Chapter 75: A Challenge

“Ah, ye’re not up fer a bit, yeah? Come watch my fight,” Kat said, hearing her title being called.

“Yeah, we can do that. You know who you’re fighting?” Ann stood, taking Rosalyn by the hand, helping her down to the ground floor.

“Probably. Thrundol guy who’s been beatin’ ‘is way through ‘is previous opponents. Might be able tae get lucky, but I’m gonna have a hard time balancin’ me Tenacity an’ health while tryin’ tae hit back.” Kat let out a sigh, shaking her limbs as she walked, warming back up. “Tricky shite when ye’re havin’ tae also hit back.”

“Couldn’t you just use All In?” Rosalyn asked from between the two.

“Nae, remember the part o’ it takin’ out all me defences.” Kat started bouncing on the balls of her feet, similar to Ann’s own warm up routine. “Shite doesn’t reset until I get some sleep, so if I do win, I’m guaranteed out the next fight. Might as well forfeit if it comes tae tha’.”

“Unless it’s the last fight,” Ann pointed out as they got to the ringside. It was indeed the hulking Thrundol Kat had expected. He stood a good head over Ann’s own considerable height, and stalked the ring like a caged animal, huffing as he flexed for the spectators.

“Well, wish me luck,” Kat sighed, giving each girl a quick peck before swinging through the gate.

“Here we are in the semi-finals folks!” the gruff announcer shouted above the low roar. “Let’s give it up for Katlyn Farragher, princess of this fine kingdom and a true brawler if I’ve ever seen one!”

Raucous cheers erupted as flagons were hoisted. Looking around, Ann saw pretty much everyone cheering for her girl. It was an exhilarating experience that Kat seemed to take in stride, waving with a wide grin on her face. Ann did notice quite a few women were paying a lot closer attention to Kat. Maybe her reputation had earned her a couple of fans or sweethearts.

“Facing her is Gregory Feehan. Up and comer in these past months, he’s made a name for himself with his brute force and sheer tenacity. Let’s give it up for him, folks!”

Cheers and whistles pierced the noise, though Ann noted with some satisfaction that Kat’s cheers were louder.

“They sure give them flashier introductions,” Rosalyn observed.

Ann hooked her hands under the short woman’s armpits and lifted her to sit on the barrier of the ring, allowing her to see. “Yeah, no kidding. What do you think mine’s gonna be?”

“Oh, something about a wild beast tearing her way through the competition. Wolf devouring her opponents and striking fear in the hearts of maidens?”

Ann laughed, patting Rosalyn’s back. “Yeah, that sounds like me. Especially devouring maidens.”

“Sure devoured me,” Rosalyn mumbled, just barely loud enough for Ann to hear.

Ann felt her cheeks flush as she watched Kat and Gregory shake hands. “More on that later. Looks like this is starting. Be ready. Might need to pull you down.”

“I’ll be fine,” Rosalyn said airily. “Just catch me if I jump.”

Ann nodded, then leaned on the barrier with her chin on her arms and focused.

Kat looked tiny next to the large man, but Ann knew that the size difference didn’t amount to too much with skills and stats in play. Kat was strong, but more than that, she was tough.

Both fighters settled into a standard boxing stance, guards up as they faced each other down. Unsurprisingly, Gregory made the first move with a massive fist sailing straight at Kat. The Protector ducked the blow, landed two of her own into his stomach, then backed off as he tried to knee her.

Gregory grunted, keeping his momentum going and keeping Kat in range. He swiped at her with a meaty open palm, not giving her any room to maneuver. Kat took the hit to the shoulder and side, raising her arm to block it. Ann noted the small flash of light indicating she’d used Reactive Defence to mitigate the blow.

Gregory obviously expected Kat to be knocked to the side, but she stood her ground, absorbing the hit, then kicked hard at his right knee, ducked, rolled under his legs, and punched the same knee again.

The Thrundol groaned in pain as Kat tried to topple the giant, but he wasn’t as distracted as Kat expected. He reached out quickly, hand catching Kat, and threw her across the arena.

Kat’s body bounced twice on the sand before coming to rest against the wall. She was still conscious but a little disoriented.

“GET UP KAT!” Rosalyn yelled, slapping the barrier. “Come on, you’ve got him!”

Ann joined her girlfriend in shouting encouragements.

Kat leaned on the wall, pulling herself up and blowing blood out of her nose. She’d landed wrong on one of the bounces, and had apparently hit her face. Turning, she winked at her girlfriends and rushed back in.

The next few minutes flew by. Gregory repeatedly tried to knock Kat down or away with his massive bulk and strength, but Kat resisted each time. She was taking damage, that much was obvious from the welts she was starting to accrue, but she was dealing damage back. She was focusing on Gregory’s knee, and Ann could see the region reddening under the purplish grey skin of the Thrundol. It was working. He was favouring the leg when he had to move, but either a skill or his health pool was keeping him upright.

The next move from the giant surprised them all. Kat had gotten in close, trying for another hit on the wounded leg, when he simply fell on her.

“Ah feck,” Ann heard Kat gasp as the mountain of flesh toppled heavily on top of her. To her credit, Kat held up the bulk for a couple seconds, but Gregory quickly swept her legs out from under her, and had her pinned. Next, he just laid there, not moving, but keeping Kat from moving too.

The audience was silent as they watched. So silent Ann could hear Kat’s muffled curses as she tried to get out from underneath the man.

Kat wormed an arm free and started trying to punch, but her angle was bad and she couldn’t get enough range of motion to do any real damage.

“Give it up,” Gregory said in a slow, deep rumble. “Not getting out. Is over.”

“Like feck it is!” Kat yelled back, trying to push again.

“We have a pin! Starting the count!” the ref called, moving up next to them.

“Shit, come on Kat,” Ann whispered, sending out a silent prayer to Orenous, Illdall, whoever might help.

“One!”

“Get the feck of me ye sone o’ a motherless goat!” Kat all but screamed with frustration, twisting and turning, trying to find purchase.

“Two!”

“No use,” Gregory drawled.

“Did I ask ye?” Kat growled back.

“Three!”

Kat dug out a ditch of sand with her elbow and got a better hit in, this time causing Gregory to grunt and flex as he held her down.

“Four!”

Kat didn’t stop hitting, and tried grabbing at a bit of extra flesh on the man’s side, twisting.

“Ooooow,” Gregory complained. He pulled back his head and slammed it down into Kat’s. The impact blew out the sand underneath Kat’s skull, but she’d defended it, mitigating most of the damage.

“Five! That’s a pin! Winner is Gregory!” the referee called.

Immediately, Gregory was up and off Kat, brushing himself off.

Kat laid there, fuming at the sky as a healer ran over to check on her, Ann and Rosalyn not far behind.

“Feckin’ bastard of a whore goat’s offal.”

“Kat, come on. He was huge, and that was a skill. I’ve seen you lift more,” Rosalyn said soothingly as she brushed the Alfhindur’s long brown locks from her face. Kat’s braids had come undone in the scrap and sweaty strands clung to her skin.

“Yeah, it was a bad matchup. You’re way better against things that hit you,” Ann reassured, her girlfriend.

“No serious injuries,” the healer informed them. “I gave you a bit of healing for your head, however. Better to be safe. Good fight, highness. Hope to see you back next time.”

“Gregory better hope he doesn’t,” Kat grumbled, sitting unaided, but taking Ann and Rosalyn’s hands for standing.

“You’ll get him next time,” Ann reassured. “Maybe you’ll have a skill that’s more offensive to take out his knee better next time?”

“Probably not. I’m a Protector. I know what I’ve got fer me path. It’s not fer damage. That’s all me.”

“Well, speaking of offence,” Ann said, cocking an ear. “That’s my name. Shit. Time to go see who I get to fight. Semifinals already feels weird.”

“Well, can’t expect everyone tae fight all the time,” Kat huffed, pushing the gate open. “These things usually only ‘ave four rounds unless too many people show up.”

“Do you all put bets on your own fights?” Rosalyn asked, keeping close to Kat as they wove through the press of people.

“I don’t. Don’t want more pressure than I put on meself. Others do. Say the pressure helps ‘em focus,” Kat said with a shrug. “Not like I really need money, anyhow.”

“That is true. Perks of royalty,” Rosalyn chuckled. “Maybe we should put a bet on Ann? She’s got a couple stronger fights coming up, might be good fun?”

“If you do, don’t tell me,” Ann requested. “Same reason as Kat. I want to focus on the fight more than the money.”

Rosalyn hummed, eyeing the betting counter. “I won’t tell,” she agreed. “Now go kick whoever’s butt, fluffy,” she said, slapping Ann’s ass and giving her a cheeky grin.

“Love you too,” Ann laughed. “See you in a sec!”

She was facing someone she didn’t recognise. Fortunately this woman was another Vulhardrin who appeared to be some kind of yak hybrid. She was big, brawny, and sported a wide set of horns with a thick mane of hair. She had a barrel chest, and clearly had some good muscle on her, though rather small in the breast area. Hooves replaced her feet, and she kicked at the sand while she waited.

“Gotta watch out for those,” Ann chuckled, holding out her hand and nodding at the bony bits.

“Yup!” the woman said back, her tone surprisingly cheerful as she shook Ann’s hand. “They pack a wallop, that’s for sure. You’re no slouch yourself, though. Been wondering if you have anything else going on.”

“Girl’s gotta have some secrets, right?”

“Toootally,” the woman giggled. “Well, good luck. Let’s see who’s better at all this!”

“Good luck,” Ann chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. She paced back to her half of the arena, waiting for the referee to get things started.

“We enter our semi finals for the beginner division!” the Thrundol woman yelled. “Only two fights tonight, and we’re kicking it off with a fun one! The Wild Wolf Annita Kronforst against the Brazen Bull Sybil Ennis! Sybil’s been around for a few weeks now, but she’s made a name for herself with her upbeat attitude. Good to see you back, sweetness!”

Sybil blushed, waving as the crowd cheered, and shuffled her hoofs.

“Meanwhile, Annita here is a newcomer tonight. The way she’s been tearing through the competition, I wouldn’t be shocked if she’s in the intermediates next time she comes by. Speed and skill seem to be her strengths despite that prodigious height. Give it up for our newcomer folks!”

Cheers rang out. Looking around, Ann was surprised that more people had shown up. Maybe it was because the tournament was coming to a head, but she wasn’t sure. She spotted Kat and Rosalyn cheering in the stands and blew them a kiss before returning her attention to the ring.

“Looks like our fighter has a crush!” the referee jeered good-naturedly. “All right. Fighters, are you ready?”

Both women nodded, locking eyes. Sybil gave Ann a little wave she couldn’t help but smile at. Ann was gonna feel a little bad about beating her.

“Then let’s get started! Three! Two! One! Fight!”

Sand exploded as both fighters charged at the same time. Ann felt a rush as she barreled toward an opponent who matched her height for once.

Sybil started with a right jab, testing Ann’s reflexes. Ann parried the blow, landing one of her own on Sybil’s side. Something happened, and the blow didn’t feel like it had its usual impact. Unsure what was going on, Ann skipped backwards, paws kicking up sand.

Sybil didn’t give her a chance to recover and rushed forward. More certain of the speed she needed, she began to jab with both fists, alternating and trying to catch Ann guarding to deliver a more powerful blow.

Ann ducked and weaved, moving how Remmi had taught her to keep her balance. A jab clipped her left arm, knocking it to the side even with a glancing blow.

Sybil capitalised on the opening, pulling her right arm back and hitting the exposed side.

Ann gasped in pain as she bounced on the sand, rolling and springing back to her feet. She knew this woman was going to hit hard, but it still surprised her how hard. Stats were a hell of a thing.

Dancing on her paws, Ann circled, trying to find an opening, but Sybil’s stance was solid. Nothing but a brick wall of muscled arms for Ann to target. Cheering and jeers began to come from the crowd, berating both fighters. Ann tested something. She activated Fade Away. She was still in direct eyesight of Sybil, so she doubted it would work, but wanted to see if anything happened.

It didn’t do a perfect job of letting her slip away, but the distraction of the crowd worked in her favour. Sybil’s eyes lost their focus, flicking over to one of the men cheering her on. In that instant, Ann rushed forward as low to the ground as she could.

“Oh crap!” Sybil gasped, trying to block the blow. She would have if Ann was aiming for a frontal hit. Instead, she extended her claws, and raced past the woman. She sunk them into Sybil’s side, getting a grip on the sturdy hip, and used her arm to wrap around and land a hit on the woman’s back.

Sybil was slow to react, allowing Ann to get two more hits in, putting a Smite behind the third strike. The first and second had that strange sensation of not hitting correctly, but the last one definitely connected. A small burn blossomed on Sybil’s side and the Vulhardrin grunted in pain.

“You’ve got some kind of mitigation skill, don’t you?” Ann asked, wiping sweat from her brow as she moved back.

“Yup, how’d you guess?” Sybil asked, equally out of breath.

“Girlfriend has one like it. Yours seems easier to use, though.”

“Well shoot, you’ve got practice against it,” Sybil pouted. “Guess that means we’ve gotta slug this one out.”

“Guess we do,” Ann nodded.

Both fighters leaned forward, watching intently. Ann feinted with a shifted paw, and Sybil flinched. Sybil flexed an arm, and Ann guarded on that side by habit. This repeated back and forth, neither committing to an attack. They were pretty evenly matched, and the crowd’s silence showed they understood that.

Sybil broke the stalemate first this time, swinging hard with her right. She favoured that fist, Ann had come to realise, and she was ready to dodge. Twisting, she ducked outside, and felt something hard hit her in the stomach.

Her paws left the ground as she flew backward, hitting the wall with her back and sliding down. Desperately, she gasped for breath, falling forward onto her hands and knees. She’d forgotten about the woman’s hooves and Sybil had perfectly used that lapse to her advantage.

“You ok?” Sybil asked from nearby, though the sound was muffled as Ann tried to recover.

Finally, she got a breath in. Then the pain hit her. She groaned, and doubled over, but forced herself to stand back up. “I’m good. Just, ow!”

“Hey, I warned you,” Sybil said, prancing backwards.

“Yeah, you sure did,” Ann growled. She felt the rush coming back. The feeling of danger that always lit her up when they were fighting Warped. If she wasn’t careful, this sweet woman would break her, and she wasn’t going to let that happen.

She ran forward, getting into range once more. Sybil shot out a leg in a forward kick, hitting nothing as Ann leapt over the hoof. Using her increased dexterity, she landed on the limb, then kicked hard into Sybil’s chest. This sent her flying backwards in a graceful flip while Sybil staggered backwards.

Ann dug her claws in on impact and darted forward, landing two more hits on the sides before Sybil fully recovered.

Sybil responded by clasping her hands and bringing them down on Ann’s back. She rolled mostly out of the way of the devastating blow, but still took a good hit in the shoulder. She got knocked off balance and staggered. Ann barely blocked the followup blow to her side, catching it on her elbow. She felt the joint creak, but it held.

Trying to end this quick, she rolled on the fist and kicked hard at Sybil’s head. A horn got in the way and she flinched as her foot bounced away.

Another blow landed on Ann’s chest, but she grit her teeth, and kicked again. This time she hit square on the jaw. She didn’t feel the strange mitigation skill activate and activated Smite. One flash of purple later and Sybil went limp.

Panting, Ann fell to the sand as the arm she was holding gave out. She sat there for a moment, the world around her quiet as she tried to make sense of the moment. Sybil wasn’t moving, but she was breathing. Ann was happy about that, at least. She didn’t actually want to hurt her opponent seriously. It was just a match.

The healer rushed over, checking out Sybil first. A soothing green light misted from her hands and covered the yak woman’s body. After a moment, she started, then sat up looking around.

“Oh blast it all. I lost, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, sure did,” Ann chuckled, the act causing her to wince as a tender muscle in her side stretched. “Was a fucking close thing, though.”

“You fight like a crazy person,” Sybil giggled, still sitting there. “Most people are all sloppy and take dumb hits. You do it and somehow hit me back harder!”

“Probably thanks to my girlfriend’s training,” Ann laughed, sitting back on her palms as the healer tended to her.

“I’d like to meet her. Sounds like she might have some pointers for me,” Sybil sighed, standing.

“Meet who now?” Kat asked, having just gotten through the crowd and into the ring.

“Meet you,” Ann explained. “Sybil, Kat. Think you might know her?”

“Oh, your highness!” Sybil squeaked, turning to her left and right like she wasn’t sure what to do with her body.

“Feck off wit’ tha’,” Kat groaned. “Not ‘ere. Just Kat.”

“Well, then, Kat. Annita was just saying you fight like me and I wanted to possibly, maybe, pick your brains a little? Or your brawn?” Sybil shuffled nervously as she waited for her response.

“Eh, sure,” Kat shrugged. “C’mon. We’re sittin’ up at the top there. Rosalyn, she good?”

“Um, yeah? I guess? It should be, um, fine. Just some space, if you would?”

“Oh, um, yeah,” Sybil chuckled.

Together, the four climbed back up to the upper row of the stands.