The Lost Avatar

Part 1 - Chapter 12

The Fire Temple

We trained throughout the Summer before the 12th grade began. It was a strategic decision, of course. Dev wasn't that acquainted with his new strength and firebending source so it was really important for us to practice with it. I don't think he realized that his training doubled automatically. I thought he was intelligent. He only noticed after I got tired one day. I don't remember why I did but I did. Anyway, I planned to take Dev to Fire Temple of Avatar Roku during November because we'll have a week off from school then.

Naomi faithfully sent two Dai Li agents and we rendezvous at the Jaipur Airport in Rajasthan, India. As per instructions, their outfits blended in and they seemed like normal tourists. The two of them were different than the last. I guess, that's a good thing. This time, I didn't feel like interacting that much with them unlike last time. Maybe it was because they were not interested either or maybe it's because I was slightly nervous about this trip. They were Dai Li, no doubt about that but it was the first time I saw a woman as one of them and the other man had so many tattoos, which was conventionally unusual.

I had a lot on my mind. Dev's training is almost done and he'll leave as soon as we graduate. Then what do I do? I'll be alone for real...

We found a taxi from the airport and drove to our hotel where I pre-booked rooms for all of us in pairs. It was quite difficult to book a room, let alone two. One room had two dorm beds inside and I decided to let the Dai Li duo have it. That left out the other room which had a double bed.

"All right. We leave tomorrow at 4:00 am to beat the heat of the desert. Our guide will wait for us at a checkpoint in the Desert and we must walk to the temple from there as vehicles are not allowed." I explained, while we all ate dinner on the floor in my room together.

"How far do we walk from there, my lord?" asked the woman Dai Li.

"7 kilometers, at least. So, don't forget to cover up while going. The temperatures will still rise." I spoke.

"Yes, my lord." The duo replied together.

I looked at Dev and he nodded in understanding.

"You seem troubled, Kova. Are you worried about how the Fire Sages will react to the Dai Li?" I noticed as he accompanied me taking out the trash from our room.

"No. I just can't believe that you have to share a room with Dev. I don't trust the situation." He said.

I was taken aback. What? That's your concern, Kova? Really?

"Kova, we are only sleeping for a few hours. We all need to get up early. Don't know what you're worried about." I said and left.

I straightaway entered my room and shut the door. Seriously, Kova. Sometimes I forget that he's a conservative old spirit. Literally hundreds of years old. I checked my watch, quickly changed my clothes and went into the sheets of the bed. I took out a scroll that consisted of pictures of different hand movements for a new firebending technique that I was trying to remember.

A few minutes later, Dev entered the room and closed the door after him. He came and sat down on the edge of the bed with his back facing me while slightly yawning. He then massaged his forehead.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Kova's probably going to hear through the door." He said.

"I see he's still getting worked up." I said.

"Yeah...anyway. The agents are comfortable in that room. Maybe we should've taken that one." He said.

"This room is more secluded than that one. It'll be easier for them to protect us." I said.