Everyone had gathered up a few items in some backpacks and met the headmistress at the entrance of the school. The headmistress told them not to pack any food but they could bring water.

“Why can’t we bring food seongsaenim?” Tiffany asked.

“The dark energy in the forest turns food bad. It will also attract the animals in the forest. I trust you have all been practising your fighting skills?” Everyone nodded in confirmation “Good. We shall go then. Take my hand and form a circle.” Everyone took each other’s hand and eventually formed a large circle. The headmistress closed her eyes and muttered an enchantment that surrounded them all in bright, white light. When they opened their eyes their surroundings had changed completely.

Instead of the almost ethereal halls of the school they were on the edge of a dark forest. The trees were bare and you couldn’t see very far into the forest. Tiffany wasn’t even in the forest yet and she was already scared. Siwon looked at her scared expression and took her hand and squeezed gently. Even though she was shocked, she squeezed back and let out a sigh. The headmistress turned to them and said:

“I have a few last pieces of advice to give. Firstly: Do not hunt too much, it will draw attention to yourselves and put you at risk. Secondly: Do not eat anything growing inside unless it grows on greenery. Lastly: trust each other. You are dependent on each other for survival here. Getting into fights will almost certainly mean the end of you.” Everyone nodded uneasily at her advice. She turned to Tiffany and handed her a bag.

“I want you to keep these. They are different potions to help you on your way. There are also some pale pink bottles you need to take once a day to take away your powers. Even with the forest’s effects your powers would be a danger to everyone.”

“What are the others for?” Tiffany asked curiously as she looked in the bag.

“Their functions are labelled on the bottle. You must go now. Just keep going straight and you should reach the mountain in no time. Good luck on your journey.” Before they knew it they bid the headmistress farewell and were heading into the forest.

The forest was dark and cold. The trees were huge but they were coiled and black on the trunks. The fog was grey and so thick you couldn’t see very far in front of you. Tiffany jumped at every sound coming from the forest. She was very afraid; even more than she was when she lived with the drunk. She had her sword drawn and tried to remain calm.

Nobody was talking; they walked in silence until sunset when everyone was sweating and tired. They found a small clearing and started to set up camp. When Sooyoung tried to create fire to light a torch she was extremely surprised to find that, instead of a huge tower of fire, a small fire came from her hands.

“What is going on?” She tried again and again to create a tower of fire but she couldn’t “Why can’t I do this now?” She said in frustration, slumping her shoulders in disappointment.

“Don’t you remember Sooyoungie? The forest weakens our powers.” Key tried to reassure her. She sighed heavily and lit the torch which shone dimly.

“Some of us should go find wood for a fire.” She said grimly. Key, Yuri and Minho volunteered to go. Tiffany watched them go with a heavy heart.

“What’s on your mind?” She turned to find Jessica stood there.

“You guys shouldn’t be here. You shouldn’t be risking your lives for me.” Tiffan