Hello everyone, It's Theo again! *Hears everyone either cheering or booing.* I know I haven't been much in updates lately, but hopefully this new chapter will make up for it... or perhaps not.

Before we get to the story however, it was made clear to me that there is some confusion regarding Zyernes character. "A Leonin from the Razor Fields of Mirrodin, living in Dominaria? That's not right! And what's with the Leonin Human Hybrid thing anyway?" This was the most direct question asked to me. Well, I've got a few points here that may help you understand who and what Zyerne is.

When I started this story, I decided I wanted to add some unique characters. The idea of using a feline race (Such as Leonin) was inspired from an older card called Mirri, Cat Warrior. A rare Legend Creature card from the Exodus expansion. This card told me that Leonin related creatures were in Dominaria at the time, though perhaps they didn't call themselves Leonin then. I use the term Leonin for lack of their original classification.

I also said Zyerne came from the Razor Fields of Mirrodin. This is true because that is where you'll find most Leonin. However, Memnarch needed to bring creatures from other worlds in order to populate Mirrodin (Or so I understand from the books.) However, couldn't it also be possible for creatures from Mirrodin to cross back into Dominaria? I believe so, and this theory is part of the reason why Zyerne is here. I don't want to spoil how she returned to Dominaria; you'll just have to wait until that chapter.

Zyerne in particular is what is known as a hybrid. (I've used the term 'Leonin/human hybrid' in earlier chapters.) This means she's the offspring of two different races, a crossbreed if you will. Her father is Leonin, whereas her mother is human. Thus this is why her face and head are more human like than lion-like while the rest of her body resembles an ordinary Leonin. If any of you have played Breath of Fire 2, Zyerne looks a lot like Katt, but with long black hair and different clothing.

Hopefully these little pointers will help clear up any misunderstandings. If not, let me know and I'll see if I can explain it any easier.

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Magic: The Gathering, or any of its characters.*Bursts down into tears* All I own is the idea for this fic, and any made-up characters added (Themis, ect)

WARNING: This chapter contains some graphic violence and harsh language. If you find these disturbing, you may want to leave instead. You HAVE been Warned!

Chapter 11- For Lack of a Title: BATTLE

Themis shuttered at the feeling of the strangers pulsating energy. The fact that he could feel it from twenty feet away was enough to frighten him. All the stranger did was concentrate and the blue mana he summoned gathered around him.

[I don't like this. Better strike now before he summons something I'll regret.]

Finally, Themis draws the short sword given to him from Seton. Holding it out in front of him, Themis charged, though his mind told him his attack would be suicide. Yet, despite the reckless charge, Themis threw himself forward.

The Grizzly Bear which Themis summoned earlier, saw its master charge and on an impulse to be loyal, decided to charge along side. The bear's larger body and four legs carried it across the field much faster than Themis could run. The Grizzly Bear was upon the robed figure as Themis closed the distance.

"First, I'll dispel you!"

A faint blue glow surrounded the bear just as it was about to attack. Its body froze suddenly and was shoved back, as though a giant hand picked the creature up and threw it. Themis watched, horrified to see a 400 pound or more bear tossed back like a rag doll. The Grizzly Bear gave one final roar as its body slammed into the ground and exploded into hundreds of tiny green mana shards.

[Unsummon? Or Remove Soul?]

Themis didn't care; he continued his reckless charge, sword tip first. As the distance closed, Themis felt a sudden current of wind blow harshly against his body. He struggled to keep his feet firmly on the ground, however, the gusts was persistent in picking him up and tossing him back to where he once stood. Slamming hard against the soil of the grasslands, Themis wonders what spell had caused that. Pain ruptured up every nerve of his spine to his brain. If his back somehow survived the impact, Themis would be considered lucky to avoid being paralyzed.

"What the heck was that?!"

Themis demanded with clenched teeth, fighting the surge of pain up his vertebrae.

"My Wall of Air. Perhaps one of the best protection a Mage of my stature could ever have."

The figure mocked, as he continued to concentrate his Mana management.

"Along with it, I shall also summon one more warrior. One that will strip your life from this plain of reality."

Upon his desire, the Blue Mage summoned forth a new creature, an Aven like creature which wore armor along its body. Unlike normal Avens, however, this had no hands, instead, its arms ended in a single long hook like claw that appeared razor sharp.

"Themis wasn't sure if he wanted to laugh or shudder. Most Aven cards he's seen had been weak monsters. The strongest one he could remember at the moment was a Gustcloak Skirmisher which was a 2/3 creature. Not one many would call dangerous. However, there must have been a reason why this Mage summoned such a creature.

"But being a fair man, I will give you a chance to ready yourself. Stand and prepare yourself for the next life."

[Just stop preaching already!]

Themis groaned as he rose to his feet, gently rubbing his lower back.

"Fine. If it'll shut you up!"

As Themis stood, his Gemstone reacted again, this time, to his emotions and his thoughts. As the green Mana swirled, it took the form of a creature of the forest. At first, Themis thought his eyes had failed him, but they had not. What stood before him now was a Giant Spider. A 2/4 creature capable of fighting against flying creatures. He was then reminded of the moment back in the Krosan forest when the Silklash Spider defended him against the flying Childhood Horror.

"Attack me now if you dare!"

It was Themis' turn to goad now.

"My defense will protect me."

He didn't see the sudden smirk across the Mages lips. He was more than ready.

"Very well. Coast Watcher, attack!"

The Aven screeched aloud as its wings flapped to carry its body into the air. When it rose to about ten feet, it took a sharp dive towards Themis. Themis smiled in return.

"How stupid do you think I am?"

He signaled his Giant Spider to defend him, and the arachnid obeyed. From its mouth, it spewed forth its sticky web at the attacking Aven creature. However, the sharp talons on the Avens arms, sliced through the web like a hot knife through melted butter.

"HOW...?!?"

Themis was cut off at the claw on the Avens wing slashed at him. The human blinked at the swiftness of the creature, but his reflexes must've saved him as all he felt of the attack was a light lash across his chest. The wound was barely deep enough for it to bleed, but not enough to drip down his chest.

"You must be very stupid boy, to think you pathetic forest spider could save you. My Coast Watchers have evaded webs since their hatching. Try something else."

Still feeling his heart in his throat, the gemstone once again reacted for him. This time, it brought forth a humanoid figure with wings. Not an angel per say, its body was made of brass, iron, and metal. The metallic soldier was a construct, a machine. In the world of Magic: The Gathering, such things were known as Artifacts. This in particular is a Artifact Creature- a Patagia Golem. Themis stared at the rear of the machine that was just summoned. He wasn't responsible for summoning it... only the magic stone in his pants acted upon its own to summon it. Then Themis understood. In the game, Artifacts have a colorless cost, meaning any Mana available could be used to pay its cost. The same must apply to the this world as well.

If the Coast Watcher had protection from Green, then it means the Patagia Golem, being a colorless creature, could defend against the Aven.

"Now I'm ready for your next attack!"

Themis goaded again.

"You hardly know what your doing boy. But I'll comply, and make your death quick."

The Aven circled around and dove for Themis a second time. Themis then mentally channeled Mana into the wings of the Patagia Golem, and they responded by flapping its artificial wings. With practice, the Golem began to lift from the ground. The Coast Watcher dove down, and the Patagia Golem rose, head-to-head. The Aven swung its deadly talons at the golem, but its metal body withstood the attack. In a counter attack, the Patagia Golem swung its metal fist up in an uppercut which struck the underside of the Coast Watchers beak. The Aven then exploded into blue Mana.

The blue Mage watched as his precious creature died in front of him, whereas Themis' Patagia Golem endured. Did he honesty believe his 1/1 bird soldier could survive against a 2/3 golem?

"Blast you to the pit of a bog!"

The Mage cursed.

"All this time you've been playing me the fool! You were never a novice at all were you?!"

Themis only smiled a response. He was still a novice, but he didn't want to expose the fact that Themis only managed to summon the Grizzly Bears on his own. Everything else was done by the Gemstone own acting.

"Themis is far more of a Summoner than you'll ever become!"

Zyerne shouted from nearby. She had watched the whole ordeal from a safe distance, while keeping Themis' belongings safe with her.

"Leave now or you'll suffer a less pleasant punishment."

"Loosing my creature doesn't mean I've lost."

He objected.

"I've still more threats to summon."

"Cut the crap already!"

Themis shouted back. Taking the Mage by surprise.

"All this time you've been complaining how you're going to kill me, how you're superior at summoning, and how you should be the only one. Well I've got a news flash for you Asshole,"

Themis flipped the mage his middle finger.

"Get over it!"

TO BE CONTINUED

Sorry if it was a sudden ending, but I've run out of ideas to continue on with this chapter. I'm not sure if I want the two to continue fighting, stop their duel and go their separate ways or what. Tell me what you all think, because I could use a little inspiration and ideas. Thanks in advance.

FYI Incase anyone is wondering, if this were the Game, Themis' Life Total: 14. Blue Mage's Life Total: 15.

Until Next Time ^_^

Theo~