Joe's POV

At first I didn't feel bad for Mike. Hey, better him than me right? WRONG! As it got closer to my turn, I kept on noticing how much less of a response that the other contestants compared to the one Mike got. Ethan got a response almost as big but he was about the eighth one to go. Zane and I had yet to go.

"Hey Zane!" I said to the sandy haired boy standing a couple feet to my right.

"Yeah, what do you need bro?" He answered, turning from the girl he had been talking to.

"Do you know what you're going to do for the lords? I wanted to duel but who would I fight?" I asked.

"Why not me? I mean hey, why not kill two chickens with one arrow? It just seems like a likely match. We've known each other for, like what, six-seven years?" He leisurely stated.

"Yeah, I guess you're right" I answered, but I wasn't really listening. I was wondering how I could duel but also make a statement. Then the most spectacular and probably stupidest idea I've ever had hit me.

Would Joseph Hiroshima please report to the stage, please.

I cringed as I heard my full name announced. As of today, only Mike, Zane, and Ethan knew my last name. I walked up to the stairs and, as my better judgment screamed at me to stop and rethink my plan, I steeled my resolve and bowed to the Lords.

"And what are you going to perform for us today? Asked Jack not really into it since no one else had put up a good show in a while.

"I would like to demonstrate my skills in a duel, my Lords." I stated in a loud voice. I let a hint of a smile twitch at the corners of my mouth as I saw the shock on most of their faces.

"Very well, pick an opponent from all the able warriors here." Stated Ray, who was now paying full attention.

"I would like to duel…. Lord Michael of MLP, Slayer of Mogar the Bear, and current holder of the Tower of Pimps." I announced so all could hear. I heard gasps come from the crowd as well as few of the Lords. I looked over at Lord Michael and asked simply, "Do you accept my offer, my Lord?"

Lord Michael looked about as shocked as any of the other Lords. Ryan Stood and started to state "You can't be serious! You are what age, sixteen winters maybe? You couldn't possibly challenge a Lord and hope to win. I say you choose a new opponent or forfeit the compete…."

"RYAN THAT'S ENOUGH!" interrupted Goeff. "If the boy wants to challenge Michael, he can. Let us see where this goes. Who knows he may surprise us if not put up a good fight."

"Aye, that I will, my Lords" I responded. I then turned to Michael. "Being a Lord and also to honor the person I have challenged, I will allow you to choose your weapon first." Not to my surprise I saw him sprint straight for the Diamond sword hanging on the weapon wall. As he balanced it in his hand and practiced his swings a couple times, I calmly walked up and grabbed the stone sword from its hook.

"You must be joking! A stone sword versus my diamond sword is hardly a fight. Go on I'll let you choose a new one and even enchant it if you want." He smiled arrogantly as he said this.

"I'm fine." I simply replied. Now that we had our weapons we took our places on opposite sides of the stage. We raised our weapons and waited for the starting signal. As soon as Ray yelled 'GO!' Michael came straight at me and our blades collided in a shower of sparks. I was blown a few feet back which drew a smile from Michael and a few chuckles from Gavin and Ryan. I ran forward and jumped in order to add the weight of gravity to my swing. The force of my blow blew Michael back about six feet since he had just been able to block the strike.

This wiped the smile from his face and the chuckles stopped. We clashed for another twenty minutes, neither able to get an edge up on the other. Our blades meet in a clash of power, which was easy to see that I was out matched. I was quickly being forced to my knee when I knew I had to do something. Then my instincts took over and I naturally punch Michael in the face. As he stumbled backward in pain, I rose and ran full speed at him driving my shoulder into his gut nocking the wind out of him and bringing him to the ground on his back.

I pointed the tip of my blade at Michael's throat and screamed horsy, "YIELD!"

Knowing he was beaten, he dropped his sword and raised his hands while stating, "I, LORD MICHAEL OF MLP, Yield to you."

Cheers erupted from the stands of spectators and I helped Lord Michael to his feet. I heard Goeff announcing that I had won and was moving on. I just stood there for a moment taking it all in. I heard foot fall behind me and when I turned I saw the Six Lords lead by Michael. Each one thanked me for a stellar performance and as Ryan thanked me, he pulled me close and whispered an apology in my ear for underestimating me.

"Thank you my lords. It was an honor to even have the chance." I stated as I began to walk toward the building where I knew Mike had just watched me beet a lord in a duel.