Chapter 2: The Beginning of the Start

As the sun rose above the horizon, Ryūhi was busy doing his midweek morning rounds. Balanced on top an electric pole, performing push ups with a single finger, legs in the air and his strong left arm behind his back. As usual, shirtless with only the pants of his gi on. Because of ocean currents, cold water and air tended to get blown up north into republic city while warm currents circled into the Fire Nation, meaning that while for now it was fairly nice weather, come winter it would be especially chilly, even if snow wasn't much an issue.

Which made his bare chest workouts a lot more impressive.

A few days had passed since his little encounter with that water tribe girl, and the incident at the factory. Unfortunately for him… well, while Mr. Sato himself was a nice enough man, the foreman saw all the dented steel and equipment broken by Ryūhi's kicking away of rubble as lost yuans and man hours. So the young Murim-in now had free afternoons until a new job opportunity presented itself.

He pushed himself into the air with a flick against the pole, landing on all five of his fingers, still holding himself up in the air before using all the digits to propel himself onto the rooftop of his apartment, rolling through the air and landing on his feet. Nearby he picked up the top to his black gi, letting it hang open for a moment before properly covering himself. His gaze fell onto the downtown of Republic City, the part everyone cared about but he never cared for. The teen blew air from his lips, pocketing his hands before his legs started carrying him forward on the rooftops.

"Welp, most the people here are either working, sick, or out in schools so… might as well take a gander."

Once he reached the edge of the rooftop, a step technique propelled him forward at speeds exceeding those of the Satomobiles. In a blur of black he bolted across the city skyline, cheap apartments and small shops quickly being replaced by office buildings, stores and expensive restaurants. Ryūhi landed in an alley next to Narook's Seaweed Noodlery, fixing his clothes before popping out into the sidewalk. A few glances were sent his way, more than usual which actually got the young man a bit more… sheepish than usual. A paperboy calling out with a stack of newspapers got his attention, and after handing a few yuans over he learned where all the attention was coming from.

A picture of him after fighting the three Triad Gang members and talking to that water tribe girl, reading in bold, "MYSTERIOUS MAN MAKES TRIPLE THREAT TRIAD LOOK LIKE CHUMPS!"

Ryūhi's eyes scrolled over the paper, a few mutters escaping his lips before the word Avatar shows up, something about an press conference. Those eyes very slowly drift back and forth from the word Avatar, the girl, and then the name Korra, a light bulb slowly flickering on and off above his head before lighting in full. By the time this realization hit him, he was surrounded by reporters. The city was silent, save the howling of winds.

"... Clever journalist." left Ryūhi's lips, followed by what sounded like ten questions a second coming from every angle.

Korra on the other hand was having her own troubles. Mostly revolving around her not being able to even make a breeze.

Even after learning how to "be the leaf", she couldn't airbend anymore than she could before. She could get through the spinning gates without too much trouble now, although her movements weren't perfect. And since on top of airbending training she had her pro bending stuff… well, her days were starting to look rather full.

Because the Fire Ferrets work out so early, Korra was only now making it out. A bit too tired to just swim from shore to shore, she stepped out of the probending arena, popping her back with a grunt before continuing on her way.

"Damn," Korra sighs. "Korra you are not a morning person."

She saw one of the newspapers from a distance, frowning slightly on remembering her encounter and interview. Some guy shows up and downs three thugs then runs, ending up on front page while she gets arrested. Least he could've done was warn her about the cops or given more than a name. Now he was off somewhere in town doing spirits know what. Part of her wanted to spend time trying to track down the boy… and that part of her won, so she kept her eye out more while heading back to the Air Temple Island Ferry. For the most part there was nothing. Empty alleys, streets full of people but none like him, and the occasional calling out of a reporter or paparazzi trying to get a scoop about the Avatar while she was still hot news. Eventually this went to the point where Korra's anger got the better of her, an earth pillar rising under her feet and propelling the Avatar into the air… where she collided with Ryūhi and sent him tumbling to the rooftops, rolling against the pebbly surface before ultimately stopping with his feet against the edge, waving his arms in circles to fix himself. Korra nearly tumbled off the roof, using a quick puff of flame to push herself back forward.

Once both were standing stable, Korra takes no time to recognize Ryūhi, shouting out. "You're the guy from earlier, Ryūji!"

He chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Hehehe… it's actually Ryūhi, Avatar Korra. So… lovely weather on the rooftops of Republic City, isn't it?"

Korra crossed her arms and glared at him, Ryūhi's chuckle slowly petering out. A sigh left once it ended, eyes shutting for a moment before locking onto Korra. "Alright, I'm sorry for leaving you to deal with the metalbending police, but to be frank, I'm too poor for bail and guys like me don't do to well in jail."

Korra seemed confused by that last remark, but was just frustrated enough not to openly show it. "Why not? Seem strong enough to deal with a few thugs in a cell."

"Yeah, but I'm not supposed to tell anybody about what I can do."

At that, Korra became even more confused. She approached him directly, uncrossing her arms and looking straight at Ryūhi, who stood roughly half a head taller than her. "Why the big secret?"

Ryūhi nodded slowly, weighing his options. He stuck out his arm and pinkie finger, his golden eyes hardening their gaze as they met Korra's own look. "Swear on all your past lives to keep this secret Korra. This can't leave this rooftop."

Korra leaned back and her eyes widened slightly at his forwardness, but her own arm shoots forward and her pinkie wraps around his own. "Uh… ok?"

Ryūhi stepped back, inhaling deeply, allowing his chest to puff out slightly, before exhaling. Korra could see a faint white aura form around his body, ribbons of smoke rising up into the air from his body in the process.

"My teacher… my father Un-Wol taught me and my sister how to utilize our Ki. Benders do this to manipulate the elements, my father does this to perform feats of martial arts deemed impossible by normal humans. His techniques were originally used by Sages, Guru's, and holymen to become one with nature and the universe and doctors to create medicine. But it evolved into a means of protecting people from wild animals, then a tool of war. Un-Wol told me that he is what remains of his school, that the other members are scattered and hidden. Him, my sister, and I are what remains of the Black Heaven and Earth School. None can know we exist, because the knowledge of our Martial Arts would drive the world into chaos."

Korra took a moment to take what he said in. Un-Wol was a name she never heard of, and the martial arts he described seemed unreal. Bending was something you were born with or no, but this? Anybody could in theory learn it. It was heavy stuff, but she was The Avatar. If what she said was as big a deal as Ryūhi was making it out to be, than it was her job to get involved somehow.

Ryūhi started walking away, stretching out his arms and putting his hands behind his head with a groan. "Welp, fun chat Avatar but I gotta go find a hiding place from the press."

"You can come to Air Temple Island!" She blurted out without thinking.

Ryūhi bent back a full 90 degrees mid stride, one leg sticking up into the air while he stared Korra in the eye, just as surprised as she was by her words. A silence brewed between them, each waiting for the other to shatter it, and both of them breaking it with a simple "Huh?"

The Murim-in spun his body around to face Korra in full, a very sly smile spreading across his lips. His eyes narrowed in a teasing fashion, both of his hands slipping down into his pockets. A falsely dramatic sigh parts his lips as he spoke with an fittingly soap opera style tone.

"I guess it can't be helped."

Korra stared at him confused, no eyebrow raised but instead a blank stare. "What?"

Ryūhi turned away, letting a gentle breeze ruffle his hair and make his clothes flutter. "Only known me for a few precious moments and already you've become enamoured I see. However, Korra my sweet, I cannot in good conscious return your affections. I am just a lowly street rat who couldn't even hold a menial factory job, while you are the Avatar and daughter to the Southern Chieftain. The two of us are just… from two different worlds. Star Crossed Lovers never meant to meet except by the cruel whims of fate which knows when people meant for each other can never touch."

Korra's face grew Fire Nation Royal Red at what Ryūhi insinuated, briefly struggling to get out an answer. "I-I ca… Y-you… W-where the hell would you get an idea like that?!"

And with that, Ryūhi couldn't help but burst out into laughter, collapsing onto the rooftop and rolling about, only furthering Korra's frustration. He picked himself up soon enough dusting off his clothes.

"Relax Avatar, I'm just messin around. I'll stop by, so long as you don't mind my folks coming over later."

Korra scoffed, turning around and starting to walk off. "Fine, whatever. Just come on."

As Korra went from rooftops with the assistance of earth and fire, Ryūhi simply leaped from roof to roof with inhuman strength and speed, the two of them making their way to the Air Temple Island Ferry by the docks, the two of them passing by Un-Wol in the process. It was brief, but the look Un-Wol gave his adoptive son told him all he needed to know. Un-Wol felt the agitated Ki of Ryūhi, and could tell by Korra's silence and posture that his boy had been… himselfing. Which could really only mean one thing for each of them. One thing which made Ryūhi sweat intensely.

The two loaded onto the ferry, letting the acolyte in charge start guiding them down to the island. Near the back was where the two sat, Ryūhi staring up at the clouds and Korra staring at him. She broke the silence first.

"How were you able to keep up with me on foot?"

Ryūhi shrugged. "Can't tell you. School secret."

Korra continued to pry on the subject, pulling a card she thought might work. "Already spilled one of those. Besides, I'm the Avatar."

Ryūhi sighed, throwing his head forward to look at Korra directly. "Look, only my old man has the authority to teach you anything, as he is the Munju of the school. Even if I wanted to show you the Original Walking Technique, which I don't, I'm bound by the school's rules to not show…"

Korra leaned in a little closer, a wide gap still between the two on the boat. "And those rules are…?"

"The bond between master and student must be closer than that between a Father and a Son is the first one. Jaya and I… Un-Wol saved us. He… look, Avatar or not, I'm not gonna betray my teacher like that. As somebody who's got living parents, I assume you can understand not wanting to break the trust."

That got Korra to remain quiet to some degree, Air Temple Island seeming to grow ever more distant as the silence remained. Korra started bending the wake of the boat, Ryūhi tapping his foot, all the tension reaching a boiling point before the two finally arrived at the Island, both breathing a sigh of relief. Korra steps off first and starts up the stairs with Ryūhi following close behind. Once they climb up the flights, the two reach the plaza where Tenzin was conversing with another of the Acolytes.

The acolyte pointed out the Avatar's return, getting Tenzin to turn and face Korra and her guest. "Welcome back Korra, you came home later than I expected… who's this?"

Before Korra could introduce him, Ryūhi bowed. "My name is Ryūhi, Councilman Tenzin, and because of certain… circumstances, Korra here invited me to stay for a while. I promise I won't be here too long, once my father arrives I'll be on my way."

Of course, Tenzin quickly recognized his face from the papers and the name on the radio, being the boy who effortlessly downed three triad thugs without bending, something most would consider to be near impossible without Chi Blocking, and even then, not so brutally. While Tenzin obviously had a distaste for criminals and the triad gangs, he wouldn't support vigilante justice… but the kid was also technically defending himself. Besides, he seemed like a nice enough person.

"Yes… I think Meelo mentioned hearing you on the radio. Apparently you flew away from all the reporters."

Ryūhi laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Eeehhh… I can't really fly. I'm just really good at jumping."

Hours came to pass, the sun starts to set and the skies go from blue to orange. Supper would begin any time within the temple, and outside Korra was working on her airbending training. The gates were getting easier and easier, but still not so much as a breeze from her hands. As she left the spinning gates, she took a few moments to breathe, chest rising and falling while Ryūhi watched on, sitting on the short stairs around the training area. Having finally gotten two of the three airbending children to leave him be, while Jinora watched on from a distance, curious about the teenage stranger.

"You're resisting."

Ryūhi's sudden speech after minutes of silence caught her off guard. "What're you talking about?"

The Murim-in stood himself up, discarding the top of his Gi and leaving his toned upper body completely exposed as he approached the gates and started stretching. "You're resisting. Yeah, your body is moving like a leaf in the wind, but your mind? Nah. So burdened, so stressed and closed off… gotta let all of that stuff go ya know? Connect with something beyond the self, live all free. It'll take a while but… yeah, that's basically a big step. Uhh… Jinora was it, you mind getting them all spinning?"

Jinora was a bit surprised to have her named called out by the older male, but she as he asked with a quick gust. Tenzin had left his study to go check up on Korra's training, only to find her on the other side with the gates blowing strong while the boy entered.

Ryūhi moved through the gates effortlessly, letting the rotation of the gates guide him like currents, never once making contact as he spun through them all with grace expected from an adept airbender. His pattern guided him down a winding path through the gates, but always lead forward from where he started. Soon enough he stepped out the end, ending with a straight punch which sent a drop of sweat off his knuckle. Korra was… understandably surprised and jealous, while Jinora looked on with a sense of awe, same as Tenzin.

Tenzin spoke up quickly, although the words which left his lips came slow. "Young ma-Ryūhi… where did you learn to do that?"

Ryūhi shrugged, walking around the gates and towards his Gi top. "My father, Un-Wol taught me, first rate martial arts guy…" From there, he struggled to come up with an excuse for his movements. "When he was younger uh, he wandered around the world studying bending arts, visited a few Air Temples. Guess he incorporated teachings into his own style."

Tenzin nodded slowly, surprised that anybody would dedicate themselves so thoroughly to understanding an element they couldn't bend. Although, Iroh's study of the elements did result in the lightning redirection technique, so it wasn't impossible. But to master it so thoroughly at such a young age without even the potential for airbending… no. Tenzin was perfectly capable of training Korra on his own, but maybe some… assistance from somebody her own age would be acceptable. And if this Un-Wol character knew as much as he seemed, that could provide some interesting insight.

"Well… Ryūhi, considering your knowledge on the subject, would you mind aiding Korra in her airbending training? And I'd certainly like to meet your father if he did journey to the Air Temples."

Ryūhi sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look, I told Korra, so I'll tell you. My old man is-"

"Isn't that old."

Ryūhi froze as he felt Un-Wol's ki behind him, very slowly turning to face his adoptive father. The man was still dressed in his work clothes, arms crossed and standing easily a head over his son. Ryūhi's eyes drifted slowly left as he scooted away, Un-Wol raising an eyebrow that got Ryūhi to completely halt.

Un-Wol answered an unasked question. "I got an invitation. So… how many people have you told Ryūhi?"

The boy pointed a single finger over to Korra, who Un-Wol stared rather intensely at. All the benders could feel a strange aura radiating off the male, a pressure or wind permeating normal air and threatening to blow them all away. He inhaled deeply through his nostrils, muttering that the girl would spill the secret sooner or later.

"Ryūhi… the cat's out of the bag. Just spill the secret."

Ryūhi himself finally relaxed, sighing in relief. "Uh… I think you can say it better than me."

Un-Wol grunted, but didn't disagree. "Ryūhi, Jaya, and myself are individuals who utilize Ki in a way different to benders. Where those who manipulate the elements use their internal energy to influence the external world, we three use this power to affect the internal, allowing us to perform superhuman feats of martial arts. Our school is likely the only one which exist in the world, the Black Heaven and Earth School. From what I can so far tell, it is impossible for a bender to truly learn our arts, as the pathways of Chi required for Martial Arts as we know it are different from the ones benders possess, and bending forces those pathways to remain as they are, where Non benders are more flexible. Likewise, it's impossible for one of our school to learn Bending Arts even though they utilize Ki. Any questions?"

As Korra got the talk before, she wasn't as surprised. But the idea of benders being physically incapable of learning these techniques was… she shook her head. Tenzin murmurs for a moment, but quickly spoke up.

"That's… incredible. I've never heard of anything like this. You tell me that only three of you exist with knowledge of such an art?" The idea of there only being three left… sounded a bit too similar to what happened to the southern water benders and the airbenders for his taste. "If it can be taught, I might be able to find suitibl-"

"Thank you for your offer Councilman Tenzin, but no."

His response caught Tenzin off guard. "Pardon?"

Un-Wol began to further explain. "The teachings of the Black Heaven and Earth School must remain largely a secret. There can only be a handful of successors, and the bond between master and student is something so sacred that diluting it with more diciples can lead to disaster… most importantly, there can only be one full successor to the school. That being Ryūhi, whom I taught the school's namesake to. For the safety of the world, our school and teachings must remain in the hands of only a few. We must always be at the brink of extinction."

Un-Wol gave the two a bow, turning away. "Come on Ryūhi." Without a word or argument, Ryūhi followed close behind his adoptive father. Just as they left, Mako made land and passed the two, none exchanging words while Ryūhi's interest was caught. So he listened in just to sate it."

All he heard was Bolin and Missing before he sprinted back to the two, looming over them despite not being that much taller. "Bolin is missing?! Where'd he go?!"

Mako and Korra were completely caught off guard, the two leaning back and next to each other shoulder to shoulder. Mako, utterly confused, looked over at Korra. "Uhhh… you know him? More importantly, you know Bolin?"

Ryūhi rapidly nodded. "Know him? KNOW HIM!? Actually no, not personally. BUT, I am a big fan of his. As the #1 Fan of the Boulder Shoulder Bolin, It is my duty to aid you in tracking him down!"

Hello my wonderful readers, this is the Tuxedogreymon, the only Dinosaur Digimon who'll dress to impress. Some of you may wonder where I got such an Idea as this? Well... it was originally gonna be a Fullmetal Alchemist x Breaker Fanfic where Shi-Woon got transported some time before Scar's attack... then I thought that was stupid and I can't write him that well, SO I DID THIS! Anyways, I don't think I did a great job with Korra or Tenzin (Mostly because it's been a loooooooong time since I last wrote them) And I'll be very on and off because I'm working on an actual book. RN, this is more a hobby than anything else. If you like this story, leave a comment. Think I'm a shit writer? Leave a comment. Want a incestuous relationship between Jaya and Ryūhi? Leave a comment. Want Pabu to learn the Black Origin Threshold? ... that implies he doesn't already.

Goodbye, be back when I get back!