[color=ed1c24][h3]Axel J. Black[/h3][/color]

Axel gave a large, toothy grin when the Reaper walked up challenging him. He hadn't really expected a challenge until at least they all left for their adventure, but he was glad that at least one person had the nerve to do it. Axel could feel his pulse beginning to quicken. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and he could feel the fires of competition spark within him. Putting his drink back onto the table, Axel, turned around to face the challenger. He began to open his mouth in order to accept the challenge, but the same blue-haired maiden decided to intervene. She didn't see the reasoning behind the Reaper challenging him. Axel silently waited for her to finish her say in the matter, and then continued to stay silent when the Reaper decided to reply to her concerns. 

By the time the Reaper finished speaking, Axel was slightly irritated. Granted he was in agreement with most of what the Reaper said, he just didn't like the assumption that the Reaper made about himself being more suited with Nox. He knew that the Reaper meant no particular ill will in his comment, and that he may even be right about the sword, but Axel felt that his pride as a pureblood had taken a hit. He moved over to a table that was closer to the two. He sat down as he watched the Reaper circling the maiden, mumbling to himself.[color=ed1c24] "He is right, you know,"[/color] He said as he looked at the two of them, [color=ed1c24]"If I lose a challenge for the rights of a sword, I will hold no ill will towards that person. Truthfully, the challenges are a way for me to find out who I can trust with the swords and my life."[/color] He lifted his glass to finish the last few drops of his drink and then continued, [color=ed1c24]" I learned, from a young age, that you can see a persons true colors when he or she is fighting to his or her fullest. That is when you meet the person behind the mask, or at least that was how it was explained to me," [/color]He gave a small chuckle as he reminisced about all of his sparring partners and mentors he had in the past, [color=ed1c24]" If I am going to be entrusting my life to somebody and watch them take claim to one of the swords, I would rather have it be done after a heated battle where both competitors have laid their heart and souls onto the battlefield for all to see."[/color] 

Axel stood up and walked towards the two. He stopped roughly outside of arms length and smiled. [color=ed1c24]"Since the air has now been settled, I accept your challenge Mr. Reaper,"[/color] he then turned towards the blue-haired maiden and said, " [color=ed1c24]Maybe after your done modeling for this guy,"[/color] he pointed at Grimm and gave a playful wink, [color=ed1c24]" you can challenge me too? I would love to see how a strong willed woman like yourself handles herself on the battlefield." [/color]He stuck out his hand towards Grimm in order for a handshake to be made.