The Legend of Akane - Book 1: Fire

Chapter 1 - The Birthday Party

Air. Water. Earth Fire. Many things have changed during each of the Avatar's lifetimes. A war was fought and ended. The spirit portals have been opened. The avatar has hunted down villains. Avatar Aang, Avatar Korra, and Avatar Cheng have changed the world. But now, there's a new era of technology, unrest, and imbalance, and the Avatar still needs to be found. Where could she possibly be?

"Ha!" I huff, as I punch while firebending. Sifu Fulin says, "Good job, Akane". Wiping off sweat from my forehead, I say, "Thank you, Sifu Fulin ." Fulin claps his hands exclaiming, "I have good news, Akane." " What is it?" I quip. "You have successfully finished this test," Fulin said. "You are now a master firebender." The other pupils clap for me. I exclaimed excitedly, "Yes! Thank you! - I mean thank you for believing in me." Fulin says to me, "In the past three years that I've taught you, you are the fastest pupil I've had to master firebending." I bow while saying, "Thank you, Sifu." Fulin announced, "Class, you are dismissed." While everyone else was leaving, I tell Sifu Fulin, "Thank you so much for believing in me. It means a lot." Fulin puts his hand on my shoulder. "You're welcome, Akane." Fulin says. "I have to go now," I say while packing up my belongings. "Bye." Running out of the building, I meet my friend Kaito.

"How was class?" Kaito asks. I exclaim, "Awesome! I'm officially a master firebender." "Congratulations," he says. "I've been learning waterbending since I was 10, and I still haven't mastered it." "It takes drive, Kaito," I say while walking to the subway station. "I know" Kaito sighs. "Let's get you home." Kaito was born and raised in Republic City, just like I was. After getting to the subway station, I go to the bathroom. I change into a formal dress. My father doesn't like me wearing pants. After changing, I look into the mirror depressingly. "This isn't me," I think. "This isn't Akane."

After getting off the subway, Kaito and I walk to my house. Along the way, Kaito says, "You sure have a nice house. Must be nice being rich." "I know, I know. Liwei Industries has recently invented virtual reality. It's the next best thing." I respond somberly. When we get to the front door, I knock on the door. "I can't believe my own parents don't want me to have a house key." I sigh. Liwei, my dad, opens the door. "Kaito," Dad asked. "What did you do with Akane?" "We just went around town," Kaito says, lying. "Window shopping, saw some shows, and ate sushi." Liwei replied, "You should have told me you were going shopping. I would have given you money." "It's no big deal," Kaito says. "I've got to be going now." "Bye," Kaito says to me. He then leaves to go back to his home.

I look at my younger brother, Hakan, who was taking private firebending lessons in the doorway to our large backyard. "Why does Hakan get to take lessons while I have to keep it a secret." I think. "I'm two years older than him. I should be the one taking lessons." My mother, Jia, walks up to me staring outside. "What's wrong, Akane?" Mom says. "Nothing," I sigh, hoping my mother wouldn't get into my feelings. "Don't lie to me," my mom says sternly "I know something's wrong." "You know what, mother?" I say angrily. "Why does Hakan get to learn firebending while I'm just stuck doing boring things! I'm a firebender too, you know. I deserve to learn the art!" "I know it's hard, Akane," Mom says. "But you need to do your chores." "What?" I yell. "Sewing, cooking, cleaning, that's stuff I don't want to do. That's nothing what I want to do. I want to become a master firebender and travel the world!" Mom responds, "I'm sorry, but it has to be this way. But you're a woman." "You and dad are so sexist and and immature!" I snap back. "Calm down," Mom says. "It's your birthday today." "I'm sick of it!" I angrily say. "I have dreams and ambitions I want to accomplish!" My dad then walks in. "Calm down, Akane. That's no way to treat your mother," Dad says sternly. "Dad, you understand," I say. "Why won't you let me learn firebending? It's an ancient art." "It's unladylike." he says snobbishly. "Ugh," I growl. "I'm going to my room." "Akane," Dad says. "The news is about to be on. Would you like to watch it while doing chores?" "Sure," I sigh.