The Desert Warrior

[Minosheep]

Deep in the deserts of Miniopia, it is said that there dwells a young man with hair made of flame, who sucks the life from his enemies and uses it to power his army of large, hairy demons. It is said also that this young man issues an open challenge once every month for an opponent to come and try to match his skill to that of the Desert Warrior, though to this day only one man in recorded history has done so, and his name is lost in the other myths surrounding the man. It is said that he was responsible once, long ago, for the destruction of half of Miniopia; yet some also say he was the one who fought off the invasion that ravaged so many lands. It is said that he crosses blades frequently with the legendary Shinobishi; it is also said sometimes that he only did so once and lost, that he did once and won, and that he never fought him at all. It is said that this man blasts the Time Elementals with the power of Chaos and that he attacks the Earth Elementals with gouts of flame and, of all things, ice. It is even said by some that he is Chaos Incarnate, and sometimes that he commands the wildlife to do battle for him. At the same time, there are those who say that he is a devout Priest of Mod and a medium for Order besides; there are those who say that he is an Earth Elemental and that he oftentimes slaughters dragons. It is said that he associates as an equal with the Time Elementals, but it is also said that he is their servant.

But through all of these incredible myths, most of which are untrue, as the Desert Warrior knows, one thing has remained constant: the monthly challenge.

And one day in the Rusty Wench, a notice goes up:

The Desert Warrior seeks a challenger. Reply with your name and he will see you to the place of battle.

There is no signature... but the corners of the parchment are burnt.

[Silver Adept]

A mage in the corner smiles at the notice.

I think I'll let someone else try their luck this time. it would be bad form to go back and have another go at him, much as he was a worthy and entertaining opponent.

[Tobias]

Tobias happened to see that notice. It had been a while since he had fought...yet he had other plans to attend to. He would most likely watch.

[Ultrawolf]

One man decided to try his luck.
He left his calling card, an Ace with a Six Shooter symbol, pinned to the notice with a knife. One word on the card in clear bold lettering:

Dusk.

[Zzyxx]

Zzyxx saw the notice. He looked over at his wolf.

"think we should try our luck?"
Why not, boss? Couldn't be any harder than Ultra or Xanximarix

Zzyxx was very new to the area and had never heard of the legends. He figured a warrior of the desert would be a good match against his frosty skills; so he left his reply: the frozen sword (his clan's symbol) along with his name and the location of his manor house.

[Minosheep]

In the dark of the night, Demonic walks into the pub and looks over the names of the two challengers. Then he decides to stand and wait for he who signed first, the one called Dusk.

[Ultrawolf]

The man from the West arrived at Sunrise.
Spurs on his boots clicking with each step. Pistols on his sides hung low on cross-crossed belts in true Desperado fashion. Rifle slung across his back. He tipped his hat at Demonic.

[Minosheep]

Demonic nods his head in return, wearing a mischievous smirk.

"Good morning. If you will follow me, we'll go now. Can you fly? Well, no matter even if you can. We can walk. It may take us a few days to get there afoot, though."

[Ultrawolf]

Dusk grinned.
"Nothing wrong with a long walk. Been walking for a long time now."

[Minosheep]

Demonic nods, stepping outside as he continues talking. He seems a very ordinary kind of kid, even if he seems a bit more dangerous than most... like a panther poised on the edge of pouncing.

"Do you have a mount? If you don't, well, I can provide you with one. That is, if you want one."

He inspects the sheep grazing in a nearby field, that smirk never leaving his face, as if he sees a joke that nobody else does.