The sun was beating down on my bare scalp. I casually raised a hand to wipe the sweat from my brow as my friend, Xander, walked over to me. There was a smile on his face. He seemed to be smirking at all the other people standing around us.

"Good day for a fight?" He rested his hand on my shoulder.

"It's just another day, Xander." I cooly replied. The truth was, tournaments were beginning soon and I knew I had to size up my opponents. My friend knew my thoughts.

"Them, they're just peasants. Your reputation precedes you, good friend. No need to worry about them. None of them truly have your skill or your wisdom."

"Even if that is so, I have been defeated here at the academy. Somehow these people have bested me."

"It's only been a few times."

"Damnit, Xander. Do you not realize that out there in the forefront, on the real battlefields, there will be no second chances? You have to be undefeatable otherwise you lose your life." The thought of these fools surrounding me even coming close to my power bothered me. "There is no way these fools will defeat me again. I won't allow it. After this tournament, I will truly be feared."

"I believe you, Lox. I believe you." The smile had vanished from his face and he examined our rivals now as well. "You understand that pretty soon this friendship has to end?"

"I do. I will allow you hang on to my coat tails until the time for apprenticeship comes. Then I will discard you. That is the way of the sith."

He laughed at the comment. "Yes, well, don't be so sure that it is you who will be under the tutelage of Darth Thanat."

"Fine, my friend. Tell me about some of those before us and how we should handle them. No need for this alliance to be broken up until we've destroyed everyone else."

Then he turned back to me with that smirk back on his face. "I have been doing my research."

"You're the brains for now, and I am the braun."

"Yes, we'll see. That one in the corner with the swords." He was now pointing out a lone figure going through combat drills. Long red and black hair hid her face as she moved with fluid motions. She was a dual wielder, a tricky foe indeed. "Obviously you have to watch for her combat style. It's not as bad as a double bladed weapon, but it's still an obstacle to over come. She is one of the ones you've got to worry about. She's young. Lots of vitality. She's already experienced combat. That is how Darth Thanat took notice of her. She was a soldier back on her home world. With the promise of greater power, she left. It really didn't take much convincing, actually. She was only in the business for the brutality of it."

"How pleasant."

"Indeed. Her name is Aerynn. My advice is to get on her good side. Don't allow her to take you out prematurely."

"I'm not so worried about that."

"Please, friend, just take my advice."

Then the sirens went off. Our practice time was over. Now it was time for Sith studies. As the rest of the students walked into the large pyramid-like building, Xander and myself held back. "We'll get together tonight. There are a few others we need to talk about and I'll give you more detailed information on them." He tapped my chest lightly and began to walk away.

I watched Aerynn as I offhandedly called to Xander, "Meet me in my quarters." With a wave of his hand he was out of my sight. I knew that Aerynn was the one I had to look out for. With the thoughts of what we'd discuss tonight, I walked into the building out of the blazing sun.

Later that night I heard a knock at my door. I knew who it would be so I quickly jumped from my bed to open the door. There stood Xander with a small folder in his hand. I stepped back from the doorway and he swiftly stepped in, tossing the folder down on the bed beside him where he sat. "Good, good. On to business."

I cleared my throat and took a seat in a chair across from him. "Who's first?"

"Ah, this kid named Kwee. Another young one. Just looking at him, he's not much of a match for you. He's narcissistic. A pretty boy. I'd say if you really want to get under his skin, try to talk down to him. Words will probably shake this kid up a bit. Make him feel like he's not as good as he thinks he is and he'll crumble. A bit of a wimp. He's average as far as the dueling goes so far."

"Well then why is he an issue?"

"Well, why is this guy here? Mostly everyone here is after the power and the glory. This kid? He doesn't really strive to be the best. He's got a hidden agenda and we need to keep an eye on him. Remember how I told you to make friends with that Aerynn character? Well, don't do that here. Take this guy down outside of the dueling ring. Then when you finally go at him for real, he'll be an easy kill. Plus, if you take out someone who shows little ambition Darth Thanat will think highly of you."

"Weeding out those that don't belong."

"Precisely. Make him your first target. He doesn't seem like too much of a threat, but taking him out could get you somewhere in the Master's eyes."

"I'll keep that in mind. What else do you have?"

"You want a challenge? Here is one. Another female named Cuddy. Hasn't had too many matches but has an undefeated streak. Keep your eye on her."

"Yeah. She was one of those that beat me."

"Exactly. Don't let that get in your head, though. She's a loner. She's got no one. A great set up for betrayel. Befriend this one and then take her out when she's vulnerable. She's strong in the ring but weak in the heart."

"Sounds almost too easy, this one."

"But it isn't. Getting close to her will be a task for you. I think a good way to get to this one is to subtley start a feud between her and Kwee. Then come to the aid of Cuddy while degrading Kwee. Two birds with one stone, right? It seems like an effective way to gain her trust. She does have trust issues."

"So the deception needs to last a while?"

"Yes. She is a good fighter. She'll be a vital asset for us in taking out the rest of the students. With her on our side, we'll undoubtedly be unstoppable. I also have a feeling the force is strong in her. Don't let her think she has too much control on things. We can't let her take control of you."

"No problem," I said with a wave of my hand. "Any more for tonight?"

"Two more females. Rika and Aimee."

"Why are there so many blasted females attending the academy?"

His lips parted in a smile. "Come now, Lox. Females can be very persuasive. They make for wonderful spies. Males could be easily seduced and subdued. Don't you fall for their wiles."

"Never. I'm purely in this for the power."

"Let's hope so. These two haven't seen much combat and I don't predict much of a threat. Again, their feminine sides are their strongest points. Don't fall for them. I have a bad feeling about those two."

"Blast, Xander. I'm no fool. I won't be seduced by the likes of them. The only thing that will persuade me is more power. Darth Thanat has my full allegiance and I vow to eradicate all these pathetic vermin including yourself. Now, if you will leave me. I'll think over what little information you've given me."

Xander stood quickly and spoke with a hint of anger in his voice. "I wouldn't be so smug or rude if I were you. It may be only a little information but it's information that will help you in the end. I'll be off now. Just remember that I'm the only one who has your back, and that can quickly change."

Turning my head, I gestured for him to leave. "Be gone with you Xander."

He gave a small laugh. "Yes, Lox. I shall see you tomorrow at the practice field."

After Xander left, I locked the door to my room and laid on the bed. It's true that he was my only ally. He knew I planned to betray him and that bothered me. Not because I would stab a friend in the back, but because he planned to do exactly the same. Was he witholding information from me and only giving me the bare minimum? Was he giving me false information so that I might fail?

These were things I didn't need to focus on at the moment. When the tournament came, then I would know. Until then I would train and hone my skills. I would become Darth Thanat's apprentice.

I didn't get much rest last night. Most of my focus was on my next move. Even though I had been a bit aggravated by Xander supplying me with such little information, it actually proved very valuable once I thought it over. I'd never say that I was sorry for what I said or that he was right, that would only be a sign of weakness. There was no room for that here. I had made up my mind.

In just a few short minutes, all of the academy students would be practicing and preparing for the upcoming tournament. Even though we did have scheduled tournaments, students were allowed to duel each other to test how far their skills were coming along. These fights rarely lasted long and only consisted of using blunted weapons for attacks. There was little to no chance of a student being murdered during a duel, that isn't to say it doesn't happen, though.

Hopefully, today would not be one of these days. I was going to test out Xander's information. I was going to duel Aerynn today to see how her skills match up against mine. If she truly is as powerful as Xander says, I will try to sway her to my cause. To our cause. The Sith cause.

As I walked through the doorway that led to the dueling grounds, I eyed her in the same corner going over the same routine. Her movements were elegant, but strong. She looked like a worthy opponent, but looks could be deceiving. Slowly I made my way to the center of the area where a small circle was drawn on the stone. This was the dueling ring. Once the other students noticed that I was standing there, they casually made their way around the ring to see who I would be calling out. Xander, I saw, was taking particular interest in my actions.

Zisi, the dueling instructor, came over to our position. He was a very simple looking man, no doubt under the control of Darth Thanat.

"Loxxikus, you wish to duel a student?"

I simply nodded my head. He seemed nervous and just stood there looking at me quizically.

Crossing my arms, I looked to Aerynn. "Her, Aerynn. I wish to duel you, do you accept?"

With a sinister smirk she stepped into the ring twirling her swords. At the same time, Zisi stepped away from the ring. "You two know the rules. A clean fight, no deaths. Begin!"

Aerynn and myself carefully struck blows to test each others defenses. Then she gave me a brief smile which threw me off guard. That was a mistake. Suddenly she struck out, nearly landing the blow. I narrowly escaped by diving away. I brushed myself as I stood and shook off the previous events.

"Careful, Loxxikus. Don't want me taking off your head, do you?"

"Keep your mouth shut and duel, woman."

"Have it your way."

Quickly, she struck out at me again using both swords. I managed to deflect one of the blades with my own, but the other caught me in the back of the knee which brought me kneeling to the ground. She took a swing at my face with one of her swords but I was able to swat it away as I got back to my feet. It appears that Xander had been right about her fighting abilities.

Then she rushed at me with a flurry from her dual blades. Using what little force powers I had, I could predict where the shots were coming from and blocked several of them before breaking from the fray to collect myself. "You're good Aerynn."

"I wish I could say the same for you, Lox."

With a snarl, I readied myself for next attack. She did something unexpected, though. She dove between legs, twisting as she flew. One of her boots landed in my lower back and sent me reeling to the ground. Jumping to her feet she came at me again placing her boot against the back of my skull.

"Enough!" Zisi screamed as he entered the ring. "Loxxikus has been defeated. Aerynn is the winner."

Aerynn gave me a smile and walked back to her corner. The other students walked back away to their areas. Only Xander approached me.

"Damnit, Lox. What did I tell you about that one?"

"I had to see for myself, Xander. I will approach her. We need her. I need her."

He solemnly nodded in agreement. "You should go do that."

Brushing the dirt from my body, I made my way to her corner. She barely acknowledged my approach, I had to call to get her attention. "Aerynn."

She turned slowly to face me and dropped her weapons at a rest. "What is it, Lox?"

"You're a good warrior. I wasn't expecting that from you."

"Once again, I wish I could say the same for you. Your a decent defender, but that isn't going to help you if you can't defend all the attacks or land a few of your own."

Shit. "I know. This academy, this whole thing here, is about being powerful and doing what it takes to succeed no matter the cost. I am coming here to offer you a peace agreement. We can be allies and help each other."

The looked on her face was one of amusement. "Help? From you? You have nothing to offer me."

"But it was only one duel, we can be great together."

"Be gone with you, Lox. Fight me again when you've gotten better, then we'll talk." With that, she turned back around and focused on her routine.

Shit. I thought again. Things weren't going to be as easy as I thought they would. Xander made his way to me again.

"She said no." A statement, not a question.

"Yes, with a resounding one at that. I have to be better prepared the next time I duel her. I will be prepared."

"Now that you know what you're up against and you know that I'm not bullshitting you, truce?"

"Truce, Xander. It appears we will need each other to make it here. I hate to admit that."

"Just as much as I do. Remember one thing -- Whatever it takes."

"Precisely. And I will make it." Xander walked away to work on his own excercises while I went to my own area. Aerynn had caught me completely off guard. I need to be more focused and more prepared. This could not happen again. It wasn't long into my combat routine when the siren sounded for practice to end. Maybe I should focus on a better target until I get my head straight. Yes, that's just what I'll do.

Even after my somewhat humiliating defeat, I was able to walk back into the Academy temple with my head held high. One of my plans may not have worked, but I still had my backup plan. And I was more than certain it would work.

"Cuddy, a word?"

Not long after entering the temple from our excercises, I had caught my prey. The girl was young with long brown hair. A pretty, trusting face. I didn't buy it.

"What is it?" She turned to face me.

"I don't see you conversing with many of the other students, why is that?"

"What's it to you? Besides, if you're here to make acquantances or pals you're here for the wrong reasons."

"I think you misunderstand me. Or maybe you haven't fully realized what it takes to succeed here."

She crossed her arms and looked at me impatiently. "I'm listening."

"Walk with me, dear." I kindly placed my hand on her shoulder and led her back to my quarters.

Once we reached my room, I closed the door behind us. "Take a seat." I motioned towards my bed. She sat, staring at me intently.

"Now, I understand you're young and maybe you haven't figured out the way people work here. First, you may be asking yourself 'How does he know that I haven't been conversing with other students? Has he been spying on me?' The answer to that is yes! You see, to be able to defeat the enemy you must know your enemy. 'If we're enemies then why is he bringing me to his room to give me advice?' Well, while we all may be enemies, we're all also allies. Some of us are weak. Some of us are strong. The weak must leech off the strong in order to survive. Just imagine if two strong forces were to help each other, though? Unstoppable. That is why you must converse with students. That is why you must spy on them. That is why you must form alliances. We're all in this together even if it is against each other. We could help each other rise to the top and destroy each other from there."

"Even if that is the case, why should I choose you?"

"Because, I've got information you need."

"Really? What information would that be?"

"You know that strapping young lad named Kwee?"

"Yes, I know of him."

"He's got it out for you Cuddy. Now, I've picked him apart. I've scoped him out. I can tell he's out to get you, for what reason, I do not know. All I know is that if you don't want to be eliminated you'll keep an eye out for him."

"Okay. And why are you giving me this information? We're enemies after all, according to you."

"In hopes that you may return the favor one day. Kwee is weak. You are stronger. The Sith need the strong to survive, Cuddy! Let us weed out the weaklings that do not belong here so that the strong may prosper."

"As I see it, you're fairly weak yourself."

"Now Cuddy. We all have to test the waters. I was feeling Aerynn out. Do not show your true strength until you're dealing the crushing blow. Allow your enemies to see weakness and openings that aren't there. We were in a dueling ring. Aerynn... What a pitiful fool. Going all out in a fight that doesn't even matter. She showed her moves. She showed what she is truly made of. So now everyone knows what to expect when dealing with her. Now suppose someone was going to challenge me? They would assume that I am weak and easy to conquer. If it were a fight to the death I would now have the upper hand. They would have no idea of the strength I truly possess. I would crush them mercilessly."

"Is that really true?"

With one swift movement I brought my hand into the back wall of my room, cracking the cement. Small pieces fell across my desk and books. "My dear, you haven't even begun to see the power I posses."

A slightly sadistic smile crossed her face. "Alright Loxxikus. I'll take your word for it and check things out. If I find that you have betrayed me, I'll come looking for you."

"Oh, you have my word Cuddy. This allegiance will serve you well."

With a courteous bow, I opened the door for the young girl as she strode purposefully from my room. I could see Xander looking from the end of the hallway. I beckoned him forward.

A great smile spread across his face. "How did it go?"

"Worked like a charm my friend. She's going to go look into Kwee for herself."

"But he's not really out to get her. Won't that be a problem?"

"No, friend. I know just how to manipulate that one. I've been thinking. Don't worry about it."

"You're the one that should be worried. Everyone will be gunning for you. I'm just the brains. No one knows about my involvement. I have nothing to fear."

"Ha! We'll see how long that security lasts Xander."

"We shall." With that he turned and walked away.

I slowly closed the door as his footsteps trailed away down the hall. Aerynn hadn't panned out as I had wished, but Cuddy was going to be a different experience altogether. She was going to be the one to turn the tide in my favor. Oh, gullible Cuddy.