Seer wasted little time from hearing that Deathbelle wished him to challenge Hannibal for the rank, to actually doing so. He knew Deathbelle had spoken to the man, and would be prepared for the challenge to come. He made his way into the territory of Wolfpaw lake, staying miles from the lake as he took a place in a field, and judged in a decent area for their match. He buried his feelings for the man in a deep, dark corner of his soul. This was for Deathbelle, and for this future, and what he could do for the pack. The Titan may once have believed himself unworthy, but he was just starting to get an inkling of how much better he could defend what he loved, so long as he believed himself worthy. His murky thoughts aside, he was determined to see this through to the best of his abilities. He took an easy stance, loose and comfortable, well also standing prepared. There was no reason to delay this, so he tilted back his head and howled for the Right Hand of the Empress. "Speech"

She wished that he had decided on a venue closer to where the palace was, but she needed the exercise, hopefully walking all this way might help to stimulate labor. She could only hope because it was certainly a labor to arrive here. Seer looked ready, like he could win against anyone Belle placed before him. He might have too, that was the amazing thing about her vessel. Deathbelle was finally able to relieve her feet, now if only she had Zee beside her with a giant leaf so shield the sunlight. She panted slightly with the exertion but felt excitement in the upcoming event. Ashen could do for a good jousting match, especially between Seer, arguably their most impressive warrior, and Hannibal, her right Hand and secondary alpha. What a wonderful day. "speak."

Stock by Ria.P of dawthieves

A summoning song filled the air as the pale serpentine moved along the borders of their pack. Hannibal raised his head and his eyes squinted for a moment. He had previously bee informed of the plans to seemingly test if Sirius was ready for a higher rank but he hadn't thought it would be so soon. With a gentle huff the Right Hand slinked in the direction of their beloved lake to find the fanged beast. - Hannibal wasn't horribly opposed to Sirius having a higher rank but it seemed only fighting it would be done in such a fashion. If Sirius beat Hannibal then he could have the rank of Daimyo. If not, then the former servant should remain training and try again. The pale ghoul could not deny the wits and strength of his darker counter part. But, something about he and Belle's relationship rubbed him the wrong way. Soon Hannibal reached the clearing. With a neutral expression he tossed a gruff nod to each of the devils. Belle was fat with spawn and Sirius was well.. serious. Hannibal examined his Empress with a pressing gaze before moving his attention to the male in question. The Right Hand's head raised with a sense of unspoken dominance but the rest of his demeanor was merely stern. Baritone yet fluid tones slipped from his pink maw, "Sirius." The male's tail flicked upward ever so slightly, "Shall we get on with it?" Hannibal was a busy bee with Belle unable to move around too much. Patrolling, managing, guarding, socializing, hunting, and much more. He didn't mind it but there were not time for his usual dramatics. ""

Zee heard the summoning call and knew it's cause immediately. Sirius was to challenge for the rank of Daimyo, that she knew, but was it to be so soon? Her brows furrowed in concern, and she made her way to the arena. Deathbelle, Sirius and Hannibal were there already. Both the Samurai and the Right Hand seemed prepared and ready to go, and so Zee politely made her way in from the back and placed herself beside Belle. Her Empress seemed much less stressed then Zee herself did, and she tried to use some of the confident energy to calm herself down. She'd watch and wait beside her mistress, hoping that the titan would prove himself worthy of advancement without being too badly harmed. "Speech"

GOT AN ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER But the devil always won... Harbringr was working on his crafting. He sought to fashion a pair of leather bracers with metal blades but so far it was mostly trial and error. He had the leather part about right but getting the steel on without having loose bits that might chaff his skin was proving difficult. Ari, Harbringr's new companion, was deftly sewing away with sinew and bone needle when the challenge rang out. Hari's ears flicked forward. That was Sirius. He and Ari shared a look and then pair took off for the challenge with Costanza silently gliding overhead. He arrived to the gathering. Sirius looked particularly imposing decked out in battle finery. He pulled up next to Deathbelle seeking to gently nuzzle her shoulder. "This looks to be a good match."

Sirius pushed aside his feelings for the man, and instead admitted a grudging respect. He knew that Hannibal was suppose to be Emperor, yet here he was, the Hand of his Sister, doing right for this pack. Moreso, he was giving Sirius a chance, when most would dismiss him as once a slave, always a slave. He appreciated the mands blunt tactic, ready to start the testing with little preamble. “Aye” Sirius agreed softly, his young Snow Leopard peeking out from behind him, more to observe the battle and maybe harry a little then actually fight. He was training the new companion as it grew. Marshal was already in the air, judging, watching, preparing to alert his master to any ups and downs that might help him. With no reason to delay, Sirius shoved himself forward, covering the gap between them in a quick-moving stride, aiming to drive his right shoulder into the man’s left in a downward angle, hoping to shove the man with his superior height. His teeth he would aim to graze across the man's neck if he was able to. Sirius versus Hannibal for Spar Round One of ? Size: Dire Wolf Build: Medium Companion One: Extra large companion, Battle Vulture (plus 10%) Companion Two: Snow Leopard (plus 10%) Battle Accessory (Offensive): Bracers Battle Accessory (Defensive): Bracers Mutation: Fangs Fight Skill Level: Expert "Speech"

A few spectators filed in as the two hulking beasts stood face to face. The slave girl that seemed to fancy Sirius looked rather worried while Harbringr appeared to be cool as a cucumber. This was no battle to the death or alpha challenge so there was no reason for anyone to really be too afraid of the outcome. Losing would not harm Hannibal in any way and victory only meant Sirius would remain the same rank. Worries and anxiety would be wasted on such a fight. Thus, he glanced to Belle then Harbringr with a tiny smirk before moving his attention back on the fanged Wolf in question. Before all else Hannibal ensured his defenses were locked in. His slender head lowered and muzzle pointed downward to protect his throat. One and a half ears flattened against the curve of his skull. Pink and black lips curled upward to expose clenched fangs. Lids narrowed to protect his vision from stray claws and debris in the air. Legs bent at elbows and knees to lower his entire mass for ease of movement and balance. Weight was evenly distributed between four healthy paws. Black and white tail short outward to align with his spine for further balance enhancement. Hackles were raised into thick rolls and Hannibal's breathing was steady for focus. The Hand was ready. With minimal time wasted Sirius took the first move. As the former Klein slave ran at the albino, Hannibal took it upon himself to do the same. Pink paw pads dug into the earth to sprint forward in hopes of closing the distance between their two forms rather quickly. Though, as Sirius aimed to slam into Hanni's left shoulder region the pale male lifted his front two paws from the earth and attempt to encase his opponent in a 'bear hug'. Two front paws aimed to slam down on Seer's upper shoulders. While this happened he could feel his opponents fangs graze at Hanni's neck which would likely end in some surface bruising and mild scratches. Hannibal versus Sirius for Spar Round One of Two Size: Large Build: Medium Companion One: -- Companion Two: -- Battle Accessory (Offensive): -- Battle Accessory (Defensive): -- Mutation: -- Fight Skill Level: Expert ""

She heard a call come from none other than Sirius, a slave given to them way back when. Her eyes narrowed when she looked up from her task, wondering what in all things holy was going on. It sounded like a challenge, her fur bristling with distaste as the cry died away. With a silent snarl, she made her way to where a few were already gathered, bi-colored gaze falling on the titan servant and the little bitch that had disrespected her their first meeting. Her half-sister was there as well...was she allowing this? Her lip curled with disgust at the sight of it all. It seemed since the start of this pack the slaves had been allowed their freedoms. So what was the point of them being slaves when they were allowed to do what they wished? The others of her family were not missed, but she didn't say a word as she sat and stared with a cold fury at what was being allowed to happen. If Sirius won, she would not follow or obey him. Despite his being a faithful servant, that was all he was and all he ever would be in her eyes. Father would be rolling in his grave... She thought bitterly. Perhaps this was what happened when a halfbred was allowed to rule them. The spirits are displeased... "Can you see me?"

Sirius had little attention to spare for those around him, other then to keep spacial awareness and ensure he did not tread too closely to any observers. He did catch a glimpse of Pandora, and her solemn, unhappy expression. He had never had an issue with her before, but then he had never tried to rise above his station before Deathbelle had given him the role of Samurai. If he knew the thoughts rolling through her mind, and derogatory term for the Empress, he would have challenged her the second his current match was over. Hannibal charged, and the wolves met in the middle with a clash he felt through his shoulder blades. Hannibal stretched upwards as he attempted to place Seer in a bear hug. The Titan stretched to the full height of the ten inches he held over the other man. If the other man continued his attack, and stretched upwards enough to easily expose his belly to the Titan, then Sirius would push a paw forward, shifting his balance to his three remaining paws. He swiped with the point on his leg bracer as he aimed to brush his paw passed the belly of the other man. Once again, Sirius teeth aimed to grab for the man's neck, this time to sink his fangs into his scruff, if he was able, and to control the motion of his head. Sirius versus Hannibal for Spar Round Two of Two Size: Dire Wolf Build: Medium Companion One: Extra large companion, Battle Vulture (plus 10%) Companion Two: Snow Leopard (plus 10%) Battle Accessory (Offensive): Bracers Battle Accessory (Defensive): Bracers Mutation: Fangs Fight Skill Level: Expert "Speech"

Lucretia crept from her den site, glad that their strange tournament match was to be held closest to the Shamyn residence. She was not certain how she felt about a slave, even one as dear to most of the Kleins as Sirius, being elevated above her in rank. In fact, it rankled her a bit. Deathbelle certainly would need to tend to some hurt feelings among the Kleins once this promotion was through, if he was to be successful. She folded her ears and observed the spectacle without expression. This would certainly be an interesting development within the pack, regardless of outcome. "lucretia mutters..."

Hannibal's heat thrummed like a warm drum. He could feel blood begin to boil within his veins as the two Wolves clashed. Within those moments not much else mattered. His focused was trained on his opponent and defenses alone. The albino ensured his eyes were narrowed, weight distributed between two hind legs, ears flat, breathing steady, and hackles raised. The observers were of little interest to him other then maybe their general whereabouts. Hannibal didn't wanna step on any tails or roll onto an unsuspecting sibling. As Hannibal wrapped Sirius into a successful Bear hug the larger male immediately went for the albino's belly. The secondary Alpha felt something sharp scrape painfully against his underside. Blood began to flow from the wound upon his lower abdomen but there was no stopping at that point. A thick guttural growl could be heard as the pale beast tenses slightly. Not only did Sirius manage to slice into Hannibal's belly with the help of a bracer but he also aimed for a bite to Hannibal's scruff. As pale eyes caught the movement the smaller Wolf whipped his head back and to the side in attempt to dodge the assault. Though, due to the reach and ferocity of his opponent Sirius still managed to graze those hefty fangs across Hannibal's scruff. Leaving two gashes and blood flowing through that beautiful alabaster coat. - Without hesitation Hannibal's head twisted to the his own right as he attempted to land a wide and vicious bite to his opponent's neck. Hopefully he'd be able to lock onto Sirius to prevent any further movement before the fight was over. Hannibal versus Sirius for Spar Round Two of Two Size: Large Build: Medium Companion One: -- Companion Two: -- Battle Accessory (Offensive): -- Battle Accessory (Defensive): -- Mutation: -- Fight Skill Level: Expert ""

And the winner is...

SIRIUS

HANNIBAL must give up by submitting, fleeing or passing out. Totals: Sirius: 271.8 Hannibal: 215.4

Hannibal was bleeding from multiple places. Seer had an unfair advantage with the long reach and sharpness of his fangs. Seer was able to dig his teeth into Hannibal's scruff and turn the mans head with the strength in his jaws, to keep him from landing his neck attack. He stood there panting for a moment, holding the man, before Hannibal started to get off him, and Sirius released him. Sirius took a step back, giving Hannibal room, and took a low bow to the Secondary Alpha. His respect for Hannibal increasing. His fight had been fair, he hadn’t tried any dirty moves or showed anything but a willingness to allow Sirius to prove himself. Once he saw he was beat, Hannibal had ended the match. Sirius stayed in his low bow, ears pricked for the words he hoped to hear from his betters mouth. "Speech"

There was a clear winner after those swift moments of fighting. With blood slithering through Hannibal's ivory pelt and staining the pink skin beneath in multiple places it was evident it was time to end the fight. The secondary Alpha moved himself from Seer's reach with a tiny huff as those front two paws met the earth again. Blood dripped from his belly as well as two spots on his neck. But, Hannibal swallowed the throbbing pain to allow his pale gaze to settle upon the sight of the bowing victor. To be bowed to after losing a fight felt odd but nonetheless the experience had been honorable. Despite losing Hannibal suffered nothing more then physical wounds. Sirius gained rank but took nothing away from the Klein. The fanged beast took a step up in the pack as well as within Hannibal's personal graces. After a moment of regaining his breath the bloody ghoul nodded to Sirius. "You are an esteemed fighter, Sirius." It was clear that Hannibal wasn't the greatest fighter to walk the lands, but he wasn't easy to beat. As of now, Hannibal was sure that Sirius was ready for the promotion. No Wolf with such prowess and intelligence deserved to be within shackles. Until he makes a wrong move. "After such a divine performance and with your proven loyalty to protecting our family I am pleased to grant you the rank of Daimyo." A grin slipped across Hannibal's lips as he eyed the victor. "I anticipate greatness from this promotion." Perhaps it was a tiny urge or a tickle of a threat. Hannibal would not allow anything but perfection linger within such a high ranking position. ""