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

Chapter 28 - A Year Older

A Year Older

The Passing of another Year

“Well done, girls! I am so proud of the progress you are making. You all deserve a good break, I will see you tomorrow,” said Master Yugoda as she ended the healing class. The young girls, and I, rose to our feet and bowed respectfully to her. “Thank you, Master Yugoda,” we chorused. She smiled serenely, and nodded for the girls to depart. Ina grabbed my hand and began to pull me towards the exit. “Wait, Princess Mi Li!” called Master Yugoda, seizing my other hand. I quickly turned in her direction, “Yes, Master Yugoda?” I asked politely.

 “I’d just like to say that I am so impressed with your skills. You are naturally talented, just like little Ina here. I know you didn’t get to show what you could really do, but I could tell that you have a great potential just by watching your technique. What I was most inspired by was your attitude; you had such good concentration, you were keen to learn, and you knew how to keep your mind clear. These are the qualities of a master waterbender, as well as a great leader. I am sure you will do very well. Would you like to stay for the next lesson?” She spoke with pride and enthusiasm.

I felt the warmth flare through my cheeks. “Oh, thank you for your compliment, Master Yugoda. I’m quite flattered. I’d like to stay for the next lesson –” I tried to say, but was abruptly cut-off by another voice. “Sorry for the urgency Master Yugoda, but Mi Li needs to come with me now,” said a male’s voice. I quickly turned towards the entrance of the room, and found Toshiro standing by the doorway. His wide chest was heaving from the run, and his face expressed both excitement and sadness. I gazed deeply into his eyes, hoping that I may find the reason for his urgency, but they were just as unfathomable.

Deciding that I would ask him later, I turned to Master Yugoda. “Well, I suppose I have to go now. I may not return for a long time, so I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said, waving goodbye as I walked towards the exit. She smiled and waved good bye, “I’ll see you tomorrow, my dears.” Outside, Toshiro lead the way.

“What’s wrong?” I asked him.

“Nothing,” he replied.

“Really? Then why are you rushing?”

“I’m not rushing. I just want to get you there faster. It’s important,” he said without looking me in the eye.

“Where are we going?” I persisted.

“First, we’ll take Ina back to the palace. Then the two of us, will go to meet your grandparents.”

I froze where I stood, unsure if I had heard the right words. “My grandparents? I have grandparents here in the Northern Water Tribe?” I asked disbelievingly.

He stopped, turned to face me, and sighed. “Yes. Chief Arnook told me today. I went to meet them, and they’d like to get to know you,” he answered slowly. “Are you okay with that?” he asked with concern. I nodded, “Yeah, I’m fine with that… I just didn’t know I still had grandparents here,” I answered, a bit dazed. We were all silent for a while.

“Well, then let’s hurry so you can meet them sooner,” he urged. He grabbed hold of Ina’s hand and began to lead the way again. I tailed closely behind them. Soon we approached three ostrich horses. The three of us mounted one each, and we quickly arrived at the palace. We left Ina there, and I followed Toshiro to meet my grandparents. We didn’t speak a word, though it wasn’t long before we arrived at a small building, and Toshiro dismounted. I did the same and stood next to him at the doorstep. He knocked casually on the door’s wooden surface, and we waited patiently for the elderly couple to meet us.

Waves of nerves were sent reverberating through my body, and I couldn’t help feeling somewhat queasy. What would they think of me? Would they see me as the half-cast child that everyone else did? Would they fear me? Would they blame me for the death of their daughter? Would they curse my father for deeds he didn’t do? Would they… –