(Drawing Abaddon and Ashura to scale in relation to each other like this is hard to visually gauge hahaha)

Zephyr: Challenger
Before I can even begin to set out and challenge others, I am surprised to see that someone has come all this way to challenge me. In their defense, the challenger and their companion are birds, so they simply flew up to the mountains to meet me. Still, I live alone. I was amazed that somebody knew where I lived.
“This will be your first challenge,” the purple, threatening falcon commands the smaller, younger elementalist. “This is the most elderly of the other four active elementalists in this generation. If you defeat them, there will be no stopping you.” From his stance and the atmosphere, I had the feeling that he was the one calling all the shots, and that the crane was following his lead.
“You do realize I’ve never even dueled someone before, right?” The crane speaks up to the falcon. “How will I beat someone who clearly knows more than me?” For some reason, I gathered the impression that this young elementalist was hiding something from me. While they say they never dueled before, I have significant trouble believing what they say.
The falcon took a large step toward the crane. There was barely a foot of space between them as he loomed over the comparatively feeble crane. “You do not talk back to me. Do not forget you owe me your life, as I just saved yours.”
“Excuse me, sir,” I ask the falcon, “I don’t believe you’re an elementalist. Maybe you should let your pupil speak for themself, and duel me, okay?” The nerve of that falcon…
Thankfully, the falcon steps back. “Do not let me down.”
“My name is Zephyr, and I go by they/them,” I state, “What is your name?”
“I’m-”
The damned falcon interrupts. “They’re name is Ashura, and they go by they/them. If Ashura told you, you wouldn’t believe them.” How rude.
“Leave,” I command, “You are no longer welcome here. If you, yourself, are not going to challenge me to an elemental duel, then leave me so that I may face the challenger. Otherwise, I will refuse the challenge.”
“Fine.” The falcon flies away into the misty clouds above. I hope that’s the last I see of him.
Ashura dips their head down. “Sorry, it’s a long story…” I feel like I don’t need to know much to understand what is going on. That falcon is clearly abusing Ashura.
“It’s fine, I just want to talk to you. You’re the first elementalist I’ve seen in… in a long time, to be honest.” I offer a handshake, and they accept, blessing me with a smile in return. “I love seeing new blood take up elemental magics.”
I feel them shiver ever so slightly. “I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint you, really,” they whimper, “I mastered air days ago and this is my first time really facing someone…”
I chuckle, seeing through their ruse. “There’s no need to lie to me. I can tell you’re hiding your true potential just from they way you’re wording this.”
They flinch. “Wh-what? No! No, this… I’m not lying!” They grow physically agitated that I called them out on a lie. Does Ashura have a short temper, or am I missing something?
“Oh, there’s nothing to be upset about, let’s just have a good match!” I pull out my parchment and prepare for the duel. “No need to worry!” Still, something feels off. That wasn’t an appropriate reaction to being called out on a lie.
“Alright! I’m ready!” They’re lying about being ready, too?
“Hang on, hang on…” I need to get a bigger picture, “Can we talk a little before we duel?”