The Kyoshi Hero

you've got some power in your corner now... you ain't never had a friend like me

Suki had offered to take Izuku for a tour of the rest of the island, and Izuku had been eager for some nature therapy to take his mind off of the emotionally exhausting conversation they'd just had.

She'd shown him the port where they exported fish and rice and imported other supplies and wares. She had told him about the small flea market that was set up when trade happened so sailors could buy trinkets and goods.

She'd shown him the usual paths through the forest and the ample-sized clearing surrounded by curtains of violet wisteria that encircle smatterings of fragrant wildflowers, crossed by a dainty stream. Perfect for friends and lovers alike looking to sneak off to a secluded haven for a little rendez-vous or late night trysts in the spring and summertime.

Next she had taken him to the town square which was kept lively by the squealing laughter of the island's youngest inhabitants and the comforting chatter of the townspeople going about their daily errands.

She'd shown him the cliffs that overlook the sea shore and forest near Kyoshi's shrine. Suki had even promised a trip to an offshore cave pool she had found a few summers back while out fishing.

~

Izuku's nose was filled with the scent of sea spray as he and Suki finally settled on the beach, watching the amazingly massive and beautiful elephant koi, and waiting for the unagi to show itself.

"Hey Suki," he spoke up, breaking the silence that had tentatively fallen over them, "can you tell me about this world? I've told you so much about my home but I barely know anything about yours."

Suki nodded and launched into a tale of four nations in balance until the greed of one threw the world into turmoil as they wiped out the air nomads. She told of a figure of peace who has the wisdom of previous generations and a team of friends to help them. That the Avatar has been missing for 100 years since the Air Nomads were wiped out by the Fire Nation.

The end of Suki's tale was interrupted by the appearance of the unagi. Izuku jumped back and screamed at the sight of the giant sea monster.
Suki didn't react.

"What the fuck is that?!" Izuku yelled.

"The Unagi," Suki replied nonchalantly. "Legend has it that the only one to befriend the creature was Avatar Kyoshi herself. Some say it was her companion animal, though we know she actually had a fox. Others say that she raised it and it protects these shores to honor her kindness."

"You were going to feed me to that?!" he cried, his face the picture of absolute terror, completely missing Suki's words beyond 'Unagi'. His head a blur of green as he swiveled at an inhume speed between Suki and the massive, inky black and yellow serpentine creature. It let out a shrieking roar akin to a pterodactyl before sinking into the calm cerulean waters and slinking away to await any unwelcome trespassers.

Suki shrugged, letting her eyes harden and all playfulness slip from her tone, "it's our standard threat."

She held his gaze a second too long before breaking into hearty cackles.

"Spirits, you should've seen your face!" Suki wheezed.

"E-eh?" Izuku stuttered out in confusion, traces of fear still present on his freckled face.

Suki only laughed harder at this.

"You don't ever actually feed people to it?... Right?"

Suki abruptly stopped laughing, fixed her gaze on him, smirked and said nothing.

"Suki!" he squeaked in light panic, "Suki c'mon!"

As Izuku pestered Suki for an answer, the ocean began to swallow the sun, bathing them in the comforting golden glow of sunset when Suki suddenly spoke up, "Hey Izuku? What would you say to training with us?"