Knowledge is Power

Hey everyone, I'm back at long last. I must say, it's been a pretty chaotic few days. I'm really sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to post chapters daily like I originally planned. I'd like to thank fuzzy for posting the last chapter (even though it was really rough), the 250 people who clicked in, and my reviewers! Yay! someone else decided to review! Thank you for your kind words reviewers! Anyway, on with the story.
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It was Monday once again. School actually seemed like relief from the psychological torture Chazz experienced over what he deemed the worst weekend ever. Not only did he have to fight off Atticus, who continually attempted to force a confession out of him, but he also had to deal with a series of weird dreams. These dreams caused him to wake up in terror every time, and they were only getting worse, more provocative with each passing night. He made sure to stay awake as long as possible, but that didn’t stop the dreams from coming once he fell asleep.

Pleased that school provided an admirable distraction, the sleep deprived slifer actually smiled all throughout spell class and didn’t even seem to mind today’s fusion lecture. Only near the end of class did he fall back into his usual angry tendencies.

“Good day, are you ready for today’s lesson?” The tutor asked casually.

“Why? So you can send me subliminal messages? I’m on to you. You’d better watch yourself.” A very angry and tired Chazz said, it sounded like a threat.

The knowledgeable ra gave his student a perplexed look. He decided not question Chazz’s unusual comment. “Please come with me.” He said with as little emotion as he could muster.

“I’m not going anywhere! You teach me whatever you need to right here!” The sleepy slifer stated. He folded his arms for emphasis and stuck his nose in the air. This statement was absolute.

“Alright, if it means that much to you. But just so you know, Alexis periodically stays after class for additional study. By my calculations, she’ll return after a short bathroom break. If she asks why were here together, should I make up a lie? Or should I tell her you’re failing and I’m tutoring you?”

Chazz growled, “how about you say I’m tutoring you?” The slifer student retorted.

“Well, that’s just plain inconceivable. She’d know I wouldn’t need academic assistance. You’ll have to think of a more probable reason than that.”

“Fine! Whatever! She probably won’t notice anyway! So just get on with it already!”

“Very well. Today I have a pop quiz for you. Don’t worry, it’s not counted toward your overall grade.” The tutor said, handing Chazz a sheet. “If you did your homework...”

“Then I should have no problem right?” The student blurted out. “That’s all you ever say!” He then assumed there may be a double meaning in his words, maybe it was an anagram, or a secret code. He’d look into that later.

“If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

“Psh.” The black haired slifer uttered. He began to scratch down some answers, when he noticed Alexis had entered the classroom. Chazz discreetly smiled. Que fanboy crush and flustering! Yet, he felt no attraction this time, why?

Maybe it was because his mind had been completely occupied by speculation. It could be related to his lack of sleep. Perhaps he was concentrating too much on the quiz. There had to be a logical explanation for this.

Focussing fully on his quiz now, the concentrating slifer didn’t notice Alexis come over to where they were. He didn’t notice her sit next to the tutor. He did however, notice her when she started talking.

“Hey guys! Reviewing today’s lesson? Or are you in detention?” The obelisk girl said with a smile.

Oh no, what kind of madness would that fiend ra unleash? Surely he’d tell Alexis about his fusion problem, then they’d have a laugh together, at his expense no less! He had to think of something!

“Actually, Chazz and I are working on an extra credit project that discusses new and effective ways to use fusion. He’s been helping out quite a bit. I don’t think I’d be able to complete such a project without his help.”

Wait, what? It sounded like that malicious jerk was trying to help him out, and actually make him look good? Was this some kind of trick? It didn’t make sense! And that was a weak lie, there’s no way she’d believe that!

“Oh really? That’s great! Mind if I look over your project?” Alexis asked out of genuine curiosity.

“Well Chazz? Should I show her the result of your work?” The ra lamely asked.

“I, well I...” He thought about it. What could he possibly show her that would illustrate his failing? After all, everything had been revised and corrected, so anything he showed her would only show correct answers and insight. So how could he possibly use that to his advantage? Chazz had to find out. “Go right ahead.” He finally said.

Bastion immediately complied. He took out notes and various other forms of tests and things. Alexis wasted no time seizing and reading. All the while, the suspicious slifer watched in secret, analysing her expressions and reactions. No reaction seemed to show disdain or contempt, but rather interest. “That’s really impressive Chazz, I never would have thought of that.” She said while holding one of his homework assignments.

“Ah, thanks.” The slifer replied shyly.

“Would you believe he came up with that by himself?” Bastion mentioned.

“Really? That’s amazing Chazz!”

“Ah-ha, thanks.”

“Oh, I just remembered I left some crucial parts of our project in my room. How unprecedented of me. I guess I’ll go get them now, see you in a bit.” The tutor stated as he got up to leave.

So there they were, alone in the class together. The hopeless romantic slifer would have been overjoyed any other day, but he hardly seemed to care right now. It had to be the lack of sleep. Now there existed an awkward silence between them. This was most unfortunate.

“So Chazz.” The obelisk girl began, “Atticus told me you’ve finally moved on...”

He said what?! She better not be referring to what he thought she was referring to! “What do you mean? Moved on from what?”

“Well, your crush on me. He said you’d gotten over me, so I thought we could be friends.”

That’s what he thought. Damn that Atticus! Maybe he could use this to his advantage. He’d only pretend to be over her, then as her friend he’d make her love him! Best plan ever! “Yeah, well, I get that you don’t like me that way. But being friends would be cool.”

She smiled, “I’m happy to hear that. Well, see you tomorrow. I promised Mindy I’d help her get a date with Jamie today.” She got up and headed toward the door, turning back once to wave and smile at Chazz.

* * *


It was a good twenty minutes before the tutor reappeared, not that his student minded. While he was gone, Chazz had completed the quiz and awaited eagerly for dismissal. “Where were you?”

“In the woods. I didn’t want to intrude on you. Did you have a good time with Alexis?”

“Heh, as a matter of fact, I did. Not that it’s any of your business!”

“Well that’s good, if you’re all done the quiz, then you may leave.”

More abrupt than expected, but who really cared about that? The fantasizing slifer calmly handed over the sheet and left. His ankle had healed substantially, so his limp was hardly noticeable.

When he arrived back to his room, he assumed it would be safe to sleep tonight. After chatting with the girl of his (former) dreams, he was sure to have a deep sleep with sweet dreams. Yet, he couldn’t seem to wrap his head around the concept of actually being with the girl. Instead, his mind wandered to the kind action of his tutor. How could such an unselfish act possibly be an attack? No possible explanation came to mind as to how the tutor could be under minding him this time. But why would he want to be nice? Didn’t he hate him?

With all the unanswered questions, Chazz completely neglected to review. He kept thinking about some possible outcomes until he fell asleep.


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On the request of fuzzy, I'll probably weasel in a lemon in the next chapter. It won't involve The Chazz though.