"What do you mean, you're not going to the homecoming dance?!"

Jessica's look of shock made Andie sigh. It was Monday lunchtime. Andie and the others were having their meal together as usual. They were in the cafeteria and discussing the same thing as the entire school had been since school had started: the Homecoming dance, to be held that Saturday night. Jessica had been the most overtly enthusiastic about it.

"You can't not come!" Jessica said. "It's just not possible!"

"Jessica, you don't get to tell me what I can or cannot do."

"You know what I mean!" Jessica snapped impatiently, waving her tuna sandwich wildly, sending crumbs fly everywhere. "Why in the world wouldn't you come? It's homecoming, we never miss homecoming!"

"I told you. I don't feel like going alone, and you guys have dates." Andie said. "I'll... I'll work with Ardente, or something."

Jessica didn't look pleased with that idea at all. Which, in Andie's opinion, was kind of ridiculous, since it was her, Andie's choice, not Jessica's.

"It's just a dance, Jess, it won't kill me to miss it."

But, because Jessica would be Jessica, she had to argue, her bright eyes wide and pleading.

"But the dance would be boring without you!"

"You'll barely notice the difference," Andie shrugged. "And like I said, you have dates."

"Isabelle doesn't!" Jessica said.

"She does!" Isabelle protested. "I'm going with Mitch Hallworth from our Chemistry class."

"Well... go with B-Ow!-"

Andie had swung her leg hard and kicked Jessica's shin.

"What was that for?!" Jessica grumbled, leaning down to rub her leg.

It was so Bane didn't hear you! Andie said mentally, glancing to her right.

Bane had arrived a little late and was getting his tray.

Well, he can hear us now, can't he?

Not unless you want him to, Andie corrected. And don't you dare let him hear this!

Okay, okay, calm down, Andie! God... What? He'd be perfect, he's dying to go with you!

Which is exactly why I can't go! Things are already complicated enough, I don't want to make it worse.

She got to her feet and marched off with her things. She crossed Bane as she walked away. They paused as they reached one another.

"Hey, Andie," he said.

"Hey, Bane," Andie said, trying to be casual.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, his eyes briefly moving over to the table.

"Uh... no. No, I just... forgot something in my locker. I'll... I'll see you in class."

She gave him a small smile and walked away without looking back.

The silent hallway was soothing as Andie stood alone, leaning against her locker, music playing in her ears. Why were things so complicated and painful? Or rather, why did it have to be even more so for her? Neither Jessica, Emily or even Isabelle seemed to be having as much trouble making sense of their sentimental lives... if she at least knew what to do... Just then, she heard footsteps. Looking up, she saw Bane leaving the cafeteria. They saw each other. Before Bane had so much as lifted his foot, however, a girl came up to him. She was on the cheerleading team, Andie remembered. Vicki Chase, she thought her name was. Tall, long brown wavy hair, wide brown eyes, perfect style... she was beautiful. Andie wouldn't even dream of comparing herself to Vicki. How could she? There was none to be made. She was shorter, plainer. She didn't even know why she was thinking like that. She quietly removed one earpiece to listen. But they were too far away. Vicki was smiling widely at him, letting her long hair fall on either side of her face, or tucking it behind her ear in mock shyness. Andie was surprised to find that this annoyed her immensely. She couldn't for the life of her think why. Bane was perfectly entitled to speak, see, kiss anyone he wanted-

Wait, did I seriously just think that?! Andie gasped mentally, looking away.

She quickly peeked at Bane again. He didn't seem to have noticed. She exhaled in relief. To her surprise, Bane's friendly expression was unchanged, but Vicki's face told her she was fighting to keep her composure. Bane said something, she answered with a shrug, and walked off. Andie watched Vicki disappear as Bane walked towards her.

"Hey, Andie." he said. "Can't find what you're looking for?"

Andie blinked, then caught on.

"Oh! That. Uh, no, I found it. I just... wanted a few minutes of peace."

"Yeah, I know the feeling." Bane smiled, leaning against the lockers next to her.

Andie scrambled for a casual conversation topic, but blurted out:

"What did Vicki want?"

She could have slapped herself. It was none of her business what Vicki wanted! But then... why did she want to know so badly?

"Oh, you saw us talking?" Bane guessed. "She was asking whether I had a date for this weekend. And if I hadn't, I could go with her."

Andie wasn't sure how to react. But an impulse did it for her.

"What did you say?"

Again, why had she just asked that? Bane could go with who he wanted, why did she have to sound like she wanted to know who? She didn't! Did she?

"I told her I appreciated the invitation, but that I was already planning on asking someone."

Andie knew she'd gone too far to go back now. So, she looked up at him and asked:

"Who?"

There was an endless pause.

"Well... I was going to ask... you."

Andie had no idea how she'd not seen that one coming. It's not like Bane hadn't shown he had feelings for her... of course he'd want to go to the dance with her...

"Bane, I..." Andie fumbled for the right thing to say. "I don't... I'm not sure-"

"As friends," he clarified. "I don't know about you, but I don't feel like going alone. And it would be better than both of us spending a miserable Saturday night on our own, right?"

"You could find someone else... I'm sure there are plenty of girls who would be thrilled to go with you..."

"I'm not interested in going with them." he said.

Andie wasn't sure what to answer.

"... I..."

Her mother would question her all weekend if she didn't go to the dance... and Bane did have a point, it was better to go with someone you knew... But wasn't it being cruel to him than just giving in to him? Letting him think something that was not true? But then... if he was the one asking... he wasn't an idiot... and come to think of it, maybe it could actually help her figure out the jumble in her head. Well, wherever he was concerned, anyway.

"As friends?" she asked.

"As friends," Bane nodded.

"... Well... Okay, then."

"Great," Bane said. "Saturday at eight?"

"Saturday at eight."

There was a pause.

"Have you thought about what you're going to do about that audition, yet?"

Andie, grateful for the change of subject, sighed.

"I'll do it." she said. "Jessica would hate me forever if I didn't... and who knows, maybe it'll be fun."

"I don't think I've heard you sing since that night at your house."

Andie realized it was actually true. Even her mother hadn't. Her father and sister were the only ones. Andie'd always been too scared of Lauren's reaction.

"... D'you want to?" she asked.

"Only if you do." he replied.

Andie glanced around. It couldn't hurt... right? She closed her eyes and began. Her voice rose, steady and true, filling the hallway. Bane didn't make a sound as she sang. And she found that each note came more easily. But she couldn't gather the courage to see Bane's face yet so she kept her eyes closed, letting the music fill her. She eventually reached the end of the song. And almost had a heart attack when she heard applause. Her eyes snapped open to see dozens of students looking at her in astonishment and clapping. She stared around, heart hammering. What was she going to do now? People were already starting to ask her questions like "Where d'you learn to sing like that?" or "Are you going to audition for American Idol? Because you definitely should!"

"Alright, that's enough!" called a firm voice. "Give her some space!"

Bane took her hand and led her through the crowd and out of the hallway.

"Are you alright? I'm sorry about that..." Bane said.

"It's okay... I was just caught it off guard." Andie said breathlessly.

They had gone outside and sat on the nearest bench.

"For what it's worth, you have an amazing voice."

A smile smile flashed across Andie's lips.

"Thanks," she said.

"Why d'you never show anyone?"

"... Fear, I guess." Andie said. "I think I've always felt worried of trying things because I couldn't stand the idea of failing..."

"Why not?" Bane asked.

"... My mother, mainly, I think. She graduated with honors, was valedictorian in both her high school and college... even my Dad had excellent scores... and I guess... I didn't want to disappoint them."

"But they're your parents. How could they ever be disappointed in you?"

"... My dad probably wouldn't," she conceded. "But... my Mom... I think she's hoping I'll be like her. Brilliant student, famous lawyer..."

"And that's now what you want..." Bane guessed.

"... that's the thing," Andie said, "I'm not sure what I want. And her constantly trying to mold me into another copy of herself isn't helping."

"... Why don't you just tell her that?" Bane asked.

"I have, loads of times," Andie replied. "She doesn't listen."

Then, she realized that she was probably making Bane uncomfortable.

"Oh... I'm sorry... I have to stop talking about my mother..."

"Andie, just because my mother died doesn't mean you have to stop mentioning yours. It's been years. I'm fine."

Andie didn't say so but she knew he wasn't. Several times she'd noticed flashes of pain and grief whenever parents were mentioned. She was trying to think what to say when the bell rang loudly, making them jump, look at each other, and laugh. When their laughter subsided, they glanced at each other, trying to think for something to say.

"We should get going..." Bane said. "See you at the park later?"

"Sure," Andie said. "See you there."

With a quick wave, they parted ways, both with the feeling that being eighteen was sometimes not as fun as it was described to be.

"You said you couldn't go with him to homecoming!" Jessica hissed indignantly.

They were in Chambers Lake Park, warming up before starting their training session.

"I was planning not to!" Andie retorted in a low voice.

Bane was talking with Balon a few feet away and couldn't hear them.

"But he asked me! And at first I was going to refuse, but then, I figured maybe it would help me figure things out."

"What's there to figure out?!" Jessica demanded. "He liked you, you get along well, you're both single..."

"Jess, I love you, but I don't need a matchmaker. And it's not that simple, okay?"

"Why not?"

"Because... Because I'm not like you, you know that. You know who you are, where you're going..."

"Princeton with honors, then business school and eventually my own store," Jessica said.

"Exactly." Andie replied. "I still don't know what I'm going to do after I graduate, let alone after college..."

"Why don't you just ask your parents?" Emily wondered.

"Dad says I can go to any college as long as I'm happy." Andie sighed. "Whereas Mom has been dropping hints about how she loved Yale, and was sure I would fit right in there since I left middle school."

"Well, what's wrong with Yale?"

"Nothing," Andie said. "but if I go there, I want it be because I chose to, not because my mother wants me to."

"Alright, let's get to it," Balon called, clapping his hands.

Emily got up and held out a hand to Andie who took it.

For the next hour and a half, they repeated the same movements, practiced in pairs, switching occasionally to get them all used to different styles. Andie and Isabelle, who hated hurting others in anyway, found the exercise difficult when they had to fight one another or their friends. The former masters, who were no longer actually alive, were a little different. It was not pleasant attacking allies, but they had no choice if they wanted to learn how to defend themselves. The only voices were those of the mentors, guiding and instructing (or in Balon's case, criticizing) their technique, strength and drive. And they all had improved. They were tired but not aching when Ardente finally insisted on calling it a night. Andie dropped Isabelle off and headed home, weary but satisfied that her efforts were paying off. She had actually managed to knock Balon to the ground today. Everyone had been impressed. Jessica, of course, being the tomboy she was, had quickly gotten the hang of the moves. They had also made plans to go dress shopping the next day rather than train. Balon had taken some (meaning a lot) of convincing, but had finally given in, admitting that they had deserved a break. She parked outside her house next to her parents' car and went inside.

"Mom? Dad, Hannah, I'm home!"

"Here, honey," came Hank's voice from the kitchen.

Andie dropped her bag at the foot of the stairs and went to join him.

"Hey, Dad," she said kissing his cheek. "Hmm, is that your lasagna?"

"You bet it is," he smiled. "Ready in ten minutes."

"I'll go tell Mom and Hannah."

"In the living room, doing Hannah's homework."

"Thanks."

Andie left Hank to his cooking and went to the living room.

"Oh, good, you're home." Lauren said. "I have an important report to review before a hearing tomorrow, but Hannah needed help."

"It's okay, Mom, I'll take over. Dad says dinner is in ten," she added as Lauren turned to leave the room.

"Alright."

As she reached the door, Lauren paused and turned around.

"I've been meaning to ask you. Homecoming is soon, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it's this Saturday, why?" Andie asked.

"I was just wondering if you were going with anyone."

"Uh... yeah, I am, actually." Andie said.

Was it wrong for her to feel insulted by her mother's surprised expression?

"Oh? Who?"

"Uh... I'm not sure you met. Bane Davis, he goes to my school."

"I see. Well, we must invite him to dinner sometime, get to make his acquaintance. And of course, I'll have to take you dress shopping..."

"Oh, uh... actually, Mom... I'm already planning on going with the girls..." Andie said, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Lauren looked a little crestfallen.

"I'm sorry..." Andie said. "... There's still my Halloween costume or prom dress," she added.

"Yes, of course," Lauren said. "Well, I must get to my report..."

And she walked out, leaving a very guilty Andie.

After a delicious dinner (though Hank's always were), Andie excused herself and went to bed early. At least her mother had bought her group project story and been satisfied with the few pages she'd hastily written about the History of Olympia (thanks to a little help from Isabelle and the Internet). She didn't think she could have taken another conflict with her mother. Not when she was so tired. She had a free period, the next morning, and was too tired to do her homework now. She changed into her pajamas and slid under her covers.

"Is everything alright?" Ardente asked.

"Yeah... I'm just exhausted."

"You certainly appear weary... Balon's pushing you all too hard..."

"No, he's got a point. If we want to be able to fight Zorak before he gets too powerful, we have to train as much as possible. It's just a little complicated to juggle with school and spending enough time at home to not arouse suspicions..."

There was a silence."

"I know I've said this before... but I'm sorry we have to inflict this upon you all..."

Andie exhaled wearily and shook her head:

"It's not your fault." she pointed out. "You were doing what you thought was best."

Ardente's eyes filled with sadness.

"Yes, I suppose we were. That doesn't make it fair."

Andie didn't want to make her feel even worse by agreeing, even if she did. She hadn't asked for her powers, she hadn't asked to be chosen to impersonate fire... and yet, here she was. With fire burning inside her, a sweet guy head over heels for her but whose feelings she wasn't sure she shared, and demons hunting her. She stared haplessly at her ceiling, as if it gazing into plastic stars would give her the answers she wanted so badly. Finally, she turned over, and closed her eyes, letting sleep gently take over her.

Andie wasn't sure where she was anymore. It reminded her of when she'd dreamed of herself with the flames and long hair, before she'd found out about her powers. And at the same time, it felt completely different. Colder, more threatening. And there weren't any flames around her, this time, either. She wasn't sure what to do or think. And why was it so cold? She hugged herself, shivering. She looked around, but there was nothing to see, only darkness. Just then, something made her turn on her heels... and look right at Zorak.

"Long time, no see, Adrianna." he said softly.

Andie didn't answer at once, She didn't trust her voice and didn't want to give Zorak the satisfaction of seeing her scared.

"What do you want?" she asked as calmly as she could.

"You know what I want." he said. "Your power."

Oh, that. Of course. She took a careful step back.

"Never." she said.

Zorak laughed a high, cold laugh.

"You are no match for me. None of you are. You must know that."

"Maybe not... but that doesn't mean we won't try... Blaze of Fire!"

She raised her hands and flames shot out, striking Zorak in the chest. Unfortunately it wasn't quite as effective as she'd hoped. He stumbled slightly, but not enough to lose his balance. He glared at Andie.

"I see we're going to do this the hard way."

He moved so fast she didn't know what hit her and found herself pinned to an invisible wall.

"You know I'll get what I want eventually."

Andie woke with a start. Shivering and sweating she sat panting, eyes wide.

"Andie? What's the matter?" Ardente asked.

"... I don't know..." Andie gasped. "But it sounds like Zorak's growing impatient."

"He attacked you in a dream?!" Bane asked, horrified.

"Oh, my God, are you okay?" Emily squeaked.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Andie assured them. "He didn't hurt me. I think he was just trying to scare me."

She had told them about her dream in the cafeteria, which was a good place to talk because everyone was making so much noise no one else heard you. What she didn't mention was that it actually had scared her.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Don't worry. I just wanted to tell you, because he might do the same to you guys."

"Well, he hasn't, so far," Isabelle said, thoughtfully. "But at least now we'll be able to expect it."

"Ardente said he probably won't, or at least not yet."

"Why not?" Jessica asked.

"Obvious, isn't it? Because he knows we'll be on our guard, now. If he does plan on doing it to us too, he'll wait for us to let it down."

"Ardente reckons he just wanted to scare us..." Andie said. "Show us he can strike at any moment."

"Makes sense," Isabelle said. "If you want to increase your chances of victory, psyching out the opposition is a good way to do that."

"I guess that's true," Emily agreed.

"So, now what?"

"We go dress shopping after school," Jessica said.

"What?!" Emily exclaimed.

"Jess, Andie could have been killed last night."

"No, I don't think so," Andie argued. "I mean, think about it, what good am I dead? The power of fire would just slip into someone else's body."

"Yeah, his!" Isabelle said.

"No," Andie replied, shaking her head. "I thought so too, but the holder must willingly accept to give up the power, or it won't work."

"So, what do we do?" Emily asked.

Andie looked at them.

"We keep training," she said. "And hope for the best."

In a dark kingdom where only pain and evil reigned, Lord Zorak stared out his window upon his kingdom. His unchanging, desolate kingdom with its blood red sky and soil the color of ash. If he only had the power of the masters, he could recreate it. Make it luxurious, full of ebony and rubies. Or, better still, that amount of power would enable him take over their world. But not yet. No, he was still recovering for the long years during which he had been stripped from his power. He had only just recently recovered them. And what a painful and glorious experience that had been... the pain had been almost unbearable... but the feeling of strength, of invincibility when he'd finally felt his power had been... inexpressible. And he was proud of his ingenious plan. He'd expected the masters of nature to figure out a way to stop him, even if only for a time, and so they had. By hiding their powers among the billions of humans. Ingenious. But not a surprise. So he'd devised a plan of his own a couple of years before that time came. That had proved extremely useful. Oh, it had been most tedious to carry out for so long, but it had worked.

"Zarias!" he called.

The door to his chamber opened, revealing a tall young man with dark brown hair that seemed black against his pale skin, and wide gray eyes, one of which had a small scar next to it. He wore black, red and gold garments similar to Zorak's. After all, the henchman had to suit the leader, did they not? He would have been handsome if not for the cold, expressionless look on his face. Zorak watched him as he crossed the room to stand before him, leaned forwards in a bow, straightened up silently, and asked:

"You called, father?"

 **********************************

Wait, whaaat? The evil Zorak has a son? I didn't see that coming, did you?

That dream of Andie's was scary, right? What's the scariest dream you ever had? Let us know in the comments!

Will Andie and the gang manage to withstand Zorak's next plan? Will this new son of his be a threat? Let's find out in the next chapter!