Chapter 7

Months had gone by for the boys and it seemed they were already tired of the place. As expected, the struggles of school was overcoming them in many ways. From bending projects to reports, nothing about being a first year at the academy was easy sailing. Not many students enjoyed speaking to each other so usual groups of friends were established. These groups consisted of various nationalities and various personalities. At the top were the usual high in power and financial stable Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation kids. Next were the perky and physically active Water Tribe kids. Then came the workaholic and bookworm Air Nomads and Earth Kingdom kids. This social latter continued all the way down to what was considered the 'losers' of the school. That, unfortunately was where Kuma and Jin were. Jin was use to this sort of arrangement. Living in the Middle Ring prepared him for the worse or at least the middle class. Kuma however was not use to this sort of treatment. He was the chief's son for goodness sake.

The boys sat quietly in their usual spot for lunch. They preferred to sit near a window to look out at and speak. They would have preferred to go outside and eat but it wasn't allowed.

"Hey Jin. Wanna hear a joke?" Kuma said with a smile.

Jin placed his food down on the table then smiled at him. "Sure thing."

"Alright. What's the difference between a seal, a cup of tea and a punch in the face?"

The boys soon were interrupted by a loud slam on the table by one of the schools bullies. He was a heavy built kid who were taller and stronger then the two boys. The male was obviously from the Fire Nation and wore the color red proudly. Perhaps a little too proudly.

"Hey chumps. You're sitting at my table."

Jin pouted. "What are you talking about Azuku. We always sit here. Everyday actually."

Azuku growled angrily making Jin shiver slightly. "Did I stutter?! Now get your butts out of here!"

Kuma rolled his eyes. "Ok you know what I'm getting tired of you!"

Jin gasped and looked at him slightly. "Kuma no! What are you doing?"

Azuku glared angrily at Kuma. "What was that pipsqueak?!"

Kuma glared at the male. "I said were not moving! You know I'm getting tired of you and everyone else around here thinking they can just run the place. Well I'm putting my foot down."

Jin looked at the two males unsure of what was going to happen. He hoped the two males couldn't solve their dispute with violence.

Azuku growled. "Tough talk from a chump! We're going to settle this then! Meet me in the courtyard. Tonight. 7pm sharp!"

Kuma smirked. "Good. You can tell time. I'll be there!"

The male glared at him once more before motioning a fist and leaving. Kuma stuck his tongue out before looking at Jin who looked quite angry.

"What?"
"You know exactly what Kuma!"

Kuma scoffed before rolling his eyes. "Oh that? That's nothing. It's about time someone put him in his place."

Jin groaned slightly. "He's bigger and stronger then you! Kuma he's going to kill you!"

Kuma folded his arms. "I've fought seals bigger then this guy. He poses no threat to me. Besides, water beats fire. I can do this."

Jin sighed slightly. "It doesn't matter if what beats fire, it's the principal that matters. What if you two get in trouble for starting violence in the courtyard? You could probably be expelled or something."

Kuma hit his fist against his chest. "Where I come from a challenge is never looked down upon. We fight for our honor and we do what is truly right no matter what the cause. Besides, I know they wouldn't expelled for self-defense."

"What do you mean by self-defense?"

Kuma smirked. "Ah Jin my boy. I don't play to throw any punches unless he throws them first. Being the hothead he is, that shouldn't be too hard to do. A few tough words here and there and he'll turn into a behemoth."

Jin thought slightly. The school couldn't possibly be mad if Kuma was only protecting himself, right? After all, he didn't plan to throw the first punch. He smiled slightly. "You know this is going to be your biggest challenge yet. You should train."

Kuma laughed. "Oh boy! Training sequence here we come!"

The boys soon returned to class still keeping the fight in mind. When classes were over, they got together and devised a plan. They had every step together. It was so organized, there was no chance it could fail. Jin began to fill confident in his friend. He could tell that he had much experience in this and that he really did know what he was doing.

Kuma looked up at the darkening sky. "Alright. It's almost time. You got everything together right?"

Jin smiled while nodding. "Yeah everything's all set. I have to admit, this plan is pretty genius."

Kuma laughed while stretching his arms behind his head. "Yeah well I am quite the strategic genius. I know my way around a fight. Now come on. Let's go find the big lug."

The boys soon began to run to the courtyard. A large crowd of students gathered to experience what was sure to be a quick fight. Azuku stood quite confidently and looked down at Kuma.

"You ready to get schooled water tribe scum?"

Kuma smirked while shrugging his shoulders. "Schooled? What you going to teach me something big guy? Hopefully it's a lesson on how to look better then you."

The crowd began to whisper and giggle slightly throwing Azuku off slightly.

"What the!? What you think this is funny? By the time I'm done with you, you'll be drinking water through your neck!"

Kuma smirked. "Yeah I might need to. To get that awful smell of you out of my throat. You know, when something stinks so much that you can kind of taste it?"

The crowd began to laugh again making Azuku very angry.

"You little! You can' talk to me like that! My fathers a powerful noble!"

Kuma yawned. "Noble huh? Well hopefully he'll be able to buy you a new attitude. Geez, your more sour then fresh fish."

The crowd laughed again making Azuku start to lose his temper. Kuma smiled and walked up to him quite casually.

"Look you're more than welcome to leave this fight. From the sound of it I'm winning; with style. That's what I'm all about after all."

He then began to walk back a few steps. "Oh no. Did I make big bad Azu angry~. Hopefully he doesn't breathe scary fire at me."

Kuma then smiled while walking a few steps until he was only a foot away from Azuku.

"Here go on. Lay it on me. I'll even let you take the first shot. Don't be afraid I don't bit-"

Kuma paused as a large fist collided with his face. He flew back slightly falling to his knees. He then began to laugh making Azuku confused.

"Hey Jin, you saw that right?"

Jin smiled while agreeing that he indeed was a witness. "I sure did."

Azuku growled angrily as his hands began to fill with fire. "I'm getting tired of this! You're dead!"

Kuma smirked as he began to bend water from his luck canteen and form orbs in his hands. "Hehe good. This should be fun."