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“Next up: Destu rank. Charizo and Stan!” All the Dark Army soldiers gathered around the fence enclosing the fighting ring. Tornado looked around watching as the two opponents climbed over the fence and into the ring. Umbro caught his eye and motioned him over. They met between the groups.

“This fight is only between the Destu rank. Why is everyone watching?” Tornado asked softy, leaning against the fence to watch the fight.

“Fights like these are used to examine individual fighters and their personal abilities. The higher ranks will watch even the weakest rank so they can learn the abilities of upcoming soldiers. You haven’t been around dark powers much so you may be surprised about some abilities that can be used by very few people.”

Umbro explained. “Watch closely. Stan has been in the Destu rank for a few years now because of these fights.”

A boy with straight, black hair that hung in his face leaned against the fence beside the instructor. “Master, you must be kidding me. You know exactly how this is going to turn out.”

“Stan, just get in there and fight.”

“You know this isn’t a fair fight.” He answered. “Unless one of these lovely ladies would care to help me.” He glanced back at a group of girls behind the fence.

They backed away hiding behind each other.

“You know the rules. No help from outside the ring.” The master scolded pushing him towards the center of the ring.

“If that’s how it’s going to be,” Stan walked over towards his opponent, “I’ll need to borrow some power before we get started.” Stan reached out as he leaned in close to Charizo's face.

“No way!” Charizo jumped back. “Master, there must be another way!”

“How am I supposed to fight you when you have an advantage with your powers over the elements?” Stan crossed his arms calmly as he stated the facts.

“Unless anyone is willing to let you borrow them . . . “ The master began as people slowly backed away from the fencing. Umbro pulled Tornado away as he looked around confused. “No one?”

“I loose.” Stan sighed shoving his hands in his pockets as he walked back to the fence.

The master stopped him with a warning as he passed. “I don’t know what you’re trying to pull. You can fight without the elements as well as any other soldier. You’ll never get enough experience to rise in the army if you keep slacking off in these training fights.”

“You may call them training fights but I know just what they are. Any idiot would be able to figure it out.”

“Just get out of the ring.” The master spat at him. “Useless soldier.”

Tornado angrily began walking towards the master. Umbro yanked him back by his shirt. “Do you ever listen?” He grumbled. “I don’t know what you were planning but you should never mess with the higher ups!”

“You expect me to not act when-”

“Yes. He can handle it.” Umbro informed him. “Stan is actually very strong. If he steals energy from another person he can use their power and even their experience. As long as the power holds out he is twice as strong as a normal soldier.”

“That’s the ability you were talking about, isn’t it?”

Umbro nodded. “Only those who inherit it from their family can use it.”

“No one was willing to let him take their energy for the battle. Is there some kind of cost?

“How should I best explain it . . .” Umbro wondered aloud while trying to avoid the direct answer. “Have you ever heard of a vampire?”

“Yeah. They bite people and drink their blood to stay alive. Wait! Is that what he does?” Tornado asked shocked.

“No, well you see he-“

“I have to kiss them.” Stan appeared between them smirking.

“You have to . . . kiss them?”

“Yes. Whether it’s a boy or girl it doesn’t matter. All I have to do is kiss them and I can use whatever ever element they can, though only for a limited time. However, it only works if I kiss them on the lips.” Stan explained. He began to laugh at Tornado’s expression. “What’s with that shocked look? I knew you were new around here but I didn’t think you were that sheltered. You have your hands full with this one, Umbro. See you around.”

Training was over for the day and the soldiers slowly began to disperse from the area.

“Let’s go train a bit more.” Umbro suggested walking towards the forest. Tornado followed but noticed shortly after that they weren’t headed to their usual location.

“Umbro-”

“We’re almost there.” He interrupted.

They walked into a small clearing surrounded by thick trees. The branches hung low forcing them to pull them aside to pass through.

“Who’s there?” A voice asked from beyond the thick trees.

“It’s me, Umbro.” He answered coming into a clearing.

“No one else has found this place yet.” The boy explained. “I was beginning to think no one would.”

“Only two more are coming besides us.” Umbro informed him. Tornado stood beside him. “You both may not have met yet since you’re in different ranks. Tornado this is Pye of Kiva rank. Pye this is Tornado of Destu.” Pye nodded as a greeting before turning to the sound of voices. “That’ll be the other two. Stay here and introduce yourselves. I’ll be back after I set up the barrier.” As Umbro left two girls entered the clearing.

The first girl to enter had short, choppy black hair with two beaded braids that brushed against her shoulders. She glanced between the two boys. “Wasn’t Umbro supposed to be here?” She turned to the second girl was taller than the first. She had strawberry blond hair braided down her back.

“He just left to set up a barrier.” Tornado answered.

There was a brief silence between the group broken only when Pye got the courage to speak. “Hi. I’m Pye.”

“Cherry or apple?” The second girl asked with a serious look.

Pye was speechless with confusion.

“Sorry, sorry I couldn’t help it!” Both girls started giggling uncontrollably.

“What did you do to them?” Umbro asked as he came through the tree branches. “If the barrier wasn’t up we would have given away our position.”

“It was my fault. I couldn’t help it.”

“Ember.” Umbro shook his head. “Tornado, Pye-“ they started giggling again. “Meet Ember and Durza.”

“I’m from Detumi Rank.” Durza told them.

“I’m in Kiva.” Ember added.

“So, Umbro, why’d you gather us all here?” Durza asked.

“I need to talk to you guys about something serious.” The mood of the small clearing seemed to freeze. “I know you may have some different feelings about it but you need to hear me out.” He glanced at Durza.

“I’ll listen but you already know how I feel.” Durza crossed her arms. “I’m not going to rat you guys out or anything.”

“Tornado, I know you’re knew to all this but I’m going to give you my opinion on this, though it may seem biased, I’ll say what I know is true.” Umbro explained. “Our current Lord is focusing all of his strength in his army. I’m sure you’ve all seen that children as young as ten are joining and learning to fight. We’ve never been told just what he’s planning but we can all assume that he wants more power. Tornado, here, wasn’t even living in the dark realm before a week ago. How was he found? Was the Dark Lord spending time in the Faery Realm? Or maybe someone was sent to scope it out? Either way we know he has some business there that he’s not telling us.”

“Well maybe it’s a personal reason.” Durza protested. “I know he can be mysterious sometimes but he’s actually very kind! He puts in the effort to know many of us by name and cares about our well being.”

“More like he’s worried he might loose a fighter.” Umbro countered. “He may act kind but he’s really just hiding behind that mask of a smile.”

“Biased!” Durza shouted at him.

“You’ve both said what you wanted.” Pye broke in placing himself between them calmly. “Umbro, tell us why you brought us here.”

“I want you all to join my rebel army.” He answered. “You all have unique abilities and talents. I know that you’re all very strong and would be great additions.”

“I refuse.” Durza answered, abruptly turning to leave.

“Not so fast.” Umbro grabbed her arm. “If you leave the barrier will weaken and we could easily be found out.” She shook his hand off and leaned against a tree angrily waiting for them to finish.

“Pye. You have a younger brother, don’t you?” Umbro questioned.

He looked at the ground. “Yes. He’ll be joining the army next year.”

“Did he want to?”

“No. He’s never wanted to fight before. The day he turned nine we got a letter from the Dark Lord congratulating him on his birthday and welcoming him to join the army the following year. Our family is known for it’s ability in fighting. I’m sure that’s the reason for the letter.” Pye explained quietly. “He’s really scared about it since he doesn’t have a knack for fighting.”

“Poor kid.” Ember empathized.

Durza looked away from the group sadly. She heard of children that young joining and had even received a letter herself. She had been overjoyed to join the army that young and worked hard ever since. Never before had she considered someone not wanting to join or being forced to. “Why doesn’t he refuse?” She asked.

“He can’t let down our families pride. It’s his duty to our family and this Realm.” Pye answered. “It’s just the way things are in my family.”

“That’s how it would be in most families.” Umbro agreed. “I think we all need some time to think. We’ll talk about this again some time. For now let’s get to training.” He released the barrier as he led the group towards the usual training grounds

“Durza!” A voice called from above. “I’ve been looking for you.” The messenger landed beside the group handing her a note. “It’s from the Dark Lord. He wishes to meet with you.”