The training and the book knowledge had gotten her through the first two duels. After the second was done within a minute or two, Dyani approached the teachers to request to be raised to a higher level. It took a bit of determination, but she was able to be brought up into the eleventh-level. Kavan had plowed through his opponents in a matter of seconds. There was nothing for him, especially since he professionally dueled. It was a bit of an advantage but he was not barred from participating.

  Breaking for lunch was that much better than normal, as she was famished. The group had bounced back and forth between each other's duels, even if Dyani and Kavan were the only ones to partake. The food was light and easy on her stomach and Dyani was thankful for that. It was not so much the need for the light food because of moving, but because of her nerves. This next duel would be the one that determined if she would be able to continue forward in the eleventh-level or if she would move up to the twelth-level. In all honesty, Dyani felt that she should keep with the level she is in now, but a part of her wanted to desperately prove that she could do it.

  When the bell for the end of the meal rang, Dyani tensed. There were only a dozen or so duels that were taking place. She was in the first batch while Kavan's round would be directly after. Students filtered from the dining hall while it was converted back into the stages that were meant for the competition to use. Magic still amazed her at times and seeing the room shift and change from one to another was downright awe-inspiring.

  Mari rubbed Dyani's shoulders while they waited for the bell that signaled for the next match to begin. Across from her, there was a young girl that looked small compared to her previous opponents.

  "You should be careful. You're now getting into the talented portion. Most of those that were easier or weaker have been eliminated. Now are the duels that are the real competition."

  Dyani sighed and steeled her nerves. Closing her eyes, she reached down to Mother Earth to flood her with the calm energy. There was a fleeting brush of magic on hers that she recognized as the Goddess. It was not much but it was enough to bolster her. She could do this. She would move on to the next round.

  Standing with a fire in her spirit, Dyani walked over to the platform where she met on top with the small girl. They bowed to each other with the traditional greeting. Dyani had a spell already on her mind when it began. The other girl had struck swift and without hesitation, throwing a curse that would shatter Dyani's legs on impact. Jumping backwards to avoid it, Dyani cursed and doubled down on her efforts. Cursing was acceptable so long as it was not with the intent to kill or maim. That latter part was usually the line that got flirted with the most and Dyani would have to watch herself.

  A spell flew beside her cheek, slicing her clean across the face. Spiderwebs cracks appeared on the glowing bands on her forearms. Magic wanted to protect her. It answered when she was in danger, even if it was intentional on her part. Dyani dodged another bone curse, only to cry out at it and clipped her left arm. Her upper arm cracked and she clutched it to her side. Gritting her teeth, Dyani closed her eyes for a moment to take a deep breath. Magic sprung up around her as a silvery shield covered her from a barrage of spells. One slipped through that transfigured her shoes into roller skates. Dyani slammed back into the platform before levitating herself upright. There was a flash of surprise at the girl knowing about these and using them in a duel. It was smart and she would have to remember that, considering that most magicals would not know of them.

  A wave of her hand dismissed the shoes and she mourned the loss of the boots. Bare feet touched down on the cold stone and Dyani felt her magic pushing at the suppressors. More cracks appeared without her notice but she could feel the sense of rage that came from being unable to aid her.

  Connecting down to Mother Earth mid-duel was dangerous, but she had to bleed away some of the excess. It cost her precious time as the shield flickered. Her opponent took advantage of the lack of concentration to land a searing burn on her side. That particular spell was meant for cooking food or even cauterizing wounds. Dyani only knew of it in passing. This had gone on long enough and this girl was just playing with her. Dyani stood up and let her broken arm hang. It would be fodder if she could not move away or shield in time.

  Dyani snarled and threw out her hand to cast one of the more White Magic spells. There was a mutter in the crowd as the girl bent over with a scream, her insides twisting to cause vomiting. Dyani lunged back as the girl tried to retaliate but her throwing up caused the spell to falter. Taking advantage of the situation, Dyani slung out her hand much like she would if she had tossed a boomerang. Her magic welled up and followed the motion, creating a rope-like spell. It wrapped around the girl's legs and Dyani yanked. The small girl's head cracked on the platform and her body went limp. There was a moment where Dyani stood there breathing heavy before the wards dropped and she could hear the clapping. The adrenaline was starting to ebb away and the pain in her arm was becoming more of an issue.

  Healers hopped up onto the platform to lift the unconscious girl while a couple crowded around her. They were fretting and discussing the best treatment. Dyani wanted to growl at them and rip into their slow decision with anger. They needed to either heal her or take away the pain, not discuss it. None of them could agree on the proper way to deal with her arm and the burn, so she stalked away to the healer that did give two shits. The moment the woman caught sight of her, she waved her over and took a good look.

  "My, yours was quite violent I see."

  Dyani shrugged without thinking and immediately regretted it. She bit her lip as her left arm throbbed in agony. Even if it was only a whimper, Dyani had tears running down her face. Kavan had joined her with Mari, the others hanging back.

  "You did really well. I see the books that I gave you have come in handy."

  "Thanks," Dyani whispered. "I just hope that this will be fixed and I'll be able to rest before the next set."

  "You will. That was a bit more brutal, even though she started it, and the judges will take that into account. Yours will be later on to give you time to heal."

  Dyani slumped back into the makeshift bed and closed her eyes while the healer went to work mending the bone fracture. It had been clean and was easy enough for the woman to handle. That allowed Dyani to relax as another, younger, healer shoved a glass into her hand.

  "Another potion, I see." Dyani grouched.

  "Well, do you want to feel this being mended? I'd be happy to have you without the potion."

  Dyani never chucked back something so fast. Jorge and Caleb burst into laughter while Dyani felt her eyes droop. Hopefully she would not be needed any time soon. The magic used during the day was heavier than she had even with the practice duels. If it was needed, Dyani could pull from the leylines but that was a last resort as her own magic would roll out like a thunderous cloud. There would be barely any control if that happened.

  When she woke, everything had shifted and she was in the healing ward. Eyelashes fluttered against her cheek and she opened her eyes to find that it was darker. The curtain was pulled aside and the main healer smiled at her.

  "And how are we feeling?"

  Dyani tried to sit up but groaned, "Oh. Everything hurts."

  "I am not surprised that it does," a familiar yet gentle voice broke through the silence.

  Dyani smiled and tried to sit up at the sight of Delainey in a chair next to her bed. The healer clucked while helping her up, setting pillows behind so that she remained upright.

  "You really went and tried this competition." It was more of a statement than a question. Yet, it still made Dyani feel embarrassed. "I was hoping that you would not partake in it until you got a bit better in the understanding of how your magic works."

  "I wanted to prove myself." Dyani defended, feeling the anger slide up. "I had to prove that I could do it."

  The beautiful woman across from her sighed and uncrossed her legs to place a hand on hers. "I wish that you didn't feel like that Dyani. Your magic is fickle and something that we haven't seen before. It's not the same as most people's magic."

  Dyani scowled at the reminder and pulled away her hand. That stung more than she expected, thinking that the woman would have supported her decision.

  "I'm not upset at you Dyani. I can understand the need to prove yourself. Trust me, that's the first thing I can understand. I just don't like that you've put yourself in danger again." There it was, the concern. It sliced at her but Dyani tried to ignore it. Delainey was right but Dyani's pride was a bitch too. It was not as easy to let go.

  "You don't get it though. I have to show them that I am capable. That I belong here."

  Dyani knew the moment that she said that, it would be something that she regretted. The look in Delainey's eyes was hard as the woman stood up. Her bag was slung over a shoulder, and Dyani felt the cold radiate from her. Stepping to the curtain, Delainey stepped around.

  "I know a bit more than you think, Dyani. You should consider your words and really think about those around you who care only for your safety. You are stuck in a dangerous position, and yet you're reckless just because you have an ego problem."

  The curtain snapped shut and the click of heels on the marble floor was something that would haunt Dyani for the rest of the day. It was a few hours later that Britt had found her curled up. When questioned, Dyani refused to answer and felt the tears well up. Delainey was right. This wasn't about proving herself capable. It was to show off and to stroke her own ego. Those words had hurt to the core and the truth of them only lingered. After some cajoling, Britt weaseled out the situation to her. The handsome man, who Dyani felt such a closeness with, shook his head.

  "She is not wrong, Dyani. You do not have to rush yourself to prove that you belong. You already have been accepted into the world with open arms. Where is this coming from?"

  Dyani turned her face away, so that he could not see the flash of hurt. She knew that her own head was wrong. That her pride was the reason that she felt such pain. Logically, being the best was not where she needed to be. Her studies were the more important thing and it had been reckless of her to join the competition. Just for one moment, Dyani wanted someone that would take her side. Britt placed a hand on her arm, sliding it up so that it rested on her shoulder close to her neck.

  "Dyani," his voice dropped. "I am not saying that you should have not been in the competition. That is your choice and I respect that. I just worry and I know that Delainey does as well. We fear that your magic is changing and don't know how to work with it."

  Tears welled up without her permission and a soft brush of a thumb oh her cheek startled her. Britt wiped away the offenders while the emotions bled out. The hurt and the pain at their words. The anger at herself for feeling that when they were right. A wish that she had not done the competition among other things.

  "Stop thinking so hard. You're projecting your thoughts." Britt's low voice yanked her from her mind. She blushed when she registered what it was that he was talking about. Britt was quick to reassure her, "Don't. You just don't know how to protect your mind. I'll see if I can help you after this is done. I should have started you off with this. Actually, I should have done a lot more than I have. I apologize."

  "Why are you apologizing, Britt? You have nothing to apologize for?"

  Britt sat on the edge of her bed, just in front of her crossed legs. His hands were on his lap but Dyani was hyper aware of his eyes remaining on her.

  "I have not done good by you and I know this."

  "That's not true!" Dyani snapped. The anger was trying to well back up, this time it was in indignation. "You have done more than anyone has. Britt.. You've been so kind to me and doing all that you have been able to."

  Britt scoffed, his magic curling around him in a dark cloud. It was something that frightened her because she was used to his magic feeling secure and peaceful.

  "You have large gaps in your knowledge and things that I have skipped over intentionally so that you learned other things. You education is lacking heavily and I am to blame for it. I am so sorry, Dyani."

  Without thinking, she slapped him. The sound echoed in the small space and his green eyes stared at her in shock and pain. Dyani felt her own emotions match his.

  "You're a fucking idiot. How dare you think that you haven't done enough. How dare you suggest that you have failed me. I'll be the judge of that."

  "You slapped me," Britt stated. His eyes turned dark but this was not an emotion she had seen before. It wasn't anger but it was intense enough that she shivered.

  "And you were being an idiot. Have you come back to your senses or are you still missing some marbles?"

  Britt chuffed out a laugh and Dyani sighed when the magic eased around them. The tension had dissipated but there was a lingering sensation that heated her skin. Britt waved it off and turned his attention to the Healer that stepped into the room.

  "You are ready to be released, Miss Dyani. I suggest you take it easy even though I question if that is an option for you."

  "Ha! She's got you pinned down," Britt snarked. Dyani flipped him the bird before turning to the amused healer.

  "Thank you for taking care of me. I'll rest for the rest of the evening. I don't believe that I have another duel until tomorrow afternoon?" She aimed the last question to Britt who nodded. The healer seemed appeased but gave her the stink eye while handing her a few potions to help with the lingering pain in her arm.

  "I better not see you before those duels, missy!"

  Dyani waved a hand over her shoulder and smiled when Britt held the doors open for her. He carried some of her things that had been brought to her. The walk back to the dorm was a quiet one. She had missed dinner and felt a bit of ache as hunger rolled her over. Britt was trying to hold back his laughter and Dyani glared at him.

  "Let me get you some food? I can order something from the kitchens or I can hop out to get take out."

  Dyani moaned at the thought, "Oh I'd kill to have some pizza."

  "Why am I not surprised that you'd want that?" Dyani cocked her hip and tried her best and put her hand there. It was just a stare but it was one that had Britt holding his hands up un surrender. "Fine! I'll go get your pizza. Go back to the dorm and I'll deliver it."

  Before she could give a parting shot, Britt disappeared. Dyani's head whipped around to look if any students were around or anyone but them for that matter, but it was empty. Digging her PMA out of her pocket, Dyani cringed at the time. It was well past dinner but not too late at least. Well, it was before midnight so there was a chance that the others were still awake. In truth, Dyani wondered if the pizza place was open. Shaking that thought, Dyani made her way to the dorm where she could get some of her homework finished. Maybe there would be time to dig into the new book that Kieran had dropped into her library.

  That kid was finding the most interesting books but she was not surprised. Between being a nerd and an engineer, Kieran could weasel himself into many place that she had not thought to go before. It benefitted her at least. There was a few new books delivered to her PMA to download into her library. There was a brief thought about how it would have been nice to have a tablet of some kinda that could project the book up like a physical book. Now there was a thought, Dyani grinned. That was something she would have to drop to Kieran. See if he could work something out. Making money was a good start and this world was ripe for new technomagic ideas.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  With a sigh, Dyani dropped onto her bed and groaned as the ache in her shoulder flared. Mari and Noemi were with the others in the library, having caught the senioritis in some form. All of their homework had piled up in the excitement of the Qualifiers. Despite being a part of it, Dyani still worked into the night to make sure she stayed ahead.

  Ping!

  Dyani was surprised to hear that her phone had gone off. Other than Britt and some of the others, she rarely got messages this late. Grunting as she rolled onto her stomach, Dyani stretched for her PMA. It was a struggle to grab the darn thing but she cried out in triumph when it was in her fingers, holding it up like a trophy. Her eyebrows rose at the name.

  Delainey: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that to you.

  Dyani: But you were right. I have been egotistically stupid. I put so many, including myself, at risk when I decided to stroke my ego.

  Delainey: I didn't have to say it like that though. It was harsh.

  Dyani: I know and I needed the truth slapped to me. Even if it's the kind of slap that isn't the fun kind.

  Delainey: Oh really, now? Interesting.

  Dyani: I swear these potions loosen my tongue. Sorry if that was over a line.

  Delainey: Oh Goddess, no. You're fine. It made me laugh!

  Dyani: Oh, well at least I got that.

  Delainey: Would you be upset if I visited tomorrow to watch the duels? Particularly yours?

  Dyani felt a thrill soar through her body. A genuine smile lit her face and Dyani danced on the bed before furiously typing a response.

  Dyani: I would love it if you came.

  Delainey: Oh, I won't just be coming darling. I'll be watching the whole time.

  A sharp intake of breath and Dyani felt her stomach warm. There was another ping right after that and Dyani's heart leapt into her throat.

  Delainey: I'm sorry, Dyani. That was really inappropriate of me.

  Dyani: No! It just, startled me.

  Delainey: You sure?

  Dyani: Of course.

  Delainey: Well, you take care of yourself tonight. Don't get into too much trouble. Maybe relieve some of that tension you've been building up.

  There it was again. Such a simple suggestion and yet it made Dyani want to groan. With her arm being out of the count and orders to take it easy, she would just have to suffer without any relief for the night. Maybe one day when she wasn't so busy, she would get to really treat herself. As it was, her studies had taken up all the desire in her body, leaving just enough for sleep and food.

  There was a knock on the door and Dyani sent a quick message without thinking.

  Dyani: Goodnight to you too, gorgeous.

  The PMA was cast aside onto her pillow as she rushed for the door. Opening it, Dyani grinned at the heavenly smell that wafted into the room.

  "Oh praise the Goddess, Britt. You are the best man in the world. You really know how to please a lady."

  If it wasn't such big deal to get the pizza, Dyani knew that she would not have said something like that so bluntly. At least, she hadn't done so in quite some time. Maybe the interactions with Delainey and Britt lately had woken up her slumbering side. One that got shoved into a corner when studies called. The look on Britt's face was hilarious as she snatched the box from him, chortling the whole way back to her previous spot. The door was left open and Dyani lumbered over to her bed. Setting the box on the bed was akin to someone placing a priceless artifact on display. Dyani opened it with a moan at the sight within.

  "Oh dear Goddess, this is the sexiest thing I have seen in so long."

  Maybe the potions were getting to her, but she wouldn't stop now. Not with the dark expression that crossed Britt's face. She went from doing it because it was funny to teasing him with very specific sounds and expressions. This was what she lived for and had forgotten how nice it was to openly be a flirt that she was. Dyani rubbed her hands and lifted a cheesy piece, tilting her head back to get all the cheese in a bite. It was stringy and she knew that using her tongue to pull it up from where it drooped was just the worst sort of tease. A noise from the doorway had her looking over. Britt leaned against the doorframe while Mari and Noemi were slightly behind him. They were giggling while that dark glint in Britt's eyes sent a thrill through her. Mission success.

  Waking the next morning was something awful. Dyani could feel the stiffness in her entire body. There was a shuffle and she peeked open and eye to see that Delainey was leaning over. A hand slapped over her mouth before she huffed out a breath.

  "Goddess above, Delainey. What the hell?"

  Her tinkling laugh had Dyani flushing.

  "I wanted to surprise you and your roommates let me in when I explained who I was."

  "You're lucky that I told them about you," Dyani pointed out. She sat up, only to hear a sharp intake of breath. That was when she remembered that she had slept in her bralette that night to ease the pressure on her shoulder that a shirt would have caused. Same with the pants. The duvet and sheets had slipped down, revealing her entire chest to the room. Delainey's eyes were focused on two very prominent things. There was a moment where their eyes connected and Delainey flushed bright. Her hair whipped around faster than what she turned away. There was a piece of Dyani that just melted at the reaction and another part of her reveled in the embarassment.

  "Uh, I will -- uh, let you get dressed. Right. Dressed."

  The door slammed shut and Dyani had to throw up a ward that prevented anyone from hearing her laughter. Dyani took her time though, the aches and bruises making it slightly harder to get through the everyday motions.

  When she stepped from the room, Delainey was working on the small notebook that she carried. The dark haired woman looked up at the sound. A light dusting of red lingered on her cheeks, which was endearing to Dyani. Breakfast was being served when they reached the dining hall, though it appeared it had been going on for some time. Dyani slid into her normal seat while Delainey sat next to her, the older woman greeting Mari and Noemi. The boys were gaping a little and Dyani shot them glares, causing them to straighten themselves up. Delainey seemed to have not noticed as she was deep in a conversation with Mari.

  "Congratulations on your win yesterday. I never got the chance to tell you."

  Dyani grinned and then sighed as everything crashed onto her, including understanding that she had done this out of selfishness. Her face dropped and it caused worry between the group.

  "Thanks," she muttered.

  Conversation between the group members halted. Dyani ate in silence, stuck in the thoughts that swamped her mind. A soft hand cupped her chin and turned her gaze own to the warm whiskey eyes of Delainey.

  "Hey, none of that. You already understood the circumstance and the risk. That does not mean that you should not be happy about your win."

  Dyani shrugged and wanted to look away but the grip on her shin prevented that. Instead, she looked down.

  "Come now, you don't want to be down just before you have to duel. This is the big one. You'll have to weasel your way through this to get to the big rounds in the spring."

  "I don't think I should," Dyani admitted. "You were right. I need to focus on other things."

  Dyani went to stand and was summarily dragged down onto the bench. This time, it was from a different source. Britt placed his hands on her shoulder and leaned over. Dyani squawked as he plucked some of her bacon off of her plate. In that moment, all of those thoughts flew out the window.

  "Oh I see you left me some bacon."

  "That's my bacon, you ass."

  Dyani tried snatching it away but failed as he shoved the few pieces into his mouth. He dodged out of the way of a well placed elbow and sat down with the group. Like the first breakfast they had together in the dining hall, both shared their plates. Delainey watched with sadness but that shifted when Dyani turned to her with a piece of toast and jelly. Offering it out, Dyani continued in her wild conversation with Kavan while Britt tried to force feed her mushrooms. It was an amusing picture as Britt and Dyani tried feeding each other and then doing the same to Delainey. The woman looked a bit out of place but just went with it after the second or third attempt.

  It was an interesting sight to the group that was used to Britt and Dyani. Throwing in another woman to the mix was something that they had not expected. Especially since Dyani and Britt both gave their attention to the newest addition. In turn Delainey would work in tandem with them. The bell rang and Dyani froze up. Both Delainey and Britt reached out, placing a hand on her arm or her shoulder.

  "You'll be fine. Just take it easy. Those suppressors are a bit strained."

  "What she said. You are in this now and have been doing great. I know we all will be watching this and cheering you on. Deep breaths."

  The group stood up and gathered their things, stepping back to watch the table disappear. All of the students and visitors moved to the front to watch as the entire hall began to transform. Platforms were springing up and wards being activated. Chairs and other forms of seating were erected around each of the platforms. At the center of the hall was a long table where the judges would sit. Unlike the past day, this was more elaborate with the setup.

  Large screens were levitated into the room and set down on top, activated with a single touch. Small balls detached from another station to hover over each platform. Dyani watched as each platform had a number and those numbers appeared on a single screen in front of the judging area. It was like small drones that recorded and relayed those platforms back onto the screens. It was smart. Dyani loved that this was how they would observe rather than being at a single focus near the platform. This would provide a larger range of image and point of view.

  People moved to the board to see which of the matches were happening where. These were some of the last duels until the official tournament at the end of the year. Dyani rolled her shoulders and closed her eyes. Touching the leylines was always an odd experience but it was one that invigorated her. Aches and pain were soothed and Dyani felt she took in a fresh breath of air. Iciness flowed through her and the magic within simmered down from it's boiling. Excitement over the duel always brought her magic to the surface and this was a way that could calm it until she got heavy in the duel.

  They moved their way to the board where Dyani saw that she was against an opponent that was in a twelth-level. A breath of relief released that she had not known was being held. Kavan was not her opponent. It was a male that had been in her Ethics class but not one that she knew personally. Dyani winced, knowing that it was partially her fault for not moving outside of her friend group, and therefore leaving her without knowledge of her opponent. Kavan sidled up next to her and took a look as well.

  "He's heavy on the offensive side. You'll need to be careful because he's known to be fast and brutal in strength. Stamina will be your friend with this."

  Dyani looked at him with relief, that was exactly what she needed to hear, "I could not have asked for a better friend than you."

  Kavan snorted and slapped her on the back before heading off towards platform four, the one where his duel would take place. All of their duels would be at the same time and then another round would be within a few hours. All of them were to be for the final rounds, all being the same level. Dyani was happy that she would be dealing with only the one duel as she was not sure if there would be enough in her to withstand doing more than one.

  Fingers threaded through the hair at the back of her neck. Delainey guided Dyani away from the board and over to platform nine. It was not the luckiest number but she hoped that it would aid her this time. The nerves of the duel were starting to set in. Hand shook without her permission and Dyani scowled at the traitors. Delainey chuckled and rubbed the back of her neck.

  "You'll do just fine. I believe in you."

  Mari stepped up beside her and slung her arm around Dyani's waist, "She's right. You can do this. I wasn't sure that you'd make it this far but now that I've seen how hard you've worked for this and to catch up, I know that you'll make it."

  "Thanks... I think," Dyani eyed the darker girl. "I'll take that as a compliment."

  "You do that."

  It went silent as they watched the crowd fill in. A bell rang and that was the signal for a countdown to when the duels would begin. Dyani rolled her shoulders and began to stretch. With her aching body, she would need to limber up. There were some odd looks but she ignored them in favor of focusing on her task at hand. Although, it was amusing to see that both Britt and Delainey's eyes were heavily focused on her backside each time she bent forward. Mari hid a grin while Jorge just teased the two about their wandering eyes. Both had gone bright red and made a point to not look at Dyani.

  A second bell tolled and Dyani straightened. Shoulders were thrown back and chin raised slightly. Delainey gave her a light kiss on the cheek and Britt placed a hand on her shoulder. Mari squashed her in an enthusiastic hug while Jorge slapped her back. It felt nice knowing she had such supportive people around her. The others were with Kavan and she sent out a mental well wish for him to succeed in his own duel.

  The platform was made of stone this time. It wasn't the hard stone where it was smooth but it was a cobbled like appearance. Uneven was an interesting mix since all the other platforms had been smooth. A new aspect that she would have to account for in her movements. There was a moment where she wondered if the professional circuits had full areas or environments. Shaking that thought, Dyani eyed the boy that climbed up the opposite side. This would be hard.

  He carried himself with a confidence that Dyani lacked. She knew that it was from lack of experience in dueling. This was a boy that knew exactly how to wield his gift. There was a referee that stepped between them, signaling the formality. Dyani reached out her arm parallel to her chest, leaving a slight gap. Her hip twisted back with her left foot sliding back at an angle. It was a more traditional style that Kavan had taught her but she felt it wasn't until the more advanced duel that she would use it. The boy, who she learned was named Luca, raised his eyebrows in his surprise before adopting the same stance. The referee nodded to each of them and stepped off the platform, signaling the start of the battle.

  Dyani was on the defensive right off the bat. Her magic surged and she wielded her typical golden shield. Spell after spell splashed against it and Dyani tried to move out of the way as best as she could with those that snuck through. Her shield dropped when he cocked his arm back and threw a ball of fire like a baseball. Dyani coated her hand with a shield and caught the ball, slinging it back at him. He cursed and threw himself to the side. Dyani took the opportunity to go on the offensive while he recovered. The mental image of a large blade, invisible to all but her, formed when she slashed her arm through the air. It shimmered as it moved with her, glinting at the last moment. A loud ringing echoed through their area when the invisible blade slammed into his quickly erected shield.

  Dyani cursed and rolled backwards to avoid the backlash. A spell came close to clipping her head, only taking a few hairs instead. It slammed into the platform, gouging out a chunk in the cobblestone. Dyani scrambled away and to her feet when another purple spell was flung at her. This one she recognized and side stepped the bone shattering curse. Eyes narrowed and Dyani sent a sensory curse at him, one that would blind him. It was batted away with another spell, causing a ricochet effect. Both of them dropped down to the ground to avoid the bouncing spells. Dyani waved her arm and dissolved her spell and attempted to redirect the other. He took advantage of that distraction and threw a hex at her that would cause temporary paralysis. That was one that she had to avoid at all costs.

  The first one that was knocked unconscious, paralyzed, or seriously injured was an automatic disqualified. The duel would end and the person who was left standing would be the victor. Dyani would have to outlast him with stamina and creativity. That was the best chance she had to win. If there was a way to get him down for the count, she could move on. This would be difficult.

  Dyani braced herself with a shield while he plummeted her with spells. Reaching down into the leyline, Dyani pulled at some of the magic so that she could replenish. Although she was not sure if this was a legal move but she could care less at the moment. Only those who could see magic would be able to know if she did so. A spell hurtled into her shield, causing it to rock the platform. Dyani cried out as the barrier shattered and rained down shards of magic onto her. Tiny scratches appeared over her skin that was visible. Dyani winced as the blood welled up from them.

  This was the first time she had truly gotten hit with something that spilled blood. It was something that she avoided as much as possible, considering that her blood was not natural looking. Instead of the red that was expected, it was a darker silver color. With the appearance of her blood, Luca paused and stared at her in shock. Dyani took advantage and sent a slicing hex at him. It was light but it went right across his face, drawing his own blood. It was only fair.

  He went on the offensive again and Dyani felt the battering of spells that weighted down. He had used a gravity shifting spell that would make it feel as if she were weighted down. Her movements were sluggish and Dyani cried out in pain when a hysteria curse slammed into her. Anxiety and panic flooded her mind and body. Breathing increased and Dyani felt her throat close in panic. This was the opening he needed and Dyani watched as a large blast of fire whipped over the platform. There was a moment where things stood still and the imminent danger froze her heart.

  A brief flicker of a thought glimmered through her mind and that was all her magic needed before it welled up. An image of Britt formed behind her eyes before it faded. A grinding sound echoed through the small platform, silenced from the outside to prevent distractions. The heat of the blast never reached her and Dyani opened her eyes to find that there was a large stone wall in front of her. Crawling backwards on her hands, Dyani could see that the wall was in fact a large chest that was attached to a much larger stone guardian. One look and she knew that it took on an eerily similar appearance to Britt's natural form.

  Her breath came in sharp gasps as the hysteria curse continued to affect her body. The sight of Britt, though stone, was enough for her mind to clear just a bit. Without thinking, Dyani reached out for the flame. The back of the guardian was bright red from where the heat was turning it to lava. Drops of melted stone plopped down to the platform. Dyani used the heat to turn it into a whip of liquid flame. She snapped it int he direction of her opponent, giving him a taste of the fear that held her captive. It cracked above his head and she snapped her wrist down so that it sent sparks against the cobblestone.

  Luca threw out his hand, sending a curse not at her but at the stone guardian that had stepped in front of her. The curse hit true as the cracks formed from the heat spread through the stone, shattering it upon impact. Dyani watched, whip of flame in hand, as the guardian with the appearance of her dearest friend crumbled before her eyes. A primal scream ripped from her throat and breath escaped her. Tears welled up and even Luca had paused hearing her scream.

  There was no stopping the magic that flowed from her. The whip shattered in a wave of flame as the magic poured from her and overpowered the spell. Her clothing caught fire, along with Luca's, as it was burning hotter than any protection that could stop it. Dyani could have cared less, staring at the spot in distress as if she had felt the death of Britt deep within. Her suppressors glowed with the surge of magic that built within her body. The previous cracks glowed as bright as the flame that had gone out of control. Dyani raised her hand and threw out her magic in a wave, blasting it towards Luca. The boy managed to just get out the flames, leaving behind nasty burns, only to hastily throw up a shield.

  Dyani screamed and threw out her hand again, a blast of magic slamming into the shield. It rang loud and vibrated the platform. The cracks in her suppressors feathered and grew until it finally shattered the precious metal. Shard dug into her arms and blood dripped to the cobblestone. Dyani paid it no mind as she whipped her arm around and wielded the excess like a whip made of pure magic. It slashed through her opponents shield like butter and sliced through his body. There were large gashes that bloomed across his chest and arms, flaying him. There was no stopping the magic as it slammed him back into the shielding.

  Dyani collapsed to her knees, tears dripping alongside her own blood as her vision blurred. Magic boiled around them and she watched as the wards crashed down, healers rushing through the screams of the crowd. The boy was breathing, though it was shallow and the healers made their way to him first. Dyani swayed as her magic simmered down into an appeased state. Dyani let out a sob as she collapsed into strong arms. Blackness wormed it's way over her vision and she felt exhaustion slam into her. Bright green eyes stared down at her. Britt called her name but it sounded so distant. Dyani reached up weakly to touch his face. Blood smeared over his cheek as she passed out from magical exhaustion.

  His voice was the last thing that she heard before silence roared in her ears. Pain lanced through her body and Dyani breathed out.

  "Winner is Dyani."