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Chapter Text

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(The water stops flowing)

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Air sighed as he stood in the bathroom and looked at the reading showing on the weight machine. 

66 kgs.

He frowned, no wonder the kids at school were constantly making fun of him. He really was fat . He couldn't play with his brothers, he wasn't brilliant at studies and nor could he keep up with them; referring to his hyperactive twin, two brilliant younger brothers and three elder brothers who had recently come back from their holiday trip with superpowers. 

To say that Air felt minuscule in comparison would be an understatement.

Well, it's not like he could express that to his brothers anyways. He'd get questioning, concerned, pitiful looks. Their usually lazy brother working to lose weight? Unbelievable. 

Air still vividly remembered when and why his habit of laziness and over-eating had started. It was last year when he had woken up in the middle of the night for a trip to the bathroom and overheard their father talking in hushed tones over the phone.

Apparently at that time, their loving and usually busy parents who rarely had time for them nowadays had decided to send all of them to live with their grandpa after seeing how the summer vacation trip with the eldest trio would play out next year. 

He remembers running back into his shared bedroom and crying himself to sleep. He knew Api could hear him, he was a light sleeper after all. But Air didn't care. In the morning, he found his blanket draped over him.

Air remembers that he was so shocked that he failed his wildly anticipated pop quiz at the aquarium the next day. Apparently according to Cahaya, he had zoned out and was breathing a bit weird. It took a grounding-group-hug from Tanah to get him to snap out of it. He was later disqualified from the quiz. Everyone thought it was stage fright. He didn't care anymore.

Air also faintly remembers Api showcasing his now-favorite whale plush, which he had apparently bought with his own pocket money, to him in an attempt to cheer him up.

He appreciated it.

He remembers being down in the dumps after that, not really putting in the effort to do anything at all. His grades also dropped by a lot, and he slept his days off lazing around. It was around this time he had developed his habit of overeating to the point of obesity.

He obviously didn't want his parents to leave, and he felt like he couldn't tell anyone either, but he had to cope somehow and he did it in the only way that seeked fit to him.

So he stopped caring.

And thus, his present state was the result. His brother's reactions had varied from being put off by this change to absolute disapproval. He remembered how hard Tanah and Petir had tried, through their numerous lectures, to get him to change. Nothing ever worked, and they all eventually gave up and accepted this change.

Air scratched his head. He knew he was in the wrong for doing this, and that this was really unhealthy. Not to mention that the bullying at school just kept getting worse, from general discrimination and rude remarks to physical attacks and pranks. He knew he needed to solve this somehow without involving his brothers. 

Besides, he was never one to go around asking for help. He could handle this, yeah.

(Maybe he was just too embarrassed, or maybe he was afraid to be vulnerable. None of that mattered if he didn't care, though.)

(Air didn't understand why he still felt so hurt.)

With a determined resolve, Air decided then and there that he needed to lose weight in a way that won't attract much attention: dieting . With school restarting and his brothers being busy in their normal lives again (albeit, with the addition of the eldest three having powers), he'd have many opportunities to carry on with his plans without much problems. 

Besides, he had to catch up to his brothers somehow.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

" Air !! " He opened his eyes to stare into those of his twin, who was leaning over him "what do you want…?" Air tiredly asked, rubbing the sleep off his eyes "Let's go play outside!" Api beamed at him, his caramel eyes practically beaming with excitement that contrasted with his own lazy demeanor 

"Let me sleep..." he weakly pushed Api's face, who huffed and stood a few inches away from the bed "You've been sleeping all day! And I'm bored" Api whined. Air's eyebrows furrowed in slight annoyance, why was his fiery brother so insistent today? 

"Can't you just go play with Daun?" Air curiously asked "He's busy with his study session with Cahaya! Even though exams are after summer break!" Api pouted and crossed his arms over his chest.Though his expression changed to that of astonishment once he saw Air drifting off to sleep 

"You- you can't be serious! Come on Air, wake up!" Api yelled as he climbed on the bed and tried to shove Air awake, but the latter didn't budge from his slumber. 

With a defeated sigh, Api stood up and stared at the bed and his sleeping brother "Guess I'll just go play by myself then" Api quietly mumbled to himself and made his way towards the door, he could probably manage with soccer. 

However just as he exited the room and was about to close the door, his ears picked upon a faint voice. 

He halted for a second, feeling shocked, before shutting the door to not seem suspicious. Outside the room, Api stood stunned, the sentence reverberating in his mind. Api shook his head to snap himself out of the trance and walked off.

 It was just his head playing tricks on him due to his intense boredom, yeah.

("I'll just hold you back, anyways" Air spoke to no one in particular, as he buried himself deep in his blanket in order to hide.)

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

"Good morning Air! You're up early today" Air froze in his tracks when he heard Tanah's voice from the foot of the staircase 'Shoot, wasn't he supposed to be helping out at the Kokotiam!?' He inwardly screamed, but kept his calm demeanor as he turned to face his brother 

"uh, I woke up and had to go buy some stationery" Air calmly answered and promptly hurried back to the bathroom before Tanah had the chance to inquire further. 

"That was close..." Air mumbled as he looked at his appearance in the mirror. His clothes were soaking wet with sweat and his hair was tousled from his morning jogging. 

He had been following this routine for a year now: taking the long route whenever he went out, sneaking out for a morning jog, performing basic exercises in his room whenever he was alone and reducing his food intake to the bare minimum had definitely helped a lot.

Air was actually kind of proud and surprised that he managed to pull this off and not get caught in the process. Though he knew that a few of his brothers had caught sight of his shenanigans, and that his reducing weight definitely had an effect on his physical appearance, he was sure they didn't know the full picture.

Good , that was good.

Air took out the tiny spiral notebook he uses to keep track of his weight. Last week, the reading on the weight machine showed that his weight was 43 kgs. 'This is good progress' Air hummed in thought, though he knew he had to work harder. 

He looked at the mirror and then pinched his stomach. He was still flabby compared to his brothers who all had a healthy and acceptable figure. 

He needed to fix that. 

He crouched to open the bathroom drawers to find the weight machine, if he keeps this up for a while longer he might actually reach his goal! 

…..Where was the weight machine !?

Panic seized Air as he frantically checked the drawers over and over again. He didn't understand, it was supposed to be right here! There was no way it could've been misplaced….. unless-

"Air! Tanah told you to come down soon!" Air flinched when he heard the loud knocks on the door "Since you're already awake, you'll eat with us" Petir said from the other side, and Air grimaced and rubbed his eyes in frustration. Guess he'll have to deal with the missing case later. 

"Coming! Give me a minute" Air replied, and he heard the eldest hum in response as he heard the footsteps soon fade away. 

Air quickly rushed out of his room, wearing his school uniform since that was better than a sweaty hoodie, and walked towards the table. 

He inwardly prayed that Tok Aba hadn't cooked anything heavy today, but he knew his grandpa always made sure their stomachs were fully fed and that was exactly what Air had been avoiding by eating by himself and feeding most of the food to the strays outside. 

By the table he saw all his brothers, sans Tanah who was in the kitchen helping out their grandpa, who were busy in their own activities. Cahaya was buried in a book as always, with Daun sitting by his side digging into a plate of noodles topped off with an egg. ( That was today's breakfast!? this was going to be a problem). He saw Angin helping out Tanah by handing out plates to Api and Petir, then moving to keep three other plates before three empty chairs.

Air guessed one of them was his.

Angin sat down on his chair, and waved over when he noticed Air had entered the room "Hey Sleepyhead! Over here!" He beckoned him over. Air flopped down beside Api, who just gave him a side glance and continued eating.

 Air absentmindedly stirred the noodles with his fork. It wasn't like Tok Aba's cooking was bad, he loved the stuff his grandpa cooked! But the problem was that he was hoping for something lighter like oatmeal or maybe even a simple sandwich….. 

"You aren't eating." Cahaya noted, snapping Air out of his thoughts. He could feel all eyes landing on him now. Great, now he has their attention! 

"I don't feel hungry" Air responded, pushing away the plate towards the center of the table 

"You can't skip breakfast, Air" Petir glanced at him from the other side of the table, Angin nodding along 

"Yeah! Besides, you haven't eaten anything!" Daun chirped along, happily chewing on his noodles "Mhmm, these are so good!" 

Air's eye twitched but he kept his demeanor calm. Everything was going wrong today. It was like fate conspired against him! He sighed, before attempting to get up and leave "I already ate a burger out, I'll just eat it later-" 

"Then eat some more"Air turned to the voice of his fiery twin, who had been surprisingly silent throughout the conversation until now. The others also seemed to notice this, as Api cleared his throat under the weight of their gaze 

"What I mean is- a burger isn't a filling meal, especially as breakfast" Api explained, before turning back to his food "You'll feel tired and hungry after a while" 

"Pfft- yeah, can't have you sleep more than you usually do" Cahaya's offhand remark just increased Air's urge to skip breakfast, but he relented when he saw Api shoot the youngest a warning glance to shut him up.

Weird, what's up with this behavior?

"Api's right, you shouldn't skip breakfast" Air slightly flinched when he saw Tanah sit down beside him, when had he gotten here from the kitchen? "Besides, it's really tasty" 

"It's alright- I already feel full anyways" Air reassured, but it seemed like Api wasn't having it "That's just your mind playing tricks on you, typical fast food stuff" he innocently supplied, gaining a smile of approval from Tanah.

What kind of team-up was this !? Why was Air the victim here !?

Literally everyone was looking at them now, being surprised by both this unexpected alliance and Air's dismissal of breakfast.

"Now, I'd have you finish your breakfast soon, otherwise you'd be late for school" when Air saw their grandpa join them from the kitchen only to support his brothers , it made him finally slump down the chair in defeat and shove forkfuls of noodles down his throat at lightning speed. 

If he was going to be forced to gain unnecessary calories, he'd better get it done fast. 

"You're going to choke-" Angin nervously started, but was cut off when an empty plate was pushed back towards the center of the table as Air got up and washed his hands in the nearby sink. 

"I'll go pack my school bag now" Air announced as he walked back up the stairs and towards his shared room, ignoring the stares and the headache forming in his head. 

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

Api put on his socks and stood up from the bed. He then picked up his bag from the ground and sled it over his shoulders. Having put on his signature red dino cap over his tousled brown hair, the fire emblem glistening like the flame of a candle, he deemed his reflection in the mirror to be fit for another day at school. 

Api knocked on the bathroom door "Air! Are you done?" He gave an impatient huff as he heard the response from the other side "In a few minutes, you go ahead" Api sighed as he walked off, knowing further conversation would be futile.

Api just wished things could go back to how they used to be, with them being open to each other again. 

He did want to help Air, but he couldn't do that if Air isn't being honest with him! Or any of them, for that fact! Yea sure, he had his assumptions from the many times he had caught Air doing things uncharacteristic of him through the years, but he still didn't know the full picture. 

Not to mention how closed off Air is to the point he wouldn't accept help or open up. Api's patience was wearing thin, just how could he help his brother who didn't want it?

 Api sighed in frustration, and here he was hoping that things would go back to normal after last week's incident…..

"Psst, Api!" As he walked down the fleet of stairs, he saw Angin and Daun standing near the foot of the staircase, beckoning him. "What's up!?" Api asked, cocking an eyebrow towards his fellow troublemakers 

"Errr,....we were just wondering…." Daun started, obviously hesitant to approach with Api getting even more suspicious of their intentions "Spill." Api crossed his arms as he stared at both of them who just stared at him with uncertainty.

"Look...we just want to know what's up with Air…" Angin spoke to him, fidgeting with his fingers "He's just been so…strange lately" Daun spoke, worry evident in his voice "And since you're the closest to him, we thought you would know-" 

Api's grip on his school bag tightened ever so slightly.

"I don't." Api sighed "I wish I knew, but he hasn't told me anything" Api could see the disappointment in his brothers' eyes, but he can't expose things Air obviously wanted to keep private, even if unbeknownst to Air, Api had caught him multiple times.

"But you know something" Angin insisted, his determination evident in his mannerisms "Otherwise you wouldn't have acted so differently at breakfast, or even now. I haven't seen you have an angry outburst since last week!" The second eldest spoke, but had the decency to look a bit sorry once he saw Api visibly grimace at the memory "last week has nothing to do with this, and do you want me to explode every second?” 

"Well, at least the meditation and breathing exercises are helping" Daun  in, hoping to lighten the tense atmosphere that had somehow descended upon them. Api pouted and half-heartedly rolled his eyes, but he appreciated the effort. Well, it was the truth after all. Even since last week, he had been working towards managing his anger. 

Api sighed, before looking back at his brothers with the most genuinely sincere face he could muster at the moment "Look, I'm just worried for Air, okay?" Angin and Daun looked at each other, and then shrugged. 

Api yelped when Angin suddenly slid an arm over his shoulder and pulled him and Daun close "Guess we're all turning into worry-warts like Tanah, huh?" He chuckled, and Api and Daun couldn't help but chuckle at that.

"Alright, enough of this before someone catches us" Angin said as he let the two of them go " Yeah, we should head out" Daun sheepishly added, they would get in trouble if they were late to school.  

"Off to school then! Let's go, Trio Troublemaker!" Daun cheerfully announced as he marched towards the door, Angin and Api at his heels. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Cahaya and Air soon follow. They all met up with Petir and Tanah who were waiting for them outside and made their way to school, being joined by Gopal and Fang on their way there.

As he saw his brothers happily busy in their chatter, Api wished things would stay like this.

He just wished Air allowed himself to experience it as well.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

The walk to the school was uneventful so far, much to Air's relief. He was glad his brothers didn't approach him much, considering what happened at breakfast. Crooking his head to the side, he observed the buildings around him. They were taking the shorter route, it seems. Another setback in his plan. If only he had managed to fake his sleep after coming home, he could have taken the longer route. 

With a silent sigh, he turned to look at what his brothers were doing. Petir and Tanah were leading the group while talking to Fang and Gopal, Api and Angin were walking right ahead of him while talking in hushed tones he paid no attention to, and Cahaya and Daun were quietly following them from behind. 

Air was glad that things were finally settling back to normalcy. 

Upon entering the school, Air noticed the hustle and bustle was more prominent than it usually was. Kids, old and young, were running room to room carrying all sorts of stuff like banners and leaflets. Some of the bulkier kids were even carrying some heavy cartons. 

Well, this was school after all. He wouldn't be surprised if the teachers decided to host another event out of the blue and have the entire student body scrambling for preparation. 

They met up with Yaya and Ying in the hallway, who were looking at the notice board. Huh, there must be a quiz competition then. He didn't bother to check it, deciding to stand aside as everyone huddled past him to approach the duo and the board. 

Air bet no one except these two and Cahaya were going to participate anyways.

"Woah! A tag-team race!?" He turned to a very excited Angin, who was grinning in joy. The grin soon turned into a mischievous smile as Angin turned to Petir and pointed at him "You'll be my partner!"

Petir just stared at him in bewilderment "Me!? Go get Tanah to tolerate your annoying presence!" Angin pouted, sliding an arm over Petir's shoulder "heyy, that's mean!" 

"Well, I'm already Daun's partner since Cahaya can't participate" Tanah shrugged helplessly, as the eldest just looked at him with shock before turning towards Cahaya "Why aren't you-" 

"I'm the referee" Cahaya cut him off to somewhat spare him from his current predicament "and before you ask anyone else, Ying's with Fang, Yaya is an organizer and Gopal is a volunteer" the youngest calmly explained, while Petir just slumped in defeat

"Fineee…" he mumbled, much to Angin's triumph as he fist bumped the air as he whispered a quiet "Yessss!"

"Sorry pal, but races just aren't my thing" Gopal attempted to offer comfort to the lightning user "Yah, if Yaya participated I would've just teamed up with her" Ying chimed in, which earned her a huff from Fang. While their friends did their best to offer comfort, it didn't seem to ease the eldest's distress at all.

Air watched all this with masked amusement, their hilarious bickering is like his own entertainment show. It was the best way to kill time, after all.

"Air!" The hydrokinetic was snapped out of his thoughts as he was faced with his twin, who was standing in front of him with his hands folded in prayer "Please be my partner!" Api pleaded.

Air blinked once, then twice, before speaking one single word in astonishment " What ? " 

Air couldn't understand, why would he ask him out of all people!? Sure their brothers had never formed tag-teams before, but he was fat for fate's sake! He was the last person someone would ask to join a race! 

Api could've just asked Petir to join him instead, Air was sure the eldest was a better alternative and would've happily joined him-  

"That's a great idea!" Air turned to Tanah who was smiling softly at them "Oh! This way, no one gets left out" Daun supplied, also happily supportive. Air could feel his headache ever so slightly come back.

Air looked at the others, neutral expressions present on their faces. He knew they had thought the same thing at one point.

He wasn't fit for a race.

He'll just end up holding Api back.

"You don't have to join if you don't want to" Air looked back at his  brother, the pyrokinetic now seeming more sheepish and apologetic but his voice still had the pleading edge to it "I'd...just appreciate you being there"

Air blinked, the gears slowly turning in his head and snapping back into place.

Oh .

Air scanned his brother again, who seemed to be just as awkward by the insistence and attention as he was.

 Guilt ate away at him. He had been so ignorant and selfish…..

How had he not noticed how nervous Api was when he asked him- no, pleaded to him to accompany him in the race?

How had he not understood the simple fact that Api might've still not recovered from last week's incident? That he might still need comfort and reassurance? 

( That he might still need his own brother, that he just simply wanted Air's presence? )

Air sighed, before looking at Api with a gentle smile "Fine" he said softly "I'll be there" his chest relaxed once he saw Api's face light up instantly 

"R-really!? That's awesome!" Api exclaimed, taking his hands in excitement "Alright, let's do our best then!" Air just nodded silently, hoping his face carried the sincerity he wanted to express.

Air promised that for his brother, he would try his best no matter what.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

"I can't go!?" Api whined as Tok Aba just shook his head and handed him an apron "You can go play after you're done helping out at the shop"

 Api pouted and but relented to his grandpa's gentle demands as he put on the apron in defeat as he walked inside the shop and stopped beside Ochobot, who just raised his robotic eyebrow in amusement 

"Did you plan on skipping your day?" Ochobot asked as he washed a plate "You know it's your turn to help out at the Kokotiam" Ochobot politely pointed out as he watched Api avoid eye contact and grab a tray from the shelf.

Well, he didn't intend to do so. He had genuinely forgotten, as he was too excited for practice even if the race was delayed to be a month after due to some "construction issues".

( He knew damn well it was because of last week's incident and all the property damage that occurred. That, and maybe some budget issues )

"I just wanted to practice with the others," Api mumbled grumpily "But they left before I even got here!" he ignored how Ochobot just sighed at him 

"They left because they knew it was your turn today," He turned to face his Tok Aba and silently took the plate he gave him "You can go join them after we're done" 

Api hummed. That made sense, it was the norm after all. One of them helps out at the shop, the rest go on with their day. After the shop is closed, which generally depends on the situation, they go to join the rest. Besides, their grandpa never makes them work too hard. Just during lunch hours to make sure they dont turn into lazy couch potatoes.

( Except Air. Air only did deliveries in secret. Which Api caught him doing, as always .) 

"We're closing early today, anyways" Api looked at Ochobot in surprise "Why?" He couldn't help but ask. The friendly power sphere just pointed to the people waiting for their food.

 Oh, less people today. Makes sense.

"Why are you so restless today? If you don't mind me asking" Ochobot asked as he put back another washed plate. His grandpa also looked at him questionably. They, too, were curious to know.

Api felt his grip on the tray tighten. He was being asked the same question too many times today than he would've preferred.

 Ochobot and Tok Aba were giving him the same looks that Daun and Angin had given him.

He needed to keep his cool. There was no reason to blow up. Not right now.

"Because we have a race to win." He replied as he walked away with the tray containing the food. 

(He lied, he didn't really care about winning. He just didn't want to be alone or left out. Not out there.)

(Not now. Not when anyone and everyone can go around blaming him again if they saw him being an ounce of his usual, hyperactive self. Too rowdy to be trusted.)

( All over an honest mistake.)

(An honest mistake with unintentionally disastrous consequences.)

Api walked out of the shop and over to the table the order was designated to. Sitting by the table was a man with a toddler on his lap. He braced himself as he walked up to them and placed the tray on the table. 

"Here's your order, sir." He tried to hide the anxiety in his voice as he picked up the plate and placed it on the table. The man flashed him a grateful smile and muttered a “thank you”.

Api nervously smiled back in return, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. 

He sighed as he walked back to the counter and picked up another plate Tok Aba had put out before heading towards another table to deliver the order, ignoring the looks he got from the power sphere and the elder, and picked up new orders in the process.

Working at the shop with his grandpa wasn't bad at all, but Api knew his restlessness didn't stem from mere childishness over being left out.

He was worried.

So right now all he could do was work faster and harder, so that he could get this over with soon and join the others as fast as possible.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

"So, you mind telling me now?" Api groaned as he shoved a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth. The shop was closed now, and Tok Aba was just packing up things after giving him an ice cream sundae as a reward.

Api obviously could never say no to his grandad's food, so that had left him sitting beside a curious power sphere who wouldn't stop pestering him with questions. 

Safe to say, he was ready to give into the robot's demands. More so because he realized he needed an actual person he could confide in without judgment, and totally not due to the nagging.  Besides, Ochobot was one of the few people he first opened up to when they moved to Pulau Rintis from the city, so he didn't really mind.

"Fineee" he grumbled, and the power sphere's robotic eyes immediately lit up in triumph "Finally! Now spill" Api rolled his eyes playfully as he ate one last spoonful "It's about Air, I'm worried about him" 

"Why so?" Ochobot asked an honest question, and it took a while for Api to formulate his turbulent thoughts into words "I think he's not taking care of himself properly," his eyebrows furrowed in concentration "I've caught him not eating, sneaking out somewhere, getting bullied -"

"Woah, waoh, hold up there- WHAT !?"Api couldn't blame Ochobot for his reaction, he had also been pretty much fuming with explosive rage when he found out.

He later beat them up real bad, of course. He was just not able to do that when Air was present because he didn't want him to get more hurt.

"Over what!?" Api hesitated a bit at that question before sighing "you know, his….'body shape', as always." He had pondered over this a million times now. He knew why Air acts like that, he was just ... .unsure of how he was supposed to act and not mess up. He just didn't know what to do, in order to help his brother.

The robot looked at him in confusion "I don't get it, what's the problem with that?" At first, Api was about to reply with the classic 'Exactly! Body figures don't matter and we all should treat each other with respect!' but he quickly realised that was not what his robotic friend had meant.

Ochobot wasn't a human, he truly didn't understand what it would be like to be skinny and overweight. In his robotic mind, everything and everyone was of the same importance to him. Physical appearance doesn't matter to him. 

The power sphere had never looked down on Air, he vaguely remembered.

Ochobot took Api's silence as his cue to continue speaking "I've seen robots bigger than me before, they were pretty proud of themselves," the yellow robot explained, his eyes softening as he gazed at Api who in turn felt his chest tighten "Sure they were enormous in size, but they never felt the wish or need to become small." 

His grip on his spoon tightened as Ochobot continued speaking "I also never felt the need to become big like them, I like myself the way I am," the more Ochobot spoke, gears fell into place in his mind. Everything started to make sense to him.

"Besides all that," Ochobot spoke softly, flashing a gentle smile at Api "If it weren't for the fact that I was what I am, I would've never met you all," Api felt his eyes burn with unshed tears "And I'm grateful for that, so I don't understand why it would be an problem for Air-" 

"You're right" Api finally spoke up, his voice a bit wobbly "Our appearances don't matter, it's who we mold ourselves to be" his eyes felt glassy, but he needed to say this. He finally had the answer, and he needed to let it be heard.

"As long as we are healthy and happy and accept ourselves for who we are," his voice faltered, but he continued to speak "Then none of those matter…." He shook his head and closed his eyes to keep the tears in. 

Ochobot, Tok Aba, their friends….they never looked down on Air for his weaknesses, but his brothers did . Even him at times.

Guilt ate away at him, he felt so ashamed of himself. 

But as he felt a comforting robotic hand on his shoulder and looked up to see digital eyes staring at him in sympathy, he knew that all hope wasn't lost. He could still help. He could  still change things.

"Air has always been an amazing brother….despite his flaws, he always tried his best to help me and never judged me" Api wiped his tears off his cheeks with the back of his hand as he stood up from the stool.

"I….see it now" Api flashed a warm smile towards Ochobot "Thanks for making me understand" 

"I don't really know what exactly I did to help, but hey! I'll take it" Api snorted as the robot playfully boasted his helpfulness. Ochobot may not be aware of the full impact of his words, but Api owed him for this conversation.

After saying goodbye to Tok Aba, the pyrokinetic and the power sphere made their way towards the sports grounds where the others were supposedly training. With renewed determination, Api vowed to do his best for his brother.

He wanted his brother to be happy as well, so he was going to make things right, once and for all.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

Air gasped as his legs buckled and he found himself crouching down on the grass. Sweat sled down from his forehead, salty droplets burning his eyes which he had to wipe away with his hand. He wasn't carrying a handkerchief, or a water bottle.

One hour. He had been running laps nonstop for one whole hour . 

He wasn't the only one running laps, sure. He saw Fang, Ying and his brothers, sans Cahaya who was just observing them and Api who was helping out at the shop, all looking tired and worn out as well. But the thing was, they took breaks from time to time.

Air didn't, only stopping for a few minutes when he couldn't take it anymore. Sure Air went out for jogging everyday, but he never pushed himself this hard! Unlike the rest of them, his stamina wasn't so great. That was one of the things, he later came to realize, that was not related to his weight.

Though, he guessed that the reason he wasn't stopped by anyone else was because they were trying to make him lose weight as well.

"Air! Get up already!" he pushed himself up on wobbly legs as he heard the eldest yell "Give me ... .a few minutes…." Air managed to shout back in between breathless huffs. He summoned a bit of water in his palms and drank it to quench his thirst. There was no way he could've gone on without a drink.

Petir impatiently tapped his foot "Time's up! Now go get moving" Air just glared at Petir. His day was already a disaster since morning,  now he was being made to work his butt off for a race that was a month away!? With this kind of military training!?

Seas, he wanted to rest so much. But he made a promise to Api, so he'd at least try to fulfill it. 

"Petir, give him a break. He has run more laps than any of us" Tanah requested, and Air was happy at least someone was protesting against this…nonsense !

"Well, Petir's not wrong though" Cahaya spoke from his portable chair as he wrote who-knows-what on a notebook " It's good, if it helps him in running the race with that kind of physique" Air didn't know how he must've looked like right now, but he was sure he was glaring daggers at the youngest.

He was pretty sure the others had noticed this too. He saw the unsure and nervous faces on their faces. 

(Guilt. It was guilt.)

"That's rude." Fang remarked. Air was glad that more people were finally showing some human decency.

(Calm down, the logical part of him whispered, they couldn't see him like this.)

But he didn't care .

"Cahaya!" Daun nervously called out in warning as Angin approached the fuming hydrokinetic  "He didn't mean to say that, Air-" Angin withdrew his hand once he saw Air stiffen and clench his fists tighter. 

He knew what Cahaya had meant very well.

"Petir. Cahaya. Apologize , now." Tanah warned. Petir just avoided eye contact, not intent on following the geokinetic's orders yet. Cahaya's face was unreadable.

What an ego . They couldn't even look Air in the eye.

"Yeah! That's really mean!" Gopal chimed in, not tolerating the offense either. Fang nodded along "You can't just insult someone like that" he stared at Cahaya, who looked away. 

"Exactly! You should instead apologize and try to talk things out" Air didn't have the heart to crush Yaya's hopes, to tell her that would never happen "Yah c'mon! Listen to what Yaya is saying" Ying stomped her foot on the ground as if to emphasize her statement.

"Look Air…I don't mean to hurt your feelings but-" Air did not care about the sincerity in his brother's voice, he didn't care about logic as he heard the youngest speak "You aren't the most…fit person and we're just trying to help because-" 

"Because you care ?" Air's voice was just as cold and unforgiving as the deep, dark ocean "Mind explaining what you care about? Because it sure isn't my well being, or my feelings for that matter!" He looked at all of them dead in the eye.

"Air-" "Please stop-" Tanah and Yaya started, but he ignored them as he continued his rant.

He couldn't stop himself.

"You guys never paid attention to when I worked my butt off every single day to lose weight-" He was yelling now, he couldn't stop. He didn't care.

"Air, please calm down-!" Daun's desperate pleas fell on deaf ears.

 "Not even when my appearance changed-" His breath hitched, he felt his chest contract upon itself.

" Hey-! Stop fighting!" Ying tried to intervene.

He was not going to stop. Not now.

"All that jogging, exercise, dieting, skipping meals in secret...I didn't do all that for nothing- only for-" Air felt tears well up in his tears "-only to be mocked and looked down upon by my own brothers !"

He didn't care about his pitiful sobs, his pathetic shouts. Not anymore.

(He stopped caring a long time ago, hadn't he?)

(Then why…why did it hurt so much!?)

"What do you even want from me!?" A stream of tears replaced the sweat, as it trickled down his cheeks. It hit the ground, making an insignificant splash.

(Just like him.)

"You-" He growled in unfiltered, sorrowful anger as he saw Cahaya flinch at his tone, while Petir actually looked apologetic. Everyone was too stunned to do anything.

(Too late. Too late for that.) 

" You are no different from those…bullies!" Air felt his rage let loose like a violent tempest as he shouted at the top of his lungs. 

The water pipelines and sprinklers around them burst open, showering water and pieces of metal everywhere.

Air took a step back, taking a moment to register what had just happened. 

He…he had done that…?

His hands flew to his mouth in horror as he saw Tanah, Gopal and Fang scramble around to block the pipes, the shadow manipulator having dark tendrils block the cracked pipes while Gopal had the sprinklers disposed of by turning them into biscuits, allowing the geokinetic to easily block the opening using some earth. 

The others just stared at the mess, then at him, in shock.

He could've attacked them. He could've hurt them.

He didn't mean to do that.

He didn't….

Ignoring the voices calling out his name, he turned his back towards them and bolted out of the ground as fast as he could run.

He couldn't endure it any longer. He had to reach the junkyard. He had to hide.

He had to get away from there as fast as possible.

He had to get away from them.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

In his entire life, there were very few situations where he had to be the voice of reason.

To Api's horror, he realized this was one of them, when he and Ochobot arrived at the sports ground to find it in an utter mess.

The grounds were wet with metal pieces scattered around and puddles of mud everywhere, the sprinkles were nowhere to be seen, and in place of them were lumps of soil. The pipes were also covered by earth, probably Tanah's doing. 

Everyone was soaking wet from head to toe, and he noticed a few bruises on Angin, Tanah, Daun and Ying. 

His fears worsened when he saw that Air was nowhere in sight.

"What the hell happened here!?" Api demanded as he marched towards Angin and cautiously inspected the injury which seemed to be a bleeding gash" Who did this !?" Api looked at the others with blazing eyes full of fury, whoever was the culprit...they were going to pay for hurting the people he cared about!

"Api, calm down. It's fine" Cahaya said, his voice sounding strangely solemn. Api was about to retort back that this was indeed not fine when Cahaya addressed him once more "You should go find Air…urgently" 

The anger that was present a moment ago was replaced by dread as he just stared at the youngest for a long time

"You're joking-"Api finally managed to say "What ... .Do you mean..?" He pleaded, his voice was quiet, afraid, as he felt his stomach twist in horror. 

"Api…." Angin called out in concern, but Api ignored him and the worried looks Daun and Tanah gave him.

"Can someone please just explain the situation properly !?" Api was grateful for Ochobot's intervention, because he was sure he needed to get his bearings straight 

Surprisingly, it was Yaya who decided to speak up "Well, at first everyone was just training normally" her voice was flaccid with nervousness "but then things got heated when Petir acted a bit too harsh towards Air"

Api's look of absolute shock must've been pretty easy to decipher, because he saw Petir look away in guilt. "Cahaya and Petir said some...mean things to Air" Yaya continued, and Api felt even more horrible about the situation. His fears were coming true. 

"You did what!?" He exclaimed, enraged. How could they let things escalate to this extent ? To the point apparently him, their troublemaker brother found himself being the responsible one with an actual working brain cell?

"The rest of us obviously scolded them" Fang took over, the shadow manipulator looking a bit hesitant as he choose his words carefully "But then Air….well, he said some things in return and-" 

"I don't need to hear it" Api couldn't stop himself from speaking up, but corrected himself in case it sounded wrong "I mean that I don't want to know something he obviously didn't want to share" he softly explained. 

He of all people knew how it felt like to blow up and accidentally do something you didn't mean to. 

Fang's quickly morphed into understanding as he nodded back at Api. Said pyrokinetic flashed him and his friends a thankful smile before turning to his brothers. 

"You guys go home and rest" his voice was calm and collected, sure to get the message across  "Tok Aba will patch you all up" He then turned towards Cahaya and Petir

"And you two better have an apology prepared by the time I get back" She said sternly. To his surprise Cahaya just gave a small smile "We will" Petir just nodded, his posture stiff and unreadable, he didn't say anything.

Api just nodded back, and was about to head off when a robotic hand grabbed his hand "Let me go with you too" Api wanted to protest, but their previous conversation stopped him from doing so "I want to help" Ochobot pleaded with him, and Api relented with a sigh.

"We'll be back soon!" Api yelled back as he ran off, with the power sphere floating beside him, and was about to exit the grounds when a shout stopped him. He turned back to see Tanah, Daun and Angin all standing together 

"GOOD LUCK !!" "Be careful !" "You got this !" They all seemed to yell, and Api felt his heart swell with warmth. He felt like he could cry, but then decided against it "Oh, you bet I will !" He yelled back as, meaning every word he said, and ran down the streets in search of their lost brother.

He had made a promise, and he won't stop until he fulfilled it.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

Air was pretty sure it had been an hour or so since he ran away after a rather explosive shout-out with his brothers. How did he manage to kill time, you ask? Why, by crying his heart out and kicking garbage in his way that sometimes made him trip and fall!

Now he was crouched under a makeshift tent made out of garbage, curled up and sniffing pathetically. 

He felt too embarrassed to go back, how could he lose control like that!? In front of everyone!? All that hard work for a year.... he wanted to reveal it in a better way. How could he show his face around there again!? Oh how he wished he could just turn invisible-

He stiffened when he heard the rustling of garbage. Was it an animal? Or was someone here? 

"We've checked everywhere, this is the last spot left" Ochobot? What was he doing here? Was everyone looking for him? 

"I'm not going back without Air" His breath hitched. Fresh tears started to fall as he heard his twin's voice and the footsteps that stopped right before the tent "That, and I need another ice cream sundae before I get gray hairs!" Api huffed in frustration.

Air's fight or flight response kicked in as he steadied himself for another run only for his leg to get caught up on some stray wires from a rusty computer, causing him to fall down with a loud thud. He cursed himself, and crawled towards a corner as a familiar brunette lifted the plastic to the entrance that concealed him from the outside world.

"Air…?" Api's voice was soft, and it almost made him hug his brother and cry again but he refrained himself from doing so "Get ... .away" he hiccuped, not knowing what else to say. He just didn't want anyone else to see him like this.

"...Can I sit next to you?" Api asked cautiously, and upon receiving a faint nod he entered the tent and quietly took a seat next to Air, being sure to leave some space between them so Air didn't feel crowded. Air didn't look up from his arms as they just sat in tense silence for a while, until Api decided to speak

"Air, I…." Api started, his brother sounded so hesitant and unsure it made his heart break all over again. Great, he had managed to hurt his brother too-

"Do you know what my worst memory is?" Api asked, his tone guarded.

It took a second for Air to register the question as he searched his brain for answers. Api's worst memory? What could that be? "No…" he managed to whisper back, his voice hoarse from all the crying he had done earlier.

"...I never meant to cause so much destruction last week…" Api started, his nervousness evident "I know I was disassociating the entire time while on a nightly rampage around town, but-" Api sighed, seemingly trying to collect himself.

"When I found out I was behind all that- when everyone blamed me thinking I was behind everything-" Api's voice wavered, making Air finally look up to see his brother, who was looking down and clenching the grass like it was his lifeline "the thing that horrified me most when I saw the people who got injured…because of me"

Air was surprised at the notion, but reached out and gently grasped Api's hand in understanding, who in turn relaxed his posture and smiled slightly as he continued to speak, "When we first moved here ... .I was so angry that mom and dad sent us away…." Air squeezed Api's hand in response, he knew that feeling very well and to know someone else went through it too was heartbreaking

"But then…. Tok Aba, our friends, the people here were so nice ... .I was just so devastated when I found out and I felt so horrible and that I couldn't be myself... " Air was taken aback a bit when Api turned to look at him with a warm grin "But then…you showed me that I was wrong, and comforted me when I needed it. You...never abandoned me." Air felt his eyes fill with tears as Api continued to speak 

"Air…we all make mistakes..." Api held out his empty hand towards him "...So please, let me help you this time" Api requested, his voice sincere and soothing as Air felt the dam break loose as he hurled himself towards his brother and cried in his embrace

"I'm ... .so sorry! I never meant to do any of that- I just wished people would stop treating me like that-" Air wailed as Api rubbed soothing circles on his back "I know, it's okay." Api cooed, and Air just hugged him tighter "I thought if I didn't lose weight... I would just keep being a burden and hold you all back- that I'd just be a disappointment-" Air sobbed, holding on to Api like he was his anchor "I just wanted to catch up to you all…."

"You're amazing Air…. Your looks don't matter, and you don't have to be anything else, I just want you to be happy by being yourself" Api comforted him as he noticed Air's sobs turn into quiet sniffles. 

Air did not believe in that yet, but….he was willing to trust Api "I promise...things will get better. Lets not hide our problems from one another from now on" the pyrokinetic said, determination laced in his voice.  

Air sniffed as he let go from the hug to wipe his tears, only for Api to do that for him with his handkerchief "I'll always be there for you, and we will prove everyone wrong by winning that race-" Api flashed him a bright, toothy grin  "because from now on, you'll be my training partner!" 

Air felt his chest swell with warmth, and he stopped himself from crying again. "We will." he whispered back, and saw Api's face light up in joy.

"We should be heading back now, it's almost evening" Air realized only then that Ochobot had been here the whole time, but didn't have time to dwell on it as Api stiffened up in alarm " We're late !" the fire user muttered in terror while Air just snorted at his twin's antics.

Air yelped when  Api suddenly grabbed Air and Ochobot and dragged them along with him as he bolted towards his home, with the power sphere yelling like doom was near and Air feeling his legs were going to die from all this running. And thus started their chaotic journey home. 

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

The door to their home was slammed open as Api barged in, letting go of Air and Ochobot as he yelled at the top of his lungs " WE'RE HOME !!" announcing their presence to everyone, and they found themselves surrounded by familiar faces

Air's legs made way as he tiredly slumped against the wall while Ochobot turned into a ball and promptly dropped on the couch and went into rest mode. Air couldn't blame him, today was a long day after all and sleep sounded real fancy right now.

"Api!" "Air!" Daun and Tanah were the first to rush in, and soon he found himself being checked up by a very worried duo. Api, seeing Air seemingly in good hands, walked away and sat on the couch to give them space

"Are you Alright? Did you get hurt?" Tanah asked as Daun helped Air stand up when they noticed him sitting on the floor "I'm just tired, and I should be asking that to you, after-" Air paused and looked towards the bandages on their legs and then at Angin's bandaged arm, the wind user standing behind the trio. 

Angin seemed to have the worst injuries as he had been standing the closest to Air, which made him feel all the more guilty.  

"We're alright, we were just worried about you" Tanah's eyes softened in understanding, which Air was grateful for. 

"And don't ever run off like that! We were so worried whether or not Api would actually find you!" Daun scolded, and Air just nodded in order to calm his brother down. No one wanted to deal with a pissed off Daun. 

His response was fortunately enough to reassure his nature loving brother, though Daun's remark got Api's attention "Hey-! What's that supposed to mean !?" Api huffed and crossed his arms in offense, but it lacked any real bite. If anything, Api looked tired as well.

"You should get fresh, Api" Angin said as he tossed said brother a towel. There seemed to be a telepathic communication between the two for a moment before Api spoke up "Alright then, I'll be back soon" Api showed Air a thumbs up of good fortune before leaving the room along with Angin. 

Daun helped Air sit on the couch before calling out to the dark that loomed in the hallway "It's time for the apologies, you two!" Air saw Tanah visibly cringe at that, and after today's debacle? He too felt the same as he saw Petir and Cahaya take tentative steps inside and stop a bit away from the couch. Daun, sensing the need for space, promptly left the room as well.

There was a awkward silence seemed to envelope the room, and looking at how uncomfortable the two seemed to be, Air decided to speak up first "Look, I'm sorry for what I did earlier and I forgive you two-" 

"No," Petir intervened, cutting Air off as he stepped forward "You had every right to blow up at us. What we did was…selfish and rude. You have your own struggles and we overlooked them. " Petir admitted, his tone solemn as he looked at Air with sincere eyes "We prioritized something silly like appearances or the race, instead of what's actually important"

"It was insensitive of us, we shouldn't have taken your feelings for granted. We should've helped you instead" Cahaya spoke up next, Air saw him fidgeting with the hem of his hoodie  "We were horrible brothers, really. And...we're sorry" 

Air blinked, processing what his brothers had just said. They were...understanding…? He hadn't expected that. An apology? Foreseeable. Them recognizing his struggles and comforting him? He was in the wrong century for sure. 

"I want to apologize on the behalf of the rest of us too" Air turned towards Tanah in confusion. Why was he apologizing all of a sudden? "I- we could've stopped things from escalating if we tried harder to stand up for you" Tanah explained with a frown, and Air was about to comfort him that it was okay before he spoke again

"We all could've done more…could've been better people. But we weren't, and we're sorry for that" Air looked at his brothers who were actually making the effort to apologize to him and rectify themselves, and he finds himself remembering Api's comforting words back at the junkyard:

("I promise...things will get better. Lets not hide our problems from one another from now on")

 "I'm also at fault for hiding things from you all, and for not seeking help earlier" Air spoke as he looked towards his brothers "So I'm sorry too, we're all idiots, and that I forgive you all" he said as gave them a small smile. He saw the tension in Petir and Cahaya's posture dissolve as relief flooded in as they smiled in return. 

Soon enough they were enveloped in a group hug by Tanah, the geokinetic shedding tears of joy " I'm so proud of you all for making up!" Tanah squealed, delighted by the outcome while Cahaya just observed Petir's attempts to get out of the hug in amusement. Air couldn't help but laugh out loud at their antics, causing the others to do as well.

Things will get better , his mind assured him.

And he couldn't be any happier.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

"Oh finally! Took them long enough" Api exclaimed in relief, but was sure to keep it low to not be heard by the others as he peeked into the room from the hallway along with Daun and Angin 

"Hopefully now there won't be anymore fights." Daun said, sounding equally relieved, "and we all can stop acting like Tanah 2.0 and go back to pranking!" Api snorted at Daun's comment before yelping when his red cap was suddenly taken off his head followed by Angin ruffling his hair playfully 

"And you should go shower before we get caught" Angin teased as Api slapped his hand away and made a grab for his cap, only for him to hoist it high up in the air. Api was about to retort back when he saw his brother's eyes suddenly soften

"But you did well today," the wind user said as he adjusted the cap back on Api's head "So stop worrying now and go rest up, alright?" Api blushed in embarrassment and barely concealed joy at Angin's words, who grinned proudly at him

"Ugh! Stop being so sappy!" Api grumbled as he stomped off, leaving a snickering Daun and an exasperated Angin, but he couldn't hide the smile forming on his lips.

Things will be okay.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

"Psst!" Air opened his eyes to be faced with the fire manipulator, down from his top bunk, and looking at him pleadingly "good ... .midnight?" Air said as he craned his head to look at the alarm clock on his desk and saw that it was currently 12 AM.

 "I- No you silly!" Api couldn't help but chuckle at Air's antics "I just wanted to ask if I could...sleep with you today?" Api sheepishly asked, but Air didn't need to hear more as he rolled towards the wall, still making sure to have his whale plush in his arms. 

Air patted the empty space in front of him as a silent invitation, and Api was more than happy to climb in and lay down beside him. 

"Thanks for today" Air sleepily mumbled, draping the blanket over both of them as Api huddled closer to him.

"Just pay me back with an ice cream sundae..." Api whispered as he started to wander off to sleep. Air positioned himself so he'd be facing his twin, making sure to have the whale plushie the middle as a makeshift pillow as he took Api's hand and intertwined it with his

 "Deal" he whispered back, and Api gave a light squeeze in response. 

With his brother having fallen asleep happily and content, Air closed his eyes as well and drifted back into sleep.

Things couldn't be any better, and he couldn't wait to win that race.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Chapter Text

-

(Fire tests gold)

-

"Oi sleepyhead ! It's time to get up!" 

Air grumbled under his breath when he felt a familiar presence pushing him.

"Why do you wake me up when the whole household is supposed to be resting?" He scolded as he flung the blanket and shoved Api's face away, causing the latter to tumble and fall to the ground. Air glanced at the clock and saw it was 8AM.

"But it's race day!" Api exclaimed as he pushed himself off the floor just so he didn't have to crane his head up everytime he spoke.

"Exactly, I'm conserving energy" Air yawned, and huddled back into the blanket only for Api to yank it off the bed, causing him to fall down as well.

"Oh that's it, " Air threatened as he got back to his feet, willing a blob of water to form beneath him and lift him a few inches off the ground. 

" Bring it on then, " Api said as his fists lit up with fireballs. 

"Don't you two dare wreck this place down!" 

The twins were shocked out of their standoff by Petir, electricity buzzing around the eldest as he glared at the two.

"He started it!" they said in unison, pointing fingers at each other. Petir sighed.

"Come down for breakfast instead of causing property damage," Petir scolded, making the duo reluctantly agree as they followed him downstairs. Air, who had yet to brush his teeth, went to the bathroom while Api made his way towards the living room.

"What's with all the screaming?" Angin asked as Api sat beside him, with Petir sitting on the opposite side of the table. Api noted that Cahaya and Daun weren't there. He assumed they must’ve gone out for school early.

"I walked in on these two idiots almost having a fight" Petir complained, much to Angin's amusement.

"Aww, looks like I missed all the fun" Angin teased, which only fuelled Petir's annoyance. 

"Can you guys not argue instead of eating?" Tanah scolded, pointing his spoon at both of them. "And you,” he added, turning to Angin, “stop encouraging!" Angin just shrugged in response, not promising anything.

Api, who had been watching the whole exchange in silence, perked up when he saw Air enter the room and sit beside him.

"G'morning," Air yawned as he picked up his spoon and ate a spoonful of rice.

Over the course of the month, he had been trying to eat more while balancing it out with his workout routine with Api, and it seemed to be working pretty well for now. His weight also dropped to 36kgs, which he hoped was an acceptable amount…..

"Say, why were you two picking a fight anyways?" Petir inquired curiously as he picked up another spoonful.

"He threw me off my bed" Air complained, pointing a finger at Api who looked at him with exasperation.

"You weren't waking up!" Api protested, earning a sigh from Tanah and a chuckle from Angin.

"You two really are something! It reminds me of when me and Petir fought" Angin commented, earning a glare from Petir.

"You mean the time you ate Yaya's cookies, which were poisoned by Adudu, and went on a sugar high rampage and I had to knock you out?"

"Hey! It's not like you didn't temporarily lose your memories, thought you were Adudu's bff ‘Adada’ and then attacked us while being on his side!" 

"He used balloons on me!"

"Well he used cookies on me!"

"Can you two shut up !?" Tanah yelled as he slammed his hand on the table "And besides, I'm always the one who’s been the most responsible," he added, adding fuel to the fire.

"Says the one who whined about not getting his 2nd tier powers and allowed Gopal to hit him with a pan!" Petir argued. Tanah was about to retort when Api suddenly got up from his seat.

"I'm done eating," he announced as he pushed the plate to the center of the table and started to walk away.

"Oh alright, get ready for school soon!" Tanah called after him, before turning his attention towards the current war of words happening between his brothers. Air merely watched the fire user climb up the stairs and disappear from sight. 

Something felt off, he noted. Guess he'll have to check up on him later at school.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

Api felt... . conflicted .

He wasn't sure if what he felt was anger or something else as he stepped out of the school bathroom, having changed into his orange sports uniform.

Petir and Angin- no- Halinitar and Taufan had seemingly lost control too when they had unlocked their second tier.

(Unlike him, who had miraculously done it with his first tier.)

They had gone on rampages too, and had attacked people too. But….they weren't treated like a walking time bomb like he was.

(Maybe it's because he was simply too explosive and dangerous to be trusted. Maybe it's because the destruction he caused was far more frightening.)

He obviously hadn't known the full details before, as the trio didn't blurt out everything in front of their parents. Though Api understood why they kept quiet; how could you possibly explain that you almost went nuts and now an alien is your nemesis to your parents who are usually never at home?

Api sighed as he walked down the hallways. He had to reach the campus grounds and meet up with Air. Through the window he could see people already gathering on the audience benches.

(Do the townsfolk still detest him? Api doesn't know, but he still feels nervous when working at the kokotiam and having to interact with them.)

(Which was why he had dragged Air into this, he didn't want to be alone, even if it was a bit selfish.)

"There you are!" 

He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder, only to look back and see Air.

"Gah! Don't scare me like that!" Api huffed, wrapping his arms around him.

"You were taking a long time, so I came to find you," Air replied as he observed him, making Api look away.

"I'm ready now. Let's go," Api waved him off as he started walking ahead, only to be stopped by Air's words.

"You're still worried about the fire incident," Air stated matter-of-factly, "and about what happened at breakfast." 

Api could feel his brother's cold and calculating eyes bearing into his back. Air could be scarily observant when he wanted to be.

He sighed as he turned to face the hydrokinetic, "Fine, you got me."

Api smiled slightly, the admission seemed to have caught Air off guard, "But that's why we're gonna win this race, right?" Api added.

Air was quick to recover from his shock as he nodded in understanding. "We will," Air replied firmly as he walked up to him "but we better get to the ground fast."

"Race you there, then!" Api yelled as he bolted off, leaving behind an amused Air who decided to follow suit and chase after him as they made a run for the grounds. 

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

"What the hell is Adudu doing here!?"

Api pointed to the square-headed alien, his eyes wide in disbelief. 

"Apparently he's a participant…." Solar explained. Air saw his eye twitch with annoyance. A valid reaction honestly, nobody wanted to see the alien here.

"Pfft, like he can even run," Petir snorted as he scorned Adudu.

"Hey! Your school said the competition was open for everyone! And I can run better than you!" Adudu retorted as he pointed to his shoes.

"My rocket shoes simply outmatch you all!" Adudu boasted, crossing his arms with pride while Probe cheered from the audience seat, "Boss's gadgets are the best!"

"Isn't that cheating?" Yaya commented.

 "Yeah! That's not fair if he gets to use gadgets and we don't!" Daun pouted. 

Daun and Cahaya were the only ones who didn't have any powers yet. While they never complained about it, Air could tell they wanted to have powers just like them.

Besides, Air was all too familiar with the desire to catch up to their brothers, so he recognised it instantly.

"Well, in that case, let's have a little change in the rules!"

Everyone yelped when Papa Zola appeared out of nowhere, then he declared, "Since, disappointingly, no one else other than you folk participated, you all are allowed to use powers!" 

"What about me !?" Daun exclaimed as he pointed a finger at his own chest. "In that case I'm not participating!" he complained as he stomped off elsewhere.

"Daun! Wait- " Cahaya started to call after him but was stopped by Tanah.

"I'm not participating either; my power puts me at a disadvantage," Tanah announced, getting shocked looks and gasps in return, especially from Petir and Angin. "I'll go check up on Daun, you all go and win that race. Good luck!"

With that, Tanah ran off in the direction Daun had gone, leaving everyone stunned.

Papa Zola coughed before speaking as if to ease the awkward atmosphere, "Well then, Justice waits for no one! Get into your positions and we'll start soon!" he instructed as he walked off towards the stage.

"Hah! Now you losers are down in numbers!" Adudu teased. Air was sure Petir was about to maul Adudu until Api silently walked toward the green alien and stopped a few inches away.

"This happened because of you " Api spat, his eyes blazing with fury. "If we weren't in school right now, you'd be ash already" he threatened, his voice cold and laced with rage. Air momentarily saw smoke come out of his clenched fists. 

Instead of being cautious however, Adudu merely chuckled in response. "You wouldn't say that if you saw my tag team partner, Boboiboy."

Feeling satisfied at the confusion on Api's face, he turned back and called out, "Oh Boboibot! Come say hi to some old friends!"

A gust of wind swept through as their robot replica soared in, landing smoothly beside Adudu, who flashed a smug grin.

“Now, what were you saying?” Adudu teased. Air saw Api stiffen at the sight of the robot.

"Me and Adudu will surely win the race.” Boboibot stated, his voice robotic and emotionless.

“And I think the audience will agree too…" Adudu added smugly.

Api visibly tensed, his eyes momentarily darting towards the audience before focusing back on the unbothered alien. Adudu knew he had crossed a line with that comment, purposefully mentioning an event that was traumatizing for Api to weaken his confidence.

Without thinking twice, Air grabbed Api's arm and dragged him away from the evil duo.

"Hey-!" Api yelped, but was cut off by Air.

"He's not worth our time, let's get ready for the race," he said firmly before Api could protest. "We'll prove them wrong by winning that race, for Daun." But more than anything, he wanted Api away from that robot.

Api sighed. “Fine, but I want to check up on Duan before we go.”

Air nodded and Api ran off towards where he presumed Tanah and Duan were, never ceasing the glares he sent towards the evil duo.

"I'm going too!" Angin declared as he followed Api, leaving behind a lone trio consisting of Air, Cahaya and Petir. 

"Daun will get over it," Cahaya assured, "he just needs time." 

Air had a feeling that Daun wouldn’t get over it so easily, but he chose not to comment. He saw Petir raise an eyebrow in curiosity, but the eldest kept silent too as they all walked off together.

For now, he'll just make sure to look out for more of Adudu's tricks.

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

“There, I found him!” Angin yelled, pointing towards Daun, who was crouched near a bush with Tanah hovering nearby whispering words of comfort. The geokinetic perked up when he heard Angin's voice, whipping his head towards them as he saw Angin and Api running toward him.

"Api! Angin! What are you both doing here?" Tanah inquired, and Daun lifted his face up from his arms to look at them. Api's heart broke to see his brother's teary face.

"Looking for you two, of course!" Angin replied, resting his hands on his knees as he caught his breath before quickly recovering.

"The race is about to start!"

"Well it can wait-"

"But if you don't-"

"Ugh, Cut it out!" Api butted in, annoyed at their bickering before softening as he turned towards Daun. "We just came to check up on you."

"I'm fine." Daun brushed off as he stood up and wiped his tears with his sleeve. "I'm sorry I made you all worried….and got Tanah out of the race too."

"No way! It's all that jerk Adudu's fault!" Angin comforted.

"And I left because my powers really aren't meant for racing," Tanah added with a shrug before smiling at Daun softly, "and I can't let my tag team partner be left alone."

Api placed a hand on Daun's shoulder, "You matter to us more, silly!” 

For a second, Daun's lip trembled as if he was ready to cry again, but then he jabbed a finger at Api's chest.

"You guys will go out there and win that stupid race-" Daun's looked towards Api and Angin intensely, "-and show that good-for-nothing squarehead and that walking hunk of trash that we're leagues better than them!"

Daun's sudden aggression took them by surprise, but Api quickly recovered and gave a stern nod. "We will, I promise," he reassured with a determined smile.

"We should head back, in that case." Angin suggested. Api agreed, knowing they’d be late if they didn’t return soon.

"We'll be cheering you all on!" Tanah assured them.

After saying their parting wishes, Api and Angin ran off towards the race tracks as fast as they could.

Api made a promise, and he intends to keep it.

• • —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

"You're not planning on using that, are you?" Air asked as he raised an eyebrow at Angin- no, Taufan- who was standing next to him in the racing lane parallel to his while holding his hoverboard.

"Uhhh, can I not?" Angin sheepishly inquired.

"Gah, we're running on the ground , not in the air !"  Ying scolded.

"And not everyone has their tier two powers" Air added.

Taufan sighed before turning back to his base form.

"You guys are no fun" Angin pouted, to which Air just responded by rolling his eyes.

He glanced behind Angin, seeing Adudu walk up to stand at the front of his lane.

"Looks like the squarehead's here," Ying commented.

"Not sending that metal copycat first?" Angin asked the alien in suspicion.

"Eh, my partner doesn't need to bother with weaklings like you," Adudu scoffed in response. "I've made him stronger than before, after all."

Air raised an eye at that, "Let me guess, waterproofing?" He watched in glee as Adudu shutter for a moment "Your tricks won't work on me this time!" Air rolled his eyes in response, least bothered by Adudu's bluffs. 

Everyone turned towards Papa Zola when they heard him blow his. "Attention participants! Take your positions!" He shouted, and Air along with the other racers got into their desired posture. From the track, he could see Daun and Tanah sitting in the distance, and finding himself remembering an earlier conversation….

"Ugh! We have to win that race for Daun! But powers being allowed makes stuff so much harder!" Api yelled in frustration as he clutched his hair. "Petir and Ying will surely win!" 

"I don't think they will do that." Air stated, making Api turn towards him with a confused look. "They will try to hold themselves back to play fair, they're just like that." 

"That doesn't change the fact that we are at a disadvantage though…" Api sighed, "Ughh…. I don't know what to do- "

"I will go first."

"Huh- what?" Api stared at him in bewilderment.

"Looking at our current lineup, you'd be better fit to go after me.” Air explained.

"Why so?" Api asked with genuine curiosity, Air gave a faint smile in response as he spoke.

"So, the thing is…"

"On your marks..!" Air snapped out of the flashback and brought his focus back on the race as Papa Zola continued.

"Get set…!"

He won't let Adudu and Boboibot win.

For his brothers' sake, he will fight and win .

And he had just the plan to do so.

"GO!"

All four racers bolted as soon as the command was given, their rods gripped tightly in their hands, with Ying obviously in the lead due to her powers. Even so, she was slower than usual.

"Ying is going first, when she could've easily won the race by going last and having Fang go first." Air explained, watching Api's eyes widen in realization.

"She did that on purpose!?"

Air nodded.

"Which is why, even if she passes the rod to Fang before us, it'll be easier to overcome him as you're the better runner."

To his left, he could see Angin falling a bit behind the rest of them, before a sudden gust of wind added a skip to his steps. boosting him forward.

"Angin won't give you a hard time though," Api stated, "he's too used to flying on his hoverboard."

"But he's still hyper like you," Air pointed out, but Api brushed that off with a wave.

"So what? Even with powers, he couldn't keep up with my training regime like you did."

"What about Petir, though?" Api inquired, "He might hold back like Ying, but he isn't known to be merciful."

"He's unfocused after what happened with Tanah and Daun." Air shrugged, "Maybe that'll give us a chance"

Besides Angin was Adudu, who, instead of running normally, was roller skating instead. His modified shoes had mini rocket thrusters, which boosted his speed. The alien's eyes were darting around anxiously towards the other racers, but he looked away when he saw Air staring at him.

"Adudu is up to something, I'm  sure  he'll try to trick us during the race…" Api grumbled.

"I can take care of him," Air assured, before looking at Api with a concerned look.

"Though...are you sure you don't mind racing with Boboibot?" he asked.

Api hesitated for a moment before answering.

"I've never been more ready to beat up that pile of junk."

Air, noticing Ying get further away and the other two starting to catch up to him, maneuvered his upper torso forward and started to take wider steps to increase his speed. 

"What about you, though?" Api questioned, catching Air off guard, "How do you plan to use your powers?" 

Air's face furrowed in thought.

"I'll see, but I don't want to use them unless necessary," he replied back.

"Besides, we didn't train that hard just to rely on our powers, did we?"

Angin, seeing Air speeding ahead, positioned his hands behind his back and shot a vortex of wind that pushed him forward, leading him to overtake Adudu.

"See ya later squarehead~" Angin teased as he practically flew by Adudu, before steadying his balance and running normally again.

Adudu cursed under his breath as he glared at the wind user, before moving his hand to press a button on his watch. Suddenly a gust of wind came and blew sand into Angin's face, causing him to lower his pace in order to rub his eyes "Argh! What the- that wasn't me-" He yelped when he tripped on a stray rock and almost lost his balance 

Air and Ying, hearing the commotion behind them, turned back to see what was going on "Angin! Are you okay!?" Air called out in worry "I'm fine, just keep running" The anemo user responded, now having regained his pace after his eyes were taken care of. Though, he was now falling behind Adudu.

After being assured that Angin is fairing well, Air focused his attention back on the ongoing race. His current position was second only to Ying, which was not a bad feat. Adudu was now trailing behind him after managing to overtake Angin. 

(He was pretty sure Adudu's new shoes were also made out of junk, he has the basic sense to know rocket thrusters aren't that weak)

A good couple meters ahead of him was the ‘checkpoint’ where the tag team partners were supposed to exchange their respective coloured sticks. Based on his assumptions, he was halfway there. If he keeps his pace stable, he'll be able to maintain his current position and give Api an advantage. 

Air absentmindedly glanced back to check how the others were fairing, and his eyes widened in alarm when saw Adudu pointing his arm towards Ying, with his watch now having transformed into a mini gun, and pressing a button. 

" YING! Look out!" Air yelled a breathless warning, thankfully Ying heard it. Cursing under his breath for getting caught, the alien lowered his arm and aimed towards Ying's feet, firing  some kind of projectile that looked like……

…. marbles !?

Air, though dumbfounded, didn't have time to question Adudu's logic as the alien aimed and fired at him too. The only reasonable thing he and Ying could think at that time was to jump out of the trajectory of the marbles that were hurling towards them at rapid speed and would leave them with broken bones on impact.

Ying, with her ever so fast reflexes and super speed, managed to dodge the marbles with some well positioned bounces and footing, leaving the marbles buried inside the earth instead where her feet should've been "You missed me~" She teased back at Adudu. Though, She stopped in worry when she saw the marbles flying towards Air.

 Air didn't possess such nimble agility like Ying. If he attempted to make such accurately coordinated movements, he'd just confuse  himself. He could, however, try something a bit different.

Praying that the movement doesn't cause nausea, Air jumped up a good few inches high in the sky and curled up on himself, performing a triple-spin somersault to delay his landing long enough for the marbles to dig their own graves. 

(there was a reason behind Api's "tire-stack jumping" practice after all!) 

As he braced himself for a landing, his eyes widened when he saw a ragged earth boulder pop up from the ground on the place of impact. Amidst his tempest of panic and dread, an idea stood out to him and he instinctively clung onto it (no one wanted to end up with broken bones or a cracked skull).  

Taking in a deep breath seconds before contact, Air held out his hand in front of him and summoned a giant blob of water beneath him and successfully cushioning his fall, before leaping once more and landing back on his feet 

"Guess we're doing it this way after all..." Air said coldly as he glared at Adudu who stood there and stared at him agape. Angin, who caught up to them amidst the chaos, stared at both Air and Ying in awe.

Ying, now confident that Air was okay, resumed her racing. Air waved his arm towards the direction of the designated checkpoint and willed the blob of water to turn into a wave, dragging him along with it as it sped forwards in a fast pace. 

From here, he could see Api and the other racers in his field of view, his twin waving his arms in encouragement once he noticed him.

However, besides Petir, Air saw Boboibot nonchalantly wave his arm and noticed how the nearby shrubs suddenly started to dance in the wind. 

Something was amiss.

Panic seized him as he hurled himself and looked back as the wave collapsed and water covered the ground. Everyone looked at him oddly, but he didnt care. Sure enough, he saw two clouds of sand in the distance approaching Ying and Angin from behind.

" Ying! Angin! Behind you!" Air warned in panic. Though this time, Angin was prepared, as he used his own wind powers to disperse the sand cloud and resume his running.

Ying, However, was not so lucky, as the cloud quickly enclosed her, making her sneeze on stray feathers that had somehow gotten in the mix and making her shoot straight out of the lane and towards the audience gallery. 

Thankfully due to Yaya's quick timing, who had flown all the way from the audience when she saw Ying in peril, Ying was caught by strong arms and saved from any injuries. Yaya lowered Ying to the ground and helped her stand on her feet. 

Fang rushed towards them immediately, followed by Gopal and Cahaya who were nearby. Daun and Tanah also joined them, as they too followed Yaya from the gallery when they saw the ruckus.

Air jogged up to Api with the little energy he had left once he saw Ying was in good hands. The remaining racers handed their partners their respective coloured sticks, but instead of running off to finish the race, everyone stood still in their positions. 

Api supported the exhausted Air who had slumped against him and watched as Petir marched up to Adudu and Boboibot with Angin in tow "Adudu! What's the meaning of this!?" Petir threatened, his fisted hands sizzling with electricity "Yeah! You tried to sabotage us right there" even Angin sounded angry, and rightfully so.

"You can't blame me for the wind" Adudu smugly defended himself "and besides, those boulders could be the work of your brother over there!" The alien said as he pointed his hand towards Tanah, making said brother in shock at the accusation "Who knows, maybe he's salty over not being able to participate and using his powers to ruin the race!"

"That's a lie, I would never do anything like that!" Tanah retorted  "Yeah! I was with him the whole time and I vouch!" Daun defended Tanah as well "You're in his team! You don't count!" Probe chimed in, hovering beside everyone else "If anything, you could be a part of his scheme!" Daun all but growled back in frustration and anger 

Air, along with the others, watched the whole ordeal in apprehension. Hushed whispers and murmurs were heard all around them as the audience contemplated on whom to believe, as from an outside perspective, Adudu's claims would seem somewhat plausible.

"Angin, hold Air for a sec" Api said as he gently handed Air over to Angin like he was a plushie before he could even react "Why-" "What are you-" both brothers in blue were cut off when Api marched towards the audience gallery, fuming with rage.

"Hey idiots!  Get your heads straight!" Api shouted on the top of his lungs, successfully gaining everyone's attention, and continued on, ignoring the looks of surprise he got and before anyone could reprimand him for his behavior. 

"Don't you dare believe that squarehead and his minion-" Api aggressively pointed at Adudu which actually made him flinch back "When they hurt our friends right in front of you all!" Api spread his arms around, as if to emphasize his statement.

("I'm not his minion" Boboibot retorted against Api's statement,  Adudu glared at him and no one else cared) 

"Petir, Angin and Tanah have been here longer than the rest of us-" his voice was a bit wobbly now, but it still held the aggression "They are not impulsive or violent like me…." He ignored the gasps he got, instead looking up to the audience with teary, pleading eyes that were full of determination

 "Tanah has been nothing but nice, kind and helpful to everyone around him…so don't you dare turn your backs on him now!" 

'That seems to have done it' Air thought as slowly but surely a chorus of voices spoke up in support of the geokinetic, and soon enough, everyone was on their side. Api had, somehow, miraculously managed to turn the tides with his speech.

Said pyrokinetic in question was being gently whisked away by Cahaya, who was being mindful and allowing Api to compose himself. They were also having a hushed conversation that no one could really hear. 

 Ying was escorted away to be seated in the gallery now that she and Fang were disqualified, accompanied by Yaya and Gopal. Daun and Tanah soon followed suit, though the earth user's eyes lingered on the pyrokinetic for a while.

"Uhh…due to the sudden and unexpected incident, all racers are hereby given a 20 minute break of justice!" They all heard Papa Zola awkwardly announce on the intercom in an attempt to lessen the tension.

"We should head out too" Angin suggested as Air moved to stand on his own when they saw Api and Cahaya approach them 

"Good luck out there!" Angin encouraged them, though it didn't work that well on the gloomy Petir, while Api just gave a slight smile which looked more like a grimace. 

 "Take care." Air whispered to Api, who just nodded in response, as he began to walk away along with Angin and Cahaya.

 "You did well," Cahaya spoke up when they were far away from the race tracks and heading towards the gallery "Both of you did well today"

Air just tilted his head in response. He was too tired, now that the adrenaline has worn off, to analyze why the youngest was saying so out of the blue "the race isn't over yet, and you could've said that when we were with Api, ya know" Air replied while trying to stifle a yawn. 

Cahaya had his back turned toward them, so Air couldn't see his expression when he spoke, but his voice softened as he did so "I already did so" Air looked at him, puzzled by this, as he spoke on, 

"You weren't there, and Api said the same thing too"

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

"You still want to race?" Api looked up to see Petir staring down at him "What'd you think? Isn't it obvious?" Api replied as he finished tying his shoelaces stood up

"You're at a disadvantage against Boboibot" Api stiffened at Petir's statement, before turning towards him with a sigh "I know, but I can't just give up!" 

"I can easily win with my lightning speed" Petir stated "And that robot can mimic our powers, even if it's sloppy" Api just looked away, clenching his fists. Petir stared ahead. For a long while, none of them anything. That is, until Api suddenly spoke up 

"I have some… unfinished business to settle with that robot-" 

"Don't we all?"

"I- yes, but..." 

"Why exactly are you so hell-bent on racing ?" Petir couldn't help but ask. Api hesitated under his gaze, before momentarily gazing towards the audience gallery. 

The rest of the septuplets and their friends had moved to the first row. He noticed Air sitting on the far left, drinking a box of orange juice. Api didn't really have the chance to talk to Air properly due to all the rush and ruckus.

He locked eyes with Air, who smiled softly at him and gave a thumbs up. Daun, noticing this, waved over to both him and Petir. Soon, everyone had joined in their cheer leading through sign language. 

Adudu, surprisingly in one piece, was sitting a bit away with Probe. The minecraft alien was not having a pleasant time with the cheering, while Probe seemed to be thriving.

Api smiled back and waved. From beside him, he saw Petir do the same. 

"I'm doing it for us," Api said as he idly summoned a small flare and watched it flicker away in the wind "I'll still try, even if I'm bound to end up failing"

 "Guess our reasons aren't that different" Petir commented, and it took Api a while to get what he had meant. 

Tanah .    

It was no secret that Petir was closest to Tanah and Angin, just like he was with Air. After that stunt Adudu tried to pull on them in front of the audience, anyone would be on edge. It's just Tanah tries to play it off as nothing. It works, sometimes. If he wasn't living in the same household as him with unlimited free time, he would've been fooled as well.    

Api just hummed along in agreement, not knowing what else to say. They stayed like that for a few minutes, and Boboibot soon came to stand on the lane beside Petir. No one dared to speak, but the tension in the atmosphere  was evident.  

"You both stand no chance," Boboibot stated "You will fall" Petir sneered "In your dreams, but oh wait, you can't dream" Petir smirked, while Api stifled a laugh. It would've been a great moment for a sit-com if it wasn't for the current situation.

Everyone was snapped out of whatever they might have been doing when a whistle was blown and Papa Zola's voice could be heard from the mic "Attention everyone! It's time for the race to continue!" he announced. 

"Unfortunately, one of our teams was disqualified through unfair means, so we'll be continuing with 3 racers instead" Api could see how Adudu shivered under the weight of the glares he received. Good .

"But without further ado, let the race of justice continue!" Papa Zola announced, and from the gallery loud cheering could be heard, mainly from the people from their classes.

He shared a look with Petir. A silent conversation took place between them, and they both nodded at each other before staring ahead and getting into their positions. They both had to do their best to win while not resorting to dirty tricks like the alien and the robot did.

And even if Petir ends up being the one winning, Api would still be satisfied and happy with that outcome. 

"Participants, on your marks!"

But that outcome….is only the next best thing for him. 

" Get set …!"

He couldn't let Air's efforts go to waste after dragging him into this race.

He had to win, because he had a promise to fulfill.

(A promise that might seem very childish, but a promise nevertheless, and promises aren't meant to be broken)

" GO !"

The cheering intensified as all three contestants bolted off towards the finish line. 

Initially Api was in first place due to being the most athletic of the bunch, followed closely by Petir while the robot chased after them, its stomps echoing in the field. 

Soon enough, a yellow blur zoomed past him as the electrokinetic used his lightning speed for a boost, only to stop at a short distance from Api.

' Guess pikachu doesn't plan on using his powers for the entire race ' Api assumed. There was still a chance he could win this, if he managed to outrun Petir.

("Besides, we didn't train that hard just to rely on our powers, did we?")

Api looked behind, surprised to see the robot hadn't played any tricks on them yet. Not even a mimicry of Petir's 'lightning speed'. 

Maybe the robot had exhausted itself with meddling it did in the previous half of the race, or it was simply too weighted down (being a machine) to do so and was waiting for the right moment.

Or maybe both, you never know what goes on in the mind of an evil robot. Well, except the hum of gears twisting and turning, probably.

Turning his attention back on the race, he could see they were almost halfway towards the finish line. In front of him, Petir was increasingly speeding ahead. He didn't bother looking back to see how the hunk of junk was fairing. 

Api himself was starting to feel a bit tired, but he didn't let the exhaustion consume him. With the adrenaline coursing through his veins, he kept on running.

With a determined skip in his steps, Api started taking wider steps, his pace getting fast enough with each step to keep him at Petir's heels. The latter of them glanced back at him, before turning back to stare at the robot. 

All of a sudden, Petir's eyes widened in shock, causing Api to look at him in confusion. Before he could even comprehend what was going on, Petir zoomed towards him using his lightning speed and tackled him to the ground " Get down !"

" What are you -!" Api was cut off when a blast of red electricity zoomed ahead from above.

That...would've done a lot of damage if it had hit him.

Petir, who had been hovering protectively above him, got up and blocked Boboibot with his sword, transforming into his second tier: Halinitar . The robot countered it with its own imitation. 

While he was sure Hali could hold his own in a fight, he couldn't deny that the lightning user looked tired from the race and was lacking his usual energy.

Api, not one to back down from a fight, summoned a bunch of fireballs and threw them at the robot (being sure to avoid Hali) and successfully pushed it a few inches away from the eldest. 

While doing so, he had also knocked it off into another lane, effectively disqualifying him from the race. 

This technically meant that now only Api was in the race, but he still wasn't the winner as he had yet to cross the finish line.  

"That's cheating!" Adudu yelled all the way from the gallery "You're one to talk!" Air snapped back, being the nearest one sitting beside him despite the large gap between them.  

"You'll regret this" Boboibot warned threateningly "I don't think I'll regret fair revenge" Api scowled back, his fist igniting in flames. 

"I won't let you win." Boboibot stated in finality as it prepared to perform a 'lightning speed', only to be intercepted and held back by Halinitar using his swords "Run, now !" 

Api stood still in his tracks. He couldn't just go on to finish this damn race when Boboibot can actually end up injuring Halinitar! 

"I can't just leave you here!" He tried to protest, but Halinitar wasn't having it. 

"It doesn't matter, I'm already out of the race!" Halinitar said as he electrocuted the robot, who was struggling to get free "don't falter in your resolve, Api!" 

Api hesitated, but ultimately complied, understanding the urgency.  With all his energy, he bolted off towards the finish line which was in sight, momentarily noting that earth pillars engulfed the robot's feet to stop him. 

In the audience, almost everyone was staring at the geokinetic in shock. A few moments ago he had been accused of meddling in, and now he was doing exactly that.

Even Adudu spoke up in surprise "What are you even-" he was cut off when Tanah summoned his golem arms and concentrated on restraining the robot "That's enough civility" he glared threateningly at Adudu as he bumped his fists together and concentrated on intercepting their foe "I won't sit idle when my brothers are in danger." 

Api was thankful for the extra help, but he knew his brothers wouldn't be able to buy him enough time for much longer. 

Hearing stomps behind him, he looked behind to see Boboibot had pushed Halinitar off and was now trying to break the earth pillars using swords identical to Halinitar's. 

Blasts of water and jets of wind, too, were being used to stop the robot, no doubt being the work of Angin and Air. But they never completely managed to immobilize the robot as they were far away from the field. Soon enough, it broke free and started to speed towards him.

With panic rising as each second passed, an idea suddenly struck Api. He looked behind, seeing that the ground was thankfully dry and there was enough loose soil lying around for his plan to work. He placed his arms behind him as he ran, his fists heating up as fireballs manifested in them, but he didn't shoot them just yet. 

"What's he trying to do..?" Daun inquired "I don't know," Air admitted as he observed the race worriedly. Usually, the fire user doesn't hesitate to shoot, but now he's suddenly delaying his launch. "I just hope he knows what he's doing" Cahaya commented from aside

From the corner of his eye, Api could see the robot chasing after him. Just as Boboibot activated his own lightning speed and zoomed towards him, he aimed his arms a bit lower and fired .

The shockwave from the concentrated blast of fire propelled him forward to a great distance, but he didn't stop there. Adamant on not giving the robot a chance to win, he kept firing rapid blasts that kept thrusting him ahead and maintaining the steady pace.

Surprisingly, the attacks didn't leave behind stray fires, as the ground was dry and the dust clouds created from the explosion put out the flares. 

Everyone watched in anticipation as both racers were mere inches away from the finish line. Boboibot bolted forward while Api, with one last powerful blast, blazed ahead towards where victory awaited him. 

It felt like time was slowed down as both contestants ran towards the finish line, only mere centimeters separating them from their destination, and went beyond that. 

Boboibot's feet turned into claws that dug into the ground to stop its momentum, while Api skidded across him before stopping a bit far away and almost losing his balance when he did so.

Everyone watched in tense apprehension as Papa Zola turned on the recording of the last few minutes of the race on the projector TV and rewound the footage. 

With the adrenaline gone, Api suddenly felt very aware about the weight of everyone's expectations and turned his head away from the direction of the stage to collect himself.

 Soon he was approached by Petir, Api noted that he was no longer using his second tier, who stood beside him and observed what was shown on screen. However, Api couldn't make himself look at it. Unwanted thoughts plagued his mind. 

What if he failed to make it in time, despite all the help he got?  

Papa Zola cleared his throat after he had reviewed the footage "Well ladies and gentlemen, after some thorough observation, I seem to have finally reached a conclusion" Api stiffened in apprehension, his heart beating rapidly in his chest, while others watched on in tense anticipation.  

"The winner of the race is…. Boboiboy Api !"

The cheers that erupted were so loud that Api jumped before turning around in shock as he was immediately patted in the back by Petir who beamed in pride "That's our brother!" 

"How-" Api was cut off when he was tackled into a hug by Taufan, who flew all the way from the audience "Atta, boy!" Soon enough, the rest of their group had joined them as well, barely giving him to get his bearings straight

"That was amazing-"

"You totally showed him who's the boss-"

"I'll bake extra cookies to celebrate!!"

"Please no-"

"We did it!" Api was nudged out of his headache when Air held his hands and smiled at him, his eyes practically dazzling with joy "We won the race!" Seeing Air this excited, Api couldn't help but smile back as well, though he was still confused "but how?" He inquired

"Did you really not see anything?" Cahaya questioned as he stared at him with an deadpan expression "I, uh, got nervous and looked away" Api sheepishly admitted, causing the youngest to let out a sigh and point at the screen, which was still showing the recording.     

"You crossed the finish line a good couple of seconds before Boboibot did" Cahaya explained as Api watched that he indeed had managed to do so, his foot clearly stepping on and out of the line first "it's pretty obvious to know who won just by rewinding it in slow-motion"

For a few seconds Api just stared ahead, not knowing to really react to this. He had been wanting to win, yes, but he hadn't really prepared himself for the actual moment. Thankfully Air was there to help with just that, albeit in his own way. 

"If you're done staring, can we go get the trophy and head to a restaurant?" Api yelped when Air practically jumpscared him from behind "I'm hungry..." the hydrokinetic whined and pouted, his stomach rumbling as if on instinct.

Tanah walked forward and patted  his hungry brother on his head "sure, but you both need to get cleaned up first" that was all it took to get a happy "Yay!" from Air, and now Api too wanted to request an ice cream sundae. 

But unfortunately, like always, fate never grants them in peace, as they whipped their heads to the booming robotic voice of Boboibot who has just now shot a fireball towards the projector in retaliation 

"I was created as a perfect alternative to you, it is my purpose" The robot stated ominously as it turned to face the school building " No one shall stand in the way of my goal " 

Api was slow to catch the meaning of those words, but thankfully the others weren't. Almost on instinct, The Ori Trio turned into their 2nd tier forms and Gempa raised a wall of earth to protect the others, Fang also doing the same with his shadow manipulation as a barrage of fire was fired in their direction. 

Api was grabbed by Air, along with Cahaya who was nearby, as they hid behind a wall of water. It wasn’t as grand in size like the others, but it still managed to protect them against the incoming attack. Daun and Gopal managed to stick by Gempa and Fang.

On the other hand, Halinitar and Taufan along with Ying, Yaya were working together to evacuate the people in the audience as the fireballs lit up the entire campus on fire. They also had to deal with Adudu, who was now mounted on Probe in mech mode, as he actively tried to assist whatever Boboibot was doing by being an obstacle in their way. 

It was almost like a repeat of the fire incident was happening, but this time it was way worse.

Suddenly, the firing ceased, and everyone warily withdrew their shields. It was Daun who noticed the situation first and spoke up "Wait-where's Boboibot!?" 

Alarm bells rang in Api's head at this, and he whipped his head towards the school when Air pointed at it, bringing the dreadful scenario to everyone's attention "The school! It's on fire!" He yelled, and true to his words, everyone saw the small, stray fires erupted from a single classroom, and people ran out of the building 

"Aren't there still classes going on inside!?" Cahaya yelled, just as alarmed as the others, "The other students and teachers are in danger, we have to help them!" Fang said as he turned towards Gempa who nodded back, before turning towards the rest of them

"You all need to get out of here, fast. " Gempa instructed. Cahaya and Daun reluctantly complied as being the only powerless ones in the bunch, they were the most vulnerable. Gopal soon followed suit, as helping in the evacuation was a much safer option for him.

"C'mon, we need to head out too- " Air tried to pull Api away, but he remained rooted in his spot with face locked towards the building that was slowly being set ablaze. 

The intensity of the fire was increasing. It was spreading. There were people evacuating from the building, but... .if the robot's rampage continued like this, the fire would spread throughout the entire town!

Though,... .the fire was still on a small scale, and he had fire powers. If there was  anyone who could possibly put it out before it got worse, it was him. And he could tell that Air was tired, and that his stamina was getting lower, so he couldn't use his water powers to put out everything either. 

That, and he didn't want Air to get hurt. 

"Api, we need to go!" The urgency was evident in Air's voice, but Api didn't comply. Gempa and Fang were currently distracted by the commotion caused behind them by Adudu, so no one really noticed his odd behavior except Air.

"No…." Api's voice was so quiet that Air almost missed it "I need to stop this" he said as he wiggled his hand free and took a few steps back  

"Wha- are you insane!?" Air exclaimed, and made a grab for twin, but Api jumped back before he could do so 

"Air, please…." Api looked at him with such a resigned face it made Air's stomach churn "get out of here before you get hurt"

With that parting message, the pyrokinetic bolted off towards the burning school, leaving behind a stunned Air who stood there contemplating what he should choose to do: walk away and leave his brother alone, or run after him to offer assistance. 

His choice was obvious as he took a deep breath to compose himself 'you're an idiot' he thought as he took a step towards the origin of the embers, before bolting off as well

  'And maybe, that is what makes you so admirable' 

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

Api rushed through the hallways to the classroom where the fire started. The smoke and flares get closer and closer to him as he approached the room from where the fire started. 

The flames were still minor, so he could easily withstand them better than others, but that didn't mean he was totally immune.

The fire had spread to two more classrooms by now, he had to act fast. 

'At this rate, the whole school will burn down…' Api thought to himself in dread

Noticing two kids around his age were still stuck inside, he motions them to get out "the exit is that way" he informs in a hurry

The two nod and hastily make their way out, one of them  murmuring a "Thank you" that Api had barely managed to catch. 

The fire user continued to make his way through the burning hallway. Upon seeing sudden explosions erupting nearby, and the shadow of a hauntingly familiar figure, he entered the third classroom.

He was thankful that no one was stuck in this one, but it was short lived. He yelped when a fireball suddenly made its way towards him, no doubt the work of Boboibot. 

He dodged the fireball, which landed on the doorway and effectively lit up the door in flames 'Whelp, there goes the exit' he berated himself for not thinking twice, but it was too late to back down now.   

He once again jumped out of the way when earth spikes were shot towards him with the intention of impaling him "You made a mistake in approaching me" Boboibot threatened

Api summoned fireballs of his own, inwardly apologizing to the firefighters in advance, and threw them towards the robot, who dispelled it with a vortex of wind 

Before the robot could do anything else, the fire user let his fist ignite in flames and jumped towards it,  aiming for a punch. The robot merely stepped aside before punching Api in the back with his own move

The impact sends him crashing into a desk near a window. He feels pain flare up as he pushes himself up "how did you…" Api coughs due to the smoke, he notes that the fire must be increasing from their fight…..

"I am made from your data," Boboibot explains as he summons a red sword that sizzles with electricity "I know all your existing moves" the robot rushes forward for a slash that Api has to block with his bare hands.

"That was why I was caught off guard by you in the race" Api grunted under the pressure of the blade as the robot kept on talking "but it won't happen again, Boboiboy Api "

"We'll... see about that…" Apt retorts back before pushing the robot back with a blast of fire, even though his thoughts were spiraling towards the obvious conclusion now

This junk knows all of his moves...? How is he even supposed to beat it if it keeps on guessing what he's going to do!?

Recovering quickly, the robot promptly turns his wrists into rocket thrusters, before placing them behind him and zooming towards Api. 

The pyrokinetic barely has time to jump out of the way when the robot raises his fist, which is covered in earth, and punches a hole in the ground instead.

The floor creaks and caves in, with chucks of concrete landing on the floor underneath them. 

Api scurries away and instinctively tries to summon a fireball but falters when Boboibot sprints towards him with his lightning speed, leaving him face-to-face with the robot. 

Leaving no opportunity for escape, Api's eyes widened when he was met with a punch to his stomach that sent him hurling through the wall and into the hallway.

Agonizing pain flared inside him, causing him to curl up and clutch his stomach. His skin felt like it was on fire, as the burns he sustained on his arms and torso pulsed with agony. He tried to push himself up, but the pain held him down.

Having heard metallic footsteps approach him, and he looked up towards the robot in horror  "I warned you" it's voice was emotionless and cold as it aimed a blast of fire toward him "It's your fault-"

The robot's villain monologue however was cut off when parts of the walls burst, revealing pipes that shot and hurled violently water in all directions. 

Both robot and human were caught off guard by this. And even more so when a stream of water suddenly pushed Boboibot far away from Api.

 "I guess you're not the only one here" the robot remarked as it summoned a sword and faced the hydrokinetic standing a bit far away. 

Air glared back in anger "I guess you really are waterproofed now" 

Api just stared at his twin in shock. When had Air followed him in!? He appreciated the help, but it was dangerous for him here! 

….himself excluded. 

Api noted that Air didn't have many injuries like him, just scratches and cuts, presumably from the now collapsed floor. His clothes were a little scorched, but other than that he seemed alright. 

Though, he looked tired, now that Api noticed how his posture was slumped, and how he seemed to be breathless after that attack    

"You're no match for me" Boboibot stated as it rushed towards Air with a flaming fist, which the latter blocked with a shield 

"if you really are better than us-" Air grunted as he shot another stream of water towards the robot "You wouldn't go around hurting people!" 

"I'm just getting rid of useless garbage- like you" Boboibot responded, as he shot multiple spikes of earth towards Air, which broke though his defenses and crashed into him.

The attack was followed by a tempestuous gale, whose sheer force slammed Air into a nearby wall with a loud crash that echoed throughout the hallway.

Air let out a grunt on impact before falling down on the ground. Behind him, he could see the wall and cracked and caved in from the strength of the attack.

He was already tired from the race, and all the injuries he had gained in the way just added to his fatigue. If this wasn't a serious situation, he was sure he would've passed out by now. 

But he couldn't afford to do that, not when everyone else was out there trying their best to stop this madness, not when his twin was lying there hurt.

" Air !" Api screamed, desperately trying to push himself up despite the flaring wounds that begged him to stay down. He had to do something, anything , instead of lying around !  

He frantically looked around, desperately searching for any kind of aid, when he noticed the flames that had still persisted despite the hydrokinetic's attack. 

Flames that were still growing….

Suddenly, a last-ditch idea formed in his mind.

Boboibot, seemingly deeming them not worth his time, had started to walk away when Api suddenly stood up on his feet, caressing his elbow. His cap and disheveled hair was shadowing his face, so it was hard to see his expression.

"...you really are a copy after all…" Api spoke, making Boboibot turn towards him in curiosity.

"Our brothers would have defeated us by now"  Api scoffed "yet I'm still standing on my feet" he discreetly shared a glance with Air.

Two sets of caramel eyes met each other, and a second was all it took for them to understand each other's motives, before Api focused back on the robot again, giving Air the golden opportunity to act .

Air noticed how the surrounding fire that the water failed to put out was starting to rise and accumulate near Api's feet, and an idea suddenly struck Air as well

Boboibot just stared at him for a while before sighing "Then let this copy end your lives" the robot stated as it summoned a blade, only for it to be stopped when a huge tornado of water erupted and engulfed the robot's whole body.

"You may have all of our powers," Api taunted, glancing at the water leaking from the pipes that had suddenly quickened its pace to a tremendously fast state 

"but you lack our skills." he stated coldly as he stepped aside, revealing the hydrokinetic behind the act

Air stood there, the rushing streams picking up a storm in the room and whipping up his clothes. His eyes glowed an icy blue hue as he moved his arms and strengthened the tornado, the whirlpool tearing apart chunks of metal from the robot's torso

"What-" the robot tried to exclaim, but its voice was muffled by the swift water.

"You might be waterproof" Air said, his voice cold and unforgiving as the ocean he watched the robot struggle to break free 

"But you are not invincible "

Api backed away from the whirlpool, intentionally positioning him behind Boboibot as he willed the flames around him to gather in his arms. 

His injuries radiated with pain from the additional heat, but he didn't let himself falter from his resolve. Gritting his teeth, he let the flames fester and grow .

The flares circled him like birds, making his hair and clothes levitate in the air as he braced himself and waited for his moment to strike. 

Using a giant vortex of wind, Boboibot broke free from the tornado, its exposed hardware sizzling with electricity. Air held his arms out in front of him in defense, though he maintained his control on the water despite the force pushing him back.

For Api however, the wind fanned his flames. Flaming amber eyes exchanged a glance with icy blue eyes, and Air discreetly nodded.  

Without any hesitation, the robot rushed towards the hydrokinetic using a combination of lightning speed and the earth fists  "you won't get away!" it threatened. 

However, before it could hit its mark, Air swiftly jumped out of the way "Your guard's down." Air taunted, as he landed behind the robot, causing it to look behind in astonishment, and possibly, fear . 

Beside him stood the pyrokinetic, who had also sneaked up on the robot without it noticing. "Now, Api!" Air signaled, and the fire user nodded before preparing himself for the attack.

Like a synchronized dance, both of them held out their fists that pulsated with power. Not leaving any window of opportunity open for an counter attack, they uncurled their fists with an unified shout:

"Fire!"

"Shoot!"  

Fire and water shot out from their fists, the blast of fire propelling the robot forward and hurling it through the classroom window with tremendous force, while the water shot out in all directions to defuse the school building that was still set ablaze.

Midway through the attack, a bright light enveloped the duo. The force of the flames increased in strength, while the streams solidified to form ice, covering the building in a thick coat of frost.

An explosion echoed throughout the building, even catching the attention of everyone outside. 

The rest of the kokotaim gang, who were still engaged in a fight with Adudu and Probe along with evacuating everyone, whipped their heads towards the school.

"What was that!?-" Gempa exclaimed, only to be cut off when Boboibot's scorched and tattered body was flung out of a window and landed in the middle of the campus. An explosion of frost suddenly followed, which soon engulfed all stray fires that had plagued the school.

For a moment, no one moved, too transfixed by sheer shock alone.

Their astonishment was multiplied when Api and Air, dressed up in what seemed to be their second tier outfits, sled down and landed on the ground from the 2nd floor's broken window by riding a stream of ice. 

"Is- Is that what I think it is!?" Taufan was the first to break free from the shock, immediately noticing the duo power up "And is that Boboibot !?" Adudu exclaimed as the robot sluggishly got up on its feet

Gempa felt someone tap his shoulder from behind. He looked back and was faced with a concerned Halinitar, who silently pointed at the duo, bringing their injuries to notice. 

Burns covered the pyrokinetic's arm from shoulder to wrist, who was using the ice user as support while the hydrokinetic had cuts and slashes along with a bleeding lip. 

"Are you alright, Api?" The ice user asked in concern. The fise user brushed it off with a wave "I'm fine" he reassured with a smile "also, how does Blaze sound !?" 

Air looked at him in confusion, before his eyes widened slightly in understanding "Going for a fancy nickname, eh?" He teased back, causing Blaze to pout ever so slightly 

"Oh shush! Besides, you haven't told me yours!" Blaze asked,  causing the ice user to ponder for a second before replying "hmm...I think I'm fine with Ais" 

"Ais! It suits you" the pyrokinetic responded, though their conversation was interrupted when a sword was flung their way

"Ice shield! "

Blaze yelped when he was suddenly pushed behind by Ais, who had suddenly summoned a shield in front of him. The fire user couldn't help but stare in awe.

"This ... .isn't over...yet" the robot creaked, summoning more blades of lighting along with spikes of earth, using wind to blast them towards the duo "Booo, party popper!" Blaze taunted back, while Ais deadpanned at his brother's antics.

Upon seeing the commotion, the Ori trio were about to step into the fight to help. But they were restricted from doing so by Adudu and Probe, who engaged their brothers into yet another fight to give the robot an advantage.

The spikes crashed into the shield in a never ending barrage, not giving the ice user any moment of respite. Seeing his twin getting overwhelmed, Blaze decided to step in to assist.

"I'm going to give you an opening"  he told Ais, who looked at him in shock "you can't even get close to that robot!" he yelled. Blaze grimaced in response. 

It was true. The attacks were not stopping, and both parties were on their last legs, fighting a battle of endurance. They only needed the right opportunity to strike….

"Just...trust in me." Blaze pleaded "I do, but what exactly is your plan?" Ais inquired. 

The fire user looked at the robot for a moment before answering "When you see the opening, attack " Blaze instructed as he stepped  aside and faced the robot before Ais could even comprehend what he was going to do.

" Fire chakrams !"

Two flaming circular blades suddenly manifested in Blaze's arms. Using all of his force, Blaze hurled the blades towards the robot like a frisbee, slicing off its arms and catching the blades in his arms  

" Now !" The pyrokinetic signaled as he spun to face the ice user, who nodded in return

" Ice cannon !" 

Blaze jumped out of the way, with a faint smile on his face, as Ais summoned a cannon and fired blasts of ice in rapid succession. He stopped only when he was sure the robot was fully enclosed in ice, minus its head.

However, just as he was preparing for the killing blow, he was caught off guard when a blast of wind knocked him back a couple inches, making him fall on the ground.

"What-" Ais coughed, only to be faced with the robot's stone cold expression as more projectiles formed, though it seemed similar to raw energy than elemental powers. 

In order to protect itself, the robot resorted to using its base abilities.

"This is...the end" the robot stated, aiming the attacks towards Ais, only to be stopped by a voice from behind him 

"You forgot about me, trash."

From the other side of the field amidst their ongoing fight, the others noticed the current situation between the duo and the robot "Wait, NO -!" Adudu cried out, but it fell in deaf ears.

"Maximum...Fireball!"

Blaze yelled, firing an enormous ball of fire towards the robot. A resounding explosion followed, the force causing everyone to shield their eyes. Any remaining fire was defused by ice, and as the smoke was  cleared by Taufan, the result was evident to everyone.

On the ground, all that remained of Boboibot were burnt, broken and useless bits of metal and wires.

"No! This- this is not possible !" Adudu exclaimed in outrage, only to be met with a fuming Halinitar who aimed his sword at him "You're next" he threatened. Beside him, Gempa glared at him while Taufan cracked his knuckles with a devious grin "time for payback~"

The people who had been evacuating from the fire had returned once they saw the flames had been taken care of. The rest of the kokotaim gang regrouped with the Ori trio, exchanging glances of surprise upon seeing the destroyed body of Boboibot.

"Is that-!?" 

"We missed out on all the fun!"

"WOAH-"

"That's Api and Air!?" 

Adudu, being no fool, knew when he had lost. Seeing that he was now outmatched, he made the right decision to flee before things got worse for him "Let's get out of here, Probe!" He shouted at the robot and blasted off before Yaya, Ying or Taufan could chase after him.

"Leave them be." Fang told them as the others, who had flickered back to their base forms, ran past them to approach Blaze and Ais, who were lying on the ground obviously exhausted from their injuries. 

"I think I'm immune to flamin' stuff now" Api mumbled to Tanah as he flickered out of his second tier form. The geokinetic supported him as he helped him stand up "Immune!? You're literally injured!" Taufan exclaimed, but was shushed by Tanah when he noticed how tired Api looked

(A tired Api can turn into a whiny one any moment if he's irritated)

"Are you alright? Can you walk?" Tanah inquired in concern. Api sluggishly shook his head "My legs hurt, I need a piggyback ride back home, pretty please" Tanah chuckled, relieved to see that his brother still had his spark 

"You both did great today, so I think that's deserved" Api blushed at the compliment and looked away as Tanah gently patted his head, but he couldn't help but let a smile form on his face.

Air was approached by Petir, who crouched in front of him and cupped his face "You've got a lot of bruises…." he worriedly mumbled to himself, but was interrupted when Air placed an icy cold hand of his cheek 

"My hand's made up of ice now" Air said matter of factly, causing Petir to roll his eyes in amusement "Sure, now let's get you both patched up at home" Petir responded as he carefully picked up Air in a piggyback, who had flickered out of his second tier as well, before seeing Tanah do the same with Api who had already passed out from the exhaustion.

As Air drifted off the realm of consciousness, he managed to hear Petir whisper "I'm so proud of you two" before he passed out from exhaustion as well. 

• —– ٠ ✦ ٠ —– • ·

"My legs are killing me…!" Api whined out loud as he frantically massaged his legs.

"You should sleep then-" Cahaya, who was just trying to help, backed away when Api glared at him "I just woke up a few hours ago!" 

"Air! Don't do that, you'll get sick!" Tanah scolded when he saw Air press his ice hand on his aching thighs "But it feels nice…" the ice user pouted as he turned back to his base form.

"Idiots, use these instead." Petir instructed as he handed the duo two heat-bags and some painkillers, which they both drank using the glass of water Cahaya had provided them with.

Air could see Api visibly relax upon pressing the heat-bag on his legs, as he slumped against the couch and smiled in relief "now this feels better…" he mumbled. Air also did the same, and agreed that it did reduce the pain a lot.

Unlike Air, who had agonizingly woken up covered in bandages and knew he wouldn't be walking around much for a day or two, Api did the exact opposite.

This idiot woke up, completely forgot about everything that had happened for a few minutes, tried to walk and almost tumbled down the stairs. Thankfully, Cahaya was a good cushion with extremely excellent timing.

When his sleep-exclusive dissociative amnesia was gone, he had immediately started whining about the pain and hasn't stopped since. And that meant being absolutely spoiled by the others, since they kind of saved the day today. 

The compliments did not stop for a long while. The others had even carried the trophy home for them (though they'd have to take a proper photo with it at school soon). However, the affection was postponed when Api's hair almost lit up on fire due to how flustered he was, and because he was getting overwhelmed and irritated.

Air also noticed how Api wore a full-sleeved hoodie, which was extremely rare for him. Though, he guessed it was probably because he felt self conscious about the burns that were scattered throughout his arms.

Air himself felt really sore and tired as well. He had been very keen on slipping into a coma, but was forcefully dragged downstairs by Tanah for dinner.

Since then, he and Api have not moved from the couch, minus some toilet adventures with human crouches. Not that Air minded, though he did feel hungry. He hasn't eaten anything since the race ended.

"Hey...Air..?" The hydrokinetic looked up at Api when he felt a nudge. Air hummed in response, signaling him to continue. 

"Well, I just wanted to thank you for, yk," Api sheepishly rubbed his cheek "for sticking along with me for this race, even though I had dragged you into this"

Air just stared at the pyrokinetic for a moment, trying to formulate his response, before replying "I was the one slacking off before all of this, so I kind of owe you instead" he responded, remembering all the times he had refused to accompany Api in anything.

Just because he was scared of embarrassing himself and his brothers in the process. Just because he was a coward who refused to face his problems.

"What- No!" Api protested as he gently held Air's hand, causing the other to look at him in surprise "That's not what I meant! I- You were always there for me when I needed you, Air!" 

"But I rarely accompanied you-" Air tried to argue back, but was cut off by the fire user "That was in the past! You've changed now" 

"Cowards don't change." Air mumbled as he looked away, feeling ashamed of himself just like he did a month ago, but his thoughts were stopped when he felt Api lightly squeeze his hand.  

"That's not true! You didn't abandon me when Adudu and Boboibot tried to accuse me, and you stuck by me even when I was being difficult!" 

"But-"  

"You took upon the initiative to exercise daily in the morning all by yourself, too!" 

"I-"

"You joined the race so I wouldn't be alone, and you trained with me for a month. We wouldn't have won without you, Air" 

"Api, stop-" 

"You didn't leave me behind in that burning building-" Api said as he gave his hand another squeeze "-and you protected me despite your own injuries"

"A coward wouldn't do that- so give yourself some credit, okay?" Api said as he nudged the ice user with his elbow, before smiling at him "Besides, you are amazing , regardless of what anyone else might say"

Air stared at his twin in shock for a while, processing all that he had said.

Everything that Api had pointed out….they weren't lies. Those were things he had done- all by his own determination and will.

It was him, lazy ol' uncaring him, that had taken those decisions in order to protect those he cared about.

Had he been so afraid of messing up, of being vulnerable, that he managed to miss all these signs- and ended up just berating himself even more? 

( "You're amazing Air…. Your looks don't matter, and you don't have to be anything else, I just want you to be happy by being yourself")

"Api, I…-" Air was about to respond to everything the pyrokinetic had just said, when the door suddenly burst open, revealing three figures.  

"We got takeout!" Taufan happily announced as he entered the house along with Daun and Ochobot, all of them carrying plastic bags which emitted a tantalizing aroma. 

"Here, let me take that." Tok Aba said as he emerged from the hallway and took the bags from Daun.

"Let me help, Tok Aba" Tanah requested as he took the rest of the bags from Ochobot

"I'll help out, too" Taufan chimed in as well, carrying the bags with Tanah as both of them headed towards the kitchen along with their grandma, who smiled back at them in gratitude.

Daun ran over to Cahaya and beckoned Petir to come over and whispered something in their ears , before running off upstairs towards their rooms.

Petir began clearing the area in front of the TV, followed by Cahaya covering the entire area with multiple carpets.

"What are they doing?" Api inquired as they both watched the others in confusion, Air could only shrug in response. 

Suddenly an avalanche of pillows sled down the stairs, followed by a muffled yell from Daun who landed on top of the fluffy mountain. " Be careful !" Came Tanah's voice from the kitchen, as Cahaya helped Daun up and both of them carried the pillows near the couch and dropped them on the ground.

Petir placed two chairs against both sidearms of the couch, before moving behind and placing another chair which had a broomstick taped to its back.

Cahaya handed him a giant-sized blanket, which he accepted as he stood up on the chair and draped the blanket over all  the three chairs.

"Wait, is this supposed to be a pillow fort!?" Api gasped in surprise once he realized the purpose of all the preparation

"Took you long enough. Yes, dummy" Daun replied and he handed Petir some fairy lights that would be used to light up the interior. Cahaya propped some pillows against the leg of the sofa, before moving a bit farther away and placing five pillows which had placemats on top of them

Daun approached Api and Air and forced them to begrudgingly sit upright while facing each other, before taking the heat-bags away and placing two pillows both in front of them and behind them "What is this for?" Air inquired as he eyed the table mat on top of the pillow that was in front of him.

"You'll see soon" Daun winked and scurried away towards the TV and propped a disk inside the DVD player. He then switched the TV on and placed the remote beside one of the pillows. 

Daun then handed Air his favorite whale plush which Air instantly accepted, placing it on his lap and hugging the fluffy plushie close to him.

"Dinner's here!" Taufan announced as he and Tanah entered the living  room carrying two trays full of plates. The geokinetic approached the duo and placed two plates containing a serve of chilli chicken and fried rice on top of the placemats. 

"Here's the blankets" Cahaya said as he draped two blankets over the duo's shoulder, before moving to place five more folded blankets on the ground 

"The lights are all set up!" Petir announced as he attached the plug of the fairy lights to an extention cord and turned on the switch, causing the entire fort to dazzle warmly.

Both Api and Air observed everything in awe "I- how did you all even plan this!?" Api asked in shock "You both were knocked out for hours, we had plenty of time" Taufan answered, as he got up from the floor and disregarded the trays aside.

"Now it's time for dinner," Tanah announced as he smiled warmly at the duo "With the restaurant treat you had requested, Air!"  

"And we have ice cream sundae for dessert, too," Tanah added and watched Api visibly brighten up with joy "Awesome!" Api exclaimed in glee, eager to dig into his food. 

Air's eyes widened as he remembered requesting that as a joke after the race was over "You didn't have to do all this…but thanks" He mumbled shyly as he looked down at the plate of food in front him 

It looked delicious and appetizing. He wanted to devour it instantly.

Tanah chuckled as he sat down on the ground, followed by Petir, Taufan and Cahaya. All three of them then huddled in their respective blankets as Daun turned off the lights in the room, only leaving the night lamp and fairy lights turned on, and sat down beside Cahaya.

"We're gonna be watching Inside Out 2 , it recently came out and I heard that it's really good!" Daun informed the others, hearing hums of approval from the others, as he covered himself in his own blanket before picking up the remote and turning on the TV.

"Don't stay up too late, kids!" Tok Aba said as he retired to his own room, followed by a chorus of affirmations to reassure their grandpa they won't cause any trouble.

As the TV flared to life, and the opening scene started to play, Air couldn't help but reminisce about the past few months and all that had happened up till now.

He finally acknowledged that, yes, maybe he really had changed. That he has grown to be different from who he was in the past.

As he looked around and saw how happy his brothers seemed at the moment, he couldn't help but cherish this. 

And he would not hesitate to fight tooth and nail to protect this happiness.

"Thanks, for not giving up on me, Api" Air whispered to Api with a smile, who diverted his attention from the food and the movie to stare back at Air for a moment, before his face broke apart in a vibrant toothy grin as he understood what Air had really meant. 

"And thanks for always believing in me, Air" Api replied back with a whisper, before joyfully digging back into the food and watching the movie along with the others. Air soon joined them, as he shifted his attention towards the movie while eating the delicious meal that he was provided with.

It tasted fantastic , he wanted to ask for a second serving already.

Though the road towards recovery is long, and he can't guarantee he won't fall back into old habits, Air thinks that as long as he has people who care about him, it'll be alright. 

He can accept himself for who he really is, and without any fear. He is content with what he already has, because having his brothers happy, well and close to him is all he could ever ask for.

And while the path ahead may be uncertain and obscure, he will still continue to savor these mundane moments of joy forever.

So he chooses to believe in them and in himself, and that everything will be okay in the end.

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