In the Beginning 23/?
Disclaimer: I neither own nor created the character of Marcus, Neroon, Babylon 5, etc… No infringement is intended.
Rating: PG-13 (possibly R in later chapters) for m/m situations and violence. SLASH. If this offends you read no further.
Unexpected Praise
I set up the tournament for the next day in our journey. It would most likely go on for a few days, depending on the skill and number of participants. I was prepared to simply watch the event, since I did not think many of my men would want to fight against me, when Marcus guilted me into it.
"Considering I am participating, and my men probably feel the same way, it's only fair that you do too." Marcus told me glaring when I remained stubbornly silent. "Besides it will show the Anla'shok just what you're capable of, just in case there is any question."
"Very well. I suppose a light spar will do me a bit of good."
"Arrogant prat." Marcus laughed good-naturedly, chucking me on the back of my head.
"Oh, and I suppose you are going to be straining yourself constantly with your own men?" I questioned incredulously.
"I don't know what you mean." He told me sounding genuinely unsure. If it weren't for the mischievous glint to his eyes I would have believed him.
"You could easily defeat all of the Anla'shok and a good number of the Star Riders if you put your mind to it."
"Perhaps."
"False modesty doesn't become you." I snorted thoroughly amused.
"I can't beat everyone Neroon." Marcus spoke seriously for a moment, staring at me pensively. "You wiped the floor with me, if you'll remember."
"Not really. I have fought Minbari who were Pike Master's and were more easily defeated. You held your own, and had I been a human with the same skills, we would be equals. Your skill isn't in question, but when you pit it against my superior strength and endurance you are a bit outmatched."
"As a warrior I should be able to get around things like that."
"Stop this nonsense. There is no shame in getting beat by a superior opponent and you know it. These things happen when we fight as often as we both do. You are a credit to the Anla'shok, Marcus Cole."
"High praise." Marcus commented with a raised eyebrow.
"Indeed." I agreed imperiously. "After all I would not have a weak unskilled warrior as my mate."
I left him staring in shock as I walked away, completely at a loss for words. I did not see Marcus up close for the rest of the morning, but when I caught a glance of him across the room I noticed he looked thoughtful.
A few hours later with a crew manning the bridge, warriors gathered for the beginning of the tournament. The crew that was indisposed today would compete tomorrow morning during the shift change, that way every warrior who wanted to could compete. I divided my men into skill level efficiently, as Marcus did the same with the Anla'shok. As we finished, before us stood four groups of differing skills waiting impatiently to test their merit on their opponents.
"Let us begin."
Disclaimer: I neither own nor created the character of Marcus, Neroon, Babylon 5, etc… No infringement is intended.
Rating: PG-13 (possibly R in later chapters) for m/m situations and violence. SLASH. If this offends you read no further.
Unexpected Praise
I set up the tournament for the next day in our journey. It would most likely go on for a few days, depending on the skill and number of participants. I was prepared to simply watch the event, since I did not think many of my men would want to fight against me, when Marcus guilted me into it.
"Considering I am participating, and my men probably feel the same way, it's only fair that you do too." Marcus told me glaring when I remained stubbornly silent. "Besides it will show the Anla'shok just what you're capable of, just in case there is any question."
"Very well. I suppose a light spar will do me a bit of good."
"Arrogant prat." Marcus laughed good-naturedly, chucking me on the back of my head.
"Oh, and I suppose you are going to be straining yourself constantly with your own men?" I questioned incredulously.
"I don't know what you mean." He told me sounding genuinely unsure. If it weren't for the mischievous glint to his eyes I would have believed him.
"You could easily defeat all of the Anla'shok and a good number of the Star Riders if you put your mind to it."
"Perhaps."
"False modesty doesn't become you." I snorted thoroughly amused.
"I can't beat everyone Neroon." Marcus spoke seriously for a moment, staring at me pensively. "You wiped the floor with me, if you'll remember."
"Not really. I have fought Minbari who were Pike Master's and were more easily defeated. You held your own, and had I been a human with the same skills, we would be equals. Your skill isn't in question, but when you pit it against my superior strength and endurance you are a bit outmatched."
"As a warrior I should be able to get around things like that."
"Stop this nonsense. There is no shame in getting beat by a superior opponent and you know it. These things happen when we fight as often as we both do. You are a credit to the Anla'shok, Marcus Cole."
"High praise." Marcus commented with a raised eyebrow.
"Indeed." I agreed imperiously. "After all I would not have a weak unskilled warrior as my mate."
I left him staring in shock as I walked away, completely at a loss for words. I did not see Marcus up close for the rest of the morning, but when I caught a glance of him across the room I noticed he looked thoughtful.
A few hours later with a crew manning the bridge, warriors gathered for the beginning of the tournament. The crew that was indisposed today would compete tomorrow morning during the shift change, that way every warrior who wanted to could compete. I divided my men into skill level efficiently, as Marcus did the same with the Anla'shok. As we finished, before us stood four groups of differing skills waiting impatiently to test their merit on their opponents.
"Let us begin."