Once Old Now New 2/?
Some time ago there were pro bending tournaments. Groups of benders would fight another group. It was a sport like soccer or football. Now days there were no such tournaments-at least, not legal ones.
"I can't believe he's bailing out on us!"
Kurt listened to Santana bitch.
"It's not like he was good anyways," Puck grunted, "guy was weak. We need a REAL firebender. We could have gotten higher scores if it wasn't for him."
That got Kurt's attention.
"Whatever," Santana scoffed "now we can't even compete."
"Can't we just find another fire bender?"
There was a smack.
"Ow!"
"How are we going to find a firebender in 2 days?"
Kurt spoke without thinking.
"I know a pretty good firebender."
Puck and Santana stopped bickering. Kurt turned to face them.
"Eavesdropping Hummel?"
Kurt shrugged, "You weren't being quiet."
Santana glared, "Are they good?"
"Oh they're good."
Kurt was never one to gloat about his bending but it was the truth. He was an awesome fire bender. He might be the Avatar but he was a firebender first.
"Who is it?"
Smirking Kurt grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down some directions, "Meet me here at five today. I'll introduce you."
Puck grinned, "Sweet."
A second later the teacher arrived and class began. Kurt tried to listen to what they were saying but he found it impossible. Now that his brain had time to catch up to his actions he was starting to panic. What was he thinking? Did he just anonymously volunteer himself to join Puck and Santana in their underground pro bending competition?
Well why not?
Kurt had never really sparred with anybody. He had only ever fought against his teachers. He'd never gone against someone else which he didn't think was fair. He knew for a fact that other benders learned by sparring against somebody else. Why couldn't he do that? Smiling Kurt nodded to himself and started taking notes. He couldn't wait to get out of school.
()()()()
When school let out Kurt raced home to drop of his things and change. Finn was in the living room a frown on his face.
"Dude," he said, "is it true?"
Kurt headed for his room, "Is what true?"
Finn followed him, "Puck said that you were going to introduce him to this awesome fire bender," he looked panicked, "so that he and Santana could compete in their, you know…tournament stuff."
Kurt opened his drawers, "Yes?"
Groaning Finn covered his eyes, "Please tell me it's not you."
"Ok I won't."
Finn's mouth dropped, "You-you can't be serious!"
Kurt huffed "Why not? I'm a great fire bender Finn. You've seen me."
"I know but," Finn flailed, "Dude you haven't been to those things! They're not just going against other high school kids! They're like, fighting college kids and shit!"
"So?" Kurt examined one of the shirts before laying it down on the bed, "Age doesn't really matter, Finn. Skill does."
His good as step-brother ran a hand down his face, "What if you get hurt?"
"Finn," Kurt looked over at him, "I promise I'll be careful," he went to his closet, "besides Santana and Puck haven't allowed me to join their little group anyways."
"Oh they will," Finn brightened up a little bit, "the other guy SUCKED. Like big time. You're like, light years ahead of him."
"Thanks Finn," Kurt grabbed an old pair of jeans, "now get out so that I can change."
"Can I come watch? Please?"
Kurt rolled his eyes, "Fine-as long as you don't tell my Dad or your Mom what we're doing ok?"
"Got it!"
()()()()()
Kurt and Finn arrived before Puck and Santana. Kurt had chosen a field a little ways from the highway. The field was hidden by wild thorns and tall trees. He'd come here to practice with his teachers. Before long they heard footsteps. Santana was the first to emerge, follow by Puck who was cursing and rubbing his arms.
"Fuck those thorns sting."
"Shut up Puckerman."
They stopped when they spotted Finn. Santana practically growled.
"Is this some kind of joke?"
Puck looked a little mad as well, "Yea Hummel Finn isn't a bender."
Kurt shook his head, "Finn isn't," he took a breath and turned to his side. He formed a fist and swung it into the air. A fire ball flew out.
"Holy shit!"
Puck was gaping at him. Santana looked confused.
"Hold up," he placed her hands on her hips, "since when can you firebend?"
"Since I was like two."
"Dude," Puck said, "I thought you weren't one of us. You've never like, showed off or anything."
Kurt shrugged, "I never really felt the need to."
"Well," Santana raised an eyebrow, "you've proved to be a bender-but are you good?"
"Yea!" Finn answered for him, "He's like, really good! Like I saw him fight with his teacher once, and Kurt totally beat him."
Kurt remembered that. His old fire bending Master had dropped by unexpectedly to see if Kurt was still up to par-which he was. Puck's eyes looked as if they would pop out.
"You won against a master?"
"He totally did!"
Even Santana looked impressed, "Tell you what-if you can hold your own against us, we'll let you join."
"Score!" Finn said jumping up down, "where should I stand so I don't get pummeled by stuff?"
Kurt pointed towards the brush, "Over there." Nodding Finn ran to the spot. Puck and Santana moved so that they were facing him. Kurt got into position and nodded. Puck was the first to strike. He shot a water whip which Kurt easily turned to steam. Kurt figured that Puck didn't want to pull out the big guns yet. Santana thought differently. No sooner had he deflected Pucks whip that she sent three huge rock disks his way. Kurt got out of the way of the first two and pummeled the other one with a fiery fist. Kurt slammed his foot into the ground and sent vines of fire her way. Santana pulled up a chunk of earth to block it while Puck sent a huge water ball at him. Grinning Kurt charged at the ball, his hands forming blades of fire. He sliced through the water and managed to crumble most of Santana's wall.
"Not bad," she said before punching the ground with her fist. Kurt felt the earth move beneath him and jumped. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Puck sending a jet of water his way. Breathing in Kurt straightened out and shot fire out of his feet. He twisted his hand up and sent an arrow of fire through the jet of water, dispersing it. When he landed on the ground Santana captured his feet. Puck immersed his body in water until only his head was left uncovered. In the blink of an eye he had one of Kurt's arms surrounded by freezing water. Before Puck could trap his other arm Kurt sliced the water before surrounding himself in a giant fireball. He felt the earth holding his feet weaken. Breathing out he swirled his hands above his head. The fire surrounding him blinded him for a second. Growling he sent the flames towards Santana and Puck. The rocks holding him vanished. He jumped up in time to see both his glee mates trying to dispel the fire. Smirking Kurt's arms were engulfed in fire. His firebending teacher had taught him to open his mind to the possibilities of using the waterbenders technique for fire. Before Puck and Santana could fully recover from his previous attack, Kurt whirled, slicing the air with the fire. Half moon flames flew at his friends. Inhaling Kurt whirled once more before pounding the ground with his left leg and quickly dragging it across the dirt. A wave of fire flew out. Panting he straightened out and took a huge breath. He held it for a second before exhaling. Fire erupted from his mouth. It joined the fire from the wave, making it bigger, hotter. Kurt waited. When the fire and smoke dissipated he could see a giant ball of charred earth standing in the middle of a small crater. After a minute the rocks fell down and Puck and Santana stumbled out. They stared at him.
"Ok," Santana stood up and brushed dirt of her clothing, "You're in."
"DUDE!" Puck came up to him and slapped his back, "that was bad ass! I mean oh my god!"
"I know right!" Finn yelled. He was bouncing up and down, "Kurt that was sweet!"
"We are so going to kick ass!" Puck pumped his fist into the air, "Santana we might actually WIN!"
"Yea, yea," despite her tone of voice, Kurt can tell she was excited, "here's the deal Hummel. The tournament already started. We're halfway to the finals not thanks to our old firebender. There are 6 more matches. If we win, we'll be legends."
"And get 15 grand."
"Right," Santana nodded, "the tournament takes place an hour away from Lima, every Saturday at 3am. Think you'll be able to sneak out?"
Kurt blinked but nodded, "I can."
Santana grinned, "Awesome. Meet us at the school at 1am." With that said Santana turned towards the brush. Still grinning like an idiot Puck lightly punched Kurt's shoulder before following his friend.
"That was amazing!" Finn came up to him, "Dude that like," Finn moved his arms like tentacles, "with the fire! I thought you were going to toast them!"
"I wasn't trying to actually HURT them," Kurt said, "I was just trying to prove myself."
"Well I think you did."
"Yea," Kurt sighed, "I think I did too," he looked down at his clothes and frowned, "Come on lets go home. I need to take a shower."
When they got out of the brush and into the Navigator Finn looked at him, "I can go with you guys, right?"
Kurt laughed, "Sure Finn-you can be our manager."
His friend grinned, "Cool!"
()()()(()(
Carole and his father were sitting outside on the porch swing when they arrived.
"Hey Finn, Kurt," his father looked at his clothing, "where were you guys?"
"Practicing," Kurt lied, "Finn just tagged along for the ride."
His father nodded. Caroled smiled at him,
"We're glad you guys are here," she said, "Burt and I wanted to talk to you," she grabbed Burt's hand, "Finn," Carole was practically bouncing in anticipation, "Burt asked me to marry him!"
Finn was the first to react, "Really?" Burt nodded, "that's awesome!"
"Yes," Kurt said. He felt a small pang of sadness but he squashed it down. His father deserved to be happy. Carole was a nice woman. She loved his Dad and she seemed to be fond of Kurt, despite the fact that he basically introduced Carole to his father in a misguided attempt to spend more time with Finn.
"I'm really happy for you," he said. Carole beamed at him as did his Dad, "have you guys set up a wedding date?"
"We're getting married in a month," Kurt felt his mouth drop "we don't want to wait," Burt shrugged "I told Carole that if it was ok with you and Finn, they can move back with us."
Finn and Kurt stared at each other, "It's cool with me," the taller boy said, "Kurt?"
"Yea," Kurt nodded, "It's fine. I mean Finn and me are kind of like step brothers already aren't we?"
He thought he saw Carole wipe her eyes.
"Yea," Burt agreed, "you kind of are." He stood up, "Come on…Pizza is waiting in the kitchen."
()()()()
Dinner was filled with excited chatter. Carole and Kurt discussed wedding plans while Burt and Finn discussed some kind of sport.
"We need to go dress shopping as soon as possible," Kurt said, "if your wedding is in a month you need a dress yesterday."
"And you wouldn't mind helping me look for a dress?"
"Carole I'd be honored," Kurt touched her hand, "we'll find you a beautiful dress."
After dinner was over Kurt walked downstairs to his bedroom. On top of his pillow was a piece of paper with his father's writing. He read it. Burt explained to Kurt that since Carole and Finn were officially going to be family, they needed to know who Kurt was. Burt had discussed the matter with the members of the White Lotus and they had given them permission to tell the Hudson's that Kurt was the Avatar. Kurt burned the piece of paper above his toilet and flushed the ashes down the drain. Kurt knew he needed to tell Carole and Finn the truth. It would be pretty hard to explain why an airbending teacher was coming to train Kurt who was a firebender. He only hoped that they wouldn't treat him any different-at least not for long. He knew that Finn might look at him in a different light but that soon enough, his friend would be demanding to see Kurt in action. He's not sure what Carole's reaction will be like but Kurt hoped she wouldn't look at him as if he were a celebrity.
()()()()
At school the next day, he was cornered by Santana.
"You're not having second thoughts, are you?"
"No," Kurt lied. Last night he had laid awake in bed thinking about what he'd agreed to do. Kurt was going to compete in an illegal bending tournament with one of his ex-bullies and a girl who could cut down a man twice her size with her words AND her earthbending. Kurt shuddered to think of what his Dad would think if he found out what his son was doing and he was terrified of anybody from the White Lotus organization finding out as well.
"You better not," Santana checked to see if anybody was listening, "you're really good Hummel," she whispered, "Puck was right-with your on our side there's no way we can lose," Kurt preened but Santana narrowed her eyes, "however that doesn't mean that our competition sucks. We've gone against some pretty tough teams, Lady. Hell a couple of nights back, Puck got burned pretty bad. We had to get a help from a healer to help him."
Kurt's eyes widen, "And that's not even the worst of it," she continued, "there have been people who've left the arena unconscious or with broken bones."
Again Kurt wondered what he was getting himself into, "I can handle it," he said, "trust me."
Santana poked him hard in the chest, "You better." She said before leaving. Kurt winced and rubbed his chest. There was no getting out of it now. He either faced a bunch of unknown benders or Santana's wrath.
"No contest," Kurt mumbled to himself. He walked to his locker. As he was getting his books out he felt someone come up behind him before he was shoved forward.
"Oops," Karofsky said, "My bad."
Kurt grit his teeth and closed his locker door. He didn't look at the jock. At least he hadn't been slushied. He could always take care of the bruises when he gets home.
The first class off the day goes by quick. Luckily for Kurt the teacher has already exhausted herself on the topic of benders and Avatar's. They've move on to study the industrialization of the world. Kurt's second class goes by just as quick. When the bell rings Puck pulls him into the choir room.
"You're still on board right?" the look on his face reminded Kurt of Finn, "I mean you're not gonna bail on us last minute or anything right?"
"Santana already threaten me, Puck. Trust me I'm not going to back out."
"Good," Puck smirked, "cause I really think we can make it. We might even beat the Warblers."
Kurt was confused, "The Warblers?" he snickered, "what kind of name is that?"
"Dude don't laugh," Puck said, "We competed against them once last year. We lasted five minutes against them and they completely destroyed our old firebender. They're good. I think they're like Masters or something."
"Are they competing this year?"
"Oh yea. There's no question about it-the Warblers will be one of the finalist. We just have to be sure that we'll be the other finalist."
Puck smirked, "Man if we win we get 5 grand each. Can you imagine?"
"Yea."
Kurt's not too excited about the money really. It would be nice but what he was really excited about was actually winning. People would admire him for his skill, not just because of who he was.
"Remember-Saturday 1am outside the school," Puck walked backwards towards the exit, "BE there."
After Puck left Kurt sat down. The Warblers did sound like a formidable group. Puck and Santana weren't at a Master's level but they were good. Kurt shuddered to think of what the Warblers were capable off.
"You're the Avatar," Kurt said to himself, "I think you'll be fine."
()()()
After school Kurt waited by his car for Finn. Five minutes later his friend and soon to be step brother lumbered up next to the car.
"Hey dude," he was flushed, "sorry to keep you waiting but-uh-"
Kurt held his hand up, "Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure I don 't want to know," he opened the car door, "now come one. We've got to get home."
"What's the hurry?"
"Don't you remember?" Finn shook his head, "I'm going to help your mom pick out a wedding dress."
Finn made a face, "Um, do me and Burt have to go or-"
Kurt snorted, "No. Dad can't see Carole in her dress until after the wedding and you would be no help whatsoever," Finn sighed in relief, "don' think you're getting out of shopping so easily. On Sunday I'll be taking you and Dad out so that we can find suits for the wedding."
"Do we have to?" the taller boy whined, "suit's are really uncomfortable, Kurt. And they make me itch all over!"
"That's probably because they were cheap, Finn. I'll find you and Dad good, quality suits that won't feel like steel wool on your skin."
"But-"
"It's just for one day," Kurt said, "I think you'll survive wearing a suit for one day."
Finn grumbled but said nothing more. His Dad and Carole were waiting for them in the kitchen.
"There you boys are," Burt stood up, "Kurt where are you and Carole going?"
"There's a dress shop not too far from here," Kurt said, "probably not even an hour away. I'm sure we can find something there. If not, we might have to go to Columbus this Saturday."
"Alright," Burt kissed Carole. Kurt and Finn gagged.
"Father please," Kurt covered his eyes, "think of the children!"
Their parents laughed.
"Well we better get going," Carole said, "if we want to get back in time for dinner."
Burt squeezes her waist and shoots Kurt a grin, "Have fun you two."
()()()()
The drive to the dress shop was filled with talk about the wedding. Carole said that she wanted white and red roses and maybe some carnations. Kurt said that he'd looked into several venues and how many people were going to be invited anyways? Carole laughed. There wouldn't be many guests, she said. Just close friends and a sister. Kurt knew that his Dad would probably just invite his closest friends and his brother. Shopping for a wedding dress was interesting. Carole's taste veered towards the 80's which horrified Kurt to no end. However his choices had his future step mom looking at him as if he were crazy. Two hours in, right when they were about to give up Kurt stumbled onto the perfect dress. It had long sleeves and it just screamed Carole.
"I don't know Kurt," Carole eyed the dress, "it might be a little too tight-"
"It'll be PERFECT," Kurt said as he shoved the dress at her, "go on just try it on."
The dress fit perfectly and Carole looked as if she was going to cry so Kurt hugged her, told her she looked beautiful and they should probably get going or they were going to be late for dinner. The drive back home was quiet but not uncomfortable. At the house Burt and Finn had gotten roasted chicken and potato salad from the grocery store. Carole greeted Finn and his father while Kurt went to hide the dress in his closet. After putting the dress way he shut the closet doors and leaned against them. Tonight Carole and Finn would know that he was the Avatar. Kurt wanted to delay the news but his Dad had been adamant. They couldn't hide Kurt's training and they really wouldn't be able to explain why the White Lotus was keeping tabs on them.
"Kurt!" Finn called out "Dinner's ready!"
"Coming!"
Rubbing his face Kurt went up to face his family.
()()()()
Dinner was nice. Carole and his Dad discussed the wedding plans in greater detail with them and Finn babbled about getting a buffet and cakes and could they maybe get a cheese AND a chocolate fountain? Kurt had laughed and told Finn that he'll see what he could do. When their plates were empty Kurt's Dad gazed at him. Kurt bit his lip and gave a tiny nod.
"Carole," his Dad held Carole's hand, "Finn," he looked at Finn, "you guys need to know something."
Kurt could feel his heart beating against his chest.
"What is it Burt?"
Carole looked a little wary but Finn just looked curious.
"It's about Kurt," three pair of eyes turned to him, "about what he is."
"…a firebender? Gay?"
"Finn," Carole said but Burt just laughed.
"While he is those things," he said, "Kurt is also something else."
God, what Kurt would give for the earth to swallow him right now.
"My son is the Avatar."
Finn, who had just taken a sip of his soda chokes and turns red. His Dad hauls him up and thumps his back. Carole stared at Kurt, a look of shock on her face. Kurt bit his lip,
"It's not a big deal really," he said, "I'm still Kurt."
Carole seemed to hear his plea because she just smiled at him and said, "Of course dear."
Finn on the other hand-
"Dude seriously?" he was looking at Kurt as if all of his prayers were answered, "that is-oh my God," he laughed, "My new brother is the Avatar!" he whipped out his phone, "I've got to tell Puck-"
"No," his father plucked Finn's phone from his hand, "nobody else can know. We're under strict orders from the White Lotus to not say anything about Kurt being the Avatar."
Finn pouted, "Seriously? Why not?"
"I haven't mastered all the elements yet," Kurt shrugged, "I need to know all of them before being," he made quotation marks in the air, "introduced to the world."
"That sucks," Finn said, "If I was the Avatar, I'd want the whole world to know."
Kurt's jaw clenched.
"Are you taking anymore classes?"
"Just airbending," Kurt told Finn, "I just passed the earthbending test."
Thankfully for Kurt Carole managed to steer the conversation back to the wedding. Finn kept starting at him but Kurt managed to ignore the taller boy's gaze. Kurt does the dishes before going down to his room to finish doing his homework. Just as he expects, Finn follows him but instead of pestering Kurt about being the Avatar he just sits down on Kurt's bed and looks at the ground.
"You don't like it do you?"
For all that Kurt makes fun of Finn for his school work the tall boy was good at reading people; most of the time anyways.
"You know that the last couple of Avatar's didn't do anything? All they did was visit the different nations and talk to world leaders about absolutely nothing. They were basically glorified celebrities."
"They were still cool…"
God help Finn. Kurt knew that he was trying to help but it wasn't really working.
"I know," he blew out a breath, "but they didn't live normal lives. They couldn't just go to the movies or a restaurant without being mobbed or called out on a duel or something," Kurt kicked his vanity, "and the stupid White Lotus members are always around. ALWAYS."
Finn was making a face, "Yea that doesn't sound fun."
Kurt laughed, "No…it's not fun."
They remained quiet. Twenty minutes later Finn stretched and stood up.
"I'm gonna go play some video games," he said, "you uh…want to join me?"
Kurt waved him off, "No, but thanks for asking."
"OK. I'll talk to you later."
()()()
Kurt couldn't sleep that night. He spent four hours tossing and turning before finally giving up. Grumbling he tossed the blankets to the foot of the bed and went upstairs. He went into the kitchen to make himself some warm milk.
"Kurt?"
He jumped into the air and turned around. Carole squeaked.
"Oh God," he said, "You startled me."
"Sorry," Carole said, "I couldn't sleep."
Kurt nodded towards the milk, "Me neither."
Carole hummed and took a glass out of the cupboard. She poured herself some water.
"You know," Carole said, "my great-grandfather was a bender."
"Was he?"
"He was," Carole sipped her water, "he was an airbender, actually."
That surprised Kurt.
"He was very powerful-even in his old age. We could never really relate to him though. He was very…detached from the world."
"Airbenders tend to be more...spiritual."
Carole nodded, "I can't imagine the burden placed on you, Kurt."
He didn't say anything. Carole smiled at him.
"It was a bit of shock, knowing that my soon to be step son is the Avatar but," she placed her glass of water down on the counter and rested her hands on Kurt's shoulder, "you're still Kurt to me. And nothing could change that."
Kurt swallowed the lump in his throat and hugged Carole. He was so worried that Finn and her would treat him different. It was nice knowing that Carole wouldn't treat him any different because of who he was. Finn might be weird around him for a couple of more days but Kurt knows the other boy will get over it sooner or later.
"We should try and get some sleep," Carole stepped back, "I have to get up early for work and you have school."
"I'll go to sleep when I finish drinking my milk."
"Alright," she patted his cheek, "Good night Kurt."
"Night Carole."
Kurt doesn't finish his milk. He dumps it down the drain and goes back to his room. He stares at his mirror. In a couple of days he'll be competing in an illegal tournament. Hours after competing, An will come to teach him airbending. Shaking his head Kurt got into his bed and pulled the covers over his head.
A/N-So there you go. Next chapter we get to "meet" the Warblers but it'll be a while before there will be any Klaine.
Chapter 3