They stood across the field from one another. The sun beginning to set behind them. The wind blew dust around them, making their capes rustle. One bright yellow with the sun embroidered in pure gold, the other deepest blue, the phases of the moon lovingly rendered in silver thread. They held their swords ready. The battlefield hushed around them, knowing this was the battle that would decide it all. It would begin at the end of the day, and end at the beginning of the night.

To think they had been friends once. More than that. But now they faced one another as enemies, nothing between them but hate, and deepest sorrow.

As the gloaming began to set in a horn sounded. They advanced on one another. Slow steps becoming full out sprints. Then they clashed, gold and black armor whirling together so fast they became a blur.

They knew one another’s tactics. Each move parried, others ducked under, or pushed out of the way. But they could still surprise one another. The golden warrior landed an elbow into the chin of the black helmet making its owner stagger back. The golden warrior spun to follow through with their sword, but the dark one saw it coming and blocked at the last minute.

The rest of the field was silent. Watching the battle. They moved almost as if they were dancing, blades cutting the air, taking advantage of the space left by the other. They did not seem as though they would tire and that the battle would never cease. The golden warrior managed to press an advantage and pushed the dark warrior back by a few feet, but the dark warrior quickly recovered, feinting a stumble then landing an impressive kick to the center of the golden warrior’s open chest.

The dark one took advantage of the stumble and knocked the golden warrior completely off balance to the ground and pushing the blade to their throat.

Both went still, the only sound their jagged breathing. Then the golden warrior spoke.

“Finally.”

The warrior raised a hand and removed the golden helm.

“At least look me in the eyes when you do it.”

Slowly, the dark warrior removed their helmet, pushing the tip of the sword further into the golden warrior’s throat.

The helm clattered to the ground. Dark onyx eyes stared into sky blue ones.

“Now do it. End it.”

The blade struck as the sun dipped below the horizon.

The sun slipped below the horizon and the blade struck home.