Avatar: The Legend of Anzen Hyriu, Book 1: The Legend of Beifen

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Uncertain Decisions

"So, what do we do now? I asked.

"Whatever we can to try and prepare you for this threat," Arnook answered. "You will begin your more intense training with Master Sonam immediately. Also, I will suggest to Instructor Chen to begin sword training as soon as possible. I do not think we should wait until spring for you to visit Master Lee and Shan. You need to work on your earth bending as much as possible, along with fire bending, though scheduling a visit with Master Zohar will be much harder. I think that when you go to Heiwa Valley, that you should practice your other bending and swordsmanship. I believe your friend, Daminao, has skill with swords. Also, whenever they can, Wei and Pakku will have intense water bending practices with you, but air bending must be your focus right now. And start getting better at hand-to-hand combat in practice, so you won't just be wasting your time and get some real practice. I also encourage you to spar with Koluk since he is actually a challenge for you."

"Okay, um, wow. I am going to be very busy," I said.

"Chief," Wei said, "Are you sure Hyriu can handle all these things? I mean, he is still just a boy. What if we held back on some things?"

"No, Wei. If the Darkness will be here in less than six months, we can not hold back. I would much rather have him over prepared than not prepared enough. We cannot be certain of anything at this point, so I am going to do all in my power to prepare him."

"Wei," I said, "Don't worry about me. I can handle it."

He didn't look reassured, but Arnook said, "Good, you will start immediately, unless you have had anymore visions,

or if you have any more information about that person in the library."

"Actually, I think I know who it was," I said.

"Oh, really," Arnook said getting excited. "Who?"

"I am nearly positive that it was Hana," I told them.

"Hana?" Wei exclaimed. "That girl you went on a date with?"

"Yes, her," I said to him.

"Well, I don't want 'nearly positive.' I want a yes or a no," Arnook said. "You'll have to investigate further. Find out for sure, then report it to Wei or me if you can. With the Avatar's return, we need to keep your identity a secret as much as possible. Now, if that is all-"

"Actually," I began, "Tekton knows about me, also."

Arnook put his face in his hands. "Alright, I won't ask how he knows just make sure he doesn't give you away. You need to be extremely careful from now on. And only tell people if you absolutely have to."

I nodded

"Oh, Chief, Taruk, the one that has caused problems before, is getting bold. He is becoming a large problem. He knows something is going on; a secret being kept." Wei explained.

Arnook sighed, "Of course he does." He rubbed his temples, "What next, Hyriu, fire bending in school? Well, I guess just keep an eye on that boy for the time being. Now, Hyriu, go to Heiwa Valley to practice, if...that is all?"

"That is all, for now," I said.

"Good," he said, clearly relieved.

Master Sonam had apparently been in the back of the room the whole time. We went to Heiwa Valley, and I learned how to properly create a mini tornado and had glider practice. On my glider, I practiced air surfing where I stand up on my glider. I had gotten pretty good, but I wanted to be great at it. Then, I practiced fire bending and earth bending for several hours. When it was about three hours after noon, I went behind the Greenwall and practiced sword fighting with Daminao. He lent me one of his swords to practice with. He was a good teacher, and at the end of our lesson, we sparred with swords and air bending. I found that he was a very talented bender. Koluk then came to the valley, and we practiced hand-to-hand combat until sundown. We had dinner at the Shui Air Temple then went home. I was so exhausted that I collapsed on my bed thinking I could sleep for the next six months.