Redhawk Caldera May the force be with you

Somewhere between leap and impact, Wildfire felt another bolt of trepidation, though it was eclipsed by a surge of empowerment. She was really doing it! Of course, this feeling was just as short-lived, for Elwood moved deftly to block her with his gray shoulder. Her small muzzle smashed into it, then she bounced. Her teeth didn't even touch his flesh, though she left behind a few threads of blood from her still-bleeding gums.

While she collected herself, her uncle explained what he'd done. The idea of defense began to click in her head now that she had a concrete example. Rather than attack her in return, Elwood had simply shielded himself. Wildfire chewed on the inside of her cheek a moment, then nodded to indicate she understood. When he asked if she wanted to try again, she bobbed her head a second time, a bit more enthusiastically.

It was Elwood's job to protect his throat and belly, which meant it was her job to get past his defenses to get at them. Wildfire backed up several paces to assess him and deliberate her next attack. If she did the very same thing, he would just block her again. Her lips twisted thoughtfully to the side as she pondered how to get the better of her godfather. He was bigger and stronger but perhaps she could use her size and speed to her advantage?

Without realizing she was giving her opponent plenty of warning by taking so long to make a move, Wildfire bowed forward for a moment, then jumped at her Uncle Elwood again. She barked loudly, subconsciously trying to startle and distract him. She then dove toward his front paws, though instead of biting at his legs, Wildfire bounded upward and forward between his legs. The pup aimed to strike somewhere in the vicinity of his throat, chest, belly or crotch. Her aim was as wild as her name, though her target was fairly large, so unless Elwood expertly evaded, her chances of landing a hit were rather good.