Fallen leaves and weightless nature lifted upon the light gust that swept the vacant plains. Silence made itself present, not a creature stirring or a rock turning. Two figures stood thirty meters apart motionless, shadows appearing for the first time this day as the sun began to rise.

The figure to the left held both sword and shield in hand and suited a heavy armor known as Doom Plate, his sword of choice known as the Sword of Damascus. The other figure preferred different attire for combat. His armor shone a brilliant blue and allowed easy movement: Blue Wolf. Though instead of using a single sword, this man held dual Samurai Long Swords.

The red glare of the rising sun foretold a sign of death, the eye of the falling moon the only witness to this oncoming fight. Without hint or hesitation, the Dark Avenger charged. In response, the Gladiator took a stance, energy flowing around him. Before the Dark Avenger managed to reach half way across the field, the Samurai Long Swords began to shine and the Gladiator took a different stance. In a split second, a Sonic Blaster hurdled towards the Dark Avenger whom slowed his speed to a light jog and prepared for impact. He set his shield in front of him as it collided with the projectile, then shifted his weight and shield to the side, reflected the blast away from him. The Gladiator's expressionless face had not changed from the unfortunate turn of events as he watched his fully charged Sonic Blaster collide into a hill in the distance. Instead, he began to sprint towards the Dark Avenger to get into his home domain: Melee.

The Dark Avenger began chanting and dark symbols surrounded him. The ground beneath him represented the path of destruction and was over flown with dark energy. He thrust his fist forward and a dark glow emanated within the Gladiators armor, slowing him slightly. The glow pulled itself free from within his chest and lurched back towards the Dark Avenger, who regained the strength lost from the deflection of the Sonic Buster. After a second, the Gladiator regained his composure and met the Dark Avenger with both swords landing against his shield. The Gladiator pulled away and continuously thrusts his swords at the Dark Avenger. As all the thrusts made contact against the shield, it seemed as if it would be impossible to get through the fortress-like defense of the Dark Avenger, but as if a pray, one made contact and knocked the Dark Avenger back.

Using the time wisely, the Gladiator took a familiar stance and energy flowed around him. As the Dark Avenger recovered, he was met by the Sonic Buster. Not being able to react in time, it collided into his chest and sent him on his back. The Gladiator found this as another opportunity to prepare for another attack, but his action proved at a loss. The Dark Avenger stood and a summoning circle surrounded him. The Gladiator, knowing the summon all too well ran at the Dark Avenger, and being fully charged, used his most devastating attack: The Triple Sonic Slash. Thinking that this would finish the him, the Gladiator forced all his energy into the attack and stared in shock as the Dark Avenger seemed unaffected.

The Gladiator missed something all too vital. Before the summoning ritual, the Dark Avenger used a skill known to all those who practiced the art of defense: Ultimate Defense. With the correct time passed, the summon finished and a Dark Panther stood next to its master. With his command, it charged at the Gladiator and slashed him across the chest, leaving a reminder of the attack in the armor. The Gladiator, to his advantage, managed to parry its next attack and cross-slashed his swords upon the Dark Panther. The Panther faded, as if evaporating. Surprised by the loss of his companion and now mobile by the effect of Ultimate Defense gone, he charged at the Gladiator and smashed his sword in his face. The Gladiator stood, stunned and unable to react. The Dark Avenger took this time to prepare for another Drain, but right when he finished casting, the stun wore off and the Gladiator struck back, both attacks landed.

Though damaged by the Gladiator's attack, he regained the health lost by draining the health of the Gladiator. Both beaten and bruised, they were exhausted, panting and weak. The Gladiator noticed this as well and managed to summon his strength for one last charge. The Dark Avenger tossed his shield aside and gripped his sword with both hands, knowing that the shield wouldn't hold is own against a fully charge Triple Sonic Slash.

The Gladiator swung his first few blows of the Triple Sonic Strike and as he did, the Dark Avenger used his remaining energy to cause his sword to glow as well. He spun and slashed down at the Gladiator with a Power Strike who, at the same time, thrusts both swords into the Dark Avenger's chest.

One figure fell while the other staggered backwards and rested on one knee. A breeze blew across the field as the Dark Avenger stood and stared down at his beaten friend. He offered him his hand and the Gladiator took it and stood. They stood there, trading glares of respect to one another.