A few notes about this particular story; one, this is a collaborative story. As in, three of my friends and I are all going to be writing a different chapter. I'll give them due credit when a particular chapter is not written by me. Two, this is a big WIP, and we're still not quite sure where this story will be heading. Bear with us, if you please?
Enjoy!
Prologue
Long ago the four nations lived together in harmony. Then everything changed when the Fire Nation…wait…that's not right. Okay, seriously, the story is going to start now.
It had been a time of joy and tranquility. As the factions of old nations fell, new ones arose. Water and Earth bonded in the palpability of their elements, respecting the push and pull of nature and held a deep reverence for it. The strong Fire nurtured the broken Air and they bonded over the emotional ties to their elements and the mastery in bending what you cannot touch. The once united nations fell victim to sectionalism that eventually would result in a civil war. Once again the world would need its savior, the avatar.
It was on this day of mourning and memorandum that the two met to say their final farewells. The members of the Northern water tribes wept for not only the loss of their own but the losses of those in their southern sister tribe. Not a storefront was lit and nothing but smoke could be seen leaving the cold buildings of ice and stone. The now torn couple stood in utter silence and complete isolation. Once the love of his life, his everything, she had become his rival. Her long black hair waved in the wind wrapping its delicate tendrils around her shoulders and the bundle she clutched so lovingly against her bosom. Her tan skin was flushed with anger and as he looked into her glistening hazel eyes he noticed she was fighting back tears. She in turn looked at her husband for the last time through tears and snowfall. His bright green eyes burned with anger and frustration. This is how she would remember him. Flakes of snow caught in his chestnut brown hair standing strong and unwavering.
"It doesn't have to be like this," he said suddenly. "Just remain neutral. If you don't pick a side you can have no enemies."
"And sit by as those rebel traitors destroy my lively hood?"
"Is that what you think of me now? I'm nothing more than a rebel traitor? What about us?"
"We were over the moment you joined them! This can only end in war and you'll be on the side that history will remember as senseless murderers. They raided and burned villages blowing away the ashes with no remorse. Progress they've called it, destroying nature with their…machines, polluting our precious water. "
"You can't judge an entire movement by a few radicals."
"Why can't I?"
"Because you know me. I would never betray you. But this is something I have to do."
"Just go," she whispered turning over the sleeping babe to her father trying to block the harsh tundra air.
"Has it ever occurred to you that maybe for once, you don't have all the answers? That this time you're wrong? Of course it hasn't. Goodbye Jazmin. Maybe when this is all over you'll see."
"Just promise me you'll take care of her," she said stroking the little one's cheek one last time and he nodded unable to hide the hurt on his face. "Goodbye Phoenix. Goodbye Juro."
"We'll see each other again."
"No, I don't think we will."