My Sister's Keeper

by GradGirl2010

After seven long years, Lydia, an ambitious Sorceress and older sister to Sofia, has returned to Enchancia. Come to live her family - old and new. Her presence has Cedric fuming. His goal to take over the kingdom has yet another obstacle. And, so long as he threatens her family, Lydia intends to stay there. No matter what the Royal Sorcerer has to throw at her.

7. Duel of the Sorcerers Round 2

Duel of the Sorcerers

Round 2 – My Bird is Better

Let's proceed.

{[(0)]}

Round one of the Duel was finished. A brief intermission was granted. As anticipated by the crowd, Cedric was victorious and support for him had grown by one round. The level of doubt weighing on Lydia was gradually increasing. The whispers about her being so presumptuous as to take on a Royal Sorcerer were as disdainful and horrid as Cedric's personality.

"I knew that Peasant Princess didn't stand a chance against a Royal Sorcerer." Hildegard's mother sniggered. "A low born becoming an honor student was a fluke. Cedric will leave her in the ground."

"Indeed, My love." Hildegard's father kissed his wife's cheek. "Then why do we not leave?"

"Because I love watching low borns be squashed like the bugs that they are." She touched the back of her palm to her mouth and laughed heartily. Hildegard's father joined in. Hildegard, Hugo, and Hugo's parents cackled along with her. Their belief was that noble borns – Sorcerers or otherwise – were of the highest caliber and were naturally, presumed, more skilled.

But Lydia did not let it bother her. She ignored the mean words. Worse was spoken of her the first year of her schooling. These pompous nobles and their opinions were only based on birth and position. A very clouded and ignorant way of thinking. But what made these words bearable were the words of encouragement being spoken by others who cared very little for stature.

"King Roland's daughter seems to be a determined girl," The Emperor of Weiling commented, "But her focus needs to be refined. Freezing up will not aid her in life."

"Agreed." The Sultana of Kaldune input. "But I have a feeling Princess Lydia has only begun to show us what she's capable of. She made an amazing comeback."

"No doubt she'll surprise us." The Queen of Corinthia stated confidently. Cleo bobbed her head firmly. "Cleo has spoken highly of Sofia. Perhaps it is from Lydia where Sofia gets her extraordinary talents from."

Lydia was confident – before the duel was over, everyone in Enchancia and onward who has doubted her will be changing their opinion, and giving her a huge apology. But she can't worry about that now. Right now she needed to keep her head in the game.

{[(0)]}

"UGH!" Lydia collapsed sprawled out onto her bed. "I'm exhausted!"

"HOW?" Sofia blurted, sitting on her knees over Lydia. "You seemed to be doing fine earlier."

"I'm afraid your sister has a habit of cracking under pressure." Miranda chuckled. "When faced with an issue she's not adept with, Lydia tends to go blank. Therefore she becomes exhausted." Lydia groaned bashfully. She hid her shame under a pillow. "Some things never change."

"MOM!" Lydia whined from under the pillow.

"I never would have guessed anything rattled you." Amber commented, standing beside James. "You always seem so…collected."

"Trust me when I say it's a front." Lydia chortled in a dry rasp, leaning up on her hands. "I'm actually a giant bottle of nerves when it comes to things like this."

"Oh hush!" Amber waved her fan. "You're just dehydrated, that's all." She gave Lydia a glass of water. "Hydrate yourself then get back out there." She encouraged. Lydia nodded with a smile and accepted the drink.

Eezeyal sat on her knee, watching as she guzzled the water down. The earrings were still off of her ears. She had no intention of putting them on. At least not now. The owl understood why. But he couldn't fight the overwhelming sense of isolation from his owner…friend.

"LYDIA!" A high pitch voice cheered from the door. Jade and Ruby stood at the door waving happily. "Remember us?" Jade asked.

"OF COURSE!" Jade and Ruby ran over. "Hi girls!" Lydia embraced them in a warm hug.

"Hi, Lydia!" Ruby swooned. "We've missed you so much!"

"I missed you guys too." Lydia ruffled their hair. "Thanks for keeping Sofie out of trouble for me!"

"Our pleasure!" Jade boasted. "Honestly, we couldn't take our eyes off of her for a single second while you were gone."

"I know." Ruby chortled. "The trouble she got into…" She tsked her tongue.

"You mean the trouble I got in trying to keep you two out of it?" Sofia countered sarcastically.

"We don't know what you're talking about." Jade and Ruby remarked with feigned innocence.

"Uh-huh…" Sofia and Lydia droned.

"Oh look at the time!" Jade blurted. "We should be going!"

"Yep. Don't wanna lose our seats!" Ruby pushed Jade out of the room. "BYE LYDIA!" The door closed instantly behind them.

Roland, Amber, and James blinked in utter confusion. Lydia massaged the back of her head, laughing dryly. "Those two never change."

"That's why I love 'em." Sofia giggled.

"Well at least they took the edge off my stress." Lydia stretched out. "Now I can focus on the second round of the duel."

"Honestly you had me worried for a minute." James said, seating himself beside her. Sofia crawled to sit on the other side. "When you weren't moving I thought you'd given up."

"Ah…Never!" She wiped the water from her mouth. "I don't wave the white flag until all hope is lost."

"A grand philosophy!" Roland commended. "Always exhaust all efforts before declaring defeat. That's the heart of a future queen." He added tenderly.

Lydia's heart pulsated. Future Queen. It'd be a lie to say Lydia hadn't been thinking about that since the first round of the duel started. Roland's little slip on the other hand brought the reality of her situation into even greater light. She's a sorceress – in training – as it was the first occupation granted to her by a strange twist of fate. But now not only is she an older to three, she is a Princess and Future Queen. Her responsibilities have increased.

"Um…Roland-"

Lydia's door burst open. "Here you all are!" Baileywick blurted abruptly. "The second round of the Duel is about to begin." He stood aside in the doorway, "Please come this way." He urged.

"Brilliant!" James cheered. "Let's go!" Sofia and James slid from the bed and hurried out the door with Amber. Miranda meandered after them, laughing at their childish excitement.

Lydia rose from her bed sluggishly. The water Amber gave her felt good. Her strength was returning. "Lydia?" Roland called to her. "Was there something you wanted to say?"

Lydia shook her head. "It can wait until later." She assured him.

"Oh…okay…" Lydia nodded and ran after her mom and siblings.

"I wonder what that was about." Baileywick remarked.

"As do I." Roland grumbled. Maybe…

{[(0)]}

"VELCOME BACK, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TO ZE SECOND ROUND OF ZE SORCERER'S DUEL!" Merr hollered ecstatically to the returned crowd. Roars of cheers howled into the sky. Zandar put his fingers to his lips and whistled. "And, returning, are Cedric ze Sorcerer and Princess Lydia!" Applause and cheers rained down for them. Cedric bowed and Lydia waved. "Ze first round of zis duel vas vun by King Roland's Royal Sorcerer, Cedric. Putting him in ze lead." Cedric smirked proudly. "But Princess Lydia has a chance to catch up as vee are about to begin ze second round. Ze transfiguration battle!"

Lydia and Cedric stood opposite each other around the emblem on the ground. A foreboding wind gusted around them. Cedric smiled brazenly. He kept his hands behind his back in a menacing pose. He wasn't worried in the least about the upcoming battle. Lydia stared him down defiantly. Her fingers were curled into tight fists. She was going to enjoy wiping that smirk off his face.

"Ze trantransfiguartion battle vorks like zis," Merr began, "Both competitors vill chose eizser zemselves or another object and zey vill transform into different creatures in an attempt to incapacitate one another." Unnerved ooh's resonated from the crowd. "Cedric, Lydia – have you made a decision?"

"Indeed, I have." Cedric raised a hand to the air and snapped his fingers. The snap echoed. Wormwood spread his wings. Feathers trickled from his wings. He cawed loudly and took flight, perching to Cedric's wrist. "I'll be using my partner, Wormwood."

Lydia put her index finger and thumb to her lips. An ear piercing whistle resounded. Eezeyal launched from James's lap. Audibly gasps howled, watching Eezeyal jet into the air. He whisked across the field and touched down onto Lydia's wrist. "I'll be using my partner, Eezeyal." Cedric snickered at her. Wormwood licked his beak.

"Very vell." Merr nodded.

"This should be an interesting matchup." Fauna stated eagerly.

"I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it." Merryweather shivered.

"Ze rules are simple for zis bout." He began, gaining everyone's attention. "Rule 1: You may not change ze birds into minerals or vegetables. Only animals." He swung his head to and from Cedric, wanting them both to heed his warning. "Rule 2: no other spells ozser zen transfiguration. Rule 3: Ze animals may not lash out against ze sorcerers. And rule 4: NO disappearing." He stressed. It wasn't uncommon for sorcerer's to utilize invisibility spells to gain the advantage.

"Right!" Lydia bobbed her head.

"Okay!" Cedric agreed.

"Zen sorcerers to your places!" Merr ordered. "Prepare for battle!"

Lydia and Cedric flourished their hands into the air. Eezeyal and Wormwood screeched aloud. Their wings spanned to the sky. Both birds flew into the air and fluttered slowly to the emblem circle. They growled in the back of their throats, spanning their wings and talons dangerously.

"Prepare to become fried wings, you little chicken!" Wormwood snarled.

"Not before I turn yew into a feather duster!"

Lydia and Cedric took ten paces backwards, not taking their eyes off one another. Cedric whisked his wand from his sleeve, and Lydia drew her wand from her blazer. "Vands ready!" Merr alerted. Lydia and Cedric shifted into a stance. "On ze count of zsree…1," Lydia curled her fingers tightly, "2…" Cedric drew his arm back, "3!" Flora and Merryweather levitated Merr out of the way.

Cedric unleashed the first spell. Lydia waited. Glittering light engulfed Wormwood in a swirl of lights. The raven cackled as he vanished from sight. "WHAT?" Eezeyal howled.

"HE DISAPPEARED!" Zandar gasped.

"THAT'S CHEATING!" Jun howled.

"No…not disappeared." Lydia muttered to herself. She directed her attention to Cedric, but noticed a small black thing fly by. "HE'S A FLY!" She blurted.

"A fly?" Sofia questioned.

"This is already turning out interesting!" Flora announced like a sports announcer. "Cedric has turned Wormwood into a fly and is now buzzing about the field. How will Lydia counter?"

"Like this!" Lydia wiggled her wand.

Eezeyal transformed into a dusty red frog. His mucus covered yellow eyes picked up the Wormwood fly. "RIBBIT!" A long pink tongue shot out from his mouth. Wormwood weaved out of the way. Sprinkles of saliva doused his wings but were quickly shaken off. "BLAH!" Eezeyal sent out his tongue again. Wormwood dodged. One strike after the other Eezeyal shot out his tongue. Wormwood tried to ascend out of the way. Eezeyal hopped along the ground, trying to reach him. "GIT-OVER-HERE!" Eezeyal demanded with each tongue lashing.

Wormwood laughed, sticking his tongue out. "PUH!" He cried. The tongue caught him.

"GOTCHA!" Eezeyal reeled him in.

"NOOO!" Wormwood howled. Eezeyal's mouth closed and he swallowed. He grinned menacingly.

"AH! WORMY!" Cedric pulled his hair. Disgusted gasps roared from the crowd. There were a few cheers. Fauna's face turned green.

"Eezeyal!" Lydia scolded, stamping her foot. Eezeyal turned to her and shrugged his hands wordlessly. "Spit him out right now before you get indigestion!" Eezeyal groaned sadly. He huffed in between ribbits, hawked spit from his throat to his mouth, swished his tongue and the bits inside, and with a powerful puff spat Wormwood out like a torpedo. He was stopped by a flower in full bloom in a hedge. "Thank you."

Wormwood slid from the flower with an exhausted groan. He plopped to the ground in a pile of spit. "DOOH!" Cedric stamped his foot. "Let's step this up a notch!" Cedric waved his wand. Wormwood shook away the saliva just as he transformed into a mole rat. "DIG!" Cedric ordered.

"STOP HIM, EEZEYAL!"

Eezeyal launched his tongue. Wormwood dove underground. Eezeyal's tongue collided with the small mound of Dirt left behind. "GAH! YECK! PATOOWIE!"

"DANG!" Lydia watched the ground for burrows. "He's gone!"

"Good eye, little Princess!" Cedric laughed. "Nice to see that egghead of yours is in the game this time!" Cedric mocked her. "But simply noticing small things like this," He swerved his wand nonchalantly, "Isn't going to grant you victory!"

Lydia watched as the magic at the tip of his wand dispersed in random directions throughout the air. He was casting a transformation spell. But Lydia couldn't tell where it was going. Where…She growled, searching the large area heatedly, Where's Wormwood? The ground beneath her feet vibrated. Wormwood was beneath her…Eezeyal…but where?

Eezeyal hissed nervously. He scrambled his feet, darted his head in all directions to find Wormwood. "QUIT YER HIDIN' AND GIT OUT HERE!" Eezeyal roared impatiently. Unbeknownst to him, Wormwood reappeared behind him, growing into a large black crocodile, digging up the dirt. "AND YA DARE CALL ME A CHICKEN!" Lydia gaped fretfully. Wormwood chuckled hungrily. He sat on his hind legs in the dirt pile.

"EZEE! BEHIND YOU!" Eezeyal whirled around. Lydia pulled the tip of her wand back. An elongated snout lashed out for the shocked owl. Sofia and Amber closed their eyes, Roland and Miranda rose from their seats. Hildegard, Hugo, and their parents leaned forward. Lydia let the tip loose.

Wormwood closed his snout around Eezeyal. 'CRACK!' "GRM!" Wormwood winced in pain.

Lydia dropped to her knees. "Phew!" She wiped the sweat from her brow.

"Ooh…" James winced. "That's gonna hurt."

Wormwood's teeth crumbled from his dislocated jaw. He clapped his paws to whatever to was inside his mouth. He dislodged a…large rock from his mouth? "What on earth…?" He trailed off, prodding the holes in the sides. "It would appear your master doesn't like following rules-YOW!" Something snapped onto his finger. "OW! OW! OW!" He failed his arm. A dusty red turtle came popping out the shell, its mouth clamped to Wormwood's finger. "LET GO, RUNT!" He swung his arm.

Eezeyal let go at the right second and flew into the grass. "So sorry, partner!" Eezeyal spat at the ground in disgust, "But some advice…" He choked and spat again, "TAKE A DING DARN BATH!"

"YOU MISERABLE!" A reptilian hiss of a roar reverberated from the depths of Wormwood. His stubby legs stormed through the small hedges. The massive tail swatted the ground. Grass and dirt was wrenched from its place. "I'LL TRUN YOU INTO A SNACK!" He burst onto the field of grass. Eezeyal staggered back. He fortified his stance. Wormwood opened his mouth.

"LYDIA!" Sofia cried out.

"MOVE, BIRD BRAIN!" Clover begged.

"NOPE!" Lydia swung her wand.

In a puff of smoke Eezeyal transformed into a rabbit. "HA!" Eezeyal jumped up. Wormwood's jaw snapped shut with a painful snap. Eezeyal landed on his snout, laughing heartily. "Soo slow!" He mocked the bird. Cedric growled and cast another spell. "You've got be a little better than tha-WHOOP!" Wormwood's snout shrank from under him. Eezeyal fell onto his back. "YOW!" Tiny paws gripped his cottontail. Eezeyal was dragged across the ground and launched into the small hedges. He bounced off the top of the hedges and fell to the stone. "Ohh…" He groaned dazedly. Wormwood flipped over the hedge, cackling venomously. Cedric turned him into a red panda. Black panda actually. But being politically correct, he was a red panda. "Dang…"

Wormwood dug his paws into the ground. His fuzzy ring tail wagged eagerly. "WHO'S SLOW NOW?" Wormwood charged forward, razor teeth bared.

"RUN, EZEE, RUN!" Lydia screamed.

Eezeyal rolled over onto his feet and darted out of Wormwood's way. Wormwood curved his body. His little feet scrambled as he pulled off the sharp turn and continued charging after Eezeyal. Wormwood cackled loudly. He chased Eezeyal from one end of the courtyard to the other. They dashed past Cedric, ran between Lydia's legs, scurried under the bleachers, and even popped up from under Duchess Maria's dress.

"Well at least no one can say this isn't an interesting bout!" Merryweather commented between laughs. "Eezeyal and Wormwood are, literally, tearing the courtyard asunder."

"Looks like I've got you on the run, Princess Lydia!" Cedric chuckled mockingly. "Better hurry up and think fast before I get too bored!" He touched a finger to his pouting lip, "I do so abhor easy wins."

"GRR!" Lydia growled through gritted teeth. She tapped her wand onto her palm. "FINE!" She gripped the dust lingering in her hand. Wormwood was on Eezeyal's tail. His salvia ridden fangs were inches from devouring the cottontail he was on. Eezeyal, running for the steps of the palace, executed a sharp U-Turn and charged for Lydia. Wormwood tripped over his own feet, fumbling on the ground like a ball, but bounced back and darted after Eezeyal. "HM-AH!" Lydia tossed the dust. It splashed over the rabbit Eezeyal. A puff of smoke engulfed him.

Wormwood dove head on into the smoke. "OOF!" His face smashed into a hard surface. "Ow…" The dust cleared away with the wind. He crumbled onto a tusked snout.

"WORMY! GET OUT OF THERE!" Cedric pleaded.

"Huh?" Wormwood shot his head up. "AH!" He screamed.

Eezeyal chuckled darkly. Daggers filled his beady little eyes. Steam emanated from his nostrils, coating Wormwood in sweat. "Shall we continue?" Eezeyal wrenched his head up, tossing Wormwood into the air. He whirled around and bucked with his hind legs, sending Wormwood flying through the air.

"Oh no ya don't!" Cedric blew on the tip of his wand.

Flakes of dust soared along the current of wind, washing over Wormwood. The raven flipped through the air. He had spun so rabidly his figure became a blur. Steadily that blur grew larger and larger and landed perfectly on large black feline paws. Razor sharp claws dug into the ground, stabilizing the rough landing. A black tail wagged with excitement. Guttural growls resounded from within Wormwood. Lydia and Eezeyal felt their very hearts vibrating from the growl. Wormwood brought his head around torturously slow. Rage glistened in his eyes. A malicious grin revealed the rows of razor sharp teeth. Lydia and Eezeyal staggered back, gaping in fright. Wormwood stalked around, skulking to his master's side with that grin frozen to his face.

"What's wrong, Little Lydia?" Cedric cooed. "Not afraid of a little kitty cat, are ya?" Laugh threw his head back laughing. Wormwood drew in a large breath. He then threw his head out and unleashed an ear piercing roar of the leopard. Lydia clamped her hands to her ears. Eezeyal winced, but fortified his stance. "ATTACK!" Cedric ordered. Wormwood crouched and then charged. Hisses and growls snarled from him as he covered the distance with lightning speed.

"You heard him!" Lydia boomed. "Ready…" Eezeyal dug his hoof into the ground. Wormwood grew closer. "CHARGE!" A loud snort blurted from his snout. Eezeyal bolted across the field.

Wormwood extended his claws. The grass was ripped from the ground as he darted. He bared his fangs. Eezeyal arched his head down. His snout barely glided over the ground. Wormwood and Eezeyal came within five feet of each other. Wormwood sprang off his hind legs, diving for the boar.

"HA!" Lydia wrenched her wand up. Eezeyal vanished in a puff of smoke. Wormwood dove through the smoke. Eezeyal emerged as a flying squirrel, smirking proudly.

"HMPH!" Cedric flicked his wand. Wormwood skidded around. Smoke engulfed him next. Wide wings peeked from the smoke. A hawk version of Wormwood soared from the smoke, ascending like a rocket for the squirrel Eezeyal.

Eezeyal back flipped. A breeze from Wormwood glided over him as he narrowly escaped. His bushy tail grazed the surface of Wormwood's stomach as Eezeyal dove for the ground. Wormwood made a complete U-Dive and went after him. Eezeyal pulled up inches before hitting the ground. Wormwood matched him. The two glided over the ground. A barrel of dust was left in their wake. The crowd on the east side of the courtyard parted. Eezeyal and Wormwood curled up, looped around – they tore the sky asunder in their aviator battle.

"I've never seen anything like this!" Flora blurted anxiously. Wormwood clearly has the advantage predator wise, but Eezeyal has the advantage when it come the agility!" She and her sisters ducked. Their hats parted from their heads. Eezeyal and Wormwood whisked over their heads. The hats returned neatly to their heads. "This battle may be a close one!" Eezeyal and Wormwood took to the skies again.

"EZEE! SPRING!" Lydia ordered.

Eezeyal turned about to hover for a moment. Wormwood came charging for him at top speed. Seconds before he connected, Eezeyal evaded Wormwood and dove for the ground. Wormwood scrambled for a moment then dove after him. A smirk slithered across Eezeyal's face. He curled his tail up. His little wings folded into his sides. Eezeyal flipped around, landing on his twisted tail. He looked up. Wormwood screeched angrily. He curled up. His talons extended. Eezeyal's tail unraveled. A powerful spring launched him into the air right past Wormwood, throwing him off course. He lost a few feathers. Wormwood crashed to the ground.

Cedric gritted his teeth. "GRR!" He stomped his foot. "STOP FOOLING AROUND, AND FIGHT FOR REAL!" He roared. Wormwood shook off his crash. Eezeyal was falling for the ground. Wormwood growled and took off after Eezeyal.

Lydia folded her arms and shrugged indifferently. "As you wish." She wriggled her wand lazily.

Wormwood's talons extended. Eezeyal's tail morphed into a fin, then the rest of his body followed into the shape of a walrus. Eezeyal allowed himself to free fall. "AH!" Wormwood screeched to a halt in midair. Eezeyal smashed him into the ground. A small earth quake reverberated the land. Wormwood's head poked out. Dazed stars circled his head.

"PFFT!" Lydia clapped her hands to her mouth, "PAH-HA-HA-HA!" She laughed hysterically. She held her stomach. "I've always wanted to do that!" She staggered a little from laughing so hard. Hildegard, Amber, and Cleo were thrown into fits of laughter. Jade and Ruby were on the ground. "Sorry, Cedric." Lydia wiped a tear from her eye. "But serious isn't my thing."

"Then it'll be your undoing." Extending his wand he waved it up and down rhythmically.

"Hm?" Eezeyal felt something odd below him. "Uh…Wormwood-whoa!" Wormwood started to puff up from beneath him like a balloon. "WHATTHE-WHAT'S GOING ON?" Wormwood grew into an elephant. "WHAT'S HAPPENING?" Eezeyal wobbled on his head.

"You-you-you…" Wormwood stuttered in a heat of rage. He wrapped his trunk around Eezeyal's neck, wrenching him from his head, "You-big-BLIMP!"

Eezeyal's walrus form popped into dust. Wormwood gaped in dismay. The walrus was replaced by a mouse. "BOOGA-BOOGA!" He wriggled his fingers and head wildly.

Wormwood dropped him. "AAHH!" He screamed shrilly. "AAAHHH!" He scrambled his feet, running away in terror. Eezeyal ran after him, sputtering and squeaking eccentrically. "ROOOAAAR!"

Eezeyal's feet slid along the grass to a halt. "WHOA SHOOT!" He dropped to his hands and feet and ran in the opposite direction.

"AH-HA-HA-HA!" Wormwood came chasing after him on his tiger paws. "I do so love a game of cat and mouse!" He sprang into the air. His shadow loomed over Eezeyal. The owl, turned mouse, glanced up. He couldn't run out of the way. So he dove down into a gopher hole, narrowly escaped Wormwood as his paws plowed into the ground. "GRR!" Wormwood crouched down. He put his eyes to the hole. Nothing but darkness. Unbeknownst to Wormwood, Eezeyal emerged from another hole by his tail. Wormwood snuck over. He grabbed the tail and opened his mouth wide. A rapid rattling caught his attention. The feline tail became a rattle. "I would not do that, if I were you…" Wormwood the snake purred. His forked tongue flickered from between his snake fangs. He coiled his long body. Eezeyal panicked. Wormwood bared his fangs. He struck forward. Eezeyal tossed Wormwood's tail up. The fangs bit into the tail. "OUCH!" He wailed. "ARGH!" He tensed himself up.

"BRILLIANT!" James cheered.

"WHOO!" Zandar clapped.

Eezeyal dove back under ground. Wormwood, as per the usual, was right on his tail. "OOH! JUST YOU WAIT, YOU LITTLE RUNT!" Wormwood howled from underground. "I'LL MAKE YOU PAY!" Eezeyal scrambled out of the hole. "YOU'RE GONNA PAY!" He pressed his little paws to a large rock and moved it over the hole. "You're gonna-BONK!" Wormwood's head collided with the rock. Stars twinkled around his head. "Ugh…" He collapsed dazedly in the hole.

"Phew…" Lydia wiped the sweat from her brow. "This is exhausting too. Huh?" Eezeyal ran around in circles frantically. He bounced up and down, waving his little arms desperately at Lydia. "OH!" She didn't need the earrings to know what he was saying. "One sec…" She gripped her wand by the stock. One eye was closed. She aimed. Her other hand pat the back of the wand. A tiny ball shot from the wand.

Eezeyal relished the magic washing over him. Seconds later he transformed into a crab. He snapped his claws, grinning sinisterly. Wormwood poked out of the hole, a glare on his face. Eezeyal drew his claws back. "WORMY! BEHIND YOU!"

"Hm?" Eezeyal closed the claw. "AH!" Wormwood ducked. Eezeyal's claw missed Wormwood popped out sticking his tongue out tauntingly.

"You rotten…" Eezeyal tried for Wormwood's neck again and missed. It was a game of wack a mole. Wormwood jumped up and down in the hole numerous times. Eezeyal's claw snapped so loudly Lydia and Cedric's ears started to pop. "Grr…" Eezeyal hang his arms back. He was going to be ready. Wormwood was likely going to reappear and dive back under.

A black stub poked out of the hole. "HA!" Eezeyal clamped both claws to the stub. It was hard as a rock. Pain jolted through his arms.

A large sum of the ground dug itself up. The dirt erupted from the grass with a large body of a beast, tearing the greenery to tatters. The beast shook the dirt from his back. Wormwood pulled his head from the dirt, startling everyone with his rhinoceros appearance. "AAHHH!" Lydia screamed.

Eezeyal was twirled about on the horn like a child's toy. "So ya want to play rough, Eezeyal?" Wormwood growled hoarsely. Eezeyal brought his twirling to a halt. He hugged the horn desperate, wanting the spinning in his head to stop. "ALRIGHT, EEZEYAL!" Wormwood whirled around and stampeded for the courtyard wall. Cedric and Lydia felt the ground quake beneath them. "I'LL SMASH YOU TO BITS!" Lydia dove out of the way. Wormwood grinned at her as he stormed by and continued for the wall with her precious partner on board his horn. Wormwood cackled victoriously.

The wall was growing closer. "EEZEYAL! BOOK IT!" Lydia pleaded.

Eezeyal pulled himself forward to the head. "DON'T HAVE TUH TELL ME TWICE!" He ran across Wormwood's back, then jumped to the ground. Wormwood crashed through the wall. Loud wincing oohs rumbled from the crowd. Wormwood's stubby legs thrashed about to get him free.

"Alright, Cedric!" Lydia flourished her wand, glaring daggers at the dismayed Sorcerer. "You want me to be serious?" Eezeyal took several waddling steps back, passing Lydia. "WISH GRANTED!" She swung her wand down. Eezeyal erupted into a bull. He dug his hooves into the ground, then charged with his head aimed right for Wormwood's rear.

"LYDIA, YOU WOULDN'T DARE!" Cedric roared.

"TRY ME!" She dared. Eezeyal encroached upon the helpless Wormwood.

Cedric gritted his teeth. "Alright…" He put his wand to his mouth and blew. A dart of magic whisked through the air.

Eezeyal's iron clad head connected with Wormwood, as did the magic from Cedric. Wormwood was went toppling over the ledge. A terrified scream shrieked, followed by a splash. Stones from the wall splashed into the ravine below with Wormwood. Eezeyal stood on the ledge, laughing at him.

"Whew…" Sofia slumped in her seat next between Ruby and Jade. "I'm glad that's over."

"WOO-HOO!" James cheered. "GO LYDIA!"

"SHE DID IT!" Amber and Cleo giggled, hugging hands.

"This can't be!" Hildegard's mother fumed. "How could she…"

"Not bad for an upstart." Hugo admitted gruffly.

"Even if it was just luck." Hildegard huffed haughtily.

"The gardeners and landscapers are going to have a field day when they see this." Roland dreaded. The entire courtyard was turned into a disaster area. "But at least this round is down."

Lydia stifled a giggle with a hand. "Well Cedric," She pirouetted around with her hands behind her back, "Looks like I win this round." She chortled.

"Hmph…" Cedric folded his arms with a malicious grin, "Do you really think so, Little Princess?" He pointed his wand to the hole in the wall.

Lydia arched a brow and turned around. Her eyes widened, "What?" A wall of steam was emanating from the stream below, traveling high into the sky. Eezeyal was backing away slowly, treading his hooves carefully. Tiny embers slithered up the wall of steam. A deep, reverberating growl made the entire ground tremble like Eezeyal's legs.

"What's going on?" Roland demanded to know. Miranda hugged his arm.

"WHOA…" Ruby's voice quivered. "Is this an earthquake?" Jade and Sofia hugged each other closely. Zandar, Jin, and James comforted the girls.

"LOOK!" Jun cried out frantically. All eyes returned to the wall.

A monstrous hand of razor sharp talons grappled to the ledge. The wall fell into further shambles. Another talon emerged from the ledge, grabbing hold of the wavering wall. A long neck rolled up. Spines flipped along the rising neck. Crimson red eyes glowered brightly, burning the tiny blades of grass. Eezeyal jumped back, crying out as his legs quaked. The long Neck extended past the height of the wall. A leviathan body towered over the courtyard, terrifying the people.

"A…DRAGON!" Flora screamed.

"AAAAHHHHH!" Lydia screamed at the top of her lungs. Wormwood was a dragon! That had to have been against the rules. "Dah…shpah…HUH-NAH…" Lydia staggered away blankly. "GYAAH…" She screamed again. "A DRAGON?" Lydia's retreat was halt by hands hugging her shoulders. She turned to see Cedric standing over her with a menacing smirk.

"I seem to recall you claiming victory a few moments ago." He chortled mockingly, "I'll be a little more gracious and ask for your surrender."

"GRAH!" She shook him off. "Not happening!" She told him firmly. "This isn't over!"

"I'm afraid it is." Lydia gritted her teeth. Things were looking grim. She needed a plan and fast.

"WHOA-WHOA-WHOA NOW, WORMY!" Eezeyal sputtered animatedly, moving away. "Let's not do anything hasty!"

"Like bulldozing someone over the edge of a cliff?!" Wormwood blustered. Eezeyal laughed nervously. He was in trouble. "The tides have turned, EZEE! PREPARE TO FRY!" A barrel of fire roared from his mouth. Eezeyal jumped out of the way. The fire turned a path of grass into ash.

"EEZEYAL! THIS WAY!" Lydia beckoned him.

Eezeyal turned on his heels and stampeded for Lydia. Wormwood sent a torrent of fire gushing from his mouth. The heat was felt on Eezeyal's tail. He picked up his speed. The tower of fire chased after him. Lydia stood off to the side. She waved her wand rapidly up and down. A fan of glittering dust spanned. Eezeyal jumped through the fan, returning to his form of a mouse. He didn't need to think long before he figured out what Lydia wanted him to do.

Wormwood's large feet stormed on the pursuit. Lydia shoved herself into Cedric, knocking themselves off their feet and out of the way. The two sat on the ground gaping in dismay. Wormwood stormed by. His monstrous steps bounced the two inches from the ground.

Eezeyal found the hole he had been using and dove into the ground, vanishing into the dark hole. Lydia pushed off Cedric and ran to the other side of the little hole, dashing past Wormwood who paid her no mind. Wormwood stopped of the hole. He glared to Eezeyal who was no doubt hiding beneath. Lydia took her place in front of him, scowling the dragon raven down. Wormwood took a deep breath. A small spout of flames whisked into the hole.

"YOUCH!" Eezeyal screamed, popping out of the other side on a fountain of flames. He blew out his sizzling tail. Lydia put her wand to her mouth and blew. Wormwood clapped his hands to Eezeyal, crushing him in his palms. Many people covered their eyes in horror, not able to look.

"HAHAHA!" Wormwood howled with laughter. "IT IS DONE!" He roared cheerfully.

"YES! HA-HA!" Cedric shook his clapped hands over his head. "I WIN! I WIN!" Lydia dropped to her knees in exhaustion.

Flora and Fauna were shielding each other from the gruesome sight. Merryweather and Merr kept their eyes keened on Wormwood's palms. Dust was sprinkling out. Lydia did cast a spell. They were going to wait a few seconds before deciding anything.

"I…I can't believe it…" Mia trembled. "Wormwood just…oh my goodness." She buried her face into Robin's chest.

"Don't look girls." Clover shielded them from the horror. "This isn't meant for the faint of heart."

"Poor Lydia…" Miranda mourned.

"She was so found of Eezeyal too." Roland lowered his head.

"Oh…dear…" Hugo's father moaned regretfully. "That was…the poor thing."

"Indeed…" Hugo's mother held her hands to her heart. Hildegard and her mother were saddened too. Lydia wasn't their favorite, but not even she deserved to lose her pet.

"Now, Princess," Cedric stood over her, "Care to declare me the winner?" He crooned. "Or shall I have Wormwood crush you precious pet even further?" Lydia's hand snapped onto his nose. "YOUCH!"

"I suggest, Pinocchio," She stretched his nose out, "That you take another look!" Wormwood arched a brow. He was curious of her meaning. When he opened his hands, little particles of dust were all that remained…Eezeyal was gone!

"HEY!" Hugo howled. "She made her animal disappear! I demand she be disqualified!"

"Actually, Prince Hugo, he didn't disappear." Lydia stood up, dusting her skirt off proudly. "He's actually very tiny and still on Wormwood's palm." She pinched her fingers. "He is, what's known as, a camouflaging tree frog. Specially known for their paralytic bites! And Wormwood just caught him!"

"WHAT?!" Wormwood and Cedric boomed. Wormwood stared back to his hand. His eyes widened in disbelief. Eezeyal reappeared in a shimmer. His body was green with red speckles. He pulled his tiny fangs from Wormwood's palm and grinned.

"And in 3…2…1," Lydia snapped her fingers. Wormwood went stiff. His entire body erected – arms to his side, legs together, tail and wings stiff. Eezeyal jumped to the ground and scampered along to Lydia's palms. "TIMBER!" She called. Wormwood fell back like a cut tree and crashed to the ground. Everyone in their seats – including Roland, Miranda, Lydia, and Cedric – bounced several feet from the ground and landed roughly. "HA!" She held two fingers in Cedric's face. "VICTORY IS MINE!" She cheered.

"AND PRINCESS LYDIA TAKES THE SECOND ROUND!" Merryweather announced exuberantly.

"YEEEAAAHHHH!" James, Sofia, Amber, and a number of the others threw their hands up and cheered loudly. Roland and Miranda gave her a standing ovation.

Lydia tapped her wand to Eezeyal. He returned to his original Owl self. He fluttered his wings, loving the feel of feathers rather than skin or fur. Lydia put one of her earrings back on and smiled, "You were great, Eezeyal." She whispered. She snuggled her face to Eezeyal's cheek, "I'm so proud of you."

"And I you, Liddy." He hugged his wings to her cheeks. "I missed conversatin' with ya."

"Same here…"

"Grr…" Cedric ground his foot into the destroyed grass. Roughly he swatted his wand, returning Wormwood to his raven form. "That little runt!" He cursed her. "Don't be so cocky, brat!" Cedric forewarned her with Wormwood in his arms. "The next round is spell casting. And you and I both KNOW I excel in that field."

"Only when sneaky tricks are involved!" She retorted back hostilely. "You couldn't handle me if you didn't have cheap tricks like a hostage." Cedric took Sofia hostage a couple nights ago. The act which set Lydia's anger ablaze and pit her against Cedric.

"Last I checked, I defeated you long before I used that cheap trick!" He shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "Whatever! Think what you wish!" He permitted, not wanting to get into a full blown argument with a child in public. "But knows this," His voice rumbled, "I will drill the reality of our difference in strength into your head even if I have to turn you into a lifeless husk."

"Then bring it on, Pinocchio!"

To be continued!