A Recognition of Shadows

[Rikugurl]

Ventus chuckled, patting the bull-wolf on the head. With how friendly he seemed to be, it was hard to imagine that they were normally hostile creatures. It was as laughable as if someone where to see a sky bison and think it was dangerous. They were such gentle creatures. The thought of it made him sigh, wishing he and Soran could of had one of their own. He looked back at Terra smiling some. "We read a lot too... but just because of studies. The monks wanted us to read stories from the world to culture ourselves and teach us lessons that have been told from all over. We learned and studied how the Flying Bison taught the Air nomads how to airbend, the Dragons taught the sun warriors how to fire bend and the Badgermole taught Oma and Shu to come together with earthbending. The monks taught us a lot but they said that learning never stops."

He smiled more at Terra's comment, saying that it was a good lesson. "I overheard your master speak to Soran. I know I shouldn't listen to conversations not intended for my ears but you see, without hair, my ears stick out!" The air master giggled, making the bull-wolf shift against him. "Your master wants you to come with us to teach Soran the art of earthbending, right? I think that's a great idea. You're very smart and helpful... it would be really beneficial for all of us if you come. We can all learn together."


In the early morning, when the sun slowly started to creep across the land and the trees cast shadows over the field....

A tall redhead tucked himself away under a blanket and fixed himself in a little space between Shesha's thigh and body. Though sleek and pompous, he still snored loudly. There was a sudden moan that interrupted is snores as a chill ran over his chest. Subconsciously, he knew his blanket was pulled off him. He grabbed his blanket back, pulling it up over his shoulder again. A few moments later, the chill ran over his torso again. "Nnnnnngh...." He growled in annoyance, pulling it back up again. Suddenly, it was ripped off and green eyes snapped open, his teeth clenching and glaring at the potential bandit when all he saw... was glowing yellow eyes looking up at him.

"TCH!" He jumped, trying to get some room to bend but luckily a small fireball smashed into the black creature, dispelling him.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARR!"
A call came into the air and Axel jumped up, his eyes wide to see the whole field edge covered with the small dark creatures with soul shattering yellow eyes. Shesha was up on her feet, making the blonde who rested on her as well wake up. Axel was quick to get to his side to push him awake. "Wake up! We're being attacked!"

[Reno]

For some, the night dragged on and on in silence. For others, they shared stories and thoughts, even possible ideas of the future. For a small duo, they spent the night training before coming home to nice, steady conversation and a dinner that filled their bellies and a bed just too tempting to ignore.

And whether it was slow or fast or in-between, it went and soon dawn approached, the sun peaking over the horizon in a multitude of hues - red being the most prominent and striking, much like the hair of an exotic Firebender. Most, even those sleeping outside and right in the sun's path, missing the sunrise.

But Roxas' didn't miss the hard nudge that sent a jolt up his spine and suddenly he was wide awake, the work 'attacked' ringing in his ears. Blue eyes blinked hard in the glaring sun but he was soon on his feet, ignoring the ache of his muscles telling him he had slept incorrectly, and glanced about. "W-What the...?"

He wasn't sure what they were; he'd never seen animals quite like them. Faces black and eyes glowing moonshine yellow. Behind him, he heard the dragon making a racket, stirred into nervousness by the strange beasts. And then Axel bended, fire racing across the floor and hit some of the creatures.

Roxas expected them to burn; to smell the rancid scent of burning flesh, but their was nothing. They just seemed to... disappear? What in the-?
The firebender snapped at him suddenly, breaking him from his daze. It had the taste of an insult to it, making Roxas send the other a glare before he drew his dual swords and with an uncertain flick of his wrist, sliced through one of the smaller ones.

It was easy as swinging it through air - as if the thing didn't even exist. But it burst into nothingness all the same, like a balloon popping. Roxas would have wondered about that too but he didn't have time before a sword came swinging down for him. Oathkeeper parried the blow quickly, and he caught sight of his 'opponent'. An armored... man? No, inside the helmet, there was nothing but blackness and those disturbing eyes.

His blood rushed as the battle got heated, kicking away the knight and slicing through it, before he jumped into a small fray of the dark, sword-swinging creatures. They wanted a sword fight - then that's what they would get!

[Rikugurl]

"Well let's go mighty warrior! You want me to do all the work!? I didn't think you liked benders showing you up!" He glared right back at the blonde until their connection broke, a large fiend slashing towards the blonde. Luckily, it got Axel back on track, seeing another large creature coming from the shadows. It was in the shape of a dragon without any arms but strong legs. "Tch!" He watched as it took flight and quickly jumped into the air, his body twisting as his leg came up and shot down, sending a strong slice of fire at the flying creature. It split it right into two, turning it into nothing.

When Axel landed, his hands came together and another wave of hot flames shot out towards the small army of shadows, making them quickly disappear. Larger creatures were forming around the back of Shesha, obviously knowing she was a stronger creature. "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" Fireballs shot down towards them, turning them into nothing as her tail whipped the smaller ones that were coming closer. Green eyes searched the friend, seeing more glowing eyes come from the shadows of the forest. These things... what were they?
"The spirits are angered..." He whispered to himself, his eyes narrowing as more and more dark creatures started to form.

He only knew one thing. These things were easy to get rid of and they were as black as shadows. They didn't like light.
He suddenly broke out into a dash and fire pushed from his the bottom of his feet. This chard the grass instantly but it pushed him to the edge of the field and he quickly straightened himself, gliding on fire all around the edges. The flames licked the trees once again and it wasn't long for them to catch on fire again. He ignored the calls of the blonde as he continued to circle around the field, his hands moving to shoot out more fire at those creatures who made it through. He jumped when he came to his starting line and while in the air, he made a circular motion with his hands, the fire quickly leaning in towards the camp.

Flat hands pressed against the ground as he landed, making the fire push against the ground. The soil and dead earth put out the flames. The fire bender's body twisted up, locking his arms in a tight hold and the flames on the trees died away. Only a few dark creatures were left which he knew Shesha and Roxas could handle. He panted hard but quickly raced pass Roxas and down the trail towards the village.


"Hahaha, yea. I'm feeling a lot better. Thank you." A smiling air bender looked up at the brunette happily as he was handed some tea but his eyes went wide when the front door suddenly flung open, hitting the wall and making some things fall from their shelves. Everyone inside the small house pause, looking at the panting and sweating fire bender. Dark green eyes looked around the small living area before stopping on Soran. "We have to leave. Now!"

[Reno]

That stupid...
Slash!
Egotiscal...
Slash!
SON OF A BITCH!
SLASH, SLASH!

Roxas huffed like a raging bull, his heart pounding in his ears as he struck again and again, able to easily dodge the slices of his enemies swords, feeling the wind stir as the metal glanced past him. There were a lot of them, but they weren't very skilled fighters. But he didn't really think about that, his mind too busy fuming over Axel. Just when he was thinking the guy wasn't as much of a JACKASS as he was he has to make comments like that.

UGH!

He pierced his sword through a creature's chest. And just as he does he felt the heat of fire. He quickly jumped out of the way as flames flew across the grass, scorching it. "AXEL! WATCH IT!" He yelled but the red-head either didn't hear him or didn't care. And then the flames - and he - were gone leaving him and Shesha to clean up the mess.


Terra smiled as the other spoke, trying not to notice how their fingers brushed as the other took the cup of tea from him. It sent a jolt through him and made his skin tingle. What was wrong with him? Maybe he wasn't feeling very go-
SLAM!
The brunette jumped as he looked towards the door, "S-Shit!"

Soran blinked as the red-head looked at him, looking like he had... just come back from the fight. He stood, a mask of concern on his face. "Why Axel? What's wrong?"

He didn't haver to ask though... for a scream became his answer. Blue eyes went wide and he, along with the two earthbenders, were quick to look out the window. The town... it look like it had ant-beetles. ...Many large ant-beetles.

Terra recognized them immediately. "It's those shadows!"

[Rikugurl]

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" Another roar filled the sky from the furious dragon as she whipped her tail at the foes again but as the sun continue to rise over the land, the shadows started to recede, going deeper into the woods and over the town. They were finally rid of the strange creatures and the dragon huffed, her strong legs shifting her weight back and forth. She was uneasy as she looked around, making sure they were all gone before looking down at the blonde who was doing the same.


Axel continued to pant, happy that at least the brunette seemed to know what they were so he didn't have to explain. Of course, he had too a moment later but not before catching his breath some. "We were attacked at the field too. There were hundreds of them!" This got Ventus up on his feet, just wincing some but he brushed it off. "We can't leave these people! We need to---"
"No, we don't! They can fend for themselves. They have skilled benders that can help them." He offered Terra and his uncle before looking back at Soran. "This is the work of the spirits. These things aren't normal, Avatar. The last time I checked, you were the only person who can talk to them you need to stop wasting time and get back to the Fire Nation to calm them down!"

"Don't speak to him like that!" Ventus suddenly spoke up, glaring at the redhead. "We need to help this village before we do anything else! I excuse myself for saying this but... I don't think the earthbenders can defeat these creatures."
All eyes were suddenly on Ventus, especially the earthbenders for an explanation.
Ventus closed his eyes and shook his head, frowning some. "It's not that you're weak or anything but think about it... if these things are truly shadows, they can't be affected by the earth. And if you try and attack them with levitating attacks... you're only casting more shadows on the land."

[Reno]

"But I..." Soran stuttered, his face becoming one of guilt as he glanced outside, seeing the villagers running about. Was this... somehow his fault? Around him, an argument and a discussion stirred, and as Ven pointed out that the earthbenders were going to have trouble Axel was quick to snap back at him.

But none of this was helping.

"Enough fighting! Words won't solve problems, action will!" Blue eyes shut tightly before he turned and snatched his staff up. He gave Axel a silent look that told him he was staying, before he went rushing out of the house. He was going to save this town!

The silence in the house was thick, as they watched the Avatar swinging his staff, torrents of wind thrusting the shadows into the sky where they burned up under the light of the sun, but Terra was the next to hurry out. Whether he could fight or not, he had to make sure his parents were alright! As he heard the claws starting across the floor of his large beast, he called back, "Atteris, protect Ventus!" There was a whimper, but the bull-wolf paused, doing as he was told. He hurried down the path that would lead him home and as he got half-way there, several of the shadows seeming to thrust themselves out of the ground in front of him. He stumbled back some before glaring and slid his foot back, his hand clenching into a fist. The earth stirred under them, and the creatures squirmed as the twisted in quicksand and became half-stuck in the hard earth.

The brunette smirked before leaping over the shadows and continuing on his way, seeing his home in the distance. "MOM!" He called.


Up on the hill, Roxas relaxed a little, noticing that all the creatures that had been threatening them in the field were gone. However, piercing screams from the town below made him turn his head. He looked back at Shesha. "Will you be alright?!" He wasn't sure if he offended her or it was just her way, but she gave him a good smack with her tail, making him stumble forward and he took off at a run. "I'll take that as a yes!!!" He called behind him, and was gone.

[Rikugurl]

Ventus paused, hearing his best friend suddenly call and glanced at him. Guilt ran over his face, knowing Soran was right but he couldn't help but blink in shock as Soran was the first out the door... and then Terra. He watched Atteris jump off the bed and rush to the door but stopped in the frame, hearing his master's call. It was rather touching but... he was Soran's guardian! He had to---
"You sit down and rest." Braig ordered, looking down at the youth who seemed torn.
"But---"
"The firebender is right. You can't stay here. You need to heal up and continue on your journey. You'll be aiding the Avatar when you stop and take care of yourself first. We can't have you ripping your side open again." And with that, the man was through the door, helping with the fight.

Blue eyes looked down at the bull-wolf came close, running his hand over the cold nose and head. He had no fear petting the beast, knowing that it was harmless to him. "It'll be alright... Terra's strong..." His eyes moved from the wolf's to Axel, seeing him look down at him with the wicked narrow eyes. It didn't take long for him to storm out of the house to aid in the battle.


"AAAH!!!" The voice of a woman screaming was easily heard near a larger house. The woman as pressed up against the cliffs by her house, her back pressing hard against the wall as her fearful eyes looked around her at the shadowy creatures coming closer. "G-get away!" He called, swatting a broom at them but it was simply grabbed and pulled away by powerful claws.

"MOM!"

Her blue eyes widened when she heard her son's voice and looked around in panic. "TERRA!?"


Fire blazed around in a large area of the town. It swarmed around a well, hitting a large group of the shadow creatures. It was hard bending with wooden and stone houses all around. Everything was pretty flammable. Green eyes rolled, catching some shadows in the corner of his eye. They were springing towards the air bender. "Watch out!" He called, his arm circling around and he pointed to the group, shooting fire at them. Before the fire could hit them, they fell into quicksand. "Wha---"
"Need some help?"
The two young benders looked back, a smile slowly running on their faces when they saw a familiar one. It was Aeleus. He rose his ax and shot it down into the ground, making spikes of earth shoot towards another group and pierce through them, making them disappear.

[Reno]

Atteris whimpered again, but his ears flipped back, ready to take on anything that dare come near his master's friend. He would just have to trust his master would not do anything foolish. Yet these creatures, even for he, were hard to detect. Few had any scent and their steps so light his excellent hearing could hardly catch it. He stood and paced around Ventus, growling.


Terra, meanwhile, was finding himself very glad he had returned home - had he been any later, things could have turned for the worst. "STAND STILL MOM!" He called, before he slid to a halt and slammed his foot into the ground. The ground shook some as sharp spikes thrust up at the shadows in front of his mother, throwing them up into the sky where they turned into nothing. He hurried forward reaching out his hand and helping her squeeze out from between the rocks. "Are you alright? Where's dad?!"


"Thanks!" Soran called cheerfully at the unexpected assistance, smiling before he looked about. The shadows were starting to crawl onto rooftops and pounce down from them onto people. He waved his staff and tried to blow them off, but they dug in their claws, holding on.

Blue eyes narrowed before he spun his staff and twisted around, slicing again and a harder bust of air flew right over the shadows and cut right through the trees behind them. Sunlight poured in as the trees tops fell into the forest below and they withered as they disappeared.


"Rah! Come on already!" Roxas called, trying to rush down the trail into the forest below, his swords striking through creature upon creature but it was slow going work as more and more popped up on the dark, tree-surrounded road. Even though he seemed to slice through nothing, their were so many his arms still ached from swinging his swords and parrying their blows. He sliced through another creature that had small, robot arms and a little top of a head and floated on a swirling Chakram when the whir of mechanics though drew his attention. That was when he saw a large, green spiked ball rolling right towards him.

He grit his teeth, able to actually feel the earth tremble as the monster came for him; the ground around it breaking up. He grit his teeth, his muscles tensing as he got ready to stop the spinning top - when he heard a cry.

"YIIIIIP!"

Blue eyes went wide, seeing a large orange and red ball jumping from the trees, before it lengthened out revealing a large raptor lion. It's large paws smacking into the ball, kicking hard and sending it off course, before there was a screech of claws going down it's metal sides. The lion landed and smacked out it's back claws again, kicking with as much ferocity as a hyena-horse. The ball spun and smacked into some of the trees on the trial, it's weight actually knocking them over... and the sun came down. The creatures in the light suddenly disappeared and the rest rushed for the trees.

Roxas straightened and his eyes widened some. "Wow..." He flinched some as the large creature turned to him and started to approach him. To his shock however... rather than an attack, the lion rubbed up against him, purring as large paws wrapped around him in a hug. "Ah..." That was when he recognized it. Her, actually.

She was the lion-raptor he saved during the fire.

"...Thank you." He said with a smile, running his fingers through the course mane of hair. It was kind of like... Axel's hair...

Blue eyes widened in remembrance.

Axel!


No matter how many benders there were however, they couldn't keep each other together. Soon enough, Soran found himself alone, protecting the west side of town unable to hear Axel, Braig or Aeleus at all. His eyes darted about nervously, then he heard a loud cry of a mother and turned around - his eyes widening in horror when he saw a great green beast that had features of a dragon to it and a huge, stegosaurus tail lifting up a child up in it's massive claws. The child, barely five, was screaming.
"MAMAAAA!!"
"NO! Haku!!!"
There was a whoosh as the staff he held opened, the orange of the kite-like glider appearing. He gripped onto the edge and suddenly ran forward, riding the wind as he flew through the air.

"Hey, let him go!" He called but as he got near the creature's head he had to veer away as large teeth snapped at him. He twisted around the creature's body and swooped down, fearlessly closing the glider and smacking it into the creature's foot. It gave a call and it's grip loosened but Soran gripped the child's shirt and held him close, opening his glider again as they fell for the earth. Just as he was leveling out and getting ready to land though, a powerful claw gripped onto the back of his staff but the momentum had him still sailing forward.

"WAAAAAH!" He called, flying forward. He twisted his body so he landed on his back, wincing as the earth tore into his skin but managed to keep the poor, screaming boy safe. For a moment at least.
"SCRAAAAA!" Came a screech, the large dragon head swooping down for him, jaws right open as he swooped down...

"Raaah!!!" And then with a battle cry, he heard the fast footsteps of another rushing across the rooftops, before he jumped through the air, a gleaming white blade catching his eye. It sliced right through the wing of the creature and the two-legged dragon gave a cry, spinning over Soran's head and crashing into the ground with a mighty shake, before it and the shadows it crashed into burst into nothingness.

The Avatar blinked in shock seeing the blonde who had come to his rescue kicking back another creature, this one with a metal helmet and long, red claws. He sat up slowly, surprised to see him yet again. "Roxas!"
The blonde didn't respond, too busy slicing through the shadows around them but the sobbing mother of Haku came to his side taking her child and holding onto him. "Oh thank you!"
"Ah... hurry and get somewhere safe alright? We'll take care of this!" He told her. The other nodded, quick to get to her feet and hurry off. Soran stood and walked over to the fallen dragon, grabbing his staff out of it's claws. He turned and looked around, seeing people fleeing and fighting, saw Roxas panting his hair damp from sweat as he struck through his foes, could hear in the distance the roar of fire and the yells of earthbenders. And then he saw, in the air, low enough to be covered by the long dawn shadows of the trees, a massive force of dragon creatures - smaller thank the green one but many of them.

His heart beat loudly in his ears, fury pooling in his gut.

And then he knew nothing at all.


Roxas whipped his head as some of his sweat darkened bangs got into his eyes, falling back as twin broadswords came slashing from him from some blue creature in a turban. His eyes became furious as he struck back, but he almost stumbled forward when a heavy wind whipping at his back and blew the creatures around him away. "Hey, Sora-" He started to yell, turning to look behind him, but trailed off in shock as blue glowing eyes stared back at him.

And then the bald boy took off high into the air and the most amazing thing happened.

He firebended.

There was no other explanation for it as the whirlwind of fire surrounded him so suddenly, and the other spun around, the flames bursting outwards in the sky like an exploding nova star. Light was everywhere and screeches echoed from all over as the flying creatures were swallowed by the flames and the shadows disappeared under the fierce, bright light. It was a light towns could see for miles.

"...Whoa..." Roxas whispered, as in one attack... all of the creatures were gone. He looked up, seeing Soran floating down and landing on a roof, before collapsing in exhaustion.

[Rikugurl]

"Terra!" The woman shook as her son helped her out, holding onto him tightly. "He... he was going to the river to get water. Oh... I...I hope he's alright!"


Thin, bony fingers pressed on the ground and a lean body pressed against the earth. His legs swung and kicked around in the air over him as he body twisted, throwing out powerful bursts of fire from his feet. The fire twirled around the area, swooping around the large creatures and destroying them. The redhead pushed his weight up and arms threw out, more fire bursting from them. Sweat was the only liquid that could stand the intense heat and it flew off the firebender like he had just taken a dip in the river. His usual unruly hair was damp and wet from sweat, dripping from the ends as he backed away. His balance was off from exhaustion and he grabbed his black chest armor, his heart nearly pounding from it as he gasped for air.

His eyes widened though as the sky above him suddenly burst into light. It was so bright that he had to hide his eyes from them. He was use to living in a dark area, the sky usually being clouded by heavy smoke and ash. When the light faded, he slowly looked out, realizing that all the creatures were gone. "Soran!" He gasped, figuring no one would have that kind of power except him. Though his body screamed at him, he rushed to where the power had exploded from, feeling a sudden heat of fire. When he came to another common in the village, he saw Soran collapsed on the ground.

He quickly rushed over and skid down onto his knees to grab the boy. "Soran!" He called but Soran was out. "Haaa....hha.. come on." He grunted, wrapping his arms around the boy and pulled him up. Unlike Axel, Soran and most normal people weren't as light and skinny as him. It took some effort to pull the boy up due to his exhaustion but exotic eyes opened wider when he felt another heat, looking down into Roxas's eyes as he took his arms and helped him pull the Avatar off the ground to carry him. Their gaze lasted for a few moments before they quickly shuffled their feet back to the earthbender's house.


In the forest, a man was stepping away from the river as a large dog-like creature with swirling glowing eyes glared down at him. It's mouth was sharp with black dripping teeth and it's growl fearsome. It was about to attack but was suddenly hit in the face with a large piece of land, pushing it back into the river.
"Brother!" A man called, his ponytail flying behind him as he rushed over to the other. "Are you alright?"

Before he could get an answer, there was a sudden burst of light from the town, making the two look away. As it cleared, the two looked around, realizing the shadows had returned back to the way they were meant to be. Slowly, the sound of birds could be heard and a calm spread over the forest.

[Reno]

"He'll be okay." Terra said confidently, taking his mother's arm. "Come on - let's get into the sunlight." He was worried about his dad, but he knew, even if he wanted to go and look for him, that his father would never, ever forgive him if he left his mother alone and unprotected.

Sometimes... Terra was certain that WAS the only reason Hatori was okay with him learning Earthbending.

Luckily, the brunette didn't need to worry long, before flames burned the sky.


There was a sigh as a pail was dropped into the water and filled before being tied to a long, wooden pole and then another pail was filled and tied to the other end. The middle-aged man got to his feet, carefully hefting the pole onto his back where it rested on his shoulders, his strong arms able to handle the weight easily. He looked up however when he heard the rustling of leaves, thinking it might be a fox-antelope looking for water.

His eyes went wide however when he stared up... and up at some sort of.... large, disgusting dog-creature. There was a splash and a clatter as the pails hit the ground behind him but he didn't notice that, just backing up as the creature stared him down. It was a pretty bulky thing... if he got into the trees he might be safe...

Hatori didn't have time to think of anything though before a rock came sailing past and for once he was relieved for his brother's presence. He blinked slowly, glancing at his brother, but never got a chance to say a word before fire was roaring above them.


Wordlessly, two swords were placed in their seathes with a soft sssshthack and the blonde trekked over to where the bald teen lay, leaning over to help the red-head lift him and take him somewhere to rest. Neither said a word to one another as they did so...

But somehow, both of them were glad the other was there to help.


"So," Roxas finally said, the world outside bright now as the afternoon sun gleamed down on the town. Braig was still absent from the house, fixing up the damage their bending and the creatures had caused; but they were were not alone as Ida had come over - feeling a bit safer while her husband and brother-in-law were in town, to stay with the crowd of foreigners. He took an offered cup of tea, smiling kindly to the old woman, before his attention stole back to Soran who was sitting up in bed, a little pale but otherwise fine. "You're the Avatar."

"...Yeah." The boy mumbled, nodding his gratitude when he was given his own tea. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised Roxas figured it out; after all being able to bend air and fire can only mean one thing. Not to mention his little 'trip' into the Avatar State. Terra, strangely, seemed to know more about what happened then he himself did! All he could say was he just felt this wave of... desperation come over him - the need to help and the angry of his powerlessness. And then he was gone. He had no idea what he had done. It was the brunette who said that it was probably his 'Avatar State' - the combination of all his past lives strengthened into one moment, giving him great, unmatchable power.

A soft breath blew away wisps of steam, the blonde shaking his head. "You know the Fire Nation has been looking for you everywhere. All the Firebenders I've fought in this region told me they were on the look-out for you."

"I got the feeling." Sora chuckled bitterly, casting a sideways glance to Axel. But he blinked and looked a little farther than the red-head, chuckling softly as he saw Terra attempting to give his bull-wolf - and an extra 'friend' something to eat.
There was a soft growl from both the male canine and the female feline as their bowls were set down, both of them nudging them away so that the other couldn't get to it. Honestly, it was a real surprise waking up to see the large lion half across Roxas lap and purring so loudly the neighbors could hear! Apparently that is what Roxas had done the day before during the fire - saved this lion, which also made Soran's head reel as he realized Roxas had a fond spot... for animals.

And if that wasn't a surprise enough...
"Hmph, well I don't see whats so great about her. She's pretty fat if you ask me." Axel mumbled in an unfriendly tone, trying to ignore the left side of the room completely.
Blue eyes spared a curious glance to the lion now lying on her back, allowing Roxas to pet her stomach. "She's not fat." Terra spoke plainly. "She's pregnant."

What a day it already had been. And it wasn't even nearly over.

"I guess either way... it doesn't matter." The Avatar sighed looking down at his reflection in the green-colored tea. Staring back at him was not a man of wisdom, or a man of great power, but just a boy, ignorant and afraid. "At this rate we'll never get to the Fire Nation."

"Get to the Fire Nation? Pff, fuuuu----uh forget that!" Terra said as he sat down on Ventus' bed beside the airbender, having to correct himself mid-sentence as his mother sent him a glare. "Soran, you're the Avatar. You're the bridge between our world and the spirit world. And if these shadow creatures are really due to an angry spirit... you're the only one who can do anything about it."

[Rikugurl]

"Where else would creatures like that come from?" Axel questioned as he looked at the brunette who seemed comfortable sitting next to the air master. "There is no other explanations for these abominations to be roaming the ground and attacking innocent people."
"You're one to talk, Firebender!"
Everything suddenly went silent as deadly blue eyes looked at the redhead. Her face was twisted, scared from the past and a bitter hate that had lasted for centuries. It would be wise to assume that she was a descendant of the people who were killed by the Fire Nation's raid to find Avatar Aang.

Green eyes narrowed, turning into something deathly evil but the woman did not break her strong gaze.
Ventus's mouth opened for a moment, about to tell the earthbender's mother, known as Ida, that Axel wasn't like that... but he could not even forget the day he had threatened the man in the Air village...
"Please... fighting cannot fix anything. You must forgive and mend to find common ground and you will surely find peace. There is too much hate." He warned, looking back and forth from the woman to the man but their stance did not falter.

"Whatever." Axel finally spit before turning around, placing the tea he was offered on a counter before storming out of the house. When Soran called to see where he was headed, all they could hear was "Shesha."
At least he had heart for something. He cared about the red lizard a lot.
The tattooed bender shook his head, sighing in defeat before glancing at his weary friend. "So, it's true. You really firebended, Soran?"

[Reno]

"Mother..." Terra said, a tad nervously as he noticed the stare down; he'd never seen his mother quite so... vicious. He knew she never liked the Fire Nation but he didn't like her trying to pick fights with firebenders!

Luckily, Axel was soon out the door before things could escalate and the topic of conversation changed. The brunette sighed but nodded to his friend. "I... I guess so. I don't remember doing it but I must have if everyone says I did."

"That's not really surprising. When you're in that state I'm sure you can probably bend anything whether you learned it or not because your past lives learned it." Terra said.

Soran sighed but nodded understandingly. He still wasn't sure if he... liked what happened though. He was glad he could save the town but... he was so out of control... "That's not going to happen in every fight though... will it?"

[Rikugurl]

"I don't think so..." Ventus answered, thinking on the matter. "I think it just happened because you felt so overwhelmed. Your past lives just wanted to help you. I'm sure though... that they will let you pick your own fights. You cannot be strong unless you complete things on your own. Help is a guidance." There was some silence as Soran thought it through but it was soon interrupted by a sudden burst of laughter. Everyone glance up as they saw the bull-wolf licking the air master's hands, making him laugh happily before he started to lick his face. "Whaa!! HAAHA!!"


The day continued, mostly of stories about where the boys came from. The tales of battles and the tales of meditation and training. Everyone seemed to learn some lessons and some laughter was even shared every once and awhile. The large wolf found himself laying across the lap of the earth and air bender and the raptor lion found herself by the warrior. It seemed like he was starting to get use to the bender's company. Either that or he didn't show much hate towards them because of the woman who made herself at home.

The time had gone by so fast that it they didn't realize the sun had gone down, the shadows had taken over the land and brought darkness to the world. However, they quickly snapped out of it when the door opened and two very sweaty and overheated men walked through the front door.
"Ah... good evening, Ida." One greeted, heading over to a wooden crate and quickly splashed himself with water as the other man came into the small area.
Blue eyes looked up at the red eyed man, swallowing some as he met his gaze. Hopefully he would keep his manners with his wife here...

[Reno]

Ah yes, stories. This was what Soran loved about meeting people; they always had some sort of story to tell.
Roxas certainly had plenty; telling them all about his many conquering of benders and about his travels. He didn't go any further back in his life than that, leaving most of his past, except for what the two airbenders knew about his twin, a mystery.

Terra too had a tale or two. The most interesting one was about how he met Atteris.
"I was just fetching water one evening about... seven months ago. I got down to the river and started to fill the pails with water when I heard this little noise. Kind of a high pitched yelp. When I went to investigate, there was this wet, pathetic ball of fluff clinging onto a root on the riverside." Terra laughed as he got nudged by the annoyed wolf. "The river isn't very deep there, but he was so tiny he couldn't touch the bottom and he weighed hardly anything so he was about to be swept away. Well, I went and fetched him out of the river and carried him home in my jacket. It wasn't until I got him all dried up that I noticed the little bumps on his forehead where his horns were starting to grow that I figured out I just saved a baby bull-wolf. I'm not sure where his mother was or how he got in the river, but he got a little cough though from his dip so I let him sleep up with me to keep him warm and well... it's been like that ever since."

It seemed the little wolf got himself into loads of trouble too when he was a pup and Ida just had to add in it was lucky she even let him keep the mongrel!

But the day grew late and finally the men of the family returned, both of them weary from work. As Hatori stepped over, the two airbenders became a bit nerve-wracked as the other's unnatural red eyes swept over them. Before he could say anything to them though Ida was quick to ask how things went.
"Hmph, the little cretins smashed up the well so now the water supply is ruined." Hatori said sourly. "Everyone's going to be coming to our river now until we can fix it."

[Rikugurl]

The blue eye woman frowned, crossing her arms as she stood. "Hatori. It's not our river. We share it with other villages too, you know." The man just grunted, snapping back that this village took good care of it while the others just used it. Ida opened her mouth, about to argue but her eyes strayed to see Braig who looked physically and mentally exhausted. She knew he didn't like it when people fought, especially not his family.
"Well... thank you, Braig for helping the village..." She thanked softly, slowly glancing back at her son with a small smile. "Come on Terra. We should be getting home."

The brunette sat there for a few minutes, his face deep in thought. Atteris quickly jumped down from the benders laps and headed to the door, glancing back at his master who slowly stood. Blue, spiraled eyes looked up at the brunette, biting his lip some. He could strangely feel his heart tug as the brunette walked away. It reminded him of those days when Soran and him would meditate together all day and when night fell, the monks told them to go to their own quarters to sleep.
"Terra..." He called softly, not realizing that he had done so.