A Recognition of Shadows

[Reno]

Axel wasn't slick at all, since he also was getting caught sneaking out.

"Oof!" Roxas called as he turned the corner of his bedroom and suddenly the red-head was there. He blinked dazedly and backed up a step, but when he saw who it was, he glared. The other had a look about him - like he was trying to get somewhere and not be caught. It didn't take a genius to figure out WHERE he was headed. And in the middle of the night!

His eyes narrowed as the other asked him what was the matter and he looked down, snarling out, "You're shoes are stupid." And then shoved past the other, continuing on his way. But the other started to follow him asking him about food.

"Hmph, are you sure you have time for that?" The blonde asked plainly, looking back with a deeper glare. "Don't you have a certain woman to attend to?"


Blue eyes blinked in surprise as he too recognized the teen who had run into him. He chuckled gently, shaking his head. "Evening Ventus. What's the rush?" He looked about noticing Soran was not around. He'd never seen the two apart; well except when Ventus was injured and resting. It was... kind of a nice change of pace. "I take it Soran is at the Oasis?"


Soran glanced back offering his best friend a grin as he descended to the oasis, neither of the two seeing what Ventus saw hanging on the edge of the ice... but neither did the blonde notice as he hurried off, the blur of green as a creature, glittering in the moonlight flew and with a quick snap, the shadow was nothing but mere memory. Claws gripped onto the ice and she bounced upwards, flying hard to reach the top of the icy wall, looking down at the oasis. She spotted Soran walked slowly across the bridge, hesitating in the middle of it and with a flap, flighted down and landed with a soft noise as she landed beside him, not willing to stay behind in the room and wait.

Soran gave her a curious glance and smiled, before looking up, swallowing some. That hair... almost like...
"He has the touch of the moon in him"
That was what Princess Aqua meant.
"...Riku?" He called tentatively, looking at the snakes somewhat unnerved by them as one climbed up his leg. "I uh... I'm here..."

[Rikugurl]

Axel blinked, glancing down at his shoes. What was he...? He frowned even more, hearing the bitterness of the last statement. So, he did fancy the princess it seemed. Huh, who blamed him? Everyone fell for her when their eyes met. He was honestly shocked that no one overcame Isa and won her but as he saw, it was the same since he last saw her. He continued to follow the boy, wondering where he was headed. "Look, I'm sorry you didn't win the girl." He started, only hearing Roxas huff. "We're just friends really... nothing more than that." That was when Roxas stopped and glared up at him, stating that it looked like a lot more than just friends.

"Hey! I don't have any friends back at home. The only friend I have is princess Aqua and if I want to give her a little kiss, I can damn well do it. All I have at home is a brother who sits on his lazy ass all days and thinks that I have forgotten about what he did to me when we were younger." This quieted the blonde some, his eyebrow inching a bit. Axel's face became dark, his eyes becoming wicked as the memory played through his head and slowly he walked pass Roxas. "When we landed on the Fire Nation territory, he had to travel to get to the capital. There was a terrible lack of food and when we got down to our last ration, my brother tried to kill me... because there was only enough to satisfy one of us. If I couldn't of bend fire... I wouldn't be here telling you about it."

He continued to walk, hearing the silence behind him. "So... you have an idea on what waterbender you're going to challenge?"


"Ah... yea... and I guess he might be gone for a bit if the guardian allows him to meditate. I just hope he'll be alright in the spirit world...." He pouted some, his chubby cheeks collecting together to make a cute face. He shook his head some, looking up at Terra before back up the stairs from where he had fallen. "I saw one of those dark creatures by the entrance of the oasis but like princess Aqua said, it didn't attack. I wonder why...?" He pondered some before shaking it off and looking back at Terra for the third time. "So, what are you doing out so late?"


The guardian knew he had company the moment the door opened and it wasn't necessary for the Avatar to indicate his prescience. Slowly, the man turned to the bald boy, his silver hair covering most of his face that hung from a beautiful crescent trinket. Instantly, eyes met each other and Soran could see the enticing orbs of aquamarine, looking like a clear ocean itself. From above, the moon shown down on him, making it look like he was glowing with a light aura. The moon reflected off his eyes and the silver eyelashes acting like a teaser when they moved.

"So, you are Avatar Soran." He put softly, the handsome voice invading the young boy's mind again. Slowly, the white snake inched around the guardian's waist and slowly, pale fingers gently wrapped around it, pulling it up to let it slither over his arms and shoulders. "She is beautiful... isn't she?" He asked, though his voice was so low that it seemed like he was speaking to himself. He watched her for a bit before his gaze met Soran's again. "You're here to enter the spirit world. May I ask what you plan on achieving there?"

[Reno]

Win the girl...? Win the girl?! Roxas ground his teeth and huffed, unable to believe how... how CLUELESS Axel was! He didn't care about the girl he cared about-
What? What did he care about? Axel? Axel BEING with her? He stopped and looked back giving him a vicious glare? You call that being friends? It certainly looked like more than that!"

He was a little surprised however when the red-head's gaze turned fierce as well, the other's glare magnified by his naturally narrow eye and fiery demeanor. Roxas didn't flinch, but he admitted mentally he was a bit unnerving to stare at. But quickly he discovered the anger... wasn't really to him as the red-head's mood changed.

No, it seemed... Axel had a pretty complicated past. Roxas was quiet for a long time, slowly following after the other as he rolled the small story over and over again in his mind. "....No..." He finally mumbled, and walked up beside Axel. He hesitated a moment, then finally said, "Do you know why I fight only benders?"

Axel didn't answer but he knew he had the other's attention. And for the second time he told his story. This time he did not cry as he told of his airbending twin brother who was taken away from him and how he was left behind and forgotten. Told him about his desire to break away from the part of himself that still felt his twin; trying to prove he didn't need him or any bender for that matter. He didn't know why he was telling him; there was a difference between being forgotten and being nearly killed. Maybe it was just because... he knew what it felt like... to feel unloved by a sibling.

"I finally left home eight months ago. I needed to be free of that place... to... find my own way I guess." Roxas finished as they came out onto an empty courtyard, nothing around ice and snow. His fingers ran over the hilts of his blades before drawing them slowly and lifting them up, placing them together. Even though their hilt guards kept the blade from meeting, the star and the crown seemed to meet perfectly together, showing they were not two blades but two parts of a whole. "I handcrafted these myself. Twin blades. Oathkeeper... and Oblivion." He grinned bitterly at the irony. "I guess I have a thing for symbolism." He sheathed the white sword easily, but looked at the black one for a moment longer with an expression of yearning... before it too was put away. "You remember what you said to me that day in the forest... before the fire? That my mission is impossible?"

He glanced at Axel and smiled sadly. "I hate to say it, but you're probably right." He sighed looking off in the distance. "Just like you'll never forget your brother's betrayal... there's always going to be a part of me... that needs my twin."


There was another light chuckle as the airbender made a cute face. It must be nice to have a such a good friend; Soran was very lucky. Of course, he knew he was as well. Having Atteris as his companion was a blessing in itself; he found himself missing the bull-wolf more and more. "I'm sure he'll be just fine." He was a little surprised though to hear the next bit of news and his eyebrows pinched together pondering on it himself. Was Aqua right? Did they truly sense they could not win the battle and held back...? Were they that intelligent?

"Hmm... Oh! I was just taking a walk. Axel might be stingy about this place but I think it's quite wondrous!" He looked off in the distance, smiling. "I never been outside of the Earth Kingdom so this is my first real chance to see a new culture. I wanted to get a closer look at things."


"Huh... oh!" Soran blushed, realizing Riku meant the snake. "Uh yes!" He truly found her quite scary, but he didn't wish to offend the other so he didn't say so. Luckily the topic of conversation changed quickly and he frowned some but nodded. "I'm sure you've noticed the creatures of shadow?" The silver-haired male did make an indication either way, but Soran continued, "It seems to be a... spiritual disturbance. And as the Avatar it's my duty to keep balance in this world, the Spirit World and everything in-between. I'm hoping... that by going to the Spirit World I might get answer. Of who is doing this or how to stop it or... anything. I'm not sure what I might truly find but I feel this is the right path."
There was a soft bark and he looked down, the rabbit-fox grinning up at him as she pressed her body warmly against his leg. "And Invidia seems to think this is the right way to go; and I think the avatar is meant to listen to his animal guide."

He wasn't sure if Ventus knew or had guessed or just truly thought she was just a friend. He didn't want to tell his friend quite yet he had found her though, afraid of upsetting him. He knew she was without a doubt.

There was a myth about the animal guides. It said that on their first night upon meeting each other, in the night their dreams will collide and be shared. And still fresh in his mind, Soran could still feel his mind meeting another as his and and a green-winged fox's spirit flew through the clouds and sky together, their bodies left behind to rest on the beach. Many even supposed they, like the avatar, are also reincarnations of every past life of the animal guide before her.

[Rikugurl]

Axel listened to the past of the warrior, his mind not caring about anything but. It was obvious since the two wondered off into a barren part of the tribe, overlooking the ocean that was calm and gentle over the glowing moon. Slowly, he looked down at the blonde and spiral eyes looked up at him. Had he not figured out the possibility that...
A soft smile ran over the Sun Warrior's face and slowly he rose his hand and ruffled Roxas's hair some. "Come on... let's get something to eat." His arm wrapped around the fighter's shoulders, directing him back towards the huts to find some food.


"Hehehe, he doesn't want to waste a lot of time I guess! I don't blame him though... that festival sounds very important to him." He looked around the icy tribe, seeing the amazing agriculture they had made out of the resource around them. He always wondered why the waterbenders made their homes in such a cold climate but he figured that ice was made from water, they could always have it close. "Would you mind if I walked with you? I've never been outside of the nomad village or Air Temple so this is all fascinating to me too."

He was happen when Terra nodded and they both walked down the halls, looking at the walls and ceilings to see the designs that were made throughout. He hated to admit to Terra that stuff like this was fascinating but his attention span wasn't so good when there was so many other things to see. He just didn't like... being alone.


Riku bowed his head in understanding and looked to his right. Soran looked in the same direction to see an open structure. "The Spirit Oasis is a place where the Spirit World overlaps with the mortal world. That is the gate." Slowly he looked back at the young Avatar, his ocean eyes slowly turning darker, like a storm at sea. "Be beware, not all spirits are kind. There are some that are malicious and anger easily. You might also encounter your past lives. Wherever your journey brings you and whatever you might see, remember that you are the bridge to our worlds and the balance that brings our worlds into harmony. Good luck, young Avatar."

[Reno]

Roxas blinked as his hair was ruffled and he was pulled closer and led off, his cheeks pinkening a bit but he chuckled in good-nature. "Alright, alright. But this time you have to eat more." He seemed to order, wondering off-handedly if that was something else to blame this man's brother for. Is that he was so thin, not because it was his build but because he never ate as much as he should?

He decided not to ask, rather liking the more upbeat mood between them for once. It was amazing... they could get along at all.


"You know they say the Southern tribe and the northern tribes are very different." Terra was saying as they walked through town, admiring the things they saw. "Princess Aqua was reading a waterbending scroll, but did you know females are not permitted to learn water-bending except for healing purposes in the Northern tribe?" The bald airbender looked at him curiously, asking then why was Aqua reading it if she wasn't allowed to.

"Well, after Avatar Aang and his future wife Katara came through her during the war, Katara fought for her right to learn water-bending. There was no waterbenders left in the southern tribe to teach her." Terra explained. "Since the war has been over, the South and North tribes grew closer to one another a the next leader, King Hasu, decreed that any woman who wished to learn water-bending would have to go to the Southern tribe to do so. He couldn't change centuries of tradition... but it did give them the freedom to choose their paths. Maybe Aqua would of been among them... but her duties as princess keeps her back here."

He paused at the edge of the ice sidewalk, seeing the water flowing downward, towards the ocean. "She's also of marrying age... and has no betrothal necklace. Usually, it would be up to the father to arrange the message but well I don't think he's around... I suppose it would be up to Isa to do so instead." Ven made an off-hand joke about how that will probably never happen then. "Heh, I have a feeling... a lot of it might have to do with her instead of him." Terra mumbled curiously, remembering earlier in the library when Axel spoke up about her disagreement about having a family. Could Isa know about her unwillingness? Was that... instead why he was so cold? "Maybe... his attitude is for her."

There was a long pause then the brunette chuckled and he turned walking back up the way they had come. "I guess that makes him a good brother."


Back down at the oasis, Soran had smiled and nodded, walking past the other to walk to the wooden altar walking underneath it and into the oasis itself. It was a small pond; but nothing was in it. It felt... empty. He took a breath and sat down, crossing his leg and folding his hands in his lap as he started to meditate.

Invidia walked over and stopped at the wooden gate, sitting down and watching the Avatar with a steady gaze. No one noticed as Isa quietly slipped away.


"Ugh!" Came a cry in the oasis nearly three whole hours later, the moon deep in the sky and the hours having passed slowly. The rest of the world was asleep. Soran ran his hands over his bald head, feeling the beginning pinpricks of hair growing and fell back on the grass, looking at the sky. "Why can't I get this?!" There was a whimper far off and he tilted his head some, seeing Invidia still at her post, her ears down. "I don't understand, I'm doing everything right.... maybe I'm the only Avatar in the world who can't get there..." He mumbled. There was a bark of reprimand, the canine disagreeing.

[Rikugurl]

The two had found a small eatery that was still open and ordered some interesting grub. Roxas was probably not use to it but Axel sure was, though, he still picked at his food, not nearly eating the whole thing. Roxas had gotten that idea right. His eating habits had changed that day in the jungle. He never ate a full meal, in fear that someone else would be hungry. He was always willing to share what he had not eaten. It was something that he never shook off, probably because he still lived with his elder brother. Even miles and miles away, it was the same.

"I think you should challenge the prince. You can show him what's what." The redhead grinned as he stirred his food some, feeling the heat coming off. "He is a very skilled bender. He started bending at a very young age because the chief had died when Aqua was still an infant and he began protecting her from that day on...." Aqua had shared so much of her life with him those few hours they were together two years ago and caught him up earlier today. She was doing well and little by little, she was learning how to bend herself. She didn't mention if her brother knew or not but he was intrigued to battle with her again when she could really do some damage.

Slowly he looked up, seeing two familiar teenagers walking by. Green eyes slowly glanced to his side, watching Roxas eat. he wasn't sure if he should bring it up but...
"Have you ever wondered if... Ventus is the twin you're looking for?"


"So... it's kind of like the Air Temples in a way. Boy airbenders can only live in the Northern and Southern Air Temples while girl airbenders can only live in the Western and Eastern Air Temples..." He pouted some, thinking about it as his staff clunked down on the icy ground below. "I don't understand why they have such laws. Everyone is equal, are they not?" He asked thoughtfully, glancing up at his wise friend.
He could only nod at the answer, though it still didn't make much sense at-- "WHA!" He cried, his eyes widening as he looked down at the ground. Terra asked what he had seen that startled him. "Something dark just... swam underneath us! You don't think it's a shadow creature, do you!?"

His face looked hurt when Terra just laughed at him and promptly explained that fauna lived under the ice in caves. "Oh... good then!" He giggled, slowly looking up at the glowing moon. "I hope Atteris and Lulu are alright..."


Soran wasn't the only one asleep. Also meditating nearby, a silverette's eyes opened slowly, hearing the Avatar's frustration. Two snakes were slithering around him in a perfect circle and they did not pause as he slowly stood up. "Perhaps you are trying too hard."

[Reno]

"The prince?" Roxas chuckled and shook his head. "I doubt he'd take the challenge even if I tried. But... that would be something for the history books." His eyes gleamed, the idea actually rolling around in his mind. He truly doubted he could goad the bluette into a battle, but it was fun to dream. He looked up however when Axel changed their topic of conversation... and his eyebrows pinched together.

"Ventus...?" Roxas frowned, glancing down at his food. They were... the same height and... those blue eyes... but... He shut his eyes, before shaking his head vehemently. "If he was he would of said something! He wasn't that young when they took him... he'd still remember me!"

He frowned though, obviously troubled and maybe not completely certain. How could it be Ventus?! Ventus was so... so happy! He looked away, shaking a bit as he was overcome with emotion. How could he be that happy without him? Did he really care so little?

"And... and besides..." He mumbled weakly, swallowing hard to clear the tightening in his throat. "His name was Ven... just Ven."


"Lulu...?" Terra rose an eyebrow. When Ventus explained that was what the named the Moomba he chuckled and nodded. "Oh. I see. Well I'm sure they are both fine. Animals are very good about taking care of themselves." He crossed his arms glancing up at the moon as well, trying not to let a look of unease wander onto his face, but he was worried as well.


"How can you try too hard?!" Soran cried, not precisely frustrated with the silverette but just himself. He expected this to be easy... just a simple few moments and meditation and off he'd go. He rolled onto his stomach and sat up, looking at Riku now with a frown. "Sorry I just... ugh..." He rubbed his head again feeling the fringes of a headache coming on. He just had to get this though. The whole world was depending on him and if he screwed up people were going to get hurt!

Well... that sounded like he was trying too hard.

"Maybe you're right..." Soran mumbled, rubbing his shoulder, feeling the tenseness in it. Even though he had been meditating he hadn't been relaxed.

[Rikugurl]

Axel looked down at the boy, seeing his uncertainty in his face. When he stated an obvious clue, the redhead just blinked a few times, about to burst out that a nickname Ventus was probably... VEN! But he bit his tongue and realized something. Maybe... it was easier to chase a shadow... than to confront the figure. Had they been separated so long that Roxas couldn't deal with the thought of his journey being over just as soon as it started?
Axel was positive now that the master airbender and the warrior were brothers but he wasn't the one needing convincing... or strength to believe it.

He poked at his food again before pulling a grin on his face. "You know, if you ask for princess Aqua's hand in marriage, he would probably fight you for sure."


A gentle smile moved over pale lips and the guardian sat again, his back turned to the Avatar. "Come. Have some tea with me. Maybe it will relax your muscles." He offered and it didn't take much convincing for Soran to walk over, his companion besides him. He could see the hesitant body language as the boy came closer, his eyes intent on the snakes. "Do not be frightened by them, they will not hurt you." Slowly, his pale hands reached down, touching the ground and both white and black snakes coiled around each. "The black one is named La. He is the the Ocean Spirit. The white one is the one I guard. Her name is Yue. She is the Moon Spirit. Much like Yue, she was once a mortal who was touched by the moon. When I was born, my father died at sea and I had become very ill. It was too late to wake the healers of the tribe so knowing the legend, she brought me here, placed me in the oasis and Yue healed me."

Slowly, pale fingers ran through the long, near liquid looking strands of silver. "I've dedicated my life to protect her, like she protected me." He reached down, grabbing a pitcher that was close by and slowly poured the tea into two cups. The snakes wrapped around his torso before slithering down him and started to circle around the both of them. Riku handed a cup to Sora before nodding some, sipping on his own.

[Reno]

It was lucky Axel changed the topic of conversation. At least for Roxas because he turned from near crying to choking on air.
"I AM NOT ASKING TO MARRY HER!"
It was probably not lucky for anyone's ears though.


The tea was accepted graciously, the brunette seeming more at ease now, knowing who these spirits world. "I see... you are very blessed." He said, giving the man a grin before looking down at the circling snakes. "Now I understand why this place is meant to be a secret..." It wasn't because of the spiritual nature, it was because of the spirits who lived there. The ocean and the moon spirits were the waterbenders most precious spirits. The ocean was the water-benders teacher, and the moon their empowerment. But if someone knew where these spirits were... they could threaten and even hurt them.

He looked at Riku again and smiled. "Well... it's good to know I'm not going to be the only one to protect the spirits..." He caught the aquamarine gaze and blushed a little, looking away. "When I first learned I was the Avatar... I ran away." He admitted softly. "I was... scared. For a lot of reasons. I had so much responsibility suddenly... and so many things I had to do... so many things I suddenly realized about myself that I didn't want to know." He shut his eyes and breathed out slowly. "And everything is going to be so different now... I... guess that makes me selfish, huh?"

[Rikugurl]

The guardian watched the Avatar closely as he spoke, nursing his tea quietly. He had to smile at the interesting fact that Soran brought up before placing his tea onto the ground. "Avatar Aang was much the same. He ran away too and when he came from the iceberg, the world around him had lost its harmony. You are not selfish, Soran. You are a great asset to our world and much like your past life, Aang, you will learn that you can still be yourself while bringing peace and happiness to all mortals and spirits alike. You have already gone through places that are foreign to you and you have helped them, not as the Avatar but as yourself."

He bowed his head some, the water around them reflecting off his hair. "You have always been the Avatar. Whether it was announced or not, you would still be the same, Soran. The knowledge has only made you wiser and gave you more strength to do the things you have always done. You enjoy helping people and as the Avatar, you can help more than you have ever imagined. Your job isn't to save the world from every little speck of evil, it is to create harmony as a whole. It does not matter where you were born or how you grew up... it is who you have become. Remember this on your journey and you will never be selfish."

[Reno]

Blue eyes blinked slowly before the bald-brunette, hair growing airbender looked at Riku who was truly more wise and kind than people made him out to be and then smiled. "Thank you." He looked out, watching the grass sway.

"I suppose you're right. I hate seeing people get hurt... and I'd do anything in my power to help. I guess... being the Avatar just helps me complete that goal." And right now, he had to help people from being attacked by these Shadows. Innocent people, like Terra and his family. Friends, like Ventus, Roxas and Axel. Places, like this oasis and this beautiful town.

The tea cup was set down, now empty and Sora stood, bowing to the silverette. "Thank you for the tea, it was delicious." He smiled, "I think I'm ready to try again." He carefully stepped outside of the ring of snakes and walking back under the altar, not minding it when the black snake broke away and followed him. He sat down and crossed his legs, the black snake circling him now like the white one was circling Riku. The brunette took a deep breath watching the snake turn around and around...

He didn't know precisely when he stepped out of the realm of the living world into the spirit world. Just that the next thing he knew, he was there, standing on a mound of dirt surrounded by a pool of water and all around him the colors seemed more vivid and bright, yet he could see no sun giving it light.

"Whoa...." Soran murmured, looking around.
"Avatar Soran you've finally made it." A kind feminine voice called. He looked around but saw no one in sight... until he looked down at the water. In it was a reflection of a woman in Earthbender's clothes. He knew her though.
"Avatar... Ila?" He said in recognition, and surprise.


Invidia's tail wagged as she noticed the glow and with a happy bark, stood, pacing a few feet to sit next to Riku in the little ring the white snake was making.

[Rikugurl]

The moon rose high over the tribe, illumination the ice that the people had made their home out of. Slowly, clouds started to move in, eventually blocking out the moon and bringing the tribe into darkness and shadows. Shadows that had glowing yellow eyes. They clung from the ice above the tribe and though they were known to stay there, they suddenly let go, falling onto the icy ground. Unlike the foreigners, they moved over the ice like the natives, not bothered by the slippery surface.

In a room that was decorated with ice and elegant objects, a young boy shivered slightly under the warm blankets. He was not completely cold but something else made his skin crawl.

DONG!
DONG!
DONG!

"Mmmmm...." He turned in the bed, his eyes closing tight. That bell... it reminded him of home...
Three rings... it must of been an early... or late lesson.
Slowly, blue eyes opened and he blinked some, rubbing his eyes and looked around to realize he was not in the Air Temple. It took him a moment to remember just exactly where he was and he shook his head, clearing his thoughts. He was at the Northern Water Tribe. That's right. Soran had to come here to speak to the spirits to see why those odd black creatures were coming from. They came here on a dragon named Shesha who had chosen a firebender named Axel to be her master. Some others came too. There was the intelligent Earthbender, Terra and the mysterious Warrior, Roxas. When they came here---

DONG!
DONG!
DONG!

"Huh?" He looked around, hearing the familiar bell again but instead of getting up and rushing to the window, his eyes widened as he heard a woman's scream. "WHOA!" He shot out of bed, rushing to the window and looked out, only to gasp as the once bright and white tribe was covered in gruesome shadows. He rushed back to his bed, grabbing his staff before running back to the window and jumped out, his wrist flicking to set out the glider and flew over the tribe.

It was the first time he saw... waterbending as ice was pulled from the ground and turned into solid water, pushing some of the larger creatures back and women and children started to head for shelter.
"OOO! OOO! OOO!" Heavy sounds of infantry came from a side of the palace as men in deep navy and white outfits rushed down into the tribe, quickly bending to keep the creatures at bay. Isa was one of them.
Ventus's wrist snapped again and he sailed down, his body twisting and when he landed, his staff slammed into the icy ground, blowing out a burst of wind that made some shadows fly back.

All the noise eventually awoke a heavy sleeping firebender. He sat up in bed, yawning loudly and stretched.

DONG!
DONG!
DONG!

Green eyes snapped opened and he quickly got out of bed. That was the sound of the warning bell. The tribe was under attack!? He quickly got on his iron armor and rushed out of the room, running down the hall and scaling the stairs up to Aqua's quarters.

[Reno]

DONG!
DONG!
DONG!

"Mm...." A handsome brunette groaned, turning his head further into the pillow. Atteris got into the pots and pans again, didn't he? Ugh, why didn't he understand that if there was no food in it that there would be nothing in them?

DONG!
DONG!
DONG!

"Ugh, ATTERIS STOP IT!" Terra yelled, lifting his head, sleep tousled hair falling into his eyes. He blinked the sleep from his eyes though when he remembered... he wasn't home anymore. And that wasn't the sound of dishes banging together... it was a warning bell! "Oh shit!"

The brunette jumped out of bed, still fully clothed because it was definitely too cold to NOT wear them, and after a glance out the window he hurried out of his borrowed room to the courtyard, rushing down the steps and finding Ven there.


"What would you do, if you found your twin?" The voice whispered over his ears and Roxas shuddered, shivering under his blankets. He was back in the forest, his first night out and away from home. It was a cold, chilly night and the low flame of the campfire danced in the breeze.
"I already told you... I never want to see him again." He responded. "Go away Ventus."
"Do you really want me too? To go away?" Came the response, but this time the voice was higher, younger. The teenager looked up and saw a boy standing at the edge of the forest, his features impossible to make out as they were cast in shadows from the flames. But one thing he could see... was the yellow hair, identical to his own.
...Ven...
Above in the sky, clouds were brewing, colliding, culminating. And up above there was a clap of thunder.
"YES!" He yelled over the roaring dong. "YES I WANT YOU TO LEAVE ME ALONE! YOU ALREADY HAVE!"
"But you miss me."
Another loud boom of thunder.
"WHAT DO YOU CARE?! YOU'VE FORGOTTEN ALL ABOUT ME!"
"Can't you forgive me?"
"No...No..." Roxas' eyes shut, the thunder above screaming in his ears as the rain poured down. It had been a miserable first night. "I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!"

Blue eyes snapped open and the blonde sat up, his heart beating and water on his face from the rain. He was lucky he hadn't froze to death in the night and-
DONG!
DONG!
DONG!

He looked around, confused by the thunder, but then realized he was stuck in the past. He'd been on his own for almost a year now. He'd even had his sixteenth birthday alone, celebrating it by besting his first Firebender in a match.

He rubbed away the salty wetness on his face, getting up and looking out his own window. And suddenly realized why that noise had been so incessant. The tribe was under attack!
"Shit..." He turned, snatching up his blades and strapping them to his waist as he ran.


Awake before the warning bells even started, the princess of the tribe was looking out her window, watching her men fight with an expressionless face. Inside, she felt the turmoil of a true leader as she watched her people risk their lives... and being unable to help. It was unfair. It was her duty to make sure her people were safe... But Isa had already run by and told her 'not to do anything stupid'.

She shut her eyes, hearing the rapid steps of someone approaching her room. He had no trouble entering, her having sent her guards away to help the other warriors. Behind her, the red-head called her name. "What are you doing here Axel?" She asked, in a way that made it seem like he lost his way.

It threw him off, confusing him for a moment as he explained he was here to help her. "You want to help me?" She asked in a measured tone before turning to face him, her expression frightening in it's intensity. "Then go and fight!"
He didn't move instantly, and she glanced outside, murmuring, "You're friends are down there, you know." She could see the gleam of blades, the powerful strikes of icy land, and the whipping cyclones of wind all bursting along the field. They didn't even live here, but they were willing to stand and fight for them. It was... almost peculiar how this attack happened when they were there.


Back in the oasis, another knew of danger before the cries of the metal gong began as well. Blue eyes opened and spotted a row black creatures hanging on the top of the icy wall as the foxen creature pulled back her teeth and started to growl, alerting Riku who was near. He didn't seem worried at first, his voice soothing as he attempted to calm her, but she gave a more vicious snarl when they started to crawl down the walls.

That was when the warning bell started.

[Rikugurl]

"Terra!" Ventus called as he saw the brunette rushing down the stairs to join them. "Have we cursed them with karma!?" He worried, knowing that they had just spoke of the strange habit these creatures had here. Now he really had to wonder if they were attacking because the Avatar was here. Why would they attack such a powerful being though? Was it just that? Did they want his power? He couldn't think much more about the subject though as he saw some creatures coming up from behind the earthbender. "DUCK!" He called, his staff quickly spinning in the air to shoot out strong gust of winds, pushing the threat back for Terra to throw chunks of frozen rocks at them.

Water pushed another hoard out of the way and into the ocean but to his surprise, they just crawled back onto the ice. "How... how are we suppose to defeat them?" The prince panted softly, glancing to the blonde by his side. "Keep pushing them back, men!" He called to the benders around, seeing them all continue their water attacks as ice seemed to go right through them.

"Aqua!" Axel called as he reached her room, slowly walking up to her and only pausing when he saw the look on her face. He frowned, hearing her request and only glanced out the window for a moment, seeing the battle down below. "Will you be alright?" He asked in concern, seeing the look in her eye when she turned to him again saying 'I've been practicing, I'm not helpless.' Still, he was hesitant at leaving her by herself. She was not only the love of the tribe but...
"I'll never forgive you if you die on me." He warned, pointing at her before turning and rushing out of the room.

He moved down the steps quickly, his arms swinging back and forth before his wrist came together, shooting out a wave stream of fire at the shadows running up the stairs for him. For once, the shadows suddenly disappeared. It seemed like he was the only one who could truly get ride of them all. When he reached the courtyard, his arm expanded out and them swooped in, fire shooting out to his right and did it again, fire shooting out to his left. The shadows did not cry as they were turned into ashes, falling up instead of on the ground. Green eyes looked up at the sky, seeing that the moon was covered in clouds.


The oasis became dark, the moon tucked away but it did not unsettle the guardian. It could of been a storm, though he could not smell it. The white snake slowly stopped her circular motion and started to slither up the man's arm. He heard a sudden grown and smiled gently. "Do not fear... they will not harm you...." He spoke softly... but the growl grew louder and his eyes opened to see the shadow creatures crawling down towards them. He quickly stood, looking up at the sky and seeing the moon was covered over by unnatural clouds. What was going on?
He frowned, watching the creatures as they came closer. "Do not fear, they will not harm you!"

[Reno]

"I doubt it!" Terra yelled back as he kicked out a rock, smashing a creature down into the icy earth. But it was peculiar... their presence or maybe... "Maybe because the Avatar is trying to get into the Spirit World!" Maybe this spirit didn't want him to get their and accomplish his goal!

Of course he didn't. If he was angry he didn't want HELP.

"Watch the sky!" Came another call, and for a moment, Terra thought it was Ven. But it was coming from too far behind. What did he mean though, the sky - "Oh shit!" The brunette snapped, ducking as something swooped over him the dragon's back claws ruffling the spikes of his hair and there was a sound of metal screeching as it tore into the shadowy beast. He glanced back seeing Roxas standing there before he got to his feet.

"I don't know!" Edmy called back nervously, helping the other warriors use the water to push the shadows back, but just as he was he could see glowing yellow in the air. "I-Isa some of these things can fly!"

That was when the Firebender came, the light alone bursting a good portion of them away.

From above on her balcony, Aqua watching in silence as flames lit her land, her blank expression dancing in the dark and light... before she shut her eyes and turned away, walking back into her room.


Even still, Invidia continued to growl, knowing better. They were here to attack now. There was a hiss of a snake from behind, the circling black snake that represented the ocean slipping into the avatar's lap and hid in the hole his crossed legs made, partially hidden by his shirt.

That's when the shadows touched the earth and started to approach, but Invidia gave a vicious bark and charged first, ducking under a swipe of claws before she pounced.