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Post by Riku on Feb 26, 2021 15:53:55 GMT -6
Horn-Strike It was time for a new tournament in the pit, and Riku had put off training because he didn’t have anyone in mind that could be ready in time. However, the sign up date was postponed so he’d now have a chance at getting in. Winning? Maybe not. Participating for points and levels? Sure! And it’s be a great bonding experience for him and his ice Malii who had mostly done her own thing for several years. One of his originals that his parents bought him when he was much younger. Maybe ten years ago or more now...? It was bizarre to him that they hadn’t spent more time together. Occasional short adventures, but not much else. They were at the area of the park that he liked to do his training. It was about mid-day, and the sun was fortunately out - not that the cold would mind Zarella much. Not only did she have thick soft fur, but also an immunity to cold. Riku 0.1 // Zarella 2.2
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Post by Riku on Feb 26, 2021 17:27:03 GMT -6
He figured he’d start with Horn-Strike since that would likely be her main move in the pit. He was pretty sure they required two moves to be trained, so Gash could be the second. He brought a bag of fish treats with him - SO much easier to work with than fresh, raw fish like he had used for years. It was always gross, messy, and smelly...but he had largely gotten used to it. So many years of working with Malii made it normal...though the cooked/cured treats were better and worked just as well as incentive.
He guided Zarella to the old tree trunk that he used at target practice. There were years worth of clawing and scraping. It was such a sturdy thing. She clawed at the base of it, wondering if she could somehow dig underneath, and he held out a strip of the cured meat.
Riku 0.2 // Zarella 2.4
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Post by Riku on Feb 26, 2021 17:34:30 GMT -6
“Use Horn Strike.” Riku said, gently nudging the back of her head forward towards the tree trunk. She, obviously, resisted and looked up at him funny. If she could speak to him directly, she’d have made some remark like ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing? That’s not how I like my massages.’ He chuckled at her expression that he’d anticipated and waved the treat in front of her again and sort of acted out the move for her.
He tucked his chin down and pushed his head forward with his hand in front of it, and then gestured for her to do the same. Again, he nudged forward on the back of her neck and tilted her snout down with his other hand. She reluctantly participated with her eyes on him. Then he reenacted his version of a ‘head butt’ for her to try as an inevitable horn-strike.
Riku 0.3 // Zarella 2.6
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Post by Riku on Feb 26, 2021 17:39:51 GMT -6
Holding the treat between her head and the tree trunk, he said “Horn Strike” and nudged her forward. She stepped forward with one paw and let the super sharp tip of her horn stab into the wood. “Great job!” He said with a very clear sense of gratitude. His voice went higher and softer and he massaged the sides of her neck, deep into the fur. Zarella took her treat, but still was confused.
Wanting another, and having a hunch, she tipped her horn into the tree again and Riku quickly took the opportunity to say “Horn Strike” so she’d connect the command to the action and not just the reward. He said it a few times while she poked the trunk and gave her another treat. She was very happy with this and had a big smile from cheek to cheek. “Good girl...!” He cooed as her rubbed her fur.
Riku 0.4 // Zarella 2.8
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Post by Riku on Feb 26, 2021 18:22:25 GMT -6
Knowing it took more than a poke, he wanted to make sure he could pack some punch into that attack. This time he acted it out for her, but with a lot more aggression. He playfully tried to rile her up to get her more energetic and then held up the treat - which got her attention even more - and commanded “Horn Strike!” with a quick motion of his wrist.
Zarella saw the added flare from Riku and stabbed into the trunk a little harder. However, he wasn’t satisfied. He said it again with more passion and flicked his wrist even harder. She grunted and thrust her horn into the trunk, almost getting it stuck! Fortunately, the wood was weakened over time and chipped off when she tugged it free. “Good girl!!!” He exclaimed, giving her the treat and lots of love as reward. He felt satisfied with this move for now.
Riku 0.5 // Zarella 3.0
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