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Post by Reno on Jul 21, 2010 1:24:25 GMT -5
For the rest of the night, Terra stared off into space, speaking not a word to them. His eyes were dark and thoughtful, and even as his uncle returned, flustered no doubt from an argument with his brother, the brunette made no indication he even heard. And when he left, he hardly even gave them a goodbye.
And Soran couldn't help but feel disheartened. He knew he too would feel so... out of sorts if Monk Kazu was ever so critical or cruel. And though he never had parents, he definitely did know the pain the other was feeling. A pain that asked only one question: Why wasn't I good enough?
And that night, as everyone slept soundly around him, Soran stayed awake for many hours that night, staring at the stars and thought thinks he had not wondered about for years. The one that circled the most was what if his parents are indeed alive and if they were, where were they? Were they having a good time, not even worrying about how he might be or what he was doing? Did they even care... what kind of person he was going to grow up to be?
The next morning, Soran awoke to the lumbering sounds of Terra and Braig leaving for their training session; though they weren't loud, the once brunette had slept restlessly and was easily roused. As the door closed, he turned on his side, intent on sleeping just a few more minutes - but when he heard his friend stirring as well, he decided to get up and greet him.
Left behind the night before to keep from needlessly stressing his hurt leg, Atteris was nestled contently against Ventus' legs. Last night he had done as he had always done since he was a pup - find the nearest available spot on a bed and sleep there. And since Ventus smelt like his master, having been carried by him, his choice was obvious. But as the human awoke, triangular ears twitched and golden eyes opened, silently watching the two boys as they shared a simple morning conversation.
Soran was just inspecting the poppy seeds, murmuring with amusement how thoughtful Terra was, when he heard the blonde in the other bed also awakening. Atteris too lifted his head, ears flipping back in an unfriendly way as he felt the airbender under him tensing.
"Mmmna..." Came the soft groan, sapphire eyes sliding open as Roxas awoke, the roof over him unfamiliar as it had been for eight moons now. His legs were tingling fiercely with the pins and needles effect and he felt drowsy and dazed, as if he had been drugged. Where... was he?
Mentally backtracking, he tried to remember and the memories came. He remembered pointing Oblivion at a young airbending master, forcing him into the challenge, remembered the battle of swords and wind, pushing his opponent back to the edge of the ring. Then... he remembered fire.
And that red-haired JACKASS.
The blonde sat up slowly, able to remember the rest. Striking his opponent with Oathkeeper and the returning hit that paralyzed him. Being dragged shamefully back to this earthbender's home to recover and being given tea that made him feel drowsy and sleepy. He fell asleep shortly after, unable to recall what the benders had been discussing as he drifted off.
"Um... good morning." Soran flinched as his call was met with a slow, loathsome glare from icy blue eyes but he tried again."Err... how did you sleep...?"
"What?" Came the grumpy response.
Ooookay... not a morning person. "I was just wondering..."
"How do you think I slept?" Came the aggravated reply, the blonde attempted to get up but was soon back on the bed, his legs still waking up. Definitely not a morning person.
Soran opened and closed his mouth, before glancing at the monk beside him nervously, not wishing to say anything that might make Roxas snap at him again.
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Post by Rikugurl on Jul 22, 2010 17:37:27 GMT -5
Ventus glanced back at Soran, frowning a bit at the hopeless look on his face. They had never seen this kind of hate before. Maybe they had been way too sheltered. Were many people like this? Why couldn't everyone get along in harmony like it once was in the past. Swirly blue eyes looked across the room, seeing the blonde blader try to get up again only to fail again. "You shouldn't strain yourself." He advised wisely but was told to... shut up? This made blonde brows pull inward, making his eyes dark as his lips pulled. This boy was worse than Axel and he didn't believe it could be possible.
"Why do you.... why do you hate us? Why do you hate all benders and why to you persist in defeating them in a match?" He asked, trying not to show so much anger that truly wished to be released.
Heavy feet came down on the ground as they came to their usual training spot. The sound of the birds filled the area and it felt so different from the day before. It felt right and calm and seeing some fox antelope gave some sign that it was safe. The long haired man stopped, looking back at the youth that was following him. "Terra... we're not going to train today." He put blatantly, making the boy look at him like a fox antelope in a lantern. "We have to talk." Terra knew it was about what had happened today, saying that it was near nothing but---
"You are a very skilled earthbender, Terra. Let no one else tell you anything but. I know... neither of your parents are thrilled about your ability but I believe in you. We have trained for many years and I think an opportunity has come to you. That boy, Soran... though not proven to be, I believe... I feel.... that he is the Avatar." He paused, letting Terra take in the information before continuing. "As an Avatar, you know they much master all the elements to do what needs to be done in their lifetime. They look for masters and scrolls to learn and I think... you would be perfect to teach the Avatar the art of earthbending. You are a kind boy, Terra. Already you show signs of great discipline and respect. This is the kind of tutor the Avatar should have."
Slowly, he walked over to his nephew and placed a hand on his shoulder. "As your master, I'm asking you to think about this."
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Post by Reno on Jul 22, 2010 18:50:29 GMT -5
Soran flinched again when instead the blonde's almost untamable wrath was pinned on Ventus this time. The negativity in the room was enough to even make Atteris growl some, though he quieted when he was pet.
And then finally, Ventus asked a very wise question - or maybe it was unwise because Roxas looked straight up at him, the look in his eyes anything but friendly. "Do you really want to know?" The Airbender hesitated for a moment, but didn't back down as he nodded. The blonde frowned more, before he looked away, staring off towards the wall contemplatively. And, since they had known him, the look on his face changed. It wasn't one of sheer confidence or brashness, or even of fury.
It was one of loss and pain; and even if Soran didn't like him, his heart hurt for the other.
"...I don't dislike all benders... I... just have a particular dislike for airbenders." The teenager said plainly. "I'm from... the Village by the Northern Air Temple. When I was young... the monks took my brother away from me. No, not just my brother. My twin. They took him away from me and mom and dad... just because he had this... this 'gift'." The way Roxas spoke the last word sounded like he didn't believe bending was truly such a thing.
He looked up at them though, seeming lost as he spoke, "And they wouldn't even let me go with him... just because I wasn't special like him! They gave my parents a week to get him ready for his departure. I tried... tried EVERYthing I could... to lock him away or... or fake being an airbender or... even just to sneak up there. But the monks would see through my lying... or mom would catch me trying to sneak out so I would camp up the trial and follow them up. I even had us wear the exact same clothing so that... that they couldn't tell us apart and would HAVE to take us both. But mom knew. She always knew."
His eyes fell, staring at the wooden floor and his lips trembled some as if he was feeling his defeat all over again. "So they took him. And the last thing he told me... before he left that day was he promised he'd come back to see me. But... year after year passed the season the airbenders take to come down came and went..." A bitter smile fell on the blonde's lips, "He never came back. It's been twelve years since he made that promise... he's proven he doesn't need me anymore."
Blue eyes fell shut, hiding unshed tears, before he burst out in anger, "SO if he doesn't need me, then I don't need him! That's why I do this. That's why I fight benders!"
"But..." Soran hesitated, unsure if he was overstepping his bounds. "But fighting every bender you see won't prove that you don't need him."
The blonde shook his head looking up at the Avatar. "You don't understand. He was my twin and now that he's gone it's like... I'm missing part of myself right here." He placed a hand over his heart. "And every time I fight a bender... that feeling goes away. And I am going to KEEP fighting them... until it goes away completely."
As they headed up the hill, Terra could hear the faint sounds of chirping Blue Raven Jays and knew even before he saw the fox antelope things were safe up ahead. He walked up beside his uncle as they stopped at the top, feeling more at ease knowing they wouldn't be attacked.
But his eyes widened when his master plainly told him... they weren't training?! Was it because of his dad?! What had he said?! "Ah, but... yesterday was nothing and-" he cut himself off as his uncle stepped in and frowned, realizing... this wasn't about his father at all. He tilted his head some as his uncle mentioned an opportunity. What did he mean...?
"That boy, Soran... though not proven to be, I believe... I feel.... that he is the Avatar."
Blue eyes blinked slowly, before they widened. The... the avatar?! That kid?
Huh... ironically that made him remember what his mother told him just a few days ago.
"Don't think that if you get yourself into the fire that the Avatar will pull you right out!"
Well... looks like he did after all.
He looked down towards the ground as his uncle praised him... and told him he should be the Avatar's master. Him? But... but he hadn't even mastered the element yet! How could he...?
"I will uncle..." He promised, his eyebrows drawn together. Was it his destiny... for his path to cross the Avatar's?
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Post by Rikugurl on Jul 22, 2010 19:27:33 GMT -5
The young master could only swallow when he heard that this fierce warrior only truly hated airbenders. It didn't make much sense at first but like all claims, there was always backing to it, whether it was just or not. And soon enough, Roxas poured out the story without it even having to be milked. It was shocking to both airbenders that this blonde was from the village by the Northern Air Temple, the same village they had just visited where they unfortunately enough, met Axel. Things were becoming so interesting so soon. Things were filling in place as if this journey was one large puzzle and the spirits were trying out their luck against each other to put it all together. If one ever doubted destiny and fate, they would feel pretty shameful if they heard their tale so far.
However, his train of thought slowed, nearly coming to a halt when he heard the sorrows of the blonde's life. The struggle him and his twin had to go through so that they wouldn't be separated. Though a good fight, it had been lost obviously. What sent a chill down the young airbender was the sound of familiarity. He too was from the village at the base of the trail to the Air Temple and he too was taken from his family at a young age. He... never returned throughout the years, always giving Soran company instead. Storm cast eyes slowly rolled, looking at the rugged floor below the cot. He... he couldn't remember anything though. He couldn't remember what his life was like before living in the Air Temple. If someone had told him he was born there, he would of believed it.
On the ground, there was a small piece of glass that must of been broken in the past for it was shoved under the cot without care. It still had a shine from the morning sun as it hit it perfectly and showed a reflection of the tattooed skull boy. He stared at his reflection for some time, the silence in the room not seeming to bother him the way it was bothering the Avatar by his side. Eyelids slowly closed, and his mind became calm. There was something, there had to be something...
"Come on, you gotta twy eet!"
"Dis is not gonna wowrk...ma wiw---"
"We gotta! At weast twy..."
A blurred figure pulled at some loose clothes, making it look nearly exactly like what he was wearing.
"Ventus! It's time!" A voice rang through his head and a small head turned, messy with blonde hair that he had to pull from his eyes to see a monk awaiting at their doorway.
Swirled eyes opened, looking at his reflection again before looking across the room at the warrior. "So then tell us... what would you do... if you found your twin?"
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Post by Reno on Jul 22, 2010 19:50:18 GMT -5
At the final question, the blue eyes opened, meeting the almost identical pair, and this time they were filled with hate. "Find him? That'll be the day that will never happen." He stood suddenly, having no trouble this time, grabbing his sword sheaths and strapping them around his waist. He slipped on his shoes and passed them going to the front door and opening it but pause, and looked back at them, "It's just as well. I never want to see him again!"
SLAM!
Soran flinched at the sound, seeing Roxas stomping off from the window. "Roxas!" He called as he stood, but knew there was no calling the blonde back. His eyes became sad and he looked at the ground. Was that really how he felt? Somehow, Soran didn't think so. He was angry of course; years and years of being apart creates a painful scar. But... but Roxas was only doing all this because of his twin. He was fighting because he couldn't forget him.
Somewhere in his heart... he still cared about him.
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Post by Rikugurl on Jul 22, 2010 20:09:11 GMT -5
Eyes widened when the door suddenly slammed, making some things from shelves around the small area fall onto the ground. Luckily, they were not fragile and those that seemed it didn't break. However, there was the sound of something shattering and only Ventus could hear it because it was from inside.
Without any control at all, his blonde eyelashes closed and warm tears started to darken them, falling through them easily to make a warm, wet line down his cheeks. He couldn't explain why he was crying, and when Soran's panic voice filled his head, he could only cry more. His shoulders shook and his face twisted in pain as more and more tears ran down his face, pulling to his chin before dropping down to the cot below.
Though he wanted to push his long time friend away when arms wrapped around him, he slowly leaned into the warmth. The pain of his cut didn't seem to hurt nearly as much as his heart. Why... why was his heart crying because of some... some selfish...
The sound of stomping could be heard, making a large head move and a low rumble come from the mighty dragon. Her eyes focused on a trail in the woods, easily seeing trouble coming. It was the warrior from yesterday that was fighting and giving off negative energy. She made another growl, though louder this time for the man leaning on her to hear.
"Hmmm?" Narrowed green emeralds looked up at her, seeing her head turned in a different direction. Slowly, he pushed off her body and walked around her, running his long fingers across her scales. When he could see, a grin pulled his lips back as a familiar blonde stormed into the small field that he and Shesha had camped in for the night.
"Well, well, well~ Look who it is. Fight, fight, fiiight~" He clapped sarcastically as his already narrow eyes narrowed more. "Too bad it was a draw~"
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Post by Reno on Jul 22, 2010 20:27:14 GMT -5
Outside, neither of the two airbenders knew Ventus wasn't the only one crying. Silent tears fell down pale cheeks, wiped away carefully as the were. He hesitated at the edge of the forest and took a breath before shaking the feeling of sorrow out of him. "Stop it... he doesn't deserve it..." He mumbled to himself. "He left us... he left us and never came back... he never came back..." He continued to chant until his anger rose again and he started into the forest again.
He was so clouded by his emotions, he was surprised when he heard a growl - and then a voice. His teeth grit and he turned his head and looked up, meeting eyes with the red-head. He scoffed, placing either hand on his swords and glared. "Well if you have so much to say, you wanna go a round firebender?"
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Post by Rikugurl on Jul 22, 2010 20:41:44 GMT -5
A red eyebrow corked up at the threat, glancing at the hands that were on ready for battle. He wasn't sure if the small beads of sweat that was slowly forming under Roxas's brow were from fear or just because Axel was naturally warmer than most people. It was said that the Sun Warriors had true flames in their body, making them a few degrees warmer than the normal person. Most firebenders had warm skin no matter but one would never have a cold night when Sun Warriors were around. Even Shesha kept close to Axel on bitter evenings to keep warm.
"Wouldn't you like that? Too bad I'm not in the business of making people happy." He could see the blonde show his teeth, making him roll his eyes. "Come on, kid... what's the point in all this? You're obviously only trying to achieve something that can't be done. Stop fooling yourself and grow up." His hand rose and the dragon lowered her head to nuzzle it. "Besides... you really think you can win with a dragon so close by? Hehehe~"
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Post by Reno on Jul 22, 2010 20:50:34 GMT -5
Blue eyes narrowed angrily, hearing the other's sharp, sarcastic tone. Man and people though he was annoying? How could those two Airbenders be FRIENDS with this guy? "Can't be done? What do you know of what I'm doing? You know nothing about me, all you've heard is rumors."
He straightened up some then, and suddenly smirked, taunting the other now. "And I'm not challenging the dragon. I'm challenging you. What's wrong? Can't make enough fire on your own that you need her help?" He paused before turning continued on his way. "Ahhh that IS it. That's why you travel with her; can't even burn tinders on your own huh? Must be so pathetic to be you! Hahaha!"
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Post by Rikugurl on Jul 22, 2010 21:12:47 GMT -5
The narrow eyes a fraction for a second before turning into such sharp slits that if they weren't on his face, they could truly cut a gash into the blonde like his swords had done the airbender. He knew this trick, his brother doing it before. The refusal to waste time was taunted and either way, the battle had to be done. As a firebender, he could not easily control his anger and passion and so, with Roxas walking away, he inhaled and sprinted after him. His feet were light and to the untrained ear, the move would of been undetected. His upper body pulled down to the ground. His back foot suddenly came up, a sudden arch of fire coming from his leg and he pushed himself nearly 10 of more feet into the air before extending his leg out. It slammed hard into the ground when he landed, making the fire shoot out towards Roxas at an incredible speed.
Of course, Roxas was able to dodge it... but the forest wasn't. The fire shot through it, igniting every tree it touched. Dead leaves burned instantly and the fauna that were able to get away did.
Shesha growled, slowly standing and backing away as the blonde turned to them, hearing the cracking of the forest in distress.
"What was that!?" Braig cried, looking behind after hearing a ginormous roar. To his horror, his eye widened and his mouth gaped, seeing the forest about a half mile away suddenly go up in flames.
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Post by Reno on Jul 22, 2010 21:49:36 GMT -5
Luckily for Roxas he had a VERY trained ear or he would have gotten burned. Instead, just like he had with that airbender, he went spinning on his heels out of the way of the attack, able to feel the heat of the flames making his skin hot. He glanced back, seeing the forest burning then looked at Axel. "You have absolutely no sense of self-control, do you?!"
Terra looked up as well and his eyes widened as well, seeing the forest burning. "Shit!" Who in the hell did that?!
........... Well who else? They DID have a firebender living in the forest. Terra ground his teeth before scoffing. "That stupid idiot!" He burst out before running for the forest. They had to calm the flames before it spread!
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Post by Rikugurl on Jul 22, 2010 22:01:12 GMT -5
The redhead's wicked smile grew even more as he heard the blonde cry over the sounds of the crackling forest. "Didn't your mommy ever tell you not to play with fire? Someone always gets burned..." He scoffed, turning away from the destruction he had started to tend back to his food. Even the dragon became uneasy though as she saw the fire spreading, not too thrilled that she had chosen such a reckless firebender. He did not have this much hate when she had chosen him. What had happened...?
She wasn't going to lay around while the forest and its dwellers lost their home though. Her tail pulled and hit Axel, making him stumble. "What!? What can I do about it?" He growled at her, obviously not even trying to think of a way to fix it. He was a fire bender. He put something on fire. End of story. He couldn't add more fire to extinguish it...
"TERRA!" The man called, seeing his nephew rush off through the forest to the flames. "Dammit!" His teeth grit before he quickly followed after, knowing that Terra would need some help. They needed to get that fire under control before it started a wild fire!
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Post by Reno on Jul 22, 2010 23:28:27 GMT -5
Blue eyes narrowed in fury. Now Roxas didn't like people; no not at all really. But he had a real fond spot in his heart for animals. .... Especially the felines. And he knew in these forests some Armadillo Tigers roamed as well as bipedel Lion-Raptors and cat owls.
But Axel didn't care about any of them. "Idiot! Don't you learn anything from your dragon?!" He snapped, before rushing over and picking up the pale sitting over the dying campfire and dragged it over to the fire and threw it. It was food of some sort, but watery and harmless. It wasn't enough to quell the flames but as Axel yelled at him for taking his breakfast he hurried off, knowing the stream wasn't far.
He found it just down a hill and dumped it into the river, filled it quickly and lugging it back up towards the burning forest. But he was just one guy; he wouldn't be able to stop the flames this way...
As he came back with his third pail, he heard a yell and looked up, seeing the two Earthbenders who had housed him come running down the slope. "What happened?!" The younger called in horror, seeing the flames.
"Does it matter right now?!" Roxas snapped, throwing the water on the flames.
"No... I guess not." Terra said but sent a glare over his shoulder at Axel, but as he saw Roxas running off he caleld, "Where are you going?!"
"TO GET WATER YOU IDIOT!"
"Water...." Terra's eyes widened. "The river!" He looked to his uncle, "Uncle, we need to create a trench so the water flows here and puts out the flames!"
Blue eyes sighed, lifting his chin from his friend's bald head. His cries had stopped, but he still seemed sad and Soran wasn't sure why either. What was it that Roxas had said that had made the other so upset? Was it simply because his anger was so misled... or because his pain was so real? "You okay Ventus?" He mumbled softly, and the once-blonde nodded slowly before looking up at him. Then his eyes widened and he gave a shout scaring Soran out of his wits as he turned around.
And out the window he could see black smoke was beginning to cover the sky. "There's a fire out there!" Soran called.
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Post by Rikugurl on Jul 23, 2010 21:09:25 GMT -5
There was a quick nod, the man knowing that it would be the best way to put out the fire. The two of them headed to the river, watching the strong water flow by them. He watched the river bed, trying to find a way that they could make this quick and easy. "Follow me!" He called, suddenly jumping into the water and heading over to a rock that has sticking out of the water. He climbed onto it, helping his nephew up. It was a flaw the master earth bender had. Since he had lost an eye, he usually had to see things from a specific point to bend it. His awareness was mastered but his effects weren't. He wished that he could of been as skilled as a past earthbender who was just a young blind girl.
He saw the land that needed to be cleared. "Let's do this together, Terra. You maintain the course and wrap it around. I'll do the rest." He encouraged before getting into a familiar stance. The two did simple movements with their arms, raising them over their head before pulling them down and outward. Suddenly the earth in front of them pushed out, turning into a small trench. It pushed through the woods as the earthbenders kept their stance, their eyes closing to visualize the course. They could feel the water pounding onto the earth that was moving out of the way and instantly their hands started to move, making a squeezing motion before his fingers seemed to cripple in action. This rose rock barriers as the trench curved back when it started to reach the flaming trees. It made some water slosh around, putting out some ground flames.
As Terra was doing this, Braig moved his hands back and forth, his fingers in the same sort of crippled look. Earth over the trench started to fold out like a bridge, allowing trapped fauna to escape through the flames and into the field.
At the bend, the trench became larger before it pulled back towards the river. The elder earthbender pulled back on the rock, his foot sliding behind him before he pushed up, a hand going into the air before another one punched out. This made a large piece of land in the deeper area spring up and become hollow. With the force of the water, it quickly filled the hollow inside and burst through the top, making like a miniature water volcano. Water shot all over, putting out a lot of flames.
This would of still been easier with a water bender around...
However, another set of elements was rushing to aid. Though the two were airbenders and sometimes it could make fire spreading worse, they weren't going to sit around and watch without at least trying to help.
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Post by Reno on Jul 23, 2010 21:44:19 GMT -5
Terra kept his breathing steady, knowing he had to stay calm and not panic as he worked, his body flowing and muscles flexing as he forced the earth to bend to his motion and flow the water into the bends. Even still his mind was realizing a problem. even if they could get the water there... the trees were tall here. They would need the water to flow upwards to drain the branches.
The solution to his problem, however, was already running towards the flames. Soran and Ventus burst into the small field, the once-blonde much slower than the other since he was still wounded. The Avatar looked around, his eyes wide, seeing Axel and Shesha standing by - and to his surprise he saw Roxas of all people dousing some of the flames with a bucket of water.
"Ah,.... what happened?!" Soran cried.
"WHY DOES EVERYONE ASK THAT?!" Roxas snapped, before he looked at the two airbenders. "Does it matter?! We need to stop the fire!" As he called the earth underneath them trembled.
"W-Whoa!" Soran called, struggling to keep his balance. "What was that?"
"Those two Earthbender friends of yours are making the fire come here!" Roxas called, before he turned and hurried off. "Make yourselves useful and help!"
Soran frowned as the blonde left but looked up at the flames, wondering how air would help. Wind only made flames stronger... Then he realized something. Terra and Braig were bringing water here!
"Ah! Ventus." He looked back at his friend, seeming hesitant but knowing even if the other was injured they had to help. "Do you think we can whirlwind the water up onto the treetops?" The blonde seemed to hesitate, before he nodded and the two were quick to hurry into the inferno. It was simple to bend air around them so they could breath, clearing a scorched path to where the river was being created and water was flowing quickly and freely.
Sora spun his staff on his hands and a pool of water started to swirl like a riptide. "Ha!" He threw his arm up and the water followed the air current like a tornado had sucked it up and flew upwards, before crashing down on the branches of a couple trees, putting out the flames.
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