I thought Jaxton was a man that could be trusted.

It had to be him! Who else could it be! Marty was the other suspect, but I trusted him more than Jaxton, who had threatened me more than once and never failed to remind me of the leverage he had.

At the same time, he would be the most universally acknowledged idiot if he told. I would repay his kindness and simply spill his little secret to the entire school! Whoever needed to know what he was doing that night would find my little rebellion against Jaxton very satisfying, indeed.

I wasn't going to go hasty. I was going to see what Professor wanted from me. So as I sat in Professor's room that day, watching his lenses reflect the light in the room, I waited with a nonchalant stance.

I tried to make eye contact, but all I could do was stare at his lenses and the light. He straightened, rubbed his stubbles under his chin. "On the first day of school, you dueled with Lambert."

If he was asking about that bully, then the conversation was going to be smooth and easy. "He asked for a duel and I accepted. He wasn't really nice, by the way."

I suddenly remembered that Professor Allister could've been the man I saw on the bridge hallway.

"I saw you fighting with Lambert," he continued.

There was a feeling in my stomach that I didn't like. He sat in a casual stance, but his shoulders were tense. He was testing the waters, trying his best to be subtle before he trips me up.

"Your sword is Iridescent."

His tone was confident, and I was too nervous to tell whether it was bluff or fact. My heart took a leap. I shot a shocked look at him, not hiding my surprise. "Sorry?"

"I noticed the way it reflected. You can say it's the usual Light Divergence technique but..." he slanted a smile, his voice quiet, "it shines differently."

My body turned rigid, I clutched to the hilt of my sword protectively and used simple words, "I don't understand."

He stifled a laugh. He had seen through me. "It's not a simple metal blade."

I didn't falter, and undermined him by flatly stating, "it is metal."

"It looks like one. I almost thought it wasn't. Iridescent's shine is hard to spot," he breathed, leaned back on his chair. That was when I saw his grey eyes. "Your real name is Cassidy Snow. Your ancestors wielded the blades of Iridescent, having the ability to share a bond with the metal and have it lend you the powers the crystal holds."

I could feel my expression slipping.

"Your mother was one of them, and knowing the dangers, you were homeschooled until you entered high school, where they changed your name," he got up from his seat and made his way around the table. "Against their wishes, you stole your ancestor's sword from the inventory and came to this Academy to pursue further studies."

He stopped, towering over me. "And here you are, Cassidy."

I stilled under his gaze and felt all my hopes shatter, but I wasn't going to give up. "My name is Cassandra Williams. Not Cassidy."

Professor's expression softened. "The whole 'sword thief' thing was a guess – a good one, I believe. This information I dug up were censored very well. Your parents have done a good job to protect you."

He sat himself down to the seat next to me and, with gentle eyes, he contemplated over the next words he was about to say, "I've censored them further."

I couldn't comprehend what he just said. I simply looked up. "What?"

"I'm not going to do anything to you," Professor said, a reassuring smile, "I know students like you who are in this school." He was saying all this in merely a whisper now. "I don't anything but for all of you to be safe."

I didn't trust this man but I had to admit, his words surprised me. "I am safe, Sir."

He shook his head, "no, you're not. As long as crystals are banned, you're not. It's not because you are dangerous, Cassie, it's because people fear the power you have inside you. It is not a sin to be you."

I blinked, breathing but unable to mutter a single word.

"I want you to know that if you need help, you can come to me," he moved away from me and I released a small breath. "The school is determined to seek out Iridescent. They say they'll destroy them all, but I doubt it. They want to keep the power for themselves."

I stared at the table, dumbfounded.

"I rather it's not them who holds that power."

"You have no proof," I finally muttered. It was the first time I had said anything that implied I knew about Iridescent.

"I have mustered the courage to tell you, Cassie." Professor's glance at me was non-threatening. He didn't blame me for my harshness. "I understand you don't trust me."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I said, the management in this school are not friendly people. They'll do all they can to take the power into their own hands." Professor gazed at me. "We all know what happens if you were found out."

I hoped he saw through my eyes; I was grateful that he told me this, but I remained cautious around him. I wasn't going to admit anything to him as long as the ban remains. Instead, I slowly stood up and locked my blue gaze with his. "Professor, thank you for this meeting, but I don't know what you're talking about."

Professor revealed a knowing smile, "you are a smart girl, Cassandra. Remember that. Trust in yourself." He gave me a soft and fatherly look, a look that reminded me of my father. My father that I left at home; that I disobeyed. I felt a dull ache in my chest.

"We never had this conversation, understood?"

"What conversation?"

Again, that knowing smile. "Very well, Cassie. Is there anyone else that knows about this?"

I breathed and chose my words carefully. "Marty told me to come and see you."

"Stone?" He confirmed and I nodded. "Then, we may-"

"He can be trusted!" I defended, rather emotionally.

Professor hesitated, his eyes unmoving as if he was considering my words. "I don't like taking risks."

"What do you plan to do to him?" I stood with furrowed brows, my stance defensive. "He has helped me before and he never said anything about.. about me."

Professor exhaled a breath, finally giving in. "No one else, do you understand?"

"Of course," I replied quickly, sighing in relief that he was easy to talk to. I know, a complete contradiction to first impressions.

"Anything else that I should know of?" He asked.

A pair of emerald eyes appeared before my vision before they evaporated into thin air. My lie rolled off my tongue; not a blush on my face. "No."

I was getting better and better at lying, wasn't I?

Why did I feel the need to protect him? Jaxton's name was at the corner of my lips, I entered the room prepared to betray him, so why...

Of course, it was because Jaxton never betrayed me in the first place. It wasn't him who told, Professor knew from day one and the rest... well Allistar was just too good.

Professor has indicated his dismissal and I made my way to the exit. He kindly walked me out and whispered in a deep rumble, "stay safe."

Professor was amiable, but I shivered at the thought of getting to his bad side. Note to self, never try that. He was intimidating enough even at his amiable state.

"Leave the building quickly," he urged and shut the door.

I did as he was told. No lingering involved. I flew down the stairs and met no one on the way. Phew. That only proved one thing. Professor was right, some staff and teachers in school were in on this. Danger was everywhere and I was not safe.

***

I woke early for that meeting with Professor Allistar, so when I got to Magic Defence class, my eyelids were drooping before the Professor even made it into the lecture room. I chose a good seat, close to the back but not that far, and flopped my head on my arm. I allowed the shuffling and chattering background noise to be my lullaby.

Soon, I heard the door open and shut. I heard heels and the chatter die down into quiet murmurs. I knew who our Professor was: Professor Mortimer. She always wore sharp boots and dark outfits, which matched her slick, jet-black hair. Occasionally, she wore berry-red bead necklaces or earrings. She hardly smiles, but when she does, it was for a good reason. That lady managed to remember everyone's name in class in one sitting. Clearly, she was not to be underestimated, but I had unwisely chosen to doze off.

"...in defence strategy class... sophomores here... learn a thing or two... warm up duel... need two volunteers!"

Volunteers? I thought. Well, none of my business. I wiggled my shoulders, sinking my head further into my arms. Oh, the comfort of my cotton sleeves. She won't see me, my seat is behind-

"Cassandra, sleeping. Jaxton, avoiding eye contact." I shot up my head, eyes in a daze. The rest of the class erupted into giggles. "I think you two could give it go."

Wait, did I hear...

"Chop chop, Cassandra," Professor Mortimer clapped.

I slowly stood up, bending down to ask the girl next to me. "What are we doing?"

"A duel. You're duelling that dude," she pointed.

"Oh," I watched gingerly as Jaxton made his way down the stairs, holding his sword. It was hard to imagine that a few minutes ago I was planning to snitch this guy out.

"That guy's from Phoenix." I heard whispering as I made my way down the stairs, determined not to meet Jaxton's eyes until I get to the moment. The moment where we fight.

And oh was I thrilled.

I smiled sheepishly as I got down, avoiding eye contact with Jaxton, "sorry, Professor."

"Show it in your fight and I may consider your apology." She retreated to the side, wheeling the blackboard away from the centre. "Do your formalities and you may begin."

I shifted my gaze to Jaxton, our eyes locking. His gaze was cold, but a twitch of a sly smile managed to escape. He flicked his wrist, and the invitation board was sent to me.

Jaxton Dawn invites you to a duel.

Accept.

We both unsheathed our swords and waited for the countdown.

"Phoenix and Legani? That's tough, man."

"Legani has good fighters too."

"I know but she's junior."

I furrowed my brows. Block it out, Cassie.

No... show them what you've got.

GO!

I took the first step, and Jaxton the second. Jaxton flicked his dark sword, it's sharp edge pointed at me, and I charged forward in full speed.

But it was all a ruse.

The moment I felt I was close enough, I swung to the side. I caught Jaxton's surprised expression briefly, but it was enough to bring a smirk to my face. I felt myself glide, my boots skimming the surface of the ice as I circled around him. Jaxton caught on. He also swung himself to the side, dodging Reflecta piercing through. We twirled around each other, both wanting to land a blow, except we both left that spin unscathed. All we did was swap places.

The class emitted a quiet gasp. What we had was a quick but deadly exchange.

I saw Professor raise her brows at us. "I want to see blood. Not fans and ribbons."

The class laughed, even Jaxton felt slightly discomforted with Professor's comment.

I forced myself to focus, with a twist of my wrist, Reflecta's grip was angled at my cheeks and the blade extended parallel against the floor.

I was ready.

Jaxton took a slice at the air, testing his grip before he widened his stance, sword at his side.

We waited a breath, and then we were back at it again.

Jaxton's sword cut past my head in a flash, but I was quick to throw my head back to dodge.

I turned to face him quickly, and Reflecta met his dark blade; the vibration sent a gust of wind.

The class clapped and whooped as we leapt and jumped. Changing formations to outguess each other... to always be a step earlier.

Except, Jaxton was good.

My blade slid past his, directing his blade up into the air to expose his weak spots. As I did, he retreated back as I charged forwards with Reflecta shimmering in the light.

Jaxton drew up his hand, his dark sword casting a shadow. The shadow grew and created a shield. I swung Reflecta wide, and the shield broke with a thundering boom. I sped forward, not missing the look of surprise on Jaxton's face as I approached fast, invading his space, an invisible, icy gust spreading across the room. He let out a small breath, and I saw it condense in the air.

My sword pierced through, only to find it came away empty. With two steps Jaxton had already managed to escape from the position he was stuck in.

He's fast.

Water left my sword and extended its limbs, the limbs surrounded me and I let them free.

Jaxton dodged from side to side as the water particles exploded next to him. He was thrown off balance, but as he hit the ground, he recovered quickly with a kneel and a leap back.

I leapt through parting water, my sword raised high. I threw it down, hitting his. I diverted it to the side, except it was another ruse. I went low, one hand on the ground, I threw up my leg and kicked his sword out of his grip. The sword flew across the room and stuck itself onto the wall with a shiiing.

"Whoa..." the class breathed in awe.

"Guess I need to call repairs for that," the Professor said casually.

I flipped a safe distance back and was standing firmly on both feet, my sword aimed at him, while he stared at me with a mixture of shock and awe. Then, a smile bloomed on his face. He raised both his fists.

Hand combat against my precious baby Reflecta? You're on!

I kicked off the wall and flipped above his head. I went low, threw my leg under him. He leaped away, turning. I reached out, aimed for his neck. He swerved to the side, and suddenly closed the proximity between us.

That jerk was using my strategy!

I could feel my panic rising.

Too close, too close!

My glance followed his, specks of gold in emerald green, watching as he widened his smile into a grin. Before I knew it, he had his hand in my arm and forced my hand to bend. My grip loosened on Reflecta, and with his open palm, he caught Reflecta in a tight grip and swung it back to face me.

Crap.

I subtly gauged the distance between me and his sword. When he made the move, I flipped back and pulled his sword from the wall.

"Oh the tables turn!" Someone yelled.

It was heavier. I could handle the weight but Reflecta was designed to fit my flexibility. Reflecta's lightness was more compatible with the speed required of an agile fighter. While, his sword... it would slow me down. I wonder how he was doing with my sword.

Jaxton took the lead this time. I used both hands and swung his sword at him, but the force was a bit too much. It brought me in a half spin, and Jaxton saw through it. He twirled Reflecta in his palms like a fencer experienced with a sabre, and hit his own blade with stealthy precision.

He totally enjoyed it.

I went to strike him on the leg but he diverted the blade back up. With a push of his blade, I was thrown off balance. My feet stumbled and I felt gravity suck me down.

Jaxton threw out his hand and caught me by the waist, earning 'ohhhhhs' from everyone in class.

I rolled my eyes.

Jaxton's fingers tightened on the fabric of my shirt, he leaned close.

"That was pretty average."

Before I could retort, I was spun around and shoved to the ground in full force.

Geez. This guy really doesn't go easy on me.

His sword clattered against the ground, and Reflecta's metallic blade shot down, inches away from my neck.

"Well done!" Professor clapped, and the class mimicked.

Jaxton released me, picking up his sword. When I got up, Jaxton offered Reflecta back, the grip pointing at me.

I took it with no hesitation, almost grimacing when I heard the Professor say, "and that is why you should never fall asleep in class, people!"

Students laughed and I saw Jaxton also smirk at me. I shot him a glare but I didn't want to seem salty so I gave the class a grin.

Let's be honest, I was salty.

Average? Excuse me, average?

I walked back to my seat, and the girl next to me nodded. "That disarming thing was so cool."

"Thanks," I felt a warmth in my chest because even a compliment as small as that meant a lot to me. It was genuine and it made me felt as though I was good at something. That I wasn't too bad!

That I wasn't average... the unnoticeable one in the flock.

"Right, class, what did they both do good?"

I peered at Jaxton, he earned a pat from a blond boy. His friend, maybe. They had wide smiles as they shared a moment of whispering.

"Change their weakness to strength."

"Use what they have!"

"Incorporating their magic with their sword!"

Professor nodded, pleased, "good spotting," she turned to Jaxton. "What do you think you did good, Jaxton?"

"I was good at distracting," he offered.

"What sort of distraction did you give?"

Suddenly, he turned in his seat to look at me, a sly grin plastered on his face. "Oh, she knows."

I raised a brow as a portion of the class erupted into giggles, while the other remained as clueless as me.

I know? Know what?

The girl next to me stifled a laugh, "is he flirting with you? In front of the whole class?"

"What! No!" I retorted, my lie rolled off my tongue in desperation to clear my name. "I don't even know him..."

The professor gave a face of contemplation, she directed her attention to me. "And Cassandra, what did he mean by that?"

Was Professor serious?

"I..." I started, my mind whirling fast. "I was distracted by my sense of security. I thought I had the upper hand... at the start."

Professor's face relaxed, she accepted my explanation. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Speak of first impressions! Jaxton's was such a fake! Every now and then, I sneaked a peek at him and notice him taking notes or share a quiet joking moment with his friend, even with the Professor! He remained quiet most the time and answered most questions in a formal manner until there was a chance for him to slip a joke in there.

Was that a good student act? It was hard to imagine he was the same guy that almost bled to death in my room and then threatened me with a sword.

Whoever he was under that mask, I didn't trust him.

***

A/N

Interesting interaction! Wouldn't you agree, friends?

Till next chapter ;)

L