The Art of Fire and Water

2: The Waterbending Scroll

The sun rose over the small Earth Kingdom town, a gentle breeze carried the scent of sweet cherry blossoms marking the time of the year. Market vendors were out and about selling their farm goods.

Fishermen unloaded their daily catch, while children laughed and played along the waters edge. People went about their daily routines, smiling and greeting each other. A sense of peace settled over the town and myself.

I wore an Earth Kingdom attire I bought a few weeks ago. A sheer faded sage green scarf covered my hair and a worn out leather pouch hung at my waist, containing my stash of stolen goods. I had a second hand sword that I always wore behind me

I leaned against one of the cargo boxes setting my bag aside to fix my hair. I comb through my long hair braiding the few front strands before heading back out.

It's only been a few weeks since my escape from the Fire Nation. I could never be too careful.

I scanned the crowded marketplace targeting my next unsuspecting victim. I follow after a market vendor, One known to knock off people with his prices. I edge closer to the man pretending to look at his merchandise. When he finally looks away my hands moved with precision, keeping my eyes locked on the merchants pouch. With a swift and silent motion, I snatch the bag from him quietly. Its contents click softly as I quickly blend back into the crowd as if nothing happened.

I head back to the boating dock but before I do I snatched a few warm loafs of bread and a few ripe fruits from different vendors, vanishing into the crowd before anyone noticed.

I head under a small dip under the boating dock away from the public's eyes. There, the kids waited, their eyes hungry for anything. I climbed down to join them, my footsteps echoing on the shallow water puddles.

I distributed the food equally amongst each kid.
Each of these kids became homeless after the fire nation burned down their home. As the kids devoured the food, their faces lit up with joy.

One of the younger ones, a tiny girl with a mop of curly hair looked up at me with eyes aglow. I couldn't help but feel a sense of love and purpose.

"Save these rations for at least a few days" I announced to them. A moment of silence.

"Are you leaving us, Devna?" The little girl speaks up.

"Yes, I'm afraid I can't stay here for too long without being caught. Eventually, the Fire Nation will come looking for me. I can't keep smuggling food down here" I said sadly. All the kids ate silently listening to the disheartening news.

"You must learn to survive on your own. It's a cruel world out there. I promise I will be back with wealth for each and every one of you!" I say optimistically. I grab the stolen pouch of coins and give it to the oldest child.

"Take this. It will last a few weeks. You can use it to get some shelter or food. Spend it wisely" I put my hand on his shoulder before grabbing my things and heading out. I didn't dare to turn around and see their sad faces. In the distance I hear "we'll miss you, Devna."

Desperation etched on my face, I stood at the dock, gazing out the pirate ship anchored in the harbor. I've heard rumors about these pirates and how wealthy they were.

With a deep breath, I approached the burly pirate guarding the gangway. He looks down on me.

"I want to join" I say with my voice firm. The pirate raises his eyebrow at me, eyeing out my slender frame and outfit. He was much bigger and muscular than me. He was shirtless with saggy black pants with a belt for his daggers. His arms filled with many tattoos.