Wandering Firebender

Fifty Two: Dry Runs

Elio woke up slowly with a yawn. As he lifted his head, his eyes were hit with the first rays of the morning sun bouncing off the snow and ice around his lodge. He rubbed his eyes and sat up with a grumble. He went about his morning routine as he always did.

Cleaning his face with water felt painfully different in these naturally freezing temperatures. His face stung and his hands were shaking from the cold. He took a few deep breaths, using his firebending to warm himself. In harsh temperatures like this, even normal activities required some adjusting.

Elio got dressed and was having his breakfast when there was a knock on his door. He went to the front door and opened it up. He found a middle-aged man with long, dark hair and a Water Tribe parka on waiting for him. He was scowling with a serious expression.

"Good morning," Elio gave him a polite greeting as he chewed his food. "You must be...?"

"Hazo. I am the resident waterbending master and instructor to our students. And you must be the firebender that got into our palace." Hazo said in response. Elio could tell right away that this man was not happy that he was here.

"Yes. My name is Elio. It's nice to meet you, Master Hazo." He said respectfully, offering a handshake.

"I wish I could say the same," Hazo said as he returned the handshake. "How long do we have until the Fire Nation gets here?" He asked.

"The summer solstice is a little over a week away. So not long." Elio answered.

"Then we don't have time to waste. My students are waiting for us on the training grounds." Hazo said as he started walking away. Elio quickly ran back inside and grabbed his things, hurrying to catch up with the master.

"Right, okay. I'm ready."

"How is it that you plan on instructing my students?" Hazo questioned him. Elio hummed to himself. He hadn't given this as much thought as he should have.

"Well...I'm going to show them how the average Fire Nation soldier fights, and teach them how to counterattack." Elio summarized simply with a casual shrug.

"Well, I suppose that'll be a good start. I want everyone, especially my students, to be as prepared as possible. After we almost lost last time, I don't want to take any chances. I'm sure the Fire Nation will be even more fortified this time."

"Yeah, yeah, you're definitely right about that. I'll help out however I can." Elio promised.

"I hope so."

Master Hazo and Elio reached the training grounds. All of the students were sitting around and talking, but when they saw their teacher approaching, they quickly stood up and got in line. Elio looked through all of the students hoping to see Cindra, but she wasn't there.

"Good morning, students. I'm sure some of you have already heard rumors of our special guest. Why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself?" Hazo invited Elio to speak. Elio cleared his throat and took a step forward.

"Hi, everyone," He waved. "I am Elio. I am from the Fire Nation. I've come here to teach you how to fight against firebenders." He said with a pleasant smile. The students all looked at each other and became concerned.

"I guess it hasn't been announced yet, so you will be the first to know," Master Hazo said, stepping forward too. "The Northern Water Tribe is coming under attack again. In about a week, the Fire Nation will be back to try and overtake us again." He revealed.

There was a collective gasp among the students, and many grew fearful.

"Not to worry! That is why I am here! I am going to teach you what you need to know, so you can help! My aim is to help all of you to fully prepare for this fight!" Elio spoke up to reassure them.