Avatar The Last Airbender: Water and Fire [ON HOLD]

Chapter 27 - A New Friendship

A New Friendship

Toshiro's Perspective

“Bye Aang! I hope to see you again soon,” Mi Li called out in her graceful voice. “Bye!” replied Aang from astride the huge bison. With one thrust of Appa’s tail, they took to the skies and flew beyond the icy horizon. Mi Li stared out into the distance for a long moment, but my gaze remained on her the entire time. Finally she turned, and the morning sunlight illuminated the rich violet in her eyes. I stood, mesmerized by her unique beauty. She smiled with a tinge of amusement.

“What are you looking at?” she giggled, raising an eyebrow. “You,” I stated plainly. She scoffed, “I’m nothing to look at. Now come; Chief Arnook wanted us to meet him in the discussion hall,” she said, strolling elegantly past me. Just as she did, I caught her sweet scent in the chilly breeze. I inhaled deeply, and instantly felt a deep urge. But I shook the feeling away and began to trail swiftly behind her. I followed her through hallways and stairs, until finally we arrived at the door of the discussion hall. The entire journey, I was in the path of her unique aroma – I could’ve followed her effortlessly, even if I was blindfolded.

“Mi Li, Toshiro, welcome,” greeted Arnook as we entered through the doors. “Good morning Chief Arnook, Lady Saska, Mr and Mrs Yukiko, and Ina” Mi Li greeted with poise. Ina, my younger sister, jiggled with delight at the sound of her name. I suppressed my amusement at her childishness, before I followed by example and greeted everyone respectfully. “Good morning Chief Arnook, Lady Saska, Father, Mother, and Ina,” I said, bowing to all of them. The adults bowed their heads in acknowledgement, and I made my way to join my family, sitting next to my sister on one side of the large icy table.

Mi Li sat parallel to me, on the right of Arnook. Again, I felt a great divide expanding and deepening, between the two parties. My stubborn parents, as respected and wealthy as they were, would not accept a stranger as their leader. I knew they are my parents, and it is wrong for me to disobey them, but part of being a good leader is having the ability to see things beyond what they are on the surface. Mi Li has good intentions, and the potential to bring positive changes to the Northern Water Tribe. But most importantly, she has more right to the throne than anyone else alive; because of her royal heritage.

I knew that this meeting would be one for debates and the sharing of our deepest thoughts, so I braced myself for the worst. The room was silent. Even Ina didn’t dare to disrupt the tense mood of the air; she knew how to behave in such situations. Finally, Arnook broke the silence, a grave expression on his face. “Well, here we are to discuss important matters, once again. Toshiro, your outburst yesterday was most unnecessary. It is not good for your first impression. Why did you behave that way?” he asked with concern, speaking in a gentle but stern tone. I had rehearsed myself for this and many other questions; the words flowed out flawlessly.

“Chief Arnook, it wasn’t right of him to question your decision. And he was incredibly rude towards Mi Li, even after you had announced her appointed position and royal heritage. I thought it was only my responsibility to teach him respect,” I stated confidently, pausing to allow him to think. He nodded his head in agreement. “I understand, but I would have told him myself. Your fierce behaviour was unnecessary. Intimidating the guests is not a good way to begin your role as Prince of the Northern Water Tribe,” he said.

I inhaled calmly and looked him in the eye. “I understand that, but in all honesty, I’m not concerned about my image. The rightful successor is Mi Li – we all know that. I will do what I must to comply with your arrangements, but I have no doubts that in the near future, Mi Li will agree to succeed you. My place as Prince is only temporary and meaningless; Mi Li will become the next leader,” I concluded strongly. The room was silent as Arnook contemplated.