Soliel and the others met up with the rest of the recruits on the sparing grounds. All of the other recruits were dirty and exhausted. True to his word the Commander had kept them running until the last possible moment, not allowing them any rest and only water to keep them from passing out. Soliel flinched at the hatred in the men's eyes, as did the rest of the group. Karu pulled back and stood behind Mori,

"Why are they looking at us like that?"

"Because we are clean and well rested. Right now we're the teacher's pet per say and every other classmate is seething with anger and jealousy."

Soliel turned away from her team and bowed towards the rest of the recruits,

"I'm truly sorry for what you have had to go through. I wish for your sake, that you would have accepted my offer. Good luck to us all in the upcoming tests."

"Well said Soliel, I can see you all are well prepared for the upcoming training. Did you enjoy your reward?"

"Yes Sir, and we thank you for your generosity."

"Your welcome. Now let's begin the real work. Line up in three lines; sit and rest while you can. I want you all to fight your best. As you've probably guessed the next round is sparing. I've seen your dedication to being here but now I want to see what you will bring to the team if you are chosen to be an Elite. When I return we will begin."

The Commander and his two lackeys walked backed towards their tent leaving the recruits. Soliel watched as the men looked around confused. So he wants my team to blend with the other recruits huh? Fine. We'll make amends.

"Toya!"

"Yeah, what is it?"

"I want you, Mori and Karu to bring back as much food and wine as you can. Tamaki you come with me to get wet towels, we've got to get our fellow recruits cleaned up."

"What are you talking about Soleil? We don't have to do anything...the Commander let us off the hook remember?"

"You're right Tamaki, but as an Elite our top priorities are our team and country. Are you going to abandon your comrades?"

"No! I'd never do that!"

"Good, I didn't think so. Let's go get those towels."

Soleil smiled at Tamaki and together they returned with a cool towel for each recruit. Some accepted their help, others rejected it. All the while the Commander sat in his tent listening to reports of what was going on.

"So she's patching them up eh? Looks like we've got our hands full with that one, she'll have those men eating out of her hands in no time, that or hating her guts. I'm not sure which is better..."

"That was really great what that girl did!"

"She's just trying to kiss up to the boss ya know!"

"She's always doing something to show off and get the Commander's attention!"

"Yeah, she gets all this special treatment cause she's a girl."

Soliel could hear what the men were saying, she knew some of them hated her, but what could she do? I've always been like this. It's expected of any leader...at least in the Sun Nation. I don't think I'll ever get used to this strange country...

"Soliel! Wait up!"

"Kabuto, what is it?"

"I wanted to know if you wanted to spar with me before the elimination rounds start. It's hard to fight if you're not warmed up!"

"Sure, but I don't know if we'll have enough time...the Commander should be coming–"

"Attention! All recruits to your lines. You will be pitted against one another, one at a time so we can observe your skills. The winners stays the loser moves on. This will test all three categories thoroughly and is the final stage in recruitment. Good luck to you all."

Soliel and Kabuto exchanged smiles and fell into line beside one another. The first pair went up against one another. Hardly anyone lasted more than three rounds as the winner, those who lasted longer were grouped together in order to fight again. Finally after an hour of fights Soliel's name was called. Ichimaru, her opponent, was an expert fire bender and had beaten five opponents–the most of anyone yet. He smiled as Soliel came and stood calmly at the other end of the ring.

"What No weapon? How are you going to stand a chance little girl, I'm not going to go easy on you like everyone else!"

"I won't go easy on you either. Victory is sweet when earned and I can't wait to taste it."

Ichimaru scowled and let his flames gather.

"You're regret that you little tramp!"

Soliel closed her eyes and waited for the bell to ring. The second it did Ichimaru charged sending a wave of flame towards her. Soliel longed to send her own flame out to meet it, but rather ran around it charging at Ichimaru. After weaving in and out of his flame for a few moments she made small quick jabs at his abdomen, arms and back and then withdrew to her former position.

"Why you little runt is that all you've got? I'm going to roast you like the chicken you are!"

Ichimaru readied for his attack but when he went to strike...nothing. No flames came.

"AHHHH! What the hell?"

"I've blocked your chakra points its useless, you can't fire bend now. Let's see how you fight without your element."

"Wait–"

Soliel's foot made contact with Ichimaru's stomach and with a quick blow to the legs he was knocked down, gasping for air. For a moment her eyes burned with all the bitterness and rage she felt. How does it feel Ichimaru? How does it feel to be left completely helpless and estranged from your element? By Agni I wish you could truly know that pain that I bare. All whispered and wondered how she did it, awed by her technique. Everyone except Ichimaru who was shuddering at the look in Soliel's eyes. An anger he couldn't understand, one that made her eyes look like those of a serpent or dragon.

"Did you see that?"

"Amazing!"

"What did she do to him?

"Is she a witch?"

"Silence! Ichimaru is out, take him to the infirmary until his bending returns. Tachibana, you're next!"