Bumping into an old friend (Kassa)

[Prince Zunko]

It was a clear morning at Ty Lee school and students were just getting up and preparing for their daily routines when an unlikely figure appeared on the horizon. He had long brown hair and a triangular, nose, chin and hair line, These however weren't the most stricking features that set him apart, no what set him apart was his clothing. He wore the traditional robes of Fire Nation royalty, not to mention the crown of Fire nation prince tied and pinned in his hair.

Prince Zunko, heir to the throne of the fire nation walked into what he saw as the earthkingdom counter part to the Royal Fire Nation he was sent too as a young boy.

At first Zunko was wondering where all the students were. He could see none in the class rooms or the halls it seemed the whole school was deserted. That was until he entered the assembly hall where a rather small girl was displaying a few of her firebending skills. This girl happened to be somone Zunko used to go to school with and the Fire Nation Avatar.

Zunko gave a small smile, put his arms in opposite sleeves and waited for her to notice him. Kassa was always willing to show off a few of her skills.

(( Hope you don't mind me getting Kassa to show off and Zunko knowing her, I mean they did go to the same school))

[Kassa]

OOC: I dont mind. I agreed to rp with you, so, you setting it up how you want works for me. =3

IC:

It had been a personal favor to an old friend. Kassa had a lot of those. And old, well, half the time she meant that litterly. Being in a position of power, many of her 'friends' were diplomats and rulers. Her contact with children her own age had been minimal. Sure, she had met some children in school when she was a bit younger, but even they had been children of power, and often, they had scorned her for her boost into power, when she was peasent born.

Otherwise, friends had consisted of the sages, her parents, and older rulers. And so, an old 'friend' of hers happened to be the current headmaster of The Ty Lee School. Wishing to show her students arts of all types, she had asked Kassa to come by and show them some quality firebending.

So thats how she had gotten where she was now. Currently, she was standing in front of a group of Earth Kingdom students, grinning nervously. She shut her eyes and forced herself to breathe and forget about all the eyes staring at her expectantly. With no further ado, she began to move in her favorite form, the dance of the Dragon.

The sages had taught it to her early, believing that it fit with her self title. The original version was that you went through the moves, deepening yourself and breathing, and at the end release a powerful torrent of fire. Kassa, of course, couldn't settle with anything original. She had taken it and morphed it. With every movement outwards, she unleased spurts of fire. And about midway through the form, a firey dragon was dancing next to her. At the end, the dragon returned to her, and was released in a powerful torrent.

She finished the form, and returned to a standing position, pushing downward with her palms. She opened her eyes, shaking off the remnants of power. Her eyes, blazing wildly, dulled back to their normal amber color. She grinned sheepishly as the children applauded her. Her eyes swept the crowd, and her grin widened when she spotted someone quite familiar.

It had been awhile since she had last seen the crown prince. They had gone to school together, and he had been one of the few who had accepted her as she was.

"Zunko." She said quietly. Glancing again at the crowd, she held out her arms. "Its good to see you, your highness." She said, this time so that the prince as well as the crowd could hear her. She despised formalities of all kinds. Rather between friends or not. But she understood the importance of showing the proper respect among crowds, and especially among children.

[Prince Zunko]

Zunko inclined his head in acknowledgement and thanks of the formality, knowing how much Kassa disliked them and considering the sharp witted firy girl he had known at the academy rare indeed. Zunko breifly frowned in concern wondering if this was better or worse and not sure if he could handle a Kassandra either way.

While he did this Zunko studied Kassa over, She had changed a little since they last met for instance she seemed a little worn and tired, she also no longer had the constant bored and frustrated look he was used to seeing on her face.

Zunko realised he was unknowingly being rude though he quickly remmembered his mannered and let the frown go and took on a more relaxed manner. Studying Kassandra would have to wait

Then turning to the students who had all turned and were facing him waiting for him to speak.

"Thank you Lady Kassandra, I see your skills in the dancing dragon has not failed you, though, I wouldn't recommend trying it in front of the Sages" Zunko stated with a knowing look and a tilt of the head so that his eye's were seeing the top of his eyebrows and Kassandra.

It was a private in joke between all of Zunko's friends as they all knew how traditional the Fire Sage's were and how much Zunko disliked their strict manner. Still it confused the student's who didn't know what they were talking about, So he decided he'd show them a bit of firebending magic.

Zunko started to wave his hands over each other in fluid fast paterns so that they were a blur which in between the blur's there was on orange fire starting. As the hands got faster the firegot brighter until evantually Zunko removed his hands to revealeda bright bird of fire that gave high whistle like sounds as it flew around the hall.

The students started to 'aww' and 'ooo' quickly preceded by aplause which Zunko took a low bow too. Not wanting to take the show away from Kassandra Zunko held his arm toward the stage and shouted "Give it up for my dear friend Kassandra!" which the students immediately turned and started to applaud her as well.

After Zunko and Kassandra had done a few partnered Firebending acts and the students had left for their classrooms , Zunko and Kasandra had spent a respectable amout of time with the Headmaster, assistant Headmistress and the nobles from the sorrounding country side, before they slipped out quitely into the garden sitting where Zunko decided to lie down on the wall chewing a twig between his teeth as he he put his arms behind his head for a headrest.

"So tell me how'd you get to be hear of all places, I thought you'd be half way to the wilderness by now?"

[Kassa]

Kassa saw the nod from Zunko, and was glad he had appreciated the formality, for she had not given it lightly. As he studied her, she, in turn, studied him. She liked what she saw, and that was a true royal. A real prince. He had grown well, and looked every bit as noble as he should. But he had a kindness to him as well, and that pleased her even more. It was an important trait in one who would rule.

She couldn't help but chuckle when he made his remark about her skills, and about the sages. "Indeed." She agreed. "I doubt they would like my rendition on the move they taught me. But what can they do about it?" She said.

She went quiet as Zunko began his bending. She did not mind the distraction it provided from herself. In fact, it was nice to have the attention away from her for once. She watched as he moved his hands, fluid as always. From them sprouted a whistling bird of fire, which, as the students did, she watched as it flew around the room. It approached her briefly, and she held out her arm. It landed, but it did not stay long. Soon it returned to the air, and vanished as Zunko turned the attention back to her.

After a few acts together, and some long, boring talks with the important people of the land, they went to the garden, where, finally, there was quiet. Sitting on the ground against the wall, Kassa glanced up at Zunko, yawning.

"I would be in the wilderness if it wasn't for promises I have made." She told him, wrinkling her nose in annoyance. "I promised the sages I would stay nearby, as 'is only proper' as they say. And I promised...the others...that I would stay in my land as well, so as to be alert to any signs of trouble. Of course, I have obviously broken this promise somewhat by coming to the Earth Kingdom, but I plan on returning to the fire nation very soon."

[Prince Zunko]

Zunko lay thoughtfully for a few minutes as he contemplated Kassandra's answer and how best to help her. He could give another poem or saying though those just seemed to frustrate, Kassandra, Then he could be outright blunt but Kassandra hated being lectured. Zunko's frown deepened, Conversation wasn't one of Kassandra's strong points especially when hearing what she doesn't want to hear.

The Zunko had the answer on not only how to get Kassandra to listen but also to see how important it was though she would know doubt see it important for other reasons the himself it would still be a start. It was dangerous but worth the risk.

"Hmm oh well guess there's nothing you can do about that now" Zunko stated leaping of the rock quite lightly and held his arm bent with hands on his hips and feet apart.

"Tell me can you still generate lightning?" Zunko asked knowing that Lightning required absolute peace of mind , the separating of yin and yang and no emotional turmoil, therefore Kassandra with her wanting to go on her own and her uncertainty of duty would not be able to do it and if she could she would have a very difficult time doing so Avatar or not.

Zunko smiled easily "I mean I know you can, I was just wondering if the Avatar's lightning was more powerful than other's? Here, I'll show you mine first"

With that Zunko turned side on of Kassandra and taking a deep breath he started to step forward while booth his arms made a wide ark and emptying his mind Zunko brought his hand together and unleash a powerful bolt of lightning into the air , continuing to unleash though power through his arms for quite awhile Zunko eventually stopped.

He was now sweating all over and felt like he was about to drop, Despite this Zunko went into a triumphant stance with a broad grin on his face, this wasn't just for show that was one of Zunko's most powerful and longest lasting blasts ever, and he couldn't help but feel a little pride anda sense of victory for unleashing such a blast.

Folding his arms the smile still on his face Zunko turned to Kassandra "Your turn"

[Kassa]

Kassa blinked as Zunko suddenly lept to his feet, turning to her and asking if she could still generate Lightning. Kassa frowned, and averted her eyes, contemplating. She hadn't attempted it in quite awhile, she realized. Surely, though, she could still do so. She turned her eyes back to Zunko as he spoke again, following up with a demonstration. She watched the bolt of lightning, and couldn't help but smile lightly. It was very impressive, as was to be expected of anything the Prince did.

He released it after a few moments, and with sweat on his face, he turned to Kassa, informing her that it was her turn. She got to her feet, and faced away, bringing her hands together. She pulled them apart from eachother, and then collided them in a side-ways clapping motion. She repeated the gesture gently twice, and then on the third clap, brought them together harder than before, focusing on the energies in the air.

To her surprise and utter embarassment, instead of a bolt of lightning appearing, a flare of bright fire did instead. She slammed her eyes shut against the heat and sudden flare, and swung her hands in such a way as to make it dissaper. It had knocked her back just slightly, although she had been able to keep her footing.

Blinking in surprise, she glanced back at Zunko for a split second, before focusing out in front of her once again. Determined not to fail a second time, she took a deep breath. She closed her eyes, and thought into herself. There was the resentment towards her destiny and the sages. There was anger at herself for failing her first attempt, and, deep down, was the fear that she would fail at her duty.

Remembering her own lessons about the peace of mind required to create lightning, she took deep breaths, and tried not thinking about anything. She worked to release the tension and feelings that were holding her back. It was easy to spot when she succeded, because very suddenly, she could feel the two seperate energies in the air.

She began to repeat her earlier form with her hands, this time working the energies. With a final clash of her hands, she brought them together, and this time through her closed eyelids she could see the light flash from her hands.

She held it for a time, although not quite as long as Zunko had. When she finally let go of it, she turned back to the prince, a light smile on her face.

"I feel better now. More calm." She informed him.

[Prince Zunko]

Zunko smiled warmly, stood back with his arms folded as Kassandra assumed the position and prepare for lightning. Zunko wasn't surprised at Kassandra's first failed attempt.

Zunko smiled reassuringly when she briefly glance at him, as he realized she was embarrassed and motioned for her to continue. Zunko nodded in silent fierce approval as she steadied her breathing and closed her eye's in concentration.

Zunk waited until Kassandra reopened her eye's and repeated her earlier form. Zunko was surprised when she let out a lightning blast that was almost as powerful as his was, and more importantly it seemed she did it almost effortlessly, something Zunko would've deemed impossible before that moment.

Zunko then realized that such things would be considerably more easier to the Avatar than to normal fire benders and realized that Kassandra would soon surpass him which made him question just how powerful he really was as before then he considered himself to be one of the best in the world and he couldn't help but feeling a little hurt pride.

Zunko stood in brief shock for a few moments though quickly recovered, he decided to worry about Kassandra's growing power later and get back to focusing on her problems right now.

Smiling warmly Zunko opened up his arms and let them drop to his sides "That was quite an impressive blast there Kassandra, though, I would expect nothing less from an Avatar" Zunko complimented meaning every word he said.

Zunko allowed the compliment hang in the air for a few moments before continuing "yes, I find a good blast of lightning is always a good way to relax though, I did notice you seemed to have difficulty on your first try, do you know why that happened?"

Zunko asked tactfully even though he already knew the answer it would be good for Kassandra to get it out into the open and Zunko wanted to make her feel like he was someone she could trust.

[samiemack]

OOC: May I join this? If not, I'll delete my post

IN: Mercy walked through the land that held the famous school of Ty Lee. She was a master at fighting styles that did not need firebending,waterbending, earthbending or abilities like that. It was amazing just to think that the great Ty Lee really trained in this building. Her feet made it just a few feet away from the entrance of the old school. Her tall body stood there almost leaning over. Her emerald eyes studied the walls and the design of the monument. This really amazed her all together, how it was built so elegantly and who went here.

This was unatural for a waterbender to understand such things that was never in her culture. They had schools for the young boys who dreamed of being men, but nothing like this. A smile appeared on her soft face as her gaze was still on the entrance. Her eyes fixed as if they were looking into nothingness, her mind in deep thought. Women in the Northern Water tribe never had much chance to learn anything but healing, nothing about fighting. Mercy's path was different, unlike all the others. She was sorta lucky in a way no other could understand.

Mercy snapped out of it, pulling away from being in a daze. "No time to daydream, more world-wide seeing!" she yelled cheerfully as she stepped closer to the steps of the school, knocking on the huge door, not sure if she should just walk in or not.

[Prince Zunko]

OOC: uum, Iguess so if Kassa's alright with it it might give her a muse, but we can't really post with your post as our charries or on the other side of the school and probably wouldn't hear it plus there having a good talk so would leave it to the teachers.

So yeah, I'd suggest changing your post a bit.

[Kassa]

OOC: Its ok with me. Mercy will make her way to where they are, I'm sure. Until then, we can continue to rp as we have been. So, if its ok with you, Zunko, its fine with me.


"Thanks." She said, warmly. She felt slightly embarassed. There it was again, the Avatar thing. Was that really the story of her prowess? If she had not been the avatar, would she have been weak, instead of strong? She couldn't help the bitter look that came over her face when she thought of what her parents had told her. What the sages had told her. If she hadn't been the avatar, she wouldn't have lived through her first year or so.

She tried to shake away the bitterness she felt suddenly. Zunko hadn't said what he said to point out her abilities as an avatar, it had been a genuine compliment, and she needed to treat it as such. "Truly, thanks. Your words warm me." She told him, returning his warm smile.

She frowned lightly at his mention of her first failed attempt. The answer to why it had failed was simple, of course. She knew it, and she thought that Zunko most know it as well. She felt a ping of unease. Did she really want to admit to him the torment she was in? Could she really trust her deepest fears into the Prince's hands? She studied him, his gentle look, his honest concern. Yes, she decided. She could trust him.

"The reason it failed the first time is because I wasn't focused. My mind was too jumbled with the thoughts of who I really am, and what I have to do. When I cleared those thoughts away, the lightning came more easily." She chuckled lightly, mostly to hide her fear at saying what she had said. "I suppose I lucked out on the first try. It could have had a larger setback, and I could have ended up halfway from her to the fire nation."

[samiemack]

Mercy blinked as she knocked on the door, it didn't open. She tilted her head to the side as she began to daydream. "Maybe it's not open yet or perhaps they are doing something important." she exclaimed. she sighed and suggested that it wasn't the time to visit this place, maybe she should come by another time. She had more years in her life to come to attend the building. "Oh well." she shrugged, "I might as well be off." her voice trailed off. Her feet swinged around and carried her farther and farther away. Soon, the school was getting smaller and smaller then dissapeared. Mercy was on her way once again to explore more oppurtunities.

OOC: I'll leave this to you guys ^w^ I'm out of the thread now.

[Prince Zunko]

Zunko saw the hesitance on her face as he complicated and frowned inwardly looks like, I have more work to do still it's progress, I shouldn't have expected to fix all her problems in one night Zunko thought silently and decided to let the matter slide.

Zunko waited for her answer to his question, seeing her struggle whether or not to tell him. For a while Zunko thought she wouldn't and felt his heart sink, then rise as she started into the explanation.

The Explanation she gave fit mostly with what Zunko though, though he noticed she refrained from giving direct mention to the things her head was "jumbled up with".

Zunko smiled at her comment being blown half way to the fire nation. He had thought of that when he asked her do lightning and was worried she really would be going to though then decided, she could take care of herself.

Zunko decided to move the subject away from firebending, and thinking of subjects he landed on Xiu her pet Shirshu. "Where's Xiu? I havn't seen him since you left the temple, He's not hurt is he? Did something happen?" Zunko asked fraught with worry, he always loved animals and couldn't bear the thought that one of the closest to him was hurt.