A Recognition of Shadows

[Rikugurl]

"Still... we won't be able to carry everyone there." He rubbed his chin some, glancing around the camp. "Well, I suppose half of us can go find Axel and the other half can continue looking for the missing dragon hawk." His aquamarine eyes looked back at Aqua and he gave her a smile. "No wonder you are not romantic with him, princess. He's more problem than he's worth!"


"Oh..." Ventus blinked some when there was something on his lips. Before he could clean them with his tongue, Terra continued and oh....OH!! His eyes widened as the taller leaned down and gasped some, only to suddenly feel lips on his own. His body suddenly shook and his eyes closed tightly as his entire head turned bright red, all the way to the tip of his ears. It....it felt nice... His blonde eyebrows pinched and released a few times before his lips puckered back.

Wow.... his first....kiss!

[Reno]

Aqua chortled and nodded. "Well yes there is always that. It's also because he doesn't seem to care about anyone but himself all the time. It'll be amazing if he ever does find someone!"
Pale lips turned down in a frown, and Roxas adverted his eyes, but no one took notice of him.
"Guys, stop teasing him!" Sora called, already running about camp to pick up and pack their things. "And where ARE Terra and Ven?"


WELL............


"Mmmm~" Came a soft groan, a hand curling around a smaller waist and pulling the slim body flush against his own. When the other squeaked, Terra broke away some, chuckling softly. It didn't last long though before his hand ran over the soft hairs budding on the bald scalp and tugging him closer for another kiss.


When they DID return to camp, Ventus was still bright red and Terra a little flushed as well, but they seemed rather content with one another. And if the smiles they were sharing weren't a clue enough... well it was the fact they returned holding hands that told them what they needed to know.

[Rikugurl]

"Hahahaha, I can't believe how sour that lemon was. How come all the fruits and food here is so spicy and tart? No wonder----" Ventus paused as he blinked, looking at the rest of the group.... looking at him! "O-OH! H-hello everyone..." The young boy blushed even more as a large sweatdrop fell over the back of his head. He slowly let got of Terra's hand before walking over to Soran. "So, have you figured out where Axel went to?"

It was then that the group filled Terra and Ven in about what they had learned from the Fire Lord and all the while, Aqua was giving Terra a look, the same look Roxas was giving his twin.

"I see... so we'll have to split up." Ventus nodded at the plan Riku had come up with and Terra was quick to settle on the groups they had before. Unfortunately, neither Aqua or Ventus liked that idea.
Aqua because she wasn't going to slave over her sore feet again and Ventus because he was Soran's guardian...
"I'm sorry... but I have to go with him. I promised Elder Monk Dhargey that I wouldn't let Soran out of my sight. I already have and I feel like I haven't been a very good guardian. I must go where he goes!" Ventus glanced at his best friend when he spoke that he was a great guardian, smiling a bit but he refused to leave his side.

"Obviously Sora, Ventus, Roxas and Aqua have to go find Axel using Ila. Terra and I can look for the missing dragon hawk. Perhaps we can grant permission to search the Palace."

[Reno]

What... WAIT A SECOND! Roxas opened his mouth about to protest-
"Perfect!" The Avatar said with a happy skip in his step. "Alright then it's agreed!"
But he didn't want to-!!!
"Thank god, no more walking." Aqua sighed.
"Good thing too, you're heavy to carry."
"OH SHUT UP!" Terra winced and hopped about some as he was kicked in the shin.... HARD.
He didn't agree to coming along! Why should he care if Axel was rotting in a well somewhere?! that bastard left them!

But the blonde said nothing, even when he was tugged onto the eel-hound by his brother's helping hand. Didn't protect as they took off, Sora yelling his goodbyes over his shoulder. He just sat their and seethed, the anger shimmering and getting ready to boil in his gut. Axel better watch out.... because he was going to kill him.

[Rikugurl]

The small group had no idea what they were in for when they began their miniature journey but they quickly learned that though the Fire Nation was known to have active volcanoes and scorching sun, the land was beautiful and lush. They passed through large, tropical rain forest, seeing all the foreign fauna and flora around them. It was strange that Ila was more cooperative with Soran than Terra but Ventus guessed that it was because he was the Avatar. He also didn't try to make himself seem better... but became equal with her.

They passed quite a few villages and oddly enough, they too where getting ready for the festival even though it was miles away that the real one would be happening. It truly was a huge festival if the whole Nation was celebrating. It made Ventus wonder if even the Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom were getting ready.
After hiking up another mountain trail and stopping for some food and water for the third time, they looked over the view to see another luscious little island with a volcano.
"That must be where Hama's Village is." Ventus pointed out. Aqua and Roxas took Ila across the little bit of ocean that separated the island from the main land as Soran and Ventus took to the evening sky. From up here, they were more likely to find Shesha.

And found her they did. Unfortunately, she wasn't even close to the forest below as they saw her flying around the edge of the volcano. "Maybe we can go talk to her!" Ventus called over to Soran who was flying above him.
Was it possible to talk to a dragon?
Hopefully... it WAS Shesha!


Back at the palace, Ashbel was able to pull some strings to get the Fire Lord to let the two wonder around... and by strings, it was seducing. The Fire Lord did not have a Fire Lady yet and the young noble was quite beautiful and young.
With the permission granted, Terra and Riku split up... as so did the spirits who were secretly let out from his sleeves. They slithered into the darkness and hugged close to the shadows as they ventured around the palace as well.

The two searched the palace all day (which was indeed possible) and finally they ran into each other. "Find anything?" The silverette asked, frowning some when he saw Terra shake his head. "This is truly like finding a needle in a---" He paused and his eyes widened some before they suddenly brightened an unnatural color. Soran would of recognized it but Terra didn't and the brunette called out in worry. Riku quickly shook his head and looked at Terra, his eyes back to normal but his expression changed to that of excitement. His pale hand grabbed Terra's arm before pulling him down the hallway. "Come! Yue has found something!"

[Reno]

"It's worth a try!" Sora called back. his body was weary from the long traveling day, and his emotions scattered some since this morning. He had meditated some on the way here to calm him for the conversation that was to come. This might not be pleasant... and he wasn't sure for who quite yet.

But he did know that Shesha WOULD know where Axel was... and dragons were very intelligent beings. Some even said their eyes could look straight into your soul; read your ancestry and your crimes and judge you. If you proved unworthy of your attention, they destroyed you.

He did not know if that was true or not... but watching Shesha's gaze flicker, the way her eyes seeming so knowing it was unnatural, he could almost imagine it was. It was like the fairy tales the other Airbender children used to recite during the long and sleepless nights, memories of their mothers. He used to listen to those with rapt attention, as if by listening he could get a taste of a maternal instinct in his life as well.

And even know that he was grown, he was not completely sure all tales of fantasy were so untrue. The Avatar glanced at his friend and smiled before together they swooped down and then up climbing on an updraft for the volcano. "Shesha!!" Sora called as they flew upwards towards her.


The palace was grand and nearly never-ending. Terra could now sympathize with Aqua's sore feet; even if his were much stronger from his Earthbending practice. He was, however, excited to see the temple itself. There were grand statues of dragons in the Agni Kai chambers and outside the war room a history of Fire Lords laying in portraits on the wall as far back as the Ming Dynasty. Others he spotted where of great age and antiquity but so well kept they looked brand new like breakable vases and grand suits of armor. Had he been any younger, he might of even been afraid to walk around as if he were a large rhino-elephant in a china shop.

But grand sights aside, he found nothing of interest or assistance. He didn't even see signs of most people, let alone animals! In fact, for nearly two hours he saw no one - and when he ran into Riku, because of his ghostly pale features, he was almost certain he was seeing the ghost of some Firebender at first. Until he spoke of course.

"No, I found nothing." Terra said, disappointed. He was sure there would at least be a clue! "Maybe we should... Riku?!" He called, seeing the unnatural glow... and before he could get his bearings the other male was dragged us off. "Whoa! What did she find?" Certainly not the dragon hawk? But they were snakes... it was possible they could get places that the two could not. Under locked doors and between small spaces. A feather perhaps, behind a bureau? A slip of twine, hidden in a fine rug? The letter itself, hidden and stuffed in a place no human would look?

[Rikugurl]

At the sound of her name spoken, the large red dragon twisted in her flight and her eyes looked in the direction that the voice had carried from. It was then that she spotted two young boys flying towards her and instantly she knew of them. Her wings gave a mighty flap as she turned towards them, letting out a low, welcoming growl.
"Shesha! We are looking for Axel! Have you seen him!?" Ventus asked, though knowing it was probably a little silly to ask. She was his main source of transportation! Unlike Soran, Ventus was a little more devilish in his thought. Of course he had heard the same tale of a dragon but if it was Axel's dragon, she would of destroyed him already if it were true!

The great beast flew around them once before coming returning to their front. She gave them another soft growl and slowly looked down and to the right. Both airbenders looked towards her gaze, seeing an open area in the tropical forest below with a small little house at the edge of it. That made sense... if Shesha had to land, that opening would be perfect.


Riku rushed down a few hallways, his eyes not recognizing any of it but he could feel this was the right way. He suddenly stopped abruptly, Terra nearly smashing into him. The silverette looked over a large hanging rug, making Terra do the same... but both were intelligent enough to see the light that was coming from under it. Riku suddenly got onto his hands and knees, one of his eyes closing and looking into this light to see... the bottoms of a room. It was... "There's a door behind this rug." The guardian revealed, making Terra walk over and move it carefully, only to exposed this mystery door.

Riku stood and dusted off his light clothes before reaching out, taking the door nob but of course it was locked. "This is rather peculiar..." But it was a great find. No wonder they were having problems with finding any clues if the only clue was behind a secret door. "Yue... a key.... can you find one?" He asked softly to the door. "A key.... or a pick...? The door is locked.... we need it opened..."
The two did not know for certain what had happened on the other side of the door but they suddenly heard a rattle, the knob shaking some before the door slowly cracked open. Slowly, a white snake slithered out and glanced up at them. "Thank you..." Riku smiled to her before offering his hand and she wrapped around it.

The door was pulled open and the two walked in, closing the door behind them and they easily figured out that they had found a hidden study. There was a large table against the wall with maps and papers and a small library taking over the other end. An elaborate rug was in the middle and a globe was placed on one end while a perch was near the only window which was blocked by a large statue looking out. That was what caught their eyes as a large dragon hawk perched on the wooden bar, it's one leg chained up to the fixture.

[Reno]

"Down there, huh?" Sora said, looking at the little, quint home Axel seemed to have. It was secluded. Cut off from everything except his dragon, the occasional dragon-hawk and his brother. How could he live like that? Was that not terribly... boring!?

He smiled though. "Thank you Shesha. We've come to talk to him, I suppose he's been in a bad mood?" The dragon gave a long, chortling growl, tossing her head some as if to say 'You have no idea'. He laughed, a great smile on his face. "Hopefully we can cheer him up."

Hopefully...

"Vi, Lead Aqua and Roxas there, okay?" He asked of his friend and the dog, barking happily to finally have some use, split from the two airbenders and swooping back to the beach where the two were waiting. When the princess saw the rabbit-fox circle around them before barking and flying into the forest, she knew to follow.

The Eel-hound, though large, had little problem getting through the dense growth of trees and soon enough they were in a clearing, where the two airbenders had landed, their gliders put away. Sora was already walking towards the house with a determined gait, but Ven hung back some, waiting for them to join him.


"Ah!" Terra gave an exclaim of surprise, seeing the dragon-hawk, thinned from starving. It was a good think Roxas was not here or he would of risen holy hell. It was surprising how the tough warrior seemed to have such a soft spot for animals; not too strangely, so did Sora. They could of been brothers just as well as Ven and Roxas truly were!

"Let get you out of there." Terra said as he approached the bird, but backed away quickly when the creature snapped at him, temperament bad from hunger and thirst. There was a small container nearby, once filled with water but was gone now. It was the only thing that had saved it. Terra frowned, but reached into his things, pulling out from strips of Artic Seel jerky. He had picked them up from the water tribe; it was well-preserved meat and it would last for days. He decided it would of made a good snack...

Never for a hawk though!

The stripes were long so he carefully held his hand out, and the sharp beak pierced into the tough meat and pulled it away, eating it ravenously. Terra frowned and glanced at Riku. "You think his key is anywhere around here?"

[Rikugurl]

As Soran walked up to the back porch of the wooden cottage, he did not realize that he was already spotted from within. "Ugh... how did I know this was going to happen?" A bitter voice could be heard in the mid darkness of the room before the curtains were let go of and the thin firebender stomped through the house. "Reno, tell them that I'm not here or something. I don't want to be bothered!"

Ventus looked behind him, seeing Ila and the two riders come up. He watched as Aqua and Roxas jumped down from the Eel Hound. He could see the fire building in his brother's eyes and swallowed some, unsure if he should intercept him and try to calm his soul but when he stormed pass him without a glance or word, he just watched hopelessly before looking back at Aqua who was coming to his side. "Was he silent the whole way?"


Riku backed away some, feeling Yue tighten her grip around him. He was surprised that when the hawk saw her, he didn't try to attack. Maybe it was just too weak. He was glad that they had found it though when they did or it would of surely died. He carefully watched Terra hand over the dried meat but nodded at the man's next question. "It should be..." He turned, heading towards the table and desk where one might put a key. However, he was suddenly distracted when he saw what exactly was on the table. "These are... the old war plans..." He spoke to himself, his eyes studying the map. "These.... these were handed over to the Northern Water Tribe when we signed the peace treaty. Why are their copies here...?"

Actually, as he examined it, this seemed more like the original design and the Tribe was given the copies. Slowly, aquamarine eyes looked around the room and pieces to the puzzle started to come together. Everything in this study... was tied to The War. Whoever this study belonged to was infatuated with the events from 0 - 100 ASC.
The silverette absentmindedly opened a drawer, easily spotting a small key. "Ah, here... try this." He said as he picked it up and handed it over to the brunette.

[Reno]

"Alright, alright!" Came a bored tone and a simple knocking started to echo in the house. Reno grumbled as he got up from his nice soft pillows, his hair a mess from lounging around. "Always making me take care of your problems..."

"Yes, and I think Axel better get ready to roll over and beg for forgiveness." Aqua said quite seriously. The anger that had been there but undetected could now be felt for miles. If Axel wasn't already feeling it... he was about to.

Sora was perched on the patio, knocking firmly but not intrusively, just waiting for an answer. He heard grass crunching behind him but didn't know it was a warning; that was until his shoulders were grabbed and he was YANKED away and back into the yard! "AH!" He turned around, his eyes wide as he saw Roxas and was about to call to him in concern... but his mouth just dropped open with no sound as the furious blonde kicked in the door, the mighty noise shaking the trees.

"AH! What the fuck?!" Came a cry from within, a red-head not even ten feet away but when he was meet with those stormy blues he was almost certain it was his conscience coming to kill him. The firecracker walked inside, drawing both swords and shoving Reno up against the wall, his blades inches under his neck. "Where. Is. He?"
"....D....D...Down the hall f-first door to your left!"
The blonde snarl but let him go, stomping off further into the house. "AXEL!" Came the wild yell. "COME ON OUT YOU FUCKING COWARD!!"


"Alright." Terra said, frowning over the puzzle as well but for the moment he had a job to do. Already finished with the first piece, Terra gave the hawk another, having his head turned to the side so he wouldn't see what he was doing. Luckily the bird was used to being tugged about by his feet, and didn't even seen to notice the little key slipping in and unlocking.

"Perfect." Terra said with a smile, pulling away and setting the rest of the strips around the bird to be chewed on before going to Riku's side. He looked down at the maps and plans, his look becoming serious. He picked up one, studying it carefully. "This is bad."

[Rikugurl]

Green eyes widened for a split second before teeth clenched, knowing exactly what happened outside when he heard the loud bang. That was their backdoor... being kicked in... by that psycho. He should of known better than to---
His eyes became wicked when he heard Roxas's voice and he stood from his cot, standing in the middle of his room. He watched his door closely and when that came down too....

"SORAN!" Ventus cried as he rushed over, grabbing his friend and pulling him close. "Are you alrighAAAAH!!" He cried as he pulled Soran away as a blast of fire came shooting from the open door.


Riku tensed a bit when he felt something at the bottom of his foot but when he looked down, he gave La a small smile as he slithered up his leg. His attention was caught again as Terra spoke and he walked closer, looking over the brunette's shoulder at the papers. He was not a master at battle strategy, Roxas probably knowing much more than he did but it seemed Terra understood it as well. "Do you suppose Axel was right? Someone is trying to make the Fire Nation appear corrupt again? Did whoever owns this study want the Fire Lord to blow his final straw so the world would be at war again?"

As Terra explained some of his own theories, Riku's eyes strayed to look down at the table again and from where Terra had picked up the piece he was studying, he saw a letter stashed away under another map. He reached out and took it, opening it up only for his eyes to narrow. "Look." He showed the letter to the earthbender and he too could guess who had written it by the initials 'A.L.X'.
It was Axel's missing letter.

[Reno]

It wasn't hard to find the 'first door to the left' and Roxas didn't hesitate as his foot came up and he gave as a second powerful kick; "Axel you - OH SHIT!" His eyes widened and he twirled on his heels, getting out of the way just as a blast of fire zoomed past, the flames scorching the tail ends of his jacket.

"AH GOD DAMN IT AXEL!" Reno cried, luckily out of the path of the raging inferno known as his brother. The red-head walked calmly out of his room, expecting it to be safe; but found himself instead ducking and jumping away from the deadly swings of black and white twin swords. For a moment there was a pause in their battle, the two separated by only a dragon-hawk's wing beat of distance. It was as if it was perched, watching it's pray on the forest floor, just getting ready for the strike.

Blue and green eyes clashed and Roxas glared, as he got in his stance, "You missed, idiot."


"He could be." Terra said, but he frowned some, "But you have to remember these documents were handed over just fresh after the war ended. It is possible the duplicates were handed over - and possibly altered - to the Water Nation simply because the Fire Nation had not yet grown used to the idea of peace and were still disloyal to Fire Lord Zuko. Treachery was not uncommon then. By the time the mistake was caught, it was possibly too late to remedy the mix-up without appearing deceitful. Instead, maybe this room was built and hidden for the sole purpose of hiding these documents... and someone found them? Or...someone is in charge of watching over them..."

He 'hmmm'ed softly, trying to solve the puzzle, but there just seemed to be too many pieces missing. That was when his attention was brought to Riku again and he looked at the letter. Though he had no idea if the handwriting was familiar or not, he did know that the initials were.
A. L. X.
Axel Lea Xipil.
He read the short note and nodded. "Then someone must have captured the dragon-hawk and stored the letter here to make sure the Fire Lord didn't find out the Avatar was found." He frowned severely. "The question is.... why? Wouldn't the Avatar be great news to them?"
He read the letter again, trying to imagine he was reading it for the first time... and his eyes widened. Of course!
"'I found him in a test near the Northern Air Temple.'" He repeated. "He forgot to include... Soran is an orphan. Anyone reading this note would think that the cycle skipped the Fire Nation!"

[Rikugurl]

There was a sudden growl and Axel started to move his arms again, making Roxas react so he didn't have to dodge fire again. It didn't seem like the firebender cared that he was endangering his home from burning down. What Roxas didn't know was Axel was already aware that the blonde would strike when he moved so his arm extended over his chest and instead of calling on fire, he grabbed an ancient weapon that was mounted on the wall for decoration. A weapon that was passed from from generation to generation of his family.

The sound of metal hitting metal was loud in their ears and the darkened eyes glared at each other in their deadlock. Axel grip was in the middle of his weapon of choice; a large, circular piece of metal with large spikes around the outer rim. It was called a chakram, known to be a deadly weapon in the hands of those who knew how to use them properly.
Axel felt a strong push and as he was forced away, he snatched the other off the wall, blocking another blow.
"GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!"


"That makes sense... Axel is pretty absent minded for he always seems to be in a rush..." Riku nodded when he heard the explanation and discovery that the brunette revealed. "A rush to be alone it seems..." He shook his head before looking around the room again. "Well, I think the next thing we should do is find out who owns or knows of this room. Certainly the Fire Lord doesn't know for he would of known of the hawk and letter. I'm sure he isn't behind this or he is a wondrous actor."

He rubbed his chin in thought, his eyes far and wondering. It was then Terra was struck by the odd appearance of the guardian when his eyes brightened once more before going back to their normal color. The silverette glanced at the white snake that was on his shoulder and frowned. "Perhaps...." When Terra inquired, the guardian looked back at him. "She said that she remembered someone had gone missing recently. Someone named Master Xehanort."

[Reno]

"Why in my house?!" Reno cried as he stepped out in the doorway, shaking his head at the burned edges of the threshold. Well like hell was he staying in there with TWO maniacs in there!
"Shouldn't we be stopping them?" Soran asked, Ventus and Aqua by his sides but instead of ether of them answering, the red-head, who must of been Axel's brother because they were just so alike, replied.
"What's the point kid? Let them kill each other; might be good for them."
"What?! How can you say that! You-" Soran cried, but Aqua placed a hand on his shoulder, quieting him.
"Soran... maybe he's right."
"W-What?! How can you say that Aqua?!"
"Do you remember what Axel told you yesterday? About the Agni Kais? People of the Fire Nation, especially benders, solve their disputes with fighting. This is... normal for him. Heh, it almost ironic that Roxas shares such a trait, considering he grew up in the most peaceful of places." What she did not remind the brunette of... was the fact that usually the other competitor died.
Soran frowned and glanced helplessly at the doorway of the house, burned black by flame, yawning open like the hungry jaws of an angry spirit.

Roxas was thrown a bit off as, instead of fire, a weapon of a different sort was swiped at him. A discus that was sharp enough to impale. He managed to block the blow, their muscles straining in the stalemate before he managed to get some leverage behind his heels and shove the other back.

He struck again, this time with Oathkeeper and glared when it was blocked. The blonde seethed as he was yelled to leave. "The only way I'm leaving is if you strike me dead. And if you can do that... well I guess that solves all my worries."


Terra flipped through some of the strategies carefully, being wary because he knew the documents were old. He picked up one that made him pale a little - the Earth Kingdom, likewise, had been given similar documents.

It seemed they had been tricked as well.

It was... genius... and deadly. The Earth Kingdom would of fallen for good if it ever succeeded. He saw the lines running through the map of his homeland, the drawn in airships and their path - straight to the heart of Ba Sing Se, the capital. An attack of fire by air. That town, especially in those days, filled with refugees... thousands upon thousands would of died without any escape.

He shut his eyes and shook his head, trying to shake his mind of such an image. He had been to Ba Sing Se a handful of times with his uncle, who went every now and again as... well he said it was business but Terra knew it was a vacation! The town was interestingly beautiful, wide and vast. Seeing it filled him with wonder and made him feel so small in comparison and his uncle had always shown him some of the best sights.

The brunette was drawn away from his memories and glanced at Riku as he spoke, and the name struck a chord in him. He remembered it, if vaguely. "Yes... I remember as well. The Fire Lord mentioned a man named Xehanort was missing. From the way he said it, I assumed he was another man searching for the Avatar." He glanced at the map, but didn't really see it. "Could he have something to do with this?"

[Rikugurl]

"I think I can arrange that!" Bitterness spewed from the redhead's lips as his eyes became a wicked dark that one had never seen before. Aqua was right. To him, this was natural, expected... and honorable. He had made up his mind and no one was going to persuade him to change his mind until he was dead. He was willing to do this... because who was Roxas? Roxas... he was no body. He didn't owe him anything!

"But... T-that's my brother!" Ventus finally cried in distress, Aqua having to stop him too from running inside. "I just found him! I just remembered! I can't lose him now!!" Hot tears started to fall down his face and he gasped as he saw another waft of fire shoot out from the home.

A strong arm suddenly whipped one of the chakrams towards the blonde but he was easily able to dodge it as his lunged forward but was blocked again by the single chakram. For a split second, Roxas could see the devilish grin on Axel's face before he could hear the sound of air being cut behind him... and quickly realized the chakram was coming back! He ducked and Axel grabbed the chakram in mid flight before catching another swing and this time, pushed Roxas back with his hidden strength. When the blonde moved back in the hallway, his spiral blue eyes widened when Axel suddenly opened his mouth.... and breathed fire!

Luckily, Axel's room was his haven and the fire blew through the window at the end of the hallway.


"Hmmm...." The silverette was stumped again at all the puzzled, slowly finding this all a bit too much to figure out with only two days left before the festival. His ears suddenly perked as he heard a noise and glanced over at the dragon hawk who seemed to be restless and all out of food.
"Do you think... it would know who imprisoned him here? The Fire Nation Royal Family is known to take many pictures of royalty and nobles. Perhaps if we can find some, we can show it to the hawk for some clues."