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

Chapter 38 - Conflicts

Conflicts

Right or Wrong, Lovers or Friends?

Midday. The sky was cloudy. Not a patch of blue could be seen. A gentle breeze danced through my half-opened window, bringing the curtains to life. The cool breath slid over my skin, sending a shiver through me. But I lay there, on my bed, staring out into the endless grey sky. When the cold air left, I sighed and relaxed. Suddenly the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the door. I closed my eyes, hoping that whoever was there would think I was asleep and leave.

The wood creaked as the door opened, then silence. I kept my breaths slow and quiet. But the sound of footsteps became louder until I could sense someone standing beside my bed. Now I was tempted to open my eyes, but I held back my curiosity.

“Mi Li, I know you’re not asleep. Besides, it’s me – Azula.”

I opened my eyes and turned my head to see her. She stood there with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face. I sighed. “Is it really that easy to tell? Anyway, what are you doing?”

“Just checking on you. How are you feeling?” She asked, as she sat on the edge of my bed.

“Better. Still feeling a little tired, but I’m okay.” I gave her a small smile and shrugged my shoulders. She blew a sigh of relief.

“Well, that’s good. Hey, it’s about time for lunch. Want to come down and eat a bit?” she suggested, but I shook my head.

“No, I’m not in the mood to eat. You can go without me,” I answered plainly.

“But you need to get your energy back. At least have a bowl of warm soup,” she persisted. I sighed and shook my head again.

“No, I’ll be fine,” I argued with little enthusiasm. Becoming impatient, she quickly stood and placed her hands firmly on her hips.

“You’re not fine. Now, don’t make me feed you, because I will,” she warned in a stern voice. I giggled quietly.

“I’ll eat… just not yet. I need to go somewhere for a while,” I explained. Just as I did, she dropped her arms to grab my shoulders.

“Go somewhere? You can’t leave the palace yet. You’ve just woken from a coma!”

“I won’t be long, I promise. I need to think. Please, just this once. Don’t tell anyone else I’m gone,” I pleaded. But she was hesitant.

“But… can’t you think here? I don’t see how leaving the palace makes a difference.” She held a puzzled expression. I rolled my eyes.

“Fine, if you really need to know… I’m going back to my old house for a moment. Does that explain it?” Then she mouthed an ‘oh’ and nodded. I smiled. “So can I go?” I gave her the sweetest expression I could and waited for her response. She was still uncertain.

“But Mi Li, look at the sky. I’m quite sure it’ll rain soon. You’ll catch a cold and then we’re both going to be in for it.” I huffed.

“You forget – I bend water. Catch a cold? What cold?” I shrugged my shoulders. But Azula still looked reluctant. I sighed. “I’ll be fine.”

“Alright! But be quick. I’m not getting in trouble because of you.” She narrowed her eyes.

“Okay, if it makes you happy: what do you want me to do for you if we get caught?”

She thought for a while… then a row of devilish teeth were revealed behind her bright crimson lips. I held my breath for the answer.

“Well… seeing as you’ve offered…” she began.