Being in school here in Ishval is quite different compared to Xing. Here Selena and Harika are in a room filled with other children in their age group and although she does get teased a bit for not looking like an ordinary Ishval, the adults are quick to stop it. Yeah, the adults here are really firm, but Selena prefers that other than being ignored or pushed aside as Xing's adults so often did. It is nice to be viewed as anybody else, well, sort of. In Xing, Harika would get most of the attention, something her shy younger sister didn't really like while she would've been ignored. Here it's the other way around and both Selena and Harika are okay with that.

Selena sometimes gets bored during the lectures and makes trouble in her attempt to get rid of the boredom, which has earned her a few detentions, but also got her several good friends that found her bit rebellious nature cool.

Harika has also gotten a few friends, but she prefers sitting alone and read. Just like their father.

"Alright, children, that's the end of today's lessons." Kanti calls out to the room and asks every child to return the papers they have been using. He would be using them for future lessons. The children do as he requested and after Selena and Harika have returned theirs, the two girls call goodbye to their teacher and leave.

Outside the temporary school, their uncle is waiting for them. Since their father got a job helping out with the repairs around the city, he has been doing that. Both girls run over to him and he asks them, "How was today's lesson?"

Harika is the one who answers, "It was interesting," she glances at her older sister, who, unlike her found the lessons boring. "for me at least."

Scar eyes Selena and the older girl grumbles, "Math is soooo boring…" and Harika remarks: "You find school boring." Selena nods and before Scar can ask why she finds school boring, she does it for him. "We have to sit on our butts for hours and read! Can't we do something while he explains to us about stuff?"

This does put him back, Scar remembers how his school days were and like Selena, he didn't do well in sitting still for hours. His teacher told him he had a fire that needed to get out; he didn't know what that meant until his mother told him that this fire was the restlessness he felt. Not long after, father brought him before the man that would later become his master. He began the training as a monk and it helped him get control over this inner fire. Well, sort of, Scar regrettably still deal with it, in the form of his anger, but he is working on that part.

Looking down at the two girls, Scar can now see that Selena inherited this fire that tends to reside in the family, but as his mother, Selena cannot take the monk training; only men are allowed to take this course. That is such a pity, Selena won't be able to put her inner fire to good use. His mother told him that she had to subdue her inner fire; she said she was happy to be a simple tailor and he believed her.

It made him recall that his brother made an offhand remark that their culture is quite harsh on women, and Scar got angry about that comment. Now that he is older and a lot wiser, Scar can now see what his brother spoke about. Women are expected to take care of children and the house. Their whole culture, their belief involves around this what most consider fact. Women aren't allowed to become fighters or take any sort of physical tasking jobs. Instead, in the view of women being the caretaker of the house. Tailors, caretakers of either old or young, or cooks were the jobs most common for the women. Being a trader is accepted too, though more at the paperwork side of the job. Not the actual labor.

Men are expected to be protectors and keepers of Ishvala's words, that's why only men can become monks and since men are physically stronger than women, the belief of them having hard labor work is expected.

He highly doubts Selena will thrive being a caretaker of the house, frankly, she acts more like a boy than a girl. And it's first now Scar realizes it might be a problem for her future.

Scar has been alright with the set gender role system for so long, but now that he sees the fire in one of his brother's daughters. He realizes that she does not fit the mold and like mother, forced to suppress such a big part of her very nature and Scar would hate to see Selena lose this fire that resides inside of her.

Scar knows what will make her happy, but that path is closed for women. Fortunatly this time around, he got someone to discuss this issue with.

Back home, Scar lets the two girls run out and play. He heads inside and glad to find his brother already there. "I noticed something about Selena." he voices to Shade, making his brother look up from his book.

"And that might be?" Shade asks, his voice calm but his expression shows a worry only a father can feel.

Scar takes a seat and explains to his brother the realization that struck him. Shade does not interrupt him once, allowing Scar to finish his conclusion: "I think she will be better of if she went through the monk training."

"But she's not allowed due to her being a girl." Shade remarks, Scar nods and his brother strokes his chin in thoughts. "Hmm, well, either we let things stay as they are, or we will do something about it."

Scar frowns; his brother said it as if that would be easy. "It's not that simple, brother. This view is deeply ingrained in our culture."

He is quite aware, even though Shade might not remember most of his past. He has observed enough to see the strict way of life the Ishvalan people got, and a lot of them can be quite stubborn to change their minds. "Like alchemy is heresy." His brother furrows his brow but nods he got it correct. Shade knows this will be hard, but not only is he confident this change of their culture can happen. He has given a lot of Ishvalan a more positive outlook on alchemy, but the biggest reason for his determination to allow men and women whatever job they like. He wants the best future for his children. "It's not going to get easy, but we can't continue to stay in our old ways." Shade voices to his brother. "The desert is always changing, and if we stay stagnate, the sand is going to swallow us."

Scar gives him a strange look, which confuses Shade. "What?"

Those words throw him back, "You said the same thing when you started studying alchemy." and Scar was too angry to hear those words of wisdom back in that time, but he won't make the same mistake this time around. "I didn't listen the last time, but now I will."

"Good to know you're not staying stagnate." Shade remarks in a mix of chipper yet deadpan manner. Scar returns it with an unamused look, even if his brother is right. His brother lets out a short laugh. "Well, if you would like to start this change. Then you should start by talking to other monks."

Figures he should, see if they are up for this rather outlandish idea. Scar nods and heads out to speak with his master.

He finds his master at the rebuilt temple, training the new generation of monks. All of them are boys, of course, and around Selena's age. Scar walks over to his master. "Can we talk?" His master agrees and they walk over to a bit more private spot. Here Scar explains about Selena and the conclusion he and Shade have come to.

Azad listens to his student's words very carefully and when his student is done, he must admit out loud. "The path you have chosen has taught you a lot. Wisdom very much worthy of your brother." His student lowers his gaze ever so slightly but this old man can see he's happy to hear that. And Azad is glad to know his most stubborn student can learn from the hardships he has endured and these observations should not be brushed aside. "It pleases me to hear you and your brother can confide in one another, however..." His smile drops, as this is a rather serious subject. "What you are suggesting is against some of our oldest tradition. A lot of the Respected families wouldn't appreciate this sort of change."

Scar is very aware, hell, he too does not fully fancy it but; "It took me longer than it should, but I understand my brother's words now. If we do not change our traditions, we will be left behind, buried like rocks in the ever-moving desert."

His master nods and turns to his students, there are only two, a tiny number compared to the group of ten back when Scar got trained. "These two were the only ones showing the fire needed for the training, and even if we were able to find more." His master turns back to him, "I have gotten too old to take more students. If you wish to change the requirements of who can become a warrior monk, then I suggest you begin by becoming a master yourself."

Scar jerks slightly hearing that. Yes, he knew that he one day has to take students on his own but he has been so busy helping the military in rebuilding Ishval and helping out his brother integrate himself properly back into their society. He has completely forgotten about his own goals. He wants to take on this duty but... "I don't think I am worthy of such a task." Scar muses, no student wants a mass murder as their master.

His master smiles weakly, "You have abandoned the path of vengeance and going Ishvala's path once again. It requires a lot of work but you are worthy, my student." He walks a bit away, over to a window there has a view of the city. "Kanti can aid you in teaching the students the writings of Ishvala, but his injuries won't allow him to do the teaching in combat."

It's a pity, Kanti had been a mighty warrior and that's probably the only reason he survived. But his master speaks the truth; the wound Kanti got over his back is keeping him from performing the proper movements and thus teaching the important combat needed for a monk. "I will speak with him about this." Scar promises.

Azad nods and can't help but think that his student's name of the people has changed. He has learned so much and that has made his former name unworthy of him. the only problem that this name cannot be giving before his student will accept the name his parents gave him once again. And Azad cannot decide when his student feels ready to reclaim this part of himself. Most likely the only one who can make this nameless man reclaim his identity is what remains of his blood. Which reminds him: "How is your brother doing?" Azard feels a certain joy at seeing his student smile again.

"It's like he never left," his student replies in a mix of bliss and sadness. His smile drops and his student turns his gaze to where his home is located, "and it pains me to see how much I had held him back."

Azad is a bit confused at this statement. "What makes you say that?" Everyone who knew about these two brothers could clearly see that they both cared deeply for the other, although they were like fire and water. Shahill only left his studies for his family and especially his brother's sake. His student showed his care through a fierce loyalty, never turned his back on him, no matter how angry he got at his older brother's tendency to dabble into controversial subjects.

Scar lets out a sigh, "If I had been more open to him, respected his choices, then he most likely would've practiced his alchemy and maybe…" he puts his hand on the right arm, the constant reminder of what his brother did in order to save him. "He could've saved me without giving up his own arm." Scar knows his brother might have done a few transmutations for practice's sake, but that day… it had been his brother's first and true transmutation. Even now, Shade's love for him is keeping his older brother from showing his true potential. Scar is sort of happy about this as he does fear the power his brother's alchemy holds. He could do terrible things with only the basic knowledge about the craft, so what insanity would his brother— a master alchemist be able to pull off? He is glad Shade is not flaunting alchemy around, and yet it pains Scar to know that his brother is holding back, restraining himself from doing something he is very good at. All for the sake of him and Scar feels cruel of not telling his brother to stop restrain himself for his sake. "He carries a terrible power, one I have gotten a taste of. I fear what it will do to my brother." Scar lifts his arms, staring at the markings that allow him to perform the alchemy his brother created. A power that allowed him to kill a lot of people and measure up to monsters that were practically impossible to kill.

"We cannot change the past, my student. Only the future." Azad replies his student matter of factly. "If you feel like holding your brother back, look deep into yourself and realize the reason why you feel this way." His student turns back to him and asks a very legit question: "How do you think the people will react if my brother showed the true prowess of his alchemy? I fear they will antagonize him for turning his back on God as I did." Azad can understand why. A lot of people, mostly the older generation, have come to him and voiced their anger and fear of having one of their people performing alchemy. But those in his student and the younger generation; all who helped Scar saving this country. They saw the goodness in the alchemy. Many of them have shown genuine curiosity in Shahill's alchemy. "Our people's view about alchemy has changed thanks to you. They saw the good in it and now, thanks to your brother. They will see that alchemy is like any tool." He reminds his student and makes his own question, "Don't you think it's your brother's choice in how he wishes to use his tool?" and although it is against the teaching of Ishvala, Azad can with ease say that Shahill's alchemy has proven its worth. The man has always been good to make people understand that tools aren't what makes a person evil.

Yes, it should be his choice and his alone. This is his alchemy and Scar has a feeling that his brother can make their people see the good in this craft. It was his goal in the first place. "You have given me something to think about" He speaks and after a bow of respect, he leaves his master to his students.

Scar then heads to the school grounds and brings up his idea to Kanti. His friend is understandably hesitant about the idea that girls should become warriors as well.

"This would change more than traditions. It will change our way of life." Kanti points out, the thought of a woman becoming a monk- a warrior of Ishval, is crazy to say at least. But he too, has seen the fire in young Selena's eyes and she's not the only one separating herself from the gender expectations. One of the boys does not have a fighter in him; he's way more interested in creating with his hands, as expected by the girls. It got him teased by the other boys and if Kanti hadn't stepped in. It makes Kanti think; are there more children whose personal skill wouldn't fit in the expectations they currently have? "It's a very bold suggestion, my friend but," He eyes his nameless comrade with a serious frown. "I am willing to take this path with you; it sounds like a change worth pursuing."

Scar is glad to hear that, he's not sure if he and his brother could've done it alone. Less so when so much of their former respect has been lost... all thanks to his past actions. "Thank you, Kanti." So that makes Scar grateful he still has friends around.

His fellow monk returns it with a smirk. "Don't thank me yet. You still have to survive the elders' displeasure." Scar's face drops at the reminder of having to be confronted by a bunch of old and very traditional people. He's never been good at politics or discussing a reasonable compromise. That's more his brother's area.

"Why are the elders mad at you?"

"Brother." Scar turns around, surprised to see his brother at this time of day. "What are you doing here?"

Shade smiles, "I figured I couldn't let you do all the work. I took our talk up with some of the workers I'd been helping with construction."

"What did they say?" Kanti asks curiously about others' views on this rather crazy idea of the two brothers.

"They argued it was against tradition. One even said it wasn't what Ishvala wanted, but other than him, the rest seemed willing to consider the idea." Shade explains and will fully admit that slight convincing wasn't easy. "It took quite the discussion, let me tell you. Hardheadedness seems to be a trait among the Ishvalans."

Kanti laughs. Scar is not amused as it felt like his brother made a jab at him. Still with a smile over his lips, Shade asks; "Now what's this about the elders?"

So Scar explains, "Our tradition is kept by several family elders; for it to change, we have to persuade them it's a good idea."

"And they aren't people who like to listen to youngsters. They are quite set in their ways. And I am certain they won't take your idea kindly." With a humorless laugh, Kanti voices and turns to his nameless friend, "They are going to chew you out, my friend." Scar's got a face that he is painfully aware and looks as if he would rather stand before a hostile State alchemist than convince the elders of the Respected families they should reconsider the gender roles.

Shade can't help but laugh, he knows his brother is a trained warrior and has faced something not meant for human eyes, but seeing him tremble in his boots at the thought of confronting the elders about these ideas. That is hilarious. "Sorry, but this is quite funny." He apologizes to his frowning in annoyance brother, but Shade is unable to stop laughing. "You have faced monsters, so why so worried about our elders?"

"I can't use my fists against this problem…" Scar grumbles, and yes, he knows it sounds childish but he is terrible at negotiating. He's better at simply taking control over the situation and tell people what they are supposed to do for said issue. "I'm not like you, brother." He tells his brother, who has finally stopped laughing at him. "I can only get things done if people are willing to follow me." And the elders, or rather, the several heads of the surviving families are not going to follow him on this major change of tradition. They are more likely going to reprimand him for even suggesting such a thing.

"And these people won't." Kanti remarks, like his nameless friend, he too isn't really good at politics among the families. "They much rather want to stick to what they know and expect us, youngsters, in doing the same."

Ah yes, Shade remembers that problem back in Xing. The elders that made up the chief's counsel also were set to keep their power. So much that they practically refused to listen to anyone but those of the counsel. He never dealt with them but his late wife did and every time, she came home spitting mad and had once been so angry that he got a lot of practice in rebuilding furniture. "Hm, well, I have already gone through several arguments when it comes to me using alchemy." He remarks, which earn him a frown from his brother.

Kanti chuckles and points out from the rumors going around about their ishvalen alchemist. "Which all I hear you won."

Shade returns it with a smile, "Can't say I won, but we came to an understanding."

And that gives Kanti a rather good idea, at least for him and his fellow monk. "Why don't you try and talk with the elders?" Shade blinks and he explains, "You hold a lot of merit in being the head of your family. " He nods down to the ring holding the family crest on Shade's right hand. "They will listen to you more than two monks."

Oh right, Scar completely forgot that his brother practically has all of their family's political power. Before his return, Scar had this power but he never paid it much attention. It created problems thank to his indifference to his family's influence in Ishval, which hasn't put him on good terms with the other remaining families. Most likely has made his family lose a lot of their political power. Hasn't affected the rebuilding of Ishval much though, so he hadn't paid it much mind. But now, with this kind of change, he is planning. It would be best they got the other families and especially the heads of those families to side with them. Otherwise, it might create strife among the districts, and that's the last thing Ishval needs.

Shade looks at the ring his brother gave him along with a stack of his old research notes, neither of which gave him new memories. Much to his disappointment. Still, he kept them; although he does not fully grasp the power among the old families, he is aware he might use this to help Ishval and his own family. Dropping his metal hand along with the ring. "Can't be harder than arguing with a power-hungry chief. Alright, I will see if I can make the elders change their mind about our traditions." Both his brother and Kanti look very relieved that they didn't have to deal with the elders.

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Since he does not remember how to summon the other families for a meeting, and his brother admitted he hadn't paid enough attention to know either. Shade has to ask one he hopes knows and that's his brother's teacher.

The two greet one another and his brother's teacher asks him to take a seat at the small table. He does and the elderly man speaks after have taken a seat as well. "I presume your brother has already put you up to date about his plans?"

Shade nods, "Yes, and I am planning on taking this change of tradition up with the other families but…" he gives his brother's teacher a sheepish smile. "I have no idea how to get them all together in one place. Is there a meeting place for the families to discuss politics or something?"

His brother's teacher chuckles faintly and after a sip of his tea, "Before the war, the families would meet every full moon at the center of our once capital: Shamil. But there hasn't been any gathering since our return. Many of the families have perished and those that remain; they kept to themselves. By the lack of interaction, they prefer keeping things as they are now than dealing with the rest of the districts."

Shade must admit that he cannot blame them, there is still so much rebuilding that needs to be done and that gives little room to worry about the other sections of Ishval. But if they ever hope of restoring Ishval, then they have to start the family gatherings again. "Do you know how to send word to the other families?"

Azad smiles at what his student's brother is planning on doing, and this gathering is one he will be attending. "Yes, it is quite simple. Ask our traders to put up a message at each town they visit and families worth the respect of the people will come. I do not know how many families remain, but fortunately, this isn't the first time such things have happened."

Well, that's a lot easier than expected. He feared he had to know each family's names and thereafter send them a private letter for the meeting. And about this great loss of the families; "You mean the great dying of Thalia?" Shade asks. He has been allowed to read the last paper on this poet. It was about one of their older cities, one that now has been swallowed by the desert. It was once a huge city and held a major part of the families but a great epidemic killed almost everyone, and yet their people endured.

His brother's teacher nods, "Yes, only four families remained; your family was one of them." This catches Shade off guard, he knows his family is old but not THAT old. If this has been back in Xing, people would've thrown themselves to the ground in a bow as that would've made his family look like descendants of Xing's first emperor, which many of the clans consider a god.

Shade can now see why many of the Ishvalens that recognize his face seems to pay him a lot of respect. "What did our people do back when most of the families died out?" He asks his brother's teacher and brushes the thoughts aside about his own heritage.

"Any family is welcome to join the meeting, but if they want the respect of the people; they have to prove they are worth this respect. A new family will need to either support our people or offer them opportunities. If not, then they are not worth the respect and their words hold no power as none of our people wishes to hear their voice." Azad explains his student's older brother, well aware he will need as much information as possible for this upcoming battle. Sadly his student has left his brother in an unfortunate situation; the odds are sharply against him. "Has your brother said anything about your own family?" The older brother shakes his head.

Azad truly feels for this man, "You have to claim your name. The other families will not heed the words of a nameless man who does not remember what earned his family the respect among our people." and offers him this scholar a fighting chance against the families. "I can tell your name."

But Shade politely declines, "Thanks but no. I want my brother to speak it to me." Even though he knows that chance is slim and this will make it hard to persuade the other families, but maybe it will make his brother realize how important bearing their names really is. He can only hope.

Azad's expression softens. "Your brother's past action has made him cast everything away, and he is set on keeping it that way."

Shade might not fully know about their god, but he still somehow believes in a higher power. It was something Li often teased him about, more so when he couldn't explain why he acted certain ways. "Maybe that's why God allowed me to live; to remind my brother in who he is." Shade sure feels it's something like that, why he refuses to get his name from anyone else no matter how much he wants it. Miles has already tried to tell him his name, but he refused to hear it, which got the Major more than miffed and called out him and his brother were both fools. Maybe they are, but Shade wants to help his brother in whatever is tormenting his heart.

His brother's teacher smiles. "Ishvala has put a great burden on you and I will pray you will succeed in your mission."

Shade returns the smile with his own. He wonders if he is up to this task or both he and his brother are too stubborn for their own good.

I will fully admit that politics is not my strongest subject. I follow my country's politics, but only just enough to know what is going on in my area. So I apologize if this idea of mine in Ishval's politics wouldn't work in real life.

I got another chapter ready, after that... well, I will need a bit more time to write that next part down.