Same Difference
The swords clashed under the setting sun. The two beasts had been battling for hours. Sweat dripped off their faces, making their palms sweat, but still, neither one gave ground, knowing if he did, he would be killed. Another cut. Another slash. When will this fight end? Their families and friends are dead. They are the only two left. Why do they keep on fighting? Why don't they lay down their swords in peace? Block. Swing. They're both panting, barely able to take another breath, let alone keep on fighting. But still they do. Why? Finally, one is killed. And the other weeps. Not knowing why he is crying, yet the tears roll unchecked down his cheeks. Maybe he thinks of the rest of this poor creature's family, waiting for so long to see if he comes home. The swordmaster lays down his sword beside the one he killed in homage and walked away, never to be seen again.
Badger Lord Russano woke up with a start. He though of his dream, knowing it was true, that it had happened somewhere. He though on the mouse and rat, fighting to the death. They looked the same, the mouse and rat. And the mouse had died. The rat had not wanted to kill him, but he did anyway. Russano wondered why. Maybe just to kill, maybe not. And laying his sword down. That rat had but his sword down...