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.