GLASS || The Catalysts Series, #1

XX || Breaking The Mask

Lena is unable to think of a reply to that.

So she simply stares dumbfounded, jaw dropping at the dark-haired, overly pompous girl who glares right back at her through her glasses.

Really? She is taking this way too seriously. Is everything a competition here?

"What's this, do we have another challenger?" Reyes pops out of no where, fidgeting with something in his hands. They don't ever seem to stop moving, just like their owner, who is bouncing excitedly on the spot. He then balls his fist and speaks into it as if it's a microphone, "What will you say to another duel, new girl? And although it will never be as big as the double duel with Azalea, Clarice can still make things interesting against a fellow Clairvoyant!"

"Shut up, Reyes," calls Neesha's voice. Heads turn, and some people move along to allow a path for her. She has just entered the room and is now swiftly making her way toward Lena and Roen by the edge of the classroom, where a small student crowd is gradually gathering. No one protests or speaks. "Lena, are you all right?"

"Fine, just fine," Lena replies weakly, still staring blankly over the blue screen on her desk. After jamming many buttons in an attempt to give herself some privacy to no avail, several tabs have popped up, including some student manuals with too many words. "How do I shut this thing off?"

Unfortunately, no one replies her, because now they are looking over at Clarice, who now announces, "I do not need a duel with her. We all know who is the best Clairvoyant in the Academy."

Her eyes glinting, she flips some of her dark hair behind her shoulder. Lena notices a tinge of red in her ears, probably embarrassment — but why?

"No one cares, Clarice! The craziest duel of the century is about to happen!"

Clarice takes a deep breath, obviously trying to stay calm and collected despite being ticked off. She puts a hand on her wide hips. "So be it."

Lena supposes Clarice will actually really be intimidating, if not for her precious encounters with Azalea, Lucifer, and Caelus. Perhaps the hesitation and slight quiver in Clarice's pride is probably due to the same thing: she knows she is outshined, and doesn't want to stage another show that she is certain to be in the secondary spotlight. For that, Lena can rest at ease for Clarice not to bother her for now. But she has to be vigilant, for the girl has Lena marked.

"Now that she's out of the way..." Reyes squeezes himself in after being pushed aside by Neesha, using his smaller body to his advantage. He is now in front of Lena's desk, throwing a disgusted look over where Clarice left and is now staring at Lena intently, with those large, curious dark eyes. "What are your thoughts on upcoming duel?"

Lena blinks at him, unsure what he wants. "I-I don't know." Several student snigger, and Lena feels her face grow hot. The volcano inside her is building up, rising, about to explode — "I mean, it's my first day — so will everyone just leave me alone!"

Before she realises, she has already stood up, her palms slamming the blue screen on the desk. It beeps loudly once, then shuts itself off. Her chair has flown back. Her hands shake on the desk, but she presses her palms on the surface hard. Lena isn't sure why she let the magma erupt in her despite the promise to herself to control her emotions, her impulses just seem too demanding and in control.

Nevertheless, her act seems to be working. The crowd dissipates as students back away in shock, some gasping. The unnecessary action draws her more attention, but at least she's able to breathe with the crowd now fanning out.

Lena moves quickly. The students file out of her way, probably afraid she might have another outbreak — though she knows full well they really have nothing to fear for her ability, they are simply in shock — and she weaves through the class with no difficulty.