I woke the next morning next to Vel. I offered to let Vel sleep on the bed, but she settled with sleeping bags, feeling extremely guilty knowing I was going to spend the night on the floor.

Once we were ready to head to class, Tracy approached us with a look of displeasure.

"The maximum capacity is one," she eyed Vel down, "not two."

"We were having a sleepover," I simply explained.

"I don't care what you two are doing, but as the co-leader, I need to warn you for health and safety reasons."

"And what are those, may I ask?" I tilted my head, a challenging stare. She replied with the same gaze back.

"I don't make the rules, Cassandra. Don't blame me for not warning you." She spun on her heels and walked off, while I stood there crossing my arms and huffing.

"Ignore her," I said to Vel, but I already see her change in expression.

"This is no long term plan. We both know that. I have to move back to my dorm."

"We'll figure something out," I reassured.

"Yo, Cassie!"

I turned to see Ted and Will making their way to me. I let out a smile, but at the back of my mind, Jaxton's warning was ringing clear.

"Hey Ted! Hey Will!" I greeted, pretending nothing has changed. And it did seem like nothing has changed. Ted and Will looked both bright and happy, ready to start the day fresh. "We're heading to class."

"Oh, same here," Ted gestured, giving a gingerly wave at Vel. "Hey!"

"Hi," Vel replied with a soft voice.

"Have you heard of the championships?" Will butt in. "Sign-ups are today."

"Oh, what's that?" Vel and I were both the newbies here, so we didn't have a clue what they were talking about.

"Championships happen before the ball every semester," Ted explained, "people who sign up get to compete with one another. The winner of each round has to beat every single opponent till their defeat or till the end of the comp."

"Sounds tiring, absolutely not going," I eyed Vel and Vel nodding, affirming what I said.

"Right, Will and I are signing up for fun."

Who fights for fun? I guess in our world we do.

"Well, all the best to you two," I grinned. "If we get the chance, we might come and watch."

"Yeah, it's usually pretty epic!" Will's eyes lit up when he mentioned it.

Weird vibes? He's such a sunshine boy.

Once we bid our goodbyes, I walked Vel to her art class.

"Vel, if they come back again..."

"They probably will."

"If anything goes wrong," I swallowed and I think I didn't need to mention more for her to know what I meant, "you have two choices. Either you leave this school or you make yourself as seen as possible. Go to class, go to parties and pubs, go to comps... make everyone remember that you exist, so that when you disappear, people will know. They won't be able to hide it."

Vel gulped and scanned her surroundings. The chatter and happy laughter of students didn't seem to fit our mood.

"Make sure you walk with someone after class," I warned, "always, always walk with someone. Don't go anywhere alone. If you can't find anyone, call me. I'll leave class if I have to."

"This is asking too much of you."

"I want you to be alive," I breathed, slowing when we neared her art class. I eyed the long benches, the hanging paintings, and the big windows in the studio with a tinge of envy. There was always something magical about art studios. "I don't think I'll be able to take in anything in class knowing you're in danger."

"Cassie, you have no idea how grateful I am," she looked like she was about to cry, but she held it in her bloodshot eyes. She wrapped her arms around me tightly, "I'm sorry that you are in this mess. You have to be careful too."

"Don't worry about it and stay safe. For your brothers and for me."

She nodded and breathed in deeply before she opened the door to the room. I watched her for a short moment before I left to go to my own class.



***



History of Elemental Magic. The basic subject that is expected of everyone in our world. I walked into class, feeling a labyrinth of emotions. I simply waited for the atmosphere of the class to wash my worries away. And from the way the classroom looked, it should be easy.

The walls were the colour of pale white; pillars stretched to tall ceilings with sparkling chandeliers swaying, occasionally chiming softly; the sunlight shone through coloured glass windows, representing the basic elements that exist. The seats sunk below the ground, circling in the centre of the room like an orb. Our professor, Professor Dunbar, already set up the hologram while he meddled with his notes on the lectern. He was a traditional man.

I didn't know anyone in that class, so I chose a comfortable seat and flopped down, taking out my tablet. There was a cool breeze that swirled through the open doors, caressing my hair. I breathed in the fresh air hungrily and noted the date with my pen as I waited for people to settle.

The classroom suddenly went silent.

"Iridescent."

My body stilled. It was a word familiar to me, it was a word that identified my sword, my powers, and who I am, yet I feared it. I feared it to be mentioned anywhere. There was a clench in my throat and I slowly looked toward the hologram. The word was printed on the board.

"A power banned of usage," Professor Dunbar continued, pointing with his pointer. "Why? Well, it's against the rules of the elements."

I felt my gut twist in unnatural ways.

"Iridescent allows the human, the master vessel, to connect with its crystal. And the crystals themselves grant them their powers. The individuals who do that are not born with that power."

Lies... that's not true.

"It's an unnatural bond that's forced between the weapon and a human, that's why it needs to be prohibited."

I scanned the classroom. Everyone was listening, everyone was taking notes... but why should they? What he said is not true!

But they wouldn't know. Would they? A figure floated into my mind, someone with emerald eyes. He looked at me, smiling faintly...

"I was taught to believe in things."

It wasn't like I haven't heard of this before. More or less, here or there... passing between mouth to mouth in quiet murmurs... except I've never heard of it in a class setting, and I've never heard of it being discussed so openly as a school subject. As my eyes wandered around the classroom, my pen hovering above my tablet, I felt exposed; striped apart.

I looked back down at the blank page on my screen.

"The people who own the Blades of Iridescent are extremely dangerous," Professor Dunbar gestured, "so if any of you see anyone like that, the first thing you gotta do is run like hell!"

The class erupted with giggles. I didn't join in.

"And then you report to someone trustworthy, so keep safe, aye?" Professor grinned, flipping the hologram to another picture.

"Professor...!" Someone raised their hand, "it might be a rumour but is it true that one of our students got killed by people who own the Blades of Iridescent?"

Everyone turned their heads to look at the girl, a few of them nodding and a few of them turning to their peers to whisper.

"Quiet down, students," Professor Dunbar rubbed his stubble-filled chin, "I'm not too sure if this is true. We have one missing student and we're still in the search for them. I won't name them."

Robin. It was as clear as day.

"Sorry I can't give you a definite answer, but in the past," he pointed at the hologram, "there was a killing by people with the Blades of Iridescent. It happened quite a long time ago, which resulted in the ban."

There were pictures of victims that died in the incident and everytime the professor pressed his clicker, it would flip to another victim, another, then another... there were headlines, news reports, investigations...

Public asking for government action...

Three officers have died and many seriously injured...

Investigation taking place... confirming the involvement of Iridescent crystals...

Mother of two severely injured... died upon arrival of healers...

Newly wedded couple... "I don't know how I can go on without him"...

Young girl, aged 7, died of...

I glanced down at my tablet, still empty of words.

"People believe there should be control over these criminals. They have to be stopped."

Criminals?

"So far, we live in a relatively safer world compared to what happened back then, but there are still many out there. The government and, of course, schools and universities are ensuring that our people are safe and away from them."

"Is this examinable material?" A guy sitting behind me asked.

The professor laughed, "of course it is! I know it's that time of the semester and you have assignments due and assessments-"

"Yeah, it's hectic, sir," the guy said and everyone giggled, resonating with him.

"Do your best," he flipped to another slide.

After class, I left the classroom with a somber feeling. I didn't take any notes.

Yasmine: hey, didn't see you at the pub?

I let out a curse, fingers tapping.

C: shoot, sorry Yasmine, something came up. An emergency, I forgot to let you know!

Yasmine: no biggie :)

As I was about to text back, I almost bumped into someone in the process. I side-stepped to avoid the figure.

"Spark!"

"It's great to see you all well now," he grinned happily, "I was going to come and find you."

"Is Willow all well now?" I said, completely ignoring his latter part of the conversation.

"Yes, she is, thanks to you," Spark smiled, a lively spark in the eye, "I've met Marty and he said he'll personally come and thank you, he got held up with some urgent matters, but expect gifts when he does get to it."

I laughed, "it's fine, I'm glad everyone was alright. Not my work alone, you know? So, thank you, Spark."

Spark felt a faint blush and he rubbed his neck, "oh, it was nothing."

"Sorry, you said you wanted to come and find me," I finally caught up. "What is it?"

He grew a bit restless, hopping from one foot to another, "oh, I want to ask um..." he stilled his movements and grinned, "would you like to come to the ball with me?"

My mouth went agape and I stared at him for a brief moment, unsure of what to say. Being completely honest, I haven't even thought of going to the ball.

"No she won't!"

James strode into view, hands in his pockets as his eyes gave Spark a quick scan. From Spark's look and furrowed brows, and James' little arrogant smirk of his, they knew each other – and they weren't on good terms.

"I think that's her call," Spark gestured with his shoulder.

I was about to say the same and shot James a glare, but he spoke before I could, "I think it'll be her call once she knows the whole story."

James, what is up with you?

Spark had a frown on his face. "Oh, yeah, bro? Go ahead."

"A girl already asked you to the dance," James said with a smug look, his guns clinking against each other on his back, "you didn't say 'yes' nor did you refuse."

I snapped my head toward Spark, eyes rounded and wide. I watched his stitched brows break apart.

"What? Are you planning to make her your plan B if Cassandra rejects you?" James shot. "Tell her you'll consider it except all you ever did is consider her as a back-up."

"Spark, is this true?" Now I felt myself side against James, regardless of what James' intentions were – I'll deal with that later.

Spark didn't say anything, his glance dancing between James and me.

"So, it is true," I shook my head, "that's not cool, Spark."

"Cassie, let me explain-"

"If it wasn't true you would've said so by now," I cut him off, gesturing with a raise of my hand. "I wasn't planning on going to the ball, but even if I were, I will reject you after knowing about this."

Spark narrowed his glare upon James but James simply shrugged, gesturing, "the truth hurts, man, but serves you right."

"Either take the girl to dance or reject her. I suggest you don't keep her waiting," I said in a soft but deep voice, asserting what I said. "See you around, Spark."

I turned on my heels and I could feel and even hear that tiny utterance of protest coming from Spark's mouth, but I ignored it. I simply kept walking. After a short while, James caught up to me, his brown eyes flickering to sapphire.

"Respect, Cassandra," he said, looking pleased.

"You seem to be quite against him. I'm grateful you told me but I want to know what's going on between you two."

"Nothing much," he crossed his arms behind his head, "nothing you need to know."

I let out a huff, "you'll end up with a lot of enemies."

"Not like I needed any friends anyways," James let out a breath.

"Not even Kristen?"

He froze, his eyes narrowing into a sharp glare. I hit bulls-eye.

"I know you like Kristen."

"No, I don't."

I rolled my eyes, "I thought you were a straightforward guy who didn't like twists and turns. Who... went for what he liked and said no to all wrongs." I shrugged my shoulders, "guess not."

James turned to look at the fountain nearby, breathing quietly, "fine, I do like her."

I felt a sly smile slip onto my face, "it'll be a secret between you and me."

He scoffed, "doubt it."

"I'm a trustworthy person," I said, tone edged with playfulness. "Have you asked her to the dance?"

He was quiet. "She likes Marty. She's probably going to the dance with him."

"You've never told her how you felt, have you?"

He shook his head, scratching his head, "what's the point? I already know she doesn't like me in that way. I've given up."

Damn. James looked pretty saddened by it. I had thought about talking him out of 'giving up', but I realised... I was pretty much the same with Jaxton – not that I had any feelings for him, you know?

"Why aren't you going to the dance?" He suddenly asked.

I shrugged, looking sheepish, "well... I don't like places with a lot of people."

He gestured widely at the view before us, shuffling with students moving from class to class.

"This is temporary," I explained, "what do you do at the ball anyway? I like the dancing and all, but just... somewhere else that's quieter."

James laughed, "you're a strange one, Cassandra."

"In a good way, I hope."

James' lips thinned, "yes, I assure you."

I raised my brows at him, "my, James complimenting me? What a rare sight."

"Don't push it, Williams."

"Wasn't gonna, Austin."

James chuckled. I think James and I were finally progressing somewhere into the peaceful, friendly realm.



***



A/N

What do you think, my peeps?

L