A Recognition of Shadows

[Reno]

Roxas smiled as he was given the random hug, easily returning it. It was nice... even after all these years. No, it was... it was better than he expected. Like a metal weight had been lifted right off his chest and he could breath again. It was a hard feeling to describe, but a good one. He chuckled as the other complained about his hunger though, feeling the own hole in his gut. "I think you're right."
He looked up though when he heard Axel say he would find them all some food, watching his walk away down the alley. It was too bad that another weight was so quick to take the old one's place.

"S-Sure." Sora said, glad Riku was turned away from him so it could hide his blush. He took the cloth sand dipped it in the water and wrung it out before rubbing it along Riku's skin. He-He was almost t-touching him!!


"Axel you're a lifesaver!" Sora said. It was obvious, with the mention of food, everyone had suddenly become ravenous. It had been a long day with a lot of energy being spent and their small lunch seemed like years ago. It was amazing they could manage any restraint. "I'll hand it out!" The avatar said, eager to please as he gathered the bowls.
Roxas sat down near the tray next to Ven while Riku poured another cup of warm tea for Axel and Sora prepared the bowls. He glanced at Axel then across the arena where Terra and Aqua were talking quite amicably, seemingly having not even noticed Axel's return. "Hey, lover birds! Get over here!" He called, glancing at Axel inconspicuously as he did, and when the Firebender tensed, his eyes filling with flame as he stared at the two, Roxas felt a lump grow in his neck and his heart drop to his stomach and he looked down at his lap hardly noticing the other two joining them.
"Hey, you okay?" Sora asked in concern, seeing the blonde's downcast gaze.
"Fine. Just starving." The blonde said without even a quiver of doubt, and took his bowl. "Thank you." He was an excellent liar and it fooled the Avatar as he went about giving out the rest of the bowls.

[Rikugurl]

It seemed that only Roxas had seen the fire in Axel eyes since no one stopped to ask the redhead if he was alright. Everyone took their plate readily and started to chow down. Instantly, they noticed that most of the food on their plate was spicy and the small tea cups on the tray were filled with cow-hippo milk to help cool their mouth and wash away the sting. It was delicious though and for once, Ventus and Soran shared a smile at Axel when he had brought two dishes that had no meat or fish in it. There was even a little something for the spirits to nibble on.

Axel really went out on them and Roxas could only guess why. It was to keep him from thinking about... them.
The earthbender and waterbender continued to sit next to each other, talking and laughing as the rest held a small conversation of their own. It was mostly about the festival but when they asked questions, Axel hardly answered them. For once, he was shoveling in the food which made those who were paying attention wonder if he only enjoyed Fire Nation food but Roxas knew better.

There was a sudden laugh from the princess, making everyone look at her and saw her face was flushed, Terra chuckling some. The other shrugged it off, continuing with their meal for a moment until they heard something snap. Blue eyes looked up, seeing broken chopsticks in Axel's fingers and now they could all see the burning fire in his eyes as the two across from him continued to talk.
"Uuhh---" Before Ventus could ask what was wrong, he saw a new problem as Axel's bowl of food went flying across the center and smashing into Terra's face.
"AXEL!"
"H-HEY!"

[Reno]

No one was really paying attention to anything really. They were caught up in each other. Sora, preoccupied with Riku. Ventus with Roxas. And of course... Terra with Aqua.

Roxas was the only one able to split his attention between his sibling and glancing at Axel, but every time he looked, Axel was just staring at her and it filled his own gut with anger. Eventually he stopped looking, because if he didn't, he was afraid he'd jab his sword through Axel's heart.

He didn't look back until he heard the snap and he glanced up at the red-head, rolling his eyes patiently, his expression bland. But it changed quickly to one of shock as the red-head actually THREW his food - bowl and all - at Terra!
"TERRA!" Soran cried in horror.
Roxas and Aqua were both speechless, looking down at the brunette who had toppled over onto the ground from the attack, the bowl spinning on it's bottom by his head and his face splattered with food.
"Terra...?" The bluette finally asked a bit tentatively, worried when he didn't move instantly. But her voice rouses him as he sat up, slowly, carefully rubbing the food away from his cheek and looking down at it, before slowly raising his gaze to meet Axel's.

Now the firebender's eyes weren't the only ones that burned. "What the fuck is your problem, jackass?" The brunette hissed in barely concealed fury.

[Rikugurl]

Aquamarine eyes became concerned, glancing back and forth from Axel and Terra. What was going on? Had he missed something. Ventus on the other hand gasped and was afraid to exhale in fear that he would be next. Of course, he slowly did or he would become blue. At Terra's snap, he was about to speak, about to try and calm them like any good monk would but Axel beat him to the punch.... almost literally.

"My problem is you. Who the fuck are your trying to impress? What are you; a fucking knight in shining armor!? Aqua and I have long friends for awhile and it's been a long time since he were together. I showed some fucking balls in front of the prince so we could catch up but we haven't spoken a word because Mr. Fucking Eyelashes never SHUTS THE FUCK UP! If you think you're getting into her pants, Isa isn't going to be the only person kicking your ass!"

[Reno]

"G-Guys..." Soran tried as Axel started to yell but no one heard him and even if they did he was, like Ventus, afraid they'd turn on him, so he shrunk back a bit, closer to Riku and the spirits. Even Invidia whined and hid partially under the table.

Roxas just watched motionless, his stomach turning over and over on the inside as he heard the red-head speak. He just wasn't sure how to feel anymore, so he just didn't, listening with a cold gaze.

Aqua, meanwhile, was listening in aghast, her jaw dropping open as she heard the accusations and insults spill from her 'old friend's' mouth. He thought-?! "Axel!" She snapped, but Terra was the one to speak up for himself.

The brunette was shaking with rage, his eyes narrowed and blue eyes blazing. "Oh, so you're just like her brother now? As if she needs ANOTHER person like that in her life. The fuck gives you the right to decide who she wants to be with?!" The red-head started to snap back but Terra stood, stomping his foot. The earth cracked under his feet and the ground shook tremendously as he yelled, "SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU IDIOT AND LISTEN FOR ONCE!"

There was a bit of silence, and Invidia had taken off at a run, hopping up the tree where it was safe and if it wasn't for Riku, the teapot and the metal plate with food would of ended up on the ground.
"Come on guys... we're all just a little tired..." Soran tired in the wake of the silence, trying to bring things back to normal.
"Stay out of it!" Terra snapped and the Avatar went quiet very quickly. The brunette shut his eyes and breathed out slowly, but the anger was still there as he glared down at Axel. "Just because you're too much of a stubborn ass to accept us as friends doesn't mean you're her only friend! You act like you know everything about me, but you don't even know the first thing! Fuck, that damn RABBIT-FOX knows more about me than you!" Invidia gave a little unnoticed whimper from her tree.

"Did it, you know, ever fucking occur to you maybe that we get along so fucking well because we've got a fucking lot in common? Her mother was a complete psycho bitch, my dad is the biggest asshole you'll ever come across. She's knows nearly everything about the ocean, which I've always wanted to know more about - and I know practically all there is to know about earth, something she's always wanted to see and learn about! We're both benders who have had to fight for the right to do so all our lives! And most, fucking importantly," Terra's voice lowered to a hiss, "We're both. fucking. gay."

There was a silence so thick, it was near suffocating at this revelation. But Terra wasn't done. He did something crazy and stupid. "So, you know, you fucking IDIOT, if you would just shut your mouth and open your eyes for five seconds you'd see I don't have a fucking crush on her." He suddenly pointed and shouted. "I have a fucking crush on HIM!"
Soran's jaw dropped.
Roxas' chopsticks fell from his hand.
Aqua shut her eyes.
Riku's brows shot up to his hairline.
And Axel... His eyes slowly followed the line Terra's arm was making, followed the pointing finger, and looked at Ventus who was staring with such wide eyes they could of popped right out of his head.

Terra, realizing what he just did, looked down at Ventus and lowered his arm. "Fucking..." He hissed running a hand through his hair and stormed off, kicking the bucket of water so hard it sailed into a wall of some poor home and split apart in a pieces. "Son of a bitch!" Was his last words as he stomped off down the alley and out of sight.

"........Nice going Axel." Aqua mumbled.

[Rikugurl]

"I have a fucking crush on HIM!"

"I have a fucking crush on HIM!"

"I have a fucking crush on HIM!"

"I have a fucking crush on HIM!"


Ventus eyes did budge as he saw the finger pointing at him. He...WHAT!? Images in his mind started to flash of when they were back in Terra's village. Atteris slept on the cot he was and Terra was smiling down on him. Soft fingers that should of been rough ran over his skin, making sure the wound was healing well. The smiles, the blushes, the laughs... he had no idea. When it hit him though... that someone liked him in that way... for the first time in his life... and that person being another male...

The air master suddenly fell backwards, Roxas quickly catching him before he hurt his head. The poor monk had fainted.

A strong hand suddenly came down onto the Avatar's shoulder, pausing him as he was about to rise and run after the earthbender. "Give him some air, Sora." The guardian gave him warning words and the boy settled reluctantly. However, one did not. Axel suddenly got up, spun around and walked off in the opposite direction, heading into the city.

[Reno]

"V-Ven!!" Roxas called, seeing his brother fall back, and only his quick reflexes saved the boy from a concussion. He shook his brother some but he was out like a light. He frowned slowly laying him down on the ground.

Sora frowned as he was stopped from following Terra and obediently settled back down - only for Axel to leave next. He was about to move, but Aqua spoke up this time, going back to eating as if nothing had happened.
"Him too Avatar. They just need time to cool down and think."
"B-But..." Sora started but then sighed and nodded. Those two... they could be a little hot-headed at times. Instead he looked at Ventus, his concern falling to him. "Is he going to be okay?"
"He'll be fine. I think it was just the shock." Roxas said, ruffling the little hairs on his brother's head again.
"Oh... I'll get him a pillow and some blankets then!" Sora offered, quickly standing to do so.
Aqua sighed as the other airbender left and said softly, "I wish everyone would stop treating me like I need to be protected..."
"That'll happen when you stop being a girl." Roxas said plainly, almost wishing it were possible. Or maybe if he was just a little more girlish Axel would...

He shook his head from the disturbing image of him in makeup and a skirt looking for some lost Raptor-Lion cub and Axel coming to his rescue. Where the fuck did THAT come from? It wasn't as if he wanted to be protected by Axel!! Fuck no, that;s why he had Oblivion and Oathkeeper!

But maybe... he just maybe wished... Roxas shut his eyes laying down next to his unconscious brother, no longer very hungry.
Second-rate again, huh Dad?

"Um, should I get more pillows?"

[Rikugurl]

"You must understand, Aqua.... as a leader, there will always be people who wish to protect you. Whether it is needed to wanted, they will always be there and you will have to accept it for it will never change. Everyone has a purpose in their life and though it is hard to walk in ones shoes, you must understand and respect their beliefs. It is better to have more protectors than enemies." The guardian spoke softly, knowing well what it was like to protect something dear to him. He only picked up his bowl and continued eating.

The rest of the night was quiet, the group (what was left), settled down under the stars though they knew they could of slept in the palace if they wanted to. Maybe it was the fresh air, though the moon was not so strong here which made the guardian uneasy for the night sleep. Maybe... it was knowing that they would not be attacked by morning.


And morning came soon enough, the sun not sparing any late sleepers as it rose high and brightened the land. The first to open their eyes was Riku, slowly lidding them and waking up. It was then that he felt a weight against him and he looked down, seeing a bald head on his chest. A slight blush ran over his cheeks as he realized Soran was lying by his side and using his torso as a pillow, having given the other members the rest. He smiled softly before glancing around the camp, seeing Roxas sleep close to his brother and Aqua sleeping by herself near the open fire. He also spotted someone else, sleeping a little further away but he could tell it was the earthbender.

His head rose some and he glanced around, unfortunately making Soran stir from his slumber. When the boy mumbled something that sounded like a question, the guardian frowned. "Axel didn't come back..."

[Reno]

”Mmmm…. Waszamatta?” Came a drowsy question, the Avatar still fast asleep. His body ached slightly from the long day of travel and the intense firebending lessons. Even if he didn’t bend his own fire, he had run for his life for the better part of the day learning to dispel it. His blue eyes slowly cracked open hearing the other but not precisely understanding. Against his back, Invidia was happily curled up, sleeping away against her master’s heat. As he stirred though, so did she, her ears twitching, greeting the sweet sounds of morning. “Hurm…?” Sora asked, blinked in the sunlight, hardly noticing his ‘perch of choice’ for the night. He had been pretty conscious of it last night though when he snuggled up against the silverette, Riku not even noticing as he did because he was already out like a light. He had had an even tougher day than him!

He sat up though, rubbing sleep from his eyes as Riku repeated Axel had not returned. He looked around, seeing the dozing twins, Roxas seeming rather restless with that frown on his face and his fingers twitching every now and again. Beside him, like the yin to his yang, Ven was perfectly content, the shock of the night before having him wander into a strangely peaceful slumber. Across from them, near the fire they had built, Aqua was also still fast asleep, her body worn from yesterday. She wasn’t used to all this traveling and work. It would be a few days more before her body started to toughen from the abuse. And then, like Riku, he gave a sigh of relief when he spotted Terra in the bed he had left for the earthbender. He had been worried when the other had not yet returned as they settled for rest wondering if maybe he was too afraid of what they might think of him to come back.

Truthfully, Sora wasn’t sure what to think about it because Ven’s reaction had been so… unexpected. He wasn’t sure if fainting over a confession of such nature was a good or bad sign. He certainly didn’t want to see Terra’s heart get broken but… ugh it was so confusing!

He glanced over at the other side of the camp, and saw it was true. No shock of red hair was poking out of the covers of the other bed he had thoughtfully made for the firebender, expecting him to return. Then again, this was his home, wasn’t it? “Perhaps… He went home?” He offered softly, unsure what else to make of the red-head’s absence. He didn’t want to believe the pyro master had abandoned them. He knew he had trouble being social and even more so accepting them… but he just… he just didn’t feel like Axel really would just leave them. Somewhere in there, he cared about them – or at the very least about Aqua. And she alone would drag him back, he was sure. Their connection was strong.

Even if Aqua was pissed at him. All last night all she could complain about was the ‘stupidity of men like Axel’. She was even starting to turn it into ‘stupidity of men like Axel and Riku’ when the silverette’s unending lines of wisdom began to tire her. It was Roxas who softly offered from where he lay to tell his pupil that sometimes the best strategy was to say nothing at all, especially where women are concerned. No one knew what the blonde was thinking about, but even to Soran he could see now the lines drawing on his face from stress and troubled thoughts. When they had gotten there, Sora was unsure. After he and Ven reconciled, the blonde had seemed much more light-hearted and full of… dare he say joy. Then in just a turn of a sun it was as if he had dug himself back into a pit of blackness. What caused him such despair? He didn’t know the answer just as much as he wasn’t quite sure of the source of Aqua’s anger.

Soran just couldn’t understand it. Everything was becoming so complicated. Since last night, everyone seemed to be chasing after their own demons and not the yellow-eyed ones stealing people away. Was this also part of their quest?

“I could go and look for him.” Sora finally said softly, not wanting to stir the others even if the sun would rouse them with time. “A quick search through town in the skies; I can be back before you brew some tea. If he’s anywhere outside, I’ll definitely spot him.” It wasn’t like Axel was a hard person to miss. He certainly wouldn’t be doing any missions of stealth anytime soon, not with that hair.

[Rikugurl]

The silverette nodded some at the idea, though he wasn't sure if Soran would accomplish it. For one, Axel was a heavy sleeper and wherever he decided to go, he most likely wouldn't be up and about at this time. And two, Riku was rather quick at making tea. "Be careful, Soran..." He called softly as the Avatar grabbed his staff and popped open his glider.

He watched the young boy boost himself into the air with a gust of wind and flew off, sighing some before he looked down at the snakes that were circling him. "Don't worry, he'll return." He spoke softly, heading to the nearby stream to get another bucket of nice fresh water.

When Soran returned, the tea had already been distributed around the camp and some of the members were slowly warming up for the day. Aqua was rubbing her feet and Roxas was making a new set of wooden swords. Two other members were absent; one being the earth bender and the other being Soran's guardian. As for Riku, he was sipping his tea, speaking to a new member of the group. When Soran landed, he could easily recognize her. She was the girl that helped with the training the day before. She stood from her spot when Soran walked over, giving him a spunky smile. "Good morning, Avatar. I received a letter via dragon hawk this morning from Axel telling me that he would like me to continue your training if you will allow it."

She frowned at the boy's saddened and trouble face, quickly glancing down at the silverette but he only close his eyes and nodded to her. She looked back at the Avatar and gave a sad sigh. "And... he also said that he is getting ready for the festival... and no longer wishes to be a part of your traveling party. He said not to take it personally.... it's just.... he said he can't do anything right." Her eyes widened when Soran suddenly snapped at her, asking her where Axel was. "Well, I suppose he's home... but no one knows where that is except for the Fire Lord. Axel is a very seclusive man. I am really not sure why..."


Meanwhile, in the forest, two figures were walking down a beaten path, silence between them. The young with the large tattoos on his skull was looking down at a yellow fruit that filled his palm before his spiraled blue eyes looked up at the other, taller and tanner skinned. "I... I apologize about my reaction. I do not know what came over me. I guess... I was just so surprised that someone would.... fancy me." He paused, making Terra do the same. "But... may I ask why? I mean.... I'm not very special...."

[Reno]

There was a bark and Soran glanced to his left, smiling some as he saw the green-furred creature flying beside him. They had, after all, been apart nearly all yesterday. It was nice to be together again. "Tell me if you spot him, okay Vi?"

There was an answering bark, the canine-rodent searching the town.

But even though they went as far as the ocean, there was no sight of the red-head. Sora had been hopeful; knowing he was disturbed he hoped he would be restless and out and about rather than asleep. If anything though, if he was asleep, maybe he'd hear his snoring!

But no, there was nothing; though when Sora returned he was given a pleasant surprise as he found Ventus and Terra gone - good, it looked like they were talking finally - and Ashbel in their place. "Oh! Hello Ashbel... what brings you here?"

When he found out though.... he was far from pleased. "Well, where is that idiot?!" He didn't mean to yell at her, but he couldn't help it! How could Axel... just leave them?! He looked at the ground, his lips pressed together in a severe frown as he was given an answer that shouldn't surprise him. "He doesn't like his seclusion; he's just scared of anything else." He mumbled finally.

There was a short stretch of silence and then-
Snap!

Sora whirled around at the great noise seeing it had been Roxas. The wooden sword he had been working on creating was now in two pieces, one half laying on the concrete. He said nothing but his gaze was so dark that it was almost a fearful concept to think of getting near him.

"Well Avatar? What do you want to do?" Aqua finally said.
"Burn his house down." Sora said, a bit of blackness in his own tone. He sighed though when Invidia gave him a bark of reprimand. "I don't know! Find him and drag the idiot back!"
"Why should we even care?" Roxas snapped throwing the other half of his sword to the ground, the clatter hardly sufficent enough when he wished it was Axel's face. "If he wants to abandon us, let him go ahead and do it!"
"You care." Sora spoke softly and certainly. "Maybe more than all the rest of us combined."
The blonde ground his teeth. "I DO NOT!" He shouted, but there was a glimmer in his eyes - tears? - and he turned away from them, staring at a far wall.

Aqua glanced at Roxas, a questioning gaze on her face but no one had the answer to the blonde's peculiar behavior. And it seemed he was done talking. "Even still Soran... you're supposed to be spending these few days training! You're firebending is important... and you can't even make a flame!"
Soran shook his head. "And what am I to do? My teacher is missing!" He glanced back, "No offense Ashbel. I'm sure you are a mighty fine mentor, but I choose Axel be my teacher... and I am determined to continue with such an arrangement."
"So, you're willing to put the world at risk... for what?" Aqua asked in a measured tone. Not really cruel, just calculating and calm.
"...For a friend."
Aqua quirked a smile but he knew whatever he had planned, she was all for it. "Avatar... you are one strange person."


Terra wasn't sure what was going to become of this. When Ventus had asked him out for a walk he didn't know if he should prepare for a fight or a rejection. But as they walked along a path long ago forgotten, they said nothing for a long time, and when they finally stopped he was met with... quite a question. "Why...?" He repeated as if the word had never touched his lips before and it was of foreign quality.

He crossed his arms, measuring his answer. "Well... I think you are special; does that count as a good reason?" He looked at Ventus for a long time and smiled suddenly, his features soft and near adoring. "Atteris liked you a lot... perhaps because I did. I enjoy your company to the extent that my stomach does flips when we are near." Ven pointed out softly that made him sound like he was rather sick from liking him.
"Ah... then it is a illness I am glad to have." The brunette laughed softly but shook his head. "Oh Ven... I don't know how to explain it well. I wish I did but... it is not as if I have ever had practice!"

[Rikugurl]

Riku didn't know when or how it happened but he found himself walking besides the Avatar down the red carpet of the Throne Room. He glanced behind his shoulder, seeing Aqua dragging Roxas along.
"Ah, Avatar Soran. It's good to see you again. How is your training coming along?" The Fire Lord asked as they came closer to the throne and Soran announced that he was learning the basics of Firebending. "What a grand answer though a dangerous one. I see that you are at least still standing, Avatar. That's a good sign." He chuckled to himself but no one seemed to be laughing with him.

It was then that Soran explained that his mentor had disappeared due to an unfortunate event that he did not elaborate on and ask if he could have the location of the Sun Warrior's home.
"Hmmm, Axel is as stubborn as a dragon-moose, I admit. He is good with what he does but having him do anything else is near impossible. Still, if you wish for him to be your only mentor, Avatar, I will send a letter asking for his presence. If you wish to find him yourself, his home can be found deep within the mountain forest overlooking Hama's Village. I suppose it shouldn't be too hard to find as Shesha always stays close by."


There was suddenly a joyous giggle from the young air bender as he heard the struggle from the other. His eyes closed and his smile wide. Slowly, his eyes opened and he looked up at the earth bender happily. "Well.... I like you too. You're very smart and kind." He slowly placed his yellow fruit into his pants pocket before reaching out, taking one of Terra's hands. "And gentle."

[Reno]

A smile lit the Avatar's face and he nodded, giving a bow. "I believe we will go and visit him. Where would Hama's village be located?" The other chuckled some, as if expecting the answer, but gave the directions willingly. The avatar's eyes lit up and he bowed respectfully. "Thank you Fire Lord Huǒ, I certainly appreciate it! If you shall excuse us, we must be going." They were quickly dismissed, and the team of four (and three animals) left the little room and headed back out of the throne room.

"Did anyone think about Terra and Ventus!?" Roxas snapped suddenly. "We've left them behind without telling them where we have gone!"


Well....

The brunette's cheeks darkened some, as the other complimented him; but it wasn't until Ven's hand was grasping his that his heart shuddered and his eyes widened in realization. He liked him back... HE LIKED HIM BACK!!

Had he of been told right now they had been left behind, he couldn't of cared in the least!

"Oh....?" Came a smile, mischievous but delightfully happy. He squeezed Ven's hand lightly, tugging him closer. "Is that so...?"

[Rikugurl]

"I'm sure they'll be fine. They have each other to keep occupied." Riku smiled softly but this only made the blonde become gloomy and silent as they headed back for camp. When they arrived, they noticed that the two were still missing. "Wonder when they will be back..." Riku frowned some before glancing at the map the Fire Lord gave Soran. "Hmmm, this could be a problem." He stated clearly, pointing to the X that was marked. "He lives quite a bit away.... Do you really think he would travel so far away from the city before the festival." That was when Aqua reminded him that he had a DRAGON to bring him places!

"Well, we unfortunately don't have a dragon, princess!"


"Waa!" Ven's eyes widened some as he was pulled closer to the warmth of the taller's body and he instantly blushed, his face becoming innocent. "Y-yea. I-I've never seen anyone who would take their time to rescue such a dangerous creature and raise it so well... or be so knowledgeable of plants and fau--- Terra?" He blinked looking up into the man's face that seemed to be staring at something. "Is... is their something wrong?" His fingers reached to his lips where Terra seemed to be staring. "Is there something on my face?"

[Reno]

"No... but we do have Ila!" Sora perked up with a smile, stepping in before Aqua could snap back at the guardian. "She was able to keep up with Shesha! She'll have no problem getting us there!"
"Oh, hallelujah." Roxas said sarcastically, crossing his arms irritably.


There was a deep, rumbling chuckle from the Earthbender, the sound pleasant. He reached up, grabbing the wrist of Ven's free hand and pulling it away slightly. He was so... cute and innocent. "Yes there is something. A pair of lips I haven't gotten to kiss yet. I think I'll remedy that." Blue eyes went wide and lips parted slightly as if to say a word but he never got a chance.

Because Terra was already doing as promised.