Hello there :) This is the last time I will update in a while, partly because I don't have time to and partly because I have to develop the plot. I'm going to disappear for a few weeks or so, but don't worry, I'll be back asap. So sorry, and please don't forget HHNFLAMS.

Disclaimer & Thanks.

Massie woke up to a glum day. The sheeting rain outside slammed against against window in a dull, steady rhythm. Through the rain, the landscape was blurry, but she could clearly see a huddled group of boys next to the main school building.

Without even the slightest glance at her wardrobe, she grabbed her clothes and threw them on, exiting only minutes after she had woken up. The rain was still pouring heavily, and she ducked into a secluded corridor between two buildings.

A chill ran up her spine, as she heard footsteps sound behind her. She spun around, metally flinging a rock at the source of the noise.

'Josh?'

She slowed the rock in midair and it came to a halt a few centimetres from his head, before dropping uncertainly to the floor.

'Massie! You nearly gave me a heart attack!'

His eyes were wide and he seemed slightly breathless.

'Sorry. I was, you know, freaking out about Landon.' she whispered his name.

'Aw, it's okay, Mass - we'll handle it. We always do.'

And he grabbed her in his arms and walked her to the front door for her first lesson.

'Late.' snapped coach, glaring at Landon, who had come in a second after the bell.

He did'nt say anything, just tousled his already wet hair, which unfortunately made him look rather hot.

Massie caught herself before she could blurt anything stupid out. She steadied herself as coach turned to Landon with rage in his eyes.

'Well, Landon, you obviously did not think of apologising, so, how would you like to take on Jackson here, for the first demonstration?' he was smiling menacingly, like 'I'm glad you did'nt apologise, because now I get to get your classmate to beat you up...what fun!'

'Yeah, like, come on, man. What are you, scared?'

Mike Jackson walked into the dome, beckoning with one finger for Landon to come closer.

'Go on.' urged coach. He had a sadistic smile on his face.

Landon shrugged and stepped into the dome, seeming completely unafraid. Massie could understand why he felt that way, but she thought he was being just a bit too careless.

Mike grinned, baring his teeth in an akward grimace. Then he straightened up to his full height and glared pointedly at Landon. Mike was obviously making a great effort at whatever it was that he wasd doing, but it seemed to have no effect on Landon.

'Of course! The shield!' exclaimed coach. He snapped his fingers to call off the fight.

'Landon, sit down. I'll deal with you later. Detention with me, at two today, for tardiness.'

The two boys sat down, and coach tried to find more akward pairings for 'training'.

Landon weaved and ducked through the branches at full speed, with the wind whistling past his face. The sense of deja vu was stifling. He remembered the day he had gotten his scar with crystal clarity, the thrashing branches, the sounds of the footsteps of his pursuers, the racing of his own heart against the pounding rain.

But this time, he was the one who was in control. Because if they caught him, he'd be able to use his own abilities to save himself.

He stopped dead in the middle of a shadowy group of trees that formed a ring. His pursuers continued to run, catching up every second, but Landon had made his choice.

Mr. Avery emerged in the clearing, with John in tow. The two were drenched, their hair dripping and clothes plastered to their skin. Even as it was, Mr. Avery managed a cold smile at Landon, like he already sensed victory.

'Are you giving up now, then, Landon? That's why you finally stopped running.'

Landon returned the icy stare. 'I finally stopped running away. I'm strong enough now.'

Mr. Avery smiled patronizingly, then reached behind his back and whipped out a tranquilzer gun. Aiming it straight at Landon's head, he fired.

He recoiled in shock as the dart bounced off the invisible shield, then turned and fled.

'So, Landon. You will stay here with me until three o'clock, and you will practise on the gym equipment as I say so.'

Landon stayed silent.

Coach smirked.

'I'll take that as a yes, then. Right, you can start with the hurdles and the-'

'LANDON!'

Claire came running through the open doors, then grabbed him by the wrist.

'I need your help! You have to come with me! It's...it's Massie...'

Haha. Cliffy and review.