like she was hunting. She felt him lean just a little to far to one side. With a surge of strength, the lioness forced him to fall to the ground and trapped him there with her paws. She lifted her head and roared her victory.


Nilima Roll 5: Full