1Chapter 1: The Prophecy
"Long ago, there was a prophecy made. A single individual would bring unity to the four great kingdoms that have taken pride in their freedom as separate states. This individual was said to be a wise and powerful master that would have control over each element of water, earth, wind and fire. This Master is said to have been chosen by Kami who gifted each founding Emperor their exceptional mastery over an element. Lord Sebastian was given the power over earthly substance, and so he was the master of the rocks and mountains. Master Joonho was given the power over water, and so he controlled the Rivers and Seas. Emperor Flanigan was gifted with the power to control the air, and he mastered the control over the Four Winds. Neil the Great had a mastery over fire and flame. These Emperors, or Kages, were once great rulers and teachers of their time in a united kingdom. However, pride and anger broke between them as they left the Great Kingdom and built their own empires far across the land. Yet strife existed between them as their power increased and their borders became disputed. It is foretold that a Great War will change the fates of Elves and Men, yet one individual will rise to unite them all under a single banner. The great Shang Warrior..."
A teenage boy looked disgustedly at the piles of scrolls set out in front of him. This is so boring he thought as he stretched his arms and yawned widely. The boy's name was Kenny Karim, a young boy of sixteen years of age. He had light brown hair with bright hazel eyes that stood out against his pale skin. He wore a brown tunic that matched his hard leather shoes.
Kenny absentmindedly flipped through his history scrolls. He groaned as he saw he had another scroll to translate. The scrolls were copies of ancient manuscripts that were written in the old language of the Fire Nation. Kenny read the top of the scroll slowly, "Kage: The divine ruler".
As he dipped his quill to write, his grandmother knocked on his door. "Kenny! You're going to be late for your Fire Bending class!"
Kenny lived alone with his Grandmother because his mother had died long ago and his father was extremely busy. His father, Martel, was an infamous Fire Master who stayed as captain of Neil-Kage's royal guard for many generations.
Kenny leapt up crying, "Ahh crap, I totally forgot!"
He quickly rolled up his scrolls, and then dashed out the door, quickly hugging his grandmother goodbye.
Kenny and his grandmother lived in the capital city of the Fire Nation. The city was immense, yet it did not span upward toward the sky, but spread outward across the land. This merited its name, Nomda, which meant 'Flat City' in the old language. The buildings were all a dark red, made of brick and red mortar. Yellow and red sand stretched for miles and miles around the city and the only signs of mountains were the lone, ancient volcano that was in the exact center of the city.
Kenny hurried down the streets, dodging people in the busy street markets. The roads were narrow and there were many carts going each way down the road. The city was an oasis in a barren desert, for there was once a fiery volcano where the base of the city now lies. It was said in tales, that Neil-Kage tamed the powerful dragon that lived in the volcano known as the Mountain of Fire. It was said that he harnessed the dragon's power to build his city. It is no surprise that the crest of the Fire Nation was a large black dragon, embedded in a red flame.
Fire Benders were a proud race and were some of the most skilled craftsmen in the world. They forged armor and weaponry like none other in the world. They had fiery tempers to match their flame wielding abilities and were a dangerous people when angered. Their people had thick brown hair and were shorter then most people of the world. Their empire expanded from across the desert, towards the coast, and then outward towards the mountains. They were rulers of a vast plain with several large cities spread within. Yet most of their nation was made up of smaller villages that centered around the major cities. Their people dearly loved the plains and were horse-masters, preferring to ride than march.
Kenny ran swiftly from the well paved street to the main gate that lead out into the desert. He quickly made his way to a lone stone building where many other students were already gathered. It was a simple and modest temple, comprised of eight large pillars that held up a high roof. There was a large gap in the ceiling, allowing sunlight to shine in. The temple was open aired and so a warm breeze blew through the temple. As he entered the temple, he saw his father sitting in a chair on a raised platform, observing Kenny in disgust. Kenny and his father had never gotten along since Kenny's mother died during an Earth-Fire battle. Martel believed his son disgraced his family because he could not save his own mother, despite the fact that Kenny was only a child. Kenny hated his father and his arrogance and made every attempt to avoid him. His father's voice barked harshly, "So you're late again?"
The courtyard became dead silent, and only the breeze could be heard, whistling over the dune seas. Kenny's face reddened and he said, "The sun hasn't reached the middle of the sky...I am not late."
Martel sneered and got up from his chair. He jumped from the platform to stand in front of his son, staring at him coldly in the eyes. "What did you say to me...whelp?"
Kenny flushed with anger and replied, "You should get the sand out of your ears old man, I yelled fairly well."
A gasp arose from the silent crowd, as Martel turned dark red, livid with anger. "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO A MASTER IN SUCH A TONE!"
Kenny leapt back, fire bursting from his hands. "Master? I don't think so. Let's see who is the master now!"
Martel laughed harshly and suddenly engulfed his entire body in flames, looking much like a human torch, "Let us see what you can do, little master."
The onlookers gasped as they recognized the stance Martel had taken. It was the legendary Dancing Sun stance that only a handful could use, and of those few, only some could perfect. It was a dangerous technique that required and incredible amount of energy from the user. Normally, during a duel, simple stances are taken, which involved igniting fire around your feet or hands.
Without making any motion, a large blast of fire blazed towards the teenage Fire Bender in an awesome display of power. Kenny spread his legs apart, braced himself and caught the flames in his hands. He focused his power and then flung them back towards his father with even more power. Martel laughed, but as he reached out to catch the flames, they disappeared. Everyone turned and saw that Neil-Kage stood at the entrance of the courtyard.
