A Recognition of Shadows

[Rikugurl]

"That's terrible..." Ventus whispered as he learned about the gem on the fauna's head. How could anyone hunt.... Slowly his head turned, looking back at Axel who was enjoying his meal and pass him to look at the mighty dragon who had fallen asleep. He heard the tale of the Fire benders along time ago would go out and hunt dragons. It was said that only two dragons were saved but it seemed like people called Sun Warriors had hidden more away and probably kept dragon eggs safe. Axel was born a Sun Warrior... maybe.... maybe he really did have a side to him that he never showed. It was still early in their journey... he might come around.

He looked back at the branch and instantly realized that the rabbit-fox was gone. He heard his friend giggle and glanced around Terra, seeing the fauna nuzzling Soran and eating out of his hand. A sight of jealousy ran over the young air bender's face, suddenly feeling left out as Soran pet the creature happily. All avatars had a creature companion... and it seemed like Avatar Soran had just found his. Why was he suddenly feeling... unneeded? He shook his bald head and slowly turned, heading back to the came. The brunette seemed to noticed and was the next to follow.

As they returned, they could hear some rattling from Axel's direction and saw the redhead offer his bowl towards the warrior. "You can have the rest of my grub... if you make me some more of that poison~"

[Reno]

Terra tilted his head as he watched the airbender go back to his meal, looking downtrodden for the first time since he knew him. Ventus, like Soran, always seemed a little... 'high on life'. "Hey, you alright?" He asked in concern, sitting down beside him.

Roxas sighed, turning away as Soran played with the little rabbit-fox, returning to his bowl and looking down at it and looked a bit crushed as he realized in his haste to get to the rabbit-fox... he'd gotten sand as in what was left of his food. He...He hardly even got to taste it!!

He looked up however as Axel offered what was left of his food... in exchange for the drink of coffea. His lips twitched as he tried not to smile, "Alright, you got a deal." He said, hoping it would be more than two bites as he got what was left of the fresh water and the coffea beans to make the drink.

[Rikugurl]

"Huh...? Oh... no, I'm fine." The air master smiled up at the other as he sat down, poking at his food. "I guess I'm just starting to miss home." Unfortunately, Ventus was not as good as lying as the brunette and it was obvious. Then again, Ventus nearly never lied. It wasn't right or truthful but something white lies were needed.

The group that still had their food finished up and when another cup of poison was handed over to Axel, nearly a full bowl of food was handed over to the blonde. The warrior seemed to be shocked at the amount but the redhead just looked away. "I don't eat much." More cow hippo milk was added to his glass and he nursed the coffea for awhile. Awhile meaning he watched the group finish dinner and settle down for the night. He saw the shy look on Roxas's face and the lonely one on Ventus's. He saw the worried look on Terra's face and the joyous one on Soran's, the little rabbit-fox cuddling close under the blanket.

The moon was high in the sky and the fire was low to the ground. Green, exotic eyes looked down at the mud like bottom of his cup, wondering what it was that Roxas had put together to make such a delicious drink. Why had Roxas gone through all that effort for him? Tch, it wasn't him. The idiot was just starving.
"Night, Shesha..." The young firebender called up to his friend, leaning back on her and wrapping his blanket over himself. People would do anything when they're starving.


In the morning, the group awoke peacefully. No shadow creatures attacked during the sunrise and when most sleepy eyes awoke, they saw Axel getting Shesha ready for flight. The redhead sure didn't like to waste time. It was understandable though. The Fire Days Festival sounded like a lot of fun!
Another shouting fight rang through the forest, making the new group member hide under Soran's hood.
"I'M NOT YOUR SLAVE! GO MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN COFFEA!"
"I WOUND BUT I DON'T HAVE THE MIND SET TO POISON MYSELF!
"ARE YOU SURE THAT'S NOT THE ONLY LACK OF MIND SET YOU HAVE!?"
Terra was the one who had to pull the two 'warriors' apart and kept an eye on them while they were packing up.

As they started to board the mighty dragon, Soran was getting his staff out to glide.
"That won't be necessary, Avatar." Axel mumbled as he got up front. "The ice box isn't very far from here. We should reach it in two hours or so if the ocean is without storm. Shesha will be able to handle it. You can't meditate when you're sore, can you?"
The dragon pushed off the ground and flew up into the air, his balance being better now that she was use to the extra weight.

Ventus had been unusually quiet throughout the morning, his cheery vibe suddenly drowning. It concerned the earthbender who became extra worried when the overly large hood was pulled over the tattooed head and the young face was hidden behind darkness.
He finally spoke though when they were a hour into their journey. He leaned to his side, looking over Soran to get a good look at Axel. "Axel! Are you alright!?" He called over the ocean wind.
"YES! Why wouldn't I be!?"
"You're shaking!"
"I...I'm not use to flying so much!"
Ventus frowned, unsure if that was true but he leaned back in his place, slowly realizing that the air was getting colder.

[Reno]

"You probably should. You look like you don't eat enough." Roxas said a bit off-handedly, trying not to act as if he were concerned. Weren't fire-benders supposed to have large appetites? Fire-benders and Earth-benders were pretty notorious for having 'bottomless' stomaches because their bending tending to use the most energy. Of course, his mother used to tell him it was 'because their lands are so large they over-indulge themselves and that is what gives them their greedy natures'. His mother had an interesting way of looking at everything.

Even still, the blonde humbly offered a soft thank you, going to eat the rest of the meal and watching Sora throwing small berries at his new friend for her to catch, laughing as she did a artful loop in midair. She was quite talented. Every once and awhile he would sneak a glance towards Axel, finding the red-head watching the rest of them and once or twice their eyes would meet and hastily, the blonde would look away, his cheeks burning.

Ugh, it was a nasty trick gone wrong. Why was he feeling like this...? Was it because Axel complimented him- Wait. He was calling his drink poison! He was insulting him! Ugh... he probably was gloating about it in his head even now, thinking how great he was to make a bitter drink taste so good it was nice enough to drink again and what a fool Roxas was to think he could pull one over on him.
Idiot. He thought to himself, setting the empty bowl aside and getting ready for bed.


The next morning was not one that started well - especially for the blonde and the red-head as in just a simple statement - well it was more of a command since Axel didn't precisely use the words 'please' or 'could you' - started off another shouting match that Terra had to break up.

Soon enough though they were off into the sky, Ventus especially quiet that morning. It made Terra concerned, and confused as Soran didn't even seem to notice his friend's distress. The first hour passed mostly in silence for them all, but about twenty minutes later, while Axel's shivers grew worse, Roxas called, "Look!" And pointed to the ocean below. They looked down and could see large dots of white below them, hovering on the ocean top. "Ice caps! We must be getting closer!"

"Burr, no kidding!" Soran called, holding his new friend close as she too shivered a little. "It's rather cold huh Vi?"
Terra rose an eyebrow. "Vi?"
"Yeah. I named her Invidia!" The brunette called, nuzzling his cheek on the top of her head.
"Are... you sure you want to name her Invidia?" Terra asked, his eyebrows drawing together.
Soran glanced back with a wide smile. "Yep. I'm naming her after a friend~"
Blue eyes blinked at him about to say something... but thought better of it and just glanced at the back of Ven's clothed head. He had a feeling exactly which friend he was naming the young rabbit-fox after. It seemed Soran had noticed after all.

Another ten minutes passed and Axel continued to shiver ever more. It was getting so bad, even Shesha was worried. That was when Terra shuddered, feeling something warm press against his back, the teen behind him telling him to pass it up. He took it, looking down at it before passing it up and again and again it passed hands until it reached Axel. The red-head seemed a little confused as he held the warmth and looked down. It was the wooden cup with a little wooden top all made of redwood - a notable wood that was good for carrying soup or other hot liquids to a place that was somewhat far.

When he opened it a bitter scent met his nose.

[Rikugurl]

"Yep. I'm naming her after a friend~"

Blue eyes widened a fraction at the sentence and for the first time today, he smile. Slowly he leaned closer to Soran, wrapping his arms around his friend to bring him into an awkwardly positioned hug. "You're the best, Soran!"

Long fingers started to shade more as they flew into a colder atmosphere. It was shocking how people could live in such bitter climates but the natives of the Tribe probably thought the same about living in such tropical areas like where the Fire Nation was built.
Shesha was worried as Axel was shaking more that usual, her golden eyes looking back to see him hanging on. She wasn't any more thrilled though as they continued to press on and small bits of frozen rain started to float by.

Shaky shoulders pulled back when the redhead felt a poke on his back, glancing over to see Soran holding something out for him. He blinked some before shakily grabbing the warm vial and popped the top. Inside was a dark liquid that had a familiar smell to it. Emeralds expanded some before the redhead looked back over his shoulder, getting a clear shot all the way to the back of the line where Roxas was looking beyond Terra's shoulder. Their eyes met, some red hair flowing in Axel's face as the chilly wind blew through it.

"W-whoa..." Ventus exclaimed, seeing the snowflakes pass by. He had never seen snow before, even at such a high altitude. His pale hand reached out, feeling the slight sting the frost made on his pads. When he looked down, his eyes grew even larger, seeing white covered terrain with little spots that were native fauna. He leaned over, trying to look ahead and down and was able to see a large dome area in the ice. Inside... was a wondrous looking settlement. "Ah! We're here!"
"Finally..." Axel thanked, sipping onto the bitter drink. It wasn't as good without cow hippo milk but he couldn't gain access to the water skin from here.

Slowly they descended, the group looking down at the village and seeing the natives better as they did so. They were bundled up in royal blue outfits and paused what they were doing to look up into the sky. Some people pointed and some quickly shuffled away. Some other people in darker blue outfits came closer to the edge, lining up and watching the dragon descend. Seemed like these people never saw a dragon before.

[Reno]

"Haha, you're welcome! Now perk up, it's not good for your chi to be so down!"

Terra shook his head, seeing the airbenders conversing happily again. It seemed Invidia didn't just become the name of it, but seemed to have sucked all the envy right out of Ventus. But he had to admit... it was much better to see the blonde smile than to frown.

The three were so busy they didn't notice the exchange between the firebender and the warrior as they passed up the hot drink absent-mindedly. Heck, they hardly noticed Roxas had done a nice little deed for Axel at all!

But the blonde was watching the red-head intently and when he looked back he offered a very small, shy smile before looking away quickly, glad he could blame the redness of his cheeks on the cold if he needed to. He hadn't forgotten the way Axel complained about the cold two mornings before... and figured, even bitter the drink would help warm the firebender pleasantly until they got there.

And it wasn't much longer before they did! "Whoooa!" Soran called with a brilliant smile, looking down. "It's beautiful!" And it really was. Unlike the sister tribe - the southern water tribe - the northern benders didn't live on the ice but on the land covered in thick snow and the buildings were all completely made of finely crafted ice. Ice buildings that had beautiful, stunning architecture and fine bridges crossing from building to building over long waterways inter-spread throughout the town. For the most part, the people of this down did not live in huts made of Artic Tiger Seel skins like the Southern tribe but within the icy buildings. It made them wonder... was their truly an oasis in all this ice, water and snow?

Shesha was pulled up and then lead to corkscrew down, landing in a large spot where the snow was free of people, allowing the many people to get off of her. All around, men, woman and children were staring at them, surprised by the outsiders... who were, from the color of clothing, able to be seen as a very varied group.
"Umm... Hi everyone!" Soran chirped happily, waving to some of the citizens.

[Rikugurl]

When Shesha touched down, the land around her groaned form her weight. There was still some ice that kept her from the freezing waters below. As Soran kept the crowd's attention, Axel and Terra were quick to pull all their luggage from the dragon so she could quickly gain flight. Some of the citizens gasped in wonder as they watched the red dragon fly up and away, back towards the way they had come from. Ventus glanced up at the redhead, frowning some in worry. His bald head was still covered by his hood, wishing he had some hair to keep his skull warm. "Will she be alright?"

Axel could only nod, placing some heavier stuff on the ground. "She'll be safer back at the main land than here. She can't survive in this kind of cold."
This made Ventus frown even more, knowing how close the fire bender was with his dragon. He had to sacrifice a lot to bring them here. "How will she know to come back."
"I'll give her a signal."

Their small talk was quickly interrupted as the crowd parted and two rather tall men walked through. They wore dark navy robe-like tunics with dark pants and boots. One had interesting blue hair that was long in the back and shorter in the front that seemed to flip up. The man beside him had an even more interesting hair style as blonde hair was shaven on both sides and long hair drooped from the middle and down, leaving long side burns by his ears.
"Welcome to the Norther Water Tribe..." The blue hair man greeted as he stopped in front of them. Though his hair was different, it was his face that made everyone try not to stare. Smack in the middle were nasty looking scars that made an 'X'.

"I'm Prince Isa, the leader of the Northern Water Tribe Warriors. This is Edmy, my partner. And you are...."
Ventus glanced around the small group before stepping up, making all eyes focus on him. Slowly, he pulled his hood off, revealing the strange tattooes on his skull. "Prince Isa, I am Ventus of the Northern Air Temple... and this," He indicated Soran. "Is the person who I am guarding. Avatar Soran."
The the bluette blinked some, looking down at the one noted to be the Avatar.
"The Avatar? This makes better sense now. It is the Fire Nation's turn to bore the Avatar; it would make sense that he would come on the back of a fire dragon."

The crowd became more interested in the group, some gasps and wide eyes as they all took a glance at Soran.
"I would ask you why you have come to our tribe but I am not of authority to do so." The began, making some in the group raise an eyebrow.
"But I thought you said you were the prin---"
"Prince? I am. However---"
"Princess Aqua rules this tribe." Axel finished the man's sentence, making some unnerving eye contact with the prince.
"Correct. My sister is in charge here."

[Reno]

Soran blushed quite modestly as his friend announced his title, looking about himself nervously as all eyes came to him. He held Invidia close to his chest, and grinned shyly. He was still new to all this Avatar business. Yet everyone around him treated him like... like he was the center of the Universe.

He swallowed a bit hard, feeling pressure around him like before with all the eyes suddenly watching him, knowing him. It was the same feeling he got in the temple, when the Elder Monk first claimed he was the Avatar. He was just a kid.

And already he could see what was left of his childhood was slipping far, far away under the weight of responsibility. How had Avatar Aang faced this all at only twelve?

"I'm surprised you know anything about the politics of another land." Terra teased Axel softly, before facing the two warriors. "May we see her? The Avatar has a request."
"Sure!" For the first time the blonde beside Isa spoke out, his face full of excitement that no one had noticed. It had been like a bubble, just waiting to burst. "Anything for the Avatar!" He focused his gaze on Soran, making the poor teen blush a bit. "Oh man, I can't believe I'm meeting you! This is so cool! I have a perfect song for you and-" Beside him, Isa pinched him. "Ow! How can you be so composed! It's the Avatar!!" He gave him another pinch, for good measure.


It seemed, as they all gathered onto a boat that transported them to the grand ice palace at the head of the grand, high-sloping town, that Edmy did eventually get a hold of himself and became calm again - though it took a measure of effort on his part. The town was leveled out much like a staircase, it's interwoven waterways cascading down like waterfalls and flowing out like a very intricate water fountain as it flowed out to sea. Each time they reached one of these waterfalls, the boatsmen waterbended the ice away from the wall and rose them up into the higher level, closing up the ice behind them.

Terra looked over the side of the boat, perplexed by something. "I am... surprised the water flows so well here. I expected everything to be iced over."
"Oh!" Edmy said in his happy way. "It is truly not so dreadfully cold here like it is at our sister tribe. Water flows almost year long, expect in the deepest weeks of winter. And you should see it in the summer - it can be dreadfully awful with the way the canals overflow!" He chuckled, as if remembering something funny about this. "Now go down South and you might just see your hair chipping off!"
"The architecture is very fine too." Soran spoke up softly, looking about, his rabbit fox happily curled in his lap for the ride.
"Ah! Well, we do have a bit of... erm pride in that." Edmy smiled, almost guiltily, as he said, "Water bending often takes quickness, flexibility and precision. However, bending water in ice takes cool energy, structure and careful construction; to make even a simple shape can be very difficult." He looked up, then pointed up ahead and they looked, seeing the grand archway they were passing under, the ice bridge glittering fine in the sunlight and the design perfect, with railings and the symbol of water carved into it with care. "Nothing was used but waterbending to create these buildings and bridges. A waterbender who can create such delicate patterns often is revered as one not only of fierce skill but of a calm mind."

At the back of the boat where no one noticed him, Roxas rolled his eyes with an exaggerated motion, looking over the edge. So if a man with a clever pick-ax tried to carve something beautiful with the ice, what did they think of him? Nothing but the town fool? His ears pinkened as his blood boiled hotly. Benders, benders, benders. It was all he ever heard! Were the rest of them just second-rate, just like he was a second-rate son?

Terra nodded suddenly, understanding instantly what Edmy meant. "Yes, the Earthbenders do so too! Creating buildings with stone is... less easy to imitate I'm afraid but we do attempt to make oddities like figures and knickknacks."
"Wow... I wonder if I can do things like that..." Soran was saying in wonder. "Well if you're meant to master the elements, things like that will become second nature I'm sure." Terra said with an encouraging smile.

Soran returned it, and then his mind off of his depressive thoughts of before as he looked to the future with a little bubble of excitement. He noticed something very curious though - something he had not noticed before. Earth-bending and water-bending... they might not be the same but they were similar, weren't they? When fighting, they attacked with all their might and ferocity, like a raging ocean or a trembling earthquake - but to create and to build... that took a different type of power. A gentle flow of a river, slowly shaping the land around it, or the sweet caress of the soil on the plants, guiding the seeds into life. Destruction was such a quick, harsh process; but creation was a slow and gentle one.

[Rikugurl]

I was kind of confused with the layout! xD It was different in the movie.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy-EYpCLXjg&feature=related
Also, I'm leaving at 6pm to finally do something for my graduation so if I don't see you by then, have a good night and see ya tomorrow!


Golden like eyes glanced at the blonde tribal member every now and again when he spoke, wondering if it was appropriate to pinch him. Edmy had always been excited about life and a bit free with his tongue. Though as foolish as he seemed and sounded at times, he was a remarkable waterbender. He used his talent to entertain children and adults alike. When a festival arrived, he was sure to be the first performer. He had a talent like no other; he could bend through music. Waterbenders had to wonder if it was his fingers that were truly bending the water but to those who looked beyond the traditional ways believed it was the music itself.

"A waterbender who can create such delicate patterns often is revered as one not only of fierce skill but of a calm mind."

A gentle smile ran over the prince's face at that statement, glancing at the excitable blonde again. He really did know how to cover his tracks.

Meanwhile, as Roxas was fuming, warming up from hate, a naturally warm man was still shivering as he held onto the warm cup Roxas had given him. He nursed on the bitter liquid, trying not to spill any as he violently shook when the boat rose in the water to get to the next level.
They finally came to the last canal on the top tier, the boat coming to a slow halt in front of a large staircase that lead up to a beautiful building. The group got out of the boat and the boatman continued down the canal as they walked up the stairs. Ventus looked back as they walked up higher, seeing one of the most dazzling views he had ever seen... and he had lived on top the highest temple!

The huts of ice seemed to twinkle in the sunlight and the water sparkled that came from the fountains and canals. He had learned about the Siege of the North but it seems like all was well here again. He also got a vibe that in the small settlement, there was more order here than anywhere he had been. The citizens of Northern Water Tribe were truly intelligent people.
They walked through the large arches and entered the palace. As the prince and his partner lead the way to the princess's quarters, most of the traveling group slowed down to marvel at the works of art made in the icy walls.

Two that were not at all interested kept up with their guides, not really saying much to each other as they were lost in their thoughts. One paused for a moment though, looking back at the rest. "Come on! We don't have all day!" He snapped.
"Ah! Axel, how can you not be shocked with such beautiful---"
"We're not here to study architecture. We have a deadline." Axel reminded the carefree air master before continuing down the hall. They walked up some more stairs and outside to a wrap around icy staircase. Mats were laid down on each for those who were not native to these parts and not balanced to walk on ice so well. Up and up they climbed, passing a few flat rests before coming to one up high.

The rest came to a wall, making some wonder if it was just a place to look at the amazing view but the prince explained it was anything but. "Ah, she must be in study. I am sure she will not mind us interrupting."
Soran was about to disagree, not wanting to bother someone if they were busy but before he could, the prince moved his hands up and then down, the ice slowly melting to show a room behind it. It was warm and the sound of crackling fire in lanterns made Axel easy again. The group walked into the room and some looked back to see the prince puling his arms back up, the ice forming back to made a wall. His fingers moved carefully and the designs in the ice started to sketch in again.

Axel paused in the middle of the room, seeing a woman with her back facing them as she looked out a window.
"Sister," Isa started as he walked pass the group. "The alleged Avatar has come to speak to you."

[Reno]

The town was originally based off of Venice. The whole tribe was connected by waterways and people got by on boats and by bridges that connected them; though the last part, up by the palace, I don't think was. Instead it was leveled out, like that last one shot, with big open spaces for the masers to train their pupils and then a large grand staircase lead up to the palace.

That eagle shot ACTUALLY looks pretty accurate, I just have a feeling they didn't go into great detail of what the insides looked like. It was possibly too difficult or something to picturesque the 'Venetian' look of it.

And are Axel and Aqua supposed to know each other or anything...? I guess if she is, she can be teasing him.

And oh... technically no one but the water tribe is supposed to know the moon and ocean spirits live in the Northern Water Tribe. It's supposed to be a carefully guarded secret.

"Is he now?" Came the flippant reply, the one named Aqua seemed bent over a table made entirely of ice, studying something very intently. One hand was raised, flowing a tiny wave of water around her finger tips, almost like a schedules practice session with herself. Upon closer inspection, one could see the water-bending insignia on the end of the scroll and the pictures of men doing water bending moves on the edge.

Terra eyebrows rose some, blinking in surprise. Why was she... reading that? He glanced nervously at Isa, wondering if he had caught her, but if he noticed his expression hid it well.

"Well then," She said, flowing the water into a vase at the edge of the table and standing, turning to face them. Cool blue eyes swept over them and when Terra caught her eyes, his heart beat a little faster. She was.... beautiful.

"The Avatar is beginning to split into his nations now?" She joked good-naturedly, her face amused. When her brother tried to correct her she waved him silent. "Ah, Isa, don't tell me. I love a good guessing game."

Now this time he did appear a bit annoyed; it was no way a princess should act! But she ignored him as she approached the group, walking up to Axel first. She looked him up and down, "Well you fit the look, but I know you just can't be him. A bit of wildfire, aren't you?"
She passed him and approached Roxas. She gave him a quick glance, "And you are definitely not him."
"Definitely not?" He said softly with a frown.
"No. You don't have the stance of any bender."
The blonde blinked then for the first time since they landed he smiled, feeling humbled by the comment.
She passed next to Terra who seemed to edge away from her some. "Hmm... and it's not you."
"How can you be sure?" He called back, trying not to let his voice shake, but in his eyes seemed to be a challenge.
She grinned. "I just can't imagine the Avatar having any destiny of puppy love with me~"
The brunette's jaw dropped, and then he snapped it shut even quicker, hiding his red cheeks behind his bangs.
"Don't worry, it won't last." Aqua giggled softly before moving on to Ventus. "And it's not you, I don't believe the Avatar has mastered airbending quite yet." She took a final step and stood in front of Soran. "So, that leaves you. Am I right?" There was a gleam in her eyes, something that told Soran she had known all along.

But, he couldn't fault her for having a little fun. She... she was barely older than him, and already with so much responsibility. "How did you know?"
"Hmm... Sometimes you will face people who just will Avatar. Oh, and your fidgeting throughout my little game didn't help."
The airbender looked down, seeing he was playing with one of Invidia's ears and blushed a little.

"Alright I've had my fun," She said as if she had fulfilled her life's purpose walking backwards some to face the entire group but her eyes stayed on Soran primarily. "What have you come here for Avatar?"
The brunette looked up and glanced at his friend's, but somehow knew it was him who had to speak. "I've... come to find my way to the spirit world." He explained softly.
"Find your way?"
"Yes, my friend here, Roxas," He nodded to the warrior with swords. "He told me he had encountered a waterbender who told him of an oasis where one could find spiritual enlightenment. A place so warm, grass can grow there. I... I was hoping I could go there and find my way there."
Blue eyes narrowed a little but she nodded. "So you've sensed the disturbance too?" Soran seemed surprised at this but Aqua was now very seriously, very unlike before. The side of her that commanded and ruled this tribe seemed so apparent now. "The whole world will be feeling it soon if it has not already. Those creatures with moonshine eyes. We've seen them. They cling to the edges of our to tribe, nesting their on the ice caps in the dark and making the woman have to look in the darkest corners of their homes to make sure their children are at safe at night. Yet they never approach and I wonder if they know they won't stand a chance if they did, with the moon giving us her power." She gave a light smile but it fell quickly. "During the day we see not a sight of them. They... just disappear."

"They seem to... dislike light." Soran said softly. "Anytime they are exposed to it, they just... seem to stop existing."
"...Yes, it is quite strange." Aqua agreed and nodded. "Well, you are right. There is an oasis here. It is... a carefully guarded place, meant to be a secret." She sighed, "But sometimes tongues get away with people. I suppose in this case, the Universe was looking out for us though. I would be happy to let you go there... though I have a feeling, avatar or not, Riku will not be as pleased."
"..............Riku?" Soran tested the strange name on his tongue, liking the ring of it so much, he almost spoke it again.

Aqua now smiled again, chuckling. "Yes, Riku. He is one of the guardians of the oasis and can be - alright he almost ALWAYS is - a very serious person about his job. He dislikes company, especially announced foreigners and takes his job as the most up most importance. He's almost always on shift and almost always early for it too. You wonder if he ever rests sometimes!" She grinned, seeing the look of nervousness passing on the Avatar's face and could just imagine he must be creating quite a scary visage for their humble guardian. "But he is a good man. He has the touch of the moon in him."

[Rikugurl]

Prince Isa stood at attention as his sister played her little game. He wouldn't push her to contain herself, knowing that she has had much stress on her shoulders since the dark creatures appeared. He watched her move about, his eyes focusing on Terra as she broke his shield, seeing the blush on his face. Once could say Isa was a protective brother and now that his sister was of marriage age, many members of the tribe wished to take her hand. His guard would of been up if they were but citizens but as the royal family, it was near impossible for any man to swoon her. The prince wasn't liked by many men because of this and jokes would go through the tribe about how to defeat the 'Chastity belt'.

Green eyes rolled as he watched her go about her game, knowing that she already knew. He would of come out and told her that they weren't here to play games but it was quickly over and the meaning of the visit came out.
His red eyebrow had to turn up at the mention of the guardian. He had never heard of one before. Was this something new or just a deep secret as well.

"Sister, I know for a fact that Riku will not allow this whole group into the oasis. The Avatar and maybe his guardian will be allowed to pass. Like I, he has strong regulations about the being he has given the responsibility for. I will bring Avatar Soran and master Ventus to the oasis. I will have to ask the rest of you to wait. If you will be staying, Edmy can show you to your quarters in the palace."
He walked over to the group and looked down at Soran. "Come along then, Avatar." He slowly walked back to the ice wall, taking it down and leading the boy and his guardian out of the room. He didn't leave until he gave one good look at Terra before he was gone.

[Reno]

Terra flinched some under the man's unwavering stare, knowing if he dared come within two feet of the princess he would find himself tied up and at the bottom of the icy sea. No wonder Aqua said his crush wouldn't last. With the brother that frightening, who could?!

"Well that is sure to be... interesting..." Edmy said, thinking of the meeting the Avatar and Riku were soon sure to share.
"Tell me about it, and I get to miss it. Don't I get all the luck?" Aqua sighed, truly seeming displeased. She could sympathize with the avatar on many levels; sixteen was not an age to be with so much responsibility.

She caught the pale look on Terra's face and laughed though. "Puppy crush gone already? No surprise there, my brother keeps every man around at such a distance I hardly seem to see them! How does he expect me to produce a family and a trough of babies if he keeps chasing everyone away?"
There was an off-handed comment from the red-head about how she would never want that anyways. It seemed a bold statement... but as Aqua approached the red-head this time she was grinning. "Ah, isn't that the truth." And then... she threw her arms around him in a hug of welcome, shocking all three of the other occupants. "Ah Axel! It is so good to see you again!" She pulled away chuckling, "You're cold all over. What did I tell you last time? Next time, you were supposed to come here with a big leopard seel coat on! Do you ever listen?"

"Last time?" Roxas spoke up, staring between the two before looking almost accusing at Axel, "What, you have some long distance girlfriend or something?"
Aqua burst into laughter, "Wow I like him Axel. Where'd you find him?"


Meanwhile, Soran was holding onto Invidia tightly as they walked from the palace and around it, his stomach bound up in knots not because he was about to attempt to go into the spirit world... but because of this guardian. What if he was truly horrid? What if he would not allow him into the oasis and this whole trip was for naught? Could he really find his way into the Spirit World elsewhere? Where else was there to go though? And Axel would be furious for them wasting all that time...

He swallowed nervously, walking closer to Ventus, looking up as Isa led them to a door made of wood that was placed in a tall wall of ice that spread from one end of the realm to the other. At first this did not seem strange... until he realized with a jolt no where else on this land had he even seen any sight of wood. In his arms Invidia's nose twitched and she gave a single bark, bouncing out of his arms and walking eagerly to the door, looking expectantly back at them to open it. It was as if she was saying 'This is right. This is the way to go'.

[Rikugurl]

"Well now, he just might be right, princess." The firebender grinned as he leaned in closer to her, their faces shadowing each other and chapped lips met plump ones. The sound of hearts shattering behind them was unapparent to the two and the gasping shock of Edmy seeing a man, and of all kind of men, a firebender, getting so close to the princess.


"In celebration of the two nations finding harmony together, I will carve a symbol of piece over the arches of this tribe!" A young man called down to the crowd below, including a small group of firebenders. He was up on the arches and started to bend, making elegant symbols in the icy. It was a good day in the tribe as Fire Lord Huǒ sent a handful of finest scouts and messengers to present a treaty of peace. In the group was still a tall, younger fellow that was well dressed in the Fire Nation attire. His narrow green eyes watched the process boringly, his eyes slowly wondering until they caught the sight of two people standing on an icy balcony.

The male was at full attention, watching the ice bender carefully as the young woman's eyes wondered about the crowd below. Oddly enough, their eyes met and the redhead was stunned by her beauty. She seemed to be memorized (HAHA) as well by his exotic facial features. Their gaze lasted for what seemed to be forever until---
"And it is complete!" The crowd around the area clapped and cheered, their gaze breaking to look up at the arch. It was well crafted and beautifully detailed but the young firebender could hardly focus on it. He looked back up at the balcony but the woman's gaze was elsewhere.

"Does this please you, Princess Aqua?" The sculptor asked, looking up at the balcony himself.
Princess Aqua...?
Exotic eyes narrowed as he saw her call back, though it was too far for him to understand.
"Then please, I---"
The man besides the woman suddenly left, leaving the woman by herself but not for long before he pulled her away. A frown came over his face, his head tilting some from the odd behavior.
"Ah man, she is never going to get a husband with him around!" He suddenly heard a man complain from behind him, only making his frown worsen.

That night, the lanky, stealthy firebender left his quarters and the building he was stationed at with the other firebenders. He hid in the shadows and crept up the bank towards the palace, passing the guards on patrol. He slipped on the icy every now and again, quickly catching himself soundlessly before continuing. When he was able to reach the palace, he could hear a sweet hum of a female's voice and looked up, seeing an icy window glowing from a lantern within. He was hoping that was the princess's quarters. If it was just a servant or royal maid, this plan could crumble instantly. He looked over the wall that was keeping him from the window and took a deep breath before reaching up. His hand cupped and a small bit of fire flickered, melting some ice away. It was enough to let him get a good grip and he pulled himself up.

He scaled the wall slowly, burning away small indentations on the wall until he got up to the window. He slowly peered over the sill, looking into the warmer room to see a beautiful young woman redying herself for bed.
"Princess?" He called softly and she gasped in surprise, looking back at her window in horror. He revealed himself by climbing in through the window but her face was still shocked and her fingers quivered, ready to bend if he wished to attack. She quickly threatened to call upon the guards just outside her room but he quickly shook his head.
"Please, don't do that. I.... I just wanted... to see you again. this treaty is important to the Fire Nation... and I find it foul that we were not even able to see you in court about the manner. You're the ruler princess, not your brother."

Again, she told him to leave before she called her guards and he frowned. "Are you only impressed by those who can carve designs into the ice?"
His stance shifted and his arms moved, showing the act of bending which put her on high alert but fire wasn't directed at her. It was blown upwards onto the icy ceiling and in a small stream. It melted away the ice, slowly carving a design of a crescent moon and three wavy horizontal lines. It was the Water Tribe symbol.
It would of been a new flawless impression... if the water that melted did drip all over the firebender for after the symbol was completed, he shivered all over.

But there was laughter.

The next night was a night for celebration. The waterbenders of the tribe and the firebenders worked together to make fireworks. The whole tribe came out to watch as large ice balls flew into the air and exploded when small fireballs smashed into them. They turned into bright crystals that made the crowd awe and cheer.
There was just one firebender that was not present with the group because he was elsewhere. He looked out over the tribe from the palace, the princess sitting close by as they sat together on the sill to watch the show. They smiled and laughed as they watched the fireworks together. The redhead was the first to look away, glancing at the beautiful woman by his side. When she noticed he had become silent, she looked up at him and their eyes met again.

Slowly, they both leaned into each other, their lips pressing together instantly. They had not known at the time but it was a first kiss for the both of them and it didn't take long for it to become deeper.

The next day, a large red dragon flew down to the tribe and the firebenders quickly packed her up.
"He name is Shesha.." The redhead explained, making the princess smile but her brother by her side only looked up at the beast unnervingly.
"Well, I guess this is it." He bowed some before turning, about to head over to the others when he heard a call from behind. "Please come back soon! Next time you visit, make sure to come here with a big leopard seal coat on!"


The Water Tribe symbol was still in the icy ceiling over the icy table that was made. The redhead pulled away from the kiss, only to grin as he backed up some. "But don't forget princess.... we have a match to finish~"


Isa glanced down at the exotic looking fauna before slowly opening the door to the cave. Before Soran could retrieve it, the rabbit-fox rushed through the crack and down the stairs. Isa growled some, glaring back at the Avatar before walking through the doorway. Ventus swallowed, looking at Soran before they quickly followed. The door automatically closed on its own behind them, making the boys squeak. Carefully, they walked down the poorly lit staircase, already feeling how much warmer it was here. There was a sudden growl and barking from below, making the three pick up their pace to see Invidia paused on a step and barking down into the darkness.

Soran scooped up his companion but when he looked forward again, he was taken back by a set of glowing aqua eyes looking right at them. A hand was expanded in front of the boys as if to protect them before the prince spoke. "Riku... I wish to ask you for permission to allow these two to enter the oasis. It is Avatar Soran and his guardian, master Ventus. There was silence as the glowing eyes looked back and forth, the boy staring to see if they could make out the guardian but all they could see were his eyes.
"Not now." A handsome voice suddenly filled the staircase.

The glowing eyes slowly lidded and disappeared as if the guardian closed his eyes and brought them into pure darkness. "Come when the moon is high in the sky. I will allow the Avatar only. He does not need his guardian here."
The princes nodded slowly before bowing. "Thank you. I will return with the Avatar tonight then." He slowly pulled the boys around and headed back up the stairs.

[Reno]

Edmy, who was glancing down at the Princess' reading with a small curiosity - ah, at it again he saw - looked up just in time for his jaw to drop to see her and the firebender kissing! Oh, if Isa was here...

Terra's heart sank further as he saw the kiss, his head hanging a bit. Damn; stupid firebender. He probably entranced her with some... stupid fire tricks! And... ugh! Whatever, he didn't care! He crossed his arms sullenly.

Teeth ground so hard in his jaw he was afraid they'd break, feeling a flash of fury and for once not really certain of the cause. Roxas' eyes narrowed as he watched the two of them before spinning around and shoving past Terra, walking to where the doorway was impatiently. He didn't care much for what the spoke of next for the moment their was silent he snapped, "I'd like to be taken to my room now."

"Ah... o-oh! Of course!" Edmy said, and softly, Terra agreed walking over to the blonde, though Axel seemed to want to stay and...'catch up'. He hurried over, bending away the ice and Roxas was quickest to leave the room walking so hard some of the ice was cracking under his feet.
"Ah, Edmy?" Aqua halted him just as he was about to leave.
"Yes, Princess?" The blonde asked respectfully.
"You are certainly not going to tell my brother about that, right?"
"Ah, about what princess? I seem to have a small case of amnesia." Edmy said, and smiled. And Aqua knew he wouldn't tell as he disappeared behind the ice.

It wasn't as though she would be ASHAMED... but she knew if Isa knew, poor Axel would be hunted down and gutted. She looked up at Axel, raising an eyebrow. "Did you do that on purpose to get them to leave?"


Soran held back a flinch as the water warrior growled at him, thinking his 'pet' was misbehaving but he didn't think that was it. She was trying to... to guide him. He followed after quickly with Ventus, but as she started to growl was quick to break away as he found her near the bottom step, her tail bushed up in agitation. He picked her up, petting her and smoothing down her fur as he looked beyond her.

It was the strangest thing, what his heart did. It was hard to explain just precisely how it jumped from his chest and then was yanked back in, beating an irregular tempo that was something like... ba-duh-duh-duh, ba-duh-duh-duh. And then when he spoke... oh his knees shook a little, feeling Ventus' arms on his shoulders to steady him, worried for him because he thought his reaction was one of fright.

But it wasn't. He... wasn't even SURE what it was.

He was so in shock of himself he was hardly aware of himself being led away and back up the stairs, his head permanently turned to look behind him and just catch a glimpse of that gaze again.

It wasn't until they were back outside that the spell broke and he blinked. "...But... hey wait a second!" He turned and looked at Isa but the man just replied that you did not argue with Riku.

[Rikugurl]

Axel watched the group leave, chuckling to himself as both seemed to have their tails in between their legs. He wasn't so sure why Roxas was bent out of shape though... it didn't look like he was interested in the princess. He shook his head and when the icy door was placed back up, he looked down at Aqua with a smirk. "Trust me, princess, I can be obnoxious enough to make them leave whenever I want to be alone. You really think I would use a kiss for my own benefit?"


Unfortunately, Axel wasn't so slick his second time in the tribe. He nor Aqua were aware that Isa would return so quickly and when the icy walls started to melt, the redhead was sending out a fireball which Aqua dispelled quickly before both looked back to see Isa looking in on them. Luckily, he did not see their 'match' but he wasn't happy that Aqua and Axel were in the room together and alone. The firebender was quickly kicked out and had to wonder a bit until he saw Soran and Ventus being led by Edmy to get to their quarters. The two boys were given a room to share because they were so close and one was guarding the other. Axel was given his own room but after a hour, he was no longer interested in being cooped up.

The night came fairly quickly as it had taken them a few hours to get from the main land to the North Pole and a few more hours of travel to get to the palace and to speak with the princess.
Green eyes watched the two airbenders follow the prince again down towards the oasis and he figured that this time, he might get some more time with the princess. He started to sneak down the hallway towards the staircase that would lead up to Aqua's room but paused when the warrior stepped out of his room right in front of him. They literally bumped into each other and for the first time in a few days, he saw that angered face on the blonde.

"What's with the face?" Axel asked nonchalantly but he didn't get an immediate answer as the blonde looked like he was trying to think of one. When he was going to ask again, Roxas just spat out something that didn't make a whole lot of sense and walked off. Axel watched him, frowning some before walking after him. "You hungry? Wanna find a bite to eat?"


Isa led the boys back down to the wooden door and opened it, allowing Soran to walk through. Ventus bit his lip, waving his friend off in worry before the door was close behind. The tattooed boy sighed, looking around the area and then up at the waterfall only to gasp as he saw a pair of yellow eyes looking down at him. He gripped his staff, ready to attack but when the creature didn't attack, he remembered what Aqua had said. They didn't attack for some strange reason...
He backed away slowly, his eyes focusing on the creature until he was out of the small area, running down the stairs.

Like many foreigners that came to this tribe, he wasn't use to the ice at his feet and quickly lost his balance. "WAAAAAAH!!" He called, falling down the stairs and went flying only to smash into a muscular teenager. "Oh! I'm so sorry! I---" He paused, looking up at the man he smashed into and realized who it was. His cheeks darkened, collecting himself some before giving a weak smile. "E-evening Terra!"


Soran was led down the staircase again but unlike before when it was nearly impossible to see the stair in front of you, the stairwell was bright and shimmering as water could be heard. Greenery grew on the walls and stairs and Isa paused at a small landing. "Alright Avatar, you'll need to go the rest of the way. If you don't come out, I will be assuming that you are meditating and I will let your group know of your status. I hope you achieve what you've come here for." Slowly, the prince started to ascend the stairs back up to the door, leaving Soran by himself to walk down the rest of the way. When he turned the last corner of the staircase, he could see a large opening... that was absolutely breathtaking.

It was warm and welcoming, the sound of water ringing off the walls as a gentle current filled the room. There was a small island in the center, being able to reach by a bridge. Smack in the center was a figured, dressed much like Isa but instead of the deep blues and navy, he wore silver and white. His back was turned to the Avatar, his long, silver hair done back in a half braided pony tail. Around his feet were creatures that looked like snakes and Soran could see that a beautiful white one was slowly slithering up the man's body.