Anger boils inside me at the sight of them. Gil, Maya, and Aiden. Memories flood through me. Sky City. Monsters, fire, and explosions everywhere. Their smirking faces as they spawn eggs, with Aiden on the throne. I picture Isa and the Eversource in my mind.

I look at them. They all look incredibly guilty. But I know them. They're pathetic cowards. Jerks. Consumed by jealousy and rage.

"Jesse-" Aiden starts.

"Don't 'Jesse' me." I say, my tone firm and angry. "You have the nerve to come back here? Even after what you and your friends did? Even after you tried to kill us?"

Aiden scratches his head.

"Look, I know what we did was wrong. And we're really sorry-"

"Sorry?!" Petra scoffs. "Gotta try harder than that Blaze Rod."

"Just hear me out!" He screams, tiredly.

Petra gives me a suspicious look, but I gesture for her to listen.

"We're really, really, sorry. And we promise to make it up to you."

His words sting me and remind me of myself saying those same exact words to Reuben. I cross my arms.

"What we did was wrong. We understand that now. But we've changed! Honest!" Aiden says. Maya and Gil nod supportively.

"Changed huh? I'd like to see that." Lukas says firmly. Aiden glances at him hopefully.

"Lukas! We-"

"I don't want to hear it Aiden. You've done enough harm already." He says, looking at Maya and Gil. They stare at their feet.

"What do you want Aiden?" I ask, finally.

"A second chance. That's all we need." He replies.

"We've given you way more chances than that." Petra says angrily. 

"One more chance, please." Aiden begs, on his knees now.

I look at my friends for advice.

"Please Jesse." Maya and Gil plead.

"I say let them rot!" Ivor shouts, while the Blaze Rods mouths drop.

"We cant just let them die," Olivia says. "Even though they are really bad people."

"Really bad people." Petra adds, twisting her sword.

"It's your choice Jesse," Lukas says to me.

I look at the Blaze Rods, and then at my friends. Thoughts swirl in my head and I think. Everyone is staring at me. I finally decide.

I walk up to Aiden and grab him by his shirt. He gulps as I pull out my sword.

Everyone gasps.

"You can stay here for one week. One. Prove you've changed. Prove that you're sorry." I say.

He nods.

"Thank you! Thank you so-"

I lift the sword to his throat. He stops talking.

"One wrong move Aiden. That's all it takes." I say quietly, and lower my sword.

He breathes with relief and his friends help him up.

"Axel, Olivia, take them to the farthest house on the left. No one lives there. One of us can take first watch." I tell them and they nod.

"I'm going too," Petra exclaims. "Make sure they know the 'rules.'"

"Good idea. Meet you all at the Treasure Hall at five."

They take Aiden and the Blaze Rods into town. He glances at me and then turns back, which makes me shiver.

Then I see Ivor, cursing under his breath and arms on his hips. He turns to me.

"I can't believe you're letting those idiots stay here!" He cries at me.

"Look," I say, "I'm not fond of this either. But I'm not cold-hearted. I won't let them die if I can save them."

He shakes his head with disbelief.

"Ivor. If they screw up, I might consider letting you handle them." I say, and his face lights up into an evil grin.

"Oh the potions I could use-"

"Notice I said 'might,'" 

"Potion of poison....hmm...Thanks Jesse!" 

He walks away happily and I shake my head. 

"That was nice of you," Lukas says, smiling slightly.

"Well, you know. You don't want to end up on Ivor's bad side." I say nervously.

"I meant the Blaze Rods too." Lukas adds.

"Oh." I say and scratch my head.

"Even though he pushed you off the edge. After all they've done. You've decided to give them another chance."

"Well, if they screw up it's over for them. This is their last one." I cross my arms over my chest.

"What I'm saying is, you're a great person Jesse." Lukas says and plants a kiss on my forehead. 

That makes me nervous all over again. 

"T-thanks Lukas, I'll see you later." I say quickly and turn back home before he can see my face turn blood red.