Date: Sun, 20 May 2012 08:22:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: Brian Legend <princejosh333@aol.com>
Subject: Enchanted Life/Chapter 5/Tournament

			      Enchanted Life
			   Chapter 5. Tournament

       Weeks elapsed, and I wasn't the new kid at the academy
anymore. Especially, after the party we snuck out to weeks ago.

       Aaronn said: "Keep in touch." The night at the party. But we haven't
been keeping in touch. We haven't spoken two words to each other since
then. When I saw his white hair treading the halls of Celestial, we didn't
exchange glances or any type of communication.

       Maybe it was just a one night thing. Maybe he was too drunk that
night to remember how he acted. Whatever happened, was probably for the
best. Because when Aaronn seized my arm by surprise, he reminded me of my
dad. That was the part I didn't understand. Why would he start being so
aggressive for no good reason?

       Chance was still doing his late night visits. I guess he was pretty
good at sneaking around the school, because he still hadn't got caught.
When he visited, he needed someone to listen to him, to give him advice
about his girlfriend.

       His girlfriend situation was getting worse. I told him, the only way
she will learn to appreciate him is: if he breaks up with her.

       My idea was to help him see she was playing with him. It was best to
be out of the crazy girlfriend situation.  Chance was caught in a cycle of
being hurt over and over again. Because he didn't have the heart to break
up with somebody first.

       I felt sorry for him.

       If he only knew the girl is probably laughing at him, and she thinks
of him as weak, He could find the heart to get rid of her.

       Chance was smart. He was one of the top fighters in his group. He
was kind. The only problem was, he fell in love with a girl who obviously
didn't feel the same in return. He couldn't find a way to cope with his
feelings.

       The saddest story he shared with me about his girlfriend, was when
he went online to purchase her a ring that cost about five hundred dollars.
He shipped the ring to her. He was wanting to surprise her, and give a
token of his love to her. He expected her to cry, scream or get super
excited when she saw the expensive ring.

       The exact opposite reaction happen when the girl got the ring. She
wasn't happy. In fact, she was very upset. She hated the design of the
ring, and aquamarine gems were ugly to her.

       Nothing Chance did was enough for her. Nothing he did was good in
her sight. He was in a bad situation.

       My advice wasn't doing him any good. Whatever I told him, went in
one ear and out the back of his head. Sometimes I felt as if I was wasting
my time trying to talk to him about his girl.

       I can't believe he is still drooling over her, when she took the
ring he bought and flushed it down the toilet while he was on the phone
with her! He needs a wake up call! That should have got his attention if
nothing else did.

       Besides the chance ordeal...

       I kept seeing James. Somehow he was around more frequently than
before. When I saw him, sometimes he would be talking with his goth
buddies, or standing alone with his hands shoved in his black pants
pockets.

       One morning before class, I walked by him as he stood alone outside
the restroom door.  I think he was waiting on Mason, or Damien to wake up
and join him. Anyway, he stopped me by calling my name in a scary deep
voice.

       When I got close to him he pulled a note from his black jeans, the
chains connected to his pants clanged against his leg when he finally
wrestled the note free. "Here." That's all he said. It was so weird.

       I didn't know if I should open the note, I didn't know if the note
would have some kind of shadowed hand jumping from the letters written on
it. James scared me, and I didn't know what to expect out of him.

       I opened the note, surprisingly it was a plain note. There was no
oddness surrounding the letters, no hidden dark meanings. It was simple
without any threatening sentences.
       It said:

                 Dear Julius,

       I know I don't smile a lot. I know the way I dress is uninviting to
you, but I don't want you to be afraid of me. The night of the party, I
wanted to talk to you, but I saw Aaronn talking to you. Another thing I
wanted to say was, I hope I didn't frighten you when the fight sprung up
and I manipulated the shadow hands.  The look in your eyes was horrific. I
didn't want my abilities to stop us from being friends. Just so you know, I
can be good as a friend to you, as Ashlynn, or Talan.  You have to give me
a chance... I'm expecting to hear from you soon.

                  Bye.

       I didn't know how to reply to James. He still scared me even though
he told me not to be.  I wrote him back letting him know. I would get with
him when I could. I thought that would hold him back until I could find
another way of dealing with him.

       Ashlynn was busy this week. He and Talan was cramming my head with
offensive and defensive sorcery tactics. Everyday this week, it's been
long, tiring, written work and physical work. Every minute I was doing
something new, every minute I was trying to remember what enchantment
worked best in certain situations.

       I was getting my enchantments mixed up, and some I didn't know what
they did. I was lost. It was like they were trying to cram me for an
exam. If they gave me time to study these enchantments maybe I would know
this stuff.

       I thought I was learning these new sorcery tactics for my own
sake. Finally they told me, everybody has been training in preparation for
the upcoming tournament.

       I didn't think the school would do a tournament this year!

       I was in the mind set to worry until Ashlynn decided we needed to go
to Celestial's gym and work on strenuous training sessions. If we wanted to
be up to par with our opponents, we had to do plenty of work.

       When we entered the gym. That's when a panic of worry hit me.
`Competition is ferocious!'

       The gym was widely assorted with sweaty muscular guys in training.
Some from every group was training in different areas. Showing their
strengths and perfecting there weaknesses.

       I wanted to back out but I didn't want to look like a wimp.

       I saw guys jump roping. In the corners, there were grunting weight
lifters. Not too far from the weights there were guys leaping high into the
air doing high kicks. Each of them Took turns damaging the sand bag hanging
from the ceiling.

       My eyes were amazed and intimidated by the skills of these
students. I didn't know who I would be facing in the tournament but I
didn't want to compete with these guys.

       A short distance from where Talan was walking. There were guys
stretching their arms and talking. Ashlynn almost stepped on the foot of
these dudes who were in a deep meditative state. Their concentration was so
high I don't think they would have felt it though.

       As we walked by the seriousness of the trainers, we saw everything
was being did.  There were some students working on using their powers more
accurately.

       There was a timidness crawling up my back as I stared at these
groups train. The gym was humid from the sweating bodies, performing their
skills and doing workouts.

       When we passed by the Jocks (Brady, John, and Cameron) they were
dripping with beads of sweat. The three of them gave me a look like: `you
shouldn't be here'. I shook them off trying to get myself ready for
training. I couldn't let these people intimidate me. Otherwise, I wouldn't
last a minute in the arena.

       I knew if I would be competing against the students in this gym, I
would have to bring my best plus my all. I have to be the greatest
sorcerer. No matter if, It includes killing my competitor on the grassy
football field size arena.

       Everyone who knows about Celestial Academy student's special
abilities, Will be in the stands waiting to see the fights. This gives me
another reason to win. I can't accept a loss. I can't let anyone defeat me
in front of a crowd. The audience should give me more reasons to win.

       We found an open space in the gym that gave us enough space. Ashlynn
was showing me some more punches, a few kicks, and some dodging
techniques. My little punches and kicks were nothing compared to these hard
hitting beast in this gym. I felt so small.

       Talan started helping me review over some enchantments. I was able
to remember twelve of them so far. Ashlynn was helping me learn how to draw
the symbols to our enchantments flawlessly, and they both found it amazing
that I could create high levels of mystic energy at the spur of a moment.

       The training was causing me to break a sweat. This was no joke. If I
wanted to be the best. I have to train like it!

       "Hey Ashlynn."  Cameron said, walking over, throwing a towel over
his shirtless sweaty shoulder. I just saw him a few moments ago deliver a
beastly knee lift to one of the sand bags.  Brady and john were coming with
him as he made his way to us.

       At the sound of Cameron's voice, Ashlynn stopped drawing the white
glowing enchanting symbol in midair, to talk to Cameron. "Hold on a sec."
he told us leaving the half drawn symbol floating. I can't believe he
didn't finish! He better not cost us this tournament.  "Hold on you guys."
Ashlynn said putting Talan and I on hold, diverting his gaze to Cameron.

       Talan was shaking his head, and I was doing the same, watching the
two of them talk.  Ashlynn better not let this jock stop him from winning
this tournament. Because if they put Cameron against Ashlynn. Cameron is
not going to play nice with him, so he better watch that guy.

********************************************************************

       The day of the tournament was winding down. Everybody was talking
about it. I pushed myself extra hard. Everyday my training got a little
tougher, and harder than the last. I was visiting the gym often; I was
working with Talan on physical training and I worked on enchantments with
Ashlynn in my spare time.

       I listened in class to add more strategy to my learning. I was
stuffing my brain with anything I could, anything that sounded like it
would help me. At the end of most of my days of training, I would retreat
to my dorm in hopes of getting plenty of rest. Because I knew in order to
be at my best form for the following day, I need the full length of sleep
to perform everything perfectly.

       Chance was in my dorm before I was some days. It was crazy because I
was starting to think this was more of his dorm than mine. He seemed to
spend more time here than I did.

       I took a hot massaging shower, to clean the salty sweat and dirt off
my skin. The steam from the hot water raining down over my sore muscles
soothed the straining aches that pulsed in them.  I was putting myself
through a lot these last few days. I hope it's not more than I can handle.

       Rubbing suds over myself I kept thinking about what everybody was
saying about the tournament. Scrubbing my legs and thighs with more than
needed soap, I worried my skills wouldn't be up to matching with anyone
else's. Applying more soap all over my body continuously in deep thought. I
scrubbed harder scratching my skin until there were red marks visible.

       I was stressing too much about the tournament. I thought scrubbing
would help quiet the voices in my head, but it didn't. I rinsed the
remaining suds off, I figured getting out of the shower and hitting the
sheets would be better. If I stayed in this shower any longer I would scrub
myself to the bone.

       Stepping from my shower, I grabbed the drying towel, wiping dry
every wet area of my body. When I was completely dry, I put on my sleeping
clothes, and I twisted the bathroom door knob, stepping out of the heated
bathroom.

       Laying in my bed relaxed was Chance. I put my towel away, and hopped
into my bed.  Chance slid over closer to his side. When I got in bed, I
pulled the covers to my neck, while lying my head on the soft pillows. We
both laid quietly back to back.

       With this upcoming tournament, I knew I would have so much to
prove. Not only to myself but to this whole school.  I still have to be the
best no matter what!

       Chance was comfortably relaxed. He isn't as jumpy as me. This was my
first time entering a tournament. What if I lose the first fight? That
would be terrible. If that happens, everyone at Celestial will see me as a
weakling, and I am not aiming for that position.

       Chance turned his head to face me, his bloody streaks slanted over
his eyes. "Are you worried about that dumb tournament, we have tomorrow?"
he said, making an exhausted face.

       "This is my first tournament." I made him realize. He didn't
understand the importance of this.

       "So..."

       "So, I have to be the best out there. I have to prove to everyone
who I am, and what I can do." I let him know, raising my head from the
pillow a bit.

       "Julius this tournament thing, isn't that big of a deal." He said
blowing it off. "Besides, how are you going to fight with all this nonsense
running through your head?"

       I thought about what he told me. "You're right." I sighed. He was
still turned towards me in the bed.

       He was about to flip over and put his back to me when I heard him
say. "I know I'm right.  Now go to sleep." He looked at me again. "Oh and
try not to lose early, because I want to light you up."

       I know Chance was joking with me, but I wonder if I would be able to
beat him if it came down to it. Did I have enough enchantments to beat a
guy who could control fire?...I have to stop bugging myself with these
ideas.

       I slapped Chance on the forearm, for saying he would light me up. He
only laughed, and didn't say anything back. I wanted him to take back what
he said. I wanted him to at least see me as a challenge.

       I smacked his arm again. I felt a slight sting under my fingers from
the slap. I know it would leave a mark.

       Suddenly Chance sat up in the bed, he removed his arm from beneath
the covers and held it before my eyes. His palm was opened upward, and I
didn't know what he was trying to do or say to me by using this
gesture. Without moving, only mere concentration he held his hand open, and
a spark clicked above his palm.

       I could only stare in amazement as the spark turned into a radiant
red ball of fire, floating above his palm. He brought the flame closer to
me. I could feel the soft warmth the fire gave off.  My room was dark at
first but when he created his fire, my room lit up, with orange like colors
moving the shadows on the wall.

       "Don't play with fire Julius," He grinned, playing with the flame
himself. I think this was a warning for me not to slap his arm or
something, but I could tell he was still joking with me.  "Playing with
fire can be very dangerous."

       When he moved his hand tossing the flame into his other hand, it
scared me. I thought the flame was heading straight for the covers. Then he
threw the flaming red ball up to the ceiling and caught it like it was a
basketball trick. He continued to play around and grin.

       "Chance stop! For real!" I said nervously watching the fire
show. "You could set us both on fire!"

       He laughed at me, "Don't worry," he put the flame out with a quick
hand motion. "I have control. I know how to handle my power." he said in a
believing tone. "Now, no more worrying, okay?"

       With his words filling the room, and the heat from his flame being
tossed around it was easier for me to close my eyes.

       "Let's go to sleep." He said one last time, before my mind released
everything and I let go of myself. Going into a deep sleep.

******************************************************************
      Day 1. Tournament

       The participating students of the tournament had to sit in a
different section of the stands, than the rest of the audience who came to
enjoy the fights. From where we sat in the stadium, we could see the fans
on the other side of the stands going crazy.

       The crowds were roaring in the bright rays of sunlight that Shined
down. Making everything seem extra hot and extra packed. I could see
family, friends, and all kinds of people wavering signs and posters high in
the air. There were whistles, and cheers from the audience as they cheered
for who they wanted to win. I could see children and parents screaming with
paint on their faces, some were even dressed like the goths.

       I guess you could tell from some of the painted jerseys, and the
goth fans, who some of these people were rooting for. They had no real
reason to root me on, since this was my first tournament. Through the whole
wild crowd, I saw no one supporting sorcerers.

       I was nervous, my knees felt shaky, my heart was beating twice as
fast as it normally would, and I thought of myself as an anxious mess. I
had to take Chance's advice on this one. I had to think of this tournament
as something small, something not important. Hopefully that would help keep
me from rattling in my cage. Because I feel like I'm about to lose it all.

       Millions of shouts flew from the fans as the fights started to
proceed.  Once all the fighters were accounted for, and the announcers gave
the rules of the tournaments, the matches were immediately underway.

       The fights that started the tournament in the beginning were
interesting. Every fight, I could see some way or another, how the students
training in the gym paid off. The crowd grew even louder with their
screams, and thunderous stomping when someone won.

       I was still nervous sitting here. Everytime I would hear the
announcer call out the next name, I was praying the name wouldn't be
mine. As much as I trained I still feel like there is so much to learn.

       Ashlynn's name was one of the first to be called. I was so scared I
had to catch my heart. All I could think after hearing his name being
called was `that was close.' I wished him the most luck, but I didn't know
if my luck would be enough for him to win. The next name the announcer
called out was John. One of the jock guys who could control water.

       I knew this was going to be a good fight, but I was watching
Ashlynn's movements closely so I would have an idea of what to do. I made
it my duty to keep a close eye on everybody who went before me. I was
thinking I could learn a lot from watching these guys in action.

       John's water powers were excellent. I didn't know there was so much
someone could do with hydrokinesis. I have never seen someone move water
with such skill, it was almost thrilling just watching his motions.

       One of his first things John did when the fight began was made rain
fall throughout the whole battle field. This rainy grass football field
could give him an advantage over Ashlynn, was the thoughts I kept
processing. I was frightened as they continued to fight in the soaking
rain.

       If Ashlynn hadn't mastered levitation during our training, John did
would have flood him out in the rain fall. He boosted the amount of water
on the floor of the stadium. It spreaded and grew creating a flooding
battle field, he was trying to wash Ashlynn out for good.

       When Ashlynn was levitating a few inches above the flooding waters,
I could see John making his next move in his head. I wish I could yell out
to Ashlynn to watch out! But the rain and the ferocious flood was making it
hard to hear any sounds. Plus everyone in the stadium was getting wet from
the excess water John was creating.

       My heart was racing for Ashlynn. John was waist-deep in his on
waters. He then lifted his arms causing the flooding waters to raise into a
tsunami covering the field with high waters that casted a shadow over the
whole stadium. The audience members stopped their cheering to see the high
wave coming out of the swirling liquid.

       Within the blink of an eye, the tsunami curved over Ashlynn's
levitating form and came crashing down into him, washing him under the
flood. Everyone gasped. There was no sight of Ashlynn anywhere. Now that he
was under the water, John could do as he pleases with him.

       People started hollering and rooting again. While Ashlynn had to
deal with whatever John's plans for him were under water. I could see that
John wanted him in the water for some reason. What the reason was exactly,
I didn't know yet.

       It was so crazy. Ashlynn was nowhere after two minutes. There were
no air bubbles surfacing, there was no movement of any kind. It was like
looking into the sea after your friend was pulled down out of a boat.

       Get out of there Ashlynn! If you are alive!

       We all thought it was over, there was nothing we could do, there was
nothing else to do besides give the winning announcement that John
won. Something I wasn't wanting to hear.

       That only created more nervous tension for me. I didn't know how I
was going to fight knowing Ashlynn lost his first fight.

       Suddenly the waters started to smoke, as if the sun was frying the
water at a sizzling temperature. I didn't have a clue if this was a part of
John's water tricks or what. Until, I saw a white light glowing at the
bottom of the bubbling hot water. It was a symbol I had never seen before,
or written, but I knew it had to be Ashlynn.

       The Enchantment he was using somehow was evaporating the flood
waters, sending the water up like vapor. As the water went upward into the
clouds of the sky, Ashlynn became more visible. The water levels went from
high threating, to ankle deep water.

       Ashlynn bleach blond hair was soaked; there were drops of water
still rolling down from him every direction. He was standing near the
symbol he drew, with his finger in the dirt, as the symbol of white hot
light simmered the remaining water off the battle field taking it up and
away.

       With the water gone, John loss his defenses, and Ashlynn drew a
symbol on the ground beside the other one. connecting the two symbols with
a simple line. the two signs glowed a yellowish color, and suddenly the
ground shook.

       It wasn't long after that when the shaking ground was broken down
the middle by reaching hands that had claws on them. The claws were
summoned by the connecting symbols Ashlynn drew. I didn't know what the
name of the monster was, and I didn't know how Ashlynn was able to do an
enchantment at such level.

       The ground shook more violently knocking John off balance for a
minute. The clawed hand continued to rise. The beast or whatever it was,
was trying to come from beneath the earth. It was reaching for light, it
was hungry for flesh, it wanted its freedom once again. I could hear it in
the moans it was giving from below.

       The clawed beast reached without sight or knowledge, and grabbed
John around the waist, picking him up. John shouted, pounding against the
big monsters enclosed fist. He didn't want to die like this.

       The hand dropped John on the grass, I saw Ashlynn draw something
else, whatever it was, it was a quick squiggle, and he stood there watching
John's collapsed body.

       The clawed hand reached over John, and began to rake its nails
through his skin. It was rake after rake, from the giant monster who was
still buried under the ground. I know Ashlynn probably had to keep this
beast mostly underground to control it, because if he freed this beast from
the earth it would probably kill us all.

       John was screaming as the claws dug deep into his skin, over and
over again, making him bleed, and tearing his clothing into shreds. He
tried to escape. He tried to crawl away but the beast's claws keep
scratching him. Preventing his getaway. There was blood hanging thickly in
the air. Even the fans had expressions of awe on their faces at the gross
sight.

       After one final clawing over john's back, he yelped out for help,
and he threw his arms in the air for the match to be over. John had given
up!

       Ashlynn was victorious! He used a brutal method, but we all had to
do anything to win.  Winning is everything. That is what everything in life
is about...Winning!

       More fights came after Ashlynn's bloody brawl. Much more tears from
the audience, more damaged students, more blood was spilled throughout the
field. As the tournaments advanced, the fighting only got worse. The
students were putting everything on the line for this moment.

       There were fights from other kids at Celestial, some I had trouble
remembering, and some of their faces I didn't recognize.

       Talan lost his fight. I couldn't believe it! He fought against
Adrian from the emo group.  Adrian's piercings still gave me the creeps,
but that didn't stop him from pulling out with a win. I didn't see Adrian
as a threat until he did his deep sonic scream. At first it only sounded
like a deep groan from a whale or an elephant to us in the stands, but it
was worse for Talan who was inches in front of him. Being rocked by the
deep vibrations.

       Adrian's scream got so deep chunks of the field broke off and
separated in mid-air. His deep scream made Talan's ears bleed, and soon
Talan submitted in defeat. I was very disappointed that Talan didn't put up
with enough pain to get us a win. I guess it's up to Ashlynn and me. Since
Talan let us down.

       The fights raged on, more students hat to be nursed back to
health. Others were dancing in their victory. I could tell this year was
quite a show for the crowd. After seeing these fights I really hope I don't
let myself down. This is still a lot of pressure. I must win, win at all
cost. Win no matter what. Don't lose like Talan did.

       James name was called out. He was fighting against T.J. who was from
the emo group.  The green streaked dude who could control the
earth. Geokinesis was what it was call if I'm not mistaken.

       James was using great moves with his dark force manipulation. They
both put on a great show for us all.

       It started when T.J.  created earth quakes on the field. James kept
stumbling over the wobbling earth. It seemed he couldn't get a good stance
because T.J. was keeping him off balance. I think T.J. wanted to keep James
from staying in on position too long. T.J. knew if James caught his footing
there would be shadows everywhere.

       It was a smart strategy from someone who could make the earth shake.

       James was tripping over rocks that were popping up out of cracks in
the floor of the shaking grounds. There was no way out of this disaster for
James. That's when I noticed something. Something I didn't think anybody
else had notice throughout the entire fight.

       James's shadow was missing. The whole time he was falling and
stumbling over dry rocks, there was no shadow of his own. During the time
James stood trying to withstand the shaking, his shadow remained gone.

       James had gained his balance somehow. He and T.J. fought tooth and
nail. Shadows, and earth rock was being launched at one another. Finally,
when everyone thought they both would end this fight with a tie. James
shadow had returned.

       He seemed like he was planning this move before the battle had
begun. He suddenly shouted, "Shadow bat swarm." the shadows had leapt from
the ground and turned into big black screeching bats. There were even bats
coming from the shadowy corners of the field, swarming over T.J. in high
pitched screeches.

       These thick winged creatures had no eyes, they were made from the
darkness of James's will. They flapped around T.J. as he swung wildly
trying to fend them away. This served as a distraction, because James threw
his hands forward, all of a sudden James's shadow left from behind him and
ran across the field to T.J. in one movement the shadow of James, snatched
T.J.'s shadow away from him.

       Everybody in the stands stopped the loud commotion when
T.J. collapsed to the ground.  It looked like when James sent the shadow
out to snatch T.J.'s shadow, T.J. lost control over his own body.

       James stood victoriously over T.J. as he stood there, the shadow
bats, and the rest of the dark forces he manipulated flew into his open
mouth, as he consumed them into his body.  Like a black smoke being drained
into his soul.

       It was sickening; it was almost to horrifying to watch! The audience
didn't have anything to say about James winning, or him consuming his own
dark shadow powers. That was a win for the goths.

       I have never seen anything like what I was seeing today. The unique
ways everyone was using their powers. It seemed like fighting was nothing
for them. Especially, Chance.

       I found out from watching him, he was skilled with those flames. He
won his match against Brady who was from the Jock group. It only took three
strategic moves before chance called out "Ring of Fire!"

       There was a flaming circle of hot orange colored rings surrounding
Brady, smoldering him to smithereens. Brady's illusions were not enough,
the illusions wavered in the heat of flames. Flickering out of color and
image, like an old film reel.

       Chance was on fire! I loved the way he fought. I knew we weren't on
teams but that didn't mean I couldn't cheer for him. I know we might have
to fight later on in the tournament. He was my first friend, and we talked
about his problems everyday, so I was happy to see him put his girlfriend
situation aside to bring in a victory for the emos.

       Go Chance! He was definitely on fire, he was hot, he was getting
even hotter... I mean he was really good.

       What has gotten into me lately? My mind has been deviating off focus
to think about things I didn't feel like putting focus on. I think Chance
sleeping in my room was having...

       Never mind.

       Anyway... Aaronn's fighting style was golden. It was like watching
someone who never broke a sweat to fight. He wore dressy clothes out on the
fighting field. He had a tall elegant stance. He kept his stiff elegant
stance through the whole fight.

       How did he do it?

       He has to be a hard opponent. I think he cheats because he can see
visions. So, before anyone can get too close or do any maneuver, he has
already had time to calculate their move.

       We all watched Aaronn confidently close his violet eyes, during his
fight. Everyone thought he was going to fight with his eyes closed. (he
probably could) we all thought he was seeing his opponents next move, and
he was about to counter it, but you never knew with someone who had so much
confidence. It would be hard to predict a psychic guys mind.

       When Aaronn opened his eyes, his opponent had forgotten where he
was, and what he was on the fighting field for. It wasn't long before
Aaronn put the confused mind of his opponent out of his misery. Without
taking a single stride Aaronn yelled, "Concussive Strike!"  and silently,
his opponent grabbed his temple from throbs the pain. It looked like this
concussive strike cause mental damage on contact, because the guy Aaronn
fought eyes were the size of eggs. His opponent fell to his knees, and then
to the ground without moving again.

       Aaronn's white hair blew in a breeze of victory. While he wore only
a smirk to celebrate his victory. There was so many things I didn't like
about Aaronn's powers. It seemed almost like the preps could cheat because
they were psychics. It didn't seem fair to have to fight Aaronn. I hope I
don't have to fight him. I still haven't forgot that night at the party
when he grabbed my arm. I've already forgiven him for what he did that
night, but I didn't know if I was ready to talk to Aaronn.

       He said we were friends that night, he said that we should keep in
touch, but he wasn't making any moves in order to keep in contact with
me. Maybe he didn't know how to approach me after what he did, or he could
have been too drunk to remember. I didn't know where I stood with Aaronn.

       Why would I even be worried?

       I heard my name being called. At first I thought it was someone
around me, but I soon realized my name was being called by the
announcer. It was my turn to fight. I had to earn a win for the sorcerers.

       I teleported in a column of blue sparkles to the field. I didn't
need to waste my energy walking down to the field. I figure I would need
every amount of energy I could preserve.

       The announcer said I would be fighting against Mason who was from
the goth group.  Which was exactly what I hoped against. If Mason was
anything like James, I didn't want to stick around to become apart of his
shadow games.

       Anxiety ate my nerves to the core. I could hear the announcer
calling out the rules, but it only sound like faint noises to my ears. My
mind went completely blank. I didn't know what to think or do. The time had
come and I wasn't ready. The crowd of people in the stands made me dizzy
with their screams. My head was spinning.

       What am I going to do?

       "FIGHT!" the announcer shouted loud, ringing my ears.

       I was suddenly inhaling from my diaphragm, and exhaling. Trying to
calm myself for this fight. I was trying to pull myself together. I had
only seconds to get my training in order before Mason attacked. I had to
make the right move at the right time or I would lose. I had to think one
step ahead, I had to make sure I didn't use all of my energy in the
beginning... I had to have a strategy!

       The match begun. Thoughts of winning and thoughts of training filled
my brain. From those two things I was able to go into a concentration, and
then I was able to move to a higher concentration. The crowd's noises that
were making me dizzy left my ears; everything began to slowly fade from
sight. Everything was blocked from my focus and my peripherals except
Mason.

       His black lipstick reminded me of what group he represented. It also
reminded me of what he could do with shadows. Putting two fingers in front
of my face. I readied my defensive enchantments. I have to be ready to
counter any of his attacks, at any time. I won't be distracted like
T.J. was when James called the "Bat Swarm' down on him.

       Seeing my defensive fingers move, Mason jumped back, putting both
palms flat on the ground.

       The ground began to rumble constantly as he held it there for a
moment.  There were more rumbles, then came crackling crumbles beneath the
ground. Whatever he was doing to the ground made my legs wobble.

       Mason lifted his head scowling with his black lipstick, looking at
me. "Black souls!" he commanded in a strange voice, while he held his hands
over the breaking ground below. "Rise from your rest, and attack!"

       At his words, black shaded, murky figures erupted from the crumbled
soil in the cracked ground. There were at least five, or six... or maybe
even seven. My eyes were too slow to catch on to these fast moving dark
figures. These black souls were racing at high speeds, faster than my eyes
could see.  I felt a horrible presence in the arena with me, something that
told me these things meant business and they all wanted to claim me.

       The shifting black figures seemed to be swaying forms of black
ghost.

       I stepped back hearing these deathly howls coming from these
things. Knowing that they wanted to drag me away, I had an extra sense that
told me these black ghosts wanted my life, so I would be exactly like them.

       Using my defensive fingers I already had up, I projected the mystic
shield around my body. I didn't know what else to do at the moment, but I
thought by using my shield it would buy me time to think of a better idea.

       The purple transparent orb encompassed my whole body
immediately. The electric-like sphere was alive with its energy. It was
ready to protect, but I didn't know how long I could keep the shield up
against these black ghost-like figures.

       The creatures wasted no time. They swam through the air, taking
turns clawing and swatting at my shield. It was scary seeing the black
shapes get close. Their faces contorted and twisted with lifeless
fright. These ghost-like shadows were very angry they couldn't touch me,
but their strikes against my shield grew stronger.

       I was depending on the mystic shield not to shatter on me. With
every claw and swat banging against the protective orb, my sight from the
inside of my shield was wavering. I really couldn't see much from inside of
here because I was sustaining heavy damage. The shield was making the whole
battle field frizz, with a static like appearance I couldn't peer beyond.

       I didn't need to see though. I needed to think.

       If Mason keeps these ghosts hitting this shield, my mystic powers
will reduce and I won't be able to hold the shield long before it
shatters. Then I will lose for sure. I don't know what these creatures
could do, but I must think before my shield gets any weaker.

       At that time more swats landed, Warbling the shield. These things
wanted to claw me to death!

       While focusing part of my sorcery powers to keep the mystic shield
covering me, I squatted to the ground, focusing the other part of my
sorcery on an enchantment I would need. I had to be fast if I wanted this
enchantment to work. Closing my eyes I guided myself with my powers only.

       Using an index finger. I wrote the enchantment: `symbol of light' in
the dirt. Inside the shield the symbol glowed white with blue around the
edges of its design. I finally dropped my shield. Watching the creatures
reacted to my exposure.

       They acted as if they could smell my blood when the shield
dropped. They all instantly swarmed at me at once, with cries of
terror. They all raised their shadow like hands to swat and kill me, but
the symbol I drew blew a beam of hyper white light from its design.

       Before the dark creatures could retreat from the light it was too
late for them. The light had melted their figures, and sizzled their
slithering forms from sight. There was more blazes of blinding light
shooting form the symbol as each shadow was vanquished and turn into a
heavy smoke.

       Thinking in the offensive side of battle, I didn't want to give
Mason a chance to hit me first again. "Enchantment, one!" I let out with a
roar. "Bind!"

       Mason was bounded without hesitation. The enchantment went into
effect at once on him. He was wrapped in heavy metal chains from ankle to
neck. Seeing him trying to struggle and worm his way loose, I went into
another offensive mode.

       I should end this quick. I have to end this now. The chances of me
winning are low if I don't take him out while I can.

       Thinking of an enchantment to put Mason out of the competition i was
ready to let the magic happen.  I wasted no time drawing two ancient
sorcery symbols on the ground. The symbols I drew were different from the
ones Ashlynn drew but it was still powerful enough to kill mason.

       Yes, I had made up my mind to go for the kill. I decided if I didn't
kill this goth first, he would kill me. So, this fight ends now!

       Before, I could finish the final line in the symbol.  I saw
blackness. A blackness that was so dark I could only stop what I was doing
to wonder what was going on. Suddenly, the blackness swallowed Mason,
chains and all. Blue speckles of sparkling dust came from the blackness
covering Mason.

       What is this? He can't possibly-

       When the blackness left from around Mason's body. I realized he
broke free from my binding enchantment. His shadow somehow ate him out of
the metal chains I put on him.

       "You thought those chains could hold me?" Mason said looking at me
like a maniac.  "You see how much fun you can have by playing on the dark
side." Mason bragged, holding out his arm, making his own shadow extend
across the field, reaching out to choke me.

       I swung but the shadow held on to my neck. I couldn't knock the
shadow's grip from around my neck. My swings were futile, because the
shadow couldn't be touched by my hands.  My swinging arms were going
straight through the shadowed arm that was choking the breath out of my
throat.

       I couldn't hit Mason either. He was at a far safe distance out of my
reach.

       "Nice try." Mason growled, "You can't hit shadows." He said
tightening his hold around my neck. I was losing oxygen. My blood was
backed up in my head. I felt like at any moment I would black out or burst!

       "This match is over, witch boy!" Mason continued proudly, "I will
finish this as gruesome as possible." He opened the palm of the hand that
wasn't controlling the shadow arm that choke me. using his free arm he
opened his hand.

       Inside of his palm something sharp erected. It had a sharp needle
like point at its tip.  While still holding me in the choke, Mason sent the
giant black spike that grew in his other palm, soaring forward. The black
sharp tip was shooting for me.

       Mason's aim was to kill me! He was serious about it too!

       I couldn't think because my thoughts were fading as he choked me for
dear life. Trying to keep alive, trying to keep my eyes from shutting, I
tried to get my sorcery abilities to stay with me because the black spike
was swiftly moving over the grass, ready to pierce my body.

       I heard Mason's words repeating in my head "I will finish this as
gruesome as possible."  As my vision started to blacken, the world around
me did something weird, and I knew I was on the edge of fainting.

       I was about to lose my first match, Was my fading thought.

       I tried gathering my powers at the tips of my fingers, but I didn't
know if it was enough to save my life. I didn't know if it was enough for
me to win.

       The spike was sliding to close for my own comfort. The black tip was
on its way before I said, "Bl-l-lack...mir-r-ror, enchantment!" I was able
to choke out in short passing breathes.  Black mirror enchantment may not
work, it required a large amount of mystic sorcery.  Something that may
have been choked out of my blood by Mason.

       At the announcement of my enchantment, nothing happened. And the
spike continued speeding at me. Mason sneered at his dark force at
work. His spike was inches away, about to claim him the victory.

       When the spike got too close I flinched, squeezing my eyes
together. I didn't want to see my own ending. I didn't want to feel what
the shadows may have in store for me. I would rather my death be quick. I
would rather die than to walk around in the shame of losing.

       "Activate!" I cried.

       The words broke clear through Mason's shadow choke hold. Suddenly
the black spike stopped centimeters in front of my face. Not advancing any
further, it was like the shadow had stopped in its tracks for some
reason. The sudden stop in the spikes motion was unexplainable, but at the
same time I was relieved to be alive.

       Then something rippled in the airwaves were the spike
touched. Before my eyes I saw a wave like ripple between my face and the
sharp tipped spike. It was almost like an invisible shield was in front of
me.

       When Mason's spike stopped, the crowd was wondering what happened. I
could hear their chants, become wondering questions. They were probably
thinking someone froze the fight or something.

       All of a sudden everyone's thoughts and questions were answered. It
was a simple revelation that took place. Where the invisible ripples waved
through the air before my face, a complicated, intricate, designed, black
mirror took shape.

       The fight didn't freeze, it was the mirror's invisibility that
prevent everyone from seeing it stop Mason's spike. Which worked in my
favor, because neither did Mason see it.

        It blocked the incoming spike attack using its surface. It seemed
to me, the mirror was invisible until the spike penetrated its dark surface
of glass.

       The mirror worked! By the Mirror working, and its glass being
penetrated, I knew Mason made his greatest mistake ever.

       The black Mirror began to drink in, the tip of the spike, and then
it started to suck with a vicious hunger at the rest of the shadow. I
noticed, the grip of the shadowed hand lessen, as Mason's spike became the
mirrior's dinner.

        Mason was tied to his spike Shadow, and I realized as the spike was
being sucking behind the mirrors glass, Mason was being pulled with it
against his will. The mirror was drawing him, in too.

       The hand released my neck. I grasped my neck waiting for oxygen to
flow in, I could feel long finger prints around my throat. I coughed a few
times, and heaved for more air.

       The mirror continued to suck the spike connected to Mason's palm
along with him. He tried resisting, he tried to unhook the spike form his
palm so he could get away. He sat with all his weight on the ground being
dragged across the field and into the heart of the glass, leaving a dirt
trial behind him. Everything he did was of no use, the Black mirror
enchantment would not stop drinking him in to its lair, it had a mind of
its own.

       The crowd watched mason fight for his life, but the black glass
inside the black designed mirror wasn't showing any mercy. He was only
seeing a different reflection of what he was trying to do to me.

       When the Mirror finally pulled him completely inside, Mason tried to
scream but couldn't be heard. I saw him behind the mirror's glass
surface. Banging on the inside trying to break free.  His screams continued
but couldn't be heard, and the banging was useless.

       This was all apart of the mirrors design; it was made to trap you in
so many different ways.

       "Julius Rainy wins!" the announcer yelled from a loud speaking
device, breaking me from my fighter's concentration. The crowd hollered
with zestful shouts. They were amazed at my victory. As everything sunk in,
piece by piece, my heart began to fill with joy. My emotions overwhelmed
me, and had their way with me at once.

       I was one step closer to become the best fighter, one step closer to
being recognized as the best sorcerer their ever was...

       Wow, if only my dad could see me now.

*************************************************************************

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