“Do you have any hidden limbs?“

“No?“

“Are you a hybrid?”

“No.”

“Can you change shape?”

“No…”

“Can you fly?”

Dimi groaned as she rolled her eyes at Malfus the Dwarf. “NO!”

“Be nice.“ Ivan sat on a chair next to Dimi. “It’s a formality.”

Dimi and Ivan sat in the office of Malfus, the dwarf who owned the Highway Hippogryph tavern in the town Onyxville. Ivan hoped that Dimi could have her first fight there since it was a good place to either begin a career OR end it before it began.

Several questions later, Malfus looked at the now very annoyed twelve-year-old human girl as he studied her with disbelief written all over his face. ”Young lady, you are aware that using magic is illegal during a boxing match, right?”

“Yeah, and I don’t know how to use magic. So whatever.“ Dimi tapped her foot impatiently.

“And you do realize that you could get hurt and that it is not my fault or responsibility?”

“Two creatures hit each other in the face until one of them is knocked over. YES, I know that I could get hurt.“

Malfus raised an eyebrow at Ivan. “A human boxer? Really?!”

Ivan smiled. “The kid got courage.”

“Yeah, she’s gonna need more than that.“ Malfus wrote something down on a piece of paper. “I haven’t heard about a human trying to box before, so I could cash in on people coming to see something unusual. They might even get a cheap laugh. I have a fighter named Basil who needs an opponent around his own age, the princess over there can show what she got against him next Friday.“ The innkeeper was about to say something more, but then he noticed that the ox-man and human kid looked rather tense. Ivan and Dimi had stiffened when Malfus had used the P-word. “Something wrong?” Malfus asked.

“No!“ Dimi and Ivan answered the question at the same time while smiling awkwardly. “Everything is fine!”

“Aha… right.“ Malfus placed a contract on the table. “You get five percent of the money I earn from the ticket sale. But you will get ten percent instead if you actually win.“ He made a small snicker that Dimi and Ivan chose to ignore as Dimi signed the contract. Then Ivan signed as well since Dimi was under sixteen and she needed permission from her caretaker.

***

Dimi grinned as they left the Highway Hippogryph. “In a few days, I’m actually gonna hit someone!”

“Yeah, and you are gonna get hit. So we better get you some headgear in your size. Know of a shop where they sell sports equipment.”

Dimi followed Ivan as they walked through the streets of Onyxville. Dimi had until now led a very sheltered life, so even though it wasn’t that big of a city, it still very much impressed her.

Moving from the castle to Jadedale was an experience since she had until then only seen humans and elves. She had seen other creatures in books(like scary gorgons) but in Jadedale she had met both dwarfs, satyrs, fauns and a sphinx. She had thought meeting so many different species was an experience like no other.

But it was shocking to be in the port city of Onyxville. Several sailors and merchants from around the world came here. either to sell their wares or get provisions for the journey.

There were creatures of all sorts of sizes and shapes. Some Dimi had never heard of from far away kingdoms. She spotted a neck-less woman whose head was floating in the air. And she almost bumped into a turtle-ish creature with a hole on top of their head because she almost stepped on a tiny creature with a red cap and ant-like traits. 

“Dimi, get behind me.”

Dimi was pulled by Ivan so she stood close to him as they passed a creature as tall as the minotaur. Dimi managed to get a quick look at the male creature.

The man was green-skinned and had something that looked like tusks. He had red eyes with black pupils that first were aimed at Ivan, then they turned their attention toward the little human.

Dimi couldn’t believe that she was looking at an orc for the first time. During the invasion of the castle, she had been too scared to try to look at the orc soldiers. The orc was glaring back, he looked puzzled.

“What are you looking at?” Ivan grunted at the green-skinned guy.

The orc studied Ivan. Then he shrugged. “Nuthin’.” And he then minded his own business and walked away.

Ivan glanced at Dimi. He had been worried she would be scared beyond her senses. But he was surprised to see her looking so calm. But Dimi was much more surprised than Ivan. She had assumed that seeing an orc again after the castle raid would make her horrified. But not only seeing but also being so close to the orc had not scared Dimi at all. It had just made her angry.

***

Once they returned home , Dimi had a folded towel on her forehead to cushion the weight plate placed on her forehead. She lay on a wooden chest with her head hanging off the end and her feet on the floor. Slowly, she moved her head up and down in order to make her chin touch her upper chest while she held the plate on her head.

“Why am I doing this again?!“ Dimi yelled as the towel absorbed her sweat.

“To train your neck.“ Ivan was about to cut a couple of onions for the salad that would be part of tonight’s meal. “Having a strong neck helps absorb the blows to your face. It also helps make your neck move quicker, so you can see what’s coming and dodge blows, and it doesn’t tire as easily so you can maintain proper body positioning. Your first fight will be against a satyr, he is most likely gonna bombard you with quick punches.”

“It’s GREAT to hear that you believe in me!“ Dimi took a break and sat up on the chest. “Good pep talk, feel so confident.“

“Don’t underestimate a satyr, girl. They are fast as hell.” Ivan reached for the shelf where the salt-can was placed. “I recall the first satyr I-”

He almost dropped the can as he heard someone knock on the door twice, then two times more. It was a familiar knock.

“I got it!“ Dimi yelled.

“Um, ah, no. NO, I got it!“ Ivan almost ran to the front door. “You, you better take a short break and… yes.“

Ivan dusted off his shirt and took off his dirty apron. He took in a deep breath and breathed out before opening the door.

At the doorstep stood a stout female human-like creature. She had the lower-body of a lion. She made a warm smile, making her sharp teeth visible. Her hair was like a lion-mane and had the same color as one, so did the feathers on the wings on her back.

And she had the most beautiful brown eyes Ivan had ever seen.

Aurauaakarusaank the Sphinx held a basket with two griffin eggs in it.

“Aura.“ Ivan tried to restrain his smile from getting wider so it wouldn’t make him look as stupid as he felt. “This is a pleasant surprise.“

“I thought I could deliver eggs to you personally since I was going to the lake.“ Aura gave Ivan the basket.

“Oh! Thanks.” Ivan’s heart skipped a beat as his fingertips touched Aura’s for a second as he took the basket. “That’s… that’s very nice of you. How much do I owe me… YOU. How much do I owe you, I mean.“

“Oh, nothing, I owe you for fixing my chimney the other day.“

“No, no. That was just a favor. Friends do each other favors.“

“Well, then these eggs are on the house.“

“Please, I can’t accept-“

“Come on, friends give each other gifts now and then.“

The two creatures smiled at each other awkwardly, not noticing the little human watching them.

“So, um…“ Aura scratched her hair with her claws. “I better go to the market. I need some mushrooms. I’m making a mushroom and leek pie tonight.“

“Sounds great.“ Ivan blinked rapidly.

“Yeah… I will eat that pie tonight.“ Aura’s wings were twitching nervously. “All by myself.”

Ivan coughed.

“Yep... All alone.“ Aura’s wings kept twitching.

“Well...” Ivan was about to ask what would have been a stupid question. “That’s... too bad.”

“Yeah. It is.” Aura had defeat and annoyance written all over her face. “But maybe you-”

“But you do have company. Your animals.“ Ivan said.

Aura hesitated. “Oh, sure. Buckbeak, Witherwings and the others are great company. I adore my winged monsters.” She giggled. “I like to think we get along because we are part lion, me and the griffins. Still, not the same as sharing a meal with a creature. Maybe someone would... I don’t know, share it with me?”

Aura and Ivan just stared at each other for a few seconds.

“Well, I better get going.” Aura coughed. “Before all the mushrooms have been sold.“

“Ah… yeah. Bye.“ Ivan felt as if his heart was about to explode.

“Bye.“ Aura lept from the ground and flew.

Ivan watched Aura fly away before closing the door. He turned around and saw that Dimi stared at him with big wide eyes. She was overjoyed.

Ivan blinked. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“This is so cute.“ Dimi giggled. “You like her!“

Ivan’s face turned red. “Go outside and train with the skipping rope.”

“And she totally likes you too!“ Dimi squealed with delight. “This is so adorable!“

“Go outside, I will call for you when dinner is ready.“ Ivan wanted to shrink and hide for the rest of his life.

“She invited you to her place for dinner! Why didn’t you tell her that you would love to?!“

“She didn’t. She just told me she was gonna make a pie.“

“Yeah, your favorite dish! AND that she wanted company!” Dimi slapped her forehead. “She was totally flirting with you!“

“OUTSIDE! NOW!“ Ivan was practically steaming as he pointed at the door.

Once Dimi had left the house, Ivan went to the water bucket and stuck a rag in it to drench it and then smacked it on his head. As he cooled down, he began to wonder if Dimi was right… and then he quickly convinced himself that a girl who had not reached her teens yet had no idea what she was talking about.

… And even if she did, then it didn’t matter.

***

Ivan had explained to Dimi that the only way to fight legally was in a tavern that had been given permission to host boxing matches.

Some taverns host ball games and combat sports and such. And Ivan had repeatedly told Dimi that her first fight was of the greatest importance since she had to make a good first impression. Or she wouldn’t be invited to fight again.

The Highway Hippogryph was much bigger than the cozy little inn back in Jadedale, meaning it had room enough for the boxing ring that had been set up in the middle of the room. Tables and chairs had been placed around the ring so that creatures could gather around the ring for the upcoming fight. About a little more than half of the chairs had been occupied by creatures who had come to watch Basil the Satyr fight something as weird as a human. Three barmaids went from table to table to ask what sort of beverages the patron wanted while said patrons made bets on how fast this overconfident human would kiss the canvas OR when she would run crying home after taking a couple of hits from Basil.

Ivan and Dimi had arrived at the Highway Hippogryph and stood outside the tavern as they prepared. Ivan helped Dimi out of the blanket she had worn to keep herself warm. She was dressed in a blue shirt and black shorts. Ivan was checking if her red boxing gloves and helmet were tied on right as Dimi rolled her elbows up and down. Ivan was carrying a bag with some equipment like a sponge. His other hand held a bucket of water.

“Remember what I told you.“ Ivan got down on his knees so he could look Dimi directly in the eyes. “Basil can’t use his horns here, so he relies on being quick on his feet. Fight smart, and-“

“IVAN!“ Dimi rolled her eyes. “It’s boxing. Not… kicking-boxing or something. I don’t care how quick he is, I’m pretty quick on my feet as well.”

Ivan shook his head. Fine. Ivan thought for himself. If she won’t listen, then she must feel.

“You ready?“ Ivan stood up and reached for the door.

“I’ve been ready for about a year now.“ Dimi was about to burst with excitement.

As the two of them entered the tavern, the patrons clapped as Dimi was on her way toward the ring. She heard snickering, but she didn’t care. She was about to show them what she was made of.

Dimi stepped between the ropes and entered the ring as she threw punches into the air. She stepped on the spot as she was ready to kick some ass.

And then, she saw her opponent.

She wasn’t intimidated as such. she was just… surprised to see that the sheep boy with the blue boxing gloves was about half a head taller than her… not that it mattered, she was still gonna win this thing. This was gonna be her first step toward preparing herself to beat up that orc princess that stood between her and her poor father.

Dimi and Basil were called to the center of the ring. Malfus the Dwarf functioned as the referee.

“I want a clean fight.” The innkeeper looked at the two kids with a stern look in his eyes. “No punching below the belt, no magic and no horns. When I say break, you break. Listen to my instructions at all times. Got that? Good, now touch gloves.”

Dimi stared Basil right in the eyes as they touched gloves. He didn’t even look cocky, he just looked determined. That made the princess somewhat uneasy.

“Well?“ Ivan looked at Dimi as she went back to her corner. “Are you nervous now?“

Dimi groaned. “Yeah, okay. A little.”

Ivan smiled. “Good. That means you aren’t stupid. Now, say ahh.” Dimi opened her mouth and the bull-man slipped the mouth guard in.

The bell rang and the two little boxers went to the center of the ring with their guards up.

Dimi took the initiative and threw the first punch.

She didn’t just miss. She missed spectacularly.

Dimi finally realized that Ivan hadn’t been exaggerating about satyrs being quick on their feet. He had moved to the left in the blink of an eye. As if he was gliding on the canvas.

Dimi threw a left-right combination. Then she went for a jab. She aimed for the head, then the stomach. And Basil dodged every punch, moving left and right with his speedy legs.

Dimi slowed down. She had to take it easy or she would burn up her energy before the first minute of round 1 had passed. She felt stupid for not realizing that when Ivan had told her that this guy was fast, he meant that he was FAST.

And then it happened. She got punched in the face twice and then received a blow to the stomach. She got so startled, not so much because of the power from each punch but rather the speed. So startled that she lost her balance and fell on her tail.

It took a second for Dimi to realize that she had been punched. She had thought about what it would be like. But actually getting hit by someone… It was nothing like she had imagined. It was a... shocking experience. It felt hard but soft at the same time because of the glove. It was weird.

She heard people laugh and clap as she quickly got back on her feet before Malfus had counted to four.

“Don’t get pissed.“ Dimi mumbled for herself. “Keep calm and fight.“

Easier said than done as she desperately tried to land a punch on the sheep kid that practically danced around her while looking stern. She could dodge some of his lightning-fast attacks now, but she knew that she would get nowhere just dodging and hitting air instead of the creature that made her look like a loser.

Dimi sure felt like a loser as Basil bombarded her with punches as she guarded her head.