Avatar: Lingering Tensions

Chapter 14: Ascending Flame

Multiple Remnant troopers stand in battle position in a Fire Nation gym. Two firebenders punch a barrage of flames at a man that is surrounded by other Remnant soldiers. The man flips in the air and it turns out to be Ronin. He extends his arms, shooting two blocks of flames into his challengers. The men fly backward into a wall.

A wooden staff is throw at Ronin's back but he spins left and blasts two men back with orange spurts of fire. A man with a baton runs at Ronin's left rear flank but he pivots his left leg and back kicks a fireball into the man's stomach. Trooper: "Ooof!" Another man launches a beam of light orange fire and dark yellow at Ronin's arms but he immediately blocks the flames and uses his right leg to sweep low with a fire whip.

Another three enemies are blasted down. Two men run at Ronin from behind but he rotates his body and shoots a double blast of fireballs into his enemies. A female firebender rushes at his rear but Ronin smoothly rotates his body and punches a flame into her left shoulder. Female Firebender: "Ahhhhhha!" As the lady falls, Ronin looks around seeing all eighteen of his opponents have been defeated.

Ronin has scaled it up since the last time he trained. Alev watches in the distance and claps slowly yet in a reserved manner three times. Ronin looks over at Alev, "Not bad, huh?"

Alev: "You actually beat them all this time. Last time you put up a respectable fight, but sixteen troops was too many. Your ambition has taken you very far."

Ronin: "Perhaps we could spar one day."

Alev laughs, "Oh Ronin, your persistence and confidence is admirable. But you are no match for me."

Ronin smirks, "Perhaps a session is in order then? I'm looking to be challenged. That's the only way to get better. And you are one of the best firebenders in the Remnant."

Alev responds, "I AM the best firebender in the Remnant. Save possibly Ozai, he doesn't count."

Ronin: "Then you need to stay active to make sure you STAY the best. Sitting around, painting your nails, doing your hair, buying perfumes and having people make them for you, I mean that's fine, but you need to train like the rest of us."

Alev: "I train on my own. All the time. Why do you think my form is so sharp? Oh, believe me I grind, I just treat myself for working hard. That's why I'm always in amazing shape. As much as I care about having nice hair, smelling good, and being well dressed having a good shape is just as important." Alev points down to her slender yet tone body.

Ronin enters his battle stance, "Then let's see how well I can do against the best."

Alev sighs, "Alright, prepare yourself!" Alev sharply enters her battle stance. Ronin grins. Two Remnant troopers barge into the room.

Remnant Trooper: "Alev, Ronin, come please!"

Alev turns, "What is it trooper?"

Remnant Trooper: "Come with us outside. There is this trooper, from Tesero! He's distraught and he came with a Lieutenant!"

Ronin replies, "Wait a Tesero! And what Lieutenant?"

Remnant Trooper 2: "I believe his name is um Arko!"

Ronin: "I don't know anyone named Arko, I mainly was familiar with Captain Bundi. Honestly, they were more the friends of Hakon. But Bundi was a great man, I had a lot of respect for him. He conducted himself well and he took of my friends and I when we stayed there." Alev and Ronin run outside of the facility with the troopers.

Outside the sky is a mixture of white and grey. A cool chill flows and leaves begin to fall off trees. The trees have turned a faded grey-brown color. There, Captain Ardo waits with a trooper by his side. Ronin: "You must be Captain Arko."