Chapter 5:

I awoke the next day bruised and battered. My arms and legs felt like lead and my back ached tremendously from Razel's attack. My back spasmed as I walked but I knew that when my body felt this way, a good long (slow) stretch made the pain ebb at least a bit. I winced when my spine elongated and all I could think was thank goodness I had off from classes today.

My house, when you come down my stairs, has a kitchen on the right and a den/living room on the left. I have a deck that extends off of my den and wraps around to my kitchen. Razel was seated outside the kitchen. His long legs were crossed and his back was pillar straight. The blue hands rested comfortably atop his knees with palms facing the sky. Bringing the index fingers and thumbs together, Razel's upper back moved forward in a deep inhale. I heard him breathing into his throat and exhale through his nose in classic Ujjayi Breath. In Yoga, Ujjayi Breath is a form of breathing that is reminiscent of the ocean. Supposedly the sound of the ocean breath is meant to calm and center. It is also the type of thing that brings others into its fold and I soon began to breathe in the same way, albeit not as perfectly.

My lung capacity was not yet able to withstand such a deep intake and I began to feel lightheaded. I had to stop for now but I kept watching Razel who was completely focused and centered. He wore loose fitting garments similar to what is worn during Tai Chi and fittingly they were black and deep purple. His long hair was pulled back into a low ponytail which rested on the deck behind him. I saw that his feet were bare, the light blue soles peering from under his legs. He was so still I bet nothing could deter him. I thought of a funny scene in which a squirrel perched itself on top of his head and chewed on nuts and I hid my mouth behind my hand. It was not a hilarious scene, but something in me found it to be. I felt the snicker in my throat and tried to withhold it. Though, as often in these situations, the harder you try to not laugh the more robust the outburst. So, knowing that if I stayed any longer I'd have to deal with a very pissed magician, I tip-toed away from him and went into the kitchen proper.

I started a pot of coffee. I practically jumped onto the kettle when it whistled and felt warm inside as I poured the hot contents onto the aromatic grounds. Nothing is better in the morning then the smell of fresh coffee. At least in my opinion. Going over to my cabinet, I reached for my favorite mug and gave myself a nicely sized cup of coffee to which I added ample amounts of cream.

With my mug in tow, I plodded into my den and sat down in one of my armchairs. I was happy to see that a book I had bought a few weeks ago but never finished was still there on the side table. I placed my cup down next to it and picked up the paperback. Flipping it open to the dog-eared page, I recalled the earlier events and was quickly up to date. I was about forty pages into it when I felt the unmistakable presence of Razel standing in the doorway.

He was lurking. A customary yet annoying trait of his whenever he wanted to get my attention by tweaking me in the process. What frustrated me the most was that, unlike a normal person who would get the idea I didn't want to talk and walk away, he would stand there for hours just staring at me. So, slowly, because I liked to needle and irk him right back, I looked away from my book.

"Yes~?" I asked.

The blue mage fixed me with that insolent ruby stare of his. "We need to talk."

I let out a sigh and set my book on my lap.

"About?"

Despite my obvious shortness with him, Raze remained stoic.

"What happens next."

"What do you mean 'what happens next?'"

The mage entered the den and with long strides, took the chair opposite me.

His tall form looked misplaced in the armchair.

I reached for my mug and frowned as my coffee was almost gone.

"What do I need to know? You're more serious than usual today."

I was more concerned at the moment that my coffee was low and Razel knew that. As I have stated before, Razel hates being disregarded and he makes it a point in letting me know.

"While it is an utter travesty that you precious drink is almost spent, there are more important matters to discuss."

Ok, now I was slightly irritated. You reading this story do not understand why I am so. Razel to you seems like the all-powerful Magician of Black Chaos, but imagine him speaking to you as if you were a whining child day after day and you'd get tired of him too.

"Like what?"

Razel moved closer to me, leaning forward.

"Others will come."

I shrugged. "Others? What others?"

"That burst of energy you released yesterday has alerted other Duel Spirits of your existence."

"Ok…But that shouldn't be a problem right? I mean Duel Spirits are cosmically assigned to their human counterparts no? So why should I worry about other spirits?" I asked very curious.

"Not exactly. You see, Duel Spirits who are chosen for their mortal masters are but the first of many."

"I don't understand. You're my Duel Spirit. Are you telling me that I have more on the way?" I was really curious now.

Razel let out a calm sigh. "I am your true Duel Spirit that is certain. Selected by the Universe to serve you. However, I will not be the sole spirit you will possess."

I raised my brows. "Can you explain please?"

"You have great potential. Your mastery of Psychic Dueling is impressive I will admit. Yet you are still weak."

"I beat you," I interjected quickly.

"Barely. You collapsed after you attacked. That in the future will not do. Your life will depend on constant attacks of that same level if not greater. You are not ready for that in your current state. Other spirits both weak and powerful will advance against you now that you have shown your capabilities. Some will target you to take you down. Others will seek you out to see for themselves if you are worthy of being their master. There is nothing that a spirit loves more than a worthy opponent. If and when that happens, you must be prepared to handle those challenges. If you take your training seriously, you will reach that level. There is one other like you, though you are far beneath him. It will be many months before you can face him. He possesses many Duel Spirits of various kinds.

He shares something in common with you however, and that is that his Duel Spirit is also a mage though not nearly as formidable as I. Nevertheless, he has many spirits but he holds no mastery over one specific type. To gather various spirits is profitable, but learning to master one is far greater."

I was trying to follow what Razel was getting at. I was failing.

"Razel, can you please speak in normal English? And pretend that I'm not some all-knowing Universal supernatural force?"

He shot me a glare on that one.

"This boy has fallen short of accomplishing this simple feat. He has too many spirits to revert to one kind- but you are different. You must be the one who holds power over a spirit race. As my mistress I'll not settle for less. If you harness the strength of a single type, you might just surpass not just this boy, but any other Psychic Duelist in the near future."

I mulled this over for a bit before I answered back.

"Let me get this straight: What you really mean to say, pushing aside all the fancy wording and spooky undertones, is that because you are my Duel Spirit and the Magician of Black Chaos, you don't want to be associated with a weak master and therefore want me to become the world's most powerful person? Yeah not gonna happen. Well, not unless all governments bestow their authority onto me and I magically acquire all of the world's wealth. So until that glorious day comes you'll just have to deal with me. Sorry for the inconvenience but I have no plans to risk my ass so you can look good."

I took up my book and went back to reading. Razel stared at me for a long time.

A few hours later I was walking around town window shopping. I had to get away from the Chaos Mage. After I said that to his long diatribe the magician was a fuming mess. I didn't want any parts of that so I left him home. While I was admiring a smart pair of leather boots I suddenly felt an odd disturbance in the air. It was like the dizziness one gets when the barometric pressure changes before a storm. It felt very familiar though, like Razel but not as strong.

I looked around as discretely as I could to see if others sensed it as well. Judging by their jovial nature, I deduced they were oblivious. For me it was impossible to ignore. I tried walking away from it hoping it would lessen. Instead it got stronger. Not Razel strong, no it couldn't touch him. For what it was though it wasn't something to sneeze at. No matter where I went it remained with me. It was following me. Was this what Razel was talking about? Crap! What am I going to do if it wants to fight me?

I turned a corner down a side street that was secluded and mentally called out to it.

'Where are you? You better show yourself now before I get pissed off!'

Better to act aggressive than spineless. In seconds the air thickened and swirled. I watched as a large spiral of energy formed in front of me. The energy was a soft magenta in color and seemed calm and gentle. As it took the form of a tall man I tried to figure out what it might possibly do once it was fully materialized. Would it strike me? Kill me?

When he came into focus, I had a sudden wave of panic for fear that someone might see him. I had good reason. Dressed in purple and deep magenta robes complete with a cylindrical hat and small staff, this guy would attract unwanted attention.

Standing around 5'9" and being slight of build, with long dark hair that fell away from his elvish ears I had a sneaking suspicion he was a Spellcaster. The scepter with its blue jewel affirmed it for me.

"You've got to be kidding me." I said a tad rudely.

The man/elf steadily looked down at me with kind brown eyes.

"Are you the one Razel chose?"

I was surprised. His voice was really soft. I wasn't expecting that.

But I answered a bit harshly, more than I intended.

"What does it matter to you? How do you know him?"

The man/elf's serene and handsome face took no hostility as he spoke:

"The great Magician of Black Chaos has been mastered by a mortal girl. It is only natural that other spirits such as I would be intrigued. I mean you no harm so do not fear me. I would not dare to inflict damage upon the master of the Chaos Mage. However, I find myself a rogue and long to be of service to anyone who will have me."

His voice softened even more as he said this and I felt sorry for him.

"You're asking me to become your master?"

The man/elf smiled nicely. He had a cute smile, almost a baby face smile.

"How can I if I don't you know—fight you?"

"All you need do in order to defeat me is to take my staff from me. You have already claimed Razel, a top magician in our world. That is an impressive conquest. I'm sure you are aware that many spirits, especially Spellcasters, are interested in you now."

Oh man! I owed Razel a huge apology when I got home. He warned me about this and I brushed him off.

"Ok…I'm becoming more aware of the fact. So tell me first who you are. After that I will see if you are true and good. If you pass that then there should be no issue," I said.

This seemed to satisfy him and he started. "I am known as Ancient Elf. My real name is Von. I am not like other Spellcasters in that, I'm usually humble by nature and prefer the company of books and wildlife than war. I am of moderate strength in my world of which I rarely exude. If you take me as your Duel Spirit I will serve you and only you as my master." His voice was so sincere that it almost hurt me.

I had heard of the Ancient Elf briefly from Razel. Not much though, and so I discretely sent my Energy out in tendrils to seep into his form. (A trick taught to me by Razel.) I was trying to pick up any dark vibes or underhandedness in his essence. When I sensed none and that he was telling me the truth, I felt obligated then to accept him into my fold. Holding out my hands, I heightened my powers to ready for an Energy Exchange. My aura around me shone blue and I noticed in Von's eyes the hidden surprise of how well I managed my energy.

"You do an Energy Exchange before?" I asked.

"No. Only those ready to be taken in by a master may do so. This will be my first time. But I have read about it in books and scrolls."

The Ancient Elf came closer and held open his hands. I placed one on top of his small staff and my other in his left. As soon as we touched, I saw his energy mix with mine. His was a pale yellow and it was soothing. I noted the differences between this one's Energy and my Duel Spirit's. Razel's Energy is strong and warm compared to Von's. During the Exchange, I frowned a bit. This process was different than the Exchanges done with Razel…less personal and intimate. It was as if Von was becoming my underling rather than my Duel Spirit.

Whatever the feeling was, Von seemed pleased. In fact he seemed positively elated. As my Energy went into him I sensed in the ethereal way that he was becoming mine. I was forming a bond with him that would never break. Deep down I hoped I wasn't making a big mistake in taking on another spirit. I knew Razel would try to kick my ass in training as punishment and that thought brought the Exchange to a close.

"Uggg," I groaned feeling wasted.

Von glowed with energy and beamed at me. "I now feel as though my life has purpose."

He bowed to me, making me blush and look away. "My Lady, I am your servant."

"Oh please. C'mon Von, stop that. Don't bow to me. I'm not your owner I'm your…Whatever I am. Just stop bowing. You're making me feel weird." I said most undignified.

The Ancient Elf straightened and adopted a look of concern. "Are you not feeling well Mistress? Should I see you home?"

I waved my hand. "I'm fine. Just nasty from the Exchange."

"Why Mistress?"

"I don't know. It was different with you though. I'll have to ask why later."

I stopped and knew I had to get home. I could barely see and wanted my bed. I told him to follow me but to not be seen. He chanted a simple Cloaking Spell that made him invisible to others but me. The road home seemed longer today and I willed all of my power into my legs. Behind me, close enough to catch me if I collapsed but far enough away that I had personal space, Von chattered on and on about Razel. How great he was, how mighty. Von reminded me of a lovesick cheerleader he admired Razel so much. I had to grin. In a way it was endearing and cute. I began to feel proud that Razel was my Duel Spirit and I secretly enjoyed hearing how his fellow magicians talked of him. Von spoke of him with such reverence, I wondered at times if we knew the same magician.

"I must admit I am terribly excited to meet him."

"Oh? Why's that?" I asked my body succumbing to gravity.

What I heard next made me really think.

"The Magician of Black Chaos is a true legend among mages and Spellcasters. Even the Dark Sage respects him. You see, it is difficult for you humans to understand for in your world, you assign us power limits. But in our world he is magnificent. The raw power he wields, the strength he possesses—he is idolized by all mages. Young males want to be like him and females desire him. He is like a perfect stallion in a herd of wild horses. I've tried many years to be like him. However, I can see that my wish is merely a dream."

I said nothing but thought. I thought of the brooding blue face and irritated red eyes. I thought of the scolds and reprimands during training, cleaning, and studying. I thought of the way he hovered when he wanted something or the way he stared when he was pissed and I said to myself, 'clearly we are not thinking of the same magician.'

We finally reached my house and I winced as we were greeted by a thoroughly cross Razel. The Chaos Mage looked haunting and furious with those tattoos jaggedly reaching his chin. His mouth was a solid frown and his brows were knit firmly together. The dark clothes he wore only added to his consternating appearance.

With arms folded and fingers tapping, Razel opened his twisted mouth.

"I know what you have done and I am not pleased. We will discuss this. Now get inside and rest."

I sensed that Von stopped following me and had let down his spell. I kept on going. I trudged next to Razel's tall form and knew without giving him a passing glance that he was stabbing me with those eyes of his.