the Rarity

Chapter 8

I stand on the platform in the center of the room, all of the other trainees surrounding me and Hazel as we listen to Mr. Andrews's instructions.

"Here's how this is going to go. Start the magic off small. Controlled and simple. Just to warm yourself and your opponent up. From there you may progress to stronger forms. But keep in mind, that this exercise is not to injure your opponent. It is simply to test your strengths and work on your reaction to others' magic." He finishes in a stern tone. "Alright. Trainees, please make your way to the opposite ends of the platform." He states and we both turn and walk away from each other. On the count of three, you may begin your dueling." Hazel glares daggers at me like she's trying to drill a hole in the center of my head.

"One." I take a deep breath in. Control. "Two." Deep breath out. Focus. "Three." Deep breath in.

Not a moment passes before a flash of red, hot fire comes hurtling towards my head. I quickly hold up my hands to block the fire, water appearing in a field before me searing the flames. Hazel's immediate blazing frustrations feed into my own boiling anger. She twists her wrists, two balls of fire growing in her hands. I bring myself to do the same, balls of water form in my hands, preparing to use them as needed.

No time passes before Hazel throws several orbs of fire my way, flying towards my face but I instead use my water to contact and smother the flames before they can reach me. I then decide to strike first, sending spheres of water to her, Hazel blocking each one. I again decide to attack, water closing in on her in one single large orb, making impact before she could counter the magic, sending her legs to sweep out from under her with a roll onto the ground.

"I said simple magic only," Tristan says beside us with frustration as Hazel stands up again. I wouldn't be too worried about fighting her again with her bubbling anger except her eyes are now glowing. Glowing bright red like there are two tiny flames sparking in her eyes burning red and hot with anger.

"You little bitch." She snarls through her teeth. She forms a large sphere of blazing fire between the palms of her hands and then forms a vortex around herself with flames. She then pushes her out in front of her, sending the fire closing in on me. I don't have time to think before I raise my hands again to block the blast of fire hurling toward me. The strong force of the fire against my water field nearly causes me to lose my balance. Her stream of fire towards me does not end, continues with such power and strength I struggle to stand.

I have to throw her off, I think. Control. Control the best you can and you'll be fine. Just focus on the water. I try reassuring myself but it's not the most convincing thing I've ever told myself. I can do this. I push through my hands with all my might against the force of her magic, countering with my own. My arms start to shake, pushing with all my force to stand straight and disperse the magic without harming anyone.

The pounding of my heart grows louder in my ears. I feel a scream growing in my throat as the pressure against my hands grows heavier and harder to bear. Mustering up my last bit of strength I focus it all into my arms and hands, directing it to oppose the fire against my field. It's now or never. You can't hold this for much longer Raven. I think to myself preparing myself. The built-up scream in my throat comes out in a yell as a spread my arms wide, what was left of the opposing magical forces spread throughout the rooms in a layer of mist slowly falling to the ground.

Silence. The only sound in the room if the heavy breathing coming from Hazel and I as all eyes in the room stare at me. I can't tell if its out of amazement or fear but I'm not sure I want to find out.

"C-class dismissed." Mr. Andrews says and everyone starts to slowly start filing out of the room in quiet murmurs.

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