Chapter 7

Von's training with Razel started immediately. As I recuperated my energy, Razel spared no chance to beat Von into the ground. Though, to his credit, Von was getting harder and harder to beat down. On the days when he wasn't with Von, Razel was with me teaching (or rather scolding) me in the ways of Psychic Dueling. I progressed under the Chaos Mage's tutelage. I could read other Duel Spirits' thoughts and energy patterns in addition to my other abilities. During one of my lessons I brought up the incident when I first met Von.

"I did the Energy Exchange right, it just felt different."

Razel was occupying himself with the proper ways to block attacks when he distractedly replied:

"Different? As it would be."

"But why?" I asked trying to follow my Duel Spirit's elegant moves.

"The Ancient Elf is not your master Duel Spirit. He was chosen to be your counterpart. You will not be able to merge or Exchange with him as you do with me. He and I are not on the same level with you."

"So, he and I will be distant?" I wondered hoping that it was not true.

"You two can be allies in every other sense of the word except on a connected level."

I didn't know why but I was disturbed by that.

Razel and I performed many Energy Exchanges each longer than the last. The point was to gradually incorporate his power into my own, in a sort of merger. The goal was to make me less fatigued should I bring more Spirits home with me and also to connect us in a more "intimate" way than normal. This "intimacy" was supposed to be the trick to Psychic Dueling. A connection of both energy and Spirit.

The first few times Razel and I did these prolonged Exchanges, I grew embarrassed and blushed like a school girl. Even though Razel was a brute, he still stood so close to me and practically cradled my hands in his. When I grew tired and near to falling down, many times I felt the strong hold of Razel around me keeping me up. I got so exhausted once that Razel had to carry me to my room. He still holds that over my head whenever I get testy with him.

But with practice I overcame that weakness and went about it as casually as if I were brushing my teeth. Whenever he was allowed to watch us, Von asked if he might Exchange with me as well. Razel firmly told him no and ordered him to stay quiet.

After a couple of weeks and continuous questions, Razel eventually ordered Von to remain absent while we did our Exchanges.

"He will be a distraction," He said.

So off we went into our Energy Exchange. I took Razel's blue hands in mine and focused my powers. The increase in Energy use was building up my power base and the more times we shared our strength, the more I felt connected to the blue mage. This link we created was unlike anything I had experienced with him. Our hearts beat as one heart, our breathing in perfect sync. The differences in our heights mattered not as we became the same being. I saw through Razel's eyes and heard with his ears. His immense power flowed within me like a great river and my face pounded with the blood of our single heart.

Slowly, he lowered his forehead to mine and pressed his brow to me. Our noses lined up, touching at their tips. During the process, I knew that I had instinctively gotten nearer to his tall form as he had to mine. Our legs moved in stride and soon neither of us could go any further. There we were, two figures wrapped in glowing cocoons of pulsating Energy. Master and Duel Spirit together in perfect harmony. Razel was so joined to me that I had the heaviness of his limbs, the weight of his long onyx hair, the tingling of those jagged facial tattoos. I inclined my head further into his, gently pushing his neck back.

His long fingers tightened around mine and he angled his head to gently caress my cheek. I saw in my mind's eye the contrast of my lightly tanned skin next to his cobalt. I smelled the spicy ginger perfume that came from his hair. I was on my tip-toes now, rising to reach him. In my alignment with him I was glad that he had sent Von away. This was a private ritual for Master and Duel Spirit alone to share. I understood why it was so important to Razel that no one should be in the room with us. This was what I had been training for—this was the soul of what being a powerful Psychic Duelist was about and realizing that I was the only one in the world with whom Razel could perform such a personal act made my heart swell. Razel sensed my feelings because I heard him take a deep inhale into his chest.

Just when I thought all was going well, I felt this burning pressure surge in my chest. It grew and grew and broke my concentration so much that I yelped and wrenched away from Razel.

"What is wrong!?" He asked with his brows furrowed. He was not angry that I was in pain, but concerned. To pull out of an Energy Exchange that deep was damaging to the human master.

I took deep, labored breaths and pressed my palms against the pain. "Ahhhhh~ I don't know. It feels like someone's stabbing me."

I grit my teeth and tried not to cry out. Deep inside I knew that something was not right. The energy I felt was not mine or Razel's—it was Von's. I worried. This Energy was not his usual warm and loving kind, but tense and ready to defend. Von was in trouble. Coming to this realization that Von was in danger, I ran. I found him outside cornered by two Duel Spirits each with noticeable power.

They were both much stronger than Von, but weaker than Razel and they were standing before the Ancient Elf with cruel smirks.

"You are in our way Elf, I suggest you move." Said the one.

They were both male and about equal in strength. This one wore red, shining armor with gold embellishments and deep amethyst jewels. His long cloak and shield were of the same colors. His face was mostly hidden behind the elaborate knight's mask and pointed headdress. The bottom of his face and neck were bare, revealing light blue skin. Interestingly, he wielded a long broad sword and my thoughts raced as I remembered Razel telling me about the feud between Spellcasters and Warriors. None of the Spellcasters I had seen to this point had carried weapons like this one did, and I assumed that this impetuous jerk was one of these Warrior Spirits.

Von held his ground but his energy told me they had tested him. Now I knew why the pressure was so intense, the two of them had set their powers on Von at the same time. Von was getting stronger but he was not yet able to fend off two other Spirits.

"No, that won't be necessary Bree. We'll just help him move. He can't stop two of us," the other one chimed.

This one was slightly shorter and looked more Spellcaster-like. With a trench coat of purple fabric and gold lining, dark purple pants, buckled shirt, and arm guards this guy was clearly a Spellcaster. His headdress was more like a pointed hat that came to a V on his forehead and he wirlded two staffs, each long and adorned respectively with a green jewel and an orange jewel.

I studied his face. It was angular and framed by long pale purple locks. I noticed with interest that he had similar tattoos under his eyes like Razel, granted they were singular tapered points, but still…

"Too true Raef. He will be easy to get rid of."

They moved on Von. When I saw the Elf step backwards that's when I came forward. I had to come off as stern and daunting, so I chose to model my words after the most intimidating person I knew.

"Touch him and you will suffer greatly," I said.

They both stopped and looked at me like I was an insect. Seeing that I was their newfound interest Von quickly came to stand in front of me.

"Any quarrel you two have is with me." He stated firmly.

The two Spirits began to laugh.

"You? Don't be foolish. You would fall before us in moments. And you, girl. Who are you? You're obviously human. Is this pathetic excuse for a Spellcaster your Duel Spirit? And here I was expecting someone great. Don't you agree Bree?" The shorter one asked the Spirit in red armor.

The Spirit called Bree replied to his ally, "Completely Raef. The master of the Magician of Black Chaos cannot possibly be this tiny thing! She probably is his maid servant. Take us to the real master of the Chaos Mage. We wish to battle with him and take down the famed magician!"

I was fuming. How dare they!? How dare they insult Von and audaciously think they could defeat Razel. I was really pissed that these two ingrates were being so mean to kindhearted Von. Von the sweetie, Von who always smiled. As if on que, Von sensed my anger and guarded me. His stance was better, thanks to Razel's instruction and he was getting better at using his staff. The blue jewel glowed in preparation for attack though it did not have the effect that was desired because the two Spirits continued to jab us and laugh while doing so.

I found it slightly humorous that they assumed the master of Razel was a MAN instead of a WOMAN. Won't they be surprised.

Through all of this berating in the back of my mind I was wondering where Razel was. Why has he not shown himself to these fools!?

Suddenly as if they had heard me their jeering stopped and they spoke.

"We grow tired of this. Take us to the true master so that we may settle this." They said.

As they kept postulating, Von became more and more agitated. Wondering what was rolling through his mind, I selfishly pried. He thought that if he challenged these two, he would stand somewhat of a chance. At least enough to let me get the blue mage. He could do it; take on both of them. He was aware of the ridiculousness of this decision, but for his pride and honor as well as for me, he had to do it. So, with that soft and pleasant voice of his, Von proposed a duel.

"I will not take you to the master. You have neither dignity nor tact. You two lack any social graces and are thereby unfit to be received. I challenge you to a spar. If you win, and I still have breath in my body, I will escort you to the master of the Chaos Mage. If I am the victor, then you leave and never return again. And you will not harm my Mistress in any way. For if you so much as graze her I will return from my grave and strike you down."

I stammered behind him. "V…Von! What are you doing? Are you nuts? They'll kick your ass!"

"Not if you guide me," He countered over his shoulder.

I paused and considered what he said. I was unsure how to react to that. Razel never said anything so…trusting before so I was at a loss with the Ancient Elf. What could I say to Von? I was inexperienced with this sort of thing. How was I going to guide Von in battle when I can't even push Razel back a step? I thought quickly like my life depended on it…in a way it kind of did.

"Von…I…"

"I trust you, my Mistress. I have trained hard. I will not fail you."

Von's statement touched me and I, despite being jarred from my earlier connection, felt his energy warm my insides. It soothed me like hot coffee on a cold morning and I knew he would protect me to the death if necessary. This generosity of spirit and kindness of heart and absolute trust changed my mind almost instantly. I had to be strong for him. I was his master, what good would I be if I always pictured myself as weak or insufficient. He relied on me, this Ancient Elf, this Duel Spirit. I was not about to let him down.

"I know you won't. Let's beat these little peckerheads into the dirt."

"Choice words, Mistress. Let's."

The two Spirits opposed us making it two to two. Fair I suppose. It was time to see if Razel's training for me had paid off.

They attacked us at once, moving in sync with each other. Von and I quickly took the defense, our backs together. However I was ready for this. My soul was ready.

"That is a cheap move that only cowards use! Why don't you fight us face to face!" I yelled.

Well, that did it. They reappeared and made haste to kick and punch at us.

"What no magic?" I taunted.

I said that because I had no idea how to fight. Razel had shown me a few moves in the past but that was it. Not enough. They dropped the hand to hand and resumed their dashing. They surrounded us with their daunting speed. Well, to be correct, to a human it was daunting but to a Duel Spirit it was a little above average. The one called Bree flashed to Von's side and swung his sword. With a metallic 'shing' it slid from its sheath only to cut air. Von was quick to dodge but I got nicked in the process. The tip of the sword gave me a light scratch on the arm, nothing serious but it drew a bit of blood. I didn't feel the pain until later that night when my nerves calmed.

Truthfully, I was more startled at the moment than in pain that it fueled my passion to retaliate. Seeing that he was raising the sharp weapon again for anther strike, I quickly scrounged up enough Energy to sufficiently throw the red knight backwards. His widened eyes grew smaller the further he went from me.

While I dealt with Bree, Von handled the mage called Raef. Raef was busy sending rapid balls of Energy at Von with his twin staffs. Von managed to deflect most of them, only getting hit lightly. All in all he was holding his own just fine. I was proud of him.

My vigilance returned to my adversary and I dropped my shoulders when he came at me again. He assaulted me and I attacked right back. I called on spells and incantations. I chanted protective shields around me. These tactics worked and I secretly praised Razel for being a much better teacher than I had figured him to be. In all his yelling, scolding, and ridicule he had actually taught me something useful!

Not that his training wasn't useful but when was I going to need to know how to shoot Energy blasts? Now a barrier—that was a nifty trick.

Bree was weakening against my shields and his façade was also failing.

"Why won't you step aside!?" he screamed as he vainly hit my barrier.

"Take us to see the master of the Magician of Black Chaos!"

For some reason, I became very angry by that. Probably because I was she and they treated me like some piece of dirt. In my anger, I accidently let out more Energy than I had wanted and soundly threw him away from me.

"You idiot! I am his master!"

The power I unleashed on this red knight, together with my confession twisted his features in disbelief and apprehension. Bree was knocked back so forcefully, that both his headdress and his upper armor were shattered. When he landed, Bree hit the ground like a limp rag and remain motionless. Raef, upon hearing his friend scream had halted in his fighting with Von and now came after me.

I saw him charge but after that attack I was too weak to send out another. Frantically thinking of a way to stay his rage, I thought back to my deep Exchange with Razel earlier. If that was the basis for Psychic Dueling, then why could I not do the same with Von? He was a Duel Spirit too. If I combined the rest of my Energy with his and focus it through him, we might stand a chance.

Von still had his power, this could work! I thought.

"Von I need you!" I shouted to the Ancient Elf.

Instantly, Von was beside me ready.

"I've never done this before so I hope I do it right!" I said.

Almost on instinct I worked my Energy into Von's body. I felt his yellow aura join with mine. We were joining and, like with Razel, I became one with him. Raef was close. Close enough, I thought. Feeling that I was prepared, Von raised his staff and let loose our combined power. I watched in amazement as a large surge of blue and yellow Energy erupted from the blue jewel and sweep the assaulting mage away like he was nothing. The sound it made was roaring loud and so cool to behold.

Raef landed heavily near Bree. Von and I stood silent, musing at what we had accomplished. The sole reason that my revere was broken was because Von had spun around and laughed. Gripping my waist with his warm hands, Von picked me up and swung me around in wide excited circles.

"We did it Mistress!" he said with a flushed face.

I too giggled and jeered. I shot my arms into the air in victory. After two more swings, I bent in his hold and hugged him around the neck.

"That was awesome!" I said into Von's dark locks.

His hair tickled my face and neck, the chocolate tresses silky smooth on my skin. I set my hands on the back of his head and held him tightly. His smile pressed into my throat and I paused in my celebration. The feeling of his lips on my neck, though not in any seductive manner, caused my face to suddenly burn and my heart to speed up. I realized our proximity to each other and the fact that I was currently in his arms.

The grip on my waist tightened as Von too ceased to rejoice. In so doing, the Ancient Elf was pressing me ever so slightly into his chest, my breasts against him. My mouth became dry and I remember releasing his head and bringing my arms down to rest in the crook of his elbows.

I looked up into his eyes and had to quickly avert my gaze. Von was staring down at me with such a subtle smile and lidded pools that I felt awkward with him.

"You were terrific My Lady," Von said.

Uggggg, the sound of his voice increased the heat in my cheeks and I kicked myself for getting into this situation.

"Th…thanks Von. So were you."

What I felt next caused me to panic. Not in fear for my life or wellbeing, but for his sake against Razel's wrath. Von brazenly brought his right hand to my chin and softly took in his fingers. My neck went with him as he turned my face back to him. Knowing my place in front of him, I couldn't help but really look at him. With those brown eyes, creamy skin, delicately pointed ears and fine bone structure, I could not deny that Von was handsome. Being here with him after a fight, seeing him roughed up and triumphant, I saw the wizard he so desired to be. Strong, resilient and tactful, Von had gained what he most wanted—and it was thanks to me.

He tilted my chin up. My heart was racing now and my only thoughts were on Razel and what he would do if he found out about this! As the master I knew I should have pushed Von away, punished him for being so familiar. But when his resting hand moved down to my hip and when his long hair brushed my shoulders I forgot who I was. It was when I heard Razel's cold voice in the back of my mind that I mentally slapped myself.

"Von…wait. This can't happen," I breathed onto his parting lips.

As if waking from a dream, the Ancient Elf stopped. Mixed emotions rampaged in his cocoa eyes as he came to see what he was about to do. Reservedly, he pulled away and removed his hand from my hip. Standing straight and looking straight ahead, Von tried with all his might to regain his composure.

"Forgive me My Lady. It will never happen again."

His voice was detached despite still holding onto its benevolence. A small part of me was glad that he restrained himself, but the other part of me was disappointed.

"What an impressive display. Another lesson to learn: The stronger the connection between master and Duel Spirit the stronger the attack. She has formed a very close bond with you Elf."

Razel walked right passed Von and took my arm. Razel's ruby pools dangerously scoped out the cut Bree had landed and pulled back his blue lips in a snarl.

"Come My Lady, you must finish what you started. It seems that Ancient Elf is proving to be a very bothersome distraction indeed. I will need to increase his training load immediately. I cannot have a charge of mine idly standing around. One might believe him to be getting too comfortable. Plus, we must see these two degenerates and put them in their place."

Roughly, Razel pulled me along to where Bree and Raef lay. My heart sank as I figured why Razel was so upset. He was not stupid, he had seen us. But I was unaware of whether or not it had been the fact that I joined Von in my first Psychic Duel, or if it was the almost kiss. Both had equally unwanted outcomes so I left it alone.

"As much as I dislike admitting, it appears we have two new whelps to welcome into our home."

The Chaos Mage walked over to the two Spirits, both of whom regarded Razel with a defeated respect.

"I will offer you two curs a choice: Either you join my mistress, or I finish you off here and now."

Razel's blue aura whipped about him and Bree and Raef visibly shuddered.

"We accept!" They both yelled.

"First comes the Test!" Razel hissed and took advantage of their battered forms.

Using his power as a weight, Razel proceeded to push the two into the ground, effectively creating a sinkhole. Their screams of pain rang through my ears and I did everything in my power to not cover them. This brutality was Razel's way of getting even for them harming me. The Magician of Black Chaos continued to rectify my minor injury on these poor Spirits for many minutes before I descided enough was enough.

"Razel, ease up. I will not have them killed because of me. They agreed to join me, isn't that enough?" I said gently reaching for Razel's left arm.

The blue mage snapped his head in my direction and then down to where my hand rested. I made him look at me, something I hardly ever did on my own.

"Razel, I need to explain what happened. Do not be upset with me. I know we've had our arguments in the past but I do not want this one. So let them go, I'll do the Energy Exchange and then we will talk. Ok?"

Razel assessed me sternly.

"Understood."

The Chaos Mage retracted his attack and stepped aside.

The two Spirits weakly sent out their Energy for the proper Exchange and that was my first instance with the Rapid Fire Magician and Breaker the Magical Warrior.