Stranded on a Tiny Planet

Divide and Conquer

Merco's first attack was quick as he dropped down on the lizard creature's broad back and began hacking at him with the knife. Dark red blood appeared as glistening marks of hope for victory. The Ansheetan and Rogashay onlookers kept themselves out of the way and hidden as the two titans briefly struggled. Coroc and his small squadron were ready but it didn't take long for the Gret'nal to get a hold on Merco and with tremendous strength tossed him off of his back as if he weighed nothing. The mere act was terrifying and the very rocks seemed to shake from the huge body's impact. Merco hit the rocky ground but seemed to soften it by rolling to his feet in a fighting stance.

Then the two titans began circling each other slowly, rumbling in a language none of them understood. It was tense and everyone seemed to be holding their breath. Watching them in close proximity it was never more clear that the Gret'nal out-sized Merco by a notable margin. It definitely put into perspective the caution Merco had voiced about facing this foe.

In an instant the fight was on. The huge Gret'nal charged in first, shaking the ground with his every movement. He swung a heavy arm in a clawing motion at Merco but the human was quicker and ducked to the side. Merco brought the knife back and stabbed repeatedly but the blade couldn't find a soft spot in the Gret'nal's tough hide and only managed to make small cuts along his side. In response, the Gret'nal bashed his huge shoulder and arm into Merco and flung him backward. With fast feet, Merco maintained his balance, keeping the knife in front of him, but the Gret'nal wasn't giving him a moment to recover as he charged and slammed into the man, throwing him down the slope into the trees.

The deafening discord of snapping trees and quaking, earth tearing impacts shook the forest. Nothing could stand before the battling titans as the landscape was torn to pieces in their wake. It was almost so shockingly destructive that none of the natives could react beyond staring paralyzed at the scene below. To them, Merco was the most powerful being they'd ever met and to see him get thrown around and driven back was terrifying.

Anu looked over at Coroc and his squadron, "What are you waiting for?"

Coroc only gestured subtly as he analyzed the battle, "Not yet...we need a clear opening."

Worry covered Anu's face until, without hesitating, Boroxle and Kriees urged their sand dragons down the slope toward the battling titans.

Coroc swore and finally shot up into the sky, his squadron following him.

...

The pain was scraping and rocketing through Merco when the Gret'nal threw him down the slope near Bent Peak and into the trees below. The blow, nor the landing on his back were soft and his body felt it harshly. He knew the lizard humanoid would be strong but feeling his power firsthand was another matter; like getting hit by a truck at low speed. Even with the superior knife and surprise he only managed a few minor cuts as the Gret'nal's scaly skin acted as armor. He couldn't get a throat jab as the Gret'nal was leading his attacks with his thick arms and shoulders whilst tucking his head. Obviously he knew his own weakness and expertly kept himself guarded.

Merco's heart was pounding loudly as he quickly pushed himself up from his awkward fall in the trees. But the Gret'nal was charging down the slope after him, not giving him any time to recover. He'd only sat up a bit when the Gret'nal swung a scaly fist down at him. Merco rolled to the side quickly, dodging the initial hit. With a fast slash he swiped the knife across the Gret'nal's wrist. An angry hiss and a flash of blood rewarded him. Merco arched his back and brought his boot up fast, kicking the reptilian assailant in the head. The Gret'nal turned his head slightly against the blow, but certainly didn't seem very injured from the kick.

"Cute..." the Gret'nal growled.

Suddenly his clawed hand swiped down at Merco, cuffing his legs out of the way. With an iron grip he seized Merco by the neck, effortlessly hauled him up, and threw him back further into the forest. Slamming to the ground hard, the man felt the sharp trees scrape unforgivingly across his sides and tear his skin roughly. He grimaced with pain, adrenaline forcing him to roll over and try to get to his feet.

That's when he felt the sharp stabbing pain pierce his right shoulder in the front and back. Merco's back arched reflexively and he cried out when he felt the abrupt scaly snout blowing hot air next to his neck and the hot sticky mixture of saliva and his own blood soaking his shoulder and arm. The Gret'nal had his shoulder in a deadly sharp-toothed bite. Through his teeth the reptilian growled and then violently shook his head. Merco tried to resist the attack but the sharp teeth tore his flesh mercilessly as he was shook from side to side like a rag in the jaws of a dog. White pain light exploded in his vision and a ringing clouded his ears. The hot wetness invaded his back and sides.

He was being shredded.

Just when Merco was certain his body could endure no more the Gret'nal's bite released him. The lizard humanoid gave a shrieking rasp and stepped back. Merco heaved himself away from his opponent through pure adrenaline alone and turned to see the Gret'nal clawing at his left eye and whipping his head around. Dark blood and fluid appeared, running down the side of his face. Merco caught a glimpse of several blurs of maroon and one blue in the air. Coroc and his attack squadron had seized the moment and taken out one of the Gret'nal's eyes.

Merco gripped the knife his right hand and the pain shot through the whole of his arm. The injury compromised his grip strength. His shirt was torn and blood soaked it across his chest and shoulder. As he painfully sat up a blip of movement entered his periphery and climbed up his side to stand on his gloved arm.

It was Boroxle, brandishing his combat spear.

He gestured strongly whilst shouting, "Merco! We have to enact my plan! Now!"

Merco winced trying to fight through the pain. Looming nearby, the Gret'nal shook his head and leaned so his good eye was directed at Merco. He snarled nastily, pain fueling his vengeful aggression to a new level.

Boroxle anchored a second spear into the leather of Merco's glove and gripped onto it tightly. His yellowed eyes were intense and serious as he stared back at Merco. The man gave the small warrior a look that said he didn't want to enact Boroxle's suicidal plan but suddenly the Gret'nal lunged down at him, mouth agape. There wasn't a choice now. Gritting his teeth, Merco thrust his mechanical forearm in front of him as a shield and an offering at the same time. Like a crocodile slamming its jaws down on the leg of a hapless wildebeest the Gret'nal clamped down on Merco's prosthetic, engulfing it and Boroxle in one fierce bite.