The Return of the Avatar

The Raid

No! My hand flies to my mouth gasping. Behind Victor stands an army of fire benders wearing black and red uniforms. They stream in the arena from the entrance in three lines marching to a steady beat into the silence of the arena. I stare in horror as reality hits me in the face; Griffen was right.

Before anyone can react to anything, Victor makes his way to the podium obviously finding the situation humorous based on the big smile on his face.  My disgust for him increases when memories of my capture flash back.

He speaks in the microphone suddenly getting serious. His army of seemingly hundreds stands at the entrance blocking any exit. Many of the warriors make their way around the arena circling around me all the meanwhile glaring at us just waiting for their orders to kill. I can't take all these warriors and Victor at once meaning I can't save these people from their wrath. People will die, because I was too stubborn to give up my ambition. 

"Hello Elementals! For those who do not know me I am Victor, a former leader under the ruling of Firelord Yomato," The crowd gets loud, "Shush, calm down. I have come here for a very important person. Allow me to take her, and I will not kill you all. Might I remind you that you are greatly outnumbered. So, be wise. I will take her and you will not resist." Victor glares at me. I should have known he'd do anything to hand me to his father. 

I ignore my fearful thoughts to run and walk confidently towards the podium. I better get this fiasco started. 

"Be careful Sky." Victor threatens.

Surprisingly, everyone stays quiet and still, waiting for some more information. My mind flashes back to Griffen. I wish he was here. An overwhelming amount of guilt courses through me. I was wrong. I'm sorry. I hope he can forgive me. Because I am here, these people may die.

"So this is it?" I say standing in front of the podium while he looks down at me, "If I don't surrender myself everyone will die."

He smiles, "That is right." 

I contemplate his offer. I will do anything to save lives, but there can't be just two options. There are children here. The elderly! I can't risk their safety to save my own!

I take a gamble hoping he won't deny my proposition and make me look like a fool in front of everyone, "Fight me. If you win I will let you take me, and I will come willingly. If you lose you have to leave with your army and never come back." That sounds pretty fair to me.

Please say yes. If he says no I don't know what I will do. I probably end up giving up.

He looks like he is contemplating the calamity of each side as he stares at the ground. I hear the whispers of the audience around me. I try to ignore the crowd the best I can, but the fear for them clouds my mind. I cannot have their blood on my hands. 

Victor suddenly lights up with confidence, "Yes! I will take you with honor." He holds his hand out wanting me to shake it. Something doesn't feel right. He seems too thrilled. I mean, I'm the Avatar, and he's just a fire bender. He can't be that confident in beating me! Unless, if he loses he'll cheat and back out! I won't let that happen. 

I nervously make my way up the stairs to the podium. I stand close to Victor catching a glimpse of Mr. West staring at me. I know he wants to jump in and save the day and fight Victor, but it is up to me now.

I grab his hand cautiously and speak, "When shall we begin?" His hand is rough and callused making me revolt in disgust.

In an instant Victor reaches in his pocket and puts out a needle. Before I can pull away, he skillfully injects me with the needle in the neck. I pull back and as quick as I can I rip it out.