The morning sun rose over one of the Fire Continent's bustling inner states, casting golden light across the streets. In a cozy corner of the town, the aroma of fresh broth and steamed noodles drifted from a small noodle shop nestled between taller brick buildings. Inside, the warmth of the kitchen and the chatter of loved ones filled the air.
"Wow, it's already the D-Day," Mr. Zaki said, arms crossed as he leaned against the counter, eyes fixed on the stairs.
"His mother would be so proud," Mrs. Zaki replied softly, her hands gently smoothing out the icing on a small birthday cake.
"Quick, quick, he's coming down!" Sofia whispered excitedly, bouncing on her toes as she watched the staircase.
Footsteps padded against wood. A teenage boy with short black hair and drowsy eyes emerged, yawning and rubbing the sleep from his face.
"I'm here," Dan said, stretching slightly.
"Happy birthday!!" everyone shouted in unison, the shop erupting with joy.
Dan blinked, then broke into a wide smile. "Oh my gosh… thank you so much, guys."
Sofia beamed. "I can't believe you're sixteen now. You're all grown up! You're like the little brother I never had."
"Same for you too," Dan replied, pulling her into a hug. "Now where's the cake?"
"Here it is," Mrs. Zaki said, carefully bringing the cake forward.
"Blow out the candle," Mr. Zaki added, arms folded but with a rare grin on his face.
Dan took a deep breath and blew it out. "Now after I eat the cake, I'm going to prepare to enter the Knight Exams."
Sofia let out a sigh. "You haven't given up on that yet? Didn't your mother not want that for you?"
Dan looked down for a moment. "Yes… but she also told me to do what makes me happy."
Mr. Zaki sighed. "Fine, Dan. We've been trying to convince you for eight years now, but if you're prepared, then you can go on."
"Just be safe," Mrs. Zaki added with concern in her eyes. "You know… since you don't have any chi."
Dan nodded. "Yeah, I was afraid about that… but that's what all those karate classes were for."
"But still…" Sofia started.
"It's okay," Mr. Zaki interrupted gently. "It's his choice now."
Dan smiled, touched. "Thanks for the cake. I have to go register now—but first, I'll stop by the dojo."
"Bye-bye!" Sofia called out.
"Bye-bye," Dan returned, smiling as he stepped out.
Outside, the streets were already alive. Dan sprinted through the town, the breeze playing with his hoodie as he made his way toward the dojo.
---
At the Dojo…
Sunlight filtered through the paper-panel windows of the Fire Continent Dojo, its wooden floors polished and gleaming. Banners hung along the walls with symbols of ancient martial arts.
"Come on, Axel! I told you to clean up before the students start showing up," Zen barked. He was a tall man with tied-back dark hair and sharp eyes. His gi was loosely tied, revealing a toned chest earned from decades of training.
"Sorry, I forgot," muttered Axel, his assistant, sweeping hurriedly.
Just then, three students walked in: Alexander, tall and athletic with dark green hair; Eugene, shorter and stockier with round glasses; and Ruby, a red-haired girl with a calm but confident aura.
"Argh, you're not done?" Alexander complained.
"I thought you guys would stop starting late," Eugene added, arms crossed.
"As expected," Ruby said dryly.
"Hey! Show some respect to your teacher!" Zen scolded. "Anyway… where is my top student?"
"Dan should be coming soon," Alexander said. "You know, it's his birthday."
"What?!" Zen blinked. "None of you told me?"
"We thought you knew," Eugene said innocently.
Ruby smirked. "He's your best student and you didn't know that?"
Alexander grinned. "So… did you bring your special present for him?"
Ruby's eyes widened. "What?!"
"Oh come on, I already know you have a crush on the guy. Just tell him."
"But… what if he doesn't like me?" Ruby said softly.
Alexander chuckled. "I'm sure he does. And if he doesn't, he's an idiot."
"Who?" Eugene asked.
"Dan."
Eugene laughed. "Yeah, he can be like that sometimes."
Zen sighed. "What am I supposed to do now…"
The door creaked open. Dan stepped in.
"Hey, guys."
Zen flinched. (Shit.)
"Hey there, Dan. Happy birthday!"
"Happy birthday!" the three students chorused.
One by one, Alexander, Eugene, and Ruby handed Dan wrapped presents.
"Thanks, guys," Dan said, his eyes eventually landing on Zen.
(Damn it, he's expecting something.)
"Umm, here Dan…" Zen said and handed him his golden trophy.
Dan's eyes widened. "Wow… Thanks, Master. I know this must be hard for you—this is your most prized trophy."
"You won't believe it…" Zen muttered, a tear slipping from his eye.
"But I'm sure nothing beats the arm bracelet your mom gave you," Alexander said.
Dan looked down at the bracelet on his wrist. "Yeah… nothing will."
"Well, I can't stay long. I have to register for the Knight Exams."
"That again?" Ruby said.
"Do you really think you can go far?" Eugene asked.
Dan just smiled. "Don't worry about that. I will become a knight. I hope to be under the Fire Nation's knight army."
"Why do you love the knights so much?" Alexander asked.
"Oh, didn't I tell you? When I was eight, I saw a knight from the Fire Nation in action—it was super cool. They're like heroes."
"I wish you well, Dan," Zen said sincerely.
"Thanks, guys. I gotta go now."
---
At the Knight Entry Centre
The plaza was packed. Banners flew high, and registration booths buzzed with chatter. Knights in their polished armor patrolled the grounds.
Dan stood at the edge, staring wide-eyed. There are a lot of people here…
"Dan? Is that you?" a voice called out.
Dan narrowed his eyes. (This asshole.) "Yes, what do yo—"
Ezekiel's boot slammed into his chest, knocking him back.
"I thought I told you to give up on this stupid dream of yours," Ezekiel spat, arms crossed. He wore noble robes, and blue chi flickered around him. "Face facts. Without abilities, you can't do anything."
"Shut up," Dan snapped and threw a punch—but Ezekiel weaved and blasted him with a pulse of sound energy.
A knight in red armor appeared, planting himself between them. A translucent barrier formed with a flick of his hand.
"Hey, hey—if you continue, I will kick you both out," the knight warned.
"Sorry," Dan muttered.
"Where are my manners? I'm sorry," Ezekiel said with mock politeness.
"Good. You should settle this when the tournament starts," the knight said.
"Fine," both boys replied.
---
Later, on the roof of the noodle shop…
Dan sat alone, knees up, the breeze ruffling his hair as the stars began to emerge.
"Damn him… damn him!" he growled under his breath.
Footsteps padded up behind him.
"Come on, man—you shouldn't be shouting on your birthday." Damon, his best friend, held up a small box. "Here, take this present."
Dan sighed. "Sorry… it's that damn Ezekiel. He bullies me because he's a noble and has chi."
"That idiot. Should I go and beat him up?"
Dan laughed. "Like as if you could."
"I know, right?"
Dan stared at the horizon. "Remember years ago… we used to get beaten up by those boys with chi?"
"Yeah. Fighting back was always pointless. But after getting bruised, your mom used to patch us up and make sweets."
Dan's face softened. "My mom was the best…"
"I miss her too… from time to time."
"Well… tomorrow, the Knight Exams begin."
"That stupid tournament. Do you really—"
"Yes. I will become a knight. I wish you could become one with me."
"No way, dude. I want to be a traveler and see the whole world."
"Haha… that means we might see each other someday."
Damon smirked. "Yeah, just don't die before then."
Dan smiled. "Of course not."
"Good luck tomorrow—and remember, buddy… I'm your biggest fan."
Dan nodded, a spark in his eyes.
"Where's your karate group?" Damon asked.
"Late-night practice."
"Ha!"
---
The Next Day: Tournament Grounds
A roaring crowd filled the arena. Dust kicked up from the stone tiles as fighters clashed.
"Wow… these guys are the real deal," Dan whispered from the sidelines.
"Next match-up!" the announcer boomed. "The soundwave user Ezekiel vs. the karate, non-chi user… Dan!"
The crowd stirred.
"My money's on Ezekiel!" someone shouted. "Who else?"
Dan stood in the tunnel, breathing slowly. I can do this. I'm Daniel Mori. I can do anything.
He stepped out.
Ezekiel grinned. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"
"Come at me, fuckface."
Ezekiel charged, unleashing blast after blast of sonic energy. Dan dodged, weaving—until one hit him squarely, sending him rolling. More blasts followed.
"Wow! Ezekiel isn't showing any mercy!" the announcer yelled.
"You still want to go?" Ezekiel said, releasing a blast toward Dan's face.
Dan lunged and grabbed his collar. "Got you."
A knee to the groin. A strike to the throat. Karate punches and chops rained down like thunder. Dan pushed forward—but Ezekiel raised his palm and launched a massive blast, sending Dan flying.
"You think you're some protagonist? Gonna make a comeback? You're not," Ezekiel sneered. He stomped Dan into the floor. "You're just a stupid, non-chi user who thinks he can be a knight. You're as useless as your mother. Your friends. Everyone in your life."
"Shut up!"
A punch to the ground. Ezekiel spotted the bracelet.
"Well, lookie here. Is it from someone special? Oh—I get it. Your mom."
Dan's eyes burned.
"What'll you do if I destroy it?"
"Don't you dare—"
CRACK.
Ezekiel shattered the bracelet with a sonic pulse, then blasted Dan hard in the chest, slamming him into the ground.
"Wow! What an end!" the announcer called.
"Easy," Ezekiel said.
But then…
Sparks.
Crackles.
Lightning danced around Dan's body. The crowd gasped. Ezekiel turned, ready to gloat—only to be met by a blinding flash and a surge of electricity as Dan rose, lightning crackling around his arm, hand outstretched—
Ready to strike.