The crimson-clad crusader had made his thrust, and it twisted its maw into the way to try to catch the maneuver. Performing a swift feint, his weapon flicked aside just as his other hand cast the grappling line forth, wrapping around the outstretched maw so that he could attempt to wrangle some more control out of it.
That, unfortunately, seemed to be a mistake. It thrashed violently at the foreign object that clamped itself around its fanged mouth, rearing its head back suddenly and taking Carduul with it. Braced as best he could, he slid for a few moments against the mud before being swept up, whirling through the air - a sensation he was used to, but not exactly at the behest of another creature.
With the motion, he oriented himself - at least,
tried to as best he could - and thrust his weapon towards the leathery skin of its back, attempting to deter it from thrashing so violently. The blow connected, earning a shriek of pain and a few droplets of blood from the thick hide. He was so close to being able to touch down upon it, and get a proper footing to begin reining the giant beast in - but his attack instead made it whip its head forward…
Where Carduul was sent hurtling, grappling cable still in hand, into a nearby tree. It forced the air from his lungs, pain erupting from his back that bloomed across his chest and body, accompanied by a loud metallic
thud. Once again, his armor had narrowly saved him from a more permanent injury - though reeling from its frantic outburst, he once again gritted his teeth, and steeled himself for what was to come. Perhaps it had been unwise to come mostly alone. At this point, it was less a fight to capture it, and more a fight to survive it.
Coming to a slow stand, there was a brace with the poleaxe, before his jetpack burned to life. Death flashed before his visor in the form of the powerful beast’s fangs, bearing down to bisect his head from his body. Yet he stood undaunted, and he was rewarded for his tenacity.
Suddenly swerving with a twist mid-air, the poleaxe cleaved upwards and
severed one of the fangs that would’ve otherwise have caught him in its grip. A pained, shrill cry emitted from the Drexl, as his short burst of movement led him to touch down with a sliding halt against muddy ground once more.
Whirling, his weapon was taken and pointed forwards threateningly at the beast, of which leaked crimson from its maw. Beady black eyes remained upon the crimson figure, as if debating what to do. And in that moment, the Drexl decided that its prey was simply too much trouble to spend anymore effort on. Seeing an opening, its wings spread, and it took off. Carduul made no effort to pursue, panting heavily beneath the helm as he stared at its exit.
He may have been unsuccessful in his hunt, but at the very least, he had remained unscathed. Even surviving such an encounter earned a bit of honor, and claiming a trophy from such a fearsome foe would doubtlessly earn more. The Rally Master winced as he held his side - feeling perhaps a broken bone or two beneath the red shell of armor. Steps sauntered over to where the intimidating beast was, before slowly stooping down and collecting the severed fang.
True, it was not the result he intended, nor as glorious as the original goal. But he held a feeling glory would not be in short supply
very soon.
Carduul Akahl
Sig Dryggo
Hakon Fett
Ninurta Slaabur'r
Gaanla Munin
