Exactly ten minutes later Ticondrius and I were standing opposite one another in a... largely assumed... ring that was outlined by our soldiers. Luna stood by me as we began making our final preparations for the duel, and she was worried... actually, worried was an understatement... but she tried not to intervene.

“We do not understand why thou must participate in such a contest... Is he not your ally?” I had to catch myself so that I didn't sigh, trust me... last time I did that... Not good. I looked over to her and placed my hand on her shoulder.

“It is because this duel is a time-honored tradition between the sons of Lion El Johnson and Leman Russ. It is a very honorable duel, and it will let me put this pup where he belongs in the pecking order.” I knew she couldn't see that I was smirking under my helmet, but I definitely was when she started to giggle at that.

She shakes her head with a smile and places a hoof on my hand. “As long as thee and thy friend do not kill each other...” She says quietly.

I nod and wait for Ticondrius' men to give him space to start the duel. Although he seemed to have the advantage of only just arriving compared to the exhaustion war has been having on me, I wasn't about to show it. We both stood, almost in perfect sync, and gave a small bow before we took our combat stances.

I stood with my sword held parallel to me and slightly to my right while he got into a slight crouch and held both of his claws to waiting positions on either side. I could tell right away that this was going to be an interesting fight.

I took a deep breath as we slowly began circling each other, waiting for one of us to make the first move.

The seconds ticked on before the world itself seemed to move in slow motion, both of us charging at one another simultaneously, meeting each other dead center in the ring.

Using my sword to block a stab with one of his claws I had to twist my body to block his second swing. With a mighty push I managed to get him off my blade as we circled each other on the field of battle, watching for potential weakness, an opportunity to win the match in one fell swoop and claim victory for the lion or the wolf.

We lunged once more, his claws ringing off my adamantine blade that was nearly as long as I was tall. I could tell he was smirking under his helmet because I held the same smirk under my own neutral visor. This was it, the thrill of battle once again, and this time I could feel the strength behind his attacks as I pushed him back once more. While we were not dueling to kill... He wasn't going to hold back, and the sheer joy, it was so addictive to release the restraint of civilization in the heat of battle where all warriors worth their strength were forged.

I didn't get so much as a second to plan after we dislodged our weapons before he charged again. I quickly leapt to the side to avoid his claws as I brought my sword up to meet his chest, underestimating his agility that the armor bestowed upon him as he quickly curled up to avoid the blade itself. I filled the swing to help me shift away from his claws that could have easily skewered me, bringing my foot up to make a satisfying CLANG against his helmet as he was sent sprawling. With a flip that I know was far too acrobatic than I used to be I landed on my feet with my sword at the ready.

He had recovered just as quickly as I had and was already pressing the attack again, forcing me on the defensive as I backed up and backed up. My smirk was replaced with a scowl as I saw that he was practically backing me into a corner to tire out my stamina by forcing me to block all of his attacks.

So I took a risk and ducked low under one of his swings, his claws scraped against the top of my power pack before I shoulder-rushed his gut to throw him off balance. Sure... it was probably not a good gamble since animal-fighters tend to keep their centers of balance low to the ground... but it was worth it as I began to go on the offensive again, bringing my sword in fluid motions to force each of us to dodge the others' attacks. I let out a growl as I began to increase the speed behind my swings, my mind furiously calculating the blades' path as I fought, trying to compensate for the weight of the weapon while I swung and tried to strike.

I was overcome with a sudden feeling of weightlessness before the sky began to fill my vision. ”...Oh shit...” was all I thought before Ticondrius' fist slammed me hard onto the ground, causing my vision to blur as I felt a weight on me.

“Remove your helm...” Came Ticondrius' growl. I slowly reached for my helm and began to slide it off, the HUD disappearing from my vision as everything lost its monochrome green tint. I looked into his visor as he growled again. “Submit to me, Son of The Lion...”

I adjusted my grip on my helmet as he growled again, “Submit to me!” I smirked before I answered with a helmet to the jaw-area of his head, throwing him off me as I scrambled for my sword again. As soon as I had it I made a mad rush at Ticondrius, putting enough force and speed behind my swing that he had two options; block or risk getting put down for a long while.

Honestly, his block had enough force behind it that I nearly stopped my plan right then and there... But I kept going, letting my sword drop as my right arm and leg snapped around his defenses. I used as much force as I could to pull his head back while my right leg snapped straight to throw his leg off the ground so that I could bring him to the ground in a grapple. Bringing my elbow around his throat I pulled against his grip as he tried to pry himself free. His flailing became weaker and weaker before I finally let him go, gasping and coughing while I sat a few feet away.

The world finally came back to me as a wave of exhaustion hit me, I grimaced as I could feel my suit trying to keep me cool so that I didn't sweat as much as I was. Ticondrius lay across from me coughing up a lung as I was panting like a shaggy dog on a hot day. One more victory, an improvised victory, but a victory nonetheless...

...And then the world was black as I passed out.

Author's Notes:

Finally! A cure for Writers' block!

Inspiration! Collaboration! Planning done right!

I now HAVE to advance the plot of my story so that I can get it where I want it for an upcoming war!