Duke

He ran as fast as he could. Tears dripping down his cheeks. After what felt like an eternity he stopped. A huge ship towered above him. He dried his eyes. Duke looked around and saw all these boys about his age, some even younger, getting on the ship. What was this? Why were they getting on the ship? Duke was interrupted with his train of thought when he heard a deep voice behind him.

"This is your future," he said. Most people were just walking by, but some were listening. "Bring your son's to fight. I believe a true warrior starts at a young age. Make them men. I am the captain of that ship join us now...or later"

What did he mean by later? Duke didn't really care anyway. He walked towards the man.

"Excuse me," he said quietly. Too quiet, the man didn't hear him and just kept talking. Duke repeated it, this time louder. "I said excuse me." The man turned to him.

"yes"

"Is there...um," he stumbled on his words. "Is there a certain age required to join?" Duke asked.

"Why no boy...you're perfect," the man said. The way he talked made Duke feel a little scared. It was calm, but deep. He said his words slowly. Like a pause for dramatic effect.

"My name is Fang Spence. I am the captain of that ship," he said pointing at the ship above them. He led Duke towards the ship. Fang told him where to go, gave him a handshake, and sent him off on his own. Duke walked onto the ship. He saw many children. He noticed two kids walking up to him. The tall one was wearing firenation clothes. The other one was wearing water tribe clothing.

"Hello, I'm Chang and this is Ruz," the tall one said while the other one waved.

"Nice to meet you," Duke said awkwardly.

"I see you're wearing eathbending clothing. Are you an earth bender?" Ruz asked as he took a seat on the edge of the boat.

"Yes I am," Duke replied.

"Cool I'm a firebender and Ruz here is a waterbender. We're runaways."

"Me too!" Duke said quickly lighting up.

"Yeah! Your parents bug you too? Don't you hate them," Ruz said.

"Well actually I'm joining to find the truth about my life and my parents," Duke answered honestly.

"What?" Chang asked.

"I need to know the truth about my life," he answered but couldn't say anymore because he was cut off by a whistle.

"Children we are about to set off on an adventure of a lifetime," Fang started. "Tonight you relax. tomorrow you kill."

What did he mean by that, Duke wondered. He knew this man was mysterious, but killing, what was that all about?

"Get to know your brothers," and with that said he left.

"Oh I'm sorry what's your name again?" Chang said as they walked to their beds.

"Oh it's Du-" he was about to tell them his name but remembered what Hui said 'Don't ever mention your name. You know it's unsafe.' Duke didn't know what that meant, not yet anyway. He decided to be safe and not say his name at all.

"Just call me...Boss"

The next day they were woken up early in the morning. The ship seemed different. There were guards guarding the entrances and wires on the edge of the boat. Duke looked around and noticed unfamiliar faces. They weren't here when he fell asleep. They looked sad and scared. This worried Duke. Fang Spence entered.

"Hello children. I'm glad our new members...changed their minds about... coming," he said weirdly. There was definitely something strange about this man. "Today you will start training. If you fail to cooperate you will be punished," he continued as these buff men with whips walked in. What did he sign on for? Why did we need training? Fang was talking for a few more minutes. He eventually left. Each different nation was sent off to train. The non benders went off to learn how to use weapons. This place was bad. We become their slaves. If you just stopped for a second you would get yelled at and beat. Like everyone else, Duke had tear stains on his cheeks. He wanted to go home. This was horrible.