I looked at the intense brilliant blood colored eyes staring in my direction from the darkness. Slowly I could start making out the shape of a dog-like creature. Its fur was darker than the night. Then I noticed its paws starting to glow red, as would iron that was put in fire too long. The creature looked dangerously gracious. We stared at each other while the seconds ticked by. Then as if there had been a signal, we charged at each other. The creature’s fur became aflame. The fire didn’t seem to do it any harm, but rather give it strength. I lunged straight at my opponent, there was no turning back.