Snippets

Snippet Nine - Between Ice and Lightning

Cora stood at one end of the training arena of the illustrious Eckenbrook Academy. Crowds of fellow students and teachers gathered in the seats as a small bet turned into a larger-than-anticipated event. Her tanned hands were on her hips, and her stance was wide. The red dragon emblazoned her white jacket, signifying her place in the Drake House of the school. A simple black vest and a long white sleeve underneath that lay tucked into her black slacks told her classmates that she was well-kept and tidy in her studies.

The fire mage smiled as she reached up and tied her black hair in a ponytail, sealing it with a hair tie. "Remember what the stakes are, Sebastian," Cora explained as she stretched her arms before looking at her opponent. "You may be a grade underneath me, but we all know what you are capable of."

Sebastian, a slightly younger male student, stood at the other side of the arena. His brown hair was a bit unkempt, and his untucked dress shirt and similar jacket had their sleeves rolled to his elbows. A silver wolf was engraved on the left breast pocket. He groaned as he glanced at the crowds entering the bleachers. "Yes, I remember Cora," he explained, crossing his arms at his chest. "When I win, you will have no choice but to name me the next in line to be class president."

"All that is an if," Cora snapped back and added, "When I win, you will be my magical assistant for the remainder of the year. I will whip you into shape and turn you into a wonderful protege. At my every call, but don't worry, it will count as extra credit. You will also know your place as second to me."

Sebastian sighed and nodded.

"It will probably go towards my community service for the year," he smirked. "Helping a spoiled little princess."

Cora shook her head with a grin. Sebastian watched as he took a few steps forward and stood on the white line on her side of the arena. He did the same as the crowd cheered on all sides of them. He sighed as various things were yelled out.

"Go, Cora, wipe the floor with him!"

"Let's see if he is as powerful as his attitude!"

"Sebastian, outlast her!"

Sebastian shook his head as he walked to his white line. The crowd hushed, and a loud woman's voice said, "Quiet down, students. Quiet down!"

The two students in the arena turned towards a small platform on the east side against the wall. A middle-aged woman with black and blue hair stood there with her arms wide. Her emblazoned white lab coat was down to her knees. "I, Headmaster Kiara, have allowed this duel to happen. Instead of these two going at it in the halls again, they will settle things here in a controlled environment."

Cora nodded as she tightened her hand into a fist, smiling at the headmaster.

Sebastion nodded and glanced up at his aunt, Headmaster Kiara.

"You two could not work it out, and I have decided to invoke the school's bylaws. In disagreement, our school policies state that it is a controlled match. Students can let out their frustrations, and as Sebastian is a front runner for class president after Cora graduates..." Headmaster Kiara pauses with a smile on her face. "They will put their magic to the test."

The two students turned towards each other, each with their special look. Sebastian determined. Cora eager. Kiara cleared her throat as she hushed the crowd one more time. "Alright. Sebastian, the King of Cool. Cora, the spark of light in the dark. Are you two ready?"

Cora nodded and moved her fingers as sparks jumped from digit to digit. "I am ready."

Sebastian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The air around him was cooling, and everyone could see his expelled air. "Let's do this," he said.