The Fire Bender (Open Avatar Inspired Thread)

[EroticLiteracy]

The train jostled causing the man at the back of the train to jerk awake. The wide brimmed wicker hat placed low over his face shifted revealing a pair of intense red eyes that seemed to smolder. A large powerful forearm raised up strong firm hands grasping the brim and pushing it up to revealing a handsome ash stained face. The man’s biceps flexed as he moved uncurling his long large body and sighing in relief as his muscles popped and stretched. The man pushed himself back into a full sitting position his hands going behind his back to rub the tender skin.

“Mama what if it’s not safe?”

The man cocked his head pointing his ear in the direction of the small voice to the left. His bright shocking red eyes tracked the voice to a small girl wearing the colors of the earth kingdom. Her mother was sitting next to her smiling at the small child in the way only a mother could. The man watched as the mother leaned in planting a kiss on the girl’s forehead before leaning back and gesturing at the rolling mountains outside.

“The avatar has taken care of Kumira little dove” The mother said her voice soft “We have nothing to fear anymore”

The man shook his head a grimace forming as he reacted to her words.

“If only that were the case” He murmured to himself as he looked out the window. His red eyes seemed troubled and far off as he once again looked at the situation all around him.

The earth kingdom was still recovering from Kuvira and her mad grab for power. The bandits she managed to pacify and bring under her “army” were now declaring their independence and right to a “free state”. They didn’t care who they stomped on to get their way which meant villagers all over the earth kingdom were free games to the bandits. There was only so much Avatar Korra could do, and only so many villages the air nomads could reach.

The train jerked and began to slow. He rose grabbing onto the metal handles to keep himself steady as the others in the train began to move amongst themselves. They gave him a wide berth their eyes warily running over his brutish appearance, fire nation clothing, and the large curved sword hanging on his back. He made sure to smile at them back doing his absolute best to give of the air of a relaxed tourist. While most of them smiled back none of them made any moves to come over and engage him in conversation.

He didn’t hold it against them. His people had earned their reputation all on their own. Even after decades of peace and prosperity between the fire nation and the other tribes people were wary. The earth kingdom was one of the most wronged tribes by his people and their nature was to plant their feet and stand firm and stubborn. He understood that admired their fortitude.

Yet it still hurt

Still…. There was no sense in dwelling on such things not when he had a task before him. He began to move sliding his way past the members of the earth kingdom and heading toward the double doors that led out to the train station. He reached the doors just as they opened and he stepped out trading in the cool air-conditioned train for the harsh sun and dry mountain air. Sweat immediately began to bead on the back of his tan neck as the sun beat down on his head. With one smooth motion the man grabbed the straw hat from his back placing it on his head and tying the leather thong to keep it in place.

“Are you Zoro?”

The man turned taking in the elderly villager before smiling and nodding his head.

“I am” Zoro said reaching out to offer his hand “You must be Oolong”

“Let’s go” Oolong said his tone brusque as he turned away from Zoro and his offered hand. With a sigh Zoro dropped his hand following after the old man as he hobbled off the platform and towards a waiting cart.

“The woman who hired me in Ba Sing Se wasn’t sure on all the details” Zoro said following the old man onto the wooden cart “She seemed desperate for aid for her village… something about a barbarian group?”

“Nothing more than thugs” Oolong snapped his eyes narrowing as he urged the beast attached to the cart forward. With a jerk the cart began to move picking up the pace as the GeckoJackals powerful legs carried them across the hard packed dessert. Their long snout like noses sniffed the air and forked tongues flicked out of their mouth every few seconds as they moved down the road.

“If you could tell me more about them sir” Zoro said his tone soft and pleasant.
“What’s there to tell!” Oolong grumbled his hands disappearing into his dirt stained shirt as he fished out a small wooden pipe. He brought it to his mouth and patted his pants trying to find something before turning his attention to Zoro.

“Don’t suppose that fire of yours…”

Zoro sighed cutting him off with a wave of his hand.

“Yes”

He reached out snapping his fingers and creating a small flickering ember. He brought the ember to the bottom of the pipe letting it roast the herbs inside and activate them. Oolong nodded his head in thanks taking a deep drag and letting the smoke blow out of his nostrils as Zoro extinguished his flame.

“The bandits used to be part of that bitch Kuvira’s ensemble” Oolong said taking another hit from his pipe “Bunch of punks who thought they could throw in with her and gain a little infamy. After that Avatar of ours ended her they got scared and started demanding that we villages join them. They’ve asked for supplies are strongest benders and all of our women”

“I see” Zoro said “When are they coming back?”

“Tomorrow” Oolong replied as they began to traverse long winding hills “Plenty of enough time for you to eh… get ready right?”

“Ready?” Zoro said raising an eyebrow “Ready for what?”

You know” Oolong said grinning “Roast some hides! Or whatever it is you fire benders call it!”

“Roasting hides?” Zoro said his tone dismissive and angry “I’m sorry but you seem to be under the impression I am here to attack the bandits”

Oolong shot him a weird look before he laughed.

“Very funny!” Oolong said chuckling “I didn’t know you fire benders had a sense of humor!”

“I’m afraid we don’t” Zoro replied shaking his head “I am being entirely serious as I explained to your representative I am a pacifist. I will only draw my blade if the bandits refused to step down and it will be only to defend and scare them. I plan on using reasoning to calm them down”

The elder was silent his eyes wide with shock at Zoro’s words. Zoro could see the man trying to make sense of the contradiction in front of him. The man who could blast fire from his palms but instead opted for peace. Throughout his life Zorro had been the contradiction the fire nation who wanted to be anything but! Soon enough the elders expression went from shock to anger.

“We paid you money GOOD money” Oolong growled.

“And I will do as you paid for” Zoro countered crossing his arms “I will protect your village and I will act if it’s in danger but I will ALWAYS aim for peace first”

“Cant believe we gave you money” Oolong grumbled shaking his head as they rounded another hill “Should kick your ass myself…”

“Is that it?” Zoro asked ignoring the man’s threat and pointing at the small village nestled just behind the hill.

“Yeah that’s it”

Zoro rose standing in the cart as he took a good long look at the village. The village itself was nestled against a river with natural fortifications from both the rock and the walls shape by earth bending hands. He could see a row of fields just outside of the walls and fresh produce being picked by the women in the village while the men guarded them. Everyone looked on edge warry and fearful in a way that panged his heart. The fire in him burned with anger and the fire bender was forced to take a deep breath and stem his anger at the barbarians.

He wasn’t a fan of bullies

The cart began to slow the closer they got to the village. Within seconds the cart was surrounded by the kids in the village as they rushed to meet the new comer or pet the GeckoJackals. Oolong began to shoo them away but Zoro stopped him waving his hands and instead opting to jump out of the cart and join them.

“Hello” Children he said happily smiling at them as they backed away in sudden apprehensiveness.

The kids began to murmur amongst themselves sizing him up and eyeing the curved sword on his back.

“You’re a fire-bender right?!” One kid said pointing a finger almost in accusation.

“I am” Zoro said chuckling “Are you an Earth-bender?”

“Damn straight!” He said ignoring the looks some of the others gave him.

“More like a pebble bender!” Another kid shouted as the others laughed.

“No harm in being a pebble bender!” Zoro boasted giving the teased kid a kind smile “I was once a fire flicker…. No one starts off a bender children”

“What’s with the sword?!” an older girl asked putting her hands on her hips “I thought you were a fire bender”

“Does that mean I can’t be a swordsman to?” Zoro asked raising an eyebrow and unsheathing his sword in one smooth motion “I mean look how cool this looks!”
His long-curved sword burst into flames. The children shrieked and ran shouting amongst themselves as their eyes gazed at the flickering flaming steel. Once they felt they were at a safe distance they began to talk amongst themselves chattering and murmuring how cool it did indeed look.

“Children!”

Zoro extinguished the flames on the sword swinging it back into the scabbard on his back just as a man rushed up. Zoro sized him up taking in his strong almost mountain like appearance and the way the kids cowered and respectfully bowed their heads around him.

“You must be the chief” Zoro said happily extending his hand “I was just showing the kids-“

“We saw” The man said reaching out to shake his hand “My name Is Chief Umir… I uh hope the kids weren’t’”

“Bothering me?” Zoro asked raising an eyebrow “Not at all.. we were debating the aspects of fire flicking and pebble bending versus being a swordsman”

The kids giggled earning a look of exasperation and annoyance from the chief. They scattered giving Zoro one last look before rushing back to their waiting mothers. Once they were gone Umir turned his attention back to Zoro taking and sizing the man up before gesturing for the fire bender to follow him into the village.

“Thank you for coming” Umir said as they walked past the fields “I feel silly for seeking outside help… but me and my men are at our wits end”

“There is nothing dishonorable about protecting one’s family” Zoro replied his voice serious “Oolong and your representative explained the situation”

“They come tomorrow” Umir said his tone worried “My men and I were able to fend them off last time… but this time they said their leader himself is going to make an example of us”

“That won’t happen Chief Umir” Zoro told him stopping and placing his hand on his shoulder “I have already sent word to a representative of the air nation. One of the air nomads are going to come as well and should be here by tomorrow. Together we will deal with these bandits”

“An air nomad come here?” Chief Umir said his eyes widening in surprise “How did you?”

“The air nomads are assisting the entire nation during this transitionary period” Zoro said smiling at the chief “It was a simple matter of sending word”

“I see” Chief Umir said his tone one of pleasant surprise “I have to admit I feel much better now… We uh prepared a feast for you as a form of payment”

“Wonderful” Zoro said a large smile bursting over his face “A feast for new friends! Please allow me to freshen up and change into something more respectable and I shall be there!”

“We set up a guest hut for you” Chief Umir explained beckoning for one of the villagers to come over “She can show you to it”

“Thank you Chief Umir” Zoro said bowing his head and clasping the man on the shoulder “I shall be with you shortly and please try to relax”

He gave the chief another smile before releasing him. The pacifist Fire Bender turned leaving the chief and heading to his guest hut.

 

[ShuhaloTemptress]

Character Profile:
Mera - Airbender living among the Air Nomads - Born a non-bender in the Earth Kingdom - Age: early 20s.


********

"Long ago, the four nations lived together in Harmony. Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attac"----nope. Not going there.

"I believe Aang can save the wor---" wait a minute... Nope, that's not right either.

Fast forward a little bit... "Only the Avatar can master all four elements and bring balanc---" There we go. A little after that.

*ahem* Where do we begin? Ahh, yes.

********

It's been a little over 4 months since Kuvira decided to take it upon herself and try to gain control of the Earth Kingdom. I remember it quite well. It started with the Annexation of the state of Yi, then she moved onto bigger things. Stories of Kuvira will echo through the ages as she had tried to kill the Avatar - Avatar Korra that is. Things have not been easy. Peace has been restored, but even as the land tries to heal from Kuvira's siege to try and create the 'Earth Empire', the people are stressed and there is no rest for someone like an Air Nomad like me.

"This summons seems to be something that you can handle quite well, Mera," Master Tenzin spoke, turning around to face me. His robes classic and like the ones the former Airbenders once wore over 100 years ago, flowing in the gentle breeze that I was certain he hadn't intentionally created.

I took the scroll from his hand as I read over it. "Bandits, hmm? It shouldn't be too much issue." I paid no mind to who had sent the summons and turned to leave but was stopped by a stern grunt that he made. I cocked my head back at the son of the former Avatar, Aang, as he crossed his arms in a disgruntled manner. "I won't be wild this time, Master Tenzin. Trust me. I'll have the bandits gone and I'll be back in no time."

His hand went to his perfectly trimmed beard, his eyes closed as if in some sort of silent private meditation all his own. "You know that this world is full of spirits now, Mera. You must keep peace with them as well. Don't cause damage to something that you think might be a living spirit."

I shrugged but reluctantly nodded, bowing in respect. "Yes, Tenzin. I will honor the Air Nomad way."

I turned to walk out. The quarters I had were tight and close to everyone else but it was my own space. I had made it that way. I pushed the covering sheet out of the way and grabbed my staff, as well as my bison whistle. I jumped out the window nearby and bent the air around me to control how fast I was going to the ground.

I wasn't born this way. I wasn't gifted with bending like others are. My mother had been killed by a mugger and my father lost his mind after that and was in and out of Ba Sing Se's lower ring's prison for most of my childhood. I wasn't a bender. My mother had been, but I wasn't. She had tried to protect me since I was so young but the mugger had been a chi-blocker - there was nothing she could do. She just told me to run and not to look back.

Years passed, I had taken on stealing from markets and shops in the middle ring. My father had been killed in prison - so I was on my own. Surviving by running the streets and knowing every nook and cranny to dart into to hide. I was the major annoyance of the city and the most wanted. Always running.

I went to sleep one night, the next morning, I had airbending. I remember it all like it was yesterday -- I used it to my advantage. I was faster and could get away from the various police forces that had come after me. Some were even sent in from Republic City. I wasn't doing anything to harm anyone - just to... survive. That's when I met Jinora and Kai. I was about to get arrested - finally caught within a net - because holes means I can't escape with airbending. They convinced the officers to let me go and to go with them. I was told about how Harmonic Convergence and how it made me who I was.

Blowing into the bison whistle and the shadow of Beeva, my sky bison, appearing over me just before landing reminds me that this isn't some strange dream. I've been given a second chance. A chance to help people that are less fortunate and to stop people that are bad just to be bad - and to be assholes.

********

An hour or so has passed and I'm nearing the village where I'm supposed to be. I fly overhead for a good while, looking at the village. "No signs of trouble..." I paused in thought before bringing Beeva down to the ground. I heard the laughter of children as numerous children came out of nowhere.

"A SKY BISON!" "Wow!" "I can't believe it!!" "The fur is sooo soft!!" "Yeah, like a koalasheep's wool!"

I laughed as I looked to them. Beeva seemed to be content for the time being, happily turning over - rolling onto her backside - all six legs up in the air as the children climbed all over her. I didn't have to worry about a saddle - I usually was the only one to fly her anyway. A few stable masters came out, eyes widened at the sight before them.

"Take care of her for me, will you?" I asked walking by. "She won't eat much. I mean five stomachs is a lot, but she'll find some hill to graze after a while."

I held my staff in my hand, walking through the village pathway. People murmuring in hushed tones, whispers all around. Sure, I didn't have the Airbender Tattoos - but according to Meelo, I just hadn't earned my 'stripes' yet. I continued walking through the small village, only to be bumped into by a tall man wearing Earth Kingdom garb.

"You must be the air nomad that he requested. I'm Chief Umir..."

I bowed before him in the humblest of fashions. "Yes, I'm Mera. What seems to be the problem?"

"More will be told to you after you are seated within the guest hut with your partner for this certain -- issue. I must say though, you are not dressed in what I imagined you would be wearing," he stopped, nodding his head and with a wave of his arm, guided me to the guest hut that he had told me to go to.

"Yes, there's a reason for that, after all... What do you mean by 'partner'?"

I stooped in a bit, realizing that the hut actually went into the ground instead of being level with the earthen soil. I looked around, noticing someone with Fire Nation clothing on. I caught the gaze of his red eyes.

"This is the one that requested you come here, Miss Mera. He will be your partner to help with the bandits," Chief Umir spoke stepping in behind me. I was caught in his gaze - as if in a trance until I broke looking at him.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

“I uh hope the accommodation are to your suiting”

The imposing fire bender smiled. He glanced briefly at the nervous village women hoping beyond hope she would look past the intimidating features of his face to see his kind pleased eyes. Even though his room wasn’t much (nothing more than a small hut really) the fact that they had laid a blanket of theirs down and done their best to add human touches to the room spoke volumes to him.

“It’s everything I could possibly need” He told her sliding his bag off of his shoulders and dropping it to the floor “You and your village have already paid me… but such kindness as well! Truly you all are an honorable people”

“I uh” The woman said blushing furiously “I will uh go get you more pillows”

She left scurrying off in such a way that Zoro chuckled.

“always so nervous around me” He said softly to himself he unbuckled the leather straps binding his sword to his chest “Hopefully these people will lighten up for the feast!”

He pulled his sword off of his chest and gently placed it on his bag. His masters words bubbled back to the forefront of his mind.

“Treat your sword with respect and as if it was an extension of you and it will never fail you”

“Of course, Sensei” He murmured out loud as he ran his large hand over the blade “I will see you soon old friend this I swear”

He stood and without any further thought stripped out of his worn traveling garb. He put on his best shirt and pants making sure the red belted shirt was pristine before doing the same with his pants and boots. Once he was sure he was respectable he smoothed his goatee and left the simple village hut.

He walked to the center of the village taking note of the commotion and crowd gathering. Was the air nation representative already here? That was quicker than even he had expected. However it also meant they were taking the situation seriously and the villagers would feel even safer.

Sure enough when he reached the square he saw the chief talking to a striking women clad in the air nation garb. He hung back as they spoke deferring to her and her nation in a way never seen before by a fire bender. When the chief pointed him out he waved his eyes locking with the women until she looked away.

“Hope I didn’t scare her” Zoro murmured watching as her bison was led away and rubbing the back of his neck. Before he could think too much on it a heavy gong sounded throughout the village.

“Its time for the feat!” The children cried rushing and tugging on his arm as they led him to the grand hut erected from stone at the center of the village. Zoro laughed and let them lead him nodding at their questions and trying to keep up with the rush of child hood curiosity.

“Will you sit with the air bender as a guest of honor” One of the women asked ushering the kids away with a wave of her hand.

“If she doesn’t mind sitting by me of course” Zoro said his tone polite as the party moved into the shadows of the grand building “I suppose I should introduce myself…”

He broke away from the group walking over to the air bender and doing his best to seem non-threatening. He put on his best smile as he came up to her noting that she was quite fetching as he held out his hand.

“Greeting honorable air master… my name is Zoro it was I who contact your nomads and made them aware of the situation” He said adopting a tone of respect

 

[ShuhaloTemptress]

A loud gong erupted and the children left Beeva alone. They rushed along with other villagers to the center of the village where a large stone building was. There was smoke escaping through small vents in the roof, most likely from fire pits where food was being cooked. I only slightly heard the Chief mention that a feast was taking place before he rushed me off inside. I wasn't sure why this was happening as I had only expected to take care of the impending issue and be on my merry way back to Air Temple Island. I wanted to relax and possibly bet on which Lemurs would race faster with other airbenders like myself that gained our abilities during harmonic convergence.

I watched several people gather around benches and tables. Food being served to all the children first, then the elderly and finally those that can do anything. The Chief moved closer to me and guided me to the front of his table. I took a seat only to hear a voice so soothing and yet, it unsettled me. I stood up fast nearly knocking over a child, turning to who had spoke to me.

“Greeting honorable air master… my name is Zoro it was I who contact your nomads and made them aware of the situation”

I bowed respectfully and took his hand casually to shake since that was becoming the new norm. "Greetings to you, Zoro. I am Mera. So, you were the one that sent Master Tenzin the notification. He sent me. I hope I don't seem like a fool." I thought back to his air master statement and chuckled at the notion. "By the way, I am far from an air master. I don't have my stripes yet, but that doesn't mean I don't know what I'm doing. With the way you're dressed, I'm certain you're a firebender and know how to kick some ass anyway! Hah ha!"

I turned away, my face red with embarrassment as I just realized I probably made a fool of myself with that statement - my throat tightening from the pure idiocy that poured from within me. I clenched my fist in a renewed sense of faith in my ability. Time for a rebound so I don't seem like some idiotic young woman.

I turned back. "Um, sit with me, Zoro?" I took a seat and began to pass the tea to pour myself some and then hand it off to him. "Perhaps we can talk about what we're both here for - after all, this large of a feast, I'm certain no one will hear us speak about it anyway. What do you-- um, make of the bandit situation?" I asked breaking into a savory BBQ bun.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

“I would be more than happy to sit with you” Zoro said his smile growing larger at her offer. He gestured for her to sit first and once she was sitting he took his own place next to her. The villagers swamred them bringing heaping plates of food and drinks before bowing and returning to their own seats and families.

“They are overeager” Zoro said laughing softly and pulling away the bowl of various meats “Your order are vegetarians right? I doubt they meant any dishonor the air bender cultures and customs are largely unknown to most people”

He passed her the plate of different exotic veggies and began to pile his own plate with the rich food. He made sure to smile and nod as he did showing the villagers his pleasure and how happy he was. He was pleased when the villagers smiled back at him matching his pleasure with their own.

“These are good people” He murmured more to himself than her.

The villagers began to play music and some danced among each other. Zoro took it all in breathing in the village and the rich aroma of life. His free hand thumped against the table matching the rhythm of the music as his other hand dug into his food.

“The bandits are to come for their tribute tomorrow” He explained to the air nomad as they ate “I hope to resolve this peacefully. The air bender way if everything goes well they will leave without us having to fight them. I hope that is okay with you. I may be a fire bender but I do not condone violence”

 

[ShuhaloTemptress]

“Your order are vegetarians right? I doubt they meant any dishonor the air bender cultures and customs are largely unknown to most people”


I shook my head after having had taken a bite of the savory food. "Yes, they are quite vegetarian but they do not force it on everyone. They don't want to chase everyone away from the culture that has been welcomed in due to the fact that we've gained these powers in a very unique way."

I listened intently to him as I looked around. The people seemed at peace but it was true that come tomorrow, they would be screwed over. I couldn't understand why bandits would target this place and yet, there would be a very good reason for them to.

I turned back to him when he mentioned about solving the issue in an airbending manner. "You, a firebender, wanting to do such a thing? Sorry if I seem a bit insensitive, but that seems a bit... unnatural?"

I took another bite waiting for his reaction.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

He couldn’t help but laugh at her bold choice of words. He assessed her once more a handsome smile playing on his lips as he contemplated her question.

“You weren’t insensitive trust me” He finally said digging into her food “I get that kind of question all the time. I am not like most of my kind who prefer brash action. My mother was a fire bender who fell in love with my father A scholar. My father helped my mother find peace and when I came into my own powers she taught me the same. My father focus of study was on the air nomads and I found a certain degree of brother hood and peace from your order.”

He paused as the music began making sure to clap and praise the children who were bold enough to dance for them. His eyes shone with happiness still as he regarded the villagers. His fingers tapped to the rhythm as he turned back to her tearing a piece of bread in half as he continued his story.

“So here I am” He said with a wave and a chuckle “A fire bender who prefers peace more than anything else. I hope to resolve things peacefully and only act when I have to. I am not above violence but will always at the other way if at all possible. Does that make sense?”