A/N: For those asking —yes, Uga is a repeating character in the land of origin down the story. Same with Renn.
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Michael's brow twitched.
"Birds?"
"You flap. Peck. Fast. But not heavy."
A small chuckle escaped Michael's lips. "You're comparing me to a chicken?"
"No," Uga said seriously. "Chicken weak. You strong."
Michael cracked his knuckles. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Then he lunged.
Again.
His fists blurred—one strike, two, three.
A rising elbow, a sudden backfist, followed by a low sweep kick that Uga stepped over with the same ease one might avoid a rock on the road.
Michael didn't pause.
He moved in again.
A hammer-fist toward the collarbone.
Blocked.
A palm-thrust to the ribs.
Absorbed.
He twisted and struck with both hands, palms open, aiming for pressure points.
Each strike landed with the sound of flesh slamming against muscle—but Uga didn't so much as wince.
Instead, he grinned wider. "This fun."
