I turned back to Penny; she was no longer blushing and wore a severe expression.
"You really want to do this? You haven't even talked to me yet, really. Are you sure you want to make this choice right now?" I asked, and Penny gave me an affirmative nod, and I looked back at Lady Katarina.
"What? Free entertainment? And a Red Healer Mating Rights duel? We really are being spoiled today! Yes, by all means, but try to leave the plants as they are!" Lady Katarina told us, and I nodded, standing up with my drink.
I pounded it back and then wiped the foam from my lip with my sleeve. I turned around to Eliza and leaned down to give her a kiss, which she readily accepted.
"I hope that you can beat her! I really like Penny! She will be fun to have with us but watch out. She is a vicious fighter that will try to draw blood. That's why they are called Red Healers; they can heal their own damage by causing it to their targets. Do not underestimate her because she really likes you. meaning she will give it everything she has!" Eliza explained, but I was a bit confused by the last part.
"Wait! Why are you trying even harder?!" I asked, turning to Penny.
"I can't help it; once we start, I will change, so prepare yourself," Penny said as she walked out into the open area behind the couch we had been sitting on.
"Fine! Let me stretch first!" I called and hopped over the couch, starting to pull Pure Magic all over my body.
I jogged out, and as I did, silver armor pulled over my body, leaving only my head exposed, but I created no weapon. That took too much effort, and she was using her bare paws, so my gauntleted hands should be good.
"Are you ready? Are you not making a weapon?" Penny asked, seeming more confident now.
"No, it's a lot of work, and it would just break. I am pretty good with my hands; you can ask the girls," I laughed, and Penny smirked at me.
"You might wish you had," Penny said, and then she started to grow, and she let out a bestial roar that surprised me.
I watched in pure shock as the Red Healer transformed into what was clearly a bright red Werewolf. I knew that was what it was, but I was having difficulty not admiring the muscled and clawed form.
This creature was built for fighting, and now I was going to get a chance to tango with its bare hand. My blood was on fire and coursing through my veins with burning excitement as my body loosened up.
"Berserkus Titanja," I breathed while pulling in a deep breath, and a red glowing tribal covered my body.
I breathed out a visible hot stream, and Penny roared at me, but I was barely in control. This fortified berserker spell made you lose reason but significantly increased your strength and speed.
It was a dangerous spell to use with friends, but I knew I could handle it for some reason. A burning urge to destroy everything in my sight filled my body, but I tempered it and focused all the rage on my target.
I was going to need it.
"RAWR!" I roared louder than I usually ever could have, and the cracking glass of the manor windows was background noise.
Penny dashed at me, and I leaped at her, punching her in the elongated face, but then she slapped me down. I smashed on the ground but pushed back to meet a foot coming down that I forced up, making Penny flip back.
I was on my feet fast, but Penny leaped at me when she hit the ground. I met her with my foot and kicked her back, tearing up some shrubs.
"Watch the bushes!" Lady Katarina called, but it was just more background noise.
I leaped forward, grabbed her foot, and swung her up in the air, but she pulled her body into a ball. Before I could let go, she exploded open, kicking me in the chest, and sending me flying.
I bounced twice, then caught myself, but Penny was on me, slashing across my chest before I could block. She cut through my armor like paper yet barely scratched my chest, but she drew blood.
Penny started to glow red as I jumped back, but she bounded forward on all fours. Her body twisted, and I was forced to block a kick, but I was knocked off my feet again.
I was sent tumbling, but I was already losing steam and gathering more Pure Magic. I timed my roll and sprung up with an uppercut, catching Penny under the chin, but she slapped me into the air.
"Accelor. Wingus Step."
Time slowed as ethereal wings grew from my boots. I would get my ass kicked here if I didn't take this seriously.
I kicked off the air and dove back at Penny as she jumped at me slowly. I flipped forward and smashed my foot down on her head, rocketing her back to crash flat on her back into the ground.
I flipped around, kicked off the air, and dove down to the Werewolf. I pulled my legs in, rotating my body to slam my knees into Penny, cracking the ground around us.
Penny gasped out, spitting blood and her body started to shrink. I hopped off her immediately and waited for her to return to her standard form.
I scooped her up, and she opened her eyes with a smile.
"Are you okay?!" I asked, worried I might have taken it too far.
"Yeah, my spine is healing, and so are my ribs. I love you and will always serve you to the best of my ability," Penny said, and then she kissed me.
I returned it, but I was already gathering magic and slowly helping Penny's healing. Once we broke apart, there was a cheer from the girls as I stood up with Penny.