The Last Airbenders > Zuko

2

The avatar.
The Southern Air Temple had requested me to teach the avatar airbending.

I stared at Gyatso. I'm not sure how long, to be honest I sort of feel bad for keeping the unreadable expression on my face for so long.
"...the avatar?" I asked out loud, more like processing the information to myself.

"That's right."

"You want me to teach the avatar?"

"Correct."

I pondered, searching myself for an answer I knew I wasn't sure about.
I would have to leave my home. Kei. Mother. The place I had been born and raised. All the people I've ever met. Visiting really wasn't the issue, the issue was that I had no idea how long I'd have to stay at that temple. An entire new place with people I've never met.

The thought would seem scary, but I know I could handle it. This is the avatar we're talking about. That changes everything.
Wouldn't it?

"I understand if you need time to think on the matter." Gyatso spoke up after a few moments of my silence. "Take your time."

I smiled at him before I rubbed my eyes. "How old is the avatar?"

"Currently, he just turned ten years old." The Monk replied as i nodded.

Alright, only a four year different. Not that bad. I could handle a kid with a seven year difference just fine.

"How is he doing so far?"

"He's learning fast. He's a hyper one, that kid. Always up to push himself and learn even more. And he always puts a lot of pressure on himself, so he needs someone patient and willing to listen to him."

That sounded exactly like Kei.
I smiled.

"I'll need to discuss this with my family, after that I will be able to give you an answer."

 
Gyatso nodded with a smile. "Of course."

***

"What was it about?" My mother asked, as we sat down for dinner. She was finishing wrapping her hair in her golden hair pin. She wore it almost everyday, the sparkles and shine it illuminated always reminded me of the sun.

"With Monk Gyatso?"

She nodded.

"Oh." I replied setting my chopsticks down. "I actually need to talk to you both about that."

They gave curious looks, but waited to listen.

I sighed. "Gyatso has asked me to go with him to the Southern Temple and train one of his students. He claims he's too old to continue to teach, so he wants me to take place."

My mother thought for a moment. "Just one student?"

I knew that tone. That was the tone she used when she was trying to say 'why? That sounds pointless.'

I nodded. "Yes- but mom, this student is incredibly important. He's the avatar."

Her expression changed, so did Kei's before he beamed.

"He asked you to teach the avatar?!"

I smiled and ruffled his hair. "He sure did."