Aaheru paled even as his scales turned fully black. His eyes went wider and for a second, he tried to speak and found words unable to get out. He was bested and so easily. How could this be possible? He just wanted to do something for himself and prove to everyone who looked down on him that he could be strong too, because he knew without a doubt he was strong. It was just that no one believed him. When the bird outed him for exactly what he was though, the anger came rushing back. Staring on his cheeks, orange began to sweep along his scales again and he grabbed hold of the other's staff with both hands, using his strength to shove it away from him.

"Don't look down on me! I may not be a snake or a crocodile, but I'm still strong! I don't care how much you knock me down. I still want to fight with you!" he exclaimed as he got his feet back under him again.