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Umbro didn’t show up for rebel training. As soon as army practice was over he vanished without a word. The members tried to stay focused but with him missing everyone was distracted.

“Alright, that’s enough waiting. Let’s get to work,” Tornado ordered taking charge, “This time I want Durza and Pye to train together using only elements. Leave all other weapons by the tree.”

Pye unhooked his sheath from his belt and set it by the tree while Durza unattached all of her weapons. There was a dagger by her ankle, throwing knives on one thigh, and pins on the other.

“Is that all?” Tornado asked jokingly.

“Nothing up your sleeve, right?” Ember added with a laugh.

“I think I got them all . . .” she patted down her pockets. “Ah, throwing stars.” She threw them on the pile hurrying back to the center of the clearing.

Tornado hated to admit it but he based his training practices after his father’s. Single combat was the best way to see mistakes and those watching can learn from them as well.

“Does this mean I’m going to fight you?” Ember asked.

“I was planning on having you face Umbro. You know, to fight fire with fire,” he explained, “I guess I’ll just use my fire instead. He’s more experienced with it but my form should be different enough from yours to be good practice.”

“You control all of the elements don’t you?”

“Yeah, Durza says it’s because of my wings.”

Ember nodded turning back to the fight. Pye summoned a surge of water from under ground sending a tidal wave at Durza who deflected it with a wall of earth. The water surged towards Ember and Tornado. Pye pulled it back on itself, flowing back at Durza.

“He has good control.” Ember noted.

“Yeah, that’s to be expected though, he’s a good fighter.”

Durza pushed a pillar of earth high above the water level. She braced herself as the wave splashed against the lower part spraying high into the air. Durza shot spears of rock at Pye. He froze the water guarding him. The rocks cracked the surface of the dome. Pye let it shatter around him as he shot ice at Durza who deflected it once more with a wall of rock.

“I’m not sure how this is going to end,” Ember stated crossing her arms.

“They’re still getting to know the other’s ability, but the way I see it, this fight isn’t very fair.”

“What do you mean? Because Durza’s Suul?”

“Earth and water need to have the material around in order to perform. Pye could pull the water from the air and clouds, but it’s much easier for Durza to use the earth. If this fight was held by the sea it would be much easier for Pye to win. I’m surprised he found that much water underground,” Tornado explained, “You can make fire anywhere and air is all around. Pye seems to be at a disadvantage.”

“That would be true.” Ember smiled. “But Pye’s too nice a person. Look.” She pressed down her foot and stepped back for Tornado to see. Water pooled in the footprint.

“He’s holding back on her,” Tornado questioned, “Why?”

“He’s worried because Durza is preoccupied with worry about Umbro,” Ember explained, “He can’t make himself fight someone seriously if they aren’t fully focused. Pye probably will let Durza win, but I doubt she’ll be happy about it. This will really be a difficult fight.”

The mud around Pye swallowed him up to his shoulders hardening around him as he struggled. At the same time water seeped through Durza’s barricade and engulfed her in an ice prison, leaving only her head free.

Tornado waited for them to get free. After a moment he called, “Both are unable to move. The fight is a draw.”

They released eachother. Durza lowered the stone pillar jumping off before it sunk into the ground. She walked over to where Pye was climbing out of the ground.

“I know you’re stronger then that,” she told him angrily, “I’m Suul, you don’t need to go easy on me!”

“I’m sorry,” he explained, “I could tell you were preoccupied.”

“Even so, I can take on a Kiva!” she shouted stomping away.

“Durza!” Ember ran to her, “You don’t have to yell at him. He was just worried about you. Besides, you both fought well. If you hadn’t caught him in the earth he probably would have won.”

“No, water is the hardest element for earth to beat. Water can flow through earth. He could have freed himself easily. Even though the environment is to my advantage he should have won.”

“You could have freed yourself as well.” Pye called to her.

“It wouldn’t have been worth it.” Durza reprimanded, “I only like fighting people who fight me seriously.”

“Let’s end here for today.” Tornado stepped between the groups. “We don’t need fighting between members.”

Durza grabbed her weapons and left still brooding.

Ember sighed. “I should go talk to her.”

“Yeah, something’s obviously bothering her.” Pye stood dusting off the dried mud.

“Are you feeling okay?” she asked handing him his sword.

“I’m fine.” He took his sword fastening it back around his waist. “I just wish I could understand people better. I don’t know how to act when people are upset.” He laughed nervously.

“She’ll be fine.” Ember assured him. “I think she’s just holding her worry inside too much. She just happened to explode on you. It’s not really your fault.”

“Thanks Ember.” He smiled. “I hope you’re right.”

They both smiled happily as they turned back to the path. Pye looked around confused.

“Is something wrong?” Ember asked.

“Where’s Tornado?”



Tornado walked through the woods. They never realize I can’t stand moments like that. He sighed pushing through the brush. Suddenly, he tripped over something in the bushes.

“Ouch.” He brushed the dirt and rocks off his palms.

“Graceful. You’re just as clumsy as your father.” Durza sat curled in a ball rubbing her head.

“What are you doing here?” Tornado asked sitting in front of her.

“I was trying to be alone,” she grumbled, “but that didn’t last long.”

He stood. “Well, if that’s what you want-”

“Wait!” She stopped him. “Can I talk to you? I just want someone to listen to me.”

“Are you sure Ember wouldn’t be better?”

“She’s probably with Pye,” she explained looking at the ground. “I was really cruel to him, but Ember can always smooth things over. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll apologize, but I need to stop being angry first.”

Tornado sat back down. “Go ahead. I can’t give advice or anything, but I can listen.”

“Thanks.” She held her legs close. “I don’t want Umbro to recruit anymore. I know he’s good at it, but if he gets hurt . . . if the Dark Lord tries to hurt him . . . I don’t know what I’ll do. I don’t want him to leave me. He’s my best friend.”

Tornado looked down at the ground. “What’s the penalty for starting a rebel group.”

“I’m not sure.” She looked at him terrified. “He’s been accused many times before. Sometimes he’d come back beaten. He always said it was from training, but I’m sure it must have been his punishment. Each time it got worse. If they find enough proof . . . do you think,” she covered her mouth stifling a sob as tears flowed down her face, “do you think they’d kill him?”

Tornado couldn’t look at her. He took a deep breath. “The next time he gets called in let’s go with him.”

“Won’t that prove that he’s forming a rebel group?”

“When we’ve met all we’ve done is train together,” he explained looking up, “How can they accuse us?”

She nodded. “Okay, next time we’ll save him.”



The morning was bright and warm. Green leaves covered every tree and flowers bloomed in the pots by the front doors of shops and homes along the main street. It was already late spring. Soon the army testing would start. All of the members would fight in the center ring and the masters would decide who would advance to the next rank. It was the most dangerous time for those who hid their ability.
Umbro hurried to the training grounds. He had decided to try to move up to the next rank. As he ran down the narrow lane to the grounds a messenger landed before him.

“Message from the Dark Lord.” He handed him the letter. “He wishes to meet with you immediately.”