His movement allowed him ample time to assess the physique of Vadik, acknowledging his slighter size but greater weight. It gave the pair of them two opposing strengths and weaknesses, though Tesseract was assured his own strengths could overcome those of the other. After all, muscle was not everything in a fight and neither was passion or heritage. Tesseract had always been endlessly observant, ensuring surprises were seldom actually that - they were more so expected. The most logical path of attacking would be to hinder his movement, for he was naturally inclined to be faster and more agile than the brawnier wolves. It had been the same method over and over with each wolf he had faced off against; hell, it had been the same method he had used against those such as Rhoedias, whose speed had matched his own. Perhaps he had not expected Vadik's attack to the precise details, but he certainly expected something. He was just surprised Vadik's patience had lasted so long.

As Vadik charged forward, Tesseract moved to twist away, aiming his jaws down at the precise moment that Vadik's own aimed. Though he felt the searing sensation of teeth sliding into flesh, he continued through with his own attack, intending to bite down over Vadik's head while he was busy with his own assault. The intent was simple; his elevated height allowed him a better angle of attack, his jaws biting down on the pliable skin and chewing down. He wished to pinch and tear the flesh, chewing away until Vadik's own form pressed away - with it, he hoped to shred the cartilage and thin flesh of the ears. Essentially, he would scalp him. It would be difficult to see, he imagined, to see or hear with blood pooling over your senses.

It seemed Vadik fully intended to push off, too, and with it Tesseract felt an unfamiliar crack that forced a burning pain up and down his limb. As he landed back on all four paws, he felt his leg's sudden weakness; though it still functioned, he was suddenly aware that the effort was placed solely on the muscles. Weight burned, and as he took a tentative step forward, he understood that even that ached - or rather, forced another stabbing pain into the joint. Swelling would take place soon enough, but for now, he would need to make do on three limbs once more. He had been here before, after all.

As soon as he had balanced himself out, placing the majority of his weight on his three remaining legs, he lowered his head instantly over his throat and chest, his hackles rising like knives along his spine. His tail, too, rose in dominance as he hobbled forward awkwardly, a snarl ripping from his muzzle as he snapped the air, hoping to force - or lure - Vadik in. He could feel the punctures over his shoulder run warm with blood, his scruff stained with an exquisite crimson. With his mobility damaged, he would need to rely more so on quick, sudden movements, risking the pain in his leg furthermore to do so; with that, though, it would force Vadik into him, allowing him that additional time to predict and adjust. If he had successfully landed his first intended attack, then it would be no issue - Vadik would surely need to take his own time.