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"Remember, you aren't the only team out there searching for the Avatar. But you must be the first to find them."

"Yes, sir." Hao responded, respectfully bowing to his father's orders. "I'll do whatever it takes."

"If your squad is the one who finds the Avatar, our family will reap the benefits for many years to come. We'll also have the debt of the White Lotus and the Avatar." His father reiterated. The idea was concocted many years ago, when Avatar Ria had passed, that once the search of the new Avatar began Hao would be the one to find. His father strongly believed and almost knew for a fact that being the one to find and bring the new Avatar in would bring power and influence into the family, and breathe new life into the dying oak tree. "Those are things that are hard to come by these days."

"I understand." Hao said. Haoran Li had a lot barring down on his shoulders as not only a member of the White Lotus, but also a member of the Li family, which had been ingrained in the secret society since it's inception centuries ago. Hao's father was pressuring him to bring honor to their family name, which something that he couldn't do himself. It pained Hao to see his father act so desperate in search of power, but knowing how much his family has sacrificed as well made him realize his father's perseverance.

The young branch of the Li tree listened to his father's orders diligently. Young and new teams were being formed sent throughout the Fire Nation to find the new Avatar and Hao was selected to lead one of them. He knew next to nothing about his team other than the fact that most were newer and younger members than himself, but Hao wasn't going to let that stop him from accomplishing his mission.

Listening to the rest of his father's lecture and giving final his goodbyes, Hao retreated back to his quarters to finish the last of his packing. With his father's position and influence in the White Lotus, he didn't have to sleep in the barracks with other young members, something that he never really contemplated on how it affected his relationships with others until now. Was he really suited to lead a team, was he ready for it? Questions attacked his mind and flurried his thinking, but it was too late for all these questions. He had to prove his worth and had to show that his family was more capable than what other's thought.

Packing the last of his gear and clothes into his rucksack, Hao hurried his way to the Li family air bison stables where he had informed his teams to meet. Again, with the backing of his father his team was one of the only teams lucky enough to have an air bison, while others had to use airships or boats to find their way into the Fire Nation. Their assigned destination was a cluster of islands off the eastern part of the Fire Nation, heading to the town of Shu Jing first and following leads after that.

A low grunt and yawn rang through the air as Hao neared the stables. The flying bison that his team was taking was going to be Yuya, one of the most dependable and by far the most playful of bison in the stable.

"You'll take good care of us right?" Hao cooed, petting the larger than life bison.

"The Fire Nation." Ayuka scowled as she forced her things back into her bags. "Barely a week here and I'm already being sent back home! Who the heck was in charge of planning?!" She threw the bag against her barely used barracks bed, then forced herself to take a breath. "Calm down, Ayu. No use getting all heated up over a little thing like this..." She took the bag back up, and continued to pack. "So what you barely got to know anyone here, or had time to know about the new change of plans...It's fine. You joined the White Lotus. You knew things weren't going to be easy or simple. You were going to be assigned elsewhere on missions eventually, and missions back to home. This'll be a chance to prove yourself. We're going to be looking for the Avatar and you'll be the one that knows the lay of the land. Be a big help if you don't screw this up, like by being late if this dumb bag won't take back what I need to pack. I just unpacked this stuff out of you!" She huffed, sending some of her black hair out of her face. Then sheepishly she looked around and sighed. "I also need to stop talking with myself."

The firebender shook her head and focused her attention back on her bag, finally getting everything packed and closed away. With a nod, she placed it on her back and left the building, bracing herself as the chill winds hit her. It always was so cold around here. She took warming breaths as she walked, heading for where she was sure the air bison stables were. That her team was told to meet here struck her with surprise, but it would probably be explained once there. At least with the air bison they were easy to find. She walked through the door and looked around. She spotted a guy petting one of the bison, really seeming to bond with the animal. A team member?

One way to find out. She walked to him. "Hello. I was told to be here as part of Haeo's team. Would you happen to be part of it as well?"

“I’m going on an adventure! I’m going on an adventure!” Tikaani sang to himself as he packed up his stuff into a bag. He had only been here a week, and he was already asked to be part of a group to search for the next Avatar. He was finally going to see the world like he always wanted. He already got to explore the Southern Air temple. It was impressive. “Mom would be so proud if I’m actually successful.” Once all his things were packed, he threw his bag over his shoulder, and grined. “Yep, all set!”

He left the barracks, and after refilling his canteen with water, he made his way to the stables. It was cold outside, but since he lived in the South Pole, he was used to this kind of weather. The young waterbender happily skipped along like everything was right with the world.

Once he arrived at the stables, he spotted a guy petting one of the flying bison, and a Fire Nation girl talking to him. That must have been his group. Tikaani bounded over to them. “Hey! Tikaani Aput, waterbender extraordinaire at your service!” He said giving a salute. Then his eyes went wide. “Oh, my gosh! Are we actually going to ride a flying bison?! This is gonna be so exciting!”

It's an interesting thing, the south that is. The Southern Air Temple is a wonderful place, he read the history abit before he was called down here. A place of great historical significance really, where the great Avatar Aang had called home before sealing himself away, along with his mentor Monk Gyatso. It is also where Avatar Roku had trained in Airbending. It's a spectacular place to say the least.

And upon Seung Bik, known as Brother Bik, the somewhat known young man who had endeavoured for years collecting lore, transcripts and materials on Earth Bending, arrival to the temple, he'd immediately more or less made his home in the temple library and archives. Learning everything he could. Reading accounts of Avatar Aang, and Roku, of Earth Benders who had visited and left anecdotes. Learning everything he could, wishing to add what he learns to the respositories at the Earth Bending Temple and Academy when he returned, or perhaps sending notes back while he's traveling.

It had not been too long ago that he'd been told that he'd be joining a team of benders and non benders to go out looking for the new Avatar. The cycle of Avatars had continued of course. Avatar Korra may have disconnected from her past lives, but that didn't mean the status of Avatar would not continue. Avatar Ria showed that after all, may her soul rest well. And now, the Fire Nation has another chance at producing an Avatar. It's interesting to see how this has sparked new events in the world. Some holding their breath and waiting for the reveal, others, well he's head tell of Earth Bender mercenaries being sent out to find and well, it's not good. A dark pall on his efforts to create a place for Earth Bending and students of Earth Bending sent out to murder.

He's setting down a manuscript when he feels a tug at his shirt elbow. He turns to find a White Lotus initiate there. A young girl in initiate robes. She bows shyly, "Brother Bik, the call to assemble has been made, your team is likely waiting for you." Seung looks up at the water clock nearby and gasps, "Ah! I had missed the time. Thank you young friend, can you see to these scrolls for me. I must hurry." He grabs the duffle bag at the foot of his chair and races off.

Once outside he turns to look at the stables, my but it would take awhile to run there. So he looks around to make sure no one is nearby, and planting himself, and with a powerful push, a pillar of stone launches him into the air, he sails up, up, over the wall to the stable and as he comes down he tenses and thrusts his hand down the ground coming up and he settles down into the softened ground, moments later he's standing on flat ground. Looking back as another Earth Bender with the White Lotus puts his launch site to rights and gives him a look of amusement. Seung looks to the Water, Fire and Air benders already there. He takes a step forward and it's only then that karma strikes, he trips, and faceplants on the slightly cracked ground of where he landed. He sighs, "Of course, wonderful first impression Seung..." With a push and the help of a small rock pillar he stands back up then bows, "Pardon my stumble, Seung Bik, Brother Bik if you like, or if informal, Coppercore, Earth Bender at your services." He straightens up and looks all those here already over, "Interesting. We are such a diverse group."

Hinra was long awake even before the others did. She already packed all her stuff in her bags the night before so she wouldn't have to do it in a hassle and forget something. As the sun began to rise on the horizon, she placed a mat on the ground outside of her room and meditated, closing her eyes and channeling the spirits of the universe within her while she breathed in the cool dawn air. It had been a habit of hers to wake up early in the morning and meditate so she could welcome the day in bright spirits but her mind was addled with fear and nervousness. This was also the day that she will join a group of White Lotus members on their own expedition to find the new Avatar.

The girl focused her thoughts once more and breathed deeply, letting her doubts flow out of her system like a breeze. As much as she didn't want to do it, she figured she had no choice of the matter. Once her parents set their mind on something, nothing could change it. In reality, Hinra's parents have been very lax in raising her. They let her do things at her own pace and let her decide on her own at some times so she could grow more as a person. This expedition was the only thing her parents asked of her to do in her whole life yet and she knew that this will help contribute to her growth. Besides, she trusted her parents' judgment.

Still, she couldn't get the feeling of apprehension off of her. She was so used to feeling calm and collected almost every day so the thought of just doing something that's out of her comfort zone has made her feel uneasy which was foreign for her. She could also feel this weird twinge of emotion just behind doubt. Was she feeling... excitement?

Either way, Hinra figured she wouldn't have to waste any more time here. She didn't want to make her teammates wait longer than they should and set off a bad first impression. She stood up and picked up her mat, returned to her chambers to pick up her bag so she could leave. Well, she took in one final deep breath before leaving completely.

She was informed that they will meet at a flying bison stable and she could hear voices coming from inside as she neared it. She found four people already there, one female and three males. All of them looked different from each other so this was a pretty diverse team in her eyes. She also saw what looked like the flying bison their group will be riding on for the entirety of their mission. All animals were adorable in Hinra's eyes and flying bisons were just on the same level of cuteness of koala sheeps, otter penguins, and turtle ducks.

"Hinra Longtei. Pleased to make your acquaintance." She said formally to the group before nodding her head politely in greeting. Even though they haven't left yet, Hinra could tell this mission was going to change her life for good.

As his team arrived, Hao turned to face them replacing the soft, gentle smile that he gave Yuya into a more stern frown. He didn't picture them being so rag-tag, but inside he was happy that they didn't really notice who he was and question him about it, at least not yet. Raising his arm, he gave the air bison beside him another loving pet. "I'm Haoran Li and this is Yuya."

"If there aren't any other questions and if you're all ready, we can start getting aboard with your things." Hao said as he signaled to the team to climb the rope ladder on the side of Yuya. This was his first time leading a real team and the anxiety he felt was through the roof, but he was a pro when it came to keeping a straight face, something he picked up from the nervousness his family always gave him.

As the team all settled onto the large saddle firmly attached on the back of the air bison, Hao took the reins, still with a firm, yet blank stare. "Hold on tight, our destination is a few hours out, so please get comfortable."

Slightly whipping Yuya's reins, the sky bison took off, mooing loudly as they lifted into the air. His team was made up of four benders, all from differing nations and a non-bender. First impressions were important to Hao as he reflected on each person and remembering what their files had said.

All four members of Hao's team were proficient in their bending and combat, which was something he was happy to read up on. Ayuka Eiruni was said to be quite the hot-headed Fire Bender, but an extremely skilled fighter. Tikaani was energetic and from their first meeting, Hao hoped that energy and curiosity transferred into him proving himself as he and Ayuka were two of the younger and newer members on the team. Seung Bik on the other hand was more known in the White Lotus, having joined them at a later age than most recruits. He had created an academy of sorts or research center where others could learn Earth Bending techniques, something Hao was envious when he had heard about his story. Hao hoped he could rely on Brother Bik as he was more experienced in the world, but knew he had to earn the respect of him and the rest of his team. Last was Hinra Langtei, the only non-bender on the team. Hao didn't know much about her and she left him without a real impression, something he would have to figure out as their journey went on.

Feeling the breeze rush across his body, the air bender slightly turned, half facing his team. "I know we just met, but I want to express how grateful I am to have you all here. We have a lot of work to do and this assignment isn't the easiest one out there for a first mission for most of you." Hao said. "I've been in your shoes before, but I want to let you all know that if you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."

Hao wanted to make sure his team knew that he could be a nice guy underneath the grumpy rest face he carried. Most of the time he was cold and distant, sure, and there were plenty of rumors that he had his head up his ass, thinking he was better than the rest. But there were times he could be quite kind towards others.

Brother Bik looked over the group then to the Airbender, Haoran Li if he remembered the letter he had been sent before being told to report here. It's interesting to see, he hadn't known who would be on the team, but since he joined he'd heard of the Li family. Members of the Lotus for who knows how many generations at this time, and Haoran being the most recent addition from the family. He bows in greeting then climbing up onto the sky bison.

With a grin Bik pats the saddle then reached over and runs a hand over the fur of the great creatures back, "Amazing." And soon out comes a small notebook as he jotes down his observations, "An Air Bison, since the full return of the Air Nomads, one can see them alot more often. But to be up close. I spend too much time at the Academy, they are a rarity there you see." He nods to the group.

Bik hums curiously, observing and trying to memorize faces, he's barely been a member of the Lotus for a year. Everything is still new to him as well. He'd never been called for missions before. Let alone on the all important mission to find the Avatar. As they took flight he hummed and coughed, "So, it's a pleasure to meet you all. And I look forward to working with you all on this adventure we're all going on. I'm sure between us and the other teams out there we'll be able to locate our new avatar. We're all White Lotus we can do this together. I'll do my best to be of use."

Ayuka got on Yuya in stunned silence. How had she not recognized her leader when she first saw him?! Just what did that reflect on her? She took a silent deep breath. Just, had to prove herself a worthy member on the team. Or at least, more worthy than the puppy-peacock they had on their hands. What had his name been again? Tikaani Aput? Her leader, Haoran Li, at least seemed to have not taken any offense. Even seemed, kind of friendly as they rode on. Though, of course that could change on the field...

After Brother Bik said his piece, she inclined her head. "As will I. I know fire nation lands. I can assist that way in our search. What places in particular have been rumored to contain the Avatar?"

Once the group was assmbled, the group boarded the Bison, and away they went. Tikaani looked over the edge, and appreciated the view from how high up they were. He threw his arms up in the air. “WAHOO! This is so much fun!” He looked towards the others in his group. They didn’t appear to be as excited about flying on a real life flying bison as he was. They were having a discussion amongst themselves.

”Yes yes. We’ll find the Avatar. All will be well.” Tikaani added. ”I’m a Waterbending extraordinaire! I capable of pulling my own weight.” He made some movements with his arms, and produced a small stream of water from the clouds. They were just water and air after all. ”See? Nothing to worry about.” He made more arm movements and swirled the water around himself. Then, he smirked, stuck out his arm. And splashed the Fire Nation girl with the water he was bending. ”Oh my gosh! I am so sorry!” He said, feigning surprise. ”Although, you looked like you needed to chill a little anyway!” The Water Tribesman giggled.

”Anyway, can we talk about the fact that we’re actually on a flying bison having the adventure of a lifetime?” Tikaani’s eyes went wide. “Just look at the view from up here!”

Even though it wasn't shown on her face, Hinra was very much this close to soiling her clothes. Like some of her peers, it was also her first time riding a flying bison. She closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air to calm her nerves as she felt her heart beating so fast, she felt like it was about to burst out of her chest. She wanted to scream her heart out but she couldn't, not when she was with company.

She was so wrapped up in her fear that she almost forgot that she was not alone on Yuya if her group didn't speak up. Hinra never met any of these people prior to their assembly so she was also curious as to what they were like. She opened her eyes just as Hao, an Airbender and their de-facto leader, spoke about his feelings and thoughts to the whole group. He seemed to look like the typical leader: serious and steadfast with a aura of kindness surrounding him. He's probably the most reasonable one among all of them.

Bik looked like the enlightened type, one who's always spewing out words of wisdom to his peers whether he was asked about it or not. He probably meant it with good intentions and besides, he gave off an 'approachable mentor' type of vibe. There were Ayuka who was more of a serious type and Tikaani who was the goofy, go-with-the-flow type of person. They were complete opposites of each other and Hinra feared that this would not bode well for their group.

Case in point: Tikaani used his waterbending and accidentally made Ayuka wet. Hinra just rolled her eyes and sighed as she proceeded to get a dry towel for Ayuka to use, putting it on her lap while secretly hoping they wouldn't notice her shaky hands before the young non-bending woman spoke, while also hoping they won't sense the fear in her voice. "I may not be a bender like the rest of you but I assure you that I will not be a burden in our group. I will also help in any way I can so you can all count on it." Hinra said before closing her eyes to calm her nerves again which seemed to the group that she was meditating.

Easing into his team atop of Yuya was a transition in itself. They were even more colorful than he imagined. Acknowledging his team, Hao replied to Ayuka's question. "Shu Jing is our first stop, otherwise the rumors are spreading like wildfire throughout the Fire Nation. Nothing is concrete as of yet."

As he finished answering her question, the young waterbender began showing off his skills, conjuring a stream of water and splashing the girl. "Oh great," Haoran thought to himself, but as quickly as the situation started, the quiet Hinra chimed in assisting in diffusing the situation with a bit of kindness.

"You're a member of the White Lotus for a reason." The young commander said, reassuring the girl. "I trust you're skills are just as sharp as ours, bender or not."

Ayuka took the towel with a quick "Thanks." Then used that and a bit of warming of the air to dry herself off while she glared at Tikaani. If he thought he was going to get away with this, he had another thing coming. This meant war. But how to best respond? Without seeming that unprofessional? She really didn't want her new leader to think any less of her.

She focused her attention back on Haoran, prepared for whatever he'd next say while keeping Tikaani in the corner of her eye and giving the towel back to, what was her name...that's right, Hinra! Then as she focused on Haoran, hands behind her, she heated up a puff of air without it turning to flame and sent it towards Tikaani's stupid face.

Hinra looked at their leader. She imagined his age won't be that far off hers yet he spoke more maturely than her. Then again, Brother Bik spoke like a very mature and educated man too. She was sure her peers have accomplished more things than her at their age. She forgot about her fear of heights for a second when she thought more of the differences between them. Perhaps she should have heeded her parents' request to go out and explore the world when she was younger. Would she have turn out to be a different person than she was now if did that?

"Thank you for your kind words and for putting your trust in me. I promise that I won't let you all down." She said to him before nodding in respect to her peers, getting the towel back from Ayuka once she's done. Hinra gulped down her fear when she remembered they were still high up in the air as Ayuka blew hot air at Tikaani's face. "Hmmm... Now that I think about it, you all have shown what kind of bending you do. It's only natural for me to share what I can do too."

Hinra looked down at her open palm before closing it to form a fist. "My people were not born with the ability to control the elements like you all. Because of that, we needed to seek other ways of honing our skills to defend ourselves when danger came. We needed to be creative in order to survive." Hinra then looked up at her peers. "Simply put, I can do what is called 'chi blocking'. I can strike certain points to make a part of the body or the whole body paralyzed. I can also block certain chi paths in the bender's body to make them unable to bend for a time. I can make them move again and regain the flow of their chi too."

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "So yeah, that is what I can do. I also know how to cook too so there's that." Hinra said, realizing she had said more words to people other than her family more than what she intended to, making her blush a bit and look at the horizon. If her parents were here, they will be very proud of their daughter finally opening up to others nad making friends, one step at a time.

Seung Bik smiled and bowed to Haoran from where he sat, "We shall endeavour to not let you down Brother Li. We all bring something interesting to the table one could say. We are White Lotus it's true. And our range of Bending will triumph I'm sure." He bows his head to Haoran Li respectfully.

He looks up in time to see their Waterbender Tikaani splashed their Firebender Ayuka. He chuckled, "And thus it begins." He chuckled a little more and turned to study the Sky bison somemore.

But Hinra caught his attention. And upon revealing her talents. Bik had quite suddenly scuttled forward, "Wait, Sister Hinra are you saying what I think you are saying?" He looked at her, "You're a Chi Blocker?" Seung has the biggest grin on his face, "A real Chi Blocker, I can honestly admit and with great humility, that I have not yet had the chance to meet one of your folk. I've read much of you. In the journals and stories from Avatar Aang and Avatar Korra's times of course, but to actually meet one." He pulled back realizing he's gone into utter fanboy-scholar mode, "Ah your pardon. Perhaps while we're out here we can discuss your abilities? To add some more first hand knowledge on the Chi Blockers, and maybe experiment how your skill work first hand, yes I indeed mean you can smack me around abit. I hope you will grant me the honor of chronicling you and your abilities some Sister Hinra." He bows to her respectfully.

Tikaani suddnly felt a puff of hot air hit his face. That could have only come from one person. He wasn't upset about it though. Tikaani simply giggled to himself. He had expected her to yell at him in front of everybody, and just make everything awkward. The fire girl had a sense of humor after all. That was good. Travelling with a stick in the mud was no fun.

Hinra revealed she was a chi blocker, and Tikaani's eyes went wide. "You're a chi blocker? Remind me not to get on your bad side. He was more interested in the fact that she could cook too. Tikaani loved food. "Ooh, I can cook too. Although... I'll admit, Water tribe cuisine isn't for everybody. Not everyone appreciates a good two headed fish soup the way I do!"

Hinra's face felt warm and she imagined herself blushing a bit. She was not used to being the center of attention at all and she was very much panicking on the inside. "Oh... Oh, okay. T-Thank you all... I-It's..." She quietly stammered. She then took a deep breath to calm her nerves before she continued. "I am not used to these reactions. Usually benders would go as far away from me and my people as possible so I thank you all for your kind and earnest reactions."

She turned to Bik, or Brother Bik as he was more popularly known as. "I am not sure that would be wise, Brother Bik. I humbly admit that I am skilled in blocking a person's chi but I am still struggling a bit in restoring it. Perhaps this mission would be a good chance for me to hone it more so until then, I do not want to twist and jerk your limbs in different directions when I try to restore your chi, Brother Bik." Hinra said with a respectful smile and nod towards him.

Tikaani's comment made Hinra giggle. "It is alright, Tikaani. I will not put you on my bad side if you do not splash me in the face with your waterbending. As for the food, I would like to say I appreciate all types of cuisines there is. I am simply willing to eat any type of food as long as it looks like it is edible."

Hinra then turned to Ayuka and Haoran. "I wonder how far we are from our destination. I would hate to imagine we are going to tire out Yuya for flying too long. I also wonder if we should proclaim ourselves as members of the White Lotus or we should hide who we really are and blend in with the crowd. I know that there are other people finding the Avatar as well so I suppose there will be times where we will have to fight them to protect the chosen one, no?"