The stick twists inside him, wringing out another higher-pitched cry, more static than growl. The snap's loud in his ears; the additional stabs in his stomach and chest and neck hurt, but none penetrate nearly as deep as their initial strike.

Their shoe and foot shove the remains stick deeper, finally driving him back down a step, leaving them free to move up.

His response is a deep rumble, a laugh. That hurt! Even with Sparks' attacks, this human can fight! A fantastic change after having to hold back so much for the past few weeks underground, Roaring any potential enemies away.