His opponent came, answering his call with what looked like a burning taste for battle and Descaro swallowed a shudder as excitement built up through his body. How long had it been since he'd charged forwards, ploughing his way to flesh and bone, drawing blood to stain the ground. Far too long. It almost made him nervous at the prospect of being rusty, one wrong move in a fierce battle could be fatal and the Corporal wasn't above acknowledging that. He'd been around this block a few times to know that fear could be both costly and wise, it was when to acknowledge fear that was important. For a moment he closed his eyes and swallowed, embraced his uncertainty with his knowledge of combat, before putting it behind him. Eyelids snapped open and he tasted the cool air; time to fight.

Tolio was bright and early, wasting no time in spurring himself into a charge, his fiery body easy to spot in the moons judging gaze. On inspection the boy was much taller than Descaro, it was quite impressive really, he lacked bulk, but would surely make up for it in speed. An even match on appearance, they completed each other's weaknesses and on a battlefield where one fought side by side, they'd probably make quite a good team. Alas! Today was not the day for comradely and his opponent had already jumped the gun, if he wasn't careful he was going to get skewered in under thirty seconds. Not cool.

He engaged his well-oiled machine into action, Descaro had no frilly magic to rely on, just his own brawn. The soldier had already noted his surface, if one was not careful, then they might find themselves face first on the ground, as good as dead. Yet, he did not fear the Aurora Basin's terrain, hesitate on this and you really were in for a slide. Tolio neared and formed an attack that looked like a slice from his well sharpened horn. Descaro backs up and begins to form a rear, wincing as his attempted rise away from the horn didn't fully work because of Tolio's sheer height, the horn grazing cleanly across his barrel area instead, drawing blood and making the mahogany stud grunt. Eyes widened briefly in surprise as he barely misses the brunt of the well aimed cannon shot from his initial back up, his rivals hoof brushing against it making Descaro wince even more as even that force was enough to make it sting, like someone throwing a small rock.

It hurt, even if it was just a graze, even if it was just a small bruise, but by the Gods it hurt. Descaro took deep breaths as his hooves returned to the ground, gritting his teeth to the pain and suddenly wished he really did have magic. Some miracle healing magic would be lovely right now. There was no time for wishful thinking and whimsical dreaming, however, as the brute bounced forwards. Using his Andalusian blood to the maximum, taking advantage of his great agility to quickly turn back and head for where he thought Tolio was. Attempting to take his left shoulder to Tolio's right in a rough barging display, teeth flashing from angered lips that tried to viscously grab at the left side of his rival's neck. There was no point going for the ears, he was much too tall.

In the heat of the moment Descaro was annoyed with himself, irritation reflected throughout his body as he berated himself for falling behind so early. He felt no guilt for the killing instinct that had risen up in the wake of his anger.

(W/C: 610 | 1/3)