Set Fire to the Rain (Castiel&Aims)

[Aims]

AN: For any readers, other than myself and Castiel, this is an Avatar the Last Airbender Original Fanfic. Enjoy!!

It was a night to remember, one that both terrified and amazed me. The moon, waning, shine bright in the sky, reflecting her light over the black ocean waves. Night was thick around the ship, closing in on the guards, who struggled to stay awake. My father, Admiral Makoto, leaned against the railing, rain staining his black uniform. I hid under the awning of the ship, dodging the horrid rain. Not only was it night, but it was also raining, which only piled onto the unease of the fire benders on board.

"Get out of the rain, Father," I said, leaning against the column that supported the awning.

"I can't, Akira. The Northern Water tribe is close. We need to be on our toes."

Tomorrow night, the moon would be full, and it was rumored that General Zhao was going to kill the moon spirit before the night was over. Father didnt want me anywhere near the fight, and so I was to flee the scene as soon as we landed. He and the entire crew were on edge, anxiously awaiting the extinction of another nation of benders. I, on the other hand, just wanted a chance to get off this boat before my stomach flipped another time.

"Fine, then," I muttered, turning to leave him in the freezing rain, "Wake me when we land."

Deep into the ship, the rooms were warm, cozy almost. It wasn't home, but it wouldn't suffice. I craved for home, for the tea my mother brewed on nights like this. I unbraided my black curls, crawling under the covers. I hated the night, the darkness of it all. My skin yearned for the heat of the sun. I drew myself into a tight ball, falling into an unbreakable sleep.

[Castiel]

"Look alive, men!" Barked a weathered old man, age apparent on his battle hardened face. Many would agree that the man had accomplished many risky tasks to get to where he was now. And here he was, again, risking his life to commandeer an army of amateur warriors against the single most powerful force in the entire world. He never said his job was easy, but someone had to do it. Tonight was a better night than any to charge head first to their deaths. Solemn expressions lined the faces of many, worry wrinkling in their rain-covered brows. Tonight was the night of the waning moon, an important night in history for every water bender in existence. It has been rumored that General Zhao of the Fire Nation was going to slay the Great Moon Spirit, a powerful spirit whose very life held the power of every water bender worldwide. It would be a very grim day indeed if either spirit Tui or La were to ever fall into the wrong hands.

Rain battered down in heavy pelts, crashing against the sea as the general's vessel waded on in the watery comfort of choppy ocean waves. Soldiers stood erect and on edge, bracing themselves for a possible encounter with an enemy ship. With the exception, of course, of the general's most troubling student. While he portrayed much potential in training, many would agree that he lacked the ability to concentrate on the task at hand. The young man very rarely took anything seriously, causing many headaches for the old man. Yawning sleepily, the man clapped the general on the shoulder in playful jest, smiling as he copied the general's actions in a mocking manner. "Lighten up, you old grump!" he guffawed, leaning against a post to hold himself upright. The general eyed the man angrily, indignantly removing his massive bear hand to a more suitable location. "Kovuh, now is not the time to be in such high spirits!" The general bellowed, voice stern and contemptuous as he tried to pacify the raucous water bender before him.

"Now is as good a time as any!" Kovuh quibbled, arms crossed and lips pursed. Hard blue eyes trained on the vexed general as the old man stumbled forward and pointed an accusatory finger in the detrimental bender's face. Kovuh had half a mind to bite the old man's finger, but something in the back of his mind told him that he would live to regret such a feat. "And why would someone as naive as you think something as preposterous as that?" He demanded, face turning a reddish pink as his anger flared ever higher. "Because, General Ahote, might as well get a few laughs in before we die. Am I right, gentlemen?"

[Aims]

Akira slept peacefully, rocked to sleep by the waves and the sounds of the engine under her body. She dreamed of home, of warm beds and warm food. In her dreams, her family was waiting for her to return home, and as she walked up to them, they were so excited to see her. So excited to welcome her back, as if she had never been sent away. She hugged her mother, until she was interrupted by the blaring of the ship’s horn. Jumping awake, she tumbled into the floor, cussing loudly as she met the metal floor.

From her bed side, she could hear the crew bustling by, answering the call. She tugged her clothes on, brushing back her black hair, and joining the crew in the hallway. The air was thick with the silence of a serious crew, as they rubbed the sleep out of their eyes and slid on helmets, weary from lack of sleep and anxiety plenty. She pulled on her black jacket, jogging up the steps and to her father’s side on the deck. His face was streaked with water, but it didn’t mar the excitement in his eyes. She hadn’t seen her father this anxious in years, and it awoke a feeling in her stomach that made her stand up straight and examine the crew as he was doing.

“We have struck ground!” her father shouted. The crew roared, slapping hands and clapping riotously. “This is the moment you have been waiting for! Tonight, we face the Northern Water Tribe! Tonight,” he paused, raising his fist up in the air, “We wipe out yet another nation!” The crowd roared, creating such energy throughout the group that even Akira yelled out, clapping her hands. “For Fire Lord Ozai!” her father roared, and the men dissipated, to their positions on the ship, readying themselves for the battle ahead.

“And I, Father?” she asked, taking a step back and looking up at her. He stepped aside and reached down into a cabinet, pulling out a rugged, cloth backpack. She took it, throwing it over her shoulder.

“Head for the closest water tribe ship you can. I believe you can sail any small vessel,” he said, laying a hand on her shoulder, “Head for land, and don’t look back, Akira. Don’t stop. Don’t hesitate.” His tone dropped seriously, and Akira found herself short of breath.

“Yes, Father,” she whispered, leaning in to hug him, even though his armor was soaked clean through. He clutched at her, patting her roughly on the back. “Be safe,” she said, “Be victorious.” With that, she jogged off to the side of the ship, behind a line of soldiers waiting for the walkway to lower, waiting for their cue.