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

Chapter 31 - Wavering Flames

Wavering Flames

Mastering Fire

I heard footsteps approaching as I sat calmly on a bench in the Spirit Oasis. I turned to see who it was, but I already knew who to expect.

“There’s actually earth here. I’m surprised,” Haru commented, smiling slightly as he sat down next to me.

“It reminds me of home.”

Silence.

“Please, Mi Li. Talk to me. I know I’ve done things that you don’t agree with, but it’s always been for you,” he pleaded desperately. I sighed.

“Haru, I’m leaving to go to the Fire Nation. I need to master firebending and Azula has offered to train me,” I told him, getting straight to the point.

“But why won’t you come with me? And it’s just as good being with me. Iroh lives in Ba Sing Se – he can train you,” he argued. I scoffed.

“Come on, Haru. He’s a retired general. The only thing he does these days is run a tea shop. I don’t want to be bothering him with my responsibilities.”

“He never said he would be bothered to train you. In fact, I reckon he adores you like his own daughter,” he said, folding his arms. I shook my head.

“Regardless, I’ve made my decision and Chief Arnook agrees. I’ll be leaving in a few more days,” I concluded, pivoting to turn away from him. We were silent for a moment.

“What is it about me that you’re running away from? We’ve always been close. Why do you behave as though you hate me now?” he questioned in a pained tone. I didn’t hesitate to answer.

“I’m not running away from you; I have responsibilities – that’s the truth. And I’ve already said how I feel about you. You’ve changed, Haru, but they aren’t bad changes. I’m just finding it very difficult to adjust. Sometimes, I feel that I don’t know you anymore. You’re not that kid that was like a brother to me – you’re a grown man who’s strong, confident, responsible and determined. I’m proud of you, I really am. But sometimes, I get worried of the immense ambition I see deep in your eyes. It makes me wonder about the power you have, and I get a little scared. I’ve thought about it, and I’ve realised that what I need is time; to get used to this new you. Also, I feel like I’m not ready to make any decisions. I don’t want to have to be choosing between you and Toshiro. I’m already busy with my place here as the princess, and my role as the Avatar’s Disciple. I don’t want to have to give myself more problems.”

“You make it sound as though you don’t trust me; as though if you chose me you’d regret it later. If that’s the case, why don’t you marry Toshiro right now and end this suspense?” The rage was becoming evident in his voice. I sighed and turned to face him.

“Don’t you see, Haru? I don’t want to choose right now because I still believe in you. I believe that one day we can be together, but that will depend on how things turn out between us. We’ve had great memories that I don’t want to put to waste over some issues that we can’t fix. Nothing is your fault. The problem is me.”

“What? No! You’re not the problem. Meeting you has been the greatest thing to happen in my life and I love you!”

“Haru, please don’t be such a fool! I am the problem!” I exclaimed, thumping my hands angrily onto the bench. He gazed at me, confused. “Haru… While you’ve been gone, I’ve been here, and I’ve begun falling for Toshiro. The moment I realised what was happening, I began feeling guilty. After everything you’ve done for me… I don’t know if I can return your feelings.”