For Jade (Connor Hound vs Ballad)

[Corporal Light]

Neither he nor SPB understood why people enjoyed their trench coats and “cool” looking clothes. He was more concerned with the practicality of his apparel than its appearance. His green coat, trapper hat, black gloves and boots had all served to keep him warm in the harsh environment he had been working in for what felt like months. If people like his opponent wanted to look “cool,” they shouldn't have been trying to look the part. It just made him look like a clown.

But he knew he was no clown. Otherwise, he wouldn't be standing directly behind the gigantic horn, taking cover.

The gunsmith slid his head against the horn, drawing back as a bullet ricocheted off of its edge. His eyes drew to the pockmark left behind by the bullet. Despite the dwarf's stupidity, he had to give them credit for following his specifications exactly. They could at least do that.

The gunner reached into his coat, drawing his revolver. He checked to see if it was fully loaded before sighing, waiting for the gunfire to draw to a close.

Smiling, he stepped out from cover as the gunshots ceased, pistol aimed where he last saw his assassin.

He saw nothing.

The General raised an eyebrow, slowly walking forward with his gun trained towards the spot the merc had been standing on. Drawing closer, he saw that the snow covering the ground had parted, revealing boot prints. His eyes widened as he followed them towards the horn. He heard the cocking of the rifle.

He swiftly turned towards the cornucopia, firing. The bullet sailed past, but the surprised cry confirmed what he knew.

The sharpshooter charged forward, planting his back against the cornucopia. He slid his revolver back into his holster and dug his feet into the ground. He wrinkled his nose, the stench of dog filling his nostrils. He heard the mercenary on the other side of the horn speaking in some language he didn't understand. Given his tone, it was nothing good. Something about how he was going to tear his head off and impale it on a spear, probably. Who knew? The assassin wasn't going to stop him.

He gripped the horn as his enemy went silent. His muscles tensed as footsteps sounded from around the corner.

Brisk and unscrupulous, General.

Ballad lunged forward and grabbed the barrel as it jutted out from the corner. Connor let out a shocked yelp and instinctively pulled the trigger. The gunner raised the rifle upwards, sending the bullets skyward. Both opponents wrestled with the weapon, the dog smell stinging Ballad's glowing gold eyes. A low growl erupted from the mercenary as he reached down to his knife. Just as his hand touched the handle, however, the gunner simply kneed him in the crotch.

Connor let out a wolf-like howl as his grip on his weapon loosened. Ballad, without hesitating, pushed the assassin flat on his back.

The inventor looked at the weapon in his hand, almost ignoring the loud groans emanating from his attacker.

“A SCAR PDW, I presume?” he said, his tone fanciful as he removed the magazine of the rifle, “discharges 5.56 NATO cartridges... around 650 rounds a minute... automatic...”

“Pos to íxeres....” The assassin whimpered, cupping his crotch.

“Pardon me, but are you ware of how brusque you are interrupting me?” He interrupted, smiling as Connor moaned.

“How did you.... know?”

“Intelligence, possible condottiere. If you utilized it to its fullest extent, you would not be here.” He replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Word Count: 600
Powers Used: Stealth (Connor) Enhanced Senses (Ballad) Burst Movement (Ballad)
Moves Used: SCAR PDW (Connor) .480 Revolver (Ballad)

Round 1 for Ballad complete! Round 1 post goes to Connor!