Autumn, a time of year where summer faded and winter began creeping through the trees and grass. Autumn had a large role in the passing of seasons, but alas it's time was always to quick. Even now, the cold was already hardening the ground and covering large areas with white crisp frost. There was still some good about Autumn and it was that despite the sun's warmth growing weaker, it still shown down warm enough to melt away the cold. The brisk wind, however, made hunting and simple duties quite difficult. The wind had cost him a rabbit, but he had been able to ensnare a few animals on the way home. Now, as he trotted back into camp his mouth carrying a bird and a mouse he was relaxed. The day was still early, and he had been able to bring home at least something for someone to eat. He laid them to rest in the kill pile, before trotting over to a slightly sunnier patch and thinking. He had thought about moving in ranks, and while he did enjoy being a warrior he felt he could do more being a higher rank. While on the one paw, most earned their rank, but with so many wolves in the camp it was hard to do something more memorable. The fight with Ariste had gone un-noticed because of the fact that they had both been alone in a storm. The storm had washed away any scent, and what wounds he had were not noticed. He had been able to bring back a large deer, but that was all.

He had seen, and heard of a rank challenge, but up until now it had never been a real thought for him. In his old home, rank spars had not been to popular but they did happen, often when one disagreed with another. However, Altair had no disagreement with any of the wolves of higher rank, but the thought of a challenge did make him wonder. Even if I loose..it's not like I will be kicked out. Unless the alpha makes such a rule. However, I am not challenging the alpha..I am challenging Desoto. He had personally liked the silent brute, almost like himself in a way, but Desoto would not be friendly to him on this day. Altair lifted his head, and flicked his tail deciding to call him out. "Delta Desoto!" His voice rang clear, a slight hint of snarl in his voice as he called out. "I challenge you, to a battle for your rank!" He held his head high, his blue eyes shimmering with a passion for a fight. He waited, his heard speeding up a bit in his chest. It was not with nervousness, however, but excitement. This was his chance to prove himself worthy not just to the others but to himself as well. He had always been a nothing to most wolves, but now he was taking the step forward in hopes to climb higher. However, this could easily all go south and he could plunge down a very deep and very dark hole.

Surprisingly, he had made it out of his den rather peacefully on this morning. Course he was not the first on up and out and about, but it was earlier than normal. He wasn't in a foul mood like he would usually be either, but he still was not up for much socialization. It was one of those mornings where the rest of your day would seem to go perfectly well without any flaw. Oh how wrong he was... Having taken his morning meal into the trees surrounding the camp, resting in their shade as he observed the pack life. No matter how hard he tried to not think about it, something was missing form him. A part of him that was empty, screaming to be filled. But he couldn't quite figure out how. So many nights it had kept him up, driving him to walk around the territory or the lands surrounding it. Nights he spent with wolves that each had an effect on him. Mjolnir, giving him a sudden awareness to the madness that lurked in this world. A madness he could tell that if a final straw broke within him he might succumb to. Braelyn, the night far from Erenyx, a she-wolf who always seems to have a place in the back of his mind. He wasn't sure what they were at this moment, but he could not deny that he did in fact care for her. Not like he couldn't after knowing so much about her. Sighing to himself he blanked his mind, letting the flavors of the hare he had chosen fill his mouth.

He had finished just a moment before he felt something in the pit of his stomach. Something's not right.. he told himself. His tail flicked as he looked up to the clearing. His gaze locked on Altair, and somehow he knew. This is not going to be the perfect day. It's almost as if my body knew and it got me the physical strength I needed for this. No later than those thoughts had crossed his mind did the blue-eyed brute call for him. His voice loud and hostile as he summoned the Delta before him. A challenge for the rank of Delta stood at stake and for a moment, Desoto just stared at the brute silently. He was not facing him, so when he stood and made his way over his head held low. A slow and deep chuckle coming from his chest as he shook his head. "And to think I thought that this would be a good day. Just seems like the world hates me, depriving me of security wherever I am. But you, Altair, I guess I now see that higher rank wolf coming forth. The one you spoke about. Your conceited mind can't stand being below any other male than the Alpha himself. Or will you challenge Desmond, too?" A slow grin came upon his face as he kept his head lowered. His golden eyes gleamed as he stared at the brute. "Why the suddenness of this challenge, Warrior? Have you been secretly loathing me, just waiting until you could not keep it in anymore?" The answer did not really matter, for the outcome would be the same; The two would spar, the winner chosen obviously or by the Alpha himself. Based off that ranks would be either switched or decided. He just could only hope that he wouldn't be humiliated.

Shifting his feet and tucking his tail back he let out a warning growl, ears pinned behind his head as he slowly let out, "As higher rank I will not degrade myself by taking the first move."

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Fiery golden eyes locked with his cold blue ones, breath filling his lungs as he spoke out his challenge. There was a silence in the air after his words were spoke, almost as if the breeze had gently pushed his challenge away. Desoto had been resting in the shade of some of the larger trees around camp, and as he stood and came forth, Altair stood quietly. Many thoughts seemed to go through his head as he awaited the reaction of his fellow pack mate. His past was surely something that Desoto could bring up, since the brute knew a good portion of it. He felt as if hatred would come from this larger brute, which would not surprise Altair. The dark brute seemed to like no one in Agavos, friendly conversations always seemed out of the question for Desoto. Altair did respect him for his will to get things done, however he did not enjoy the coldness that the brute often carried. Altair did not hate Desoto quite the contrary, he respected him but it was time for some changes. Watching Desoto come closer in the sunlight, emotionless as he often was there was now something in his golden eyes that easily proved he was not in a good mood. His left ear twitched as he heard Desoto's strangled like chuckle, before he went on a spiel. A snort left Altair as he shook his head at the dark brute's words. His views on the world are in a dark place. He thought to himself waiting for him to finish speaking, taking in what he said with only cold and darkening eyes. He did not appreciate being called vain, it did irritate him some but he would not let it get to him so quickly. Frustrate, Irritate and then Conquer...isn't that the way it goes? He thought to himself, flicking his tail as Desoto finished, before preparing to spar.

Altair spoke now, in reply to what had been thrown at him. "Ah the world hates you yes? I do question your views on the world, and your thought on security. Never the less you heard my challenge and stepped forward. I did speak about who I once was with you, it was not a mistake, you gained valuable knowledge. I do see the flicker of pleasure in your eyes as you speak your views on me. I will reply to you with an answer." He felt like shaking his head once more, at the slight accusation Desoto had put upon him. "You think to much of my past, I do not mind other male wolves above or below me. I will not challenge the alpha, for that is his rightful place. I respect the alpha, and I respect you but changes are evident." He watched the slow grin form on the other brute's maw and could feel a slight twitch in his own smile. He knew that Desoto was smiling for other reasons, however Altair was smiling for his own. This was a challenge for a rank, and who won would be based on the fight. This was something he had prepared for since being younger. "I do not loath you Desoto, in fact as I said before I respect you. You think to much on how others hate you. You are your own destruction. Building yourself up and tearing yourself down. You see the bad before the good." Shrugging his wide shoulders he watched as Desoto lowered his head a bit, let out a warning grown and prepared for battle.

He had no reply for the last of Desoto's words. As a high rank, it was only fair to be attacked first. Mentally, the dark brute had prepared himself quite a few months ago for this day. Physically, he had grown back into the shape he had once been. Muscular, fit and once again ready to fight. It had been quite some time since he had a one on one fight, but he would not hold back. Desoto was a pack mate, but that would not stop him. He knew that Desoto would not hold back either. He could see from the fire in his eyes, that he would do more than hold back. Altair was confident, and that was all he needed besides his skills. Focusing Altair scanned Desoto, figuring the best point to attack. Any would would think of attacking the front, but if he had learned anything the weakest point on any wolf was the muscles on the legs and the under belly. The throat was the main target for most, and could potentially be the most dangerous but the easier targets were sometimes better to approach. He went for the front, his feet pushing off the ground as he charged forward. Just before he reached Desoto, he went for the right and then quickly jerked his body to the left his mouth open and his eyes alight with fire. He pushed his weight forward in hopes of a connection, his teeth try to find his left shoulder hoping to injure him in the midst of using his bulky weight to get him on the ground.

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Before the sun had risen in the sky, Desmond was already on his patrols. He lurked around the borders, keeping his mind squared away on protecting his lands. The Alpha was proud of who he was an what had become of his home. Agavos was growing, flourishing even. He was not to completely thank for this, for the other wolves deserved just as much credit. The male was slow in his pace, but once mid day came around, he was finally done with his walk. It was a casual pace, not too fast, but not too slow either. Emerald hues looked towards the pack clearing, just as the howl rang out to the pack. His ears perked to the top of his head, listening carefully as he listened to the rest. Apparently a wolf had challenged another. Intrigued by this news, he moved to see who the two wolves were. Immediately he noticed his Delta male, Desoto. The other wolf was one he had seen among the pack, Altair. He recalled meeting this wolf during the hunt, watching him closely. This wolf would prove his worth to Desmond and his pack. It would be in interesting show and Desmond would be so pleased with the outcome of the fight.

The brute's words reflected on his own. Not letting his words get to him at all it seemed. Despite what he had said, he did not believe Altair to be conceited. He was simply a wolf who is taking a chance to make a name for himself. A chance to become higher in the ranks, to have a say and larger impact on the pack. And although he did not doubt his own abilities, Altair had a few advantages. One being his age. He was younger, still had a bit more time here in this world. Secondly, he was better at socializing. No doubt he had more acquaintances and relationships with others than the Delta did. Where as the older brute was a figure that was, although respected, a figure. However he did not let those simple things get to him, only used those facts to help him make the choices. They were pretty equal in size, and the main difference between them being their eye color. Again he could not help but chuckle, only this time is was not as humorous as before. "The fact that the world hates me is more of a figure of speech. Do I really believe it? No, it just seems that when things finally seem to look out well for me they are changed in someway. Forcing me to adjust more and more. Where I know a few of the wolves here's pasts, none know mine. There is only one person in this land that knows, and they have sworn to keep it a secret. I tell you now Altair, you know nothing about who I really am. And to make it clear as well, I do respect you. I know of your possibilities and I do not expect this to be an easy challenge to defeat, for either of us.

He was nervous, but at the same time unafraid. He doubted either would die, unless Altair had any wishes to kill him. Gods, he hoped not. It wasn't like he was afraid of death however, he just was not ready to accept the fact that he would be dead. He doubted anyone would mourn over him, not that it truly mattered. But the fight and end of it all was inevitable. He would have to accept Altair challenge if he wanted to keep his ranking. He had to accept it in order to keep is dignity and pride intact. So many sleepless nights, and days wondering what he could do with his life now had not ever come up with this conclusion. And yet he was prepared. His muscles tensed and relaxed as they prepared for the fight, his mind focusing on none other than his opponent. He had to win this thing. He would give it his all, and if he lost a few blood cells or an ear so be it. The wounds would only mark either his victory or mistake. Something that he would carry with him for however many years he lived. And despite the warriors thoughts of him hating himself, thinking the bad before good, it was not always true. Desoto did see the good in the world, he did try his hardest to make things better. So what he wasn't exactly the most friendly or garrulous wolf out there? He still had a pretty good head on his shoulder, and he had confidence in himself. He was just aware to how things could be, still thinking about the past and what possibilities could have come from it had it been different. But none of that made him truthfully hate himself. He just hated his decisions and sometimes his actions. "Actually, I don't hate myself. Nor do I see the bad before good in everything. I saw good in you, I did not doubt you, and so I let you into our pack here. I saw good in many others. I've seen the good in the most terrible monsters, and help them realize it as well. I see the good in myself and I also see the bad. I am aware of my faults, and I accept them. I may be my own destruction, Altair, but I am also my own savior. I build my self to become better, better for someone who I cannot stop thinking about. Ever. Have you ever had a sibling who never knew that you even existed? Yet you went completely out of your way in the middle of a war to protect them, not knowing what would ever happen to them or never seeing their face again? Because I have. And I'll tell you, it is the most haunting thing to not know if they have had a better future."

And with that his final words rang out and the fight began. A few moments before the blue-eyed wolf charged for the golden-eyed. He seemed to be going towards the front, but the Delta knew that the Warrior was not so stupid as to do so. He prepared for three things: A lunge to the left, a lunge to the right, or a leap to land over him. His legs tensed as he kept his body in balance keeping his eyes focused and neutral not showing any fear as the other charged. And quickly, they shot to the left, jaws wide and  ready to bite what Desoto guessed would be his shoulder. Ducking swiftly and leaning his neck and head away from the other's grasp he dodged the attack of the jaws. But the impact of the other's weight to try and knock him over was another thing he would have to defend. He couldn't move with it, that would be the dumb move in this situation. So instead he leaned into and shoved with his left shoulder at Altairs chest. Moving it out, and up as he moved along with it. At the same time, his jaws came forward, wide and teeth gleaming as he aimed for the other male's upper foreleg. Should he make the bite successful, he would tug it back down hoping to tear a muscle in it or dislocate it from it's socket altogether. This was only the beginning, and he knew that there was much more to come. And no doubt, bloodshed.

Fel, upon hearing the challenge to Desoto’s rank from her den (where she had been drawing out linear maneuvers in the dirt with her paw), rose and strode out to the healers’ section of the main camp. Likely, one or both would need attention, and it was best to get those dock root pastes prepared early. After instructing those present there to begin their preparations, she strode back to the clearing to watch. Staying in the shadows, she remained out of line of sight until she came around behind Desmond. About this time, they had finally finished their dialogue. There was too much of it, in her opinion. The grand fae sat down to the right of her leader in silence, watching and observing. It was Desmond’s call as to who won, but she would, without interference, be present and study their ritual of battle. It was good for her to know the strengths and weaknesses of her pack members… perhaps even catch a move that she had not seen before, which was unlikely but still possible. It was also fun to place a mental wager on the one she thought would best hold his ground. Fel’s icy gaze fell upon the two males, and did not sway from them.

While he enjoyed the idea of this challenge, he felt many would think he was only in it for a high rank. If they did, he would just have to deal with that fact. While he knew what he felt was right, many others did not see that so. He wasn't conceited, he didn't want power in the ways that others did. He wanted to make a difference, and if he did it would be another step up. If he didn't, at least he had felt the courage and strength to actually challenge another in his pack. Desoto, in his mind, was an admirable wolf however he was older and less sociable than some. That didn't stop him from doing his job, but it did put a slight crimp in his own way of doing things. Glancing to the left, he noticed Alpha Desmond become present in order to judge them. He did not say a word, he only turned his attention back to Desoto. His words had been a reply to his own, and he listened carefully. I never said I knew his past. I said he knew mine... He thought a frown creasing his brow. "Life has many curves. While we all adjust different, yours seems to have many curves. Mostly likely it is because life is not through with you yet. While I don't know your past Delta Desoto, I didn't ask. You know mine, at least in some detail, which is fine. Your past is your own. I do not expect this to be an easy fight either, but I know that you won't hold back and neither will I."

Any wolf in this situation, high rank or not would be nervous. While one the one paw, he felt excitement there was also hints of nervousness coursing through his veins. He had gotten quite skilled at not showing his emotions, and while all these things were clear to him on the inside, only a slight twitch of his lips was evident. Focusing was something that came quite easily to him, Desoto was an equal and possibly even better opponent. To fight him, he would have to keep his main focus on him and figure a way to go for the weaker points. While he knew that Desoto was older, older wolves often knew better ways to wound and break wolves. He would hopefully be a bit slower, and while that was a hope he would just have to find out. The tension in the air was starting to gather, he could feel it as his fur stiffened up slightly. It seemed as if he had struck some nerve, when he spoke about destruction. Altair was silent as he listened to the older wolf speak. "I know that you saw the good in me. Despite my past, you accepted that I was someone of a greater purpose. And while I said you see the bad, you do I never said that you didn't see the good. I know you do, but while the bad comes first it often reveals what kind of wolf comes forth. Here in this challenge today, I do not want any resentment between us. I am thrilled that you are aware of your faults and you accept them, I have done so with my own. The question is, for you, have you built yourself up enough? While you say you are your own savior and destruction, how can you support one or both? It the support that a wolf can often lack. I have never had a sibling that didn't know me, I did however have one that hated me. Hated my exsistence, and would have killed me if he had not found a way to get rid of me. While yours did not know you, it may have been for the better. They may have hated you, and believe me...that is something that could never be forgotten."

Time had slowed, ticking to a minimum. Now, as the fight began, it was only Altair and Desoto. Nothing around him mattered in this moment, only the two of them. Soon they would pain the area with blood, like a giant canvas open to the gods and goddess above to judge. He knew that Alpha Desmond, or Beta Fel would intervene if this became to heavy. He had no intentions of killing Desoto, and he hoped to high above that Desoto did not want to kill him. He would, however, accept his own death if it became clear he would not make it. He had made the first move, lunging forward in all outright attack. He had moved to the left finally and had gone for the shoulder which Desoto had expertly pulled away from. He had pushed his shoulder out towards his chest, in order to shove him back. Altair had connected with Desoto's shoulder and felt a sore pain go through his body. He had staggered back a few inches, and had to move quick. He pulled his left leg back, feeling the tips of Desoto's incisors dig into his felt. When Desoto's head ducked down in order to tear into his leg, Altair went for meaty unprotected neck and shoulder area. He intended to tear into it, and cause some damage but not enough to kill. He hoped to tatter the area and make it painful to move.
(I hope that makes sense, if it doesn't just PM me hon. I'll fix it when I am home)

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His shoulder had made impact with the chest of Altair, causing him to back up a few inches. But the attack on the leg had failed, for the most part. As his canines were about to sink into the flesh, he drew his leg back spreading them wider to make an attack harder. However, blood was trickling from where he had slightly pierced the skin, and he can tell for a moment that the other had the breath knocked out of them. This fight was going to be fast paced, can't keep up and you are done for. The two wolves were no doubt powerful fighters, each able to hold their own against an opponent, and each held a drive. Altair; to defeat the Delta and take over his title, proving himself better. And Desoto; to defend his title, prove the Warrior wrong, and possibly move up in rank. Even if he was not the most attached wolf to anyone in Agavos, he still wished to be doing something for it. It was just how he was, hardworking but solitary. He preferred to work alone, and he wasn't really one to make many friendships. But, he'd always have a pack members back. Except, well, in a challenge like this. Before he could react completely and stand up to his full height, the jaws of the blue-eyed male came towards his unprotected neck and shoulder. Acting as best and quickly as he could he took a step forward, letting his jaws sink into the meaty flesh of his shoulder. A growl of complaint left his jaws before he twisted his head back to once again face the brute. Lifting his left hind leg subtly he tried to distract the attention of altair towards where his face was. Ignoring the pain in his shoulder for now he faked a lunge for the neck, when in reality the real attack was with his leg. His weight was awkwardly placed, his body slightly turned and twisted, but reaching an exact angle of ninety degrees he shot it out and towards the flesh of the neck. Should his attack be successful, his paw would dig into the throat, pushing the brute back s well as making it harder to breath. Hopefully it would detach his jaws from his shoulder, and he would be able to go after him again.

Let me know if this does not make sense or if I need to change it!!

Fast, quick, that was what this fight was turning out to be. Not that it needed to be long and sustained, he knew that it could be over in a few quick bites. He wanted to fight his hardest, and he knew that the Delta would do the same. This fight was not like the rest, different in many ways pushing them both to a higher stamina. They both had to think fast, while it was similar to a fight against an enemy this was different. He was not out to kill this dark brute, no he felt no urge to kill him. Even if he did, he would never go as far as to do such a thing. He would only kill if necessary, and for rank there was no point. Losing would be a slight blow to his ego, but it would at least boost Desoto a bit. He didn't want to loose however, he wanted to win and it pushed him forward to try his hardest. A low growl escaped his dark colored jaws, as he felt the large Delta move, and warning bells went off in his head. He knew he had only precious seconds to either move or take the blow to his neck. Instead of teeth tearing into his neck, it was a kick. He had jerked back when the paw hit him, tearing away from Desoto. He coughed his air way was struck, and he took only a few steps back. He quickly regained some composure, and lunged at him again, his breathing still heavy. He used his heavy force to try and pin Desoto to the ground, hoping that in doing so he could have easy access to his unprotected belly. He lunged towards his throat intending for his large paws to shove against his chest and push him down.

(I hope that makes sense dear. Sorry for the wait)

With his paw hitting target, and Altair now letting go of his shouder, he backed away. He glanced down at the injury to see how much damage had been done, and he had to say, it was quite a bit. Blood ran down both his chest and left foreleg, the scarlet liquid then landing on the ground, staining it red. A small growl came through his jaws as he returned his gaze to Altair, who was couching wildly as he tried to regain his breathe. The pain he new held was throbbing, reminding the Delta of it's unwanted presence, but at least it was his shoulder and not his neck. So he allowed the pain to stay there, but blocked out it's cries to be treated. The wound would be deep most definitely, and he most likely would have a scar, not that it bothered him much. All that he really cared about now was not loosing this battle. And he was thankful for the adrenaline pumping through his veins as it made the ache in his injury less. He didn't attack the warrior when he was violently coughing, the action no doubt probably bringing pain to him. The wound he had struck was not visible on the outside, but it sure hurt a hell lot on the inside. And breathing should be difficult for a few days, which meant that if he could just manage to keep movement going, then he would soon run out of breath. On the downside, his movements would not be as quick, which would make that ask difficult. Setting a wide stance, he kept his some weight off of his left shoulder, still applying some so it would get used to it. His tail curled above him, and although his head was not raised, there was a feral look in his eyes, his ears back and flattened as he snarled. It was a display of dominance, directed only at the black wolf who was now beginning to face him. It was not going to be easy to force him to submit, but it was time that he began to show the more violent side of himself. His opponent lunged at him through the air, throwing almost all of his weight into it. Ducking down he threw himself to the right, using his shoulder to help him roll right back up into a crouch, his expression still the same. Defense, tire him out.. Move quickly, and don't make any attacks unless he gets too close. Backing up at as quickly as he could in his position, he gained separation between the two. But he was not running away. His jaws snapped at him, daring him to come after him. It was common knowledge that when you move more, one needed more air to enter their lungs. Thus breathing would become quicker and required more labor. And with the condition of his throat (which he guessed would be bruised), breathing already required more effort than normal. Course it wasn't much of an advantage to the Delta either, his shoulder, which still bled like it was sobbing, would cause a few waves of pain to go through his body overtime weight was put on it. And to his best ability, he pushed the pain to the back of his mind, and stayed defensive for now. Staying crouched, ears back and tail tucked as he continued to taunt the brute with his jaws, he awaited for the next attack the warrior might strike.

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Scarlet liquid had filled his mouth before he had been battered away, watching as Desoto put distance between himself and the dark brute. Warm blood dripped from his dark lip as he lapped his muzzle, clearing the taste from his mouth. He had not tasted his own kin blood in several years, and it was quite a surprise at how good it felt to actually fight again. He watched Desoto from his crouch, watching the blood trail down his leg and stain the ground the dark brute's paws. He knew he had injured him quite well, but he also knew that Desoto would not give up. Nor would he. He wanted to win, and that force alone would drive him to do so. His coughing had caused his throat to hurt, Desoto had bumped into his chest and throat pretty hard. He knew that he could be severely bruised, but that would not stop him from attacking. Desoto had not attacked him when he had been coughing, which had been smart but the dark brute could have won if he did. It hurt to breath, and he knew it would hurt for a few days after..however he wasn't hurt to the point where he would stop. No, he would keep going no matter what. They were both injured, and he knew that Desoto would not have much fight in him left. He was injured, and pretty bad. His shoulder was torn, and he knew his movements would be slow. It was a surprise to Altair when Desoto lifted his tail in a stance of dominance, as it to force him back down. While the will was strong, Altair stood his ground raising his head his ears pricked. Another deeper challenge commenced then, and his own tail raised as he snarled at Desoto. He would not back down this easy, he was here to fight and he was here to win. When he had lunged, he had expected Desoto to go to the side. He wasn't attacking now, oh no he was defending himself. Trying to last and wear me out are we? He thought to himself, his keen blue eyes narrowed darkly at Desoto. His breathing had begun to quicken again, and it hurt, oh did it hurt. However, he was not about to back down. He thought, just for a moment that Desoto had ran but he snapped his jaws and Altair relized he was taunting him. The dark brute let out almost a guttral laugh at Desoto, and shook his head. The laugh had hurt, and he himself had starte to slow down. He knew Desoto's plan would work if he did not act fast."Smart plan, but don't be a fool to think I am that weak." He said outloud, his voice raspy as he pointed forward towards the location his ears swiveling as he watched Desoto crouch. Altair moved, slowly at first walking towards Desoto before going around him in a circle. He wasn't attacking just yet but he would soon. Once on his left side, he attacked again. He leaped at the defensive male, hoping to roll and pin him. He wanted to end this fight, and if he could he would go for the throat and hold him down. He wouldn't, kill him, no he would just end the fight then and there by exposing him and holding him down. He hoped his plan would work, as he had leaped towards Desoto's injured side, hoping to press down against the injured shoulder. He would do all he could to win.

A fool? The Delta was no such thing. He had no doubt of Altair strength and ability in battle, Hell if he did he'd be stupid. The warrior was powerful, and definitely faired well in combat. But, he did know that eventually his plan would work, but only if he were able to keep it up. And the warrior must have known that too. His breathing was already labored, the raspiness of his voice and laugh made it very well known that he was in pain. He'd be out of breath again soon, and the Delta could attack more then. For now, he would only attack based off of the movements of the brute, letting his opponent do most of the work. "I am no fool in ignorance to your abilities. But you and I are both weakening, neither of us can deny that. Each of us will do what needs to be done to accommodate our physical states. You would be the fool to not realize that." His tone was sharp, biting, without any emotion except for annoyance and anger. The words he had spoken had annoyed him, and finding the comment unnecessary, yet he still needed to reply to it. Despite this challenge, he held no regards of hatred towards the brute, but the air between them would be filled with tension for a while. The Delta would not take this thing lightly, the doubting of his abilities, and his honor as a wolf is what drove him to win. He would not be humiliated and degraded in the very clearing of his home. The wolves that stood around him knew very little about who he was, and most of their opinions made on assumptions. But alas, he needed to prove himself to them, prove that he was worthy of their loyalty and ability to aid in leading them. Desmond had entrusted him to let new wolves in himself, not based off a challenge. And he now had to prove that he was righteous in doing so. That was all that mattered. Keeping his rank, and if he was moved up, it would be a bonus.

Altair then moved slowly towards him, then proceeding to circle around him. Shifting his back paws, he prepared to counter the attack. If he was circling, he was going to go for his weak spot, his left side. This whole fight, Altair had been trying to go for the throat, take hold of it and force the Delta to submit. But his attacks had not been working. Quick movements had forced him to grab hold of his shoulder, or miss altogether. And the frustration of that was going to most likely add more to it than just a lunge. Pinning would be the easiest way, however it was not always easy to get an opponent beneath oneself. If that was the move that the warrior wanted to make, he would need to come at him with a powerful lunge or leap, which would force the two to the ground, possibly in a roll. Which would not be great for his shoulder. Growling lowly he followed the movements of the brute, angling his body to make himself less vulnerable with each placement Altair took. And when the attack was made, Desoto had been correct. The warrior was in it to win it, and nothing seemed to want him to be stopping his attacks for the neck. Instead of fleeing, he met the leap. Raising up onto his hind legs he opened his jaws wide, his front legs pushing out to meet with the mass of the brute. He aimed to push down the brute, not allowing his attack to work. Or, fall back with him, but from his slight forward lean into the leap to latch his jaws onto either his neck, or some point on the face. The latter is what happened, he fell back sending the two into a roll. But his forelegs pushed against the chest of the brute, not allowing him any access to his neck. His own jaws had missed as well, barely missing the muzzle of Altair. And the weight of the brute landing on top of him along with the pull of gravity caused a soreness to now run through his upper back. Bunching up his hind legs he shot them up, aiming to kick the brute off of him as they began to stop rolling. If successful, Altair would be forced away from Desoto, allowing him to quickly spring up and make a dash to get over him. If he made that in time, he'd place a heavy paw over the neck of Altair, and lean his face down to wrap his jaws around the challenger's own. Making them useless as he denied their access to open, and the weight of his paw on the neck making it harder to breath. The action would most likely force him to submit, the need for air too much to resist. But, he could only hope that it worked, and that he could make it in time with his still bleeding shoulder, and ache in his back.

Did Desoto doubt that he did know of the pain that they were both in? No matter how much the dark brute tried to hide it in his yellow eyes, Altair could see it. He knew that Desoto could also see the pain in him as well. It wasn't a big surprise that they were both hurt, because pain often brought on anger. Altair was a little angry with himself, but he wanted to win. It fueled any spite he had left into this fight. He would do his best, and he knew Desoto would do his best and in the end only one challenger would win. Ears pricked as Desoto began to reply, it only made Altair's eyes narrow slightly. A fool? He was no fool, he knew that they were both injured. He knew they were both slowing down, and soon enough Desmond or Fel would step in to stop them both. He hoped that the dark brute did not expect a reply, because this wasn't a time for chit chat. He had said what he did for Desoto had thought of a fleeting plan...which would have worked if he had not caught on. What ever the out come was of this fight, both of the them would be sore both physically and mentally. He did however, have a new level of respect for Desoto. He had hung in despite his bleeding wound, and was trying to give everything he got. He did not expect the same respect from the Delta, but he was doing his best considering he hadn't fought in so long. It was good to finally get his muscles moving and his blood pumping. This was exhilarating. Losing was not an option now, winning was the goal he pushed for. He would make it, and even if he lost he was confident enough in his skills to move up.

Attacking towards Desoto's left was the easiest thing to do. He had injured him quite well earlier, and at this moment he was ready to charge again. He had circled around Desoto, making him feel trapped in some ways. He had gone for the throat a few times, but he was trying to hurt him in any way possible. He had attacked, and he was expecting Desoto to know it was coming. He wanted to the end fight, and he was now ready to. He lunged forward, but instead of backing away Desoto reared up ready to defend himself in any way possible. It surprised Altair, but only for a few moments. He would have to think fast in order to not be pumpled by Desoto's strong legs. He had struck Desoto head on, his body colliding with his front paws. Altair had been able to jerk his head away from Desoto's sharp fangs they narrowly missing his muzzle as they both tipped back. He was heavier and therefore they fell together, his weight upon Desoto. He heard a yelp as he landed ontop of him, and quickly had to act while he was down. He knew that Desoto would have time to kick him off, and he was not one to enjoy that. He moved his hind quaters to the left, but was still jabbed hard by Desoto's strong back legs. He felt the tips of his dark claws dig into his flesh ripping it. He was thrown a few feet away, but was still able to keep on his feet. He knew Desoto would be quick to get up, so he had to work fast. He lunged at Desoto, this time aiming to pin him and keep him on the ground. Eyes wide with fury, fangs showing he was ready to take on the brute despite his bleeding belly and bruised windpipe.