A Recognition of Shadows

[Reno]

"Lucky?!" The other boy said, shaking his head, grinning even still. "Are you kidding? It sounds like a lot of hard work!" His shoulders slumped, as if weary already. "Ugggh no more skipping out on training days by hiding up on the west tower, enjoying the sun~" His friend shoved him lightly, laughing, reminding him the last time he did that he had fallen asleep... and almost fell right off the tower when he rolled over!

The two hurried out of the statue room, Soran giving it one final glance behind him, seeing all the lives that were like his own, before he stepped out into the hall. The warmth of the sun shined in from the windows, warming their skin and Soran dared take a glance towards it, the bright light making him squint a little.

A part of the sky... eh? He wondered silently, and realized his name fit not only an air-bending heritage... but a fire-nation one as well.

For what was more prominent in the sky than the sun?


"Oh, did I interrupt?" The lanky, thin man asked seeing the obvious signs of the training session. They were siblings. Though they were years apart, they could of been twins with how similar they were. Both were lanky and tall, with a gait that spoke of pure ease and poor posture. There clothes were often wrinkled, rumpled and unkempt and their hair wild and fiery, though one styled his like a rat tail and the other let it roam wild on his back. More importantly, their eyes and facial features were nearly precisely exact: The same emerald green and narrow eyes, the same sharp nose and pointed chin; even similar markings adorned their cheeks.

The biggest difference between them though...

The younger was a firebender.

The elder was not.

Even in the fire nation most families never had a full family of benders; except of course the royal family. Something had to be said about good breeding after all. Yet even still, one usually far outranked the other in skill, stamina and determination. Such as it was in the history books of Ozai's children, Zuko and Azula. Azula was known as an exceptional and fearsome bender; her fire so hot it had been blue. Zuko, however, struggled in his path to being a great bender and often fell short of the mark.

"Well if your all done showing off to your reflection Axel, we've got orders." He waved the scroll teasingly at the other, grinning, "Big bad Fire Lord wants us to go scouring the other nations for information on the Avatar. Real bore if you ask me. Maaaybe you should do it alone~"

[Rikugurl]

OOC: THE WORD GAIT HAUNTS ME! Abnormality of Gait 781.2! I code this a million times a day. @~@

Narrow green eyes followed the scroll as it was waved in front of him and he snatched it effortlessly. His thin fingers pulled it opened, revealing the chard marks that were words on the paper. As he read it, he noted that he and his brother were called on this mission for obvious reasons.
The two redheaded siblings were deemed special in the Fire Lord's eyes, even if one couldn't bend. They were special because they were orphans themselves, their parents having a tragic end to their life which made the two travel for shelter. They found their shelter here, under the Fire Nation. Most people would guess that all Firebenders came from the Fire Nation but over the many years, another tribe was founded that had been sworn into secrecy.

The Sun Warriors.

The Sun Warriors were the original civilization that first discovered Firebending from the dragons. They were the precursors to the modern-day Fire Nation. They were believed to have died out - much like the Air Nomads - thousands of years ago, but were still alive living under secrecy near the ruins of their once thriving city. The Xipil brothers had revealed this secret when they craved for something more than just belief that fire was life and not just destruction. Due to their parents selfish death, the two had become bitter at first but over the years, life in comfort helped a bit. Though they did not dress in noble clothes or lived in the royal palace, they were well taken care of by the Fire Lord and when one were to enter the palace, everyone knew to give them the respect they needed from the Sun Warrior markings on their faces.

There was also a difference in the two brothers besides age and bending powers.

It was their way of thinking.

Reno, the elder brother, only thought the Fire Lord was interested in them because they had access to a dragon who long ago found the brothers worthy.

Axel, the youngest brother, knew that the Fire Lord was interested in them because of his fierce and strong firebending ability. No firebender was stronger than a Sun Warrior in his eyes.

"If that's you're cover up for being so lazy, you have to work on it, brother." He mumbled as he rolled the scroll back up and held onto it tightly. His eyes rolled up to look at the sky, seeing the dragon-hawk flying overhead. "I will go with Shesha to find the our Avatar. At the light of the sunrise, I will be gone."


A few days passed, two heightened emotions swirling around each other with a tug and pull. One was Fear and the other was Determination.
Fear came from the Northern Air Temple and Determination came from the sky itself.

Fear was the young Avatar Soran who accepted his role as Avatar to the Air Nomads. Though it was the first element and people he had come forth to, he knew as well as the monks that he was most likely from the Fire Nation. In his journey to master all four elements, he must head to the Fire Nation first even if he was going back in the cycle. This was not just a journey of mastering but one of great knowledge. Because of this, the Elder monk allowed the Avatar's best friend to come along with him for support. The only issue was, young Ventus had gone missing after the Avatar ceremony.

Now, it was the fourth day and the Elder had awoken the young Avatar, giving him words that advised him to leave this temple today. Still, there was no sign of the young, blonde eyebrow boy. Soran was geared up in the finest Air Nomad clothes which entailed lights robes, like shoes and a cloak to help him through harsh weathers he would meet along his journey. He was also given an Air Nomad Glider and a map that would help him along the way.

As he walked down the main steps of the temple, down towards the world below, he was stopped by a call. When he looked back, another young boy was rushing down the steps towards him, wearing matching clothes with a staff of his own. "Soran! Wait for me!"
When the once blonde boy came to his friend's side, he was bombarded with a hug and questions on where he had disappeared to. The boy didn't give a verbal answer. Instead, he pulled off his cloak hood, revealing a bizarre tattoo of an arrow that came down to his forehead and reached across his skull. "Elder Monk Dhargey told me that if I wanted to journey with you, I had to prove that I mastered Airbending. I trained and mediated for three days and when the test came, Elder didn't show up... so I went and played Rhyme ball. I went from Soran, to Toran, to Uoran, to Voran, to Woran, to Xoran, to Yoran, to Zoran, to Aoran, to Boran, to Coran, to Doran, to Eoran, to Foran, to Goran, to Horan, to Ioran, to Joran, to Koran, to Loran, to Moran, to Noran, to Ooran, to Poran, to Qoran, to Roran, and then to Soran again. I was so nervous, I completed the game twice. That was when I heard something in the wind and I looked behind me, seeing Elder there watching me."

[Reno]

Blue, blue eyes blinked up at the sky, seeing fluffy clouds sweeping by across a blue painted canvas, the sun shining through them and creating spiritual rays. He took in a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but his heart was heavy with sorrow. Ventus had seemed to willing...

But maybe it was better this way. This was an Avatar's journey. There was no way he could predict how long he would be gone for. It took years to master the elements and it was not like he would not be back. He still had yet to master airbending... but this journey was far too important to hold back for that. The Fire Nation was restless; they needed their Avatar.

"Soran." The simple, kind voice said making him turn. He smiled at the sight of the monk who had found him.
"Monk Kazu." The other responded turning to face him.
"Your heart seems at unease."
"Ah... yes. I just had hoped... Ventus would show up but..." The boy sighed, looking away towards the horizon. "Maybe our destinies were only meant to go this far."
"Now, now Soran you can not be certain of this." The man smiled, a glint in his eyes that seemed to betray he knew something the younger did not. "Destiny... it is a funny thing. Just as we have ways of shaping clay bowls, we have ways of shaping our destinies. Ventus was not meant to leave this temple so fast or so soon; nor were you expected to. But simple actions or agreements change the ways of the world."
There was a nod of understanding before the boy sighed. "Yes, but it has never been noted for an Avatar to travel with anyone but his animal guide. And I... I have no animal guide and instead a friend coming along with me on this journey; well perhaps. I just fear... I will fail doing it this way."
"Hmm... or perhaps sometimes we rely too much on tradition to tell us how to do things, and not our heart's desires." This seemed to catch Soran off-guard. "Avatars are as much a sign of change as they are of hope Soran. Maybe this strange beginning is the sign of a new age of thinking."

There was a pause before a brilliant smile lit Soran's face and he nodded before he turning to his master... and gave him a hug. For the first time this morning... he felt a true sense of loss. He would be leaving his home, his friends and his mentor behind. It made tears well in his eyes. "Kazu... thank you, for all you have done for me. If you had not of found me... I don't know where I would be now." Warm arms wrapped around him, making the tears flow some. When he pulled away he wiped at them quickly. "B-But I'll be back of course! And when I am, I hope you'll still play a game of Pai Sho with me! Who knows, maybe I'll win this time!"
The monk smiled, "Anytime Soran. I will await your return."

The two monks gave one final bow of respect... and then the brunette left.

Or at least he tried to. As he hit the trial that would lead him down into the Air Nomad villages a voice caught him off guard... and made his heart stutter with happiness. "Ventus!" Came a call and he was suddenly running back embracing his friend in a hug. "Oh where have you been? I was afraid I'd be journeying out alone after all!"

As his friend explained, showing the tattoos to him, his eyes widening in wonderment and joy. His friend... was an airbending master. That was what Monk Kazu had known...
"Two games all through? Wow!" The other boy smiled, "And then what happened?" Remembering how his own master had responded to the game he winced suddenly. "He didn't punish you did he?"

[Rikugurl]

Ventus smiled, shaking his new tattooed head. "No, he didn't punish me.... but it wasn't fun getting these tattoos! They really hurt!" He pouted, looking over his slightly puffy hands that too had wisps of blue designs that formed into arrows. "But it was worth it because now I can journey with you. I'm glad they were done in time before you left or I would have to go and find you." He gave the other boy a wide smile, looking down at the long set of stairs and mountains they would have to climb. It was truly horrible that the Sky Bison had all become extinct hundreds of years ago. They were wonderful creatures that in the past, taught humans the power of Airbending. They were once paired with master Airbenders when they were little and they would grow up together. Having one now would been very helpful to get to the Fire Nation quickly.

He looked back at Soran, giving him a supportive smile. "Elder Monk Dhargey told me that I will be your guardian until you find an animal guide. He also told me to help you with your Airbending along the way. But I guess for now, we should head down to the village." Soran was in agreement and slowly, they made their way down the path that would bring them to the Air Nomads would could not bend. Then again, female Airbenders lived in the village if they couldn't travel to the West and East Air Temples.

[Reno]

"Everything is going to be so different now." Soran said thoughtfully as they continued their long voyage. "Think of all the things we'll see!" He said excitedly. Some airbenders left the temple all the time; but he never had. He never knew where to go... never had a purpose before to leave.

He wanted to travel. He was always so enamored by the stories some of the other benders brought back with them from their trips that he yearned to be like the dragon-hawks that sometimes flew from the Fire Nation and fly off with them. But something always halted him.

But now... it was happening, really happening. He felt sorrowful that he was leaving his home... and thrilled he was heading out to see the world. "I wonder what the Fire Nation will be like." He murmured thoughtfully, worrying if they would welcome him or not. He knew he'd have to approach the nation with care; he knew just how vulnerable and fragile the nation still was. He didn't want to give them the impression that he had abandoned them.

As the two airbenders thought and pondered what their journey would be like they descended into the foggy, low-hanging clouds, having to watch their steps carefully. Some use of airbending also helped the clear the path and allow them to see clearly...

And then they stepped out of the clouds and saw the village spreading below. "Whooooa!" Sora called in wonderment, seeing the spread out world below. It wasn't large or overly impressive, but the greenery was lush, the trees full with their summer leaves and the houses carefully constructed with fine materials. Orange lanterns not yet burning hung from the rooftops like wind chimes, and he knew during the night they must glow a peaceful light. This was... where most of the male airbenders above were born. Not all of course; but most.

[Rikugurl]

As they looked over the village and nearly the whole world, they saw how vast and long their journey would be. The Fire Nation was across the land and waters. This wasn't going to be easy... As Soran continued to distend, the young Air master pulled out a scroll which was a map of his own. They would have to cross the Earth Kingdom and head across the waters to the Fire Nation. It was hard to even get close to the Fire Nation, they said, because the Fire Nation was always on guard. It seemed that even though two other Avatars lived after Aang, the Fire Nation never truly recovered, even after Fire Lord Zuko's reign...

He shook his head, rolled the scroll back up and placed it in a small pouch at his hip before hurrying after his friend. He knew that once Soran mastered the art of Airbending, their travel might be quicker and it would be easier to get to the Fire Nation. All they had to do was glide there!

As they came to the foot of the village, the blonde brow boy paused, making Soran look back. The once confident guardian looked upset and unsure suddenly. "This.... this was where I was born..." He spoke softly, looking around at all the houses. "I... I don't even remember... what house..." Blue eyes started to water, finding all these houses foreign looking. "I don't even remember what... my parents look like... w-what if I walk by them and not recognize them? They would become so sad, Soran..."

[Reno]

Blue eyes turned compassionate, knowing his friend's pain. He couldn't remember his parent's faces either - not even their voices or their touch no matter how hard he tried. But at least for Ventus... there was hope of finding them. He didn't have to search the world or even a continent to find them; he knew the exact town they were in! He smiled suddenly, walking back to the other and placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Ventus, your parents sent you up to the Nomads knowing full and well that you were very young and might not remember them clearly. Even if I never had any for my own... I do know parents are nearly endlessly forgiving." Soran smiled though, "You do remember they are here and exist; and I'm sure there sadness will be replaced by joy just as seeing you! Why don't we look for them? It would be a good reunion... for all of you. "

[Rikugurl]

The boy blinked some, pulling back his tears the best he could before glancing at the other. Maybe he was right. Maybe they knew what they were sacrificing for him. He had been really mad at first when he found out his parents sent him off when he was a newborn. What was the purpose of having a child if you give them away? It took a lot of medication and talks with the monks to truly understand. "Oh.... Mmmm.... n-no, that's alright Soran. I don't wish for you to become hurt from our happiness." Soran's mouth opened and he was about to say something but Ventus rose his hand to stop him. "You can say whatever you wish, Soran but I know it will bring you to a negative state. We have a very important journey and as your guardian, I must keep you on your course to the Fire Nation."

He slowly looked back at the village, sighing some. "Come on. We should just move through and head out to the mountain forest to get some sleep." With some small arguments, eventually they walked along the outside rim of the village, trying to bypass the looks the people who lived there as they hooded themselves. They pushed on to the forest, walking downhill and watching their steps along the way. Everything was so new to them, making things harder to focus on. The trees were different, the air was different, the smells, the ground... everything.

The two finally came up to a small stream, making them stop and take some fresh water to drink. There was a nice wing tunnel that was coming down the stream which made Ventus feel secure that this would be a good place to make camp. Sleeping bags were rolled out and blankets were wrapped around the two. They slept together, keeping each other warm in the forest night.

The slumber was peaceful until early morning.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

"YA!" Blue eyes widened and the blonde brow nomad was on his feet instantly. He panted, looking around as he whipped his staff about. Luckily, he was bald so no one could make fun of his bedhead. "W-what was that!?"

[Reno]

There was no use arguing with Ventus. You would think with a name like Ventus he would always be changing his mind like the wind changes direction. But actually, he was a very stubborn person, often unmoving like the ground on which the wind wrecked havoc. So eventually, Sora just had to sigh and let Ven have his way.

He had a feeling though it wasn't all just about saving him some pain but moreso his own personal fears holding him back. He couldn't blame him; he didn't know how he would react if he ever found his parents either.

So they found a place to camp for the night and after snuggling up together for warmth, they slept.

And Soran dreamed.

And when he awoke the next morning from a call in the sky and his friend's harried cry, all he really remembered were two yellow glows staring into his very soul.

"Huh- wha?" The once-brunette mumbled, getting to his feet and fetching his own staff, looking around as well. For a moment there was nothing there and then the clouds overhead shifted quickly, blocking the morning sun and he looked up. "LOOK!" He called, pointing.

And Ventus looked up, both their mouths gaping open as a slinking creature flew overhead like a great sky serpent.

[Rikugurl]

Ventus saw it too, the sudden darkness that came over the forest like a wicked shadow as something overhead blocked the sun. He looked up, seeing a large red dragon fly through the sky. "W...It's headed towards the village!" The young boy panicked, quickly gathering their camping gear before rushing back up the mountain trail. Soran was quick to follow and as careful as they could be, they reached the summit of the mountain and back at the village where they saw that the dragon had landed. Neither of the young Airbenders had seen a real dragon, only hearing tales and art of them. It was a magnificent yet fierce looking creature as the boys walked closer to it, seeing most of the villagers walking out of their homes to inspect the creature as well.

When they got close enough, a man suddenly hopped down from it's back which made Ventus pull Soran back some, the two throwing up their hoods to keep into the shadows. They watched the wild redheaded rider look around the group of villagers, his eyes wicked and his clothes black and heavy. There was a Fire Nation symbol over his chest when put two and two together.
Two pairs of blue eyes raced to look at an Air nomad who suddenly stepped forth. "You Dragon Rider of the Fire Nation, what is it that you are looking for?" The man had slightly wild blonde hair and a build to him that seemed only possible for a man from the Earth Kingdom.

The young redhead turned to the man before reaching to his side and pulling a scroll from a scroll holder. He fanned it out and held to straight before reading from it. "I am here to test all those who live in this village that are the age of sixteen and younger. I am doing this on orders of the Fire Lord Huǒ and his search for the Avatar."

Ventus suddenly breathed in when he heard 'Avatar' being mentioned.

"Ha...hahahahaha!" The older man suddenly laughed, making some of the villagers look at him as if her were insane. "A test? To all our children? To find the Avatar? Are you dense, young man? Do you know know that the Avatar is to be reborn in the Fire Nation? I think you are a little off course."
Slowly, the scroll was rolled back up and placed back into its holder. The sound of the soil crunching under the redhead's boots was the only sound heard as he walked over to the man. He stopped right in front of him, actually being as tall as him which was stunning for his age. "Do you see this symbol here, old man?" A bitter voice asked as long fingers pointed to the Fire Nation symbol. "Everyone who wears it.... represents the Fire Nation. Everyone who wears it... takes what is given to them in the honor of the Fire Nation. Sir... are you mocking the Fire Nation? Do you not think we already know that the Avatar is to be reborn in our nation? Would you like this village to be burned down because of your adolescence?"

Cruel green eyes narrowed as he pushed himself closer against the man. "Now I shall repeat myself in case I stuttered..." He quickly moved away before looking around the group again. "I am to test every child sixteen and under to find the Avatar! Who shall go first!?"

[Reno]

Soran sucked in his breath at the sight of the magnificent dragon... but his adoration towards the creature was quickly lost when the rider revealed himself. His stomach plummeted, hearing his harsh tone and disrespect towards the brave Nomad who approached him.

He felt a fire burning in his own gut though when he heard the red-haired man's threats, making some of the people pale just a bit. It had been a long time since the Fire Nation had tried to stir bad blood; and it seemed the loss of him was creating more damage then he though.

This was not a time to be creating a new war! He would not see this country get burned down again!

He heard his friend hiss his name as he stepped forward, throwing off his hood as he gripped his staff and took his place in-between the people and the rider, pointing the staff at him. His blue eyes narrowed. "Who do you think you are, coming here and threatening these people? What kind of honor do you have?!"

The man, unimpressed by a 'kid's' bravery just snorted and started to repeat what he had said before. But just as he was explaining that he was from the Fire Nation, Soran was quick to interrupt, a cunning gleam in his eye.
"That wasn't what I asked. Who are you? Don't hide your name behind your nation. You seem so proud of yourself I'm sure you want to be known all around. That way they can always remember the man who came flying in on a scarlet dragon who wanted to kill them. Or maybe the guy who took some kid from his family by force all because the Fire Nation hasn't learned to let go of their greed."

There was a lull in the conversation, perhaps the other trying to figure out a correct response - or maybe was considering blasting him to ash - in which Soran straightened and stared at him almost thoughtfully. "You're lucky the Avatar doesn't have a family to be taken away from. But you can tell the Fire Lord that I will not be returning anywhere if you're going to be threatening my home."

[Rikugurl]

"Soran!" Ventus called softly, his eyes widening in worry as he watched his friend run off. He was frightened by this man, never seeing so much aggression in his life but he was Soran's guardian. Quickly, he raced after him but kept his hood over his face so the shadows would keep his identity. As Soran bravely stood up for the people of this village, Ventus was ready to bend, to save Soran's life from being so bold!

Narrow green eyes glared down at the bald boy, his look so sharp it could cut him in twine.
"Was that a volunteer to take the test first?" He finally asked, grinning some as the speech did not effect him or at least he did a good job at not showing it.

[Reno]

"I've already taken one, another can't hurt." The younger boy said with bravedo spinning his staff on his fingers almost lazily. He knew from the wind currents that someone was near his side but he didn't panic. He knew it was Ventus and he was silently glad for his presence and silent support.

He didn't like this man. Not at all. But if all he wanted was the Avatar... well that he could give him.

At least he would be keeping the town safe.

[Rikugurl]

Muscles clenched before saliva was gulped down a nervous pipe. Ventus wanted to pull Soran away from this man, feeling nothing but lost emptiness and a corrupted mind. It was dark and deep, uncleaned and untraveled. This man had never found peace within him self, meaning he did not know himself. He lived on the surface and any meaning was driven like weed roots; digging in deep but could easy be ripped out. Even a test from the Fire Nation may not mean this village was safe...

The redhead was silent, looking down at the boy for a moment longer before turning and heading back to the dragon who stood in place. The whole village was silent, not even a whisper as they watched the young man walk over, setting up an iron portable tray. It was placed in front of the young boy and a bag was pulled over his shoulder. An item was suddenly placed on the table. It was a candle in a candle holder and slowly, the redhead's hand brushed over the top of it and it lit. He stepped back a bit, watching as the flame slowly moved towards the bald teenager. The flame was quickly put out and the candle in the holder was placed back into the bag. The next item he pulled out was a canteen. He opened it and poured some of the water that was inside onto the tray. Again, he stepped back and watched, seeing the water suddenly move on it's own to create a perfect circle.

The redhead paused, just staring at the water for a moment. The village became quieter than before if it was deemed possible as they watched too.
The tray was gently tipped, pushing the water off and onto the ground before one last item was placed in front of him. It was a rock. He laid it down flat and as he pulled away, it shook and suddenly rose on it's face, balancing in the air.
The rock was slowly grabbed, being placed back into the bag before the tray was dismantled and he walked back to the dragon.

When he returned, everyone looked at him in question. "You are the first person who hasn't failed the test. I guess I should congratulate you. However, I'm not because I have something more important to do. I need to ask you a question instead. What are you doing here.... Avatar? Were you not suppose to be born in the Fire Nation?"

[Reno]

Soran watched the progression curiously, almost feeling like... his energy was connecting to the ritual. It was a strange feeling, not connected to him precisely, but still strange and familiar like it had been done many many times for him. He knew he passed and his heart fell a little more.

Two tests and he passed both. He really was the Avatar.

"That's not precisely the truth." He responded as the other asked, making him frown severely. The boy looked back at him steadily and explained, "The location is irrelevant; it is the parents who matter." He explained. "And they could of very well been both of strong Fire Nation bloodlines but I can't tell you for sure. I never knew them. I don't even know what they look like." The boy seemed saddened by this but shook his head. "I was orphaned when I was just an infant, and somehow I ended up here because I showed promise of being an airbender. They had no idea I was the Avatar."

He wouldn't admit the Monks had suspected he was though. That probably would not be a helpful point of conversation.