The dragon rose up slightly, hovering in mid-air just above Hawk's head. He didn't move, holding his wings up open wide.

"You really gonna get in my way, pal?" the dragon growled finally.

"If I gotta," Hawk replied.

"How's about you mind your own damn business?"

Hawk's lip curled. "I'm nosy," he said flatly.

"Fine." The dragon drifted to the ground, planting his feet. As he did, the reflection of eyes caught the light in the darkness over the arch of his back. The dragon's face contorted in a sneering sort of smile, and all at once a large dark shape had launched itself forward over him. "Suit yourself."

The black-furred creature with the big teeth was practically on top of Hawk almost before he could react, fist raised, slugging straight at Hawk's head. He stumbled back just a bit, hands flying out of his pockets finally, throwing out a fist and an elbow to stop the punch.

Numair had doubled over almost completely, breathing hard, letting the smoke--now black and heavy--pour from his mouth towards the ground. The dragon took Hawk's distraction as an opportunity to move in on Numair..

"And you..."

Immediately Numair threw an arm up, and a thin, translucent greenish glow encircled him, causing the dragon to pause. Numair sagged against the pillar, the smoke now cascading down his front.

"Aw, c'mon," the dragon said, looking unimpressed. He placed one of his three-toed front feet up against the barrier--it sparked furiously and made an odd squealing sound, but didn't seem to hurt him. "Give it up. You're gettin' all tuckered out, huh?"