“Magical Combat”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Prompt: Energy.

“Daughter, you may rise.”

I stand up and slowly meet Father’s eyes. I watch his Energy swirl around him, trying to determine what type of mood he’s in.

Eventually, I give up. What’s coming next won’t be affected much by his mood anyway. It would serve me better to save my own Energy.

Father strolls around the room, his Energy shifting as he clasps his hands together behind his back. He stops in front of each of my brothers and orders them to rise as well. We all watch each other warily from our corners of the ring. From their shifts in Energy, I can tell that they’re tensing for battle just as I am.

When Father finishes his circle, he returns to my side and stops pacing.

“Sons, daughter, today’s focus will be Magical combat,” he announces. “You know what to do.”

A platter floats down from the sky, filled with a meal fit for a king. Or, in this case, a victor.

My stomach growls at the sight of it. Given the conditions of the last few weeks of battles, I haven’t won in weeks. Which means I haven’t eaten in weeks.

But with Magical combat on the table, I feel my confidence growing. This is where I shine. This is how I’ll win.

I glance at Father and see him watching me with narrowed eyes. He did this for me. He knows that I’m going to win today.

I bow my head slightly to him in thanks and respect. Then, I prepare.

My forearm starts to tingle as my Energy begins to flow. I feel the Elements swirling around me, prepared to follow my every command.

The Energy begins to grow unstable as my brothers and I fight for control. I feel them tugging at it, ripping strands away from me.

But I pull back. I’m not going to lose today. I’m not going to disappoint Father.

The room rumbles and I tense in anticipation.

Father makes the room shake one more time before declaring, “Begin.”

A smile forms on my lips as I gather my Energy.

It’s time to make Father proud.

Final Comments: This one was fun…

Overall Rating: 😏