The History of Renko: Book 1 Emotions (Avatar, boyxboy)

Chapter 21: Rage

Billowing black clouds blew in from the East as lightning illuminated the night sky. The force of the wind was so strong that palm trees along the coast were torn from the ground and tossed into the sea. The ocean surrounding the little island was like ink swirling angrily only visible when lightning cracked through the heavens.

The temple like compound, the center of the once sprawling city, looked to be weathered and sagged under the harsh elements. A bolt of lightning streaked downward and set the structure on fire. Thunder followed as if the gods had struck their drums. The sky and ocean matched each other and the fire casted its glow upon the place. For a second, all seemed peaceful until the wind picked up and carried the flame across the city, raking through the island.

A tall, slim boy with dark hair and glasses stood and watched the scene. He stood on the edge of the beach, sand in between his toes. A voice called to him in a quiet whisper,

Rage

Eyes like stone turned to harsh white light that shone like a lighthouse. With arms raised, the boy sculpted the air around him and lifted towards the heavens. He clenched his hands and stretched out his arms. The wind responded and churned the ocean creating grand tidal waves that broke violently against the shore. The sky grew darker as heavy and imposing clouds joined those already present. Blue pulsed through the clouds, like a heartbeat, and thunder sounded. Then, the boy brought his hands together.

Sheets of rain fell from the clouds in a menacing roar. It struck the ground creating pools of water. The sea turned more violent and, as it joined the rain, began to swallow the island. Centimeter by centimeter it crept until only the temple complex was left. The small rectangular structure stood surrounded by water. In a manner of minutes, nothing was left. The sea had captured the land and the weather began to subside. Soon, stars reflected off the ocean and the boy looked over his work. His eyes turned to normal, and he fell.

With a gasp, Renko awoke. He had fallen asleep at the captain's desk and a trail of drool streamed from his mouth. His glasses were crooked and an imprint from his hand was on his face. He was covered in sweat and his heart raced. Grabbing his chest he looked around to get his bearings. The small office held the desk at which he was sitting, a small table covered in maps, and a porthole looking out over the deck. That's right, he was on a United Forces Navy ship heading towards the Fire Nation. From what it looked like outside, it was the middle of the night. He remembered asking permission to use the space to read the letter that Sud gave him privately. Another letter was addressed to him that was sent to the Air Temple in Republic City. That one was from Sune.

It was next to where his face was, unfolded and showing the unruly script of Sud. In hard to read calligraphy it said,

'Renko,

I am so very sorry that I did not get a chance to teach you all that I meant to. I am also very sorry to have thrust you into this so early and while you are so young. This should not be your burden to bear, especially not now. However, I have faith in you and trust the allies that you have chosen. Keep them close as I feel that other powers may try to separate them from you. Keep your chin up and keep training. As you have seen, the world needs you and we put our faith in you.

Sud'

Renko rolled his neck and picked up the second letter from Sune. This one was in a very neat and straight script. It made his pulse quicken and his breathing heavy.

'Hey Ren,

Look, I'm sorry about how we left each other. It's hard to grasp the thought of you leaving, we spent so much of our lives together. I miss you. Being out on Whale Tail reminds me of the times you came with my family to the beach here when we were ten. Remember that time my dad acted like he was stung by a jellyfish? You ran inside the cabin to find the book that you were reading about jellyfish stings and I teased you for it. Or the time I tried Sand Bending and I knocked over the kid's sandcastles nearby? I got into so much trouble but you defended me. You said that I was just trying to be the best soldier I could be. I miss those times.

I'm going to be taking some leave soon. A couple of the guys and I are going to Ember Island for a week or so. When you get to the Fire Nation, you should stop by! Have you already started learning Fire Bending? I'd love to see it. And it would be nice to see each other again. I promise it won't be weird haha.

Hope to see you soon.

Sune'

The door opened and Kuzo poked his head in. Renko immediately put the letter down.

"Well hello sleepy head," Kuzo began, "Have a good nap?"

"Yeah just had a weird dream."

"Oh?" Kuzo walked in a stood over him putting his palms down on either side of the desk to support himself. Renko had to look up to see him properly.

"Yeah, there was wind and rain and I think I sunk an island."

"Wow, you think for big for an Avatar. I heard Kiyoshi created an island but not sink one. You must have some serious ambition."

Renko just rolled his eyes and looked away. In response, Kuzo gently tugged on his chin and pulled his gaze back. He could feel his heart begin to race again.

"You're okay right?" the blue eyed prince asked.

"I'm fine," was the stern response.

"Hmmm," Kuzo dropped his hand. "Well, I figured you, me, and Koa should have a talk before we land and first thing tomorrow, more training."

"I was thinking the same thing actually, we need to get on the same page about certain things and find out what each other knows."

"Plus, I have our first sparring match planned!" Kuzo's eyes had a playful glint in them. He softly punched the air in front of Renko's face. "Let's see what you can do."

Renko chuckled and blushed, his cheeks flushed a little red.

"More like, let's see how well you teach," he stood and stretched his joints. "Let's find Koa and talk. By the way, before I fell asleep I heard that our docking location changed. We're not going to the Capitol?"

"Uh no," Kuzo turned his gaze. "I thought it would be best if the captain dropped us somewhere else, a bit further from the Capitol."

"Where?"

"Ember Island."

Author's note: Hey guys I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Let me know what you think. Also, do you prefer longer chapters or shorter ones?