"FUCK. FUCKITY FUCK FUCK FUCK. OH FUCK. WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!?!" Valerie half-screaming, full sobbing. She had just opened an envelope which shook her to her core. Bearing the school's wax seal, it was to inform her of the upcoming challenge, between Valerie Lexabue, and Michael Scalia. Both Michael and Valerie were in their 3rd year at Kintanla academy. Which means, they awaited the ritual of soul-binding. Also called, the ritual of the familiar.  

At Kintanla, refusing a challenge wasn't an option. You'd be dragged kicking and screaming, if necessary. And, losing? Your soul would be stripped of you, and you would become a familiar, a being only given form and will if their magus allows it. Everything, from your name, personality, memories, and even physical form are at the whim of the one who bested you, should they wish to make changes. This of course, was bad news for Valerie, as she knew that Michael was a very talented mage, and, in her words, "An underhanded cockweasel who'd steal the clothes off your back if he could".  

So, Valerie Lexabue wrote many-a-letter, to family, friends, all to be sent after she inevitably loses. This was tantamount to a death sentence, in her eyes. How could she possibly stack up to one of the top students? Especially when he has taken a liking to picking on her. Shaky, distraught, and nervous, Val tucked into bed, afraid of the day to come.