MAYA [Book 1 - Water]

Chapter 52 - Remnants of the Past

-Maya's Point of View-

We landed in the middle of the forest, set up a small bonfire, and gathered around it. Appa and Momo rested on the side.

"We'll just be resting for the night. After that, we'll leave," Sokka slumped on the ground while crossing his arms.

I looked at Aang who was still in a bit of a bad mood from Sokka's nagging, and then I panned my gaze to Katara. She looked at me and we both gave each other an uneasy expression.

I looked at Chey and saw him idly sitting while looking around.

"So, Chey... You said you know someone who can teach Aang firebending. How did you know him?" I asked in hopes of breaking the awkward silence.

Chey's eyes immediately light up. "I serve a man—more than a man really. He's a myth, but he's real! A living legend—Jeong-Jeong the deserter! He was a fire nation general—or wait... Was he an admiral?"

Jeong-Jeong? If I remember correctly, it was the same firebending master that taught Mom firebending as well! What a coincidence that he's here...

"He was very highly ranked. We get it," Sokka tried to rush his storytelling.

"Yeah! Way up there!" Chey shouted putting us all in shock. "But he couldn't take the madness anymore. He's the first person ever to leave the army and live!" His energy died down as he continued. "I'm the second but you don't get to be a legend for that—that's okay though..."

"How can we trust that what you're saying is real?" Katara asked. 

"Oh, he's real alright! Jeong-Jeong is a firebending genius! Some say he's mad, but he's not. He's enlightened..." Chey answered.

"You mean there's a firebender out here who's not with the Fire Lord?! We've got to go see him! He can train me!" Aang jolted up and was ready to leave.

"We're not gonna go find some crazy firebender!" Sokka stopped him.

"He's not crazy! He's a genius!" Chey corrected Sokka. "And he's the perfect person to train the Avatar! That's why I followed you into the festival!" he continued.

Sokka slowly stood up while facing Chey. "Look, thanks for the help but, we're leaving for the North Pole in the morning."

"Sokka, this could be my only chance to meet a firebending master, who would actually be willing to teach me!" Aang pleaded.

I stood up as well and went to where Sokka was. "Aang is right Sokka. No one from the Fire Nation will be willing to teach Aang firebending. He'll have to learn it somehow; this is the only opportunity he can get," I also pleaded. "What do you think Katara?" I asked.

Katara stood up and said, "It can't hurt just to talk to him..."

"That's what you all said about going to the festival! Why doesn't anyone ever listen to me?!" he shouted and was about to walk away when a spear was pointed at his face.

Soon enough many more men armed with spears appeared and surrounded us. 

"Don't move..." one of them said.

Aang immediately raised his hands. "We're not here to cause any trouble. I'm the Avatar and we're just here to drop off a friend," he explained.

"We know," the man replied tepidly. "Follow us," he continued and they pushed us with their spears.