A Recognition of Shadows

[Rikugurl]

Axel was the one who walked in front of the rest and stopped in at the right distance to speak to the Lord. He placed his fist over his chest and bowed some in his leader's prescience. "My Lord, you have summoned us?"
"Yes. I received news this morning by message that the Northern Water Tribe was attacked last night. In the letter, it noted something about shadow like demons that rose with yellow glowing eyes and strength of a whole army." He cleared his throat before glancing at Aqua. "Since we have ties to the Northern Water Tribe, I am very alarmed by this surprised attack by creatures in which you detailed to me the first day we met at this exact place."

His eyes closed and his fingers strummed about his chair arm. "Princess Aqua, I know it is not my place to suggest my ideas but I think it would be best that you return home to your Tribe as the letter noted your brother, Prince Isa, along with other members of your tribe, have gone missing. It makes me ponder if the same fate came upon Master Xehanort. He too was searching for Avatar Soran and something similar had happened to him.

Axel's mouth opened, about to tell the Fire Lord that the Master's disappearance wasn't an accident and if anything, he knew why these creatures were attacking... but he bit his tongue and moved his head back, his red hair shifting on his shoulders as he looked at the princess.

[Reno]

"I was already aware of it. My army's second-in-command sent along the word." The princess' tone was cold but strong. "I have already decided to return. Riku and I will be on our way by noon at the latest."

The group jerked in surprise and all of them shot the princess looks, but her eyes only landed on Riku, her eyes cold and expressing that there would be no arguments with her decision. She turned back to the Fire Lord, bowing respectfully. "If that is all Fire Lord Huo, I really must be going. I am sorry it is on such concerning terms."

She spun on her heels and made her way back out of the throne, Riku hesitating but... reluctantly following. A hole in his heart, Soran couldn't help himself as he watched them go, unable to stop staring at the back of Riku's head... and as he reached the doorway, as if he felt the Avatar's burning gaze, Riku glanced back and their eyes met for one brief instant...

and then he was gone.

The Avatar reluctantly turned back to the Fire Lord as he called for his attention, wanting nothing more than for the conversation to finish so he could follow after, afraid he too... would never get to say goodbye.

Unnoticed, Invidia glanced up at her master and around at the others, hearing as the Fire Lord became to speak to the Avatar, calling for his help on the matters of shadows and yellow-eyed demons. Unnoticed yet again she slipped away.


"We'll take Ila back." Aqua determined, her body language as icy as her voice as she climbed into the carriage. Riku said nothing, unable to. How could he fight the princesses decisions?
Riku started to climb up as well, soon found it impossible to move at all when teeth latched around the edge of his pants, tugging him to a halt. When he looked back, Invidia was looking up at him, growling softly her blue eyes narrowed.
Aqua's eyes narrowed in fury at the sight of it and snapped. "Get lost."
But the fox paid her no mind as she barked up at Riku, and when he lent down and pat her, softly telling her it was alright and to go back, but when he tried to climb up again she flew right under his arm and stood in his path growling again and with a hop, head butted him right in the chest and had him stumbling back. She jumped down, circling around him much like the snake spirits did and snapping her teeth at his heels and forcing him back step by step. Back towards the palace.

"This is ridiculous!" Aqua cried and stepped down towing the fox away but not with much kindness. "Go back you stupid creature before you get yourself killed again!"

Invidia whimpered, her ears falling as she backed away some. Blue eyes glared down at her for a long time before Aqua gave another harsh command for them to go and turned... but as she got into the carriage, Invidia shot forward again and pounced, gripping onto Riku's collar with her teeth and, pulling backwards, flapped her wings hard, as if she intended to fly with him.

Unfortunately, she didn't have the power not strength to actually do so.

[Rikugurl]

"A-AAAH!" Riku called Vi grabbed his collar, pulling him back so he nearly choked. He did fall back and onto the road, however, wincing slightly as the gravel cut into his pale skin and some red blood surfaced. Still, he got up and dusted himself off from the street filth that carriages and wagons brought from all over. Even though the staff of the Palace tried to keep these roads clean, it was almost impossible. Aquamarine eyes turned back and to Invidia's surprise, water was captured near the bottom rim. Even she knew that it was not because of the injury.
"Please Vi.... go back to Avatar Soran." He ordered softly but when she barked back at him, his teeth clenched. "Please... don't make this harder than it already is. Our Tribe needs us...."

He heard her whimper and reached into his bag, taking out a small yellow ribbon that he had found along this journey. He had picked it up at the bazaar to give to her for her victory over the cheetah-hound but with all the chaos around it, he had simply forgotten until now. Slowly he knelt down and tied the ribbon around the rabbit-fox's ear, the glitter in it making it sparkle under the hot sun. "There... Sora will love it on you too."
As Vi was patting at it, getting use to the feel, she didn't realize that Riku left her side and quietly got into the carriage. She snapped to attention when the door closed and the dragon-moose carried them away.

"Do you think it would be wise to take Ila? She might be much like Shesha and not fair well in such bitter climates... I'm sure the Fire Nation has a fast boat that will get us there in good time." Riku advised, trying to get his mind off of the look the Avatar had given him. He could hear the bumps and cracks outside from the flying rabbit fox as she tried to get in, the coachman yelling at her every now and again.

[Reno]

"Ila's faster." Aqua determined, crossing her arms and leaning back against the wall of the carriage, also trying to ignore the sounds of barks and scratches as the rabbit-fox desperately tried to get in. "We'll have someone send her back once we get there if it proves to be a problem."

The silverette frowned some but did not argue merely nodding, looking down quietly as a black snake slithered out from his coat and one could almost call it unhappy the way it curled in Riku's lap, his head drooping under a coil of his own body.

Aqua looked down at the two quietly, her eyes narrowed before she reached into her coat and pulled out a flask of water. She flipped it up, the water raising and coating her finger before she turned and unlatched the window of the carriage, raising it up high.

There was a bark of hope, the green-furred creature appearing for but a moment - before she gave a shriek as a blast of water hit her instead, splattered her wings hard. Unable to keep her flight she tumbled to the dusty road and the carriage rolled away.

The rabbit-fox, wet and defeated, looked up as the carriage got further and further away. She rose her head and gave a long, piercing wail.



Choppy, anxious pants fell from pale lips as feet dashed out the main hall of the palace and out into the sun. Heart racing, blue eyes looked all around, a twinge of hope still there but quickly dying as his eyes saw nothing but the normal riffraff of day-to-day activities. A shaking hand rose, running over light brown hairs that were hardly there and he started to rush to the carriages, running down the line of them, looking in each one, hopelessly calling names that no one held.

No one, not even the group that came trudging out behind the other, decided to stop him.

His breath coming in harsh gasps, feet finally stopped, a hand laying on his chest as he uttered one name softly, "Riku..." Then something seemed to catch his eye, his head turning to the dusty trail, seeing a creature walking down it towards him, head down and wings tips dragging in the ground. She was dry now, but dirty beyond personal grooming, no longer her proud self. One single yellow ribbon was around her ear, something that was not there before.

He ran to meet her, falling to his knees before her, his whisper soft, "Vi...?" She looked up at him, before lowering her head again and shaking her head. She climbed up onto his lap without needing to be asked, not minding as his arms squeezed her in a tight embrace, not caring as he buried his head into her neck and trembled against her.

Didn't even raise protest as she got wet again as tears filled her coat and cries filled her ears.

[Rikugurl]

"Ah, Soran!" There was a call and finally the air master caught up with the Avatar, slowing down as he came to his side before stopping. His own eyes twisted with pity as he watched his best friend. It was sad to see them go but even though they were so close, he did not realize how special the oasis guardian was to Soran. "W-we'll see them again, Soran. I don't think they feel safe leaving Edmy to take care of the tribe. He was kind of scatterbrained." He chuckled softly, trying to cheer his friend up but it didn't do a thing. Luckily, he didn't have to think of any more words before Axel was rushing towards them.

"What the fuck are you sitting around for!? They're heading to camp to get their things so we can intercept them!" He called, looking at Soran straight in the eyes as the air bender looking up. He gave a grin before he continued running off. He gave a high pitched whistle and all of a sudden, the group could see some dust flying from a few blocks away. "The Earth Kingdom isn't the only one who has giant lizards!" He smirked and came to a stop at a crossing which quickly was filled with three large lizards that were ready to be ridden... and unfortunately, their owners were crying out as they rushed after them.
"Hurry! Get on one and let's go!" He called as he mounted one and pulled the reigns, making it run back to the group and scooped up Roxas. Terra was quick to get an another, helping Ventus and Soran on before chasing after Axel.

"What are these things!?"
Axel heard the warrior call and smiled, seeing fresh wagon tracks up ahead. "They're called mongoose dragons! They're another form of transportation in the Fire Nation!"
Unfortunately, the ride behind them wasn't so smooth. "WAAAAH!!! TERRA!!" Ventus cried as he glued himself to the back of the brunette, feeling Soran clamp around him as well as the earth bender struggled to try and keep them on the damn thing!

These animals were quick and flexable but still didn't match the speed of an eel-hound. Luckily, they weren't against one yet as they passed the empty carriage Vi started barking at. Axel and Roxas were the first to break through came, seeing Riku and Aqua loading Ila up with their belongings.
"Yo! You're pretty rude for a princess, you know that!?" Axel called before pulling on the reins, making the lizard stop before jumping off. "Not even a good-bye? After everything?" He frowned, walking up to her. Behind him, poor Roxas almost got run over as Terra came into the camp, having a harder time getting the lizard to stop. Soran didn't seem to care as he boosted himself off with some air bending and rushed after Riku who was tightening the ropes around the eel-hound.

[Reno]

If Soran didn't know it would get him a sword in his gut, he could of kissed Axel when he saw the large lizards he called forth with a whistle. With Ven calling an apology over their shoulders to the poor owners that they would bring them back they were off. Unfortunately, Terra didn't know how to lead anything it seemed!

They zigzagged all over the place as they chased after Axel who was riding like a pro, Roxas holding on tight and Ventus and Sora holding on tighter! They made up the distance quicker than a carriage but, his heart laden with worry and fear of an empty camp sight, not as fast as Ila. If they were gone... there would be nothing left for them to use to catch them.

But fate was at their fingertips this time, as they came into the clearing and he saw the wind blow some silver strands in the air. He was off before they even stopped, calling for the other, "Riku!" The silverette turned around, surprised and before he could a thing Sora had crashed into him, throwing them both to the floor.

Riku would of raised a protest, but couldn't beyond Sora's embrace. Two snakes slithered out of Riku's clothes in annoyance but twirled around the two as they always did. "I thought you were gone..." The brunette whispered. "I... I thought you had left me."

Away from the two, Aqua faced Axel with a narrowed gaze, "Yes. I don't have TIME for goodbyes Axel. My people are in trouble. Unlike you, I have a job to do... A job I ALWAYS have to do, every waking moment of my life! A job I foolishly let you talk me into leaving behind!" She turned away from him, tying on her sash to the green-scaled creature. "Now I'm paying for it."

[Rikugurl]

"Sor-AAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" Riku yelped as he was slammed into and fell over for the second time today. This time though, the wind was pushed from his lungs as a heavier weight was on his chest and deep spiral blue eyes were looking into his. He didn't feel the snakes leave his sleeves and circle around him, his mind hypnotized by the boy above him. "S-sora...." He finally gasped out, his cheeks slowly becoming red and his mouth gaping open some. A pale hand finally rose, his cold fingers gently touching the side of Sora's face to run up pass his ears.


"Look, I don't care if you're a princess or not but you're not making me feel like this is all my fault. All my life everything was my fault and to hell if I'm going to let you pin your own decision on me. I didn't tie you up and force you on Shesha, did I? You came on your own will and no one knew something like this was going to happen. If we had... if we knew the future, none of our lives would be the same." He reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her to look at him even though she struggled. His emerald eyes gazed down into her stormy, hurt blues but he continued. "You're not a horrible leader.... and I don't think you should be their prisoner even if they are your people. This isn't your fault. Those things would of attacked if you were there or not and you're only one person, Aqua... you couldn't of saved them all..."

He pulled her closer so that there was no way she could break free and he could feel her slowly break as she shook. "Aqua... I'm not stopping you from going... I just wanted to say goodbye... and that I'm sorry. I don't know what it's like to be a ruler and I think Isa was smart to make sure I didn't persuade you to fall for me. What I do know about... is guilt and how it can eat away at you to the point you no longer know who you are. I don't want this to happen to you, Aqua." A lanky, pasty hand came out and ran through the princess's hair as he placed his forehead on hers. "I love you... Remember that, ok? You're a great person and you'll do what's right. Isa will come back... once we do something about Vanitas, he'll be back... Trust me, ok?"

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[Reno]

Watching cautiously from under Ila’s large head, Invidia hid in the shade as she kept a close eye on the two, her tail wagging silently. At least now her master wasn’t crying.

A small blush dotted through Soran’s light tan, and he smiled reached up to place his hand over Riku’s pulling it gently away from his face; not to push it away, but to wrap his fingers around it and hold on tight. Unconsciously, as he spoke, his thumb rubbed gently over the other’s knuckles. “I know… I know you have to go Riku…” He started, his voice wavering. “I understand. But… but so quickly? Without… without even a goodbye?”

The silverette opened his mouth as if he were going to respond, then shut it, looking uncertain as if he did not actually know what he wished to say. Sora just continued; “The monks always told me… that time is a fleeting thing like the flight of a white butterfly. One moment it’s there and the next gone under the sunlight’s glare. And whether the world is in danger or not, it does not mean there is eternity to… to say things before it is too late. I always took that lesson to heart. I grew up knowing no parents but I did know… I knew family and friends. The Air temple, the monks, Ventus… and now you guys. You’re all important to me. And you Riku… you’ve become more precious to me than I expected.”

He smiled again, feeling his confidence build. “I guess… what I’m trying to say is… I didn’t want you to leave before I got to tell you this.” And, rather than explaining what ‘this’ was, he let his actions speak the words as he lent forward.

And his lips met Riku’s in a kiss.


Watery blue eyes looked up at Axel’s unable to fight off his gaze. For once in his life he was right. His words had picked her out of the cold shell she had tried to build in the past hour so that she couldn’t be stopped… and yet, here she was, stopped anyways. But… she was glad he had. She had been acting like a jerk; did she think friends like these came along every season? They were all rare and special and she had treated them like they were unwanted strips of arctic hen ready to be thrown to the lion turtles. Axel most of all…

A faint, wobbly smile finally touched her red lips, and she murmured, “Careful there Juliet, you start saying ‘I love you’ to me all the time and Romeo over there might just start worrying we’re going to run off together.” Emerald eyes blinked at her and finally he chuckled, glad to hear her acting a little more like herself.

She sighed though becoming serious again. “I wanted to see this through to the end… but I have to go Axel. They need me… more than you guys probably do. They’re leaderless now; no way that Edmy’s going to be able to handle it… not even on a good day could he do that.” She chuckled faintly but it was hollow, her eyes pained for the blonde. She had grown very close to him over the years, his energetic, excitable attitude a refreshing change from her stubborn and always-serious brother’s. Now, she could imagine how much of a wreck he was. If she thought it was painful to lose her brother, it was probably twice that for Edmy to lose his lover.

She wrapped her arms around him in a gentle embrace. “Thank you… and I’m sorry. Forgive me for being a jerk?”


To the side the rest of the little ‘family’ seemed greatly out of place. Terra, still loosely holding on the mongoose-dragoon’s reigns and feeling a little useless, looked at Aqua and Axel then at Ven and Roxas who wore twin masks of wonder, impressed as they listened to the firebender. They had never heard him be so wise; it was certainly a shock! Terra rolled his eyes, unable to stop the spark of jealousy and then his eyes widened as he spotted something over the swirls of Roxas’ hair and his jaw dropped.

A nudge pushed against Ven’s shoulder and he tore his eyes away from the two good friends to glance at the earthbender – only for his eyes to be re-directed by a pointing finger to look past his brother. And it was at that moment Ventus realized he truly HADN’T known just how deep Soran’s affection lied for Riku.

[Rikugurl]

The silverette couldn't help his own growing blush when he felt the gentle hands on his own, holding it in a tight embrace. His shocked appearance turned grim when he started to hear the lesson, knowing he should of said something for he knew it would of eaten at him everyday for not saying goodbye even when his princess was in haste. His mouth opened, about to say that he couldn't pause the princess but... in all reality, he could of said a very quick good-bye. He didn't have to worry about explaining it though as Soran continued to speak.

"And you Riku… you’ve become more precious to me than I expected."

A curious, bashful look washed the grim away as reflective aquamarine eyes looked into the blue above him. They widened, like a high tide over his face when he felt the softness of the sun press against his lips. He was frozen for a moment, his heart stopping in place until it suddenly sped up and blood was rushing through his veins from pure ecstasy. Silver eyelashes fluttered some before his eyes lidded, his own lips pushing up against the others in a sloppy first kiss. Sloppy or not, it was perfect to them.


"That's alright... he'll just kick my ass." Axel chucked as he returned the hug, pulling her closer and grinned when she cried out as he lifted her off her feet for a moment before placing her back down. "Well I guess Soran wanted to..." He paused, looking back at the group, trying to ignore the slicing glare from Roxas and... noticed the dumbfounded look the air and earth bender shared as they looked off to the side. Axel and Aqua looked in the same direction to see a sight that was completely shocking. Well, only a bit seeing that Axel had figured out the 'a' part of that letter.

"W-wow... Axel is psychic...." Ventus said, almost drooling from how stunned he was. Poor Aqua! She was the only one who didn't have a romantic moment with someone, well, besides Axel and as far as he knew...

"Maybe we should let them be..." Axel blinked some, shaking his head before rubbing the back of his neck. "Let me help you get ready."

[Reno]

"Yes... perhaps so." Aqua laughed and just shook her head.


It didn't take too long for Sora and Riku to figure out they had an audience... and that there were still things to do. However, though there were more people to assist it seemed to take twice as long for them all get Riku and Aqua's things packed and on Ila, everyone suddenly reluctant from parting - especially Soran and Riku who were sneaking kisses when they thought no one was watching!

There wasn't any way around it; Aqua had to return to her shaken tribe and Riku had to bring the spirits back home to guard them and. hopefully, bring good fortune to their tribe. And around that time, it was Ven who wondered aloud if the attack happened because the spirits were gone? Though they were mortalized, they were still powerful. And Riku of course would never separate from them... even for Sora.

The brunette wasn't put out by this. And the other brunette - knowing their trip would be a two-day long one, showed Aqua on the map the best Earth Kingdom town to stop at by the time evening fell. A place they would, hopefully, be protected. And if it was empty.... well...... Terra didn't want to think of that, though it nagged at his mind with the possibility.

And too soon everything was put away and the eel-hound was waiting, and they stood, two at one end and five at the other and the goodbyes had already been shared, the good lucks given the last kiss delivered...

Even still, it was a dark thought in the back of a lot of their minds... that this could be the last time they would see each other, the world suddenly a much more dangerous place than ever before.

"Well... don't get killed okay?" Aqua only half-joked before she turned and climbed onto the eel-hound.
Riku just hesitated looking at Soran for a long moment, the two of them sharing a smile, before he slowly turned about to get on.

"Wait, Riku!"

But it wasn't Sora who called the word; surprisingly... Roxas did. Everyone glanced at the blonde who seemed somewhat uncertain but he stepped forward. He wasn't going to pronounce his undying love too, was he?!

He stopped in front of the silverette, before he said softly, "We didn't get the chance to make your sword."
The other frowned and said softly that it was too bad, but now they didn't have anytime. And with a night in between him and the water tribe... not to mention the possible dangers still awaiting at home...
"No, I know..." And then to everyone's shock, Roxas reached to his side and untied Oblivion's sheath from his belt and held it out to him. "Here, take it."

[Rikugurl]

"Ahh...." Riku looked down at the dark blade, seeing how the cut and craftsmanship was near perfect. The handle had a perfect set of wolfbat wings surrounding it and it's blade at the point had a beautiful design. Slowly, the guardian reached out and took the blade with both hands, feeling the weight before smiling at the shorter blonde. "Thank you. I will take good care of it." He held it up, the blade pointing to the sky as his pale fingers ran up the side. "And I'll return it back when we meet again so we can truly work on my own." He nodded, placing the sword through his sash around his waist. It felt right there. "Goodbye, everyone. Stay safe."

He finally turned, walking away slowly but of course had to look back over his shoulder to give one last smile to the Avatar. He climbed onto Ila's back behind the princess and held her waist firmly. The reins were pulled and the eel-hound headed back down the trail.

The group watched them leave and Ventus looked down at the ground, watching the wind move through the grass instead. Tears started to fill his eyes, not wanting them to go. He knew they would have to part at one point but now seemed too early.... especially for Soran. He would of hated to see Terra go into the dangerous world right after he proclaimed his love for him. Something about this just wasn't right...

A sigh spoke for them all, Axel crossing his arms as he too had to look away. It wasn't easy saying goodbye to Aqua. It wasn't years ago and it wasn't now. "Well... now what?"

[Reno]

"You'd better," Roxas warned, but he smiled to his pupil, feeling better knowing the other had it. He was going to leave his student unarmed... and hopefully the blade would serve him well.

The team watched the others go, Soran watching the longest of all, even when they were out of sight. He curled his fingers around the charm on his chest and shut his eyes, as if uttering a prayer before turning and running over to Roxas, throwing his arms around the blonde in a hug. Giving up one of his swords was something Sora knew was especially hard on the blonde and probably hindering... but he was glad he did it. Having half-expected it, the blonde just sighed and hugged him back.

An arm wrapped around Ven's shoulders, tanned fingers wiping away the falling tears. and a light kiss dotted his temple. "It's okay Ven, we'll see them again." He pulled the other closer, before looking up at Axel and frowning. "We can wait any longer to fight the spirit. We should wait until tomorrow to strike down Vanitas... at least to give Aqua and Riku enough time to get back home..."

[Rikugurl]

"Well then, that's what I wanted to hear!" Axel grinned, glancing at Soran who was smothering Roxas. The lanky Firebender walked over, prying the two apart. "Now, now, I need some of that muscle for myself, alright?" Axel smirked, making Roxas blush and punch him hard but the redhead just rubbed his arm before starting again. "Let's get to the chamber and train, train, train. Like my old instructor said:
'I got two words for you: You-gotta-train'"

He laughed hysterically as both Soran and Roxas started to count the words on their fingers before ruffling their heads. "I did the same thing! Now come on! I think we could all use some brushing up. Soran and I will train for a few hours, we'll eat and then all come together for a group battle. How does that sound? I'm sure we will be working with kicking some multiple ass and who knows... if Vanitas can bend anything, having the shadow of Soran. Let's just hope not but at least if he can, we'll be somewhat prepared."


"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"
A call was loud in the forest as wind made the leaves and branches whip around and even snap. A skilled body and arm twirled a light weight staff around its head, making the wind pierce through the rock solders. More rose quickly and with a quick flick, each was spit in half as a cut of wind went through them like a hot knife in butter. They exploded and in the thickness of the debris, the master could feel the disturbance in the air and twisted to see a boulder coming right for him. His staff dropped and he hopped into the air, his hands readying for an attack but he spun instead and pushed them out, making a strong blast of air race towards the rock.

It cut the rock clean and through, making the two pieces fly by him on either side. He didn't let his guard down as he could feel something moving behind a half destroyed rock. His arms suddenly started to circle around in an erratic movement before pushing his wrist out and a funnel of wind shot out. A wall of rock suddenly came from the ground to use as a shield but the slightly panting boy wasn't finished. One of his arms hooked back before making a powerful slicing motion, making the wind slice out and destroy the shield easily.


"Wider, move your legs further apart like this!" Axel called as they made the same stance which was interesting and difficult for someone who was not very flexible. When Soran moved his feet, Axel nodded. "Yes, that's right!" He called before they moved to another interesting and strenuous position. The redhead paused when he heard a heavy sound and straightened, shaking his head when he saw Soran lying on the ground after falling over. "Maybe we should skip the Dragon Dance for now and work on something else."

[Reno]

A grinning face was revealed beyond the shield, Terra seeming proud of the other but as Ventus tried to retaliate, Terra seemed to duck behind the barrier, the slice of wind passing harmlessly over his head and cutting into a tree trunk behind him. The tree fell and crashed into the one behind it.

The blue eyed monk looked around, waiting for the next attack and was shocked when something POUNCED out of the ground at him from his left side - and it wasn't a rock. In his complete surprise, the airbender was tackled to the ground almost playfully, the earthbender laughing over him triumphantly, his brunette hair wet and plastered to his forehead from sweat. "Got ya~"


Roxas sighed as he lent over where the stream was curling away downward towards the ocean. He winced, setting his left hand under the water, the knuckles visibly scrapped and bruised and sighed softly. It was his own stupid fault.

"Yah!" Roxas called, slicing threw a rock, ducking his head to avoid the sailing pieces before he heard another, smaller one, coming to him from the right. He shifted his weight and pulling out of the crouch, swinging his left around - just in time to realize he no longer had a left sword as he punched a rock the size of his head.

"OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!"

Now his hand was throbbing with pain, but miraculously, not broken. He pulled it from the water, cringing as stretching out his hand sent little sparks of pain through him.
He ALMOST missed Aqua.


"No, no I can do it!" Sora said and started to give up - and then his muscles turned to jelly and he fell over again with another loud thump. "Ugh, okay maybe I can't." He rolled over onto his back and stared up at the sky seeing some clouds drifting past.

He wonder how Riku and Aqua were doing... He raised his fingers to his lips and sighed, before slowly getting up and facing Axel. "Alright, what next?"

[Rikugurl]

"WAAAAH!!"
The master cried as he hardly had the chance to feel the wind being blocked by a solid man coming to pounce him.... because he came from underneath! They fell on the ground together and Ventus was full of laughter, though having a hard time since he was already panting from the training. "You....you cheated!" He giggled, his arms wrapping around the other's neck before he felt lips on his own. His blue eyes closed, a moan pushing through his throat as he kissed back and his fingers pushed through the darkened, wet brunette locks.

He heard a sudden cough and his eyes widened a fraction, glancing over Terra's shoulders to see his twin looking at them both with a raise eyebrow. "Heh, hey Roxas! How's your hand?" He asked as Terra gathered himself and helped the monk up. The boy pouted as Roxas showed them and shook his head. "I guess it will be hard to remember you only have one sword..." He glanced down at his staff that was left on the ground but knew that wouldn't work for it was light and could hinder him if he caught it in the wind right. It wouldn't be good if he was in the middle of fighting and the glider came out!

"Oh hey! Today is the last day for the Fire Days Festival, right? Maybe you can find a sword in the bazaar? It could just be temporary?"


"Maybe you should meditate. You're kind of distracted today and I can only guess why~~" The redhead teased as he poked the Avatar in the nose. When the young boy complained, he chuckled but nodded. "Ok, let's try Fire Daggers. It will be helpful for short range combat. Once you master that, I will teach you how to make flame darts and put you to a test. Then... maybe we can grab something to eat."


Hours passed and bodies of the split group became weary. It was time to stop and rest before filling their stomach with food. Axel said he would send Maipe to call them all back to the camp ground when he was ready and there was no sign of the hawk anywhere when dusk fell over the Fire Nation. The group of twins and brunette called it early as their training was a bit more intense. Roxas went off on his own to the bazaar and it was unclear if he was going to look for a sword or something else. He kind of seemed still bent out of shape with the whole Axel and Aqua scene, no matter how much Ventus and Terra tried to assure him that it was a friendship thing.

"Maybe you should get him something nice. Something he can wear like we do to keep him on track. I know objects should never be valued over the being itself but remember how bad you felt when you told us that Axel didn't own anything? Maybe it's because no one ever cared about him enough to give him something. He still has that coffea cup right?"

He wasn't sure how his brother took that advice but he wasn't too worried about that now as he leaned back on a cool rock, letting the cold water of the stream clean away his sweat. His tattoos darkened from the water as he rang out a piece of cloth over his head and sighed happily. Blue eyes opened to look up at the man sitting next to him, both of them just in some loose shorts. "Even though it was tough, I had a lot of fun today. It was a real challenge, one that I never had before! You're really a great earthbender!" He smiled happily but blinked when he was suddenly grabbed and pulled onto Terra's lap. A deep blush fell over his face when he heard gentle words in his ear that he wasn't too bad himself.


"Yes, that's what I said. Why? Did I stutter?" The firebender called form the bleachers, slowly sitting down on one as he waited for Soran to get himself prepared for the test. "There are twelve paper lanterns that need to be lit and cannot burn up. Your test is to light them all within 30 seconds and not burn up a single one using your flame darts. When you pass the test, we can all eat."