Element 6: A Secret World (#WattyAwards2015)

Chapter Three: Troy

"Troy Calvo." Headmaster Leon called out my name.

"Yes Master Leon," I responded with a small respectful bow.

"Would you mind taking a walk with me?" Master Leon asked as he continued to walk towards the gardens.

"Yes Master." I held up my hand to the boy I was currently training, dismissing him from his class.

Master Leon kept quiet till we walked past the first rose bush of the garden. He let out a sigh and held out his hands to the sky. A small whirlwind engulfed the old man and soon it was a ball which he sat on. As Master Leon rolled around I tried my best to keep in pace with him.

"Franklin seems to be growing strong, don't you agree?" Master asked, stopping to pluck a light pink rose from it's bush.

"Yes Master, I think he has great potential." I replied.

Master looked at the rose, studying the flower as he slowly twirled it between his forefingers. I watched him in amazement as he bended water from the air and managed to engulf it around the flower, crystallizing the water.

"Many don't believe in forever Troy..." Master Leon spoke softly, "Do you?"

"Depends." I said curtly.

Master Leon chuckled.

"I believe in forever, I can see that forever isn't far away." Master Leon confused me, what did he mean by forever?

"You can see forever Master Leon?"

"I can see the future Troy! I can see your forever is coming." He smirked at me and I suddenly had a warm feeling in my chest.

"My forever?" I whispered.

"Here, this is your key." Master Leon handed me the frozen rose, the baby pink color seemed to grow lighter making the flower look even more prettier.

"Master Leon, why did you call me out here?" I could tell Master Leon had something to say, but he was stalling.

"First you must understand forever Troy. It's not only the future, but a part of your life." Master continued to roll through the gardens.

"Master, was there something you wanted to tell me?" I tried a little harder.

"Troy... I'm old, I'm tired, and I've lived forever." I felt a weird feeling grow through me. "I'm done fighting to live, and..."

"No..." I whispered, "Master Leon if you don't feel well I can always call the medics."

I began to panic as Master Loen let the ball of air die, slowly placing him on the ground. He sat in front of me, looking at me intensly with his gray eyes.

"Troy, this type of illness... it's natural and it can never be cured." He spoke wisely, choosing the right words to confuse me. "It's your turn to be strong and find your forever Troy. Replace me son, I can see right now that you'll be better than I was."

Master Leon's voice faded as he slowly faded into the wind.

~*~

I quickly sat up in my bed, my blanket falling of the edge and landing quietly on the floor. I rub my face, a tired feeling rushing back to me as I sighed. To my left, I stared at the frozen flower that Master Leon had given me before he passed away. I had the technician waterbenders build me a vase to keep the iced flower nice and cold so it won't melt.

I stared out my window counting the stars that circled the moon. I counted a hundred small flashing dots. Taking in a deep breath, I turned back to the flower before looking at my clock that sat right below it.