The moment I walked into the camp, I heard Ted and Will's voice.

"CASSIE!"

I chuckled at their enthusiasm and walked up to meet them. Ted sighed in relief, giving me a good look. "All in tact!"

Will gave me a pat on the shoulder. "Nice crest, Cassie."

I touched my bare arm, fingers scraping past my frost crest. "Pretty ironic that I almost died to get this."

"We wanted to come and see you," Ted added, but his happy expression faltered when Tracy entered our vision. She was by the entrance of the cave, arms-crossed as she spared me a glare.

"But Tracy wouldn't let us," Will said, eyes not leaving Tracy. It seemed that I wasn't the only one who was against Tracy now.

"Look, I want to say how grateful I am to you both." I mentioned, bringing their attention back. "If it weren't for you guys, I would still be in the woods."

"Don't mention it."

Julian walked into the camp, and a crowd of newbies approached him like a school of fish. Julian looked unprepared, with his sheepish smile and head rub. The complaints and problems came tumbling out of the juniors' mouth like a waterfall, but Julian raised both his hands and grinned. "Oh, Tracy! You working hard on them, aren't you?"

Tracy spun on her heels and walked out of the camp, making a clear stance that she was not willing to take on the troop for the day. Julian, seeing the sight, only shrugged. He pushed away the juniors and said, with a dismissive and perfectory tone, "people, don't complain! Tracy is doing everything for your own good! I have a meeting to head off shortly. Thanks for your feedback!"

The juniors watched as Julian made his way up the rock stairs in disbelief. Soon, they turned to each other with quiet, disappointed mutters. The sophomores, however, didn't seem surprised. They went back to their own business in the troop: training, chatting, doing homework... They seemly quite amused at the scene.

I looked at Ted. "So... the sophomores don't seem to care?"

Ted scoffed. "You saw it yourself. Julian doesn't care so why should the others."

"I don't care what Julian says, really." Will added, "I would've left ages ago but I have to stay till I'm senior to change."

"Wow," I scanned the camp, realising for the first time that there were no seniors. I looked toward Julian's dorm and uncrossed my arms. I was going to give it a shot.

"Cassie, what are you doing?" Will asked.

"Trying." I muttered and trotted up the stairs. I gave three, steady and firm knocks, only to realise the door was ajar.

"Julian?"

"Ya?" He said, clearly not offended that I had just walked into his territory. I grimaced, taking care of where I step. My boots kicked hard onto a pile of books, and as I stepped to the side, I knocked into a pot of... soil. Yes, only soil.

He was behind the grey couch, looking for something. There were pieces of paper everywhere, pens scattered on the table, empty cans and bottles in a corner... this guy really need to clean everything up. "How can I help?"

"Um..." I watched as he arched him back, throwing a pile of dirty clothes onto the couch. I inhaled a quick breath. "Why don't you do something about Tracy?"

He didn't stop what he was doing. "What do you mean?"

"You know she sent me to the Mirror Palace when she's not supposed to."

"Yes." He replied simply.

"I almost died."

Julian stood up, but he didn't look at me. He simply moved to the other side of the room to search through his drawers. "I heard."

I stifled a scoff. He really doesn't care!

I sucked in a sharp breath. "What everyone tells you about Tracy is true. Why are you letting her in charge? She's not only ruining her own name, but your's as well. Even Legani's! No one even wants to stay!" I softened my voice. "People want to have faith in their leader. I want to have faith in you, Julian."

The room went silent. Julian froze to the spot. Slowly, he turned around, shut the drawer by leaning back. "Tracy is... my cousin."

I frowned. "So? That doesn't mean she can abuse the power she has."

"Hear me out... when her brother died, it gave her a big hit," his lips thinned. "Her whole family practically shattered. They couldn't move on."

My heart stilled, there was a dim ache in my chest. Finally, I said, "I'm... I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything, then." He mentioned quietly. "Oliver, me and Tracy always hung out as kids, but since the accident, she's changed. She's changed to a person I don't know anymore. She just has so much hatred for this world."

I contemplated whether I should close the door, but settled with keeping an eye out instead. "I'm sorry..."

"I'm sorry too, Cassandra," Julian shook his head. "I thought I could help her. Give her a leadership role so she can find her ambition again. Figure out that there are dreams she can pursue. But, she's taking out her anger on all of you."

Words were constricted in my throat, and the air didn't smell good anymore.

"I've talked to her about your incident. She promised never to do it again." He turned around, and the drawers were open again. Except, he searched at a much slower rate. "I'm extremely sorry for what Tracy has done. Marty personally came to talk to me. I was shocked to hear. Honest! I didn't think she'd take it that far."

"Thank you for telling me this. I know it's painful to relive it." I glanced down. "I won't tell anyone. I promise."

A pained look flit by his eyes. "As proven from your previous action, I'm sure you won't."

"Huh?"

He chuckled. "You were checking if anyone was listening, clearly you were more concerned about the privacy of my story."

I raised my brows, impressed. I realised that Julian was more than what he seemed. Observant and... he was a brother and a leader who cares.

"Aha!" His words woke me from my thoughts. "Found it! I have to go now."

He zoomed past me, and flew down the stairs. I was worried he was going to trip, but the casual grin was back on his face, and the confident gait lead him to the exit of the cave.

When I turned into the room, I felt oddly hollow. There was a labyrinth of emotions I felt, and none of it I would decipher. I decided to clean up some of his mess — if it'll help him at all. I grabbed the empty bottles from the corner, attempted to sort his clothes out on the couch and took out the trash.

"What did Julian say?" Ted asked me when I came down the stairs. "You even cleaned up his room for him!"

"Just a bit," I said and let a smooth lie roll out from my tongue. "It was my OCD. I didn't say anything. He was busy."

Will cut through this time, standing from the wooden bench. "You were upstairs for so long. I bet you were trying to tell him what happened, but he didn't listen."

"Maybe he isn't as bad as we think!" I defended, but Ted and Will's stare just made me shrink.

"You're just comforting yourself, aren't you?" Ted gave me a pat. "I know. People are always energetic and optimistic in the beginning. Then you learn to accept the truth."

Wow, harsh words.

Julian already had enough bad words float into his ears, and despite my defence, it had proven futile. Julian's reputation was at a ruin.

"Should I be surprised that Tracy hasn't yelled at us yet?" Ted yawned. "I bet it's because of you, Cassie."

"Yeah, Cassie, you technically saved us from training. Seems like Tracy won't be coming back today."

My eyes wandered to the cave entrance, and rounded on a familiar figure.

Kristen's property.

"Yo, Marty!" Ted waved eagerly.

Marty's dark eyes scanned all of us in greeting. He grinned, giving Will and Ted proper handshakes and pats on the back. He almost gave me a casual pat-hug too, only to realise that I wasn't one of his 'bros'.

"Whoop, hey," Marty chuckled lightly, a faint blush. "I was wondering if I could talk to you, for a sec?"

"Of course not." Ted interjected with a sly smirk. Marty shoved him playfully.

"I think that's my call, Ted." I nodded at Marty, and we made out way outside. His features absolutely glowing as I sneaked glances at him.

Oh god. I can't hurt Kristen.

You're just grateful that he saved you.

The moment we left the camp, Marty grew quiet and his smile faded.

"Is... something wrong?"

Marty stopped by a willow tree, a stream running down rocky steps. The leaves shivered in the wind. Marty made sure no one was around, and sat down on a stone bench. I did the same.

"No one would be coming here at this time," he said, digging into his pocket. "Is this yours?"

What I saw next made my heart stop.

"Where did you get that?" My voice was strained. He held a clear container, my clear container that contained none other than molten crystal.

"At the place you collapsed." He whispered quietly, shoving it into my palms quickly. He gave a quick glance to the surroundings. "I won't tell anyone."

His eyes were genuine. And I had no words for how grateful I am. Marty was taking a risk. For me.

I clutched the container tightly in my hands. "Marty, thank you."

"I'll keep my words, Cassandra, but you gotta tell me why you have this."

I inhaled a short breath, whispering. "I can't. It's too risky."

"You know this is banned, right?" Marty's brows' were furrowed, concern written all over his face. He always glanced over his shoulder every now and then, and I felt guilty for dragging him into this. "Why do you have it?"

"Everything about Iridiscent was wrong," I explained. "It's not a sin to have the ability to bond with a weapon. It's just that people fear it's capabilities."

Marty was silent as he stared at me. He was seriously considering it. "Your sword," he finally said, "is Iridescent."

I closed my eyes, pained. "Yes."

He grew quiet. "Those crystals are for your sword."

I swallowed. "Yes."

Marty closed his eyes. "I promised I will keep my words, and I will." He looked at me again, his face close by mine. "Just be careful."

He took one last look around before he got up. I stood up too, slipping the container into my pockets. He backed into the shadows, and before I could say anything more, he was gone.

Will Marty stop talking to me from now on? Maybe it was for the best. Marty was Kristen's, not mine. Besides, I wasn't sure what I felt. I guessed it was respect. This man has my respect. He has shown me kindness and protection on more than one occasion.

I just hope I don't become an outsider in his eyes.



***



Who knew that Will and Ted's prediction would backfire? Tracy had returned shortly after I came back from Marty's secret meet-up. The moment she entered, we were forced to do an intense series of exercises. I was left wheezing on the floor.

Nighttime came quickly, and everyone gathered into a caved-in wall. A thin tapastry covered the entrance of the dining cave, and inside, there was a long oak table that accommodated everyone. The atmosphere was merry, and the tables were dimly lit with candles that smelt of mountains and waterfalls. People were chatting, drinking and enjoying their first salad dish.

When I walked in, my face flushed red and sweating, I saw Ted and Will taking their first sips on their drinks.

"How did you guys get changed so quickly?"

"You were too busy dying on the floor." Ted laughed.

I fanned myself down, grinning at Ted's tease despite it. "How long till dinner?"

"You got 15."

"Right, I'll go change." I walked back out into the cool air. I was going to settle for t-shirt and jeans.

I jogged upstairs, wiping my arm under my chin as I pushed the door open. My room was dark, and I couldn't make out the objects. I had been organising my things every night before bed, but I still had some stationaries left in boxes. I pushed those aside and headed for the bathroom.

I padded past the balcony and froze. The balcony door was open, and a breeze escaped through. I looked around in the dark. Did I forget to close it? I mean, Cassie, let's be honest, you goldfish brain, you do it all the time.

I walked back to the light switch and flicked the lights on. The papers on my desk were scattered to the floor – worksheets from my Magic class, but that wasn't what caught my eye. I inched closer and blood flowed away from my face when I saw what was on it.

A smudged, bloody handprint.

OH MY GOD I'M GOING TO GET MURDERED.

Oh hold up a sec.

SOMEONE WAS MURDERED IN MY ROOM.

The bathroom. It had to be in the bathroom.

I made my way warily into the bathroom. The door was open, but not fully and as I glanced down to the floor, I saw drops of blood.

Deep breaths, Cassie. Deep breaths.

With one hand on the hilt of my sword, I didn't hesitate to switch on the light. As the white light flashed on, I gasped at the amount of red there was.

"A body," I breathed at the sight of a man on the floor. He died in his own pool of blood. His sleeves were torn, and he looked absolutely ghastly. His face was the colour of a white sheet, and he was limp.

I felt myself fidgit as I bent down, careful not to touch the blood. I raised my two fingers and moved to his neck. Before I even got there, I saw him swallow.

"He's alive..." I whispered to myself. I leaned closer, and grabbed him by the shoulder. "Sir! You're alive!" I shook him hard. "Can you hear me?"

His body gave an adrupt jerk, and he released a series of coughs. He opened his eyes; a lost and unfocused gaze.

Emerald green.

"It's you!" I exclaimed and held him by both arms. "It's you! It's you!"

His head swayed back. "Hi... there..."

"Whoa, stay awake!" I grabbed a towel and covered his wounds. I could hear his shallow breathing. "I need to get someone."

"No!" he panicked, eyes widening and more alert than before. "You can't. Please don't."

"I don't know what to do!" I cried.

"You know... what to do..." he mustered and his gaze went weak again.

I let out a breath. There was only one way. "I need you to lie face up."

He was fading fast, and I didn't rely on him to do it himself. I pushed him and he flopped on his back. I drew out my sword and I felt him stiffen.

"Not going to kill you, someone already did that." I held my sword, the tip of the blade pointed on the tiles next to his head. I closed my eyes and concentrated, muttering quietly. "Reflecta, lend me your elements. Close the wound. Heal the hurt."

I opened my eyes and saw his wide-eyed gaze on me. Great. He knows.

Reflecta shone in a white light, it's powers leaving the sword and entering the wound. He didn't stiffen at the pain, he was phasing out. His eyes were drooping close.

Maybe he'll forget he ever saw that magic I pulled.

"Stay with me," I said, still holding my sword.

He groaned when Reflecta's powers reacted in his wound. Fixing the blood vessels, sealing the tissues and checking the muscles and nerves. He suddenly clutched onto my arm, holding me tightly, I let him.

When the white dust-like particles turned back and dissipated, the sword dimmed. The metal gave one last shimmer before it went back to it's original state. His grip loosened and his bare arm slumped.

"Yo, dude?" I said carefully, then sighed. "Welp, passed out but not dead, I guess."

I gave another look at him. "Or is he?"

I checked his pulse. Steady. I released a sigh. Probably just tired.

I leaped up and away from him and checked my watch. I had to go to dinner otherwise Ted or Will might ask questions. And speak of the devil, someone was knocking on the door.

"Cassie? Are you alright?" That was Will's voice.

"I'm fine! I'll be right down!"

"We'll be starting dinner without you then!"

"Go ahead!" I yelled back. Dinner and my stomach had to wait.

I cleaned up the mess in the bathroom and took off his shirt, doing my best to ignore what I saw before me. I dragged him to bed, almost stumbling over my own feet. I covered him with the duvet and went back to clean the floor.

Once everything was done, I changed into clean clothes and closed the balcony door. Whatever he was doing, my bathroom was his last resort. He sure got into some dangerous business.

I went close to him, checking his pulse one last time before I left.