“Let’s test this theory, shall we?” Tish grins, and I’m inclined toremove one of her teeth. Since her and Gina are bff’s, they may as well share something more than men.
The timer counts down, and my eyes close. Flashes of Rosie spring from my inner thoughts, knowing this small bump is one of many along my journey to avenge what was taken from me. I allow every loss, smothered pain, and stored failure to be set free.
“D.E.S.S.” I murmur.Don’t Ever Submit or Surrender
A gong signals our start, and heat explodes around us. Tish, snapping and flicking her wrists in rapid succession, commands her intense flames to grow, caging us in with sheer heat alone.Typical. I bet she forms another–Oh my God!
“Fuck no! No–No–No!”
Closing my eyes and backing away, I feel her destructive fire nibble against my neck, releasing pressure from within. I pulled so much magic creating my airtight shield that my breathing hitches. *Ribbit* *Ribbit* “No!” I scream behind the press of my palms.
Herds of scorching frogs bound my way. Tagging along and scurrying with them are flaming lizards. She has managed to summon hundreds of those vile creatures, my nightmares, croaking closer.Please, stop.I’m cradling my knees, hands over my ears, and fighting back a weep.
Ghosts of their feet crawl over my flesh, and long tongues–sticky–leave trails of slime. Disgust has my skin shuddering at each phantom hop.
I’m hyperventilating when small patters ripple within my aura, a telling sign these fuckers are actually bouncing and crawling up my shield.
One by one, they explode like miniature landmines, and my head is too unstable to fortify my protective bubble. Dissolving my shield and ditching this location, I burst through Tish’s inferno blockade, singeing my clothes in the process.
Running as far from her as this room allows, which isn’t far, I create another shield, afraid to face what’s after me.
Tish’s laugh is not far behind.
“Is this the almighty fay everyone raves about? A prodigy? What a pathetic bitch.” Her taunts bruise all the work I’ve put in thus far. “Hiding behind her shields and running away like always. Fucking coward!”
Our fight just began, and I’m on the verge of quitting. Frozen, crouching, and unable to move, I hear more croaks and tiny feet slap against the marble, growing closer by the second.
*Ribbit* *Ribbit*
Heat and something weighted bounds up my back. “What the fuck!” I scream, losing my shit all together. Boiling, it licks my neck, and I flick it away, feeling the sting of burned flesh. An explosion goes off, sending me flying across the floor as my chest pounds and an echo builds in my ears.
Coughing, I blink back my sight. Blurred movements gather into one, and I notice more of her summons racing my way.
Adrenaline becomes an ally, and I’m back to standing. “Stop!” I demand, creating wave after wave of crimson, exploding daggers. They hurl in every direction, detonating upon impact. Not ceasing until the pull on my aura becomes too great, I realize I’m already halfway through my energy.
I sweep the area, searching for any missing summons, when the smoke clears, and I see Tish standing behind a wall of her own protection. Catching a breath seems impossible, but I’ve managed to destroy them all and blow holes in the marble all at once.
She disperses her shield, scowling with blood pouring from her head. It isn’t until seeing her that I realize our injuries match.
“Look who’s hiding behind a shield now. Fight me like a real fay,” I taunt, praying to whatever God they use for good luck. Or one who will listen.
“You…” Waving a hand and clearing the floor of all flames, Tish says, “Are not fay. Nor will I ever recognize you as such.” She steps closer. “But I don’t need tricks to beat you.” Her grin announces she is sure of herself.
“Prove it!”
Fireenvelops her palms on a single twitch, and fear has me trembling. If she summons more creatures, it’s over.
Heated wind rotates on either side, sucking in her fire until a pair of flaming tornados manifest.Holy shit.I retract a step. We are nothing short of thirty feet away from one another, yet their sweltering temperature sears along my exposed flesh.
She sends them tearing across the distance, expanding in size as they come together into one yellow and orange, staggering attack. Summoning a sigil, I vanish from its trajectory, respawning behind her at a distance.
“Typical.” Tish frowns, hurling massive fire at me upon my reentry, and I duck, but she on me in a heartbeat. Wielding a sun-yellow, flaming axe, she taunts, “Got you.” Her smile widens as she swings for my head. I pull both daggers from my boots in haste, bringing them up in an ‘X,’ and stop her attack.
The heat licking my face has sweat beading my forehead when her ignited foot strikes between my breasts, sending me toppling backwards and sliding away.
“Fuck,” I groan, using a blade to cease my motion. Regaining balance and pressing a hand against the wound, I can feel my skin is already bubbling into blisters.Come on, think. Calm down, you have a fair fight, now use it.I bully myself to do something besides run. I’m still shaken, and it shows.
“Pathetic.” A male voice distracts me, and embarrassment joins the party as I remember our present company. Their frowns and disappointment are well received. But I’m far from pathetic.
