[DUEL] Passing the Time

[SilverLutz]

What was he doing? Menkar stared down the lion across from him, intimidating with his bone markings that seemed to shine against his red pelt. Citrabanu was no chump of a Firekin, that was for sure. He was big, he was strong, and he was intense. Menkar liked the more active lifestyle here than back in his home pride but he did feel like some of these guys and gals just needed to chill a little bit.

"Are you ready?" Citrabanu asked, his tail flicking back and forth with impatience. He was on a mission, and that mission was to better himself until he could challenge the General again and beat her. Only then would he consider his prowess in battle up to snuff. Menkar gave a weak laugh at the question but rolled his shoulders and shook his head, his dark mane settling over him a bit better.

"Yeah, I guess," he said casually, starting to circle as Citrabanu did the same. Moon-white eyes met sun-gold for a few moments as they sized each other up, and as Menkar blinked Citrabanu took his oppertunity to attack.

He surged forward, sand flying, and with an ear-splitting roar landed a solid hit on Menkar's shoulder with a massive paw.

Total: 3  

[SilverLutz]

Menark's blink had been accidental but it had been his downfall at the end. He let out a startled yelp as Citrabanu was suddenly much closer, the golden skull marking in his face and his roar in his ears as a solid hit was landed to his shoulder. He scampered back, making a swing for the other lion in his exit, hoping that the reckless charge forward by the larger lion would allow him a swat. His paw grazed through Citrabanu's mane, just barely touching his body, but Menkar was too far sold on his retreat to try again.

Total: 2  

[SilverLutz]

The light graze pulled a snarl from Citrabanu and he followed Menkar in his retreat, not giving him much ground to relax. The larger lion had a much more aggressive fighting style than the former Kizi which was indicative of his upbringing. Still, Citrabanu wasn't going to let Menkar's former status as an outsider make him feel like he should go easy on him. He was a Firekin now, had proven himself, and it was time for the other male to show it.

Following a retreating lion wasn't the easiest, though, and as he swiped for Menkar's hind legs he only caught a bit of his toe in the process. Frustrating.

Total: 5  

[SilverLutz]

Menkar wanted to have time to turn around and face his opponent but Citrabanu was making it pretty hard! Menkar was used to being the chaser, the hunter, not being followed around and scampering away. Citrabanu was an imposing lion, though, and Menkar didn't want to get beaten up too badly.

He knew he had to try, though. Citrabanu was bent on making this a battle and if he wanted one, Menkar would try to give him one. He put on a little more speed before turning around to confront the other male, one paw rising up to swat at his opponent. His surprise at smacking Citrabanu square in the jaw was evident in the startled gasp that left him a moment later.

Oh crap.

Total: 5  

[SilverLutz]

Was this going to turn into a race? Citrabanu growled to himself as Menkar sped up, seeming to run from the challenge, but it was in that moment that Citrabanu's guard fell enough to not notice the quick movement until it was too late. A rather strong smack to his face drew a surprised snarl from him and he retaliated quickly, lifting his own paw to return the favor. This time he didn't check his strength as he smacked Menkar's shoulder, putting all his effort into it.

Total: 8  

[SilverLutz]

Menkar stared up at Citrabanu's snarling face for the moment he had to fear for his health. A second later and a huge paw descended, smacking him on the shoulder and sending him tumbling. Menkar was quick to get back on his paws but his shoulder hurt pretty badly now, Citrabanu somehow managing to hit the exact same spot he'd struck on the first attack.

He couldn't give up now, though. He needed to prove that this wasn't some sort of easy battle for Citrabanu. Gritting his teeth through the pain, Menkar dashed forward again to ram his uninjured shoulder into Citrabanu's side, hoping to knock him off balance.

Total: 8  

[SilverLutz]

Citrabanu could see the pain on Menkar's face, but when the other lion charged him he couldn't help but be a bit impressed. He braced himself for the blow and didn't teeter on his paws, but the slam into his side would definitely be felt tomorrow and probably the day after. The attack had left Menkar close enough for another blow, though, and Citrabanu capitalized on that, his paw reaching out to swipe at his hind legs again. This time he connected and swept Menkar's left leg out from under him.

Total: 11  

[SilverLutz]

His hit had connected, yes, but at what cost? Menkar's other shoulder ached now from the slam and Citrabanu was still firmly on his paws while he felt his own hind left leg get swept out from under him. Menkar pounced a few feet to the side to try to put a bit of distance between them, not wanting to end up on the ground. That would end up in defeat instantly.

Looking back at Citrabanu, he knew he had to plan his next attack accordingly. This could make or break the duel.

Total: 10  

[SilverLutz]

The distance put between them was something Citrabanu didn't want. He turned quickly and pounced after Menkar, not giving him much time to think. He wanted to end this duel and claim victory for himself and giving his opponent time to plan out his next move was not in the agenda.

Unfortunately, it seemed Menkar had enough time to at least get ready for him to attack. He dodged the swipe, leaving Citrabanu in a very vulnerable position. He could only hope Menkar's hesitation would get the better of him.

Total: 12  

[SilverLutz]

As a hunter, Menkar could spot patterns easily. How herds moved, who they protected, which one was the leader and calling the shots. Citrabanu was a very in your face fighter and he knew that even the small breather he had given himself would be over much faster than he wanted. Anticipating a charge, Menkar dodged the attack he knew was coming and turned to try to land one more hit of his own on the now exposed flank, the glittering bone marking a fabulous target.

He hit. He got a good hit, too. Hard enough to make Citrabanu roar with surprise and pain. The smaller male turned and lowered his head, ready for more, though he felt like the duel was won.

Total: 13  

[SilverLutz]

Both lions panted heavily as they turned to face one another, the duel over and fairly evenly matched through the whole thing. Citrabanu knew he'd been foolish to underestimate the smaller male and he had paid the price for it. Bowing his head in defeat, he closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

"Well fought," he murmured with drew a laugh from Menkar.

"Thanks, You too, though I think this is more up your alley than mine," he said with a little smile. "You just gotta have fun with it, you know?"

"Fun? With battling?" Citrabanu lifted his head with a frown. Battling was serious, even duels. It sharpened your skills and honed your craft so when you were in a real fight you could survive.

"Yeah! Enjoy it a little," Menkar pressed, still panting softly. Citrabanu did have to admit the lion looked delighted where he just felt depressed. Fun...hm.

"Maybe I'll try that next time," he muttered, turning away from Menkar to head back to his den to nurse his wounded pride. Bested by a hunter...he was glad no one had been here to witness it.