The next day…

The sun began climbing in the sky. The more it climbed, the more its rays shone on Protector-Training Island.

As the rays shone on Protector-Training Island, Nidoria narrated to the readers, "Khelsi, Liyah, Kugo, Izugail, Zeno, Bokio, Ryoske, Gianso, Shang-Yo and I did our morning routines before dressing ourselves in our usual clothing," Nidoria narrated. "After that, we walked from the dining room to the Main Training Area."

———————————————————

In front of the Main Training Area…

Nidoria, Kugo and their friends were surprised as they're stopped by a man blocking the entrance to the Main Training Area.

"But when we arrived, we were stopped by a man. He told us not to go to the Main Training Area yet as we have morning classes to take in the building right next to it. Then, after lunch, we’ll have our first Protector-training session. And so, we went there."

———————————————————

Nidoria, Kugo and their friends walked towards the building next to the Main Training Area. The building was shaped like a vertical rectangle. The walls were stone gray and many windows were attached to them. At the center-front of the building were two brown doors. Above the doors was a sign that was written in ancient Chinese language. It read...

PROTECTOR-TRAINING ISLAND ACADEMY
School for Young Protectors-in-training

On the right side of the door was another sign. It read...

List of Students allowed to go to Protector-Training Island Academy: 

Kindergarten Students

Elementary Students

High School Students

"When we arrived, we had our orientation. During that, we're all assigned their respective departments to go in every time they arrived in the Main Training Area and the building called Protector-Training Island Academy. This depends on our bending abilities."

———————————————————

Fire Department High School Classroom, Ground Floor, Protector-Training Island Academy

The Fire Department High School Classroom walls were orange while the floor was green. The desks were wooden brown and there were no chairs behind them. Instead, they were replaced with red mats. The ceiling was also brown.

In front of the first row of desks was a wooden brown table, meant for the teachers to teach them normal school lessons. Farther ahead of the desks was a green board with a couple of chalks and a board eraser on the wooden plank at the bottom of the green board.

Attached to the right wall were paintings made from the Fire Nation. On the other side were sandy peach windows with light brown patterns on it. Right now, the windows were half open.

Sitting in the front row of desks were Nidoria and Bokio.

Nidoria and Bokio’s eyes were on the male teacher as they listened intently to the history of the Fire Nation.

“Bokio, Kugo and I were assigned to be in the Fire Department because we’re firebenders. We’d be under the mentorship of Flame-Lady. Bokio and I took morning classes in the Fire Department High School Classroom because we’re teenagers.”

———————————————————

Fire Department Elementary Classroom, Ground Floor, Protector-Training Island Academy

The Fire Department elementary Classroom had the exact same design as the Fire Department High School Classroom.

Kugo sat in the front row at the center. He listened to his teacher intently.

“Kugo was in the Fire Department Elementary Classroom, which was meant for child trainees.”

———————————————————

Water Department High School Classroom, Third Floor, Protector-Training Island Academy

The Water Department High School Classroom contained the icy blue floor with pale blue walls and a blue ceiling. The desks were made of ice and there were also no chairs behind them. Instead, there were blue pillows for the students to sit on.

Attached to the left were open windows. You can’t close the windows because the window panels were not present.

In front of the desks was a long rectangular table made of ice. It was made for the teachers of the Water Department High School Classroom. Beyond them was a wall made for the waterbenders to make visuals and writings by waterbending and icebending.

Liyah and Izugail sat beside each other on the right middle row of the classroom. Ryoske and Shang-Yo sat beside each other on their seats. They were a few seats away from Izugail and Liyah.

Surrounding Liyah, Izugail, Ryoske and Shang-Yo were a decent amount of people, yearning to be Waterbending Protectors.

“Liyah, Shang-Yo, Ryoske and Izugail were assigned to be in the Water Department because they’re waterbenders. They’d be under the mentorship of Water Whipper.”

———————————————————

Earth Department High School Classroom, Fourth Floor, Protector-Training Island Academy

The Earth Department High School Classroom contained brown walls and pale green floors. The ceiling was beige and the translucent pale green windows with brown patterns were half-opened. The windows were attached to the right wall.

The desks were dark wooden brown and the pillows behind them were dark green.

Attached to the left wall were long rectangular paintings of the history of Omashu.

In front of the desks was the brown rectangular table made for teachers. Behind it was the green board with a couple of chalks and a board eraser on the wooden plank at the bottom of it.

Khelsi sat in the front row on the chair, located on her right. She was listening to words her teacher was saying. Nervousness occurred in her since she’s surrounded by a decent amount of her classmates and none of her close friends were around, but she managed to bear with it during morning classes.

“Khelsi and Zeno were assigned to be in the Earth Department because they’re both earthbenders. They’d be under the mentorship of a muscular young man with earthbending abilities. He also happened to be Big Boulder’s elder brother. Khelsi is in the Earth Department Classroom because she’s a teenager.”

———————————————————

Earth Department Elementary Classroom, Fourth Floor, Protector-Training Island Academy

The Earth Department Elementary Classroom had the exact same design as the one in the Earth Department High School Classroom. Zeno sat in the middle row on the chair, located at the center. He was surrounded by a decent amount of his classmates.

Zeno and his classmates were seen taking down notes as they listened to what the teacher was discussing.

“Zeno was in the Earth Department Elementary Classroom.”

———————————————————

Non-bending Department High School Classroom, Fifth Floor, Protector-Training Island Academy

The Non-bending Department High School Classroom contained beige walls and ceiling and a light brown hardwood floor. Attached to the left were pale green long rectangular windows with brown rectangle patterns on it. Attached to the right wall were paintings of the students’ art projects.

The desks were made of brown wood. Behind the desks were pillows of different colors. Colors of green, purple, red, maroon and other assorted colors were available in this classroom. Most of them even had patterns of different colors.

In front of the desks was the same rectangular table  you had seen in the Earth Department High School Classroom. Behind it was the green board with a couple of chalks and a board eraser on the wooden plank at the bottom of it.

Gianso was sitting in the middle row on the chair, located at the center. He was among people who filled up most of the seats in the classroom. He and his classmates listened to his teacher. While doing so, Gianso laid his right hand on his cheek and his left elbow was on his desk.

“As for Gianso, he was assigned to be in the Non-bender Department. He’d be under the mentorship of a woman named Ms. Lulin. This is where most people were assigned to because 30% of the population have bending abilities.

“The Air Department ceased to exist because the Airbender Protectors and the Airbender Protectors-in-Training had left the Protector-Training Island to help the Air Nomads fight the Fire Nation, but they never returned.

“Morning classes for teenage and child Protectors-in-training started like any other school in department classrooms located inside the building beside the main training area.” 

———————————————————

Canteen, Ground Floor, Protector-Island Academy

The canteen was full of wooden tables and chairs. When you entered it, four counters were way far ahead of you. They were attached to the wall.

The first counter was the Earth Kingdom counter. The Earth Kingdom counter contained a wooden brown table with a green Earth Kingdom banner laid at the center of it. Behind it was a young tan-skinned man with black straight hair, green eyes and a thin black mustache. He wore a light green shirt, with dark green shorts, a brown apron and brown shoes. You would see him showing off his skills as he cut certain ingredients with a knife and “brought his food to heat.” The background behind the table and the man was dark green. There was also a kitchen, but its organization was slightly poor. As the name stated, the food the man made originated from the Earth Kingdom.

The second counter was the Fire Nation counter. The Fire Nation counter contained a wooden brown table with a red, Fire Nation banner laid at the center of it. Behind it was an uptight, slim and formal light-tan-skinned man with black smooth hair, tawny eyes, a thin spiral black mustache and a triangular beard that's attached to the bottom-center of his chin. He wore his red robe with golden stripes at its edges. Below it was a black shirt with maroon pants and black boots. You could see him, giving out the lunch he cooked to those who loved to have them with a calm smile. Behind the table and the man was a red background and the slightly advanced kitchen. As the name stated, the food the man made originated from the Fire Nation.

The third counter was the Water Tribe counter. The Water Tribe counter contained a wooden brown table with a blue, Water Tribe banner laid at the center of it. Behind the table was a brown-skinned man with black curly hair and blue eyes. He wore his blue coat with a white fluff on its edges. He also wore his gray gloves, a necklace full of sharp teeth, blue pants with a white fluffy on the edges and his blue boots. Behind the counter and the man was a blue background, another man and the regular, but fully-organized kitchen.

The second man had brown skin with dark brown straight hair and dark blue eyes. He wore the same outfit as the first man, except that he wasn't wearing his necklace.

You could see the first man talking to you as a friend while cooking his food and serving them to you with a friendly smile. You could also see the second man cooking food, but he was mostly silent.

As the name stated, the food the two men made originated from the Northern and Southern Water Tribes.

The man from the Earth Kingdom counter often looked at the men from the Water Tribe counter with jealousy because of the customers. They often fought whenever the customers were absent. Luckily, the man from the Fire Nation counter was able to stop their fights.

The fourth counter was the Air Nomad counter. The Air Nomad counter contained a wooden brown table with a yellow Air Nomad banner at the center of it. The background was yellow and the kitchen was rusty and abandoned. No man was able to manage the Air Nomad Counter and the whole of it was dusty because the last man who managed it died about 100 years ago.

The walls and ceiling of the canteen were beige and the floors were stone gray.

The tables were made specifically for each department. If one table has a symbol of a certain bending, people with that kind of bending can sit around that table.

“After morning classes, it's lunchtime. During lunchtime, we discovered that people sat around tables according to their department. For example, the table has the earthbending symbol. That means people from the Earth Department can sit around the table with the earthbending symbol.”

Nidoria, Kugo, Bokio, Gianso, Shang-Yo, Ryoske were confused upon seeing the canteen's characteristics.

“We were confused about it, especially Izugail, but we decided to let it slide for the first day. After lunchtime, it's Protector-training time.”

———————————————————

In the Fire Department…

The room for the Fire Department looked like a dojo. The walls were maroon and the ceiling was gray. The floor was also maroon and the mat had a lighter shade of maroon. Surrounding  the mat were posts filled with flames ontop.

Nidoria, Kugo and Bokio could feel intimidating chills running down their spine as they saw how the flames lit up ontop of the posts.

Further ahead of them was a huge furnace. Seeing the flames lit up made the trio fear them even more.

Standing in front of Nidoria, Kugo and Bokio was Flame-Lady. A confident smirk appeared on her face. Seeing her made them quite relieved, but they were still terrified because of the flames.

Once Flame-Lady spoke up, Nidoria, Kugo and Bokio listened to her intently.

“Alrighty, y’all! Welcome to the Fire Department!” Flame-Lady pointed at herself. “I’m your trainer, Flame-Lady and I’ve got a lesson that can help you pull it off!”

Nidoria, Kugo and Bokio mentally opened their ears. After a few moments of silence, Flame-Lady finally spoke.

“Battle Training!”

Nidoria, Bokio and especially Kugo lit up in excitement.

“Nice one!” Nidoria exclaimed.

“Let’s go!” Bokio exclaimed.

“A battle training on the first day! Now, that’s a great exercise!” Kugo said.

“Alrighty! In the Battle Training, we have to battle against other departments,” Flame-Lady explained.

———————————————————

In the Water Department…

The room of the Water Department contained icy walls, ceiling and floor. The fluffy snow covered almost all the floor. Icicles and glaciers were scattered around the room.

The Waterbender Protectors-in-Training — including Izugail, a shivering Liyah, Ryoske and Shang-Yo — were listening intently to Water Whipper’s words.

“The roles a department can play are villains, Protectors and victims,” he said.

———————————————————

In the Earth Department…

The room of the Earth Department was spacious. Nothing was there except for the gray stone-made floor, the pale green walls and the dark brown ceiling. This was to make space for earthbending lessons.

Khelsi, Zeno and other Earthbender Protectors-in-Training were listening intently to a muscular man.

This muscular man had tan skin with green eyes, and slightly gray hair. He wears a sleeveless chartreuse shirt with green shorts and brown shoes.

His voice was more calm than his younger brother, Big Boulder.

“The villains and victims are played by one department only, while Protectors are played by two departments,” he said.

———————————————————

In the Non-bender Department…

The room of the Non-bender Department was also like a dojo. The walls were beige and the ceiling was dark brown, with the edges being mahogany. The floor was green, but almost all of it was covered by a large beige mat. Surrounding the mat were various types of weapons leaning against the walls. The weapons included axes, frails, swords , shurikens, knives, kunai, sais and other miscellaneous weapons.

A large number of Non-bending Protectors-in-Training, including Gianso, were listening intently to a young woman with dark brown hair, tan skin and dark brown eyes. She was currently wearing a chartreuse dress with a green belt wrapped around her wrist. She was also wearing her brown bracelet on each arm and brown flats. The weapon she was currently holding was a spear.

“The Battle Training will begin in four days,” she said.

———————————————————

Back in the Fire Department…

“Do you have any questions?” Flame-Lady asked.

Nidoria raised her hand.

“Yes, Nidoria?” Flame-Lady responded.

“Excuse me, Flame-Lady. It’s only our first day and there’ll be Battle Training in four days. What can we do for the rest of this day?” Nidoria asked.

“You can train with your mates in the Fire Department or perhaps, you can train with your friends whenever you have free time,” Flame-Lady said.

“I see,” Nidoria said, nodding. “Where does the Battle Training take place?”

“The Battle Training takes place in the middle of our main training area outside, where we all meet with other departments in the Protector-Training Island,” Flame-Lady answered. “It’s called the 'Main Training Grounds.’”

“Right,” Nidoria said, nodding. “Thank you, Flame-Lady.”

“No prob,” Flame-Lady said. Then, she turned to the others. “Any other questions?”

“No, ma’am,” Bokio, Nidoria and Kugo said in unison.

“Alrighty. You’re all dismissed,” Flame-Lady said. “You can go on and train with your mates in this room.”

With that being said, Flame-Lady exited the Fire Department room. This left Nidoria, Kugo and Bokio alone.

Nidoria, Bokio and Kugo turned to each other.

“Let’s train with each other! We can learn more about each other and our new martial arts moves!” Kugo exclaimed happily.

Nidoria and Bokio nodded.

Then, Nidoria turned to Bokio. “Bokio, have you learned any new martial arts moves?”

Bokio shrugged. “Well, I have learned lightning-bending, but I only know how to redirect it.”

“Lightning-bending? Is that part of firebending?” Nidoria asked in confusion.

Bokio nodded. “Yeah. Lightning-bending is a sub-bending technique under firebending.”

“Nice. We haven’t learned lightning-bending before,” Nidoria said with a smile.

Bokio turned to Nidoria, surprised. “Wait, you haven’t?!”

“No, we haven’t,” Nidoria replied, shaking her head.

“Can you teach us?” Kugo asked.

“Hmm…” Bokio went into deep thought. His hands were on his hips. “No other people from other departments attack us with lightning-bending. Maybe some other time?”

Nidoria and Kugo lowered their heads in sadness. “Sure.”

“How about you and Kugo demonstrate all the firebending and martial arts techniques to me, so that I’ll know if there’s something you haven’t learned yet?” Bokio asked.

Nidoria nodded with determination while Kugo nodded with a grin. Kugo’s right hand rubbed against his left arm.

“Right!” they exclaimed in unison.

With that, Nidoria and Kugo demonstrated the firebending and martial arts techniques to Bokio.

———————————————————

Four days later…
Main Training Grounds, Outside the Department Rooms

After five minutes of training in their respective department rooms, all four doors opened in the middle of the main training area.

From the first door, there came out the trainees from the Earth Department. From the second door, there came out the trainees from the Fire Department. From the third door, there came out the trainees from the Water Department. Finally, from the fourth door, there came out the trainees from the Non-bending Department.

All were wearing their combat clothes. The Fire Department wore clothes of red, maroon and black. The Water Department wore clothes of blue shades and white. The Earth Department wore clothes of shades of green and brown. As for the Non-bending Department, they wore clothes of various kinds of colors. The most noticeable ones were red, green, blue, gray, brown and yellow.

Standing at the exact center was Mr. Kon-Li. He was seen with a smile on his face as he witnessed the trainees emerging from their respective department rooms.

Once everyone gathered around, Mr. Kon-Li spoke first. “Good afternoon to all trainees.”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Kon-Li!” all the trainees replied.

“Today is the day of the Battle Training. Each team will play a part,” Mr. Kon-Li said. “As you know, two departments will play the role of the Protectors. One department will play the role of the villains and one department will play the role of the victims.

“The villains will keep the victims captured while the Protectors capture the villains, save the victims and help them escape or both.”

The trainees could spot two people carrying what seemed to be an item that’s a bit taller than Mr. Kon-Li and it was covered by a red cloth. The two people were wearing clothes of black and no face was seen. Once the two people got behind Kon-Li, they laid an item on the ground.

As Kon-Li continued speaking, one of the two people removed the cloth, revealing a wheel that can help select a role that a certain department was supposed to play — villains, victims and Protectors.

“The roles assigned to the departments will be randomized. I will spin the wheel for the first department. Once the arrow stops, the role it’s pointing at will be given to that department. The process is repeated for the rest of the departments.

“The place where the Battle Training takes place is here in the Main Training Grounds. Big Boulder’s elder brother, Cornerstone, will build a cage for the victims to stay in and for the villains to guard. He will also build a maze, which is meant for the Protectors to find a way to go to the cage and break the victims out.

“The Protectors will have 20 minutes to find the cage, break free the victims and get them to safety. At the same time, the villains will have 20 minutes to keep the victims in the cage. The Protectors win the Battle Training if they got the victims and themselves out of the maze before time runs out. The villains win the Battle Training Area if they keep the Protectors from breaking the victims free until time runs out.

“Do you have any questions about the Battle Training mechanics?”

“No, sir!” all the trainees replied.

“Very well,” Mr. Kon-Li said with a smile. “Let’s begin our battle training!”

With that being said, Mr. Kon-Li spun the wheel for each department. Once he’s finished, the roles were settled. The Non-bending Department and the Earth Department will be the Protectors, the Water Department will be the victims and the Fire Department will be the villains.

Once Nidoria, Kugo and Bokio heard this, they turned to each other in shock. We’re playing the role of villains?!

Just then, they heard a voice speaking to them. “Oh, come on. It’s not that bad.”

Nidoria, Kugo and Bokio turned to see one of the Non-bending Protectors-in-Training. And it’s a male.

“After all, the Fire Nation is really scary and threatening, so you have to play the role of the villains,” the Non-bending Protector said with a cocky smirk.

Is this guy being so judgy?! Nidoria, Kugo and Bokio thought questionably in unison.

“Alright. Now that your roles were assigned—” Mr. Kon-Li said as the same Earth Department trainer, known as Cornerstone, walked slightly behind him. “—we’ll let Cornerstone build the arena for the Battle Training. In the meantime, please, think of strategies for the Battle Training.”

“Yes, Mr. Kon-Li!” all the trainees replied.

With that being said, every trainee headed back to their respective department rooms while Cornerstone got started on building the arena for the Battle Training.

———————————————————

About 5 minutes later…

The arena Cornerstone had built was finished. Now, everyone got in their places according to the roles that they'll be playing.

Right now, the Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training were tiptoeing through the maze. Zeno had suggested that they should stick together because mazes can get anyone lost and it might lead to losing more Protectors. Everyone agreed to that.

As the Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training tiptoed through the maze, it was Zeno who spoke up.

“Okay, no sign of villains ambushing us.”

“I don't know, Zeno. For some reason, I can feel a light shake. And it's getting a bit heavier when I continue going forward,” Khelsi said.

“Khelsi, you're an earthbender. Any earthbender can feel a light shake,” Gianso said.

Khelsi nodded. “Yes. But this time, I feel like this shake was different.”

Before anyone else could react, a huge flame engulfed in front of them. This caused them turn their heads to the source of the flames, but they could barely dodge them.

Once they landed on the ground, the Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training faced forward. At that moment. The huge flames died down. Most were surprised, but Zeno was not.

“Just as I expected,” Zeno said.

Right in front of them was Kugo, who had just jumped off his hiding spot and landed on his feet. He formed his fighting position with a grin on his face.

“The Kugo I know would attack us head-first,” Zeno said.

Kugo’s confident grin widened. “Protectors… I'm ready to beat you!”

Zeno's lips stretched out a smirk. That's when he and the other Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training formed their fighting positions. “Alright. Let's do this!”

With that being said, Kugo charged in with no fear and hesitation inside of him. “YOU BETTER GO DOWN, PROTECTORS!!!!!”

As Kugo let out a shout, he ignited the flames in his hands and blasted them towards the Earth Department and Non-bending Department.

The Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training barely evaded the fire blasts. This resulted in their skins feeling the heat.

As Kugo kept blasting his flames, a thought ran in his head. If I keep attacking like a villain should, I'll be the star of the Fire Department.

———————————————————

[Flashback]

5 minutes ago…

Kugo, Nidoria and Bokio had gathered in the Fire Department room to strategize on how to keep the victims secure while so many people would come and capture them and break the victims free. As they attempted to come in with scenarios, an idea popped into Kugo’s head. Once he told them that idea, a shocked expression appeared on Bokio's and Nidoria's faces.

“I'm sorry,” Nidoria said, pointing at Kugo. “You want to be their bait?”

“Yup,” Kugo said, nodding with a grin. “Zeno's in the Earth Department and I know how to push his buttons. I would block the Protectors from going to the cage and maybe lure them away from it via the maze.”

“Are you sure about this, Kugo? There are lots of people in the Non-bending Department,” Nidoria said, concerned. “I was going to suggest that we should stick together.”

“Nidoria's right. We could be at a disadvantage since we're the only ones here in the Fire Department, so it's best that we stick together,” Bokio said.

“I'll be fine, Nidoria and Bokio,” Kugo said with a grin. “Just trust me on this.”

It took a few moments before Nidoria and Bokio nodded with full trust.

“Okay, Kugo. We trust you,” Bokio said.

“Just be careful out there, okay?” Nidoria spoke.

Kugo nodded in definite agreement. “Alright.”

———————————————————

[End of Flashback]

Kugo kept attacking the Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training the best he could. Blasts of flames were sent everywhere, but not to the point of breaking the maze.

Seeing this as an opportune time, Zeno turned to Khelsi and a few Earthbending Protectors-in-training. He gave them a nod.

Khelsi and a few Earthbending Protectors-in-training nodded in return.

With that, Khelsi and a few Earthbending Protectors-in-training headed past the whole group and Kugo to continue their way to the cage.

At the same time, Gianso also saw an opportune time. He turned to a decent amount of Non-bending Protectors-in-training and gave them a nod.

The Non-bending Protectors-in-training nodded in reply. And so, just like Khelsi and a few Earthbending Protectors-in-training, they went past the whole group and Kugo to continue their way to the cage.

Along the way, the Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training, who had gone past Kugo and the rest of the group, reunited with each other and continued their way to the cage together.

As they did, Zeno, who was busy fighting Kugo with his earthbending, thought hopefully, I hope the plan we have works. Knowing Kugo, his mind would be blurred if he keeps focusing on fighting us like a reckless rascal.

———————————————————

[Flashback]

5 minutes ago…

Everyone from the Earth Department had gathered in their own room. Zeno tried to come up with a plan and communicate with his training-mates, but all he could hear were words about taking the Fire Department down easily because they were so few.

It took about a few seconds before Khelsi finally approached Zeno.

“Excuse me, Zeno. May I ask you something?” Khelsi asked.

Zeno turned to Khelsi with a friendly smile. “Sure. Go ahead.”

“I heard people talking about how we can take down the Fire Department because they were so few, but I feel like they have tricks up their sleeves. So… I want to ask. What do you know about Nidoria and Kugo?” Khelsi asked.

Zeno was surprised at the question Khelsi just asked him. The only person he knew the most out of the two firebender siblings was Kugo. Nidoria was only someone he could get along with.

After a few moments of silence, Zeno said, “I dunno much about Nidoria, but I do know that Kugo’s the competitive type and he can attack head-first. You seem to know so much about Nidoria. What do you know about her?”

“She's nice, kind and gentle. She's also a natural leader whenever Izugail is not around. She is also a firebender, but I never saw her using it until during the entrance exam,” Khelsi said.

Zeno nodded. “I see. Then, may I suggest that during Battle Training…”

———————————————————

[End of Flashback]

Meanwhile, Nidoria and Bokio were busy guarding the victims in the cage. Their eyes scanned for any Protector that could come to them. As they did, slight concern overtook their hearts.

“I hope Kugo's doing okay,” Nidoria said.

“Yeah. Same here,” Bokio said.

Suddenly, the ground shook. This caused Nidoria’s and Bokio's bodies to wiggle a bit, but they did manage to keep themselves from falling on their backs.

“An earthquake,” Bokio whispered.

“The Earthbending Protectors. They're here,” Nidoria stated.

Suddenly, mountain-shaped rocks shot Nidoria and Bokio in the air. They let out a yelp. Soon after, they landed on their butts. A few seconds after that, the mountain-shaped rocks grew back to the ground.

Nidoria and Bokio turned to see who caused the mountain-shaped rocks to shoot them in the air. As they did, they were face-to-face with Khelsi and the Earthbending Protectors-in-training.

Khelsi and the Earthbending Protectors-in-training formed their fighting stances. “Give us back the victims!” Khelsi commanded.

Nidoria could feel an uncharacteristic vibe from Khelsi. Nonetheless, she knew that it was needed for her to do this in battles and battle trainings like this. With that, Nidoria, along with Bokio, formed their fighting positions in reply.

Nidoria put herself in a position of one villain character she had analyzed in “The Non-bender Hero” book series and applied the villain’s character to herself.

The villain character Nidoria had applied to herself was Shiguro. He’s one of the main antagonists in “The Non-bender Hero.” He’s also the leader of the villain team called “Villain Legion.” There were times where he became sassy against the heroes and there were also times where he got serious and used his bloodbending abilities to kill his victims. He is the adoptive son of the biggest antagonist in “The Non-bender Hero.”

After Nidoria applied Shiguro’s character to herself, she let out an evil chuckle. “Hehehe. You’re too late, Protector,” she said in the slight tone of a grandmother.

Bokio was surprised at how Nidoria acted like a real villain. He watched as Nidoria gestured to the victims that were left in the cage. “Those victims are mine to keep. They’re for an important… ‘experiment’ our master wants to test on.”

You could hear the victims yelping behind Nidoria.

“Khelsi, thank goodness you’re here!” Izugail exclaimed with a smile.

“Someone help us in here!” Liyah yelled out.

“Don’t worry, guys! We’ll save you!” one of the Earthbending Protectors-in-training exclaimed with a reassuring smile.

With that, the Earthbending Protectors-in-training charged at Nidoria and Bokio.

“Oh, so you’re putting on a show then,” Nidoria said, still in a slight tone of a grandmother. She chuckled. “Well, in that case…” She then, formed her fighting position. “...let’s dance.”

With that, Nidoria and Bokio clashed against the Earthbending Protectors-in-training.

The same male Earthbending Protector-in-training who reassured the victims that he and his training mates will save them, dug the rocks on the ground using his earthbending abilities. After that, he pushed each rock towards Nidoria.

Fortunately for Nidoria, she evaded every attack the male Earthbending Protector-in-training was launching at her. As she evaded, her feet moved towards his direction like a graceful gymnast.

Soon, it came to a point where the male Earthbending Protector-in-training dug up a part of the ground using his earthbending. And that part of the ground… was under Nidoria’s feet.

Nidoria felt the ground shaking. Then, cracks appeared surrounding her feet. As she witnessed this, her eyes widened in realization.

Once the ground under her feet was lifted up, Nidoria jumped off and blasted fire from her hands towards the male Earthbending Protector-in-training.

Unfortunately for the male Earthbending Protector-in-training, he wasn’t able to evade. Instead, he was sent backwards by the flames and he landed on his back.

This also caused the lifted part of the ground to be dropped back to its original place.

Nidoria let out a couple of relieved breaths. Then, a few moments later, she heard a yell coming from her front left.

Her eyes glanced to the source of the yell. Nidoria saw a female Earthbending Protector-in-training charging at her with her rocks ready to throw.

Nidoria responded with deflecting multiple rocks with her forearms and kicking the female’s stomach. The female Earthbending Protector moved her right hand to her left stomach where Nidoria had kicked her.

Once Nidoria saw that the female Earthbending Protector-in-training was on her feet, she lowered her body and swept her leg under the female’s feet. This caused the female Earthbending Protector-in-Training to slip and fall on the left side of her body.

The female Earthbending Protector-in-training responded with an angry yell. “Hey! That’s cheating!”

“Cheating?” Nidoria said, still in her slight grandmother tone. “Heh. I am a villain. I have my own ways to win.”

Nidoria finished her final blow by knocking out the female Earthbending Protector-in-training.

With Bokio, he had blasted numerous flames at the Earthbending Protectors-in-training. Unfortunately, they evaded his attacks. Kicks, punches and evades were launched towards them when he found himself engaging in combat.

Another male Earthbending Protector-in-training dug the rocks on the ground using his earthbending abilities. After that, he pushed each rock towards Bokio.

Fortunately for Bokio, he shot the flames at every rock the male Earthbending Protector-in-training was launching at her. This caused the rocks to shatter into tiny pieces.

Soon, it came to a point where Bokio was surrounded by Khelsi and many more Earthbending Protectors-in-training. Suddenly, his emotions took over him and the flames exploded out of his body. This sent the Earthbending Protectors-in-training flying backwards. A few moments later, they landed on their butts.

As the Earthbending Protectors-in-training slowly attempted to get up, they could feel pain in their butts. Khelsi rubbed her left temple in pain.

“He's… strong,” Khelsi whispered.

“What? Have you given up yet?” she heard Bokio asking.

When Khelsi and the other Earthbending Protectors-in-training looked up at Bokio, they were surprised. All they could see in his eyes was villainy.

He adapted to his role, too?! they thought.

“I am the villain. Those people in the cage are mine, Nidoria’s and our master’s to keep. You won't get past us,” Bokio said.

———————————————————

Back with Kugo…

Kugo continued blasting his flames at the Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training who remained in the maze. As he did, he noticed something.

Kugo did see Khelsi and Gianso among the group, but now, they were missing. He landed on his feet.

Khelsi and Gianso were not here. Where are they? Kugo thought.

Once Zeno saw Kugo notice Khelsi’s and Gianso’s disappearances, his lips stretched out a triumphant smirk.

“You think you're the star of the show, but you weren't even aware that some of us disappeared,” Zeno said.

Kugo was surprised upon hearing Zeno's words.

“Well, you might wanna go back to the cage. Because some of us… are already there,” Zeno said.

Kugo was even more surprised. Without thinking, he ran back to the cage.

———————————————————

Later on…

When Kugo arrived at the cage, his eyes widened in extreme shock.

Right before his eyes were Bokio and Nidoria being knocked out. Standing in front of them was Khelsi. Behind them, the victims have already vanished. What's worse was that the cage was opened.

No. It can't be, Kugo said.

Kugo turned behind him. Right before his eyes were the rest of Non-bending Protectors-in-training getting the victims out of the cage area.

Rage took over Kugo. This isn't over yet!

In a split second, Kugo let out a scream and charged towards the Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training. He ignited his flames and was about to blast them towards them, but a hand on his right shoulder stopped him from doing so.

Kugo’s body froze. Tears threatened to roll down his cheeks, but none of them escaped his eyes. The next thing he heard came from Cornerstone.

“It's over,” he said. “They've won.”

Kugo’s tears continued to fill his eyes. Hearing this made him shocked.

———————————————————

Later on…

Cornerstone had destructed the arena using his earthbending abilities. As he did so, the Protectors-in-training waited on the sides of the Main Training Area Grounds.

While waiting for Mr. Kon-Li to make a review on the first round, Zeno, Khelsi and Gianso gathered in a circle. When they did, Zeno told them with a smile, “Great job, guys! I knew our plan will come through!”

“Actually, it was you who came up with a plan,” Khelsi said with a smile.

Khelsi still remembered what Zeno had told her before the Battle Training began.

———————————————————

[Flashback]

20 minutes ago…

“Then, may I suggest that during Battle Training, we'll keep Kugo busy,” Zeno said. “Then, without him knowing, you and some of your training mates will go past him, and Gianso and some of his training mates will do the same.

“When you go to the cage, you and your training mates will take down Nidoria and Kugo. While doing so, Gianso and his mates will break the victims free and get them to safety.”

“Sure,” Khelsi said, nodding. “Can we tell the Non-bending Protectors-in-Training?”

Zeno nodded without hesitation. “Yup. When the Battle Training starts, we'll tell them our plan.”

Khelsi nodded again. “Okay.”

———————————————————

[End of Flashback]

“Yeah. If it wasn't your quick thinking, we would've been outmatched and we would've lost,” Gianso said.

Zeno turned to Gianso. “I told ya of this plan because I know Kugo personally…” He then, turned to Khelsi. “...and I know how to push his buttons.” He turned back to Gianso. “But I'll take it as a compliment.”

Just then, Mr. Kon-Li’s voice grabbed everyone's attention.

“Okay, Protectors-in-training! Let's gather around!”

Everyone did as they're told. As they did, the arena Cornerstone was destructing was nothing but a big space. Once everyone gathered around Mr. Kon-Li, he spoke, “Now that the arena is destructed, let's give a quick review about the first round.”

Kon-Li turned to the Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training. “Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training. You most certainly did well, considering how a large number like you can outmatch the Fire Department.”

Cheers erupted from the Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training. Words like “Oh, yeah!” and “Alright!” were heard. Some of them even hugged each other while some others raised their fists in the air.

Mr. Kon-Li turned to Khelsi. “Khelsi, you went out of your gentle and sweet character to build yourself a heroic and defensive one who's willing to save people.”

Khelsi was surprised at the words Mr. Kon-Li just said to her. After hearing his words, Khelsi turned away and scratched her nape. Her cheeks heated up in embarrassment. “Well, I have to go out of my comfort zone in order for me to act like a Protector.”

Mr. Kon-Li nodded in understanding. “It's alright. You still have a long way to go to become a Protector.”

Khelsi turned back at Mr. Kon-Li.

A smile crept up Mr. Kon-Li’s lips. “I hope you gain your courage to stand up for what's right when the time comes.”

Khelsi smiled and bowed at Mr. Kon-Li respectfully. “Thank you, Mr. Kon-Li. I will.”

Mr. Kon-Li nodded. Then, he turned to Zeno. “Zeno.”

Zeno turned to Mr. Kon-Li attentively. “Yes, Mr. Kon-Li?”

“You created a plan for your team to outsmart the Fire Department and freed the victims, yes?” Mr. Kon-Li asked.

“Yeah,” Zeno answered with a bright smile. “How did you know about that?”

“Cornerstone and I observed how the first round goes smoothly. By the looks of it, you'd make a really good planner,” Mr. Kon-Li said.

Zeno turned away. His hand rubbed the back of his head as his cheeks heated up in embarrassment. “Well, it was nothin’. It's just that I know Kugo personally and I know how to push his buttons.”

Kon-Li nodded. “I see. How long have you known Kugo?”

“Two years,” Zeno answered, turning to Mr. Kon-Li with a smile. “He and I are next-door neighbors back in the Earth Kingdom village.”

Mr. Kon-Li nodded. “I see that now.”

A pause occurred in the air. Then, a few moments later, Mr. Kon-Li spoke again.

“And finally…” Mr. Kon-Li turned to Kugo. His glare shot right through Kugo. “...Kugo.”

Once Kugo turned to Mr. Kon-Li, he spoke enthusiastically. “Yes, Mr.—” He let out a yelp as he saw the glare Mr. Kon-Li was shooting right at him. “Gah! Mr. Kon-Li sir!”

Kugo let out a nervous tone. “A… A-Are you okay?”

“You should reconsider Nidoria’s idea and your thoughts about your decision to recklessly run off like that. Nidoria suggested that you should stick together with them, yet you did not follow,” Mr. Kon-Li said.

Kugo freaked out again. Then, he knelt down and bowed apologetically. “I'm sorry, Mr. Kugo. I was overconfident back there.” His voice raised to a begging tone. “I promise to make it up to you! Really, I promise!”

“Is that so?” Mr. Kon-Li asked suspiciously.

After he heard those words, Kugo turned to Mr. Kon-Li. A surprised expression appeared on his face. He saw that Mr. Kon-Li’s back was facing him.

Kugo quickly stood on his feet and declared with a determined expression, “Yes, Mr. Kon-Li! It is so!”

“Hmmm…” Mr. Kon-Li went into deep thought.

Silence occurred in the air. Then, a few moments later, Mr. Kon-Li turned back to Kugo. “For now, I will let this slide, Kugo.” His face formed a darkly serious expression. “But be warned.”

The menacing look in Mr. Kon-Li’s eyes made Kugo freak out again. His skin shook as he became overwhelmed to listen to his every word.

“If I ever see you doing something reckless again, I have no choice but to lecture you personally and privately. Is that understood?” Mr. Kon-Li asked.

“Yes, sir Mr. Kon-Li sir!” Kugo answered immediately.

Mr. Kon-Li’s face softened to a relaxed smile. “Good.” Then, he turned to every Protector-in-training. “Now, let's get started in round two, shall we? It's the same process as the first, but the arena will be built differently.”

“Yes, Mr. Kon-Li!” all the trainees replied.

“Remember what I told you and learn from your mistakes,” Mr. Kon-Li said.

“Yes, Mr. Kon-Li!” all the trainees replied.

With that being said, Mr. Kon-Li assigned the roles to everyone in their respective departments for the second round using the wheel that appeared earlier.

In the second round, the Fire Department and the Water Department will be the Protectors, the Non-bending Department will be the victims, the Earth Department will be the villains.

The arena that was built for the second round contained a single tower that included a cage on the top floor.

The Firebending and Waterbending Protectors-in-training had to find a way up to the tower while encountering various obstacles along the way.

This time, Kugo stuck with his training mates like Mr. Kon-Li told him to. He was confident when taking on new challenges, but he never dared to recklessly drift apart from his training mates and the Waterbending Protectors-in-training.

When the Firebending and the Waterbending Protectors-in-training arrived at the top floor, the Firebending Protectors-in-training set the victims free and got them to safety while the Waterbending Protectors-in-training fought the Earthbending villains to keep them busy. Let's just say it took a while for the Non-bending victims to go out of the tower because there were too many Non-bending Protectors-in-training.

Nidoria had come up with a plan to do all these. When she did, she consulted with Izugail to see if the plan she came in with is good enough for their win. Izugail nodded, indicating that Nidoria’s plan was good.

During the review for the second round of the Battle Training, Mr. Kon-Li congratulated Nidoria for creating a great plan to complete the task. Nidoria slightly turned away while her cheeks heated up in gratitude and appreciation. He also congratulated Kugo for sticking to with his training mates and for not recklessly running off again. Kugo happily thanked him with a respectful bow.

The Battle Training was moved on to the third round.

In the third round, the Water Department will be the villains, the Non-bending and Fire Department will be the Protectors, and the Earth Department will be the victims.

The arena that's built for the third round was an underground cave where the cage was located at the deepest part of the cave.

The Firebending Protectors-in-training had to use their flames to go inside the cave and find the cage. This was essential to both themselves and the Non-bending Protectors-in-Training.

The Non-bending and Firebending Protectors-in-training had to work together to get to the cage and free the victims. Unfortunately, their communication was not going well, especially when the Non-bending Protectors-in-Training, except Gianso, had their closed minds.

Getting to the cage was not easy. The Non-bending and Firebending Protectors-in-training had encountered a difficult obstacle. In the middle of the cave's pathway was a group of multiple tunnels that led to many directions. One of them led to the cage. Some others would get people lost while others led them to return where they had encountered the tunnels.

The Non-bending Protectors-in-Training, except Gianso, chose to split apart and go through multiple tunnels to ensure which one was the right tunnel. And that's what they did.

Gianso decided to stay behind with Nidoria, Bokio and Kugo because he didn't want to risk going through a tunnel without a single thought.

Nidoria analyzed the way the Non-bending Protectors-in-Training go through the tunnels and how they would react if they returned to where they saw the tunnels. At that point, Nidoria knew that half of the tunnels were those that led people back to where they saw them. The other half, except one, were the ones that could get people lost.

Soon enough, Nidoria saw a Non-bending Protector-in-training exit the tunnel the same way he entered. This got her and the others surprised. The Non-bending Protector-in-training that just got out of the tunnel told them happily that the tunnel he's entering led to the cage.

Everyone smiled gratefully at the Non-bending Protector-in-training. And so, they followed him to the cage.

Once they arrived, the Firebending and half of the Non-bending Protectors-in-Training fought the Waterbending villains the best they could, with some of the Non-bending Protectors-in-Training attempting to break the Earthbending victims free, but Izugail and Liyah planned ahead and used their icebending techniques that they just learned from their training mates to trap them in ice. You could see Izugail, smirking in triumph.

Eventually, time ran out and the villains won.

During the review of the third round, Mr. Kon-Li praised Izugail for her well-thought out plan while he scolded the Non-bending Protectors-in-training for not cooperating with the Firebending Protectors-in-training. The Non-bending Protectors-in-training apologized.

Mr. Kon-Li accepted their apologies. Then, they moved on to the fourth and final round.

In the fourth round, the Non-bending Department will be the villains, the Earth Department and the Water Department will be the Protectors and the Fire Department will be the victims.

The arena that's built for the fourth round was a castle. The cage was located in the underground dungeons.

The Earthbending and Waterbending Protectors-in-training had to overcome many obstacles in order to save the Firebending victims. Luckily, Izugail came up with a plan to stop the Non-bending villains and free the Firebending victims.

The Non-bending Protectors-in-Training, except Gianso who knew he had to play the villain part, were happy to be playing the role of villains because they got to guard the Firebending victims. Gianso glared at his training mates saying that not all firebenders are meant to be villains. Nidoria, Kugo and Bokio agreed with him.

The Earthbending and Non-bending Protectors-in-training had to go through many obstacles and booby traps in the castle in order to get to the underground dungeons.

Once they arrived in the dungeons, the Waterbending and Earthbending Protectors-in-training fought the Non-bending villains, with Khelsi and Zeno staying behind the dungeon doors to create a hole for Nidoria, Bokio and Kugo to get in. The hole Khelsi and Zeno were planning to make was actually a tunnel that could lead anyone out of the dungeon doors.

When one minute was almost up, Khelsi and Zeno finally made a hole for Nidoria, Bokio and Kugo to get in.

When Nidoria, Bokio and Kugo saw the hole, they were surprised at first. A few seconds later, Nidoria realized that the hole was meant for them to escape and go out of the castle to get to safety. Bokio and Kugo smiled happily at Nidoria for realizing this sooner.

Nidoria, Bokio and Kugo got in the hole and they reappeared outside the dungeon doors via the end of the tunnel.

With that being done, Kugo, Nidoria, Bokio, Zeno and Khelsi ran out of the castle to get to safety.

Back in the fight scene, the Waterbending and Earthbending Protectors-in-training were still fighting the Non-bending villains. Soon after, the Non-bending villains realized that they were so busy fighting that they forgot about guarding the Firebending victims. As a result, they let them escape.

Time was up, and Nidoria, Kugo, Zeno, Bokio and Khelsi got out of the castle in time. This led the Protectors to victory.

During the review for the fourth and final round, Mr. Kon-Li said the Waterbending and Earthbending Protectors-in-training did a great job in executing the plan to break the Firebending victims free. After that, he advised the Non-bending Protectors-in-Training to be aware of their surroundings. The Non-bending Protectors-in-training agreed.

After all four rounds were done, Mr. Kon-Li said his final words to the trainees, “You trainees have done well in the Battle Training. However, there are some things that you need to improve on. Do your best and become the best Protectors of the world.”

Everyone nodded in reply. “Right! Thanks, Mr. Kon-Li!”

“You’re welcome. You’re all dismissed for today,” Mr. Kon-Li said.

With that, everyone bowed respectfully to Mr. Kon-Li. Then, they exited the main training area and went to their respective dorm buildings.