The world went upside down.  In an instant, so fast that even Rich's reflexes couldn't catch it, the lycan was in the air, Talton's strong legs slamming into his abdomen and sending him flying.  Rich's fingers instinctively grasped for some kind of hold, something to grip and anchor him back down on Earth.  His hands, though, simply whipped uselessly through air.<br/><br/>The Alpha came down hard, landing on his upper back near the wall of the hall.  His feet whiplashed forward, making small dents in the hardened pine.  His breath whooshed out of his lungs.<br/><br/>Rich rolled to the left, towards the closest railing, jumping unsteadily to his feet after the first foot.  His upper abdomen and lower chest felt numb, and there was a sharp pain not unlike a pressure headache between his shoulder blades.  His right ankle felt a bit wobbly.  Nothing serious hurt, but it still<em>hurt</em>.<br/><br/>He groaned, stretching up to his full height, respectfully allowing his opponent to regain his breath.  "You know," he said with a grunt.  "I really wish you'd grow a pair and fight with some honor, Talton.  What use is an Alpha that relies on deception, and namecalling?"