Wandering Firebender

One: Elio

"Fire. The element of power. It is marked by the ambition and drive to succeed that its benders have. While other elements adapt, fire overcomes." Elio recited, getting into his stance and practicing his formations.

Year after year, his teachers in school and in training had reiterated this to him again and again. It was the creed of his academy. It was the first thing he was taught to memorize in school...

It was the only thing about the Fire Nation that he truly believed in.

"Very good, son. Now, show me your strongest dragon punch."

Elio turned towards the setting sun where there was nothing that could be burned by his strike. Taking a strong forward step, he punched forward, releasing a huge burst of fire that quickly roared in a flume. His father smiled approvingly.

"Well done, son. You will make a fine soldier soon enough." He said, standing up from the bench where he was observing. Elio turned back towards his father.

"Will I serve in your battalion, father, under your command?" Elio asked curiously. His father shook his head.

"No, that would be against regulations, I'm afraid. Nevertheless, I'm confident that you will be successful regardless of your commanding officer." His father smiled kindly, optimistic about his son's future.

"Elio! Dad! Mom says that dinner is ready!" Elio's younger sister, Taiga, called from the back door of their home.

"Ah, finally! Come inside, Elio, get yourself cleaned up." His father gestured with a wave of his hand, turning around and walking inside. Elio sighed and went inside.

Elio went to his room, quickly washing his face of the smoke and changing out of his uniform. He threw on a long sleeve shirt and some old pants he only ever wore around the house. He went to the mirror to take his hair out of the Fire Nation braid.

"Elio," His mother spoke to him, entering into his room. "Everyone's waiting for you."

"Sorry, mom, I was just finishing up. Dad wanted me to show him some more formations." He explained himself quickly. His mother nodded in understanding.

"I see. It's alright," She smiled kindly and helped him arrange his hair the way he liked it, brushed and swept backwards on top while neatly trimmed and cut short on the sides.

"You know, Elio, when you join the army, you'll have to cut your hair. Perhaps it's time you let this backwards flame style you have go?" She suggested. Elio shook his head.

"I don't have to get rid of it yet. I like my hair this way." He insisted. His mother sighed and nodded.

"Very well, you can keep it until graduation. However, after that, it'll have to be cut properly." She stipulated. Elio nodded.

"Fine, I guess."

"Good. Now let's go have dinner, dear." She said, giving him a hug before heading back to the dining room. Elio followed her there, and they sat down to eat.

"I saw your dragon punch, Elio," Taiga brought up, sipping her water. "You're getting really strong!"

"Thanks," He said with a smile and a chuckle. "Your form has been getting better too, Taiga. Pretty soon you'll be almost as good as me." He teased her lightly. She giggled.

"Just you wait! Soon you'll be nothing but ashes next to me!" She vowed proudly.

"Settle down now, you two," Their mother chuckled. "You both are fine firebenders in your own rights, and soon the two of you will both serve Fire Lord Ozai well, in your own ways."