Chapter 6

I went inside and flopped down onto my couch. It was a good flop, the kind of surrendering that let lovely gravity just pull you straight down. I bounced once when I met the cushions and turned over to bury my face into the pillows. I groaned. Now my body hurt even more than before. Von's Energy Exchange set me back like nine hours.

I began to feel that sleep was in order. My body relaxed like a deflated balloon and I made my way into the precursors of sleep. I was right on that ledge when the heavy footsteps pounded from my doorway and into the den. Razel was pissed and I mean pissed. If I looked up I probably would find bubbles forming in the corners of his mouth. That thought to me was funny and if I had the energy I would've chuckled.

"I know what you're gonna say," I said muffled.

The blue mage stood over me, his power shaking with bridled consternation.

"You took on another without informing me? What if he were violent towards you? Or tried to kill you once your back was turned? Or worse, what if he had been a Warrior?"

"A Warrior?" I turned my head to look at him.

"Yes."

"Why would that matter?" I rolled over.

Razel assumed a look of ignorance and disgust. "Warriors are to be kept at a distance. Their existence superfluous."

I sat up a bit confused. "Why? Are they gross or something?"

"It is a bitter resentment that has continued for millennia. Magicians and Warriors find strife with each other. It is as natural as breathing air." Razel's voice grew cold and unflinching.

I was not offended or in disbelief that he would hate another spirit type, that was something I didn't want nor cared to involve myself with. In fact, I was surprised that just saying the type brought him into a lather. I'd never seen him like this before. These Warrior types, I figured, must have done something really awful.

"So you dislike Warriors. I'm not trying to change your mind, if you don't like them then don't like them. I'm just curious why it would matter?" I said.

Razel opened his mouth to speak when he was cut off by the softer voice of the Ancient Elf.

"The hatred between Spellcasters and Warriors is a long standing feud. No one told us to be this way. It is simply in us. Like light and dark Warriors and Spellcasters counteract each other. We use magic, they use natural tools. Now in the past, few Warriors have secretly learned the ways of magic and Spellcasters have learned the ways of battle."

"Oh, so that should smooth over the crisis right? Learning from each other?" I interjected.

"Smoothing over? To think that Warriors try to learn our ways is basterdizing the Art of Magic!" Razel spat.

"Woah, woah!" I said holding my hands up. "We're way off track now. I know I kept fueling this little tirade but let's digress. Razel, I took on Von without talking to you about it first. I'm sorry. It was a hasty decision that I should have considered. But he was so…forlorn that I kinda had to."

Razel glared over me at Von. "So he forced himself on you?"

I blushed and trying not to laugh, quickly responded. "No! Haha! He just looked so sad that I felt bad for him. He said he was a rogue spirit and wanted to serve a purpose. The energy he gave off was truthful so I figured there'd be no problem."

The blue mage gave me a look that clearly stated "I cannot believe you would fall for such drivel."

Razel glanced from me to Von several times before he spoke. "I will decide for myself whether or not this upstart deserves to be your Duel Spirit."

I felt a very uneasy vibe from that and I hoped Razel would not severely hurt Von as a result.

"What are you going to do?" I asked.

"The only thing there is to do: Battle."

"Battle!?" I said fervently. "You want to battle him? Razel c'mon," I rose to my feet. I forgot my previous want for sleep and stepped in front of the Chaos Mage.

"Razel, you can't do this. You'll kill him," I said trying to order him.

Trying to order Razel to listen when he was determined was useless. Over the years, I've come to understand this. When he wants his way, by God he will have it and I will just move aside and let him have his fun. I've learned to also pick my own battles, no pun intended.

I later discovered from Razel that it is customary for the dominate Duel Spirit to challenge any new addition to his or her master's fold. Sort of like an alpha wolf and an underling. At first I was not pleased to hear of this but I soon got used to it. Now whenever I assume a new Duel Spirit, Razel is always ready to test each one. I'm proud to say that he has never been defeated.

"If he perishes, it is due to his own weakness. I will not go easy on him. It is my duty and privilege as your Duel Spirit to ensure your safety." Razel told me while holding Von still with his stare.

I closed my mouth. What could I do?

"Razel, I command you to not challenge him." So stupid of me.

The blue mage eyed me with such a testy expression that I felt like a timid child. "You will learn, my Mistress, that our laws are very different than yours and that some may not be favorable to your conservative human values. We do not follow your 'political correctness' or your system of what is right and wrong. We do what we must and that is just. To let some inferior share the same home as a master Duel Spirit without due course is a great insult and shame. They must learn their place and earn their standing not only in the eyes of their master, but in the eyes of their superiors. For in actuality, you may wield possession over us, it is I who will direct and guide them. Therefore, I shall fulfill this task and you will not interfere."

I stood corrected and embarrassed as all get out. Von must have thought I was such a spineless girl. I stared at Razel's chest, anywhere but in his ruby pools. My fists were shaking at my sides.

"Fine. But I'm telling you Razel, if you lose I'll kick your blue ass so hard you'll see into the future."

We all went outside and to the secluded area that I fought Razel in a few days ago. Von was jumping inside. His inner energy was all kinds of excited and scared at the same time. His thoughts were racing: Fighting against the Magician of Black Chaos was to him, a great honor. He was going to give his best and show his idol that he was a worthy opponent.

My heart sank because I knew he was not going to fare well from this. In fact, I knew he would not get an attack in edgewise.

When we reached the field and its demolished trees, the aches and pains that had vanished came flooding back into me.

Staying off to the side, I watched as Razel and Von went to opposite sides of the field. Razel took on his menacing battle garb, doing away with his usual robes. Von, still in his own battle armor, positioned his legs into an opening pose. Razel did the same but somehow his appeared more threatening. His long black hair had resumed its traditional spiky style, his horned headdress making him seem like a black and blue devil.

Compared to him, Von was a purple princeling in his less challenging robes and headdress.

"I trust you will give an honest fight Ancient Elf. I surly will," Razel grinned.

The other mage's eyes shifted with slight fear but did not show it to the blue magician.

"This is a great dream of mine to stand before you in combat. I will not disappoint."

"That is good."

Razel took charge and went at him. He ran so swiftly that I almost lost sight of him. For how tall he was, Razel continued to impress me with his speed. Von on the other hand was ready for the other's threat. He braced for the attack and also vanished. Razel is no fool and saw this move. In anticipation, Razel changed his direction like a heat-seeker missile. The dark green jewel atop his long staff glowed with heat and surged outwards towards the invisible form that was Von.

"Amateur!" Razel spat with a smug grin.

The jewel's power struck the poor Ancient Elf and brought him down. I almost gasped at the sight of Razel's brutality. The glimmer in his ruby eyes was like that of a tiger hunting its prey.

"Do you surrender?"

Von, who had regained his physical visibility, struggled to rise onto his knees. His brown eyes had lost their warmth and were replaced by a competitor's drive to win.

"Never. I will prove that I am worthy to go against you as well as be worthy to our Mistress!"

Razel frowned darkly at the weakened mage. "My Mistress."

With that cutting statement, Razel raised his right arm and swung it sideways. I was momentarily confused but then realized what he had done. Using his mighty energy, Razel had sent a violent breeze of power at Von. The Ancient Elf was blown back several yards, his scream coming through clenched teeth. Von's body only stopped when it collided with a sturdy tree.

His headdress had been destroyed as well as other parts of his armor. Bracing himself against the thick trunk, Von feebly rose and glared heatedly at Razel hundreds of feet away.

The simple fact that Von could stand from such an attack was enough for me to want him on my side. I did not know much of him at the time, but Von has become a valuable Duel Spirit and friend to me. It seemed that Razel was amused by this Elf's resilience. His blue tattooed face calmed at bit, his mouth relaxed. I knew then that the other mage had passed whatever test this was, and for Von I was happy.

"This is not over," Von said using the last bits of strength he had.

Razel closed his eyes and put his hands behind his leather clad back.

"I believe it is. But I will not speak to you this far away, come closer."

Like a child obeying his parent, Von stumbled over, trying not to fall in front of either of us. Once he was close enough, Razel opened his authoritative eyes and regarded the Ancient Elf.

"Your power is weak and your endurance leaves much to be desired. You have no skill in combat nor can you properly read your opponents' next move, a crucial asset in duels. Your stance needs much improvement and you have yet to learn the secrets of your staff, it is not just for decoration."

I saw the blood rise to Von's cheeks. Yet he dared not to say a word until given permission.

Razel went on. "However, despite your obvious flaws, you were able to withstand my attacks, which in my opinion lacked any true example of the Art of Magic. You should be grateful that they did so, or else you would not be standing here before me."

Von swallowed but continued to look directly at the blue mage.

"Have you anything to say?"

Von opened his mouth. "Yes I do. Please give me another chance. I can show you that I am worthy of being your comrade."

I knew it was horrible to do, but I couldn't help it; I giggled. Von looked at me with such disbelief that it made me look at Razel with my brows upturned.

"Awwww, Razel don't string him along. Just tell him his results."

The Ancient Elf's lips parted as he turned back to the Chaos Mage. Razel sighed through his nose and held out his staff. The jewel shimmered.

"Raise your staff, Ancient Elf, and join me in a Transference of Staffs. This will represent your willingness to assist and protect our Mistress and grant you the title of Duel Spirit."

Von blinked several times. I felt his energy swell and grow with happiness. Eagerly, he held out his much smaller staff and touched the glowing jewel to Razel's. I watched as their power danced in a double helix. Von's yellow merged with Razel's blue. This act contracted Von to both serve me and Razel. When it was all over, Von beamed through his bruises and matted hair.

"I promise I will get stronger."

Razel responded offhandedly with, "You better get started then. Your position depends on it."

A nod from Von told me he was ready to accept any hardship Razel might impose and I too smiled.

"Congratulations Von. I can't wait for us to work together."

Von's cheeks reddened and he gave me the sweetest smile. "Thank you Mistress. I feel the same way."