"So, once we've got the staff, we still have one problem," Emily told them that morning.

The girls were sitting in the corner of the cafeteria, which was even noisier than it had been because the weather was steadily getting colder. There had been no snow so far, but she was sure it wouldn't be long.

"Which is what?" Jessica asked.

"Well, even if Andie gets the staff, we still don't have the snakes to go with it."

That was going to be a problem, they all knew it.

"I know... and I don't know the woman well, so I have no idea how to convince her to let me borrow the necklace... and I don't want to steal it..."

Andie thought a moment.

"Hold on..." she said after a while. "She seemed to live alone, didn't she? She wasn't young, so if she had children, they probably left the house. Maybe if we spend a little time with her she'll agree... It could be that she's just lonely."

"It's worth a try." Isabelle agreed.

"Okay... as soon as we've got the staff, we'll get onto the snake."

"Well, before we do that, we have that darn essay to finish..." Jessica sighed.

"We'll work on it during our study period," Andie promised, before yawning widely.

"Are you okay? You look exhausted." Isabelle commented.

"Yeah, I think this constant training, fighting and lying is getting to me..." Andie sighed. "I'll be glad when this is over."

"Tell me about it," Emily agreed. "I'm even getting rash on my b-"

"Whoa, way too much information, there, Em," Andie interrupted with a nervous laugh. "Anyway. First, the staff, then the snake."

Andie kept it from her friends, but the approaching of the rehearsal made her increasingly nervous. If Zarias did come, she wasn't sure she would be able to hold him off. And unlike her, he wouldn't care about keeping out of sight from anyone in the school. But she had to do it. Isabelle had been dizzy from just healing superficial wounds. If she tried healing a coma, it could make her sick or even fall into a coma. And if Zarias came back, they wouldn't be any further than before. But she also knew she would not have much of a chance against Zarias, especially alone.

Well, thinking about it will only make you more and more nervous, she told herself firmly, so stop it! You held your own against him once, you can again...

She tried to think how she had done that. She figured her pain and anger at Zarias had somehow fueled her power. But she couldn't do that in the prop room, it could set fire to the school... She would just have to work her way around him somehow... She had too much to fight for to fail now. At long last (or all too soon, she couldn't tell), the final bell echoed through the school. Andie took a few deep breaths.

Ardente? Is there any sign of Zarias?

Not as far as I was able to tell, Ardente replied. But that doesn't mean he's not around.

I know... that's what worries me.

Maybe you should get the other girls to go with you... Ardente suggested in concern.

No, Andie replied, shaking her head. After the other night, I don't think there would be a difference between me being alone and them being with me. It would only mean more people getting hurt...

I suppose that's true...Ardente agreed.

Andie had reached the door to the auditorium.

"Okay..."Andie whispered to herself. "Time to face the music."

"Oh, Andie! Hi!" Ellie called from the stage as Andie entered the auditorium.

"Hi," Andie said.

"Oh, you didn't need to bring your guitar, we've got all we need here," Ellie said.

"Oh, I know, it's just a friend of mine wanted me to give her a lesson after the rehearsal, so I thought it would be better than going back home."

"Oh, I see."

"Is it okay if I put it in the prop room?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Thanks, I'll be with you in a second."

She quickly went down the stairs to the prop room and slid inside. It was the same as the last time she'd been there. She put her guitar case down. She glanced at the box she knew to contain the staff.

"You never answered my question."

Andie whipped round. There, a few feet away, leaning against a wall, his dark hair and clothes making him almost invisible, was Zarias.

"... What question?" she asked warily.

"Why do you want that Caduceus?" he demanded.

Andie thought it best to keep him talking until she figured out how to get out without a fight.

"Can't you guess? Surely you've heard of it."

"Yes. I have." he said. "But what use would you have for it?"

The fact that he didn't even have a clue stirred a burning anger in Andie.

"Did you forget you sent Bane to the hospital?" she asked coldly.

"No. But why would you go to such lengths for someone who doesn't even realize it?"

Andie was about to answer, when she decided against it.

"You know what, you wouldn't understand if I did tell you."

She spun around and turned to the door. But as she put her hand on the handle, she paused, and looked back at Zarias.

"What?" he demanded, eying her too.

"... You're not attacking me."

"You and your friends... intrigue me." he admitted.

In a wisp of shadow, he was inches from Andie's face. Andie instinctively took a step back. They stared at each other a moment.

"... You and your sister have the same eyes."

Andie wasn't sure how to react. And before she could, he was gone.

Andie did her best to focus on the rehearsal, and getting to know the other members. Most of them were pretty friendly. Vicky, of course, was perfectly cordial, but definitely cooler. This irked Andie. What had she ever done to Vicki? Nothing, as far as she remembered... Unless she'd caused her wrath without knowing... Anyway, she didn't want to trouble herself with that petty rivalry. The rehearsal went on normally. Andie still had a little trouble keeping up with the exercises, but so did everyone so it didn't stand out too much.

"Okay, everyone that's not too bad for a start." Judy said. "We'll do exercises like these for a couple of weeks and then we'll get to reading the lines."

"Ellie, can I have my lines? I want to start working on them immediately."

Ellie seemed to already know Vicki a little, because she said:

"Nice energy Vicki, but you'll get the lines at the same time as everyone else. We haven't quite finished all of them yet."

Vicki pouted, but said nothing.

"Anyway, that's all for tonight, guys. Thanks for coming, love the energy, and see you all next week here at four."

Everyone got up to their feet and gathered their things. Andie followed and picked up her jacket, taking her time so that she was the only one left aside from Ellie, who was closing up. Andie, meanwhile, took a quiet breath and walked towards the prop room. As she reached for the handle, she raised her hand in front of her, though kept it hidden from Ellie on the other end of the room and whispered:

"Blaze of Fire."

Her hand glowed and a small flame appeared. It would mean little against Zarias, but hopefully, she could distract him long enough to grab the staff and run. She opened the door and stepped inside. So far, no sign of Zarias.

"Andie?"

Whipping her hand behind her back as she spun around, Andie looked round at Ellie, who had peered in.

"Yes?"

"Is everything okay?" she asked Andie.

"Oh, yeah, fine. Uh... I'll be there in a second..."

"Sure, take your time."

She nodded in thanks, quickly turned to the box with the props, yanked open her guitar case and switched the two staffs (carefully checking the real one hadn't already been replaced by Zarias). She slid it into her guitar case, snapped it closed and quickly walked out.

Andie's heart rate had never been so erratic as she ran out down the empty hall, her guitar case on her back. She kept one hand free and her eyes mobile, glancing behind her every so often to make sure no one was sneaking up on her (or rather one particular someone). So far, no one in sight. The school, almost dark with the winter hour, was almost creepy. Andie felt like she was in a real-life version of The Faculty. Although, maybe that wasn't the best example because she'd seen that film when she was younger and didn't remember it having scared her that much. But she had to admit that Zarias possibly jumping out at any second did worry her a little. So she hurried to the nearest door and round to the parking lot. As soon as she was in her car she flung her guitar case in the back and revved the engine to life before driving off. She drove in tense silence for a moment.

"Relax, Andie. He's not following us."

Ardente had been near her all along so Andie knew she was there.

"Are you sure he can't conceal his... energy aura or something?"

"He can, but even that leaves a hint of a trace."

"Then how do you not sense him coming?" Andie asked.

"Because your power covers his faint tracks, I'm afraid," Ardente answered sheepishly.

Andie sighed.

"Then, how do you know he's not following us now?"

"Because he wouldn't follow us. He would appear without warning."

Andie's hands clenched further.

"Ardente, that is not helping..."

"Sorry..."

She struggled to try and turn it around.

"It'll be okay once you get into your house. The love of family is a powerful barrier against demons, even Zorak himself can't cross a threshold unless someone lets him."

"Like a vampire?"

"... Yes, but you wouldn't want to invite a vampire into your house, even if they existed."

Andie laughed before she could stop herself.

"And a demon lord is better?"

Ardente looked at her curiously, then laughed as she understood.

"I suppose you're right. In any case, you'll be safe in your house."

"What about my parents and my sister?" Andie asked.

Ardente closed her eyes.

"They're all home. Don't worry."

"Okay. And the girls?"

"They finished training, they're home."

"Okay... thanks, Ardente."

"You're welcome."

Soon after that, Andie reached her house. She grabbed her guitar case and quickly went inside.

"Hey, Andie! You're home!" Hannah grinned.

"Uh.. Hey, Hannah," Andie said, slapping on a smile she hoped didn't look too fake. "I have to go to my room, call me when dinner's ready."

"Okay..." Hannah said.

Andie swiftly kissed her sister's forehead and quickly walked up the stairs.

Once in the safety of her room. Andie leaned against the door, dropping the guitar case, and let the shock flow freely. A tear slid down her cheek.

"Andie, are you sure you're alright?" Ardente asked anxiously.

"Yeah, I'm okay..." she said. "Just... I just need a second..."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah... Yeah. I'll be fine."

"I don't think I've ever seen you this... this vulnerable."

"... Well... let's just say being floored twice by the same person isn't doing my confidence any favors..."

"It's just inexperience, you're learning fast..."

"Yes, but we can't afford that anymore... here, help me up, would you?"

Ardente took on her physical form and caught Andie's outstretched hands, pulling her to her feet and leading her to her bed where she sat down. She pulled her phone out of her bag and sent a text to the girls. Their answers didn't take long.

That's awesome! Knew you could do it! Tell me the details! I want to know it all!

This of course, was Jessica.

Wow, that's amazing! Now we only have two left!

Andie smiled. Sweet Emily, always the optimistic.

Really? Are you okay? Did Zarias come?

To Jessica, she answered:

Thanks. And I'll tell you tomorrow, I promise. Too exhausted tonight.

Next, to Emily, she said:

That's true, I just hope they'll be easier to get than this one...

And finally, to Isabelle, she smiled and answered:

Yes, don't worry, I'm okay. A little freaked out, actually, but safe. I'll tell you more tomorrow. I really need some sleep.

To avoid starting endless conversations, she switched her phone off and put it away.

"Andie!" Hannah called behind the door. "Mom says dinner's ready!"

All that stress had made her hungry, Andie realized with a smile.

"Coming!" she called back and got to her feet.

She slipped out onto the landing where Hannah was waiting for her.

"Come on! I'm hungry!"

"Okay, okay," Andie smiled. "Lead the way, captain."

"Argh! Follow me, me hearties!" Hannah growled as she walked down the stairs.

Andie chuckled and followed her down.

Andie slept without any nightmares for once. She wondered if that was because she had been so tired. She had some difficulty waking up that morning, but it was a school day, so she had no choice. At least it was Friday, she thought. No school the next day. She went to the bathroom and splashed some water on her face to try and hide her weariness. After quickly swallowing some orange juice, a little coffee and cereal, she drove Hannah to school, and headed to her own.

"Hey, Andie... are you okay?"

"Yeah... I'm just a little tired."

"So you got the staff, that's huge!" Jessica squealed.

"Inside voice!" Andie said. "Yes," she added quietly. "But we still have to figure out how to get the snakes from Mrs De la Verrière."

"Why not just ask her?" Emily asked. "I'm sure if we asked politely..."

"And say what, "Excuse me ma'am, can I borrow your necklace to use its power to help my comatose friend so we can save the world from demons?", or something? Yeah, she'll have us locked up in Providence St Peters!" Jessica said.

"No, Emily's got a point. We don't have to tell her why, but we can ask her. Offer her anything she wants in exchange. And we'll make a copy, so she'll get it back soon."

"... Why don't we all go over Saturday to tell her we'd like to keep her company?" Isabelle offered.

"Yeah, that's a good idea! And once we've gotten her to warm up to us, we'll ask her for the necklace!" Jessica said. "Brilliant!"

Andie wasn't so enthusiastic. She didn't like using that sort of tactic, but she had to agree that she couldn't think of any better plan.

"I don't like that plan, but we're out of time and options," she sighed. "And I suppose we won't be hurting her or anything..."

"One thing, though, how do we get the snake if she doesn't want our company?" Emily pointed out.

Andie sighed.

"I'm not sure we'll have a choice." She said. "We'll make a copy and ask one of the spirits to do the switch."

"I don't think we'll need to do that," Isabelle said confidently. "She didn't seem too bad, really. After all, she'd bought candy for the kids coming to trick-or-treat at her door, didn't she?"

So, that Saturday afternoon, the girls met up outside the De la Verrière house and rang the doorbell. Soon, it opened.

"... Hello?" she asked, glancing at them curiously.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," Andie said. "We came by on Halloween."

"Yes, I remember. You were the fairy, weren't you?"

"Yes," Andie said. "We couldn't help noticing you seemed a little lonely in this big house, and were wondering if you wanted some company."

The old lady looked at them all curiously.

"... Well... it is quite a bit quieter without my daughters... and I do get a little lonely."

"That's what we thought, and we thought it would be nice to keep you company."

"... Why, that's very nice of you... come in."

Andie was relieved it had been so easy to convince her, and it confirmed her theory that Mrs De la Verrière wasn't a bad person. She just hoped they could comvince her to give them the pendant, as well.

Andie and the girls looked around them as they stepped in. The house was beautiful. A mahogany ramp along the stone stairs, marble tiles on the floor, pictures of two girls and family photos along the white wall, a large glass chandelier above them...

"Your house is beautiful..." Emily commented as they looked around.

"Thank you."

"Are those your daughters?" Jessica asked, indicating a picture of two small girls.

"Yes, some years ago. They're both living their lives, now."

Andie then noticed a picture in a corner that wasn't hanging from a wall.

"... Excuse me, but why isn't that one on the wall as well?"

"Oh, I've been meaning to put it up, but it's just too heavy for me..." Mrs de la Verrière sighed.

"If you'd like, we can easily put it up for you," Isabelle offered. "Right, guys?"

"Absolutely," Emily agreed.

"Really? Thank you!"

Jessica then leaned towards Andie.

"You do know we've never done that before, right?"

"You haven't," Andie corrected with a smile. "My dad and I have several times."

"Come on, Jess, how hard can it be?"

Not hard at all, as Andie showed ten minutes later when the picture hung proudly from the wall.

"Perfect, thank you, girls."

"It's no problem at all, ma'am. Is there anything else you'd like help with?"

"Well... if you wouldn't mind..."

She enumerated a list of things she'd been meaning to do but couldn't do alone. Andie couldn't help thinking maybe they were biting off more than they could chew... But they needed to get the necklace, and hopefully, this would help.

"Okay... where do we start?"

And so for the next few hours, the girls went about tidying, sorting, fixing the house and the objects in it.

"Please tell me we won't be doing this every Saturday..." Jessica grumbled to Andie as they went about clearing the long forgotten attic.

"Quiet! She'll hear you!" Andie reprimanded her. "And you don't have to, but I will until she agrees to let me borrow the pendant."

"Okay, okay... no need to get all fired up..."

Andie stared at her.

"Have you been watching Fairy Tail all night again?" she asked with a smile.

"So? I love that show!" Jessica shrugged.

"Me too, but I don't let it keep me up," Andie chuckled. "Come on, let's keep going."

It was almost dinner time when they had finished.

"Thank you for all your help," Mrs de la Verrière said as she set down a tray of drinks on the table in the sitting room.

"It was our pleasure," Andie said.

It had been a long day, but she meant it. She took a sip of her glass, thinking. Then, she glanced at her friends. They nodded.

"Uh... Ma'am, we have a confession to make..." Andie said. "Please don't misunderstand, we were happy to help you. And if you ever need company, you can just call us. But... we did have a bit of a reason for doing this."

She didn't seem surprised.

"My pendant," she guessed.

Andie nodded uncomfortably.

"It would just be for a very short while." she promised. "And I know it's a strange request. But I need it to help someone I care about. And I can promise you I wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't important and I had any other option."

There was a silence that probably felt far longer than it really was.

"... Very well. I cannot refuse such a heartfelt request." Mrs de la Verrière said finally.

She unhooked her necklace and held it out to Andie who took her hands.

"Thank you. I promise I'll get it back to you soon."

"I hope it can help you." Mrs de la Verrière said.

"I know that it will," Andie assured her. "Thank you again, ma'am. Is there anything else you need?"

"No, thank you, you can go back to your families. I've kept you long enough."

So they took their leave. The moment they were out of the house, Andie spun around to look at her friends.

"You know what this means?"

"That we don't have to clean anymore?" Jessica asked.

Emily elbowed her hard.

"Ow!"

"No." Andie grinned. "It means we have only one more piece to find."

**********************

Oh, my, I'm all of a flutter, aren't you?

Where do you think the last piece is? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments!

Will the girls suceed and be reunited with Bane at last? Let's find out in the next chapter!