Narumi and Yukino pressed onward through the oppressive heat of the Eight Gates of Hell. The air shimmered with waves of energy, the ground beneath their feet cracked and blistered. Neither spoke for a while, the memory of Narumi's devastating display of power still fresh in Yukino's mind.
The young traveler couldn't help but reflect. How can someone who looks my age possess such strong xyra? Yukino thought, his gaze drifting to the back of Narumi as they walked.
As if sensing Yukino's thoughts, Narumi interrupted the silence. "So, tell me about yourself. I don't even know your name."
Yukino stumbled over his words, caught off guard. "Uh, it's Yukino," he managed to say.
Narumi nodded, his tone casual. "So, Yukino, how old are you?"
"I'm 14," Yukino replied. "What about you?"
"I'm also 14," Narumi said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Yukino hesitated before asking the question that had been burning in his mind. "But… how are you able to wield the great legendary Jiao?"
Narumi's expression shifted, his tone becoming sharp yet indifferent. "Long story. For another time, Yukino."
Yukino wanted to press further but decided against it. The air between them settled into an uneasy quiet until they found a shaded spot to rest. Narumi flopped down against a jagged rock, and Yukino followed suit, feeling the exhaustion seep into his bones.
They fell into an unintended slumber, over-sleeping by nearly three hours. When Yukino finally stirred, he shook Narumi awake.
"Let's continue this path and make it into the Fire Nation," Yukino urged, stretching as he stood.
Narumi rubbed his eyes, still half-asleep. "You know we don't need to rush. We're only about twenty minutes away from the border."
Despite his grogginess, Narumi rose and followed Yukino as they continued their journey. The oppressive heat began to wane as the terrain shifted, signaling their proximity to the Fire Nation.
As they approached the border, they were greeted by a line of guards. Warriors, clad in armor emblazoned with flames, immediately noticed the two strangers.
Narumi and Yukino stopped, exchanging a glance. Both boys understood the unspoken question lingering between them: What do we do now?