"Welcome back everyone, for the last set of the third rounds of duels for the Annual Magical Knights Tournament! Your favorite twin announcer duo is back!"
The crowd roared with excitement, as the twins Misa and Lisa opened up today's tournament duels. Everyone had been looking forward to today, as they were all waiting to see the skills of a certain student.
"The first duel today will be between none other than our Student Council President, Rose Marion, as well as Cecily Rivertide!," Misa began.
Cheers for either one of Cecily or Rose came from the crowd, as each person cheered for who they wanted to win.
"We all know about our Student Council President's skills, with her participation thus far in this year's tournament, as well as previous years! Not only is she skilled with her use of magic, but she also wields her family's rapier, nicknamed Riptide!"
Cheers for their student council president came from the crowd, as Lisa spoke about her.
"However her opponent for today, Cecily Rivertide, has shown great promise!," Misa cut in. "While currently at D rank, Cecily has managed to win her duels thus far by outwitting her opponents over magical power! Very rarely does the academy get to see those gifted in well thought out strategy in our annual tournaments!"
Cheers for Cecily came from the crowd, from those who have acknowledged her skill and wish for her to do well.
"While Rose Marion is currently the contender to win the duel, Cecily may still prove a difficult opponent for our Blue Rose!," Misa pointed out. "Stay focused everyone, as we will soon watch this duel play out!"
Cecily Rivertide took in a deep breath as she walked into the arena, where she would be facing her dear friend, Rose Marion, in her third duel.
This whole time, she has undoubtedly felt very nervous about the whole ordeal, as she is completely aware of the skill gap between her and Rose. She's trained with her firsthand, and has never come close to defeating her.
Regardless, she has already made a promise to her friends that she will do the best she can to get Rose back over to her side, over fighting for a victory. However, she still intends to win the duel on top of that.
As the twin announcers Misa and Lisa announced her and Rose entering into the arena, Cecily couldn't help but take notice of Ellen Marion, their current head director, staring down at the arena with easily noticeable disgust.
The Head Director's seat has turned into more of a throne for her majesty, Cecily thought, as she looked up at Ellen Marion with annoyance.
Just like the rest of her friends, Cecily has never been satisfied with Ellen being their Head Director, and would have preferred the kind and understanding William Windblade. Not just because he is a Windblade or his friend's former mentor, but because of the kind of person he is.
But I have more important matters to deal with at the moment, Cecily reminded herself, as both Rose and her were in the middle of the arena, waiting for the duel to begin any moment now.
"I have only one thing to say to you, Cecily," Rose spoke up out of nowhere, as she crossed her arms. "I fully intend to claim victory in this duel, and continue on my way to complete my goal of winning the tournament"
Cecily squinted her eyes, as she analyzed Rose's words, and expression. Rose certainly had a look of determination and arrogance on her face, that matched the look she had the other day during their conversation. But beneath that, Cecily noticed a hint of sadness and regret in her eyes, completely opposite of the rest of her body's expression.
Cecily hopes that she will be able to show Rose the error of her ways not by words, but by actions in their duel. Cecily has never really been the one to talk, and has mostly remained quiet for the majority of her life. Not that she doesn't like talking, but she doesn't really find herself talking unless it's important. But mostly in reality, she's too caught up in her thoughts to speak out loud.
That's why she feels it's very important that she remained as quiet as she could for the rest of their duel, so Rose can recognize what Cecily is trying to tell her through her actions.
She understands what it's like having a difficult mother. While her mother isn't controlling of her life, she doesn't see her often. Her mother, Judith Rivertide, is the Water Leader of the Triumvirate, and is too preoccupied in her duties and work to take time to talk to Cecily. Instead, she is just expected to perform well, despite her mother's common absence. That's why she hopes she can get through to Rose, and remind her that she has the ability to make choices that benefit her own life, and not just to please her mother.
With Cecily having the nickname of Lily, both her and Rose's names are based upon a flower. It will be two different kinds of people facing off, but in the end they are one of a kind.
"Once both of you are ready, the duel will begin," the duel referee interrupted Cecily's thoughts.
"And it appears that the duel between Rose Marion and Cecily Rivertide is about to begin!," Misa announced from the stands.
"Indeed it does, dear sister!," Lisa continued. "Let's all hope we get to see another interesting duel today!"
With the final words from the duel referee and acknowledgement from both sides, the duel finally began!
Cecily immediately began to prepare a spell, just as Rose drew her rapier from its sheath. Cecily is completely aware of Rose's skill in close combat, and Rose can definitely cast a few spells of her own. But unlike Allen, who is able to cut through spells, Rose cannot do the same. Cecily knows she will need to do everything in her power to keep her distance from Rose, while being as accurate as possible with her spellcasting. Cecily only has so much mana, and needs to do the best she can with it.
Rose certainly knows of her advantage of close combat, and may predict what Cecily may try to do based upon that knowledge. This will not be a duel of physical or magical strength, but of wits!
Just before Rose could begin to close the gap between the two of them, Cecily began to cast her spells at Rose with almost pinpoint accuracy. Rose manages to dodge Cecily's well aimed spells with her speed, but at the cost of not being able to reach Cecily's position at any given time. It's almost as though Cecily can predict how Rose will dodge, and then cast a spell right where she intends to move to. This clearly frustrates Rose, as she grits her teeth while trying to find an opening.
"And with the duel only beginning, we're seeing Rose on the defensive!," Misa announced, raising her voice as the crowd was struck with awe.
"That's right, my dear sister!," Lisa continued. "We're once again seeing Cecily Rivertide showcase her abilities, and she's even strong enough to go toe to toe with our Blue Rose!"
As Cecily repositions herself to begin preparing her next set of spells, Rose takes a moment to catch her breath. With the spells she has cast so far, she is ready for round two!
Rose begins to ready herself once more, still determined to no doubt end the duel quickly and efficiently in close range. However, Cecily wasn't about to let that happen.
With the information I have gathered thus far, I will be able to whittle her down until she's weak enough to practically push out of the arena's boundaries, Cecily thought to herself, while she also contemplated other alternatives.
Cecily began to prepare her next set of spells, with Rose already on her move. Cecily kept moving around as best as she could, to prevent Rose from getting too close to her, but Cecily knew she would be no match for her speed.
Cecily finally cast her next set of spells, but this time with complete pinpoint accuracy. Despite Rose's best efforts and speed to move around, most if not all of Cecily's spells made direct impact on Rose.
Rose took damage, with each spell that hit her, but Cecily could tell this was nothing to what she has endured in the past. Rose looked up at her, with the same determination in her eyes, as if unfazed.
"I cannot believe my eyes, my dear sister!," Lisa commented, as the crowd was going into a frenzy. "Cecily Rivertide's spells hit Rose with pinpoint accuracy, as if she was merely getting a reading on her before!"
"Cecily Rivertide once again showcases her immense skills at her spellcasting, despite being only at D rank!," Misa continued. "Just how will our Blue Rose respond?"
As Cecily takes a moment to recollect herself, Rose does the same. Rose only looked at the floor, as she did a few practice swings with her rapier. Just what did Rose have in mind, now that Cecily was gaining the advantage?
No doubt she will begin to change gears, once she realizes my base plan, Cecily thinks to herself, as she prepares her next set of spellcasting. Just a bit longer, till I have her where I want her!
As Rose moves in once again to close the distance, it became very clear to Cecily that she upped her speed, so much so that Cecily started to become out of breath trying to keep up with her. Now, instead of being able to cast spells to maintain her distance, it took everything she had to dodge the strikes that came with her speed.
Just as Cecily was about to cast her spells, Rose began to cast spells of her own. It was amazing in its own right that Rose had the ability to concentrate and cast spells, despite moving at high speeds and striking with her rapier. Cecily couldn't help but be in awe, despite Rose's abilities coming close to defeating her at any moment.
I need to try to move faster!, Cecily advised herself as she grit her teeth trying everything she could to keep up with Rose. Just how do Allen and Rose move at these ridiculous speeds?!
Just as Cecily started to keep up, Rose cast more spells, hitting Cecily before she had a chance to dodge them. She took some damage, and tried to recuperate herself so she could successfully remain defensive.
"And the tables have finally been turned!," Misa announced, as Cecily was hit by Rose's spells. "Cecily now takes damage as Rose moves on the offensive. Will Cecily be able to turn the duel back to her advantage, or will Rose soon claim victory?"
"I guess we will have to wait to find out, dear sister!," Lisa raised her voice, drawing in the crowd. "But one thing is for sure: this duel is keeping everyone on the edge of their seats!"
Rose finally began to close the distance to Cecily, only being within seconds of arms reach. It would only be a matter of time till she corners her, and Cecily would be forced to either admit defeat, or forcefully pushed from the boundaries of the arena.
It's only a matter of time before my mana runs out!, Cecily reminded herself. I have enough mana for maybe one more spell! I'll need to enact my plan soon, or else I am going to lose here and now!
But just before Rose was about to make contact with Cecily, she immediately lost track of her. It was almost as though she completely vanished, without a trace. With Rose's eyes widening and searching for Cecily, it was only a matter of time before something happened!
"Wait, Cecily disappeared!," Misa yelled, not believing her eyes. "Hold on, is she-"
And I call this trick, my magical stealth attack!, Cecily thought, as she was already behind Rose, ready to cast her spell within seconds.
Rose's instincts immediately kick in, and she turns around to find Cecily behind her, already moments away from casting a spell that could mean her defeat. Rose needed to do something quickly, or else Cecily could defeat her!
"Very well, Cecily," Rose finally spoke, after their duel going so long without any words from either of them. "I see your resolve. But can you match mine?"
Now!, Cecily thought to herself, as she cast her spell at Rose.
"Special move," Rose began to say. "Twin strikes!"
Rose immediately cast a spell without any preparation time, aimed straight for Cecily's spell.
Wait, is she-, Cecily began to think, but it was already too late.
Rose moved in to close the distance between the two of them within seconds of casting her spell. Before Cecily knew it, the spell Rose cast had already collided with her own spell, canceling it out. All that was left was for Rose to land her second, but physical strike, and the duel was over.
Just before anyone in the crowd had any time to process what had just happened, Rose was already next to Cecily, as she fell to the ground. Cecily was starting to lose consciousness.
So, it's over?, Cecily thought as she let out a sigh. Even if I try to stay awake, I can tell my body is already outside of the duel boundaries. This is checkmate for me.
The duel referee quickly moved into position, to check the state of Cecily. As Cecily's vision started to blacken, she could hear the duel referee confirming Cecily's loss.
The arena erupted in noise, and Misa and Lisa announced Rose's victory. Cecily couldn't help but smile at the victory of her friend, despite the circumstances. Rose was just that skilled, and she worked hard to get where she is now. But only if things had turned out differently.
As Cecily finally started to fall unconscious, she thought Rose whisper "I'm sorry," as she walked away from Cecily's unconscious body.
Allen Fleming could not believe the turn of events. Despite his friend Cecily's best efforts at outwitting Rose, it wasn't enough. Rose was just too skilled.
While Allen was concerned for Cecily's safety, he knew that the academy's nurses would take care of her properly. After all, he's already had more visits to the infirmary than he could count on his finger.
Regardless, he noticed the rest of his friends sad about the outcome of Cecily's duel. They had all cheered her on as much as they could, especially Thomas, but the duel still ended in Rose's victory. They were expecting Rose to win, but maybe, just maybe, could Cecily could make her own victory happen.
With Rose's victory, she still remains far from rejoining their side, and still remains in the clutches of her own controlling mother.
In addition, Cecily is now out of the tournament with her loss, leaving only Thomas, Stephen and Allen remaining out of their small resistance members participating in the tournament. Just how will the rest of their duels turn out? And with Allen's fourth duel just around the corner, he only began to get worried for what may come.