I knew exactly when morning woke in the sky. I was acutely aware of the light, a slate blue hue coming through the windows. Funny how fast the colours change in the sky. I simply slept through, half-aware and half in a daze, waiting for my alarm to beep me on my phone.

When it did, I flicked it off and turned to the cooler side of the bed. Vel insisted on going back to her dorm and sleep for the night, while I spent some part of my night worrying about it.

"If they come back again, I'm telling Jaxton and you can't stop me."

"Alright, alright..."

I thought back briefly to the night Jaxton came to my room with my box of crystals. Vel said he looked at me in a certain way. In a special sort of way. I hoped it was a special sort of way and I felt alarmingly happy. Alarming, because, I was acknowledging my feelings – I liked being with Jaxton and seeing him... talking to him... but, so far, I'm not going to do anything about it.

Now's not the time.

I got up to the bathroom, spent some time there to freshen myself up. When I came out, I felt more alert and awake, padding softly to my phone, my lips in a thin line.

After everything that's going on, I forgot to text my parents. That was what I liked to tell myself at least.

You've been avoiding it, Cassandra, haven't you?

Except, Father's Day was coming close and each passing day reminded me of my parents and my yet to send text message.

I inhaled a deep breath, mustered some courage and typed in both of my parent's cellphone number. I forgot to bring my phone on my 'runaway' and... now that I think about it...

I'm a terrible person.

Mum, Dad... it's Cassie. I know, I'm terrible. I should've texted you guys earlier on to let you know I'm okay...

I deleted the last few words. After what I've done, they probably don't care anymore. They've probably given up on me.

At least let them know you care.

I do care, but my care is valueless.

I inhaled another breath and continued typing:

Mum, Dad... it's Cassie. I know, I'm terrible. I should've texted you guys earlier. I don't know what else to say except a lame sorry. I know you probably don't see me as your daughter anymore, but I wanted to say I'm sorry. Really sorry. I know you want me to be safe but I didn't want to be trapped. I want to explore and see things. I want to do something I like. And for once, I don't want to be ashamed of who I am. I don't want to be stopped for who I am.

I pressed send before I had time to think, had time to delete, and had time to read over what my message is. When I did scan my eyes over the black letters, I felt my gut twist. I instantly regretted my words but it was too late.

I'm sorry. I sent another one. My one last desperate attempt to make them forgive me.

I went back to Messages and ignored the gnawing ache in my chest.

Professor Allistar: Morning Cassandra. I know you haven't signed up for the competition this term but the faculty made it compulsory on your part and has asked me to notify you.

My brows shot up.

This is part of an assessment. Some faculty members will be there to watch you compete and will, in turn, assess your powers and abilities. This will not affect your grades or be counted towards any of your grades.

I let out a huff. Dear professor, I think grades are the least of my concerns now.

Reply to me when you see this.

I text a quick reply and hit 'send'. My eyes rolled to the next message.

Not once in my life so far have I gotten this many messages.

Marty: Hey, Cassie, I've finished with Leaders Meetings. I'm sure you're aware of Julian's absence haha. I want to see you and personally thank you for saving Willow. Willow also wrote a card and asked me to give it to you. I owe you so so much, Cassie.

My shoulders raised as I felt a distinct warmth in my stomach.

Morning Marty, sorry for the late reply – went to sleep early last night ahaha. I'm glad Willow is okay and that everyone is okay. I'm free after lunch. Let me know.

Sent!

The next message made me roll my eyes.

My Worst Nightmare: Yo, I expect a detailed report from you about Vel, got it?

Why did I even care about this guy?

***

My nerves didn't catch up on me until the day of Championships. Besides the usual training with the devil, Tracy, and some sparring in Defence class, I didn't do anything else to prepare for Championships. I was too busy with lectures and schoolwork.

So, when I entered the changing room, my heart accelerated at the sight. People looked ready, prepared, and determined. They were changing out from their casual day clothes into their battle attire. Everyone had their own type of "amour" and weapon. Some were testing their grip with their weapon, some were tightening the laces on their boots or sheathing their weapon into their covers by their hip... they were taking this seriously. While me, I looked and felt out of place.

Before I came here, I was submitting my assignment at the student centre... 30 minutes before due time. I, then, proceeded to stroll into a café because I spotted a nice-looking cake in the display cabinets. A satisfied stomach brought me back to my dorm to change into my battle outfit. Today, it happened to be a long white vest, showing my long ice-blue sleeves.

I pulled my thumbs through the thumb holes, not knowing what else to do. I eyed one of the girls curiously. She wielded dual daggers, crisscrossed around her waist. She walked gracefully through a door and I followed carefully, without looking too lost or eager. Showing weakness against these serious-looking people was probably taboo.

The room she entered was a waiting room. People looked more casual here and I allowed my sigh to escape me.

"Cassandra?"

I turned to see Ted raise his brows. Will followed suit.

"I know! Surprise, surprise," I gestured awkwardly and walked toward them.

"I thought you said 'hell no' to this?"

"Those are not my exact words," I pointed out, "and I thought I'd bring myself out of my comfort zone."

"Ah, fair," Will nodded, shuffling to the side to let me sit.

"So... what happens next?"

"Have you not read the notices?" Ted looked shocked while Will tried to laugh but it was edged with concern. "You seriously- don't tell me you don't know."

"Well, sounds like I need to so... Ted, Will, tell me!"

Will stifled a giggle, shuffled forward in his seat to talk. "Your names would have been arranged randomly already. They'll call your names and you have to go into that room there," our eyes moved to where Will pointed to, "and after the first round is over, the winner will remain on the battlegrounds, while they call the next contestant. You have ten minutes before they start the next round, just to give the first person a breather."

"Ten minutes is pretty short of a rest," I muttered, doubting how well my endurance is.

"Yeah, but the one who lasts longer up there will get endurance points," Ted mentioned. I raised my brows.

"I don't get it," I furrowed, "how is that fair? Someone might win the other guy because the other guy's simply exhausted."

"Well, winning is a bit different," Ted couldn't contain his grin. "You really aren't prepared for this, aren't you?"

"I was too busy."

"Basically, whoever stays up there the longest, wins."

"I see," I said, touching my ponytail; a nervous habit I have. I forced myself to stop.

Soon, the names rolled and a staff member personally came out to call people by their names. One by one, I see people disappearing into a dark room, covered by a dark cloth.

Many of us watched the battle live and it didn't help with my nerves, at all. I touched Reflecta's hilt.

We've got this.

Reflecta gave a tiny shimmer and I tried to hide my small smile.

"This girl's pretty good," Ted muttered and Will was nodding. I looked up at the screen. The girl with dual daggers was duelling someone with a jian. I watched the deadly exchange, the jian piercing past the girl's cheek, almost cutting her.

"Ouhhh!" People in the room emitted. The girl had lost both her daggers and was on the ground.

"This is... what?" Ted was trying to remember but Will bet him to it.

"Alsa already bet five people."

"Damn," Ted mumbled.

A man walked out behind the black drapes, flicking his fingers across the screen of his tablet.

"Cassandra Williams."

Shoot. I had hoped someone would beat that girl for me.

***

I was shoved into a black vault, shaped like a pill. The lights inside were bright and the air was stiff. Out of nervousness, I grabbed the hilt of Reflecta, hoping to seek some comfort and, if Reflecta was willing, send a tingle up my arm to remind me of our bond. Whenever I gave thought to it, there would be a calming sensation that travelled to my limbs, to remind me that Reflecta was mine.

The vault stopped, it's top opening and blossoming open. I sheltered my eyes with my arm and realised to my shock and awe that the arena was massive.

I stepped out, my vision wasn't having problems adjusting, it was my nerves. The sound of my heartbeat took over my hearing and my grip on Reflecta tightened with every step.

Don't show them you're nervous, Cassie, don't show them.

I inhaled deeply, a strange tightness in my chest. It was unfamiliar for me to feel this nervous. I hadn't been this nervous for so long, not even when Professor May struck me with her katana, so what was it? The loud cheering of the crowd? Or was it the blinding spotlights that seemed to swing in front my eyes every second?

I adverted my gaze to the centre, where Alsa stood waiting for me. She held her jian in her hand, her dark hair in a high pony-tail, standing in her lethal grace. She wore porcelain blue battle attire, an ankle-length garment tightened with belts at her waist. Her jian glimmered, her sharp edges smooth enough to make the air bleed.

I swallowed but lifted my chin as I walked forwards. My nervousness and initial panic made me miss half of the announcements.

"The game begins in one minute! Players ready!"

Suddenly, the arena began to change. Plants began sprouting from the ground, growing, extending until I realised with awe that it was bamboos. Soon, they towered over Alsa and I, covering the sky above our heads. It wasn't a dense bamboo wood, and it was... surprisingly calming... but I knew, somewhere, there were cameras watching us. And, not only cameras, there were people from the Board watching me, waiting to give me my judgement. Maybe even Professor May was watching.

I could still see Alsa, she eyed the bamboos with a curious glance but it wasn't long before her eyes were back on me.

The leaves rustled and the world quietened for the two of us. I stretched my fingers, pulling out Reflecta from my sheath. Alsa's dark eyes were alert, calm like the quiet sea. And we all know we should not underestimate the currents beneath quiet water.

Alsa turned her blade, holding the hilt in her grip as she greeted me. I greeted back with a nod, her composed and respectful manner making me uneasy.

She widened her stance, her jian at her side. I waited for the announcement again, inhaling quietly.

Focus, Cassandra...

But the more I asked myself to focus, the more my focus drifted towards the text message I sent to my parents.

'I know, I'm terrible...'

No, Cass, stop thinking about it.

'I don't know what else to say except a lame sorry.'

Stop, please!

"...two... one! Begin!"

I was caught off guard when a swish of wind cut past my cheeks. I quickly turned on my heels, retreating steps back as Alsa charged at me with her jian already moving away from her body toward my face.

I stumbled another few steps and Alsa saw her opportunity. She changed her direction unpredictably, slick like a koi. While me, I was a prey trying to not get caught.

I drew up Reflecta and our weapons crashed. The crowd roared in enthusiasm, and some were even cheering for Alsa.

"ALSA! ALSA! ALSA!"

Alsa wasn't affected by any of it: not by the crowd, not by her previous opponent and not even by her own nerves. Her jian soared again, cutting past the air as the blade swung toward my head. I inclined my head back, stepping in a circle to escape her.

I released a harsh breath.

Cass, focus!

With a step behind me, I leaned my body weight forward, Reflecta held with both hands, I had it pointed toward Alsa's chest. Alsa directed her blade to mine, diverting it to the side. My ice powers exploded on the floor, sending a cold wave.

Alsa was light on her feet. She outstretched her arms, and guided by my ice-cold wind, she let herself float back, leaving more room between us.

Oh my god, she's too good.

She straightened, waiting calmly with her jian at her side. She starts and stops at the same position. I allowed myself some time to breathe, thinking fast. I rolled back my shoulders and began to walk. Alsa's slight twitch of a brow indicated surprise... or perhaps she was trying to outguess my strategy as I was with her.

We circled each other briefly before we were back at it again.

My blade sliced the air, a subtle wisp in the wind. Alsa lowered herself, drifting as the blade soar past her. I circled the blade and went back again, but Alsa leaned to the other direction and drifted again, movements looking beautifully like a dancing snow crane.

I skated along with her movements, trying to seek out her twists and turns before she even tries them. Alsa dodged my ice as best as she could.

I turned my weapon, spinning it in the air as my water powers flowed and extended. Alsa drew up her free arm and blasted my ice powers apart. Next, she turned her whole body, sword pointed and I felt an invisible wind push me back.

I threw myself to the ground and rolled to a stand, changing my tactic to hide in her blindspot. She almost got me in my weak spot as I skated behind her, but I pivoted, my blade hidden around my body as I moved.

Alsa's eyes were tracking my movements fast. She jumped, twirled, leapt, her jian aimed at me with deadly precision, missing me by inches. Her dark eyes danced again. She sensed something was wrong, that I had changed from revealing my weapon to shielding it.

She twirled her wrist, with her two fingers together, a swish of wind almost made me lose my balance. I caught it last minute and kicked off a bamboo trunk.

Alsa moved her weapon to the right, except I had already swapped Reflecta to my left hand and diverted it straight to her abdomen. Her eyes widened when she noticed it, but it was too late. I struck her weak spot full-on.

Alsa staggered back, head bowed as she clutched her abdomen. With a swipe of her arm, a gust of wind blurred my vision and when it cleared, I just managed to spot Alsa retreating into the shadows of the bamboo.

I chased after her but all that is left is the rustling of bamboo leaves. I stilled myself and waited. Alsa wasn't the type of person to retreat upon the first strike, but she needed time to recover from that blow.

I tried to filter out the rustling leaves, the faint noise of the crowd and the announcer trying to figure out what was happening. The floating cameras surrounded me, anticipating for something to happen.

Then, I heard it.

Alsa was kicking off bamboo trunks. It was a faint sound I almost dismissed as the wind.

I widened my stance, Reflecta gleamed in the sun. My eyes were glazed as I focused on my hearing.

Right side... left... coming close...

I snapped my head to the side when I heard a sudden crack! A bamboo was taken its silent plunge in my direction.

I leapt to the side in a gasp of a breath, hearing the bamboo crash behind my back.

Too close, too close!

I turned around and kicked off a bamboo. I landed on another one, bouncing off my heels as I charged toward Alsa. Alsa appeared out of nowhere, her boots clicking against the fallen bamboo as she ran.

Her jian skimmed past my throat as I dodged. I mimicked her tactic and severed two bamboos nearby. Alsa's dark eyes flicked to the falling trucks and pivoted, cutting another bamboo herself.

As I glided away from the three giant bamboos, Alsa landed a kick on one of them, forcing two of them to collide into an upside-down 'V'. My bamboo landed in between, forming a tripod.

Alsa and I stayed still, simply watching where the bamboos would fall. Except, it swayed in the air for a while before it stopped; a gigantic frame of a triangle. Alsa and I gawked at the sight, and I heard the audience's gasp in the midst.

"The girls just balanced the bamboos in the air! Could you believe it!"

Not really, Lewis, no.

I looked back down, and from Alsa's gaze, she was thinking the same thing. We made our attacks at the standing bamboos. I sliced through one, making the balance tip toward her side. She sliced again, making the bamboos fall toward me. Our weapons diced up the bamboo trunks like vegetables on a chopping board, making them shorter. Whenever one attempted to fall, Alsa or I, we would move toward them, booting them back into place or to the direction of our opponent.

The crowd went wild at our unique performance. Both using every effort to land another blow on each other. Alsa zoomed between the falling bamboos, kicking on some of them to get to me faster.

I followed, jumping into the air. We circled each other, our swords skimming past or clashing before we landed back down onto the ground again. I flipped back with agile flexibility, dodging one of the falling bamboo trunks.

"Watch out!" I shouted when I looked back.

Alsa turned her gaze toward the danger but the bamboo crashed onto her regardless. She never got back up.

"Shoot!" I jogged to her side, waving at the cameras for assistance. I went on my knees, rolling the heavy bamboo off her.

"Alsa? Can you hear me?"

Alsa opened her eyes, her gaze searching for her sword. I glanced over my shoulder, "don't worry, it's right there."

She let out a breath, uttering a groan, "thanks... I, uh-"

"Call me Cass."

"Cass, my shoulder," Alsa winced as she cupped her shoulder gently.

"Cassandra wins!"

My Word! Do they care more about the results than someone's well-being?

Alsa managed a grin, "congrats girl."

"That's not important. We need to get you to a healer," I grabbed Alsa's outstretched hand and pulled her up.

"What do you think you're doing with her?"

That stern voice. It was familiar and it rang in a horrible rhythm. I glanced up, only to see Professor May standing there with a look of fury.

"She's helping me," Alsa looked equally confused.

"My dear," Professor May approached, her katana strapped by her waist, "you're injured. The pain must be taking effects on you-"

"I'm perfectly clear-headed," Alsa retorted, she subtly leaned a bit more of her weight on me and I realised that, as much as Professor May was trying to twist the facts, there was a degree of truth in May's words. Alsa's injury was more serious than it looked, but she was holding the pain for my sake.

Man, I don't even know her, but she's doing all this... for me?

I had Alsa's uninjured arm over my shoulder but the other arm on her waist grew tighter, "Professor May, I don't know what's the meaning of this..." My voice trailed off when more faculty staff members gathered behind Professor May, staring at me like some sort of... criminal.

"Alsa..." Professor May's smile was slipping, "we suspect Cassandra to have intentionally hurt you."

"That's not true," Alsa said, but her voice was quieter. She cleared her throat, "I want to see a healer, alright? If you really thought I was in pain, you would've let me see one already."

To my greatest relief, there was a face I was more than willing to see right now.

"Catlin," Professor Allistar walked into sight, his face scrunched in confusion and concern. He assessed Alsa briefly.

"Professor, Alsa needs to see a healer," I repeated.

Professor Allistar nodded. "She looks pale. Get her to a healer."

As Alsa was carried away, I was left to deal with the mess there was. The bamboo woods didn't seem peaceful anymore, it was rather ominous; with shadows lurking everywhere and a distance that stretched to no end.

"Professor May, I don't know where these accusations are coming from but I never hurt Alsa. The cameras can prove it. The audience were watching."

"And conveniently a bamboo smashes onto her? Almost crushing her skull?" She turned to her faculty members, her face draped in disbelief. A rather odd sight considering I should be the one in disbelief.

"What an exaggeration!" I didn't miss a beat, pitching my voice to make it higher and louder. "If that's the case, then Alsa also tried to kill me. I diced two bamboos down and so did she. We were trying to kill each other, satisfied?"

Professor Allistar looked amused, shooting a sideways glance at Professor May, who stood with a look of shock, "Catlin, she's not wrong. They were at each other's throats, but it's okay, cause the audience loved it."

"Allistar!"

"Catlin, I know you are concerned with the student's wellbeing, but we should see the cameras and decide?"

Before Professor May could think, Professor Allistar was already ushering the faculty staff away from the area, asking them to view the cameras.

"B-But-"

"Professor May, you should go," I said, not bothering to filter out the sharpness edged in my tone.

***

A/N

Text messages from everyone else: polite, respectful, professional, caring etc.

Text message from Jaxton: YYYYOOOOOOOO

Till next chapter, friends!

L