Aonani's Story

Aonani

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Aonani was awake early in the morning. He couldn’t stand sleeping in when he had plans. His head began coming up with crazy ideas as to what he could possibly miss. Today, he was heading down to the town to compete in what was going to be a championship, at least for a little bit. He wondered if there would be any new benders there to go against.

As Nani walked to the washroom, he ran his hands through his red hair that was pulled back at the moment. He really wasn’t nervous about competing, he was excited. There were always ideas to get from people and recently, there haven’t been many. The city was what he saw everyday unless he traveled and though he traveled often, sometimes with his father, sometimes alone.

Nani splashed water on his face and untied his hair as he looked in the mirror. The light yellow tips of his hair made him consider how he was going to put it up for the competition. Maybe he wouldn’t put it up. It would probably get dirty, but hey, he could always put it up after the first round.

He was in the championship. After a week of bending and competing, Nani had made it to the championship and was facing some earthbender from the colonies. Maybe the guy knew his cousin, Nani hoped he didn’t.

Nani left the washroom, changing into what he would wear throughout the palace halls. He would strip the outer, armor layer right before he left, stowing it into a closet, then slip on a cloak and go down to town. It was a simple enough plan that usually almost always worked except on holidays, which he didn’t bother leaving the palace during anymore.

As Nani crept down the hall, trying his best to avoid his butler, Nani saw the family portrait and paused. His father, mother, and he were all sitting, he was a tiny baby. Nani smiled slightly as he ducked his head and kept walking.

Nani took off his armor, leaving a note for his father with one of the servants before taking off anything that might show him to be someone other than a regular citizen, grabbed his cloak, and took off towards the wall that he would climb to head to town.

It wasn’t that his father was super strict; it was his butler who also took it upon his older self to act like a nanny to a seventeen year old prince who knew how to not get hurt. As Nani walked, he took his hood down. For some reason, not everyone knew who he was. It wasn’t like the prince was famous to the people; they just didn’t see his face enough to recognize him on the streets. People at the fighting place didn’t even know his full name, everyone just called him Nani.

Nani took out the roll of bandages he kept in his bag for whenever he competed. Normally, he wouldn’t cover it up, but the burn on his shoulder was something that he hated, and it gave him away. Everyone had heard of the prince that had uncovered his cousin’s murderous intent and added that he had gotten injured in the process though the scar was older than that fiasco. People liked to stretch stories and even if Nani wanted to get rid of them, nobody would believe him without an explanation, and even then people were reluctant.

Nani smiled out at the nearby lake. The arena was right next to one of the many in the capital city. He paused at the market which was opening only then. He spotted a food stall and approached, paying for an apple and taking a bite. He then saw some kids nearby as they broke out a ball and passed it to each other with their feet. Nani, having plenty of time before the championship, stole the ball, joining the game in an instant as the children recognize Nani and play with him. The youngest, a little boy named Hiroki, was really good at the game and always talked or waved as Nani passed.

Nearly a half hour later Nani heads to the arena. He made his way back to the rooms for fighters and took his place in a room that was set up for him. It was small, but because of his constant coming and acts, the owner of the fighting place gave him a room, that and seeing the scar and understanding.

Nani changed, staring at the scar that just barely reached over his shoulder. He sighed softly before beginning to wrap it up. This wasn’t like those the pro-bending tournaments that were held in capital city, but a small tournament like what the old earth bending general lady or whatever fought in. Her name was Toph Beifong and she was said to have worked with one of the avatars.

Nani looked at the time and smiled, he was always on time to fights, and it probably would drive his father insane if he knew that considering he was late to even his birthday celebration. He still didn't know how that worked itself out...

Nani paused in his wrapping. He wondered if there really was an avatar. They were always told there was though everyone thought it was a legend because there was peace and who would need an avatar at a time of peace?

Nani shook his head. He knew better than to think like that. His father believed in the avatar, dead or alive, yet Nani wasn’t sure.

Taking a deep breath, Nani finishes the wraps and begins to shakeout his arms. He needed to get warmed up, get ready. He was excited, that was for sure, but he didn’t know how it would go. There were simple rules, a lot like tournament play, but there weren’t teams. It was individual against individual.

Nani heard his name called and stepped from the small room into the light. Cheers erupted from the crowd that had gathered for the midday tournament championship. Nani waved at people as he walked out, winking at the kids that he had played with earlier who had seats high up in the stands. He wasn’t sure if they saw it until Hiroki waved back.

Nani looks at his opponent and furrows his brow. Why was he facing this guy? He looked to be Nani’s age, but definitely not used to losing.

”Nani, that’s a rather feminine name isn’t it?” Nani smiled at the guys attempt to unsettle or embarrass him. Not the first time his name was called girly.

Nani shakes his head as he pushes off the shoulder thing he wore, just as a traditional thing. He was told it belonged to some relative. ”Nah, my dad gave me that name and let me tell you, he is definitely in a better position that you are my friend,” Nani says with another wink as he walks forward.

The guy looked somewhat unsettled, his blonde hair in his eyes. Nani reached up and pulled his hair back, tying it up to avoid the mistake he saw coming.

The crowd was cheering at what Nani said though they had no clue what Nani’s dad did. Ruling a fire nation could be considered a pretty good job to most people.

The bell rang and the other fellow sprang forward. Nani shook his head inwardly as he lost his smile and ducked under the coming wave of fire. Nani lit his hands and sent a wave at the fellow who did went over the wave with a smile that made Nani think the fight wasn’t fair. How was he going to make this guy not feel bad?

Nani loved the fighting here. The cool floor was nice and he enjoyed the feel against his bare feet. The other guy wasn’t wearing a shirt either like the tournament suggests though his upper body was covered in tattoos.

Nani dodged another attack before rolling to avoid yet another, coming up on one knee to fire back at the man. He gets a roar of approval as he stands by doing a flip which allowed him to fire at the fellow sending him back a few steps. The rest of the fight went by quickly with the other guy on the ground.

Nani, declared the winner, waves at the crowd and nods at the other fellow as he walks back to his room. The tournament owner approaches the man with a small bag and hands it to him, the guy staring at the back of Nani’s head as he walks to the room. It was only half of Nani's earnings. Nani needed the other half for something, that he couldn't quite remember at the moment.

He didn’t really feel like changing and moved to slip on his vest and boots. Grabbing the undershirt, he threw it over his arm as he walked out of the room and headed back towards the palace. It was hot out and he certainly didn’t want to wear the long sleeves he had brought.

A second later, Nani remembered he was supposed to pick up flowers. He would lay them down at his old masters and mothers grave which were both on palace grounds. Changing course, Nani began the other way, smiling as he realized that was why he only wanted half his earnings for the day. He didn't want the fire nation accountant to wonder why money was being spent in town often, so he used his own.

Ianzok was seated in the throne room, which must've been a rather regal and traditional-looking place several decades ago, but under Ianzok's rule, it was modernized slightly. Instead of a large sea of flames behind the throne, it was replaced by several fireplaces that were symmetrically placed throughout the room. There was no need for light in this place, where the flames burnt 24/7. A large desk separated the Fire Lord's seat from where his visitors would seat themselves on comfy leather sofas.

"I was the Sun and you were the Moon..." Ianzok murmured to himself, looking down at a family photo, stroking at the glass where his late wife stood in the picture. "It's our son's birthday today... I don't know if this is the right choice for a present... but I've decided to train him myself."

The fire around him began to pulse.

"Hah... I know. Even I'm getting nervous. I wish you were here, Kenone. You would know what was best for Aonani." Ianzok closed his eyes, the fireplaces around him beginning to flare up like crazy, flames flickering with what fire would consider passionate determination.

There was a knock on the door. "Enter."

The palace butler, a bespectacled man older than Ianzok himself, stepped in. He was named Peng You, and was the best companion anyone could ever ask for. Loyal, steadfast, rather witty and sometimes downright protective to the point he wore you down. Ianzok would know, for he was cared for by Peng You when he was in Republic City. He wasn't a bender, but the old man sure had his own tricks up his incredibly crisp, clean sleeves. Peng You pushed up his round-rimmed glasses and handed Ianzok a piece of paper with a rather familiar handwriting on it, a disapproving frown on his face.

"Nani...?"

"It would appear to be so, Fire Lord. The young Prince seems to have run off again for his... daily activities." Peng You pouted, adjusting his gloves.

Ianzok snorted, rubbing his stubble. Whether his son knew it or not, Ianzok kept tabs of his son's various escapades and was rather proud of it. The child had yet to lose a fight, much like how Ianzok was when he was Aonani's age. Peng You's cough brought Ianzok back to his senses.

"I would hate to interrupt you, I know how much you see your younger self inside the Prince, but it seems that there are events taking place outside of the Fire Nation that may actually require your attention."

A situation outside of his jurisdiction that required his attention? This must be a rather dire problem. Something that would require the Leaders of the Four Nations and the Order of the White Lotus. "Is it...?"

"I'm afraid so, Fire Lord. This is regarding the Avatar, we received a short Morse that they will be arriving in the Fire Nation."

The fire around them seemed to hold a steady dance as Ianzok seemed to be contemplating the problem with his hands intertwined in front of his mouth. He then looked up at Peng You, who returned with his usual disinterested look, although Ianzok could tell even Peng You was worried.

"I trust you can hold the fort, You?"

"Most certainly, Fire Lord." Peng You dipped his head. "Shall I prepare the komodo rhino?"

"Yes, make sure Kasai is ready."

"What of the Prince? Shall he be told to remain in the palace?"

Ianzok got up from his seat, throwing his cape around his shoulders. He thought for a bit, then he shook his head. Peng You stared at him curiously.

"You don't mean..."

"I think it's time, don't you think, You?" Ianzok replied, a smile on his face. Peng You continued to look worried but nodded before he walked out the door.

"Oh goodie..."

"I heard that."

"Fire Lord, surely you will not be dressed as such?" Peng You sounded rather miffed as he observed the outfit that Ianzok was in as the Fire Lord descended down the stepped towards the Komodo Rhino that Peng You had saddled and even groomed.

"Surely I am, Peng." Ianzok said with a raised eyebrow, grabbing a fistful of the tattered cloak he had on and swinging it in front of him for full effect. Dressed in nothing more than that tattered cloak, comfy pants and boots, his bare-chest exposed for the world to see. "You expect me to dress as a King and let them know of my presence?"

"Of course not, Fire Lord... but to dress as lowly as a commoner..." Peng You shook his head but nonetheless bowed.

Ianzok boomed with laughter while he rubbed the Komodo Rhino's neck. "Lowly commoner, he says, Kasai. WAHAHAHA!"

Peng You sighed.

"Come on, girl. We need to get to town. You still remember the way yes?" Ianzok leaped onto Kasai's back with great ease as the Komodo Rhino grunted and trampled its hooves on the ground. "Atta girl! Now let's go, hiak!"

"Take care, Fire Lord. I'll keep the room hot for you." Peng You spoke as the Komodo Rhino sped past him, causing Peng You's white hair to be whipped all over and his suit in dust, which he merely dusted away with an unsurprised expression his face as if to say he expected this everyday.

"Thank you, YOU!" Ianzok replied, his voice carrying along in the wind as Kasai rumbled through the path. Ianzok pulled the cloak's hood over his head and held it against the wind's pull as the foliage and rocks blurred around him. "You were always the fastest out of them all, eh, girl?"

What he got in reply was a 'Brrrhm'.

They thundered into the main town, causing yelps of surprise from the people on the streets. As the hooded Ianzok reeled the reins in, Kasai slowed down into a trot and decided to observe the scenery around, sniffing about wherever food was involved. Once Kasai even nommed on a piece of meat and Ianzok paid for it. Of course, people weren't used to seeing a hooded man on a Komodo Rhino on the streets, so they stared, but continued on with their lives as if nothing happened. This was the state of the Fire Nation now, the most peaceful era it had ever experienced. Ianzok smiled beneath the hood, happy for his people.

Now then... where was that child?

"Hmm... Aonani, Aonani, wherever may that child be?" Ianzok murmured to himself, rubbing his trimmed beard before he chuckled to himself. "Ah... that rhymed. I need to remember to write that down somewhere."

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Aonani

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Nani smiled at the vendor in front of him. "Just a few please," Nani says, passing the entire bag of coins to the vendor. The man was surprised and when he tried to offer Nani more than he wanted, was shocked. "Keep it,"Nani says as he sees the man start counting out change.

Nani took up the flowers, and began walking, savoring the coolness he now felt as he wasn't heated from the competition. He walked with his head up, waving at people he knew and those he didn't, even passing off a little flower to a little girl who had fallen in the road and started crying.

Nani shook his head at her brother who looked rather ashamed for having pushed her. Nani continued walking towards the castle when he heard a slight commotion. Looking onto the main road, he saw a very familiar Komodo Rhino and figure riding on it. Nani paused. If people saw his father's face, they'd probably know who it was. If Nani was recognized by his father, he too would be recognized.

Nani looked around as he tried to find a place to go and took off in the opposite direction. He heard someone call out behind him, trying to get his atteniton. "Nani! Hey Nani," The familiar voice rang out down the street and Nani sighed inwardly as he stopped and turned. He hoped that his father hadn't heard Nani's friend.

"Hey Kato, heading home?" Nani asks as his friend comes up, slapping Nani where his scar was though Nani didn't feel it any different than he would have on the other shoulder.

Kato shrugged as he looked at Nani's flowers. "That day again? You should really let me meet your family man, for all we know you could be living on the street when you could be staying at my place," Kato says. Kato was slightly taller than Nani but with blonde hair and brown eyes. He had curly hair and was a year older than Nani.

Nani, who was trying to get the two along faster, pulled his friend rapidly, trying to hide behind him at the very least. "What? Do I look that homeless? I'm clean aren't I?" Nani jokes as the two walk. Kato doesn't see it though and looks at him for a moment, freaked. "I'm not homeless Kato, quite the contrary actually," Nani says rolling his eyes as he pulls his friend into an alley.

He knew the town better than most people and knew that this ended with a dead end to a locked door. The building was an old storage place though nobody used it to his knowledge. "Kato, I'll come out and see you and your mom tomorrow, okay? I just have to get some... thing taken care of here," Nani says as he pushes his friend back into the crowd and heads for the dead end. At least if his father encountered him back there, nobody else would know.

Nani took a seat, fiddling with the flowers as he remembered an old game he used to play with this little girl. He couldn't remember anything about her except that her hair was black. He began to remove each peddle individually, whispering under his breath. He hadn't ever met someone that was special to him yet other than his friends, and they were just that, friends.