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When Tornado woke the next morning the light shone so brightly that it hurt his eyes. The shutters of his windows let in the cool morning air.

“Open again?” He turned to see Durza sitting on top of his dresser. “Do you plan on doing this everyday?”

“I was wondering if you were going to say something again.” She explained. “I’m still curious about the whole ‘aero’ thing.”

“Well did I say anything?”

“No.” Durza answered clearly disappointed.

Tornado sighed with relief.

“Say, can I ask you a question? I’ll only ask one.”

“You can ask but that doesn’t mean I’ll answer it.” He offered getting his clothes from the dresser.

“I know that you’re new hear but the ways of the Dark Realm seem so new to you, even the ones that are considered universal. Where did you come from?”

“I came from another realm.” He admitted.

“I knew it!” She continued excitedly. “So, what is ‘aero’? Why do you want to bring ‘aero’ here?”

“You said you would only ask one question.” He criticized. “Besides, I would never want to bring Aero here.”

“But last time you said-”

“I was talking about a different place.” He explained. “No matter how much I miss-” he caught himself. “All right get out. We’ll be late.”

They walked together to the training grounds. Durza crossed her arms as she tried to figure out just what Tornado was hiding. She found herself only more curious from the small bit of information he had let slip.

“Say, Tornado-”

“I’m not answering anymore questions.”

“Fine.”

“Do you randomly show up in other peoples rooms, or is it just because I talked that one time?”

“I do that to everyone.” She explained laughing a bit. “Not only is it good training but it’s always amusing, especially the first time. You should have seen your face, it was priceless!”

He ruffled her hair. “Breaking into someone’s room isn’t exactly a laughing matter.”

“I consider it a friend’s privilege.” She told him. “That’s another ‘Durza-ism’ by the way. I only break into someone’s house if I consider them my friend.”

“Somehow that seems backwards.”

“It’s not like I’m stealing or anything.” She grumbled.

“As long as you don’t go through my stuff I guess it’s fine.”

Her eyes lit up as a mischievous smile grew on her face.

“What?” He asked.

“Oh, nothing.” She answered while little plans ran through her head.

“Liar, tell me.”

“You have something hidden don’t you?” She accused. “There’s something that alludes to this ‘aero’ thing, isn’t there? Or maybe the ‘aero’ itself!”

The thought of the drawer flashed through his mind. He covered his fear as he responded. “Where I come from it’s rude to go through other people’s stuff. And ‘aero’ isn’t hidden in my room either.”

“Oh.” She answered disappointed again. “It’s rude here, too, but it’s another friends privilege!”

“No.” He told her. “Training or not just don’t go through my stuff.”

“So there is something there.”

“Some things are better left not found.”

“Hey!” Umbro called from the entrance to the training grounds. “Why are you two talking so seriously this early in the morning. Training hasn’t even started.”

“I’ve been introduced to the Durza-ism of friends privileges.” Tornado explained.

Umbro laughed. “Have you considered changing the locks yet?”

“I am now.”

“If you use multiple ones inside and out it may take a day or so to figure them out.”

“Ah, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Hey.” Durza warned. “Don’t underestimate me. Metals are in my specialty.”

“Metals?” Tornado asked.

“I can manipulate earth.” She explained. “It’s my element.”

“Umbro, do they sell wooden locks?” Tornado asked as Umbro laughed.

“Oh right. You rank master wants to see you. A messenger hawk came for you a minute ago.” Umbro remembered.

Tornado sighed as he left the training grounds. It didn’t come as any surprise that the Dark Lord had summoned him but that didn’t make it any more pleasant. He hadn’t met with the Lord since the day he arrived and wasn’t planning to go back anytime soon. To add on to the anxiety he was alone this time. He took a deep breath letting go of his emotions. It was no use. Just thinking of the Dark Lord’s unfitting, overly happy character made him want to punch someone if the face, preferably the Lord himself. He kept picturing Durza when she came back from her meeting. How broken she had been from feelings of betrayal. Just what did the Lord want with him?

He found himself at the gates of the fortress. He tried once more to clear his emotions. It was no use. He looked around the empty square to see if anyone was watching. Seeing no one he punched the wall imagining the Dark Lord’s face.

“Much better.” He sighed walking up the steps as he rubbed his reddened knuckles.

Inside the fortress he found himself standing in the large foyer facing the large doors of the throne room. He walked up to the guards and held out the message. “I’m here to meet with the Dark Lord.”

“He’s out to breakfast.” One answered.

Tornado’s frustration returned. “So I have to wait.”

“Go down this hall and you’ll find a parlor. It’s the fifth door on the right. You can wait there.” The second answered pointing the way.

Tornado turned going down the hall trying to keep a steady walk while in the view of the guards. He really wished he could find another wall to punch. When he got to the room he entered complaining under his breath. There was a gasp from across the room. Tornado looked up from the ground to see a woman on the hiding her face behind her shawl.

“Ah, I’m sorry! I must have the wrong room. Could you point me to the parlor? I’m waiting to meet with the Dark Lord.”

“This is the parlor.” She told him standing from her seat with her face still hidden. “Please, excuse me.” The woman passed by him quickly to leave the room and continue down the hall towards the right wing.

Tornado couldn’t help but feel there was something odd about her, something other then the fact that she had hidden her face. There was something about her presence. He shook it off knowing there were more important things he had to worry about. He sat down on one of the couches and looked out towards the window. Surprised he stood. Against the wall stood an easel with an unfinished canvas. The woman was surprisingly skilled with paints. The scene was soft and accurate. A city was painted with pastel colors, which made it seem so distant from the Dark Realm.

“I know this scene.” Tornado realized. “This isn’t the Dark Realm! That woman-”
He crossed the room and hurriedly opened the door. A guard jumped back surprised.

“I guess you heard me coming.” The guard spoke. “The Dark Lord has returned.”

“Ah, all right.” He answered. Somehow that woman had a connection to the Light Realm. It was then that he realized even the Dark Lord has secrets that he kept secret.