Formalities Of Masters


Ten dead games.

Ten times it was a tie, both had given up.

Both were weary of the disappointment.

Every tactic was met and thrown back in the face until no spaces were left.

Obviously both were masters this childish game and wouldn't be so easily defeated.

Aeka sighed.

"Sooo…you from around here?" Kenji attempted a light conversation.

Aeka shook her head, taking to drawing in the floor.

"I can't tell you."
"Why?"

She created the first thing that came to mind.

The Symbol of the Earth Kingdom.

"Cause you're a stranger." Her large eyes flashed towards him.

There was an attitude in the way that she dusted the drawing away.

How the flick of the wrist was motioned.

He couldn't tell if that was against him or the nation.

Still, he smirked.

"I trained at the North Pole in a small settlement but transferred to the Northern Airtemple after I became a master. I like inventing things but prefer to stay away from weapons and have never killed anyone. A while ago I joined a group that's centered to bringing everything to peace although I don't completely agree with the motives." He thought for a second, "I'm thirteen, my birthdays May twenty-fourth. Um….I don't really like spicy food but I'm not so picky I won't eat it… and I'm scared of anything that doesn't have a logical excuse." He finished.

Aeka was confused for a moment.

But it didn't take much time to understand what he was doing.

She smiled.

"So I guess you're not a stranger."

Kenji returned the grin.

"Well I'm from Ba Sing Se but have been traveling with Onee-san for a while now. I'm with a group that's defending every person's rights but they're kind of slow so I just wait from them to settle things for themselves so they can learn. I like reading and cooking and anything cute…" She paused to draw a flower, "I'm twelve but my birthdays December nineteenth. I love anything sweet but hate sour stuff, and I'm scared of the dark and thunderstorms."

There was a pause as each collected the information.

It was a long shot….but when each heard the age and the "group's" motives…it was pretty clear.

"YOU'RE THE MASTER!"

"I KNEW IT!"

"WAIT! YOU'RE THE MASTER OF EARTH/AIR?"

Yes they heard about each other…but the picture they had built up didn't match exactly.

Both nodded in synch.

"Well…technically…Master of Wind." Kenji felt the need to correct.

Air…wind…

"Is there a difference?" Aeka questioned.

"Air's a combination of Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Neon, Helium, Krypton, Hydrogen, Xenon, Ozone, and traces Radon. It's basically just molecules mixed together. Wind is the action of air, caused by the pressure changes from the discrepancy heating on the earth's surface." Kenji clarified.

Aeka blinked.

Science books weren't always the most interesting…mostly fiction were the best because they had an over dramatic plot with random facts or characters.

Historic fiction worked well too.

She'd learn general information with entertainment.

But as far as atoms and elements…she wasn't bad. Top of her class and recite the most common…but to know exactly what makes up everything was out of her league.

'He's smart.' Was the conclusion.

"But why favor one of the other?" She asked.

"Because air's the thing and wind is the verb." Kenji attempted a more basic route.

"But…it's just a title. It doesn't really matter."

"Yes it does! Huyu is the Master of Ice instead of water." He pointed out.

"But he's always really really cold so it makes sense." She defended.

"Well I don't stop moving that much so it could fit."

"You're stopped now." Aeka said.

Kenji gave her that.

"Well…why don't you change your name a bit?" He turned on her.

"Why?"

"So it's more unique and people will be able to tell you from previous masters."

"How could anyone get someone as cute as me mixed up with someone else?" Aeka was insulted.

"No! Not like that but it's just sort of like a nickname."

"If people want to refer to me through a nickname they can call me Aeka-chan."

"But it's not really intimidating. LOOK! HERE COMES AEKA-YANG!" Kenji gave an example.

Aeka mouth dropped.

Completely in shock.

Never did someone alter the suffix of her name without consent!

Well…sometimes they dropped it or forgot…or just added muttered comments.

But a different language honorific!

Her face reddened, not approving of the sound at all.

"I DON'T WANT TO BE INTIMIDATING! I WANT TO BE CUTE AND AEKA-CHAN'S CUTE! AEKA-YANG IS NOT! AEKA-CHAN! AEKA-CHAN! AEKA-CHAN!"

Kenji shrugged.

"I don't really use the suffixes but I figure I ought to use one of my culture if I am. And why do you have to be cute?" He asked.

Aeka shook her head.

"Because I'm adorable and it's my identifying trait. Anyone who wants to know who Aeka-chan is just has to find the cutest person there is. And I don't like how your suffix sounds with my name so please stick to the original!" She puffed her cheeks.

"But WHY make that your identifying trait? Why'd you choose cuteness? And only if you call me Kenji-goon." He negotiated.

Aeka giggled.

Kenji-goon.

It sounded funny to her.

Still.

"I like my versions better, Kenji-san. And with a baby face like mine, I will not waste my potential and I wa-" She paused.

And then studied him.

The structure of his face…she tried to picture how he'd look on a good day.

Aeka scrunched her nose.
She pointed at him.

"Grow up!" She demanded.

Kenji looked at her like she was crazy.

"Huh?" He needed that repeated.

"I want to be the cutest master but you still have that young look that's threatening…and I don't like competition," She ordered again, "Grow up!"

Kenji blinked a couple of puffed eyed blinks.

"Can I have a few years?"

Aeka shook her head.

"Now!"

He dropped his head.

"You certainly are something."


The two didn't stop until the entrance was a good few yards behind them, Huyu spun his feet to the side to slush an invisible force while Benjiro crashed-stop, falling on his butt but hardly made a wince.

The boards melted; a quick scan didn't reveal much.

Just like an enormous dome; sky ceilings that could satisfy an airbender. There was enough distance from one side to the other to have the thanksgiving parade's floats glide around without fear of smashing into each other.

One way in, and the back tunneled back to a darkened oblivion…there could be an exit, but no guarantee.

It wasn't hard to find him.

He made a freaking couch after all.

The strands of his black hair was visible over the back, facing away from them, he made absolutely no attempt to hide.

"I truly was hoping you two would decide the other option. It'd certainly have been simpler to take out those at the camp rather than chasing me," He announced, "but then again, you've never been the type to choose the reasonable path." The scratch of pen on paper proved he had his notebook again.

"If you want it simple you could surrender and stop jacking these people's land." Benjiro offered.

The snap of the cover; he stood up.

"Now that'd certainly add an interesting twist, however it'd only inconvenience me to an unfeasible extent." Allowing him a side view of his head, he held the item in his right hand.

"What the hell do you write in that book anyways?" Huyu had to ask.

Shin'ichi smirked as he stood to face them properly.
"Just a few notes."

With a flick of his wrist, the water swarmed from the floor, encasing the notepad until it disappeared.

"You see, some people would've just set it down or bury it or stash it in a pocket…but noooo you gotta try and be all bad ass." Benjiro crossed his arms.

"My apologies. Next time I will rid of my personal belongings beforehand to ensure I won't upstage you." Shin'ichi adjusted his glasses.

Benjiro flipped him off.

"Look. Even if you try your energybending shit you don't have chance when it's two on one. Much as I'd like to kick your ass, unless you got Mamoru hangin round here, you'd just be wastin my time. You give up; I'll show a bit of mercy." Huyu offered.

Shin'ichi was surprised.

'He hasn't felt it yet?'
Well someone was certainly becoming lazy.

"Hmmm? Well now I'm sorry I'm not as frightening as shadow boy, however I do believe I can an exceptional replacement."

It wasn't just two on one.

Shin'ichi wasn't alone.

The voice, full of lush and flirtiest meaning, had an offering accent.

She must have been lying down, lifting her head as the shagged black locks fell just past her ears for an untamed version of boy cut. She tossed them the look at her face.

Without the illusions to help her, she chose the makeup, heavy eyeliner to darken the eyes with a bit of eye shadow just for show.
Perfectly set cheek bones visible to anyone without the assistance of blush, her skin was flawless, smooth and delicate with a goddess tan some would need hours in the sun to accomplish, just enough to compliment the bright blue of her eyes.

Black lipstick enlarged her perfectly shaped and sized lips, ripe and ready for anything.

'WHY THE HELL ARE ALL THE GIRLS HOT?' Benjiro's tongue would have rolled out if he had not restrained himself.

"Can I see those notes you were taking?" If this was his… 'subject of interest', Huyu certainly had a curiosity.

Her lips formed the crescent smile.

"If you'd like; I could give you the full overview." The steps had swaying hips when she strolled near them.

When scanning over all of her features, Huyu deducted that the hair had to be dyed; being way too dark for her complexion and eyes, but…it was a good off.

For the style she aimed it was ideal.

Her curves added to the perfection, the Victoria Secret models would be ashamed to share even the same room as her.

The tight clothes ensured they were bragged, everything was black.

The partially low cut shirt ensured her C-cup was noticed but not overly emphasized with long sleeves that gripped the wrists. Pants were tucked into the knee high boots, giving her a bit of extra height to her already five foot five stature.

Her robe…

Benjiro always thought they were meant to be just altered colors of Huyu's version.

No.

Nao's came down only halfway her shin, sleeveless that lacked even a hood.

It appeared a mere sweater, slightly thicker and fuzzy.

But it wasn't her true robe.

Benjiro assumed that would only appear during Master's state.

Huyu smirked.

He could have fun with this girl.

And not just bothering fun.

But FUN.

"I would hate to be in your debt." The two had solo eye contact.

"Well then," her hand traced a bit down her breasts, "Perhaps I could find a way that you could repay me..."

'Ok. How do I ditch the other two?' Huyu was game.

"Whatever the hell happened to the ass kicking?" Hotaka wasn't happy with this turn

'Uh….that's what I'd like to know.'

"If you two are going to proceed as such then I would prefer to take my leave." Shin'ichi clearly shared the same awkwardness.

Nao ran her hand over his shoulder, to the other side of his neck before drawing her mouth to his ear.

"If you're jealous I'm sure there's a way to compromise…" She kissed the skin.

Shin'ichi leaned away a bit, obviously not baiting.

"I have much work to do and if I'm n-"

Nao this wrapped both arms over the neck, attempting to unbutton his shirt, "Surely you coul-"

"Ok can we get back to the killing people!" Benjiro thought this was just…wrong.

"Haha. What's the matter? Still a lip virgin?" Hotaka laughed.

'That's none of your business!'

"But I guess if you weren't you wouldn't have been so desperate with Emi…"

'Shut up dead boy! I just don't want them to….you know!'

Shin'ichi removed himself from her once again, ensuring his top was closed; he didn't give a harsh rejection as most would.

Only simple draw backs.

Nao sighed.

"Well someone's no fun." She put her hands on her hip, "But then again I suppose with your looks you never really had a chance did you?"

Benjiro resisted the urge to throw a tantrum, letting the insult bounce right off him.

"I'd just rather we got to the worse of it…" He growled.

"That is…we can assume you're not going to be switching sides any time soon right?" Huyu got back to the main issue.

"Hmmmm….betray my nation…risk my home world and allow a little dwarf boy to lead me…or go out fighting whenever I feel like it, live in a luxurious house, keep my loyalty to both homes, and have two sexy hosts?" she announced her options.
Shin'ichi rolled his eyes at the last part.

But overall…

Yeah she'd have to be crazy to switch sides.

"It's a shame I'm going to have to hurt such a beautiful lady." Huyu sighed.

"At least I have comfort of knowing that I won't damage your gorgeous face." Nao countered.

Huyu nudged his eyebrows.

Both knew that anything the other did would be healed quickly enough.

The battle partners were clear at this point.

Shin'ichi and Benjiro.

Again.

Nao and Huyu.

The two sealed masters.

Subconsciously the two gave the others room for attack, Benjiro got into stance as Shin'ichi seemed uninterested.

"I suppose with you hiding out you don't know the traditions of Master battles?" Huyu had those formalities drilled through his head.
Stupid Shuji.

"I believe I understand the basic concept." Nao rolled her head.

'Huh?' Benjiro was curious.

"They have a more customary regulations since they're both so strong."
'Customary regulations?'

Huyu reached to the scabbard, pulling out the sword for show.

Nao held out her hand.

Glowing like lightning, a jagged bow appeared in her palm, the fingers curling around the center.

It was zigzagged, a bolt, the ends sharp enough for cutting, there was no string.

"My seal's capable of close and distant battles. The arrows are formed straight from energy and are capable of flying over a mile before gravity will have any effect." Her ears spiked, pointing at the end to give an elf like appearance, as she opened her mouth, the fangs were of a vampire's , "My gift is illusions. I can affect your senses in any way I want."
Done.

They'd seen her.

Huyu sensed it; her energy entering his mind; it made him twitch.

Affect his senses.

He repeated it silently.

Through false gives.

That was how she'd win.

"My seal's the sharpest of any weapon, capable of slicing just by a single touch. It can use the water in the air to create an extended blade that can neither be bent nor blocked." With the few exceptions of energybenders, of course.

Huyu's hair whitened, standing up at the ends, "My gift is transferring energy. I can absorb enough energy to kill with a single touch."

Nao pursed her lips.

Touch.

That was how he'd win.

Through hand to hand combat if she allowed it.

'WHY THE HELL ARE THEY TELLIN G EACH OTHER THEIR TACTICS!' Wasn't it the most basic rules to keep an ace up your sleeve?

"Think bout it. If their opponent already knows their strengths, there's point in going easy. Masters never hold back when fighting another who's on equal level. It's a respect thing." Hotaka explained, "Because they are exactly equal in power, it becomes a strategy game. Who knows how to use their abilities the best. If that doesn't work, then both will go into Bender's state."

Benjiro didn't get it.

Huyu harshly ever followed the rules

Why did he keep to these?

Spinning her seal, Nao out stretched her arm, holding it in front of her as it came up right.

"What do you say we start getting dirty?" Her tongue flashed across the pointed tip of her teeth.

Huyu clasped the handle between both hands, holding it steady in defense.

"A gentleman always allows the lady first move." He offered.

Nao graciously bowed.

"If you insist."

She brought her hand behind the bow, drawing her fingers in, and then snapped open.

A strand of lightning zipped blindly fast to Huyu's chest.

His eyes could follow the attack down to the millisecond.

Keeping his seal against his center, it blocked the attack, scooting his feet back; he was quick to a counter.

Swinging his sword, a wave of ice was sent after her.

A smirk.

And vanished.

Her entire form dispersed to air, leaving the attack to slam into the side, the cave grumbled.

Huyu was stunned, immediately circling to find her.

Nowhere.

No.

There!

She appeared, behind him, her image split.

Three of them…they split.

Five.

Ten.

Surrounding him.

Half of them charged; the other five prepared an arrow.

He attempted to keep an eye on all, finding it impossible.

One should have hit his head but was air, a regular arrow was thrown into his back, just below the shoulder that forced him to cringe to the side; a kick nailed him in the side.

Fire burned his hand from one up close; he felt something jam into his leg.

Forcing all the snow around him to rise, a water barrier surrounded him before expanding, giving him a quick sense of everything.

It dropped to the floor.

And Huyu froze.

Nao was one, just standing there with a smug look.

Huyu, clearly shaken, watched her.

He reached to pull the arrow from his back, when his arm grasped air.

Nothing.

It was gone.

No.

Never there.

His eyes widened.

'Wait…' He swore, based on her positioning, 'she hasn't moved.'

He looked at himself.

Neither had he.

That.

It was just an illusion?

He glanced at the snow.

There'd be footsteps and blood…uplifted snow.

None.

There wasn't even the pain.

It left with the scene.

It was just him, standing there confused.

"Did you think I was exaggerating?" She asked.

Huyu was speechless.

No.

How did she…

He had heard it.

He had felt it.

Seen it...

Everything.

That was how it worked.

He breathed.

Bad.

Very bad.

He clenched the seal tighter.

"Now then…" Nao's eyes glistened, "…shall we begin?"


A/N: Ok, MORE SUFFIXES! (only this time...they're Korean)

-Yang is for young girls

-Goon is for young boys (up to about 20)

YES Kenji is Korean...don't know how, either from his mom or dad or both but as he has said, he doesn't use these that often only when he's referred to it.

(I'm Not a 100% sure about these so if anyone knows for a fact I'm wrong feel free to correct me...)