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Tornado sat against a tree while the other rebels ate lunch. A filled plate sat next to him untouched while the others sat one their blanket. He stared at his knees ignoring the world around him.

“Tornado’s in a funk again,” Ember whispered to the group as they helped themselves to seconds.

“He met with his brother the other day, but I don’t know the details,” Durza explained, “It’s probably about Aero.”

“Do you think something happened?” Pye asked.

“Instead of gossiping why don’t you go ask him?” Umbro suggested sitting back against the tree trunk.

They looked over at Tornado who sat so still he didn’t seem to be breathing. He sighed suddenly slumping forward causing the others to jump.

“H-hey Tornado, aren’t you going to eat anything?” Pye asked hopefully.

“I’m not hungry,” Tornado explained, “I have a lot on my mind.”

“Anything you want to talk about?” Ember offered.

“When I was talking with Rook I told him to get Aero to safety, but if the Dark Lord doesn’t know where she is then I won’t be able to see her.”

“You have to see her,” Durza told him, “the next time you go you have to find her no matter what!”

“I . . . even if I can’t see her again, as long as I know she’s safe . . .” he rested his head on his knees, “It’s fine this way.”

Umbro stopped Durza before she could protest, “Are you sure? You’re fine with it even if you can never see her again?”

“If seeing her causes the Dark Lord to go after her, I’d much rather it be this way. I won’t allow her to get hurt because of me, especially if it’s him. I won’t let him touch her.”

The group looked at each other worriedly as Tornado stood turning from the group. “I’m going to train by myself for a while. Feel free to stay and train.”

He walked deep into the forest trying to find a place where he could escape and release his pent up energy. He trained alone using all of the elements simultaneously until he drained enough energy. When he was finished he could hardly stand. The dark night sky loomed over him as he lay on the cool grass.
When his breath was steady he sat up leaning against his knees.

“Did I do the right thing?” he asked himself, “Is she really safer there?” He stood stumbling forward as he headed back home.

“Hey, Tornado. You don’t look so good.” Charizo hung over the fence at the edge of the Destu rank.

“Just tired, is all,” Tornado told him feeling the mental and physical strain in his throbbing head.

“But we just got back from our break. Don’t tell me you were up training.”

“Tornado, we’re breaking into ranks,” Pye called.

“Yeah, I’m coming,” Tornado called back. He turned back to Charizo, “Catch up, okay.”

“Yeah, sure,” Charizo answered shuffling back to Destu.

The day passed quickly as Tornado tried to focus solely on training. It was easier when he had something to distract his mind. When practice was over Tornado hurried to training desperate to stay distracted. He trained against Pye fighting completely seriously.

“Let’s stop here,” Pye gasped stumbling back as the sun ducked behind the trees, “I can’t fight anymore.”

Tornado stepped back breathing heavily as his hands shook from the strain. “Okay. We’ll end for the day.”

The others were filled with relief. They knew Tornado was stressed to the point of desperation. He would do anything to avoid standing still.

“Get some rest, okay?” Pye told him as they walked back.

“I’ll be fine. The fight helped.”

“You’ve gotten a lot stronger,” Pye laughed, “I never had a chance.”

“I guess I’ll fight him next time,” Durza offered excitedly, “We’ll see how he handles a Suul.”

When they got back onto the main street they saw a messenger circling. He dove down landing before the group.

“Who’s it for?” Umbro asked.

“Torando,” he explained handing him the message, “not sure what it’s about. He’s excited.”

“Great.” Tornado opened he letter hastily.

“Want us to come with you?” Ember offered.

“No,” Tornado told them walking ahead, “I’ll face him myself.”

“There you are,” the Dark Lord exclaimed standing, “you’ve kept me waiting.”
“I was training, milord.”

“I’m glad you are dedicated, but I must know,” he sat again, “who is this Light Ethereal?”

“I thought I’d settled this,” Tornado told him angrily.

“I just couldn’t get her off of my mind,” he explained, “you were born in the Light, so why were you and this girl in the Faery Realm?”

“I’m not going to tell you.”

“Were you eloping?” he asked excitedly.

“It’s not like that!”

He ignored Tornado’s outburst. “Her family was probably against your relationship with her, but I am for it. So don’t worry Tornado,” he explained winking, “I would greatly appreciate ties with the Light.”

Tornado stared at the Dark Lord who smiled down from his throne. Confusion swept through him at the Dark Lord’s words.

“Well, it’s about time for dinner,” the Dark Lord told him when he failed to reply, “I’ll let you get going.”

Tornado left trying to organize his thoughts as questions spun through his mind.
It’s not safe. Nowhere is safe from him, but he wants me to be Aero? A connection . . . Just what is he planning?

That night Tornado sat in his room focusing his darkness. There were very few forms he had mastered. Physically he could control the movements and forms, but there was so much more that could be done. He knew he needed to reach Rook. It was impossible for him to gather enough power to create a portal. A letter sat next to him sealed with Barren’s crest. He had seen the Dark Lord send word to the Faery realm once before. He had formed a hawk out of darkness. Tornado formed the darkness into a small raven-like bird. The bird moved jerkily as it picked up the letter and launched itself from the bed. It deformed and vanished into the air.