Most Vohra didn’t really use names. Since Vohran nests were all telepathically linked, actually calling out a name was somewhat needless, and only higher ranked Vohra and their Vahyra Queens would have some sort of name, which was used when speaking to non-Vohra races. However, the Vahrga, the adult males, that fought in the Great Dessaron Arena, they did have names, given to them by the crowds. The four, massive, silver armoured Vahrga that made up the Vahrgan Jaw, were known as Crusher, Fang, Shockwave and Talon. However, the names didn’t really matter much, and few folk could actually correctly name each Vahrga.
“So, uh, which one is which again?” Tenuk asked as he attached a spare pistol to his belt. The four members of Xeno Dessaron One were busy preparing in their spawn room. A large gate separated them from the main arena, a large, empty, grassy field. On the opposite side was the opposing team’s spawn room, where four colossal Vahrga, all as large and heavily armoured as Retvik was, were slowly stepping into the arena.
“Crusher is the black one, Fang is the green one, Shockwave is the white one and Talon is the blue one…” Retvik had said this a couple of times.
“I see… Funny how they’re kinda arbitrary in colour!” Tenuk smiled. “They only come in six exact colours, how weird. You guys ready?”
Kayel and Nyssi both nodded, Nyssi being a lot more confident than Kayel. They normally used gunstaffs, but Tenuk had insisted that everyone also bring along a pistol or other ranged weapon. Even Retvik, who rarely used anything aside from his gunstaff.
“I still think this idea is insane…” Kayel muttered, throwing an oversized hoodie over his armour. “And also fucking gross.”
“Yeah, well, that’s why we have two plans going on at once. You’re the distraction, Kayel, you’ll be fine. I think. Alright, give me some space.”
Tenuk hesitated, then smiled again. Everyone backed away from the Spast as he began to grow in size, his body ballooning outwards. After a few awkward moments, Tenuk settled down, slumping forwards. He had taken the form of a Vahyra, an adult, female Vohra. However, Tenuk was struggling to hold this form, the vast size, weight and rolls of fat were holding him down, as were the telepathic connections Tenuk’s now Vohran brain was trying to make.
“Quick, Kayel.”
Kayel frowned as he stood in front of Tenuk. Tenuk wretched several times, then nonchalantly threw up all over Kayel, drenching him mostly in just saliva and bile. Kayel was thankful that Tenuk had been fasting for the twelve hours, and was even more thankful as Tenuk began to shrink down, switching back to his normal Spast form.
“Yeah, that’s grosssssss!” Nyssi wished she hadn’t watched. “Are you two… alright?”
Tenuk rubbed his head, then closed his eyes. His colours flashed between red and silver and white several times, before settling back to his normal blue.
“I’m good!” Tenuk’s smile returned. “There’s a reason we don’t shapeshift into Vohra. Okay, now Kayel’s nice and wet, those Vahrga are going to be very, very confused. He’s gonna stand in front of them, and they’re going to be really confused. This will distract them long enough for me to turn back into a Vahyra and they’ll lose their minds and while they start infighting, Retvik and Nyssi will shoot them down from a safe distance.”
“I still think this plan is stupid…” Retvik grunted.
Tenuk seemed unswayed. “I have a backup plan, don’t worry.”
“Yes, the plan which you refuse to tell me about.”
“That’s because you wouldn’t like it…” Tenuk trailed off, just as the gate behind them began to open. “Let’s go. After you, Kayel.”
Kayel sighed, still dripping in vomit, then stepped forward, walking into the centre of the arena. Immediately, the four Vahrga all charged towards Kayel’s position, before skidding to a halt. They all stared at Kayel, waiting for him to move.
“Uh, hi?” Kayel whispered, as Crusher and Shockwave both inched closer, to the point that they were basically on top of him. Their response was a garbled growl. Talon and Fang were slightly more cautious but they too were completely focused on Kayel.
Not sure what to do, Kayel stepped backwards. The four Vahrga all stepped forward. Talon circled behind Kayel, his gigantic, armoured form casting a shadow over the little Skyavok.
“What aaaaaaaare you?” a voice echoed in Kayel’s mind. He’d forgotten that Vahrga were physically incapable of talking. “Who is your queen?”
“I… I don’t know…” Kayel didn’t speak either, not wanting to break the Vahrga’s stunned confusion. However, as soon as they picked up on his answer, the Vahrga all began to growl. Luckily, the shadow Talon was casting was dark enough for Kayel to have an out, but he didn’t really like how close the Vahrga were getting.
All of a sudden though, Crusher span around and attacked Shockwave, the word “MINE!” echoing through the minds of everyone present. Fang joined in on the carnage, leaping at Crusher, going for his throat and nearly going through Kayel in the process, knocking him to the ground. As Kayel hit the ground though, he felt something grab on to him. Talon’s jaws locked around Kayel’s shoulder, pulling him away from his three fellow Vahrga as they started tearing each other apart.
“Mine. I protect you.”
Fang clearly didn’t like this. He stopped attacking Crusher, cruelly snapping Crusher’s arm and whacking Shockwave with his tail, then turned his attention to Talon. The black-skinned Vahrga growled in pain, before being teleported away.
“No! Mine!”
Talon threw Kayel to one side, then roared, spitting and hissing as he charged into Fang. Fang was slightly more nimble though, dodging to one side, biting at Talon’s tail. Talon responded by ripping off Fang’s armour and running his claws down Fang’s side. Kayel rolled away, only for something else to grab him. Shockwave had recovered from Crusher’s betrayal and was trying to claim Kayel for himself.
Thankfully, Shockwave’s attempt didn’t last long. Retvik’s gunstaff went straight through Shockwave’s chest, sending the Vahrga straight to the recovery bay. The appearance of the Lightbearer snapped Talon and Fang out of their conflict, but by then, it was too late. Tenuk and Nyssi opened fire on the two Vahrga, pinning them both down.
“You tricked us!” Talon telepathically screeched as he attempted to turn on Kayel.
“Yeah, sorry…” Kayel tutted, drawing his pistol. He took a quick, sharp breath then fired two shots, one which went through Talon’s chest, the other piercing his shoulder. This was just enough to take Talon out of the battle.
With his fellow Vahrga beaten and his senses beginning to clear, Fang snarled, then backed down, allowing himself to be taken out by Nyssi. The crowd seemed satisfied, and were happily cheering and celebrating.
Xeno Dessaron One waved to the crowds as they left the arena. As soon as they were out of sight, Kayel removed his vomit-soaked hoodie and threw it at Tenuk.
“That was fucking stupid!” Kayel hissed, looking for something to wipe himself down with.
“Yeah, but it worked!” Tenuk beamed. “It worked way, way too well.”
Retvik however just sighed. “I think, next time, we should work on the plan together. Because, yes, that was rather stupid…”