🥺👉👈 ridoc who falls head over heels in love with violets twin who is autistic and he's an absolute sweetheart to her, and helps her when she needs something and protects her.
Also their dragons are mated and aotrom is very over protective of her.
I had so much fun writing this. I hope this was written well. As a parent of an autistic child (diagnosed) and as someone who suspects herself and her other child are AuDHD but in the process of getting diagnosed, I really tried to represent this well. I also think in the Fourth Wing universe, at least in Basgaith, many mental differences are shunned or looked down upon, so I went that angle with this fic. Please give me feedback on how I did with this request. I also have some ideas for a part two so let me know if you'd like that! Thank you for your request though! I had a lot of fun working on it. :)
I sat quietly next to Violet, as she interacted with her- our friends. As much as they assured me that I was just as included as her, I’d never really felt that way. I wasn’t like her. I didn’t know what to say, what to do? Always feeling a little bit lost when the group was together, like I was one step behind, too busy analyzing everyone to add my own input into conversations. Sometimes it felt like they only put up with me because I was Violet’s twin, and not nearly as breakable as her.
I was good with schoolwork and okay with challenges, at least good enough to hold my own and take minimal injuries; and my joints are stronger than hers, not popping and breaking under pressure. Perks of being a fraternal twin I guess. Our DNA isn’t identical. No, something else in me feels broken. Something deeper. More substantial. Something I never talked about with anyone, ever.
Violet has asked before, in my moments of weakness, when everything is too much and I can’t hide. But I always am able to reign it back in then, hide it all behind a smile and recite lines I know will appease her worry. After all, the mask I wear protects me, especially growing up in a family where weakness isn’t tolerated. Even Dad, who saw straight through me. He expected me to reign it in too. Taught me in his own ways how to know what to say, how to make people look away, how to breathe when it was too much. Yet he still expected me to conform, to act like everything was okay. Like I wasn’t broken and weak minded.
I was a good actress at least. Everyone just thought I was quiet and reserved. And they never looked too hard at me, letting me fall into the background. I preferred it that way, it was much easier.
Everyone, except Ridoc Gamlyn, of course. He was always right there. In my space, but somehow, I never minded it. Maybe because with Ridoc, it didn’t matter what I said, he just accepted it. When I missed an unwritten social rule, he just smiled and responded, somehow getting what I was trying to say instead of harping on how I said it. He was annoying at times, always a bit loud, but he could say or do whatever he felt like with no reservations, easily breaking through my walls like no other could. Not even my own sister. I was honestly a bit jealous.
Ridoc wouldn’t let me fade either, prodding me to talk with him while the others were occupied in their own conversations. His voice usually quieter in those moments when he was trying to get me to reconnect, asking the oddest questions about whatever I was working on. It worked though, making my mind settle as I answered whatever he’d asked me, the casual back and forth grounding me, easing my anxiety over messing up.
He could see me. Really see me, like nobody ever had. It didn’t take me long to understand though, as I quickly became interested in trying to figure him out. Nobody really saw him either. Seeing what he wanted them to see. The loud, boisterous, sexually overconfident man he let everyone see wasn’t all of him. He didn’t let them see his worry over schoolwork, or over whatever current obstacle we were being thrown as new riders (currently the gauntlet) or his disappointment when a night of fun never became anything more, even if his conquest came back, it was never more than for another round. It was such a carefully crafted act that nobody thought to ask questions, nobody seeing that there was even an act to catch.
Nobody could see. But I could. And he knew I could, giving me a knowing smile in his moments of weakness, but I never knew what to say to make it better. I don’t really think he wanted any sympathy, hence the mask that mirrored my own. He interested me though, so completely different than the others. Even though that’s what he wanted, I could never truly look away. Not when he’d become my biggest source of safety in this death college.
Always pushing me on the mat, giving me pointers on how to improve. Walking with me when I needed a moment, my body feeling restless. Talk about my books, even the smutty ones, maybe especially the smutty ones. He’d grin and let me talk for hours, sitting on his bed in the men’s dormitory as we talked quietly. He’d glare at any of the other men who looked at us too long, daring them to say something. To make one move towards me. None ever did. And he always listened, asking questions that actually made me think, or that would lead me to another tangent.
Ridoc Gamlyn was an enigma I could barely understand, so I too hung around. Maybe it was the same for him. Maybe we were both just trying to figure the other out, never quite getting there. Never quite understanding. But accepting. Always accepting.
“I think, maybe you could bounce back and forth up the chimney. Your joints aren’t as weak as Violet’s so if you get enough speed and momentum…” He trailed off, as he watched me nudge my sausage across my plate. “Y/N?”
I met his warm brown eyes for a moment before my eyes quickly returned to my plate, torturing my sausage again. “I get what you’re saying. It’s worth a try.” It was presentation day, and this was my last try after all. Violet had told me her plan, but it wouldn’t work for me. If both of us pushed the rules like that, then one of us would definitely be disqualified. It was her plan, so I told her I’d already found another way. Lied through my teeth, but she’d let it go so it must’ve been convincing enough.
“C’mon, you’ll make it.” He assured, like there was no possibility I wouldn’t. “After all, my best friend isn’t a weakling.”
The twisting in my gut wasn’t unfamiliar, it happened every time he mentioned us as being friends. Why? I wasn’t quite sure, and it was one of the few things I refused to ruminate on. I refused any negative emotion when it came to Ridoc, too afraid to let anything take hold and then let the emotions push away my only solace in this place.
“Yeah.” I sighed. Then forced a smile as I met his gaze again, holding it this time. “Just want it to be over with.”
He smiled, moving some hair out of my face, the annoying strand of hair that always refused to stay in my crown of braids. “I know you do. And you’re gonna kick ass, and then in two days, we’re gonna get dragons and be certified badasses.” He sent me a big grin and I sighed, looking away to hide the smile blooming on my lips. I speared the sausage on my fork and plopped it in my mouth, finishing my breakfast.
“Yeah, yeah. Can’t get rid of me that easy.” I joked and with a quick glance from the corner of my gaze I saw his smile widen.
“Exactly Sorrengail. You’re stuck with me. Forever.” I laughed, before standing, Ridoc quickly following me. “Besides, I haven’t heard about the end of that dark romance you’ve been reading. It’s just started getting good. And I won’t have the patience to read it myself if you go and die on me.”
“Glad to see I have some use.” I snorted at him, my body relaxing the moment we’d gotten to the hall. The noise of the cafeteria fading the further we got from it. Finally, I could actually hear myself think now.
“Oh don’t be like that! You’re smarter than Violet, and that’s saying something.” He said and I rolled my eyes.
“No, I just watch more than she does. It’s easier to put things together when I don’t have to worry about holding a conversation at the same time.” I countered and he chuckled, pinching my side and making me squirm away. I still giggled against my will though. “Plus the photographic memory helps.” I snorted out another laugh when he poked me again. “Stop that!”
“Okay. Okay.” He relented, giving me a goofy grin and shoving his hands in his pockets. I knew that was the only way he’d be able to not touch me as he tried to honor my wishes. Ridoc never really could seem to keep his hands to himself when he was near me. Especially when he was nervous. “Don’t discount yourself though. You’re brilliant. Own it.”
“Shut it Gamlyn. I’ve got enough to worry about.” I sighed, taking in his expression before bumping his shoulder with my own. “Don’t need to worry about me okay? I won’t die today.”
The anxiety in his eyes faded, replaced with all consuming warmth as I was stuck in his gaze. He opened the door ahead of us, not saying a thing.
Ridoc’s POV
I held the door for her, warmth pulling at me as her gaze never faltered. I believed her, after all, it wasn’t often that she lied to me. In fact, she was usually unabashedly honest with me. A fact I was grateful for. She hid herself from the rest of our friends, her sister, but couldn’t hide from me.
Her brilliant mind fascinated me, she was amazing in her own unique ways. How the others couldn’t see it was beyond me. She was definitely the strongest, and smartest of us. I just wish they could see that, that she could see that, just once. She finally rolled her eyes, moving through the door as her cheeks went pink and my chest swelled with pride.
She was beautiful, in every way, and I'd been hopelessly pining after her since that first night when we’d been assigned to the same squad. When she’d finally met my gaze with those pretty y/e/c eyes of hers, catching me in a trance as she looked through me. Past my confident facade, straight to my core, past all the bullshit I wore like armor. But then she didn’t call me out like most would have, just cocked an eyebrow at me, and looked away. Like it was some secret that she was electing to keep for me.
I’d been practically begging for her attention since, especially after I’d figured out that she was pretending too. That she hid herself, afraid of the inevitable rejection too. But she didn’t play pranks, pretend to be stupid and refuse any feelings too painful to address. No she refused everyone, never letting anybody too close to be able to hurt her. Only letting the rest of our friends close enough to see what she deemed the useful parts of herself, but never close enough for them to really see her. But she let me. And I knew it was because she saw our similarities.
I was broken from my thoughts when we made it to the gauntlet, and fear seized my heart. As quickly as it’d taken over, it was gone because Y/N shoved my shoulder with hers again, sending me a bright smile.
“We’ve got this Ridoc.” It was simple, yet wholly convincing.
“We’ve got this.” I repeated, squeezing my hands into fists in my pockets to keep them still. To keep them from pulling her into my arms, and never letting go.
Y/N’s POV
I made it. I fucking made it! Shock seized me as Ridoc’s bellows rang in my ears, not quite hearing it even though his words echoed through me. His arms were wrapped tightly around me, spinning me around as he held me in a bone crushing grip. He set me back on the ground but didn’t let go, burying his head in my shoulder.
“You made it.” He whispered, and I nodded, tears pricking in the corner of my eyes as emotion flooded through me. Everything was suddenly too much as I hid my face in his chest. Breathe in. Out. In. Out. In. Out.
“I made it.” I whispered back, squeezing him from where my arms were wrapped around his neck.
We made it through presentation as well. Though several of the less savory of our squad couldn’t say the same for themselves. None of the dragons really stood out to me, a hollow feeling in my chest as I walked off the flight field. I won’t be chosen. I knew none of those dragons would choose me, deep in my soul. I didn’t say anything though, not until I was sitting criss-cross with my back leaning on his pillows and headboard as I watched him sharpening his sword, talking about needing to be ready for threshing.
“Did you-“ I paused when he quieted and glanced up at me, “Did you feel any of their approval?” I asked, voice barely above a whisper.
“The dragons?” He asked, putting down the stone in his hand and setting the sword to the side. Damn him, he must’ve noticed my shift in mood, deciding to focus on me completely now. I nodded. He thought a moment, his face shifting into contemplation, a look I couldn’t help but find so handsome. “Not really. There was those greens that crowded your sister. But I was terrified of them. Maybe that brown one, towards the end, that was annoying the others? Rolling all around them. He was funny. But I don’t know, none of them really jumped out at me.”
He hadn’t been able to take his eyes off that brown. I remember following behind him, watching him as he had softly chuckled at the dragons antics. For him to have brought it up again…maybe he was just lying to me, or himself, but he’d definitely had a connection to that dragon. My heart dropped.
He must’ve seen it too because he sighed, before crawling over and wrapping his arms around me as he pulled me into his side, and I leaned my head on his chest. “You are gonna get a dragon tomorrow. I just know it. Maybe your dragon just isn’t sure about you yet.”
“Comforting.” I snorted, voice devoid of emotion.
“Look, I know I haven’t convinced you, and you’ll be thinking some awful things about yourself now.” He paused, sighing and looking unsure of himself as he tried to find the right words to soothe me. Failing, but he’s cute, trying like that. “Just trust that I know, more than I’ve known anything that you will get a dragon tomorrow. If any of us deserves one, it’s you.”
The raw honesty in his voice made my heart race, and despite myself, his words gave me an inkling of hope. Hope that he was right. That there really was a dragon out there who could accept me, despite my shortcomings. Hope that a dragon would find me worthy.
“Thanks Ridoc.” I mumbled, and hoped that he’d hold me just a little longer as I worked to pull myself back together.
He did.
Ridoc’s POV
I wandered the woods, my mind occupied with Y/N and her show of weakness last night. She never let the facade fall that completely before, she was scared. More scared than she’d been for the gauntlet. Afraid a dragon wouldn’t want her. I frowned as I hid behind a tree as a red passed by. I knew that one wasn’t mine, but luckily it either hadn’t noticed me or decided to spare me instead.
I’d felt a tug all afternoon as I wandered the forest, coaxing me further and further inwards, where I knew that brown was waiting. I’d meant what I said last night, it’d only been once I’d left my friends that I felt the tug. But Y/N had caught what I hadn’t last night, in that way that only she does, already knowing the brown had intended on choosing me.
I finally started moving again, lost thinking about Y/N. Too lost to notice the forest shifting in front of me, until a deep male voice rang through my head, ‘Oh come on! You didn’t even notice me!”
I jumped back two feet, suddenly seeing two large golden eyes staring at me from a large brown swordtail that was hanging from a particularly large tree. A tree that still looked like it was about to buckle under the weight of him.
“S-sorry.” I stuttered out.
The brown jumped from the tree, landing on the ground and sending me staggering from the shockwaves. ‘I suppose I’ll forgive you. Only cause you’re so worried about her. Call me Aotrom, I’ll give you my full name later. You’re mine now.’ He sniffed at me as he circled me, before settling in front of me again, looking proud of himself.
“You mean Sorrengail? Y/N?” I specified, remembering Violet was out here too.
The dragon made a sound, that sounded suspiciously like a snort. ‘Who else? Your mate of course.’
My body froze as my mouth fell open in shock. “She’s not! We’re not-“ I shook my head. “She’s my friend.”
He tilted his head, looking confused. ‘Oh? I thought…’ He sounded confused too, thinking, before his face lit up again, tail wagging back and forth. ‘I see! Eve did say she thought you two hadn’t acted on it yet when I shared my memories with her. I guess she’s right!’
My mind was swimming. This-my dragon, Aotrom, was unlike any other dragon we’d learned about. That was for sure. And he thought me and Y/N were mates??? “Who’s Eve?” I finally let the words out and the dragon puffed his chest out as he straightened with obvious pride.
‘My mate of course.’
Y/N POV
I kept a hand over my mouth as an orange slinked by, sniffing the air. I willed my traitorous heart to slow, afraid that the nasty looking dragon would hear my heartbeats and try to eat me. Eventually he slinked out of view, and I let out a small breath as I continued on my way.
I still felt that hollowness. No pull anywhere as I wandered around aimlessly. I’d run into a dozen different dragons now, and felt nothing from any of them.
I silently wondered if Ridoc had found that brown swordtail. I wondered if Rhi and Violet had found theirs too. If Sawyer would finally get his own. If I would be forced to repeat the year as well, and start over next year.
I paused when I heard a rustling in the bushes, but before I could hide, one of the other cadets strode out. It was one that hung by Barlow, not in his inner circle but itching to move his way in and appease the cruel man. He was tall and fit, definitely a foot taller than me. I palmed my daggers as he stared at me, cruel grin forming as he looked me up and down.
“The quiet Sorrengail twin.” He hissed and I glared.
“Won’t earn you any points with Barlow killing me.” By sheer will my voice was strong.
“Oh, but it will weaken her, and Barlow will approve of that if he hasn’t killed her by the end of the day.” My heart raced at his words as I steeled myself for the fight ahead of me. He wasn’t backing down now.
He ran four steps raising his sword and was about to swing when air rushed around me, and then suddenly he was lifted off the ground, a giant scorpion tail sticking out his back and through his chest. With a flick of the tail his body flew behind me.
But I was frozen in fear. Standing in front of me was a dragon, with navy blue scales and bright green eyes narrowed on me, assessing. Waiting for what my response would be. It’s tail moved slowly now, curling around its body, which gave me some hope that this dragon didn’t plan on killing me. Yet at least.
“Thank you.” I whispered, lowering my gaze as my thoughts went wild. There weren’t supposed to be any blues out here today.
‘I came because my mate wished to take a rider, that’s all.’ Her voice was majestic, beautiful and commanding, filling my head and making my eyes snap back to hers. She was talking to me…but that meant… ‘Yes, Strategist, I agree with my mate’s assessment. You are worthy of being mine, despite your worries. He may have been selfish, having chosen his own already, but he had assured me that you would do me proud young warrior. Now, climb on, before I change my mind.’
She chuffed out a puff of air in my face and I chose not to argue and climb atop the small blue dragon. She wasn’t the smallest of the ones we’d seen during presentation, but she definitely wasn’t the largest, I noted as I climbed on top of her.
She grumbled. ‘I am only 21!’ She hissed out the words irritated with my…thoughts. Great she can read my mind. ‘I will grow with time! I’ll be bigger than Aunt Sgaeyl even! Just you watch!’
So don’t mention her size. Noted. Wait, Sgaeyl? Riorson’s dragon???
‘My name is Eventhasil, but you may refer to me as Eve.” Then she was launching into the air not a second after I had thoroughly settled into the seat, ignoring my mental question of her lineage. I gripped her tightly with my thighs, hanging on for dear life. Once she leveled out, not jostling me at all anymore, I was able to actually enjoy the wind flowing through my hair. Joy flooded me and tears welled up again. I was actually chosen.
‘That is a habit we will have to kill with prejudice. Your doubt in yourself is sickening.’ Though her words were harsh, I think that was supposed to be encouraging.
‘What about your mate?’ I asked, changing the subject. ‘What’s he like? Who has he chosen?’ It would be nice to know exactly which cadet I’m now tied to for the rest of my life.
‘He approaches.’ She says simply, her voice going quiet as she speeds up, forcing me to hold tighter as a brown tried to catch up. Were they…racing? ‘Yes, and if Aotrom wins he’ll be insufferable. Hold tight.’ Determination laced her tone as she tightened her movements racing towards the flight field at top speed, easily outflying the brown as she flung her wings out at the last minute, landing quickly. I was nearly flung from my seat with the maneuver, but with luck and my muscles locking, I was able to hold on. The brown landed thirty seconds later, towering over Eve as he snapped at her face playfully. She snapped back at him, narrowly missing his neck as her tail swung behind us.
But then another dragon landed on her other side and the brown lurched forward, growling low in his throat as he eyed the other male, his swordtail curling around Eve protectively.
She, however, sat calmly amidst his display of possessiveness. Almost…bored?
‘Overpossessive male.’ She explained, irritation lacing her tone. ‘Male dragons are known to be volatile towards any potential threats in the first few years of establishing a mate bond. And Aotrom is very…determined to keep me as his.’ An obvious affection was laced in her last words. The other male backed away, submitting to Aotrom’s dominance and claim, eyes and head down as he moved out of range. Only when the male had moved a sufficient distance away and Aotrom relaxed, turning to his mate again did I see his rider. Ridoc. Holy shit! Ridoc!
Happiness bubbled within me. There was no one better to be tied to! Holy shit. And he looked unharmed, thank the gods.
‘Go speak with him.’ Eve somehow sounded…teasing? ‘He’s relieved that Aotrom had told the truth when he told him that you were safe. As if I’d ever let harm come to what’s mine.’ She snorted at the last sentence and I laughed.
‘I’m glad he’s okay too.’ I sent her way as I climbed down.
The moment my feet hit the ground they lifted again, as Ridoc’s arms wrapped around me and swung me around. “We both got dragons! We’re both riders!” His voice was full of joy as he put me on my feet again. “We made it Y/N! We made it!” His hands moved to my cheeks, and I was frozen as euphoria took over his gaze, and then in a split second, his mouth was on mine.
Moving, kissing, me. I slowly moved back holding onto the moment as my heart burst. My crush was kissing me. Tongue slipping into my mouth as he pulled me to him, pine and male and Ridoc taking over my senses completely as I lost myself in him.
This moment was perfection.
And then it was ruined, by Sawyer calling our names, obviously not able to really see us yet. Ridoc jumped back, looking panicked and my heart lurched. Did he not mean to do that? His eyes scanned mine as he backed up.
“Talk later?” He asked, and I froze. He froze too, hands hovering over my waist. “Y/N? Talk later yeah?”
I nodded, words catching in my throat as Eve growled in my mind. But she said nothing.
“Yeah.” I whispered, putting on a smile as our friend greeted us.
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Summary: Somehow, you ended up traveling through the spirit world into a different dimension. With no clues as to how you got there or where you were, you turn to the locals, who are less than friendly. Though one boy believes you, and believes you can help save them.
Word Count: 9.5k
Content: Heavily inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender, with a fourth wing twist.
Tags: Fluff, character/world building
Violet and Xaden were soaring through the skies on their scheduled patrol. A pair of lethal hawks in the sky, hunting, watching.
‘I’m Hungry.’ Tairn grumbled
Violet rolled her eyes, scolding him that he should have eaten before they left.
The large, black object hidden in the trees went, as quickly as it came. The clearing was so small, Violet wasn’t really sure it couldn’t be shadows. That was, until something started following them.
Earlier that day, you went into the Avarat State. You were connecting with your ancestors, seeking advice from your past lives on a situation that could fester between the nations. You came out of the state with more questions than answers and- free-falling?
You widened your eyes, panic racing in your chest as the ground grew closer. You drew in a sharp breath, throwing out your hand to release a burst of air. Now, instead of falling, you were floating down to the ground feet first. Your cloak was attached at your ankles and secured at your shoulders, giving you a parachute to float down.
This place… the smell, the trees, it was entirely unfamiliar. You looked up at the sun, even that felt out of place. Panic rose in your chest as you frantically looked around. You didn’t know where you were, but it definitely wasn’t home.
“Takashi?” You asked, looking around for your dragon.
You felt the ground shift beneath your feet a few hundred feet off, his familiar footsteps sending shockwaves up your legs. A large, black dragon head erupted from the tree line. Takashi let out a chuff, smoke billowing out of his nose.
‘I was sleeping.’ He grumbled, exhaustion evident from his tone.
Relief flooded over you after hearing your dragon speak.
“Don’t be so dramatic.” You rolled your eyes and turned around and examine the small patch of clearing you had landed in. The more you walked around, the more you realized that the humming under your feet wasn’t from Takashi snoring; it was coming from the earth.
You bent down and laid your hand flat on the grass and closed your eyes. With a long breath, you reached your earth-bending powers down, down, down…
A fierce growl broke your concentration, and your eyes flashed open to Takashi, who was almost stalking you.
‘Do not reach for this land's magic.’ He growled. Not a request, but a demand.
“This land? What do you mean by this land? There’s magic in the ground?” Questions spewed from your mouth. Immediately, you looked at the earth as though you’d somehow see the magic running through it like a river.
‘I do not yet know where we are, but the magic here is tainted. Those who wield from the earth suffer grave consequences.’ Takashi warned you. You Bowed your head in respect and understanding towards him, as is customary when elders or spirits share their wisdom or insight.
“So it’s true? We’re not in our world anymore?” You asked again, your mind finally allowing itself to revel and spiral about how you had gotten here in the first place.
‘It would appear so.’ Takashi sat down and hunched his wings over to sniff the ground, as though he was trying to gather more information.
‘I cannot reach their spirits here. We need to find a temple.’
“Find a temple. Got it.” You snapped your fingers in Takashi’s direction, giving him a playful wink.
“I’ll find a temple in a world we have never been to. And a bakery! Oh, and a spa that accommodates dragons. How does a mud mask sound?” Your tone oozed with sassiness, aimed at being the most difficult and defiant version of yourself.
‘You must calm yourself and think clearly.’ Takashi advised you, seeming to stare down his nose at you.
“Calm myself? You just told me that we’re on a completely different planet, maybe even universe!” You threw your arms out dramatically, looking up at your dragon expectantly.
‘If we got here, we can get back. I just need to be able to speak with the spirits.’
As Takashi finished, two black flashes streaked across the sky. A shiver ran down your back, and before you knew it, you were looking out through Takashi’s enhanced vision—two dragons, one black, one blue, both carried riders.
Your vision returned to your own body, and you looked up at Takashi.
“Perfect! There’s our chance!” You enthused and whipped up a gust of wind to carry you up onto your dragon's back. He grumbled in protest before he launched up to the sky, quickly gaining on the flyers.
“Hey! Hey, wait! Stop!” You waved your arms back and forth a little, seeming to catch their attention. A girl with her hair braided around her head turned back and looked at you, glaring through her goggles.
“Why didn’t I think of that?” You mused at the sight of the woman wearing goggles. Without a word shared, the man on the blue dragon looked back at you, eyes narrowed.
You held your hands up in surrender, giving them a cheeky grin before you slowly slid off the side of Takashi. As the ground quickly approached, you whipped wind beneath you to soften the fall, just as you had earlier.
Takashi landed behind you with grace and shook out his scales.
‘I tire of that party trick.’ Takashi said, boredly, Down your shared bond.
Shortly after, the other two riders landed on the opposite end of the clearing. The girls' dragon had a harness around its chest. A saddle, interesting. When you looked towards the blue dragon, there was nothing there but darkness, no glimpse of the second rider. Where’d he go?
The woman reached for her dagger. She had eight on her total; you could feel the tug of metal from your earth-bending abilities. You strode forward with your hands in your pockets. “There’s no need for all of that,” you tried your best to be smooth. “I’m not here for a fight. I just want to know where I am.”
“You’re inside the border of Aretia. As far as I’m concerned, you’re invading our lands.” The small girl snarled at you, tightening her grip on her dagger.
You tilted your head, genuinely confused. This was no way to treat anybody. This hostility came from fear; that was the only reasonable option. It was safe to assume now that their world was probably at war. Did they not have a peacekeeper?
“Where is your Avatar?” You asked.
“Our what?” The woman's face soured with confusion.
“Takashi, my dragon, told me your world was sick. Where is the person who is responsible for helping you bring peace and heal your world?” A pit gathered in your stomach, wondering if they even had anyone with power.
“That depends on whose side you’re on. We’ve never seen you here before, and nobody outside of Basgiath was permitted to bond dragons. Now, who are you?” There was no room for any other answer. This world was at war; you could feel it deep in your heart, the desire to help them.
“I’m an Avatar, I’m just trying to help…” Before you could say anything more, you felt a shift in the ground behind you. You turned your head around, seeing nothing but darkness in the trees. That darkness was familiar, the same one that blanketed the blue dragon when they first landed.
You closed your eyes, honing in on your earthbending technique and feeling the vibrations deep within the ground. Once you located where the abnormality in the trees was, you then searched for sweat, saliva in the mouth, and water in the muscles; the pushing and rushing of the water within someone’s body. You opened your eyes, reached your hand out on instinct, and grabbed hold of the blood you could feel, hoping it wasn’t a deer.
The shadows fell away, and you were met with the dark, scared eyes of the man who was with the girl. Your head turned back towards the girl, rage and fear filled her face.
“Look. I know I’m not from here, but where I am from, this is not how we treat our guests.”
The fearful look on her face was only expressed when someone you love is in danger. These two had a deep-running connection. Through your blood bending, you could feel the magic connection running through him and back to the girl. They shared a bond between them, much like you and Takashi. This feeling puzzled you. Do humans here mate and bond as dragons do?
“Let him go!” She demanded, her voice shaking.
“I mean you no harm-“ you tried to reason.
“Then let him go!” She screamed. That’s when you noticed she was holding a small rock. You could feel the familiar hum of power start to brew in the air. You looked up at the sky, then back at the girl. Is she doing this? Was she summoning power?
You dropped the man, drawing in a quick breath and closing your eyes. You assumed the lightning-wielding stance, centering your power.
You opened your eyes at the precise moment you needed to, inhaling as the lightning changed its gravitation towards your fingertips. You let the entire shock of power hit you before you attempted to contain it for redistribution. To feel the power, the literal otherworldly power, was intoxicating. You could feel the pureness of it.
You released the lightning, diverting it back up towards the sky. Your lightning strike painted the setting sun sky with blue and purple. Wind swept you up as you looked between both of them.
“Your unkindness to others will not serve you when you face the spirits of this world. Remember that.”
“And then she was gone? Just like that?” Ridoc asked Violet eagerly.
Violet hummed and nodded in response. “The wind swept her up onto her dragon's back and then they were gone.”
“Was she Venin?” Rhionnan asked from across the table.
“There was no red in her eyes at all, no pale skin, and she was with a dragon, definitely not a wyvern. She mentioned specifically ‘in this world’ before she left. It sounds crazy, but I’m starting to believe she isn’t actually from here. And I don’t mean Navarre, I mean this planet.”
When Violet had called Ridoc and the rest of the Iron Squad into the map room, he knew something big had happened. He just hadn’t imagined that they would come home with this unbelievable story—a girl wielding multiple powers who wasn’t Venin.
“So she wielded wind, lightning, and stopped Riorson in his tracks; he couldn’t move at all?” Ridoc summarized with enthusiasm, on the edge of his seat to learn what was next.
“Yep.” Violet popped the p at the end of her sentence. “We don’t know what kind of magic she used on him, so we came straight back here to get checked out. Xaden is completely fine.”
“Another world, how is that even possible?” Sawyer asked from his seat, looking over the area where she was first spotted.
“She asked us where our Avatar was. She said that she was her world's Avatar. She said our world was sick. I wouldn’t believe this if Tairn were adamant that her dragon didn’t belong to any of the dens in the vale. He tried to communicate with him but wasn’t able to accomplish anything.”
A dragon's roar shook the walls of the house. Every person in that room looked at the other with puzzled looks.
‘Aotrom?’ Ridoc asked his dragon.
‘Unknown dragon in the courtyard.’ Was his only response. He sounded like he was busy, like Ridoc had bothered him in the middle of something. Loud voices filled the halls as footsteps thudded on the hardwood outside. By the time that the group had gotten up from their seats and made their way to the door, Xaden threw it open.
“She's back. Come on.” He demanded.
Ridoc felt his heart skip a beat. The adrenaline from rushing into a potential battle with a multi-ability-wielding dragon rider was enough to make anyone’s heart race. But he was also intrigued by the situation and how exactly the woman got here in the first place.
As they ran out into the courtyard, the only thing there was a woman. She was truly captivating, with a kind smile on her face, hair loose and flowing in the wind. She stood with her hands behind her back, assuming a non-intimidating stance. It worked on Ridoc; he wanted to trust her immediately, but his reasoning stopped him. She could be Venin, highly skilled at hiding the aspects of her appearance that would give her away.
“Hello again!” She announced dramatically, waving an arm. The group all looked at each other with confused and uneasy glances.
“I apologize for intruding, but I really do come asking for a favor.” She bent in half at the waist, one hand flattened out, the other in a fist, touching the open palm. Ridoc was shocked by her happy and energetic energy. She showed no fear, no worry. This was an uncommon nature for people around here. The world was riddled by war, and she seemed unaware of that.
Xaden leapt into action in a second. Ridoc watched as he disappeared from the line of cadets, as a shadowy dome appeared around the woman.
“I won’t miss a second time.” Violet's determined growl sounded from Ridoc’s left. His attention turned back to the scene before him, wondering what Xaden was doing to her.
Suddenly, an ember began to grow from deep within the shadowed cage. The fire spread slowly, over-taking the shadows with a dome of its own, with her at the center. It got so large that Ridoc started to feel the heat on his own face. He watched as the shadows fell, and Xaden stumbled away in shock.
“And she wields Fire?” Ridoc was nearly jumping with glee..
“Ridoc, shut up,” Rihonnan growled back at him.
The fiery dome dissipated like fireflies, vanishing in moments with only lingering flickers of small leaves and sticks burning up in its wake. There she stood again, the picture of poised calmness.
“I can wield fire.” She chided, offering a hand out to Xaden. He ignored her, rising quickly to his feet and backing up to stand at the front of our line of cadets.
“I can also wield air, water, and earth.”
Ridoc’s eyes met the strange woman’s as she spoke. When they made eye contact, he felt his heart skip a beat.
Your eyes darted over all of their shocked faces. One particular boy, handsome with dark hair and chiseled features, had his mouth agape.
You smirked a little, reaching down and popping the lid off your water canteen. You expertly extracted the water from the container, bringing it out in front of you and playing with the shape. You formed the water into a sphere. You morphed the shape again, this time into a small dragon figure, then froze it. The frozen dragon flew over to the group of people, dancing around their heads.
When the dragon was over the top of everyone, you released the form, sending snow littering gracefully to the ground. Everyone watched in amazement at the show happening before them. Before too much snow was lost to the ground, you turned it all back to water and brought it all back into your canteen.
“You just turned that water into ice.” The tall, shadow man spoke. Not quite a question, not quite a statement, but somewhere in between. You tilted your head, confused.
“Well, yes?” You remarked. Their confusion caused you to be confused.
“But you only said water, you didn’t say ice and snow.” A dark skinned woman with braids spoke out. You could tell she had that authoritative figure about herself, maybe a leader.
You cocked your head with a little smile. “They’re all forms of water, are they not?” Their group of people all looked at each other, muttering words that you couldn’t quite hear, before one man, the handsome one, spoke up.
“Our powers only allow us to control one thing at once.” He explained. Finally, someone was willing to talk about this weird situation you found yourselves in.
“Like the girl with the lightning!” You snapped, looking towards the smaller girl.
“You can’t also control fire?” The girl shook her head, looking around at her friends.
The handsome, dark-haired boy then raised his hand enthusiastically.
“I can control ice!” He said eagerly, earning a jab in the stomach from the lightning girl.
“If you can control ice, you can control water.”
“You have yet to show us what other abilities you can do. Wield lightening again.” The tall, shadow man commanded. You looked around, noticing a crowd of young and old people gathering around you.
“I cannot bend lightning.” You retorted. “I can only channel its energy and release it elsewhere. Very few fire benders can actually summon lightning.” Your attention turned back to the girl, and you made eye contact with her.
“You have an extraordinary gift.”
“What can you do with wind?” A new voice entered the mix, causing everyone to look over at a tall man, arms folded over his chest. He looked a lot like the lightning-wielding girl. The man looked over at the group questioning you and shrugged.
“I’m curious.”
Your smile widened, and you quickly went into action. You whipped air up under yourself, lifting yourself up into the air. People gasped, whispered, and smiled as you flew past, the wind following you like a lost puppy. Everyone’s bodies kept track of where you were going until you ended back up in front of them, taking position in front of them, just closer.
“There are a lot of things I can do with wind. Like if I sneeze too hard, I’ll go sky high.” You chuckled a little before looking back at the group of people. Nobody said anything, too shocked to speak. You decided to use this opportunity to express why you were here.
“Where I’m from, I’m what’s called the Avatar, the master of all four elements of the world. It’s my job to be the peacemaker of my world and ensure everyone’s safety. Takashi, my dragon, is my connection to the spirit world. He cannot speak with the spirits of this world, so we need a temple to be able to communicate with them.”
“You still haven’t shown us any Earth-wielding.” The dark skinned girl pointed out. You smiled, looking down at the cobblestone. You decided to pace back and forth as a distraction, as you slowly used your metal-bending to extract all the weapons from their body. The ones they weren’t holding anyway.
“I would, but I would also hate to ruin your beautiful courtyard.” You gestured stone inlay on the ground. You brushed your foot along the dirt, pulling up small rocks. You used your Earthbending to pick them up and spin them around in the air. You watched the amazement on everyone’s faces as the rocks traveled up, and up, and up.
“Does your power come from your dragons?” You asked, remembering the feeling of bending the lightning.
“It felt different from natural lightning, cleaner, more powerful.”
“Yes,” the shadow man spoke. “Our dragons choose us after a series of trials to prove we’re worthy. They then bless us with a signet that allows us to channel power through them.”
You hummed in thought, now looking back at the at least dozen of their weapons that were at their side, now floating in the air behind them.
“If you have power, then why do you also need weapons? Where I come from, our power is our weapon.”
“We can experience burnout if we use our signets too often.” The shadow man explained.
“Hey! Where are my daggers?” The lightning-bending girl spun around, looking for them in her pockets before seeing them floating behind her.
“Holy gods.” She breathed.
“Pop quiz!” You announced as all of the people turned around to look at their weapons. “What are your weapons made of?”
“Iron, alloy, metal-“
“Metal.” You interjected once the shadowed girl said the correct answer.
“And at its core, before it’s even smelted, where do those materials come from?”
The entire courtyard was completely silent; you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was amazed as they looked at their wall of personal weapons, floating in the air.
“They come from the earth, and then are smelted and compressed into a stronger substance.”
You hummed in acknowledgement, agreeing with the lighting-bending girl's answer. “The components of metal came from the Earth. It's a practice that's very hard to master in my world; it requires a strong connection with your inner energy to detect even the smallest amounts of earth within things like weapons and cages.”
You gently lowered their weapons back on the ground, the entire group turning to look at you.
“Your world is at war, isn’t it? Your negative attitudes and actions towards strangers suggest that you do not know peace.”
“Yes,” the tall, dark-haired man who exuded leadership spoke out once again.
“We are in a civil war as well as fighting a power that we cannot control.”
“Your magic here is sick.” You spoke directly to the taller man who reselbled the lightening-bender. He looked over at the group of people, who were picking up their weapons, with displeasure; he wasn’t aware of your arrival, you could tell.
“My name is Avatar {y/n}. I am the peacemaker of my world, and I would like to help if you would allow me. I just need to connect with your spirits so Takashi can learn more about how the power here works.” Your heart beat nervously in your chest. If they said no, there may be no chance of figuring out how to get back home.
Silence blanketed the group of people, everyone looking to one another in uncertainty. Until one man stepped out of line and held out his hand.
“I’m Brennen. I accept your request for refuge. I will take you to our temple to communicate with our Gods and get you set up with a room.”
“Brennen. We must discuss this first with the council.” The shadow man stepped forward with a snarl, snapping your attention to the left.
“Xaden, we will discuss it later. For now, we cannot deny people seeking spiritual refuge. We will take her to the temple of the Gods and let them decide her fate.” Brennen snarled at the younger man. You could tell now that this was the person in charge.
Brennen took you by the shoulder and began guiding you towards the large estate before you.
“I apologize for my comrades. You are right, our world is at war with itself and people who use the Earth's sick magic.”
You felt a pull in your chest. Your world hadn’t dealt with war in years; you were so used to the peaceful time that you lived in that war was difficult to comprehend.
“I would like to help, if I am able. Once I connect with your spirits- or gods, I suppose you call them, I will know more.” You admitted, looking up at the man named Brennen.
“For the sake of both our worlds, I hope they are willing to speak with you.”
The iron squad was taking turns peeking through the temple doors at Brennen and this new individual, the Avatar.
“What’s taking them so long?” Sawyer whispered to the group. “They're just talking.”
“Did you see the way she created that vortex to fly?” Ridoc enthused. “And she turned water into ice, and then snow. Then back to water!”
“Let's not forget how she disarmed us without anybody noticing,” Violet grumbled from her place, leaning against the wall.
“Oh come on, Vi, you weren’t a little impressed?” Ridoc tried to reason with his friend.
“Impressed by her party tricks? Hardly.” Violet rolled her eyes and went back to shuffling her feet on the ground.
“Violet is right,” Xaden interjected as he appeared in the doorway. “Clearly, she can harness a lot of power. We need to figure out her true intentions here before we believe anything she says.”
Brennen, leaving the temple room, drew their attention away from the conversations and to the door where he exited. Brennen let out a huff of air and ran his fingers through his hair.
“Now we wait.”
“Wait for what?” Xaden asked.
“We wait to see if she can speak with our Gods. I don’t truly know if that will even happen; it sounds like our worlds are vastly different from one another.” Brennen explained. He has been talking with {y/n} for the last fifteen minutes or so.
“And what if she does? What then?” Violet asked.
“Then, we have a meeting and talk with her to decide what to do next. She offered to help us, and if what she says about herself is true, then we would be stupid not to accept.” Brennen walked towards the door to the hallway, turning on his heel to lean opposite Xaden. It was clear that everyone in the room was questioning why he was still standing there.
“What?” Brenned asked with a shrug. “I’m just as curious as all of you.”
Ridoc ensured that he had a spot at the front of the door, eagerly watching through the small, slatted window.
“Ridoc, get your big head out of the way!” Sawyer shoved him gently, but Ridoc didn’t budge.
“I’ll give you a play-by-play. Right now, she's sitting with her legs crossed.” Ridoc took no shame in taking up the entirety of the window space, curiosity and fascination about this woman growing in him. He couldn’t tell if it was curiosity about what she was or who she was that drew him closer to this specific situation.
“That’s all?” Rhionnan questioned from behind.
“How do we know she is actually talking to our spirits or whatever?” Violet asked, clear annoyance lacing her features.
“How do we know she isn’t faking it to get us to trust her?”
Ridoc turned his head around to reply when movement from inside the temple caught his eye. His attention turned back to the inside, and he felt his heart drop. She was sitting down still, but her eyes were open. Not only were they open, but they were consumed with a glowing, vibrant blue that was so pale, it almost looked white. Not a trace of her iris to be seen, only the light.
“Do you think she could fake that?” Ridoc asked the group, pointing to the widow that was now flooded with that bright light. The room erupted into gasps and prayers, every single person's expression pale and astonished. Ridoc had hardly seen anything on Xaden's face other than a stoic, blank expression, but even his skin paled, and his eyebrows raised. It seemed that they were starting to believe the way that Ridoc did.
Everyone returned to their rooms early that night. Specifically, violet and Xaden. When you were done connecting to the spirit world, you came back out and told them that their parents had been the ones that you spoke to. After mentioning Violet and Brennen's mother and father, and Xaden's father by name, they began to believe what Ridoc already knew.
The sun was just about to set on the horizon when Ridoc knocked on the door that you were staying in, his heart racing with anticipation.
You opened the door, not expecting to see the handsome man from before standing at your door. He stood there in stunned silence for a moment, seeming to search for the right words to say. You smiled a little, holding out your hand to him as Brennen had done to you.
“I’m {y/n}.” You mused softly.
Ridoc seemed to soften slightly, taking his hand in yours and shaking it.
“I’m Ridoc.” He introduced himself.
“The ice bender, I remember. I’m happy to put a name to the face.” You mused, putting your hands in your pockets.
Ridoc smiled and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
“That’s actually what I am here about. I want to know if you can teach me how to control water as well.”
You hesitated for a moment, a small frown playing on your lips.
“If it is true that you can only harness one power, I’m not so certain now.”
You watched Ridoc’s face drop slightly, seeing a breath leave his chest, caving inwards slightly.
“That’s alright. It was a long shot anyway.” Ridoc looked down, shuffling his feet slightly.
He was disappointed; that much was clear. He was the only optimistic face that you saw in this entire place, and you just crushed what little he had left. Before he could turn away, you reached out and firmly gripped his forearm. His head whipped up to you, eyebrows raised in waiting.
“But it won’t hurt to try.” You smiled up at him, which he returned tenfold.
Before leaving, you grabbed your cloak off the desk, throwing it over your shoulders. You shut the door behind you and were now chest to chest with Ridoc. He smelled like leather and earth. Your eyes traveled up to his to see him looking down at you with a crooked grin.
“Really?” His face lit up like a puppy.
A smile spreads on your face with a nod.
“Really, let’s go!”
You took off at a brisk jog, aiming for the small balcony at the end of the hall. Heavy boots fell on the wood behind you, the vibration rattling up your body as well. You opened the door, and the crisp, cool evening air hit your lungs. You sucked in a big breath, the chill traveling down your nasal passages.
“Your world is beautiful.” You commented while looking at the setting sun.
“Thank you. I wish I could see yours.” Ridoc stepped out onto the balcony with you, leaning against the railing. He watched as you fastened a leather strap around your waist that was hidden in your cloak. His eyes traveled down as you tucked the ends over your foot, stretching it taught.
“What are you doing?”
Once you put your boots back on, you rose to your feet, slipping your wrists into two elastic straps. You stepped up onto the railing and looked down 3 stories to the ground.
“{y/n} what are you doing? Get down from there!” Ridoc’s voice grew weary, his hands seeming to instinctively stretch outward to you.
You smirked a little, looking back at him over your shoulder.
“Sure, I’ll get down.”
Spreading your arms out wide, you shifted your weight forward and fell off the balcony. From behind you, Ridoc gasped and called out your name. You flipped around to look at him, the wind bowing the cloak strapped to your body.
At seemingly the last second, you sent a gust of wind underneath you, and you propelled upwards toward the sky. The cool breeze danced over your skin and trickled into your lungs. Exploring an entirely different world was not something you ever thought you would do. The spirit world, sure. But this feeling was entirely different; it was exhilarating.
The wind carried you up and down, spiralling and barrel rolling through the air. You looked down at the courtyard below you. It was empty and barren, except for Ridoc on the balcony of the building. You commanded the air to take you to him, flying by him and sending a wave of air in his direction that blew his hair back. Ridoc’s face lit up with amazement.
“You’re flying!” He threw his hands out to you dramatically.
A laugh escaped your mouth as you urged the wind to travel back to the balcony, flipping around and landing gracefully on your toes. Ridoc was upon you in an instant, grabbing your shoulders and spinning you around to look at the cloak. You could feel the light touch of his fingertips all over your back and shoulders. It sent shivers down your spine and heat to your face.
“You literally turned yourself into a dragon.” Ridoc mused as we observed your cloak.
You looked back at him with a smile on your face and nodded.
“I can control the air that flows beneath me and use the cloak to fly. Well, more glide. I don’t have to flap my wings.” You playfully wiggle your arms, bringing a large belly laugh from Ridoc.
“Is it made of dragon scales?” He asked. You turned around to face him now, smiling with a nod at his realization.
“They’re Takashi’s scales. I collect them when he sheds them and use them to reinforce things like my armor and cloak.”
“Fireproof and impenetrable. That's genius. My friend Violet has dragon scale armor.” Ridoc explained. He couldn’t keep his hands off the material as he observed the craftsmanship.
“She’s the lightning bender, correct?” You asked with a tilt of your head.
Ridoc hummed and nodded his head.
“That’s Violet. I suppose you don’t know anybody’s names, huh.” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking off into the distance.
You heaved yourself onto the balcony, sitting down on the railing and swinging your feet.
“I know Brennen. And Xaden, though he didn’t actually introduce himself to me. And I now know Violet, and I know you.”
As you spoke, you watched Ridoc move carefully, and he could tell. His steps were measured and calculated as he inched closer and closer toward you. Temptingly invading your personal space. You were almost eye level with him now, the setting sun turning his eyes a chocolate brown.
“Ridoc.” You said his name more with more wavering emotion than you meant to.
“{y/n}.” He repeated your name, a soft smile spreading to his lips. You could see his eyes swiftly dart from your eyes to your lips, then back up. A lightness filled your stomach and traveled up your chest. You used it as an opportunity to lift your body up by harnessing the wind.
“Come on, Ridoc, let’s go find some water.”
Ridoc had guided you to a small pond within the village, tipping the homeowner nicely for use of his property. The pond was small and beautiful, with clear water that reflected the stars and the crescent moon. It was surrounded by tall cattails and a few patches of wildflowers. You eagerly skipped around the edge of the pond, immediately sitting down on the most comfortable patch of grass.
Ridoc chuckled and shook his head at your enthusiasm as he followed you. He watched as you patted the grass next to you for him to sit down. Ridoc fell to his knees and then shifted his weight to sit on his hip, his right leg propped up to rest his arm on.
“So, tell me what you can do.” You asked Ridoc eagerly, propping your head into your hands that were supported by your knees. Ridoc sucked his teeth in thought, shifting his weight to sit with his legs crossed.
“I can summon ice, freeze water-“ Ridoc’s explanation was cut short by your interruption.
“You can freeze water?” You asked him eagerly. Ridoc nodded in response. Your heart lifted up, which caused you to smile.
“Then surely you can unfreeze water!” You exclaimed, letting your thoughts flow freely from your body.
“And you can summon ice? Just like that?” You snapped your fingers on the last word, looking at him expectantly. Your mind started reeling with all the possibilities, how useful that would be instead of running out of water.
Ridoc cupped his hands together, and soon enough, an ice sphere about the size of an apple formed in the palm of his hands. You scooted forward, looking down into his hands with amazement.
“That’s incredible!” You marveled, grabbing the sphere out of his hand and holding it in your own.
You tried to find any difference in how the ice felt, but it was the usual cold, hard substance. It wasn’t until you turned his ice sphere into a water sphere that you felt the difference. The water had the same pureness as Violet's lightning.
Ridoc watched with pure amazement as you turned his ice into water, seeming to study it. He watched the concentration on your face as you split the water apart and put it back together again.
“So you really think that I can unfreeze something?” Ridoc asked.
Your attention snapped back to him, flashing Ridoc a smile.
“I think we can try.”
“Then how do we start?” Ridoc asked eagerly. His heart raced with anticipation; it felt like discovering what his signet was all over again.
“We meditate, then do some breathing exercises.” You sat down across from him, crossing your legs and closing your eyes, your palms resting face up on your knees. You opened one eye to peek and make sure Ridoc was doing it. Your eyes opened completely when you saw he was looking at you with a puzzled expression.
“Why would I meditate?” He asked. If it were in any other tone than genuine questioning, you would have taken some insult to it.
“To center yourself and your energy. It helps to align your chakras and allow the power to fully flow through your body without any blockages.” This was the simplest of steps to simply living where you were from; babies learned how to do it before they even learned to speak.
Ridoc’s expression was nothing but confusion, his eyebrow cocked and mouth slightly agape, like he was chasing the right words to say.
“I don’t think I’ve ever done that in my life.”
Shaking your head and laughing, you stood. You walked around behind him and then crouched down to be level with his head.
“I’ll teach you.”
You ran your hand down each of his arms, flipping his palms over to be face up, ensuring they were relaxed at his sides. You then grabbed Ridoc’s chin, tilting it up until it was parallel with the ground. You placed a finger gently in the middle of his shoulders, causing him to straighten them out. Ridoc watched your every move like his life depended on it. He analyzed your features in the moonlight and could already feel his heart rate increasing.
“Close your eyes, and I’m going to touch your torso and tell you where to breathe.” You instructed him. All Ridoc could muster was a nod, as he closed his eyes and waited for you to devour all his other senses.
You shuffled around to the side of him as you spoke. “There are two places you can breathe from.” You began the lesson that was taught to you as a child about proper breathing technique. You placed your hand gently on his upper abdomen. You felt him flinch away slightly before relaxing and allowing your palm to lie flat.
“Here, your diaphragm,” then moved your hand up to his chest, placing it over the middle of his sternum.
“And here, your chest.”
The steady thumping against your hand was Ridoc’s heart, beating at a rapid pace.
“Ridoc, meditation is about relaxing. Why is your heart beating so fast?” You questioned him. You felt a chuckle vibrate from within his ribcage through your hand.
“It’s not every day a pretty stranger is touching me in another stranger's yard.” A satisfied, smug smirk was plastered on his face when he looked up at you.
You cocked an eyebrow at him, your expression asking if he was serious. With the small flick of your wrist, water from the pond shot up and hit him square between the eyes on his forehead. Ridoc flinched a little, squinting his eyes and then wiping off his face.
“I deserved that one.”
You couldn’t help but let out a small laugh before taking your free hand and covering his eyes so he could no longer look anywhere.
“Concentrate!” You playfully growled.
“Okay, okay!” Ridoc laughed in surrender, and you could feel his eyelashes brush against your hand. You removed your hand to see his eyes closed and continued with your lesson.
“I want you to take a breath in through your nose, thinking about expanding your abdomen here.” Your hand returned to his upper abs, just below the lungs. Ridoc drew in a long, slow breath. You felt your hand rise as his diaphragm expanded underneath you.
“Excellent, now let it out with your mouth.” You instructed. As he did so, you put the most minuscule amount of pressure on his stomach, ensuring that he expelled all the air while also unintentionally getting a better feel of how well-muscled he was.
Drawing your hand back quickly, you lifted it up to place over the middle of his sternum.
“Now, breathe in through your nose and think about expanding your chest. Think of a string, tied to the middle of your chest, gently pulling up through your head.”
With your right hand, you pointed your index finger at the middle of his chest. With your left hand, you pointed downward on the top of his head.
“Breathe.”
Ridoc did, subconsciously feeling his body lift upwards into the pinpoint pressure of your finger on the top of his head.
“Good, now out through your mouth.” You commanded.
Ridoc slowly blew the breath out of his mouth. He never sat down to really think about breathing; it always just happened. Just from two breathing exercises, he already felt the stretch in his lungs. A stretch that felt like the refreshing ache of a sore muscle.
You placed your left hand flat on his chest.
“Breathe in half way,” you instructed, and Ridoc followed, thinking about the string and expanding his chest upwards. He stopped before he felt like he was taking on too much air. Your right hand now rested on his upper abdomen again.
“Now finish breathing in from here.” Your soft voice now spoke directly into his ear. Ridoc had to ignore the goosebumps he felt all over his body. He breathed the air into his diaphragm and held it there, feeling his entire inner chest muscles stretch.
“Now, release half your air through your mouth from your diaphragm when I remove my hand.”
You watched his face carefully through the entire process. At first, you could tell he didn’t believe this would actually work, that breathing wouldn’t be the answer to bending water. But as you continued, you could see the relaxation on his face. There was a concentration there too; this was the only thing on his mind at this very moment. You removed your hand from his upper abdomen, feeling his body release the hot air out of his mouth.
“Now the chest.” Then you removed your other hand and watched as his chest fell as he let the rest of his air out.
“Now, without thinking about where your air is going, simply take a big deep breath in through your nose, count four seconds, then release.”
Ridoc was completely entranced now; the only thing he was listening to or thinking about was what you were about to say next. And he did as you said, breathing in as much air as his lungs could hold and then releasing it until there wasn’t so much as a whisper left in his lungs.
“How do you feel?” You asked.
Ridoc’s eyes opened, and he looked over his left shoulder at you. Your faces are extremely close together. He could see the softness in your skin, the gentle curve of your lips as you gave him a soft smile. Those long, thick eyelashes hid eyes that reflected the stars.
“Good.” He responded with a cracking of his voice, clearing his throat immediately after.
A chuckle escaped your lips in the form of a hum.
“Good. Breathing technique is taught very early where I am from. It helps connect your body to the earth below you, as well as the spirits above you. Your powers don’t come from muscle and brawn; they come from within. Starting with your energy and translated with your breath.”
‘I like her.’ Atoroms' voice sounded in Ridoc’s head, startling him slightly. He was so focused on what you were saying that he hadn’t realized his shields were down.
Snapping his shields back up and ignoring his dragon, he turned his attention back to you. “What next?” He asked, but not with the same blind eagerness as before. He wasn’t just excited about potentially learning a new skill; he was preparing himself mentally for it. You could tell he genuinely felt ready and capable of doing so.
“Close your eyes again.” You instructed, standing up and stepping behind him.
“I’m going to cover your eyes and ears so this is the only thing that you focus on.”
Ridoc nodded his head. Before he knew it, your surprisingly soft hands were covering his eyes and his ears. His ears made that familiar swooshing sound, almost as though he were trying to listen to a seashell.
“Think about your power, where does it come from?”
“It comes from-“ Ridoc began, but he was quickly cut off.
“Think about it. This is all rhetorical right now.” You chuckled a little at his silly behavior. Ridoc’s face turned red, and he let out a small breath.
“Right. Sorry.”
“Let your power flow through your entire body. Thinking about every passageway being filled up with that energy, then breathe in and hold it there.”
Ridoc did as she instructed, opening the vault that allowed him access to Atorom’s power. Instead of immediately releasing it like normal, he allowed it to manifest within him first. When it started to feel out of control, he took a deep breath into his lungs, tightening his core right above his diaphragm. He concentrated solely on allowing his power to manifest within his body.
“When you’re ready, breathe out. Think about your power releasing from your hands. Feel and direct the energy out of your body. Picture the ice lying over the pond like a blanket. You mustn't release it all at once; keep some energy trickling behind within.”
Ridoc furrowed his eyebrows together, blowing air out of his mouth in a concentrated stream. Ridoc pictured a flock of sheep, how they all run for the only open gate to flow through. He used that mental image to help guide his power out of his hands.
Ice blanketed the pond gracefully and beautifully. The top of the water had no roughness, no wave. It looked like the ice had been carved perfectly. You removed your hands from his eyes.
“Open, but do not drop your arms.”
Ridoc listened, seeing the familiar sight of his ice blanketing the pond. His eyes started to trail up to you, but you quickly covered his eyes with your hands again.
“Only think about the pond. Grasp onto that energy you left behind. Draw a big breath into your chest and think about taking that power back. Feel the power re-enter your body and flow back into wherever you store it.”
Ridoc did just that, he imagined the sheep moving back into the gate now, and back up towards the barn, being herded by the sheep dogs. He expanded his chest to the fullest possible extent it could go. He shut the lock on the vault to his power. It was odd, like somehow what little power he had taken out in the first place now felt replenished.
“Ridoc, look.”
You removed your hands from his eyes. Ridoc’s eyes flew open before you had even removed your hands. As he looked over the pond, his chest lifted with excitement, a smile spreading wide across his face. The pond he froze was now water again. He whipped around, standing up and grabbing you by the shoulder. It seemed nearly impossible for him to contain his excitement.
“You didn’t do that?” He asked, pointing back to the pond.
“Nope! That was all you.” You returned his enthusiastic smile and gently grabbed his forearms with your hands. Ridoc let out a few astonished laughs before turning around and looking at the sight before him. He ran his hand through his hair in disbelief.
“Congratulations, Ridoc, you can turn ice into water.”
Ridoc whipped around to you as you spoke. Before you could reach, you were engulfed in a hug and being spun around in a circle. You both shared joyous laughter.
“Thank you {y/n}. This is amazing. I can’t wait to show everyone.”
Ridoc set you down, his hand still on your shoulders and your arms still around his neck. Now it was your turn for your heartbeat to quicken. Your face heated as his breath danced across your skin.
Clearing your throat, you looked down, stepping out of his grasp.
“Water,” you continued, gesturing back towards the pond and taking some water up out of it, “is life. Water is clean and pure.” You brought the sphere over to you and held it out in the middle of both of you.
“Water has no beginning and no end. Water flows through every living, breathing thing.” You bended the water to circle the two of you, now creating a ring of water to surround you.
“That’s beautiful.” Ridoc’s eyes never left you, the soft smile on his face never faltering.
“You’re beautiful.”
The ring of water dropped, hearing that, and your face heated intensely.
“Thank you.” You muttered, looking down at the ground. You hadn’t realized that Ridoc had gotten closer to you until his hand was on your chin, gently tilting it upwards.
“Show me what else water can do.”
You looked around, thinking about what else you could show the knowledge-hungry man in front of you. You walked to the edge of the bond, taking in the starlight reflecting off the top of the pool. You smirked a little and turned around to face him.
“Let me see your dagger.”
Ridoc tilted his head in confusion, but complied. He unsheathed his dagger and handed it to you. Taking the dagger by the hilt, you held out your opposite hand. You wrapped your free hand around the blade and then sliced it down, cutting into the meaty part of your hand. Blood started to run down your hand and drip down onto the grass.
Ridoc looked at you in confused horror.
“Some of the things you do are kind of crazy.” He said bluntly, his eyes focused on the blood running down your hand.
A laugh escaped your chest, and you shook your head. You brought water from the pond up into the air. You flattened out your palm and used the water to cover your hand entirely. The water began to glow faintly. Ridoc took a step forward to get a closer look. When the water stopped glowing and fell away from your hand, the slice on your palm was healed, and not even a scar was left behind.
Ridoc grabbed your hand, observing your palm and flipping your hand over itself, as though the cut may have somehow magically moved places.
“This water-bending technique is fairly rare where I come from. The purer the water, the more healing effects it has. Most commonly, water can be used to heal cuts, burns, and even broken bones. However, if the water is pure, like from a spirit well, it can heal internal wounds and blockages.”
“This is incredible,” Ridoc murmured, still observing your palm.
“Your power is incredible.” You spoke. Ridoc’s eyes flashed up to yours now, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
“Where I come from, the only power that is summoned from within is fire. Water has to exist nearby for me to be able to use it, which is why I carry a canteen of water. You being able to summon ice at will is unheard of where I come from.”
Ridoc’s eyes met yours, a flurry of emotions cascading over his face. You tilted your head and furrowed your eyebrows at his reaction.
“What is it, Ridoc?”
Ridoc hesitated to speak, thinking of the right way to bring this up. He let a short breath escape his lungs before his eyes returned to yours.
“Violet told me that you stopped Xaden in his tracks. He was unable to move because all his muscles felt cramped together. How did you do that?”
Blood-bending was something you figured out how to do accidentally. It was forbidden in the water tribes. But you were the Avatar; there were exceptions. You still didn’t like doing it. You only used that power when your life was in danger, or it was the only solution to winning a battle. There were a lot of people in your world who frowned upon the use of it.
“Ridoc, you shouldn’t have to worry about that-”
“I can freeze the water inside of something.” He blurted out, cutting you off. You looked at him, waiting for him to continue. Your heart beat with anticipation as he continued to explain how he had learned to use his powers.
“I can feel the water in the air, and within the structure of something. I've frozen fruits from the inside without removing the peel. I've wondered if…” He trailed off, seemingly ashamed of what he was about to admit.
“I have wondered if it could work on people.”
Ridoc’s weight shifted from one foot to another, nervously looking at you. He looked at you almost pleadingly, like he was hoping that his thoughts were wrong. You could tell that this thinking made him feel ashamed.
“Yes. It can.” You took his hand in yours, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“We are made primarily of water. It is always flowing through every part of our bodies. Where I am from, this is called Blood-bending. It is frowned upon.”
“So you did that to Xaden?” Ridoc asked, his voice hardly above a whisper. He didn’t dare let go of your hand, relying on you to ground him in the world.
“I did. I never feel good about it. I only use this method when necessary. I have never tried freezing the water within someone's body. But just based on what suspending water can do…” You hesitated with your words. Ridoc’s face was a plea; he needed to know the answer to this question. You could tell it has weighed heavily on his chest for some time now.
“It would kill them.” You finally finished.
Ridoc’s face was hard to read. He had no distinguishable emotions displayed, but you could see his mind reeling with thoughts. His eyes finally snapped to yours, determination now evident on his features.
“Use it on me,” he commanded.
Your eyebrows shot up in shock, and you took a step back from him.
“Ridoc. No, I won’t.”
“{y/n}, please.” He grabbed the sides of your face, forcing you to look up at him. His face was serious, desperation evident. There was more to this feeling; you just couldn’t put your finger on it.
“These things were facing here, they’re horrible, and evil. But they also used to be human. I need to know what I am putting them through to save the people I love.”
The pain radiating from his voice vibrated in your chest and squeezed your heart. His request made sense, no matter how wrong it felt. You took a step back, closing your eyes and taking a breath.
“Five seconds. That is all I will do. Try to relax your muscles.”
Ridoc took a couple of steps back, closing his eyes and doing one of the breathing exercises you had taught him. You waited until he was breathing our before you reached your power out, taking hold of his body.
Ridoc’s eyes flew open, panic evident on them. He tried to move his legs, then his arms. He even attempted to turn his head but failed. His eyes were the only movement his body could muster. He searched your eyes, seeing the clear discomfort that this put you in.
Finally, you dropped your hands, Ridoc’s body slumping to the ground. He instinctively grabbed at his muscles, twitching them to make sure that they were still moving. You ran to his side, placing your hands on his shoulders. Your heart beat rapidly, tightening with anxiety.
“Are you alright?” You asked gently.
You noticed that Ridoc had closed his eyes; he breathed in through his nose and out through his mouth. He was using the breathing exercise you had taught him to steady and ground himself. Ridoc looked over at you, a weary smile spreading on his face.
“Thank you.” He said sincerely. “I know you didn’t want to do that, but thank you.”
You gave Ridoc a tight-lipped smile and a curt nod. You rose to your feet, holding your hand down for him to take.
“Come on. That's enough learning for one day.”
Ridoc took your hand and stood up, locking eyes with you.
“You’ll teach me more tomorrow, right?” he asked. A wide smile spread across your lips, a heat blanketing your face as you nodded in response.
“Tomorrow.” You promised.
AN: I am testing out the waters with this short story. I have intentions of making this into a limited series. If that is something you're interested in, please let me know in the comments!! <3
