"You're going to be the first one going back into the gene splicer, doe." Drake sneered at Sam. "Don't think you're fooling anyone going around with antlers."
Sam snorted in derision. *He's trying to psych me* he thought. "You think that's original?" Sam laughed, which came out sounding rather strange from a deermorph's larynx. "Every punk in this tournament has been pulling that crap, and here I am. And you know what? The guy who thinks he can win with his mouth is the loser."
"Alright, bitch, it's on." Drake and Sam were pawing the ground and snorting like steamengines.
Clash! The two stags banged their antlered heads together. Neither gave much, as they withdrew for the next clash.
*He's strong* Sam thought. *Probably stronger than me, but I have a height advantage and longer antlers*
Clash! Again the two stags banged their heads and withdrew.
*This is going to have to be timed just right, but it's my best chance*
Sam sidestepped as Drake charged. As their antlers were entangled Sam gave a twist, and Drake ended up on the ground.
"Not fair! Not fair!"
Sam looked Drake directly in the eye, and Drake wilted under the gaze of a dominant buck. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He scurried to join the watching crowd of bucks who had previously lost, while some of Sam's other defeated foes came forward to congratulate him.