"Aone level the ground in front of you, Goshiki can't see in the dark" Futakuchi said after bumping into an embarrassed Goshiki who immediately tried to apologize.

Aone made a noise of approval and made the ground flat while digging the underground tunnel

As soon as they were under their base, Aone opened the earth again and the 3 of them came out, Goshiki quite shaken by the new claustrophobic experience

Futakuchi smiled at him in a friendly way and ushered him into what was an old house, mostly empty but quite large.

Futakuchi checked by the vibrations in the ground that no one was there and then turned to a short boy that Goshiki hadn't even noticed sitting at the large dining table."Sakunami, prepare the ostrich-horses with enough food for a couple of days, equipment and the maps we found at the old library... we'll leave tonight"

Sakunami nodded and ran out into the night.

Goshiki shivered when he heard the door behind him creak and open. When he turned around, a sleepy Kogane appeared in the doorway. He must have woken up from the vibrations emitted by the tunnel Aone had dug

"What is all this- GOSHIKI!!" Goshiki was wrapped in the muscular arms of the earthbender who was now fully awake "HAHA you're back".

Goshiki could barely hold back the tears at the thought of being separated from his family so abruptly "Yeah... I'm back..."

Futakuchi put a hand on Kogane's shoulder to signal him to let Goshiki go and Kogane reluctantly accepts

Futakuchi then turns to Goshiki "It's been a tough day hasn't it?... Go get some rest, as soon as the ostrich-horses are ready we'll come wake you up"

Goshiki wanted to protest but in the end he swallowed the answer and nodded.

Kogane wanted to know what was happening but Futakuchi seemed to be absorbed in his thoughts, so he took the firebender's hand "I'll take you to the bedroom... there you can tell me what's happening and where you need to go"

"Hey, don't stress him out even more than he already is" Futakuchi said reproachfully to Kogane who was taking Goshiki to restFutakuchi sighed "Sometimes he gets so excited that he can't control his emotions". Aone nodded with a smile

Suddenly Sakunami entered the house worriedly slamming the door. "The outpost has been attacked by troops of the fire nation!"Futakuchi and Aone felt their blood freeze in their veins, this news was disheartening, all their plans could fail.

Futakuchi took a deep breath to calm his spirit and turned to Aone "Nobu... I leave it to you to accompany Goshiki in search of masters to learn the 4 elements"

Aone's eyes widened, but the surprise was quickly replaced by anger and fear. He approached Futakuchi, grabbing his shoulders and looking into his eyes, trying to make the boy understand how much he did not agree with this idea

Futakuchi sighed, he knew that Aone would not like the idea but there were numerous reasons that had led Futakuchi to that decision"We must help the rebels, they protected us from deportations, we cannot leave them to fight alone now... but we cannot afford to lose Goshiki either, he is the last hope for the world, and I believe in Tendou's plan"

However, Aone did not want to follow this plan and Futakuchi knew that what he had said would not convince him

"You are a much more experienced and skilled earthbender than me, you are incredible and I am sure that Goshiki would benefit much more from you than from me""But-... but you will be in danger..."

Futakuchi's confused gaze met Aone's and gradually softened. Futakuchi slowly walked towards Aone and took his cheeks in his hands. "I know... but when I accepted the task of leading you, I did it with the knowledge that if it was appropriate I would sacrifice myself... Nobu, if they attacked the outpost they could come here... we cannot allow our only hope to vanish... I and the others will take some time while you and Goshiki go away"

With that said Futakuchi took off a necklace that was around his neck. It was a simple stone that could seem like a common pebble to anyone, but the important thing was that Futakuchi and Aone knew why that stone was special"Keep it... so you will feel like I am always by your side" he said putting the necklace around Aone's neck.Aone felt his cheeks burning as he tried to hold back his tears and sobs

Futakuchi smiled as he watched the necklace hanging from Aone's neck, "Nobu... you are the person I trust the most in the whole world... and you have to trust me... once this war is over we will meet again, I promise you... but until then you have to swear to fight with any possible way to end this war... should it cost us our lives we will stop this massacre... no matter what the prize is"

Futakuchi made his speech with a proud and determined smile...

Aone let the tears flow freely but he dried them immediately, wanting to show Futakuchi that he was strong even though the latter did not need further proof to knew it.Aone nodded, he would fight until the end to not to make Futakuchi's effort in vain.

Futakuchi smiled and brought one of his hands to caress Aone's cheek "... let's go wake up Goshiki"

...

"So... now you will have to travel the world to learn the 4 elements... IT SOUNDS SO COOL!"

Even though Futakuchi had suggested that Goshiki should get some rest, the boy was still troubled by the events of that day and Kogane's excited and loud voice didn't help"It's not cool... I had to say goodbye to everything I knew... to my friends... and I don't know what will happen now..."

Kogane smiled with a compassionate look, elbowing Goshiki lightly in the arm to get his attention"You are not alone in facing this change... I will be with you!"

Goshiki's eyes widened, the boy turned to look at Kogane as if he had seen a ghost "absolutely not! It's very dangerous! It's not a game!"

Kogane's gaze darkened, he lowered his gaze and pouted "I know it's not a game... I just want to be close to you... I want to help you Goshiki, I want to save the world... I know it's dangerous, but I want to do my best and end the war"As he spoke, Kogane was filled with new determination, Goshiki's words had lost their effect

Kogane took Goshiki's hands in his "it doesn't matter what you say to dissuade me, I'll accompany you"

Goshiki turned red, he felt Kogane caressing the back of his hand and immediately looked away with a pout "it's okay, there's no need for this drama... you'd come anyway"

Kogane giggled, interrupted by the noise of the door that Futakuchi opened trying to be as quiet as possible"Ah but you're awake, and I didn't want to disturb you" Futakuchi knelt in front of the 2 and Kogane let go of Goshiki's hands. Futakuchi smiled bravely "It's time to leave..."

Goshiki felt his breath catch for a moment... he was about to leave everything behind...

Kogane didn't pay attention to him but fortunately changed the subject "Futakuchi I'm coming with you too!"

Futakuchi was about to reply when Aone's deep voice boomed louder than ever for his standards "Absolutely not! It's dangerous"

"No Nobu... it's better if he comes with you and Goshiki, he would be in danger here... we don't know what will happen when we get to the outpost".

Both Kogane and Goshiki looked at each other in shock, especially Goshiki who was alarmed "Why? What happened?"

"The news just arrived that the base is under attack by troops of the Fire Nation, but you don't have to think about that, you must think about your mission. The others from Dateko and I will go and help your comrades. You, Kogane, and Aone will leave right now"

Kogane shook his head "Huh!? You can't do this! You have no hope! I'm coming with-" Kogane trailed off... on one hand he wanted to help his companions... but on the other he wanted to be close to Goshiki during his journey.

Futakuchi put a hand on Kogane's shoulder and smiled proudly "I'm sure Nobu and Goshiki need you more right now... we'll be fine"

Kogane couldn't resist and threw himself at Futakuchi for a brotherly hug, and Futakuchi returned the hug warmly "Everything will be fine... we'll meet again"

Suddenly Futakuchi remembered that Goshiki couldn't go around dressed as a firebender, otherwise they might be arrested without even having the chance to explain."I think you and I are of similar height, I think my clothes will fit you well enough" he said turning to Goshiki who blushed and shook his head in annoyance "I don't want to take off my armor! It's a symbol! It represents strength, courage and the honor of serving the Fire Lord and my Nation"

Futakuchi sighed taking the Earth Kingdom clothes "I know how important they are, but you can't travel dressed like that or you will attract unwanted attention... I'm sorry"

Goshiki felt weak as he held back tears, he didn't want to do it, he didn't want to take off the uniform he had worked so hard to get... but if it was to save Tendou, Semi and Shirabu then...Reluctantly Goshiki began to unbuckle and remove the armor. He lowered his face to hide the tears as he put on Futakuchi's clothes.

Kogane smiled trying to reassure Goshiki but Futakuchi signaled him to shut up

Aone in the meantime had taken a cloak with the earth's symbol from another closet "With this it will be easy to hide your face... and the tattoo"Goshiki almost without noticing buttoned up the cloak... now even the tattoo that he had always shown with honor could be the cause of their downfall

Futakuchi took a deep breath and with determination said the phrases that everyone feared "it's time to go..."

All 4 went out into the square where Sakunami was waiting for them with 2 ostrich-horses loaded with supplies. Kogane also hugged Sakunami before turning to Goshiki. "Shall I drive?"

Goshiki nodded not really paying attention to what Kogame was saying, his thoughts went to Tendou, Semi and Shirabu. He trusted the 3, he knew that one way or another they would get out of trouble... but he had a very bad feeling, how had their betrayal become known? Had someone betrayed them?

Goshiki jumped when he felt Kogane gently take his hand. He was already on his horse and was waiting for Goshiki who was lost in his thoughts.

Goshiki blushed from embarrassment but accepted Kogane's help to mount the animal. Kogane chuckled "hold on to me, even if I must admit that I am a good horseman"The attempt to cheer up the atmosphere worked and Goshiki rolled his eyes "I really want to see"

"Anyway I wanted to tell it to you before... but you are still good looking with the earth's Kingdom clothes... and I am sure that after the war the Fire Nation's armor will look even better on you and you will wear it even more proudly than before" Kogane said smiling turning back so he could get a glimpse go Goshiki's reaction

Stragely Goshiki chuckled, he was in a lighter mood. He gripped the clothes and said determined "I can't wait to take them off"

In the meantime Futakuchi was in Aone's arms, a last hug before saying goodbye for who knows how long. Aone sighed "Be careful..."

Futakuchi chuckled "Don't you trust me?... anyway I'll be careful... and you too" he said taking Aone's face in his hands making him blush"I'll entrust those 2 troublemakers to you, especially Kogane" he said before bringing his lips to Aone's to give him a tender kiss which lasted a few seconds, making Aone turn even more red.

Futakuchi started laughing "You're still so embarrassed even though I've kissed you before"

Aone let out a grunt from his mouth crossing his arms. Futakuchi's gaze softened "Come on, you have to leave... I promise you Nobu that we will meet again"

Aone nodded and reluctantly climbed onto the ostrich horse. He turned one last time to Futakuchi who was waving at them. Aone took a deep breath and left, Kogane noticed and started running towards Aone. "SEE YOU GUYS!"

Futakuchi sighed letting his arm fall to the side of his body

"... I hope so..."-------------------------------------------------I'm sorry for disappearing for 2 months but between exams and Christmas I was really stressed out. The chapter drawing shows Goshiki's design with both the fire nation armor and the Earth kingdom disguise