"Keep your body faced away from me, turn more to the side. It presents a smaller target,” Nathan instructed Sophie who stood defensively in front of him.

They had been working on her technique for weeks and Sophie was greatly improving. Jake sat quiet in the corner, his finger drifting over Kagami absent mindedly. He had finished up with Rocko and Sam early, feeling frustrated with his lack of power. His sword fit his hand perfectly and felt like an extension of his arm, but other than being able to summon a mirror without more than a thought, there wasn’t much else it could do. He had heard that Sophie and Paige had both experienced an encounter with the souls of their blades, but to Jake, it was as though he still had his old sword, excellent in combat but so plain and normal. It angered him. The others were all progressing with their swords, accomplishing amazing things and all he could do was stare blankly at a mirror for hours on end.

He watched Nathan instruct Sophie. The girl was showing a lot of promise. But even without Nathan’s help she was the most accomplished and in tune with her sword. Harnessing its gifts had been second nature to her, as easy as breathing. He watched jealously as Nathan walked around her. Adjusting her body where he saw fit until she was in a pose that he deemed correct. Nathan had offered to help him with his sword after one evening of confessing his frustrations, but Jake laughed and dismissed him, he wasn’t about to ask Nathan for help, it would just wound his pride. Nathan being the kind of guy he was, just smiled and agreed.

They continued their sparring sessions and although Jake had his boost in power from Kagami, he slowly found Nathan catching up to him once more. His advantage wasn’t enough, and soon Nathan would superseded him if he didn’t learn more.

“I might head home,” Jake called, interrupting the two.

Sophie, without breaking her pose nodded while Nathan gave a small frown, “Really Jake? I thought we were going to spar afterwards?”

Jake shook his head, “I’m feeling really tired. I am just going to go home,” He lied. He just didn’t feel like watching Nathan with Sophie.

Nathan nodded once before turning back to his student. Jake left the two, walking swiftly through the streets.

The front door slammed shut behind him as he walked through their small flat. Ignoring the kitchen, he went up to his room, closing the door behind him. With one hand on the shimmering pommel, he summoned a large mirror and began his nightly ritual of staring into the reflective surface. Minutes dripped by with no insights, Jake sighing as the night formed into the familiar routine of the last few weeks.

Nothing.

Anger still sparked beneath his skin and rose up with fury. Wrenching Kagami from its sheath, he threw it with force at the mirror. The glistening surface did not shatter as expected, but rather, the reflective weapon rippled the surface, passing straight through. Impossibly, it lay inside the mirror, the shimmering blade glinting in the low light. Jake cautiously approached the mirror and peered around behind it. He frowned, Where on earth has it gone? Returning back to face the mirror, the sword still sat dangerously on the floor.

“It’s right there…” Jake muttered, placing his fingers against the mirror. It wasn’t cool as he expected, but tepid. His fingers slipped through the surface as if he was touching water. Jakes eyes widened in surprise as his whole arm easily passed through the reflective panel. Kneeling, he grasped his sword and began to withdraw his hand. It was just about out when cool fingers wrapped around his wrist from the inside. Jakes eyes snapped wide in alarm as a beautiful pair of ice blue eyes stared back from within. Momentarily stunned, he forgot to fight back and the owner of the captivating eyes pulled him harshly forward, sending him flying inside the mirror.

He coughed and sputtered, landing face first in a puddle of mud. Wiping the muck from his eyes, he blinked at his surroundings. It was dark. Cold rain fell mercilessly from the heavens while Jake stood shivering on an unwelcoming street.

Mirrors hung from many surfaces, all showing dark reflections of the angry clouds overhead. He stood shakily, the beautiful sword gripped tightly in his hand.

“Who are you?” came a soft voice, a flash of ice blue dancing before his eyes.

Jake reached forward but the apparition disappeared.

“Do not make me ask twice,” the voice echoing in an annoyed tone through the rain, Jake’s eyes darted around in search of the speaker.

“My name is Jake Sterling,” he spoke out, shivering as an icy wind blasted around his face, “Why did you bring me here?”

“This is my sword,” the voice called softly, “I have the right to meet its Keeper.”

“Then you must be the soul in the blade! I have so many questions. Where are you?” Jake called but only rain and mirrors were visible.

“When in my house, I ask the questions. You are not strong enough to hold this blade,” the voice chided.

“I did the test and the sword chose me,” Jake was still scanning the room, “It’s not like this sword can do much other than create mirrors.”

Jake challenged and was met with a pair of fierce blue eyes. “I am the sword!” she yelled, “You know nothing Jake Sterling,” her voice lowered back into an angry whisper, her eyes narrowed behind thick lashes. “Let’s make a deal,” her voice softened, “pass my test and I will teach you. I will show you how to use me – Kagami. You will be great.”

“And if I don’t want to take your test?” challenged Jake.

The voice gave pause for a moment before continuing, “We both know you will, if you want to be strong like Nathan that is...” she taunted.

Jake growled stabbing his sword angrily into its sheath, “What is the test?”

The voice grew smug, “To find me. You have an hour. Any longer and you shall perish.”

“More life and death? Isn’t anything simple with you people?” he cried out, but the presence was gone. A small mirror appeared, hovering next to his left shoulder. An hourglass came into focus, and the sand began to slip through effortlessly.

Growling, he stomped through the rain, quickly making his way down the winding streets. Looming in the distance, watching over the township, was a large castle. I bet that is where she is hiding. I will finish this quickly. He traversed the streets quickly making his way up the hill.

A piercing scream echoed through the streets. Jake burst into a run, trying to locate the source of the horrified screams. He navigated his way through the town until he found a tall man lifting a woman off the ground by her throat in what looked like an empty market place. Her long skirt brushed the ground.

“I don’t have time for games! Where is she?” the man roared, spittle flying from his lips.

The woman gasped. Her hands scratching at the large hand encircling her throat, “What are you talking about?” she choked out while her face was going blue. Her dark hair plastered to her head, the rain mixing with her tears.

“The witch in the mirror! I have to find her!” he screamed, slamming the woman to the ground. She breathed in deeply before letting out a screech of pain. “I do not know,” she cried pitifully, the man rose his hand to hit her.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Hey!” Jake yelled, charging in to the square.

“Who are you?” the man asked, dark eyes darting about, fist stilled in the air.

Jake rushed forward pulling the woman away from the man who did nothing to stop him.

“Are you ok?” he asked, helping the woman into a sitting position. She coughed and spluttered, her blue face slowly returning to a normal color.

“Thank you…” Was all she muttered in response.

“I’m Jake,” he growled at the man, “I am looking for the witch too.”

“Stuff off. I don’t have time for you. She is going to kill me.” He grumbled, stepping towards the woman once more.

Jake pushed him away and focused on the battered woman. Pushing back her sodden hair, he looked into her eyes. “If I don't find her in under an hour I will die,” he spoke seriously and soft grey eyes stared back up at him. She was pretty with soft ivory skin and pretty pink lips.

“This woman knows where she is. She will lead us to her,” The man stated, but Jake waved him off.

The girl looked up at him through bleary eyes, “She is in the castle,” her voice raspy, multiple bruises blooming on her throat.

The man behind her continued to rant, “Not this again, no one comes out of that castle alive,” he stated, slamming his hand into her head before Jake could stop him. The woman fell back, eyes rolling to the back of her head as she passed out.

“Don’t you think the castle would be the best place for her to hide then?” Jake screamed sarcastically, gathering the small woman up into his arms. He strode from the square and the man scrambled after him. Jake left the girl beneath a sheltered archway, shedding his cloak, he draped the material over her, protecting her from the cold.

They walked with purpose up to the castle, Jake glanced at the hourglass over his shoulder, quarter of his precious time had slipped away.

“We need to hurry,” he commanded, the man beside him nodded. They reached the castle doors, well they were the shape of doors, but constructed completely from mirrors. Jake stared into the mirror and suddenly realized how tired he looked. Dark circles hung under wary eyes, while mud and water covered his reddened cheeks. The large glass doors opened unbidden, almost challenging them to enter. They stepped inside and relished the warmth that the shelter provided. Jake took the moment to glance at his time, half the sand had slipped through.

The man was already inching cautiously down the long hallway, “We need to keep moving,” he muttered.

It was a hallway of mirrors. Their images danced around as they strode through the halls. Picking up the pace they decided to jog.

A wicked laughter filled the halls. “Times up, for one of you...”

The strange man screamed in horror, “No!” Jake’s eyes went wide, mirrors shattering around them, the razor sharp shards pierced the man’s skin at multiple points all over his body. He fell to his knees, eyes bulging and blood spewing from his wounds. “Help,” He whispered before falling into the growing puddle of blood, still and unmoving.

“Hurry young warrior,” taunted the voice, “Before you suffer the same fate.” Jakes blood ran cold as he ran from the bloody scene.

“Why are you doing this?!” he screamed, his tortured face reflecting back at him. Scarlet blood seemed to follow him.

“This is your test Jake. You accepted the terms,” the woman spoke calmly.

“You can't just kill people like you do. That's not fair!” he cried, losing himself in the winding hallways.

“That is where you are wrong Jake Sterling. I may do as I please. It is my test after all,” her voice disappeared, and Jake was once again alone.

Jake placed his right hand on the wall. If I keep this on, then I will eventually reach the end, but I will have to hurry.

He ran through the maze of hallways as fast as he could, turning and winding through different passages. The body of the nameless man and his river of blood was left behind, but images of his own panic and despair bounced all over the mirror maze.

“Can’t be far now,” Jake muttered.

“Yes!” he crowed, surging forward faster. A door lay at the far end of the corridor, “I found the end!”

He sprinted towards it, muscles burning. Just as everything seemed to be coming to fruition, his stomach dropped, I’m back at the start… But how? He took a few steps outside and let out a sob, falling to his knees in utter defeat.

“Times up,” the witch laughed. “You know how mazes work. That’s good to see,” came the haunting voice. Jake opened his eyes and a woman stood before him. Her icy blue eyes watched him curiously. She was garbed in light blue cloth. It covered her from head to toe leaving only a slit for her eyes. Strands of braided golden hair escaping its confines delicately.

“You cheated!” Jake screamed at the woman, who shook her head.

She knelt gracefully, her robes billowing about her as she descended to the floor, placing a hand on his cheek, “I never said I couldn't change the maze as you walked.... It was a simple switch of a mirror and you are back where you started,” she let out a chuckle, the sound girlish and sweet. Jake bit back his annoyance.

“You cheated and you know it,” Jake spat, feeling hopeless.

“No. The only rule was, that if you found me, then you could go free. If not, you would die. You just presumed what you thought the rules might be other than that, I never said it was possible to find me. Your time has run out,” her fingertips cool and smooth as glass as they brushed along his jaw.

Jake flinched, “Please do not kill me,” he gasped, fear knotting up his stomach.

“Get up!” the woman commanded, her voice no longer gentle, “Your friend wouldn’t be on his knees crying. He’s strong.”

Jake’s sobs ceased, anger beginning to overtake his fear.

She laughed evilly again, “Did I hit a sore point? You have been living in his shadow since you met him.”

“How do you know?” Jake demanded, quickly becoming angrier.

“I have been watching you Jake. I see everything from this glass prison and have been waiting. I know that you are frustrated with your inability to use this weapon,” she gestured at Kagami, “and I know that you long to wield it properly,”

Jake nodded in agreement.

“I also know that you are tired of being second best. You’ve been living in Nathan’s shadow for too long. You’re always one step behind, aren’t you?” Jakes eyes fell to the floor.

“I have also seen how you look at Sophie,” she said slyly and he glared up at her. “But once again, Nathan has gotten there first,” she stated, waving her hand, summoning a small mirror. Sophie and Nathan were visible. Still training apparently. Nathan stood close to Sophie, his tall frame towering over her. Sophie stared up at him with wide eyes, her pretty pink lips parted and breathless. One hand brushed her cheek gently before Nathan bent his head down slowly.

“Why are you showing me this?!” Jake screamed, causing the mirror to shatter into a thousand pieces, destroying the image of the almost kiss.

“Why?” the cloaked woman asked, her voice breathy and soft. She stood behind Jake now, her words dancing in his ears. “Because Jake. I want to remind you. Remind you of your frustrations. I want to use them, to help shape you… To make you great.”

Jake was confused, “But I didn’t finish your test.”

The woman shrugged, “Then I guess I could always kill you.” As she spoke a large shard of glass rose into the air. Before Jake had time to react the sharp edge rammed into his chest.

He groaned in pain as blood seeped from his chest. “Why?” he asked, falling to his knees. Blood spilling from his lips and dribbling down his chin.

He watched as the woman turned around and walked back into the castle. The large doors closing behind her. “Wait,” He whispered, his bloody hand stretched out in front of him. His eyes grew heavy and with one last rattling breath he was lost to oblivion.

He awoke with a great gasp, his eyes flying open to find he was back in the mud puddle where he first entered the strange world, large mirrors still surrounded him. There was no rain and the sun shone brightly from behind a cloud.

“How?” he whispered as his hand dragged over his chest searching for the wound but there was no trace of any injury, “I know I was stabbed…” Jumping to his feet, he quickly dusted himself off. He drew Kagami as he saw the witch walking towards him. “Stay back!” he yelled, “What have you done to me?”

She let out a friendly girlish laugh, “This is my world Jake. I can make anything I want happen here. The only thing I cannot do, is kill the Keeper, which is you. I just wanted to have a bit of fun with you.”

“You killed a man! That's not just having a bit of fun!” Jake screamed.

“You mean that man?” she gestured to a walking stranger and sure enough it was the same man. Jake watched puzzled as he walked up the steps to a home knocking gently. The door opened and the girl from earlier jumped out wrapping her arms tightly about him, “They were illusions. Just part of the test. I thought you did quite well in that test too. You have compassion Jake sterling. Through this test I have seen who you really are.”

Jake was furious, “You can't just play with people's heads like that!”

Her eyes narrowed, “That's exactly what I can do Jake Sterling, what we both can do. This blade was developed with the sole purpose to ‘play with people's heads.’ We challenge their reality and create our own,” her voice sharp and biting. Her icy blue eyes glared at Jake.

Jakes mood changed, “You mean I can do that?” he asked curiously.

The woman softened. Her eyes smiling through the small slit, “Yes Jake. You can do that. And so much more. If you let me, I will train you. I will show you how to use your sword to its fullest potential.”

“Please…” Jake asked desperately, “Teach me all that you know.”

The woman’s eyes glittered dangerously and her two delicate hands went up to her hood, “Very well Jake Sterling,” she said, brushing one of her braids of hair to the side, “You may call me Kagami. I look forward to our relationship.”