This was probably one of the stupidest things Paradox had ever done. He'd even been going through the list as he fled from the Ice Kingdom, and he'd done a *lot* of stupid things over the years.  
  
But he'd never done something that had gotten a whole squadron of soldiers chasing him like right now.

*'Still, no regrets there. Hope Winter can forgive me gettin' violent with his family, but...'*

At least his little bro was still alive. That's what mattered most. That's why he was doing this.

Even if things got a bit out of claw. At least, Paradox thought, they'd been able to make a plan. ...And he was involved. Best not to think about what would've probably happened if he hadn't found out about the Trial until afterward. He could leave that to the unwanted visions.

He weaved to the side, evading a spear that one of his pursuers threw at him; he'd been able to lose a good chunk of the squadron during his flight to Sky Kingdom territory, but a few particularly tenacious IceWings were still on his tail. He turned mid-dodge, one of his now-chained batons flying out and striking his attacker in the head; as they crashed to the ground, Paradox went into a dive a little further out, skidding to a halt and staring down the remaining soldiers.

"Would ya look at that... let's see... a Third Circle who's got a nervous twitch in his stance, a Second Circle who looks angry like I just called his mum a slur, and... ooh, a *First Circle*. Lass must *really* be mad 'bout this. Don't worry, I'm *sure* they'll be able to put ya name back up in its 'proper place'."

His taunts seemed to be having the intended effect, if the way the three IceWings gripped their spears was any indication. Paradox tapped the top ends of his batons together as he rose into a full stand, his wings going down to stabilize his lower body as sickle blades appeared from the points, a sound like a drawing blade filling the air. Heat shimmered off his body as he pointed one of the sickles towards his opponents, a sinister grin crossing his features.

"Awright. Come and 'ave a go, then. I'll crack ya sorry lot like I cracked that damn board!"

The Defiant (Art by u/Snowyy_the_dragon)