He was riding a dragon. They were soaring above the world and he looked at the nations below him. He blinked and he was riding a flying bison. The beast hummed under him and he laughed and told it to go higher. When the clouds enveloped him the bison was replaced by a huge polar bear dog that was carrying him across a frozen tundra. The snow blinded him. He was riding on a saber tooth moose lion across the forest. The wind was whipping around him.
"Kurt…"
He looked in a mirror. A woman looked back at him. Her face was painted white but her lips were a dark red. Her eyes were painted in red and black.
"Kurt!"
Snorting Kurt fell off his bed with a thump.
"….ow."
"Sorry kid," Burt grunted, "but it's time for dinner."
Kurt sat and felt his back cracking. Nodding he stood up and stretched.
"Thanks Dad," he heard a moaning sound and looked down. Finn was picking himself up from the floor.
"My body hurts," he swiped a hand across his mouth, "why am I sleeping on your floor?"
"Because you didn't listen to me," Kurt said, "dinner time I'm guessing?"
"You got it," his dad started climbing up the stairs, "Carole made chicken with roasted potatoes."
"We'll be right up there."
"Dude," Finn winced as he rubbed his neck, "how long have I been out? Did your teacher already come?"
"Yea," Kurt said, "came and went," he pulled Finn's hand, "come on. Dinner time."
()()()()
Dinner was nice. The food was delicious and his dad and Carole talked about random things. Neither of them brought up his lessons. After dinner Kurt stayed behind to help clean up. Finn tagged along.
"So…" the taller boy tapped his finger against the table, "are you going to keep going to that tournament? It looked pretty brutal."
Kurt's foot was still sore but it wasn't hurting too badly. There were some small bruises around his stomach and shoulders but nothing alarming.
"It was…fun," Kurt said, a grin on his lips, "terrifying but really fun. I liked it," he leaned against the sink, "I liked being able to go against other benders. It was…" he breathed out a little flame, "exhilarating," he turned to look at Finn, "that and I'm pretty sure that Santana would kill me if I dropped out anyways."
Finn nodded, "She would…" he looked behind him, "but Kurt…those guys were like…they were brutal, man" he shuddered, "especially the Warblers. I thought they were going to like, slaughter the competition," Finn glared, "and that earthbender guy kept staring at you."
Kurt rubbed his arms. Puck said that the earthbender had checked him out but Kurt wasn't so sure. Maybe the earthbender had viewed the Dragons as a threat and was trying to psych them out. Kurt didn't know. All he knew is that they needed to practice a lot more. Just in case they did make it against the Warblers.
"So are we still gonna this Saturday?"
"Yea," Kurt said, "do you still want to come?"
"Sure," Finn yawned, "I'll just like, take a lot of energy drinks so I don't pass out after we get home."
Kurt laughed, "Sounds like a plan."
()()()()
Hours later, when Kurt was getting ready for bed his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Boy was this I heard about you being in some kind of bending tournament?"
Kurt groaned, "Hi Mercedes. How are you this evening?"
"Oh no Kurt Hummel…you answer my question and you answer it now!"
He cleared his throat, "Ok but first you have to tell me who told you."
"Brittany."
"Of course," Kurt sighed, "so…I joined Puck and Santana's team and we're competing in an illegal pro bending tournament and I'd really appreciate if you didn't tell anybody ok bye-"
"Don't you dare hang up!" Mercedes screeched, "are you crazy? Do you know what those things are like? Do you know what kind of people compete in it?"
"Actually," Kurt said, "I've already fought in it-"his friend gasped, "and we totally kicked the other team's ass."
"You are insane!" Mercedes said, "Going off and bending with Santana and Puck?"
"Mercedes it was so much FUN!" Kurt stood up and started pacing, "I mean yea, I was kind of scared at first but it passed."
"Mhmm," Mercedes hummed, "you better pray your daddy doesn't find out. He'd ground you till your thirty."
"I know," Kurt smiled, "who else did Brittany tell?"
"Tina and Quinn I think. I'm not entirely sure. I wouldn't be surprised if the whole Glee club know about it tomorrow."
Kurt lowered his head, "Of course. Thanks for the warning."
"We're not done yet," Mercedes said, "Monday before school Your locker-be there. Maybe I can knock some sense into you."
"Alright. Night Mercedes."
"Good night Kurt."
Hanging up Kurt rubbed a hand over his hair, "Monday is going to be fun."
()()()()
Mercedes wasn't the only one waiting by his locker. Tina was also there with Mike. Brittany and Santana were there too.
"Mike," Kurt greeted, "ladies."
"You're not bailing on us on you?" Santana jabbed her finger in his chest. Kurt took a step back.
"Of course not."
"Kurt!" Mercedes grabbed his arms, " you're going to get hurt! Remember that one time Puckerman came all bruised and loopy? You want that happening to you?"
"Please," Santana said, "Puck got hurt because our old firebender was shit," she hooked an arm over Kurt's shoulder, "Kurt here is the real deal. You ever see him bend?" Mercedes shook her head, "well you can if you want," Santana grinned, "after school, Hummel, Puck and I are going to go practice."
Mercedes, Tina and Mike stared at him.
"Alright," Mercedes said, "we'll go."
"Great," Santana pushed Kurt towards his friends, "meet us outside his car then!" she left. Brittany followed her.
"Wow," Mike laughed, "I can't believe you joined Puck's team. I didn't know you were a firebender."
Kurt shrugged, "Not a lot of people know really."
"Cool! It's alright if we come see you, right?"
"Yea," Kurt said, "the more the merrier."
Tina laughed, "Alright. See you in History."
Mercedes shook her head, "I still say you're crazy," she rolled his eyes, "but whatever makes you happy. I'll see you at lunch."
Kurt watched his friends go. He opened his locker to fix his hair and grab the books he needed. He had a feeling that today was going to be an interesting day.
()()()()
At Glee club, Rachel practically assaulted him.
"Why didn't you tell us you were a firebender?" she demanded "are you ashamed? You shouldn't be. Benders are a proud and noble people. One of my dad's is a firebender, actually. He's really good. Maybe you should meet him sometimes. I'm sure he could teach you-"
"Rachel," Kurt said, "I'm not ashamed to be a firebender. I just didn't see the point in telling everybody that I was," Rachel opened his mouth, "and I already passed my firebending test."
"Sit down Berry," Santana was sitting in the back. Brittany was by her side.
"I'm just saying that you might benefit from talking with my dad. He's a great firebender."
"I'm sure he is," Kurt said as he took his seat, "does the whole school know?"
"Nah," Santana polished her nails on her shirt, "just Glee club. Nobody else."
"Good."
Kurt didn't want the whole school to know. It's not that he was ashamed or anything. He just didn't think it was anybody's business. That and if his tormentors ever took things too far, Kurt had the element of surprise.
()()()()
When Glee was over Kurt, Mercedes, Tina and Mike followed Kurt to his car. Santana was already waiting there with Brittany and Puck.
"No Finn today."
"He's busy." Kurt hadn't missed the look that passed between Finn and Rachel, unfortunately.
"Alright," Santana clapped her hands, "Puck, Britt and I are taking my car. We'll follow you guys to the field."
()()()()
It was odd, practicing in front of his friends. Kurt could hear their exclamations, their cheers and their grunts of sympathy when he was thrown down. Santana puts him on the offensive first. He blocked her attacks and Puck's for under an hour before Santana ordered him to attack them. Kurt did so with great gusto.
"Damn boy," Mercedes handed him a water bottle, "you've got SKILLS."
"Thanks," Kurt panted. Santana and Puck were right beside him.
"We need someone to fight against," Santana was twitching her fingers like spiders, "we need to practice working as a team."
Kurt nodded.
"Mike," he said, "how would you like to play the part of our competition?"
His friend stood up and grinned, "I'd love to."
Puck frowned, "No offense dude, but we don't compete against airbenders."
"Who cares?" Kurt finished his water and put the bottle down. He stared at Puck, "Air can be very dangerous, Puck. Don't count it out."
"Fine with me," Santana stood up, "Get into position, Chang. We've got work to do."
Kurt followed his friends into their "arena". Mike was warming up opposite of them. Kurt watched him. There was a reason why Kurt wanted Mike to spar against them. He wanted to see an airbender in action. An hadn't really showed him much yet. Kurt wanted to see how an airbender fought, how they moved.
"Ready?"
Mike bowed to them and nodded. He got into position.
"Go!"
Taking a running leap Mike soared high above them. A blast of air knocked Kurt and his team down. Getting up Kurt did a series of high kicks, spreading the flames up towards the sky. Santana raised small, thin columns and sent them flying like arrows. Puck was flinging boomerangs made of ice. Mike extinguished the fire, evaded the rocks and turned Puck's weapons into snow. He took a huge breath and sliced the air with his hand. Kurt fell back. He felt as if a massive rock had hit him square in the chest.
Wincing he stood up. He dragged one foot on the ground before kicking it high into the air. At the same time Santana threw several rocks balls Mike's way. Puck was riding a huge wave, trying to get behind Mike who whirled around in the air, creating a mini tornado. Kurt stopped. Anything they throw in would most likely get thrown back out. Santana and Puck also stopped and waited. After a second Kurt decided to do something crazy. He ran straight for the tornado. He jumped into the center of it.
"KURT!"
Taking a deep breath Kurt started to spin. He opened his mouth and spat out fire. The entire tornado seemed to go up in flames. He saw Mike below him looking surprised. Kurt kicked out a whip of fire and knocked Mike back down. Kurt fell too, landing awkwardly on his butt. Mike lied next to him, laughing.
"Oh my God," he looked at Kurt, "that was awesome." He floated back up and helped Kurt stand, "I've never seen anybody do that before."
Kurt shrugged, "I didn't know if it would work really."
Someone grabbed him from behind.
"Oh my God," Mercedes stared at him and then slapped his shoulders, "what the hell where you thinking? "
Tina was by Mike's side making sure he was ok. Kurt rubbed the spot his friend hit.
"I'm ok." Santana came up to them. She had a weird look in her eyes.
"I like what I saw, Hummel. Brittany! Can you please get my binder?" the blonde girl nodded and brought Santana a black binder. Santana took out a few pages which she handed to Puck and Kurt.
"Here are the notes I took. Study them," she pointed at each of them, "I expect your notes e-mailed to me later on today."
"Does this mean we can go home?" said Puck, "because I want to go take a nap."
Santana waved them off, "Yea go on. We'll meet back here tomorrow."
()()()()
In the car, Kurt was silent. Mercedes, Mike and Tina were talking about something but Kurt wasn't paying attention. He was trying to commit Mike's moves to memory. Mike had moved fluently. He'd been evasive. He'd been able to deflect Kurt's fire, Santana's rocks and Puck's ice. He was constantly moving in a circle, making it hard to attack him. Kurt remembered what An had told him.
Air is everywhere….it is flexible. It is pliant. It can be gentle and kind. It can also be unforgiving and cruel.
Kurt wondered if he could maybe incorporate some airbending moves with his firebending.
()()()()
On Tuesday Santana schedule a two hour long practice. Kurt was pummeled with rocks and ice but he didn't suffer any permanent damage. On Wednesday Santana came over to his place to talk about strategy.
"We're going up against the Dogs of War," she opened her notebook, "It's a new team. Puck and I have never gone up against them."
Kurt looked at her notes before looking at his.
"Their water and earthbender are strong," Kurt said, "The firebender is kind of on the fence. He's ok but he's definitely not at the level of his friends."
They spent an hour talking about their plan before Santana left.
"Don't forget-we have another practice tomorrow."
()()()()(
Time sped past. Friday night came quickly. Kurt had already packed food, soda, water and a first aid kit in his duffel bag and hid the bag in his car. He ate dinner with his family and then went to sleep. When he woke up at midnight Finn was waiting for him, a sandwich in his hand.
"Hey," he held the sandwich out to Kurt, "I made this for you."
"Thanks," Kurt took a bite of it, "are you ready for another long night?"
"I packed a ton of energy drinks." Finn responded, "what about you dude? Are you ready for tonight's brawl?"
"As ready as I'll ever be."
They had practiced for twelve hours this past week. On Friday they ditched their last class and went to the field early per Santana's orders. Kurt felt ready. At a quarter till one Kurt and Finn left the house. Puck and Santana were waiting for them. The car ride was less awkward than last time but there was still an air of anticipation and fear. When they reached the arena they went straight to their practice room to change. Kurt reviewed his notes for the group they be fighting against. The goal was to bring down the firebender.
"Don't hold anything back," Santana said, "give it all you got. Isolate him from his teammates."
"No problem," said Puck. He cracked his joints, "we'll take them down."
"Be careful," Finn says to Kurt, "if you get hurt, Burt and mom will kill me."
They walk to the death room. There are fewer teams than last time waiting on the benches. Santana steers them close to the entrance. Kurt could see the arena but not the crowd.
"I'm guessing that you want us to take notes?"
"You know me so well."
"Holy shit," Puck said, "it's the Warblers."
Santana whipped her head around.
"What are they doing here? They don't show up until the last second!"
Kurt lowered his gaze and didn't look up. The death room was silent. He heard a gasp.
"Shit," Finn exclaimed, "oh my God, oh my God."
Kurt still didn't look up. Santana gently elbowed him.
"The Warblers are sitting right across from us," she whispered in his ear. Kurt shivered, "the earthbender is looking at you again."
"What I tell you, Finn?" Puck chuckled, "I think he likes what he sees."
Kurt ignored his friend's banter. He needed to be ready. He reviewed his notes and thought of the techniques he might use. When the announcer called up the first teams Kurt was still staring at the notebook.
"You're going to have to look up sometime Hummel," Santana breathed into his ear, "he hasn't stopped staring at you."
Swallowing Kurt raised his eyes. He was alarmed to see that it wasn't just the earthbender that was staring at him-all of the Warblers were staring at him. Kurt inclined his head to acknowledge their presence. The fire and waterbender returned the favor and looked away. The earthbender didn't.
"Don't look at him," Santana said, "he's probably just trying to freak you out," she pushed his head down towards his notes, "just sit there and study like a good boy until they call us."
Kurt spends another five minutes going over what he already knew before closing his eyes and leaning back. He focused on the mindless chatter going around him. He focused on the hard rock underneath his body. He focused in the heat that was waiting to burst out of him but no matter what he thought of, he could still feel the earthbenders eyes on him.
"Hey," that same bouncer guy called to them, "come on. Your turn."
"Finally," Santana jumped up, "let's go."
Kurt waited for Puck and Finn to go ahead of him. Before leaving he turned back to the Warblers. Although he was wearing a mask, Kurt had a feeling that the earthbender was smiling at him. Blushing he turned forward and walked out into the arena. The crowd's applause was louder than the last time he was here.
"And here are our next competitors! The Dogs of War vs. the Dragons!"
Kurt stared at their competitors. They were older-probably college age and they were all really buff. He wondered if they worked out in the hope of being better at bending.
"Ready?"
Kurt bowed. He saw the firebender and the water bender widen their stance just a little. The earthbender rocked a little on his heels. Kurt inhaled.
"GO!"
Kurt crouched down and erected a wall of fire before the team could attack. A couple of rocks came through but Puck easily slapped them away with a whip. When the wall came down Kurt was already charging at the team with more fire. He took down the waterbender. Santana was working on the earthbender while Puck defended them. Kurt saw Santana trying to move behind the firebender who was throwing fire balls at Puck. Kurt flung one last fire volley at the waterbender before going for the earthbender, who was trying to get to Santana. Kurt felt the ground beneath him rise. He jumped and turned in a circle. Fire bursts from his hands. It spiraled towards the earthbender, blinding him. That's when Puck struck. He circled his arm. A tentacle of water grabbed the firebender and flipped him in the air. Santana flung five rocks, stunning the firebender. He fell to the dirt.
"STOP!"
Kurt watched the firebender.
"9…10! The Dragons win! They'll be moving on to the quarter finals!"
Kurt laughed. Two more teams to go.
()()()()
As Kurt ate his sandwiches he expanded his notes on the teams. The ones who lost were crossed out. At a quarter to five, the arena darkened. Kurt bit his lip and leaned forward.
"Ladies and Gentleman…introducing the Platypus Bears!"
A team came out. Kurt noticed that two of the members were shaking.
"And introducing…THE WARBLERS!"
This time Kurt was prepared for the cheers and stomps from the crowd. The floor beneath his feet seemed to move with the crowd's enthusiasm.
"Ready?"
Both teams bowed. Kurt held his breath.
"GO!"
This time, the earthbender attacked first. He raised various columns around the other team. It knocked two of them down. The waterbender from the Warblers stepped forward and raised his hands. The firebender did the same move. The fire and water seemed to interconnect into this braid. Kurt felt his mouth drop open. The earthbender kept raising new columns, keeping the other team distracted. In awe Kurt watched as the braided fire and water swept across the opposing team, knocking them down.
The Platypus Bear's got up but Kurt could tell that they were shaken or injured; probably both. Puck looked up at Kurt.
"Dude…how could-how was that even possible?"
Kurt shrugged. He'd never tried to do anything like that before. He wondered if he could.
The waterbender from the Platypus bears charged at the Warblers. Strips of ice hovered in the air. Kurt watched the firebender also charge. The Warblers didn't seem too worried. In an instant, the ice was melted by fire and the firebender was launched back. The Warblers moved until they formed a triangle. The crowd who had been shouting nonstop grew quiet. Kurt felt his skin prickling. The earthbender from the Warblers took a step forward. Rocks flew from the ground and covered his body, like armor.
"Whoa," Finn said, "that is whoa."
Mouth open, Kurt watch the Warblers advance. The earthbender led the attack. He launched small, spiked rocks at the opponents. The waterbender was flinging what looked to be ice stars and the firebender…the firebender wasn't doing anything. He was just standing there. When the waterbender captured the earthbender from the Platypus Bears the fire bender jumped. Fire erupted from his feet and he shot forward. He swirled his hand until fire bloomed around it. He pulled back his fist and then let the fire hit the earthbender straight on. At the same time the earthbender sent slabs of rock at the other two benders, knocking them down.
"STOP!"
Kurt closed his eyes. The Warblers were incredible. He had never seen such show of power, strength and restrained. They worked as if they were one person, not three people.
"8…9…10!"
"The Warblers Win!"
Santana was slumped in her seat, muttering something under her breath. Puck and Finn were pointing at the arena and talking a mile a minute. Kurt looked on as the Warblers left the arena. The Warblers hadn't used any of the techniques from last time. Last time it was the earthbender who had taken charge. Today, the firebender had led which meant that they didn't really have a leader. Each member of their team was equal. Kurt wondered if that gave the Warblers an advantage to the other teams.
()()()()()
"Right on time," Puck said, smirking at Kurt, "Warbler boy is looking at you again."
Kurt tried to turn around but Puck wouldn't let him.
"Nah dude-don't let on that you know. Let him work for you."
Groaning Kurt rubbed his temples. He was physically and mentally exhausted. All he wanted to do was fall into his bed and sleep.
"Just get in the car Puckerman."
Out of the corner of his eyes Kurt saw the Warblers. The fire and waterbender were playfully pushing their friend and laughing. The earthbender was laughing too but his eyes were glued on Kurt. Instead of bowing like last time, he waved to Kurt and then left. Kurt laughed and got into the driver's seat.
"Oh yea," Puck licked his lips, "he totally wants you."
Finn covered his ears. Santana scoffed.
"I don't know what the Warblers deal is and I don't care," she looked down at her notebook, "We're going to practice for five hours tomorrow," before they can complain Santana glared at them, "the teams we saw today are tough. If we're not ready they'll beat us and that's it. Game over."
"Fine," Puck said, "whatever."
Kurt hummed his agreement and started driving home.
()()()()
Finn and him managed to get a few hours of sleep. They woke up at ten and downed an energy drink with their cereals. Kurt wasn't as sore as he'd been last time for which he was thankful. Since he still had a couple of hours left before An arrived Kurt decided to do his homework. When An arrived he was done and dressed to go.
"Are you ready?"
"Yea," Kurt said good-bye to his family and followed his teacher to a car, "where are we going?"
"To a place not that far from here."
Kurt sighed and resigned himself to not knowing. They traveled for about two hours before they arrived at a huge house-a mansion really.
"Come on," An got out. Kurt followed and looked around. There were no other houses. When he reached the door he noticed the air symbol on it. An opened the door and Kurt's mouth dropped. This was no house. There was no roof or furniture or anything.
"It's a training center for airbenders," An explained, "Follow me."
There were a lot of weird devices lying around. Kurt wondered what they were for. An led him to a different "room". Kurt stared at what was inside.
"What is that thing?"
"This is a device that will help you learn airbending."
Multiples panels stuck out of a wood base.
"Ok," Kurt breathed out, "what am I supposed to do?"
An smiled, "Simple," she leaned forward and pushed her hands out. Air rushed between the panels, moving them in different directions. An stepped into it. He gasped.
"You should be able to shift at any moment," she dodged a door, "you have to be light on your feet," she moved between two panels, "you have to be able to change direction at any given moment," she jumped back out, a grin still on her lips. Behind her the panels stopped.
"Do you want to give it a try?"
Kurt scratched his head, "I guess?"
An laughed, "Go on," she blew air through the panels again, "try and get out to the other side."
Taking a breath Kurt stepped forward and into the contraption. Two seconds in, a panel shoved him and almost knocked him down.
"Ow!"
"Light on your feet, Kurt!"
Gritting his teeth Kurt kept moving through the panels. He got hit a couple of more times before coming out the other side.
"Not bad," An came over, "I honestly thought you'd get pushed out. Many new students do."
"Lucky me." Kurt said.
An blew more wind into the contraption.
"Don't force your way through," An said, "feel for the currents running through the panels. Use them to your advantage," she pushed him forward, "go!"
Kurt wasn't hit as many times the second time around. He counted that as a victory.
"Good, good," An helped him up, "Let's try it a third time."
Kurt whined and closed his eyes.
()()()()
When Kurt got back home his back and thighs were bruised. Still in the end he had managed to get through the panels without a single one hitting him.
"Oh," Finn winced when he saw him, "you ok?"
"I now know what a soccer ball feels like but I'm ok," he rubbed his back, "it's not that bad really."
"Cool," Finn took a bit of his chips, "Santana called-said she wants you at the field at ten tomorrow."
Kurt hissed, "Of course. You want to come with?"
"I'd love to but…I have plans with Rachel."
"Suit yourself," Kurt said, "I'm going to go take a bath."
()()()()()
The Dragons spent a total of twenty hours practicing for the quarter finals. When Saturday arrived Kurt felt like throwing up. They would be going up against the Polar Bears. They were a fierce team. The benders were all evenly matched but after much consideration, Santana had decided that Kurt would be the one to take out the waterbender. Kurt didn't want to do it but Santana insisted. She had also noticed how the Warblers worked. She told him that the other teams needed to fear Kurt. When they reached the death room, the Warblers were already there. Santana grabbed his hand and Finn's and dragged them to the bench opposite of them. Once again the earthbender stared at him. It was creepy, having some guy in a demons mask looking at you. Kurt felt as if he was being stripped of his layers. When the bouncer came and tapped them Kurt was the first one to get up and head to the arena.
"Ladies and Gentleman! I present to you…the Polar Bears and Dragons!"
They got into position.
"Ready?"
Take down the waterbender
"GO!"
Kurt didn't attack. Instead he ran straight for the earthbender. To get to the waterbender, they needed to first distract the other members of his team. Within five seconds Kurt knew that his team might be in trouble. The Polar Bears were more experienced and more challenging then the past teams they had competed against. Still the Dragons have not come this far to lose. Panting Kurt used the columns the opposing earthbender had raised to get above them. He stood on one hand and turned in a circle three times. Fire sprawled from his feet. When he felt the earth beneath his hand start to move he jumped only to be caught by a water bubble. Holding his breath Kurt brought his hands together before spreading them out. The water turned to steam and he fell to the ground. Gasping he looked up. Santana was busy fighting the firebender. Puck was dealing with the earthbender. Kurt saw that the waterbender was aiming for Puck; this was his chance.
Running ,Kurt raised his hands to the sky. Two tendrils of fire rose up. He whirled them once before bringing them down like a water whip over the waterbender who fell. Kurt didn't waste any time in keeping up his attack. A rock caught his shoulder but it was quickly dealt with by Puck. When the waterbender was about to get up again Kurt slammed the heel of his hand into the ground and breathed out. A burst of flames caught the waterbender square in the chest knocking him back down with a sickening crunch. Kurt couldn't help but flinch. He hoped he hadn't seriously injured the other bender.
"7…8….9…10!"
Santana grabbed him by the waist and started jumping up and down.
"Ladies and gentlemen the Dragons will be heading into the semi-finals against the Charging Rhinos!"
()()()()
"You were a fucking beast today Hummel," Puck had his arm around Kurt's shoulder, "I mean damn…"
"Thanks," Kurt said, "one more team to go."
Santana remained quiet the entire trip back home. Kurt could tell that she was probably thinking up some new strategies so he left her alone. When Kurt arrived home, he took a shower and then went to sleep. His dreams were filled with dragons and birds flying in the sky.
At three, An arrived for more airbending lessons. There were no spinning panels of death. Instead she had Kurt meditate for a half hour before she taught him how to create a wind tunnel.
"Move your hands like this," she demonstrated, "you'll be able to see the currents form the tunnel."
Kurt nodded. It took him six tries before he had something resembling a tunnel. It was small and not very stable but it was there.
"Good…try to stabilize it more. Pack the air more tightly together."
Panting Kurt did as he was told. It took him five minutes but in the end he managed it.
"Good," An patted his shoulder. "Let's move on to something else."
()()()()
Kurt desperately wanted to ask An for advice about using airbending techniques for firebending. However, he was afraid. What if she found out what he was doing? Kurt doubted that she would tell White Lotus members but she might tell his father. So Kurt waited until Tuesday to ask Mike. He stayed after school, waiting for Mike to get out of football practice. Karofsky kept looking at him. The football player's gaze felt almost like the stare of the earthbender from the Warblers. It made Kurt want to jump out of his skin. Before Mike could go into the locker room, Kurt called out to him.
"Mike!"
"Hey Kurt," Mike grinned, "what are you doing here?"
He looked around to make sure that none of the other football players were listening.
"I need your help," he lowered his voice, "I need you to teach me some airbending moves."
Mike looked confused, "Um…but you're not an airbender."
If only you knew
"I know," Kurt said, "but I've used waterbending techniques and I even tried some of the moves I saw you do last time and it WORKED."
"Really?" Mike looked excited, "Alright. Let me shower and then we can go. I'll meet you at your car ok?"
"Got it."
Kurt went to his car. He only had to wait fifteen minutes for Mike to show up.
"Let's go!"
()()()()
"Airbending," Kurt watched Mike walk around in a circle, "is all about moving in a circle," he coiled his hands above the hair, "that way, your opponent can't really get a clear shot at you. It confuses and frustrates them," Mike floated into the air, "and then you strike!"
Kurt didn't know what Mike did but the rocks under the airbender broke. Kurt grinned.
"Teach me everything you can."
It took Kurt almost three hours to learn a few moves. Using airbending techniques for firebending was odd. Kurt had learned that he should always be in control of his fire. Air was more forgiving.
"Those are some wicked moves," Mike patted his shoulder, "you gonna use them for the next fight?"
Kurt shook his head, "No…I might use some waterbending techniques. If we beat this upcoming team, we'll be going against the Warblers," he shuddered, "If I can surprise them with this, we might stand a chance."
()()()()
When Saturday arrived, Santana was quiet. Puck was joking with Finn but Kurt could tell that the other boy was worried. He couldn't blame his teammates. This was huge. Santana told Kurt that last time they'd only fought three times before losing. They had come so far. To lose now would be torture. At the arena they dressed quickly and went to death room. They tried to practice a little in the changing room but Santana was too nervous and kept knocking them down.
"Psst," Finn leaned into him, "are you guys going to be ok?"
Kurt nodded, "I'm sure we'll do fine."
"Maybe you shouldn't," Finn looked around him, "Dude the Warblers are like…I don't know man. If you go up against them…" he shuddered.
"We'll be fine," Kurt tried to sound confident, "with a little more training I'm sure we can hold out own."
"You're crazy."
"I've been hanging out with Santana and Puck for the past few weeks, Finn. It's expected."
The Warblers arrived ten minutes before they would go on. Kurt ignored them. He needed to be completely focused on the task at hand. He would not be swayed by the earthbender.
"Alright," the bouncer called them up, "you guys are next."
The crowd seemed bigger this day. Kurt tried not to shake. It wouldn't do any good if the other team saw how nervous he was.
"And now…The Charging Rhinos and the Dragons!"
This is it-if they beat this team, their team would move on to the finals. They would be going up against the Warblers.
"Ready?"
Santana told them that she didn't care who they brought down. All she cared about was moving to the finals.
"GO!"
Something grabbed Kurt's ankle and tossed him aside. He landed on his chest and the air was knocked out of him. Grimacing he got up. The firebender was going after him. Kurt sent a volley of fire his way but the guy jumped up. Right when the guy was about to attack him, Kurt moved to the side. He sliced the air with one arm and the fire caught the other firebender in the stomach, knocking him down. A stray rock came close to him. He ducked and saw the earthbender sending rocks every way in his direction. Kurt saw that the waterbender was concentrating his attention on Santana. Puck was busy with the firebender. Kurt sent numerous fireballs towards the earthbender but the guy deflected every single one. Santana and Puck, he noticed were working hard on defending themselves. Kurt realized that the opposing team was trying to tire them out. He needed to do something and he needed to do something fast. Putting his arms out, Kurt created an octopus of fire around him. The earthbender looked shocked. Stiffening each tentacle into a sharp point, Kurt lunged at the earthbender. The man blocked the fire by erecting a wall of rock but Kurt had been expecting that. While the earthbender still had his wall up, Kurt crated three huge limbs of fire and shot them out at each member of the Charging Rhino's. The fire beat them down. Before they could get back up, Santana raised the earth they were on and threw them towards Puck who whipped them back at least twenty feet.
"STOP!"
Kurt kneeled and watched the other team. He could see the earthbender twitching slightly but he wasn't getting up. Kurt prayed that he wouldn't get up.
"9…10!"
The cheers from the crowd nearly drowned out the voice of the announcer.
"Ladies and Gentleman the Dragons are going to the FINALS!"
()()()()
As soon as they exited the arena, Santana grabbed his face and looked at him as if she wanted to eat his soul.
"You will write down EVERYTHING you see the Warblers do-and I do mean EVERYTHING, Hummel. Do not miss a single detail."
"Got it."
They sat down as close to the arena as they could. Santana was reviewing her notes and mumbling to herself. Puck was eating and joking around with Finn. Kurt took a couple of sandwiches for himself and let his mind wander. The Dragons were finalist in the tournament. In one week, they will be fighting against the Warblers.
"And now…" all but one light went out, "Please welcome into the arena the Fighting Sabers!"
Kurt looked as on as the team walked out into the light. The team looked as if they were walking towards their death.
"And please welcome the Warblers!"
The crowd got so loud that Kurt thought his eardrums would burst.
"Ready?"
Kurt's eyes were glued on the earthbender.
"GO!"
The waterbender from the Warblers struck first. He turned the water into this flurry of ice crystals clumped together and went for the opposing teams helmets. As soon as the ice touched the helmets it froze solid, blinding the entire team. Before the Fighting Sabers could react the firebender from the Warblers shot off three arrows of fire that hit the other team straight in the chest. Mouth open Kurt saw the earthbender slam his foot into the ground. The ground beneath the Fighting Sabers sunk as if it was made of liquid. The waterbender from the Warblers then filled the hole with ice. Kurt leaned forward until he was falling out of his seat. The earthbender widened his stance and raised his hands to the sky. The ice was pushed up by the earth. When it was suspender in the air, the firebender threw a huge fireball, breaking the ice. The earthbender stepped forward again. He raised the ground where the Fighting Sabers landed on like pistons. The benders flew through the air before landing with a thud on the ground.
"STOP!"
Finn turned to Kurt, his face wide.
"Did-what-I-"
Kurt looked on. Less than two minutes-the Warblers destroyed their opponents in less than two minutes.
"9…10!"
The Warblers turned to where Kurt was sitting and bowed. Puck and Santana looked at him. Their faces were pale.
"We are FUCKED."
()()()()
Nobody talked on the way home. Finn kept looking at everybody as if they were on their deathbed. Puck was playing with water and Santana looked as if somebody had killed her puppy. Kurt couldn't stop thinking about how EASILY the Warblers beat the Fighting Sabers. It's almost as if they weren't trying. Kurt was worried. How in the world where they going to hold their own against such a team?
He dropped Puck off first. When he drove up to Santana's house, she looked him in the eyes and said,
"Pick me up at eight in the morning on Sunday. Don't be late."
Kurt nodded and watched her go.
After arriving at their house, Finn let out a breath.
"Kurt…no offense man…I mean you and Puck and Santana are like, awesome and everything but the Warblers are like," he paused, "their like the boss, Kurt. You've reached the BOSS level."
"I know," Kurt whispered, "Honestly I doubt that we'll win…but we've got to at least try."
"Dude," Finn said, "just be careful…and practice like a lot. Maybe if you practice they won't hurt you too bad."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Kurt laughed, "We should get some sleep."
"Yea…" Finn started climbing the stairs, "night Kurt."
Kurt went down to his room but he didn't go to sleep right away. All he could think about was the Warblers. They were very gifted benders-some of the best Kurt had seen. Sighing Kurt fell back on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He needed to go to sleep. An would come by later on. Kurt could worry about the Warblers on Sunday when Santana will no doubt force him and Puck to practice for hours on end. All he could do now is sleep.
A/N-Next Chapter-The Dragons go up against the Warblers…and Kurt finally gets to see the earthbender without his demon mask. I don't know when the next chapter will be up. My break is over so…back to doing homework. But hopefully soon!