A Recognition of Shadows

[Reno]

There was a small smile on Soran's face, seeing the blonde glancing every now and again at the window, knowing precisely who he was thinking about. "Are you sure you won't be too distracted about your twin to forget to listen?" The other airbender blushed a bit, but turned to him fully and nodded.

"Alright... When I got there, I met Avatar Ila..."
"Avatar Ila, I need you're help! I-"
"I know what troubles you Soran." She said with a smile. "I am you, after all. You wish to know the cause of the disturbance of the shadows. I'm sorry to say, you won't find the spirit you're looking for here."
"....Oh." Sora's shoulders slumped and he sat down heavy, looking down at his reflection. "Then what am I supposed to do...?"
"Well, if he is not here, that means he is on the mortal realm." She explained.
"...Oh... oh!" Soran smiled. "Well then, all I have to do is..........." His head fell. "Find him. How am I going to do that?"
"Unfortunately, Soran I do not know. I never dealt with this spirit. However, there is someone you can go to to ask for guidance."
"Really... who?"

"She told me to go and visit Koh, the face-stealer." Soran said. "He is an old spirit who knows the identity of almost all of them; she said if anyone will know who it is I am looking for, it would be him. But she warned me... if I showed any expression at all to this spirit..... he would steal my face."



Luckily, Isa was not to wait long. Aqua too had trouble sleeping, unsure if it was because of the danger that invaded her tribe last night... or the talk afterwards that had her tossing and turning for hours. So when she went out to the balcony, the same one she and the Avatar's friends had their talk at, she hesitated. Well... no use avoiding this. She sighed and walked over to the other, standing at his side. "I know what you're going to say. Even though I want to fight for my tribe it is better to stand back and let the men take care of it because that is how it's always been. So how much damage did I do? Did people self-combust because a woman helped to save them?"


"Mmm..." Came a soft moan, the blonde feeling his bed shift as Axel stirred from the sun. He, luckily, was partially under the covers, nothing but his blonde hair poking out from the blankets. He shifted along with the other, his head nuzzled against the other's shoulder, soft, hot puffs of breath running along the other's collar as he started to drift off again. It was nice and warm now, the heat radiating from his 'bed' pleasantly lulling.

[Rikugurl]

"WHAT!?" Ventus cried in disbelief, not understanding how Soran could states such a horrible fact as if it were nothing. "B-but Soran! You are the master of expressions! Your heart it too big to hold them back! What is an Avatar suppose to do without a face!?" He shook his head in disapproval. He was Soran's guardian and he wouldn't let Soran get himself in such danger or let some creature take his face! "There must be another way! We'll find out. Terra is very smart, maybe he would know? At least he will not steal your face!"


The man's eyes narrowed at the words his sister spoke, looking at her with a disapproving yet exhausted frown. "Aqua, must you speak like this again?" He sighed, nearly in defeat as he looked back over the tribe. "You know this is not why I am mad. You know this is not why I frown upon your secret lessons. Aqua, you are the princess. You are loved by the whole tribe and you are a grand and responsible leader to us all. You are loyal and dedicated... but you will be useless being dead." He looked at her, his face stern. "You are not only my leader, Aqua, you are my sister. I don't doubt your ability of being a great bender but I do doubt your ability to listen. As your adviser and the leader of the warriors, I told you to not do anything stupid and you did."

He pushed off the balcony, slowly walking to her flank as he looked down at her. "We already have our heroes, Aqua. We all have a position in the tribe. You are already a hero in the eyes of your people, you don't need to do everything on your own. I must ask you never to do something like that again. Our place as warriors are on the battle field. Your place as princess, is on the throne. Whether you are my sister or brother, my words would not change."

[Reno]

"Well..." Soran grinned quite guiltily, "I think it'll be okay..... because I already went to meet him." The other bender blinked at him several times before bursting out in a yell. Loud enough to make Invidia finally awaken from where she slept in her little nest of blankets. She came scampering up onto their bed and looked about as if she expected to get attacked.

"W-Well, he lives in the Spirit World! I had to do it alone!" Soran was saying, petting his ruffled pet's feathers.


Blue eyes narrowed some and she looked away, frowning. "How do you think it feels for me, to stand here and look down upon you all and watch you guys risk your lives? How can I ask my followers to do something I myself am not willing to do?! That gives me no respect..." She shook her head, "And I'm not the only one doing stupid things brother! How could you do that to Axel?! He could of died! What were you thinking?!"

[Rikugurl]

"WHAT!?" The boy cried again, his eyes wide and blinking in disbelief. "HOW... I.... HOW AM I SUPPOSE TO BE YOUR GUARDIAN IF ALL YOUR TRIALS ARE IN THE SPIRIT WORLD!?" He frowned and shook his head, sighing in defeat. "Now I am feeling rather useless to you, Soran... though, I suppose the monks were right. Your true strength is something you must find alone.." Slowly he looked back up at Soran with a pout. "So, I see you did well with not showing emotions as your face is still on your head. What did you learn from Koh?"


Isa stopped in his tracks and peered down at her, the scars across his face seeming to open ever so slightly. "AQUA! If you believe this than you do not understand respect quite yet!" His voice rose, contracting his calm physic. "If you want respect, let us do our job. The job of protecting you and everyone else. As a princess, you have sacrificed things for your people. As your people, we sacrifice things for you. It our choice to fight on the battle field. It's out honor and pride. It is the way it has always been. Though father was not a bender, he was a great man, a strong man... but when there was ever a threat, he allowed the warrior to do what they were meant to. Instead, he protected his family and those who could not fight. These, Aqua... are the people you should be protecting."

He looked deep into her eyes, his hand slowly moving out and his palm held her cheek gently. "Use your talent to protect the citizens in the palace. It's them who need you more than us." He slowly pulled away and turned, heading down the stairs. "And how was I to know that the firebender did not know how to swim?"

[Reno]

"Only part of my trials are there Ventus... and they are things I must do alone." He said, but smiled. "Do not feel useless, your friendship and presence are very important to me!" He would have given him a hug, but, the next question was already coming back to him.

His look turned a little troubled. "Well... yes. Avatar Ila guided me to the path I had to take to meet him.... he was like a... a large... centipede slug but his face could change into an assortment of visages; the faces of those he stole. He told me... he has seen me many times before and he did everything he could to frighten an expression out of me, but he still gave me his wisdom."

Soran struggled to keep his expression neutral as the other shot a look of a large tiger-bear face at him. He took a breath, asking slowly, his voice also level and calm. "I need to know... about the spirit who can make creatures made of darkness attack."
"Ah, you speak of the spirit of the shadows." Came a rueful laugh, the face changing into one of a white mask as Koh walked his massive body up along the ceiling of the cave, hanging down from it like a bat. "His spirit name is Vanitas."
"Vanitas...?" Sora said, trying not to flinch as Koh moved around him, his rubbery body slinking along his skin.
"He is a spirit who has lived upon the mortal realm for a long time, wrecking havoc from time to time." The face changed again, one of a beautiful woman with flowing dark hair. "He has been given strength from another if he is mounting an attack."
"The strength of another...? What do you mean?"
"Vanitas can not act alone. He must be given strength and the ability to walk under light, though his minions can not."
Soran shut his eyes, knowing this was terrible news. The king of the shadows could withstand light. "So he is attacking people... because another asked him to?"
"Perhaps. Vanitas has little control with orders." When his eyes opened, teeth snapped in front of Soran's face of a vicious baboon, but the Avatar did not even flinch.
"How will I find him? How will I know who he is?"
"Ah, do not worry about that Avatar you will recognize him instantly because he has a face that you can never forget." There was a deep chuckle, "As for finding him... he will be where the shadows strike strongest."

"That was the last thing he told me." Soran said, a troubled look on his face. "He was very vague and spoke in riddles... where the shadows strike strongest? Whatever could that mean...? Perhaps we should ask Terra?"


The princess watched her brother leave with a frown upon her face. Why did he always do that? She could never win a conversation with him, because he always left before it was through. She sighed, lowering her head and looking at her mittens.

"He is pretty stubborn, isn't he?"
The princess jumped and spun around, her hands up and ready to bend if she needed to... but then she froze. "Oh... Terra."
The brunette offered her a smile, stepping out of the shadows to walk over to her, standing by her side. "I am sorry to have eavesdropped. I wished to speak with you and followed after you."
"It is alright." She responded and looked out at her tribe again.
"Is he always like that? He seemed like he didn't hear a word you said."
"Pretty much. Isa always things he's right and his way is the only way. It is why he would have made a bad leader. Sometimes I worry he sees me too much as 'the princess' and not as..." She sighed and trailed off.
"As Aqua?" Terra ventured needing no response. "I can sympathize. My parents are often the same, especially my mother who could never understand why Earthbending is so important to me."

[Rikugurl]

"Hmmm..." The bald air bender frowned, rubbing his chin as he thought. Where the shadows strike strongest. That didn't seem to make much sense at first. Maybe the Spirit was in the Earth Kingdom. There were many ledges that cast shadows over the land... but then again, when the sun shifted, the shadows disappeared. Maybe the Spirit was in an Air Temple. They were usually high and a structure of their own. No matter where the sun hit, there would be a shadow of the Temple. But the shadows were forever changing and the Spirit wouldn't have the time to stay in darkness long.

His eyes closed, trying to think of the darkest place in their world. The poles had sun and dark seasons... casting them into months of sun and darkness at a time. But when it was mostly sunny, the Spirit wouldn't be able to exist... so that couldn't be right either. That was when it hit him.
"Wow, this white stuff is really wonderful!" Ventus cried happily, sticking out his tongue, allowing a cold flake to fall on it.
"Tch, I like ashes a lot better."
Ashes... volcanoes... there were active volcanoes in the Fire Nation and blew black ashes into the air and the black clouds lasted forever. When they did fade, another volcano was surely erupting again to keep the sky black.

And fire... fire always made shadows whether at night or day because---
"Light makes darkness." Ventus suddenly spoke, catching Soran off guard. "What is a continuous light? Fire. I don't think we need to ask Terra. I think we need to find the Spirit in the Fire Nation."


Small beads of sweat slowly rolled in the bony crevice of the firebender's collar bone. "Mmmnnn...." A soft moan passed his lips, his conscience slowly coming back to him and he realized a hot breath and a weight was on him. His mind was still sluggish and his shook slightly from the inner chill but his arm moved, coming down on a warm solid that was slightly soft. Fingers ran down a small curve, his pads feeling little hairs. He could make out that it was a body... lying next to him. His neck shifted, his chin suddenly resting in soft hair that tickled him.

[Reno]

Soran blinked slowly, then smiled suddenly. "Well, then won't Axel be happy? He won't miss the Fire Days festival after all!" and neither would they! His stomach burbled in excitement... before it it plummeting in worry as he realized what Axel's reaction would be once he learned they had been going in the right direction all along.
"So I took a freezing bath, froze my butt and several other important organs, fought and waste energy in a stupid little fight... for you to tell me we were ALREADY GOING TO THE RIGHT PLACE?!"
He flinched. "Maybe we shouldn't TELL Axel we're going that way for the shadow spirit. It would ruin his mood for the festival and..." He frowned some more. "Ventus...?"
The airbender hummed curiously.
"When Axel gets us to the Fire Nation... do you think he'll stay with us?" The Avatar actually sounded sad at the prospect of splitting up from the fiery-tempered man.


The princess and the commoner walked down the hall, still conversing quite jovially. "Do I need to worry about your brother attacking me next?" Terra joked softly, though he didn't really want to take a cold dip in the water either!
Aqua shook her head and chuckled, but her eyes turned a little more angry. "I still can't believe he did that to Axel! And he's not even going to apologize for nearly killing him!" She hesitated, making Terra stop as well and look back her curiously.
"You know what the worst part is? It's that Axel couldn't see what had happened the moment he fell in." The princess said, sighing. "He told me yesterday I was his only friend... but if he would would just stop for a moment open his eyes.... he would see just how many friends he truly has."


The blonde stirred again, this time because as the other beside him shifted the blankets from his face, making the sun invade his eyes and he squinted. "Nnnh..." He groaned, somewhat more conscious just in time to feel the caress. A small smile fell on his face. Ah that was niiice...

Wait...........

Who....was...rubbing... his ASS?!

"Gah, what are you doing?!" He called as he pulled away, suddenly awake and looking back at... Axel?!

[Rikugurl]

The blue eyes blinked a few times again, frowning before thinking once more. "I... really don't know. He's hard to figure out. Much like fire, he is unpredictable. You can lead him to do one thing but it's up to him to want to follow it. At least I think he will stay with us during the festival... and he did say he was the Fire Lord's royal scout so..." He paused before a larger question rolled through his head. "Soran... when we get to the Fire Nation... what will happen next? I mean... after you find the Spirit. Where... where will you live? Where will I live? W-what will be the next step?"

Before Soran could answer, they both paused as they heard soft speaking come from the doorway. Instantly, they recognized who it was. Well, who they were.
They glanced at each other, knowing it was Aqua and Terra before getting out of bed and looking out the door.


Though Roxas cried out loudly, his voice echoing off the close oasis walls, the redhead did not awake. He continued to shiver slightly, his arm being pushed back over his head. Though now that Roxas pulled away, it tugged the fur blankets back, revealing more of the firebender's bare body. Axel could not feel the gaze that started from his sleeping face, down to his red arm hairs, down to his strong though tight torso, to a thin waist that ribs could be slightly seen. A red tiger trail started from under his perfect navel, stretching down, down down until it became a bit wider and finally collided with a batch of curly red hair.

Because Axel and most firebenders who worked for the Fire Lord wore armor and layers of clothes, it was hard to notice their body shape. It was obvious that Axel was thin but his clothing had hidden his well-formed, shapely, and pulchritudinous hips. One would think only a woman could hold such a natural shape.

[Reno]

"Sometimes..." Soran heard Terra saying as they were walking past. "People don't see a lot of things, especially things they can't believe is true. If Axel wants our friendship he'll eventually accept it."
The Avatar smiled, about to call out to them, but his voice froze in his throat.
"And, is that the same thing you're going to spit out to your parents when your dad tells you you can't come back?" Aqua responded, continuing the conversation they had been having on the balcony, unaware of their new eavesdropper.

...What?

"Well I-"
"...Terra?"
Terra's voice faded off, and he paused, before looking back seeing the two airbenders standing there, looking at him in confusion.
"What... what does she mean?" Soran asked his voice innocent, but his eyes looking hurt. "Why wouldn't your dad let you come home?"
Terra shared a glance with Aqua before shaking his head. "It's nothing Avatar Soran, don't worry about it."


Blue eyes went wide, looking down and down and down at the red-head's revealed body, his jaw dropping some at the sight of him. It was a good think Axel was fast asleep... he wouldn;t be very happy to know he was giving roxas of all people a free show. He was... wow... Even though he was painfully thin, there was something... something very...

A hiss made him look up, and he blushed, seeing two snakes looking at him curiously. "W-What?! I'm not staring!" Another series of hisses, as if they were laughing at him. "Oh what do you two know?!" Roxas cried, blushing bright red as he dragged himself out of bed pulling a blanket up around his shoulders before throwing the rest back over Axel doing his best NOT to look at any more of the other. He dragged himself over to the trees, finding his clothes hanging there and snapped them off the branches, hiding under the blanket from the snakes' watching eyes to clothe himself.

[Rikugurl]

The door opened wider as the young boys stepped out, concern running over their face as Terra shied away from Soran's question. Luckily for him, they were all interrupted when they heard the sound of shoes crunching over snow down below. They all looked over the railing and down at the courtyard to see a man in silvery white clothes with silver flowing hair heading around the palace.
Ventus giggled and waved before calling out. "Good morning, Riku!"

The man stopped and slowly looked over his shoulder, his eyes light and tired looking. "Good morning." He called back and slowly he looked at each of them, his eyes pausing when his and Soran's met.
"Is it alright to come to the oasis to check up on our friends!?" Ventus called down again, snapping the gaze.
"Well, I do believe you will be leaving today... and Avatar Sora said he would like to see me once more before he goes."
"Sora...?" Ventus blinked, glancing at Soran... who was... swooning!?
"Yes. Though born of a Fire Nation family, he is very much one with the sky. A vowel at the end of a name gives it a whimsical property and I find it suited for the young Avatar."

He turned and started to walk again. "You may come."

Quickly, the group rushed down the stairs and after the man, having no trouble catching up as they all walked down the stairs. By the time they reached the oasis, Roxas was fully clothed and pouring himself some tea. "Ah, Roxas! You are alright!" Ventus smiled happily as he rushed over to the blonde, pulling him into a tight hug again. When he pulled away, the back of his hand pressed up against the other's forehead. "But your cheeks are bright red. Are you feeling well?"

Riku walked to the tree, his arms extending for the snakes to climb onto his shoulder. He help them close as they slithered their tongues out and he grinned. "Oooh? Is that so?"

[Reno]

Sora.
Sora.
Soooora.
S. O. R. A.
Oh it was a lovely sound when the silverette said it! The Avatar had a goofy grin on his face, pleasantly happy all of a sudden. He never had any give him a nickname before. He laughed giddily, rushing off with his friends to follow after Riku eagerly.

In minutes they were all inside the oasis, and Ventus was the first to break away, moving nimbly to Roxas side and greeting him with a big hug. It was good to see him up and about.
The blonde blinked, his cheeks reddening more. "I'm not blushing!!" He cried defensively, though that wasn't even close to what Ventus had said. Before the other could call on his brother's strange behavior, they heard Aqua exclaim.
"Come on Axel, lazy as always aren't we?" She toed his face to the side with one of her boots, chuckling. Of course she had come along, wanting to see how the red-head was doing.

There was a chuckle behind Riku, Sora walking over and watching him curiously. "What are they telling you?"

Terra watched them all silently as he leaned against the bridge, before looking down at the running water underneath. This place. It was so peaceful... but even though it was, he certainly didn't feel it. Talking with Aqua reminded him that once this was all over... where would he go? He would return of course, if for nothing else for Atteris, but then what? Beg for forgiveness? Tch, yeah right? Live with his uncle? That was utterly lame.

Hopefully, he still had a lot of time to figure it out.

[Rikugurl]

"Eh?" Ventus's eyebrow rose but he looked over, seeing the princess trying to awake the redhead. He smiled some, seeing the true friendship they had and smiling more when Axel was finally arouse awake. However, he felt his brother shake a bit, glancing back to see him focused on the guardian and avatar. "What is it?"

The guardian looked down at the curious Avatar and smiled some, allowing the snakes to flicker their tongues on his cheeks. He could also feel a gaze on him from across the oasis, nearly burning but he knew it wasn't the firebender but a blushing warrior. "They did not say a thing. I cannot communicate with them. But even a guardian likes to play tricks on those with guilty conscience."


It was early afternoon when the group was ready and Soran had to face the slightly weary bender that he had found his answer and that he was ready to go to the Fire Nation. He made sure he kept out the little information that the firebender was already on course to begin with but they would of never known if they did not stop here first.

A fireball was shot into the sky and about a hour after, they could see a red dragon flying towards the tribe. Axel smiled as he saw Shesha again, happy to see that she looked unharmed from the distance. She gave a mighty roar, making the villagers who had not seen her coming look up as she landed in a more solid area than before. "I missed you..." The redhead smiled, reaching up and running his hand down her scales. She purred softly, a large, wet tongue lapping at his shoulder. Terra and Axel started to pack up the dragon, hearing the voices of two long lost brothers behind them slowly catching up.

When Axel glanced back, he caught a glimpse of Roxas staring at him before quickly looking away, nodding to his brother as if he was truly paying attention. His eyebrow rose but something more important caught his eye from the corner and he turned, facing the oncoming people who were headed for him. Of course, it was the princess, the prince and some warriors.
"Well, princess.... I don't think you have to tell me that I should remember to wear something warming next time I come to visit. I learned my lesson this time."

"It really did hurt, you know, having the tattooes on my hand. You should be really---" Ventus suddenly paused, looking around and realized something. Something really important. "Where's Soran?"
He looked up as Terra walked over, explaining that he was still in the oasis.


A pale hand took the empty cup from the bald boy, placing it on a tray. "You journey will start again soon. I do wish for you to have a safe one, young Avatar." He spoke softly, the two sitting across from each other as the snakes circled around them once again.

[Reno]

Roxas: WHAT DO YOU MEAN AQUA IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ME?!

A fine brown eyebrow rose in curiosity, before he looked over his shoulder and saw the look upon Roxas' face, and grinned. He knew nothing, but he could see from how mortified the blonde was becoming that he certainly thought he did. The blonde hid his eyes behind his hand, making a soft 'Ugh!' noise.

Sora chuckled, nudging Riku's ribs lightly with his elbow. "Oh Riku! That is a mean trick!" The other gave him a look and the airbender chuckled. "But very fun I must admit."


After a few more cups of tea, some light conversation, and a quick trip around the water bending trip to gather some supplies, the team was ready to leave the cold environment. Axel was not the only one sick of it; Roxas could do with some more sun after his 'dip' and the airbenders were finding their lack of natural hair was making it harder to stay warm. Only Terra seemed truly depressed they were leaving. Had he had the option, he would start an excavation of the town, exploring everything to the most meaningless, frozen shrubs.

But they had a more important job to do... and they didn't want to be late for a very important date!

Even still, a send-off was in order. The tribe owed much to the benders and their assistance in the battle. And that was certainly the excuse Aqua was happy to make so she could see her friend off. "Oh, are you sure? Well, whenever that is, you'd best make good on that promise." She said with a little smile, her voice simple and joyful but there was a bit of loneliness in her eyes. She did not want him to leave so soon. Rather than addressing that, she said, "Well then Axel, let me give you a new bit of advice; an old water-bending saying: 'Don't look so far out into the ocean, you are blind to the land around you.'" She wasn't surprised when this little quote baffled her friend, and clarified lightly, "It means, basically, don't be blind to the things right in front of you."

The blonde crossed his arms and huffed, shaking his head as he learned Soran and Riku were together. "Again? You would think they are together with all these clandestine meetings..." His brother chastised him quickly but the blonde only huffed. They just better not be LAUGHING about him!!

Terra chuckled, but glanced back, seeing Aqua and Axel speaking with one another. Sharing goodbyes, no doubt. It was strange. Even Terra would say there was a feeling of exclusion when those two were together. It was like two very old friends introducing new ones, and then forgetting they exist.
"Hmph, and just look at them. They might as well make-out on the ice." Roxas grumbled sourly, also noticing the pair.
"Has anyone ever told you, you have more jealousy than the green-eyed monster?" Terra teased.
"I do not!"


"Yes, as do I." Sora said softly, his eyes thoughtful. On the arm of the bridge, Invidia was laying, watching them with a strict gaze. "It will prove to be a grand one................... ah, Riku?" He ventured, looking up at the other, and then hesitating when those eyes looked at him, pinning him down with their vibrant gaze. But he could not lose his nerve now; he only had one way to say this and he had to say it right.

"Do you remember what you told me yesterday, that if I was always myself, I will never be selfish?" There was a nod and Sora looked down. "Then what happens... if you are neither being selfish nor yourself?"

There was a lull in their conversation, Sora pushed on, knowing he couldn't stop now. "It is just... when I look at Aqua I feel... sadness. She is a wonderful leader, but is unable to be who she truly is. Her title is overcoming her being, and locking that which is her away." The white snake rose her head some before she returned to her circling. No one knew of her past, but if they could ask, she certainly could tell of the many sorrows that come with being a Princess. His eyes met Riku's gently, and said softly, "And when I look at you... I feel that same sadness."

The other seemed surprised, maybe even ready to protest, but he did not speak out for Sora was not done. "I do not mean to offend you. I am certain being a guardian, just like for Aqua being a princess... or even I being the Avatar, they are grand and important things to us. We are in the position to care for the things we cherish most. But...."

The growing brunette looked at his hands. "I ran from responsibility, but Aqua and you... both of you embraced it so instantly - maybe too much so. Aqua admitted to us at times she regrets that decision, realized she had not considered what she would lose." He faced the silverette again, "Riku... when you were younger... wasn't there anything else you wanted to be? Anything you dreamed about seeing?"

There was no response but the silverette looked away, musing. And Sora grinned, "See, when I was a kid... I wanted to be an air traveler. There air benders who scour the world, sharing the knowledge of our teachings and doing exhibitions, like a circus but with airbending. Ven and I... we were going to do it together!" He chuckled. "And the other dream I had.... was to see the world." His blue eyes glittered a little, "And though it's not quite the same I am with Ven right now. And I will get to see the world. As many times as I like! And that is... closer to my dream than I ever thought possible."

The younger hesitated, letting the other simply take in what he had said for a moment, before saying softly, "I know that things can not change so much. Aqua is the princess. You are a guardian. I am the Avatar. But... does that mean we have to lose ourselves in the process? I will do everything I can, as the Avatar, to fulfill my duties... but I refuse to give any scrap of myself that is Soran... or rather Sora." He grinned shyly. "And I suppose... well I was going to ask you to join us Riku, and that option is open for you even still but perhaps my real wish is you will just try... to not just be a guardian but Riku too. Because... I really, really like Riku and it's a real shame more people haven't gotten as lucky as me to meet you." His cheeks reddened more, but he smiled even still.

[Rikugurl]

"Trust me princess, I'll be looking for land all day" The redhead grinned before coming closer, his long, lanky arms wrapping around Aqua to bring her into a close hug. They stayed their for awhile, neither seeming to want to let the other go. But Axel was the first to pull away, looking down at her with a smile before pass her, seeing Isa stare him down. "Nice to see you again too, prince. It's been a real pleasure~"
Isa's eyes narrowed, his face becoming darker. "I'm sure. I hope your journey---"
"Shut it, Isa."

The group around them paused, looking at the redhead who pulled away from Aqua, walking right up to the prince. His face was angry and his eyes could slice through anyone he looked at. "I'm not interested in marrying your sister and even if I was, I think he has the right as the princess to decide if she will be wed or not. She's the princess, not helpless. She can make her own decisions without you breathing down her neck."
"Excuse me!? Who do you think you're talking to, firebender!?"
"A good man who is choking his sister. If you are so uptight about how things should be done, why did you pass the crown to her?"
"I---"
"No, you don't have to explain because I know. You wanted to be a warrior so you passed the buck. Aren't you considerate. Aqua once told me your ways made it so that you wouldn't be a good leader but I think she's wrong. I think you would have been as good as a leader as her if you made as many sacrifices as she has for her people."

The prince was a bit speechless, flabbergasted even so Axel continued. "I know you're trying to protect her... but so am I. I want to protect her happiness and you want to protect her from me. Because... together... we would change things. Things that have been written and honored. Being a great ruler, you have to never be selfish... but the rules and laws can have your body but it doesn't need to take your soul. For a man so dedicated to keeping tradition and laws... I see you as a selfish man, prince Isa."

"What....I!" The man suddenly growled, his hands making a fist. "Our father---"
"YOUR FATHER IS DEAD!"
There was bitter silence again and slowly, the prince stepped down.
"It is not right nor noble to tell her how to live her life while you live yours the way you wish. You are still the prince, Isa and if something were to ever happen to her, you would lose 'everything'. Your prefect career... and your own partner."
Golden eyes widened before they slowly looked to the side, seeing the blonde waterbender at his side who seemed to shy away.
The redhead looked back at the princess, his green eyes focusing on her but gave her a soft smile. "Change isn't going to happen itself. It never said in any rule book in our Nation or Tribe that the leader must be the only one unhappy in their land."


The guardian had no idea that his leader was getting the same talk as him but he was still reluctant. "I have chosen this path, Avatar... like you have chosen yours. After such an attack, I cannot dream of leaving the oasis now." He spoke softly, looking down at Yue as she slithered by. "I promised that I would protect the spirits, especially Yue, with my life. I.... I refuse to leave her. She has given me life and though I am sure she did not expect me to give her mine, that is my decision..."

[Reno]

Aqua laughed, shaking her head about to explain that wasn't what she meant but never had the chance as the other brought her into a hug. A goodbye hug. Her smile turned truly sad this time as she returned it and sighed, shutting her eyes. "Good luck out there..."

But as they pulled away there was something in Axel's eyes... that told Aqua he wasn't done yet. And he turned to her brother - oh no. Everyone watched the discussion with interest, jealousy... and for a choice few a bit of pride as the firebender stood up for the princess. Most surprised however was Aqua herself, and she even had to hold back a giggle when he spoke out about Edmy the blonde unable to hide his fidgeting though it only made sense to herself and, from the corner of her eye, she could tell from Terra's surprise he had understood it as well.

As he turned back to face her she smiled to him gratefully. "Thank you Axel... you're words are very moving." She looked down and chuckled, "But being unhappy is a small price to pay. I just want to do what is right for my tribe."

"Then come with us." Heads whipped around, staring at Terra with such accusing glares as if they expected him to kidnap her right in front of their eyes.
"I... I can't. My place is here." But anyone could tell... she really wanted to.
"Yes, maybe it is." Terra spoke levelly as he walked over offering the woman a kind smile. "But you can not run a tribe when you are constantly distracted by things you desire." Isa started to growl but the brunette ignored him. "I know you are hesitant to leave, but Isa has been running this tribe since you were a child. He can take over during your absence."
"But now? It's terrible timing."
"Is it? Or is it perfect timing? Think of it Aqua; You'll be coming with us. Not just us but the Avatar. You'll be allowed outside these icy walls while doing your duty to this tribe. You'll be protecting everyone here and meanwhile helping him and all of us restore balance to the entire world; instilling peace among us all." He grinned. "And when word travels that it was the princess of the Northern Water Tribe who helped assist us you will gain recognition everywhere and people will respect your power and not think during your rule that you are weak."

The bluette was silent for a time, her eyes averting some as she pondered those words and glanced at Axel, seeing what he thought of this idea. After all it was HIS dragon.


"I understand Riku." Sora said before he stood slowly, picking up his staff. He looked down at the white snake quietly for a long time, before smiling faintly. "It is a shame though... that you can not understand her." He looked at the silverette and said, "Yue was a princess too. She had, like you, been saved by the moon spirit. During the war, a power-hungry admiral from the fire nation invaded this oasis and attacked the moon spirit and nearly threw the whole world into chaos. But Yue gave the life back to the spirit, so the moon could live."

This of course was not a new story to Riku. That was the reason there were now guardians who protected this area. "But even though she is a spirit now, I am sure somewhere she remembers her human life too. As a princess she must have been restricted, just like Aqua. Maybe even moreso, with the war going on. She had been young, and there was a much she never experienced. I know I can not really speak for her... but I do not think she gave you a second chance at life merely to sit about watching her. I think... she might wish for you to be happy; to live life in ways she never got to."

The avatar was quiet for a time, before he stepped out of the snake circle. "I must be going now though. I hope well for you, Riku." He turned walking onto the bridge where Invidia stretched and jumped down to walk beside him and Soran called over his shoulder. "By the way Riku... has it occurred to you that the two are no longer fish?" He gave a cheeky grin over his shoulder, though his statement was vague and puzzling, and then he and Invidia were gone.