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

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

The Finals

The water bending tournament had already begun. In fact, it was almost over. I had fought eleven matches and had only won six. Tekton had won ten and lost two. Huan and Taruk were fighting. I was impressed with Taruk's bending skills. He beat Huan, making that his ninth win out of twelve. I faced Da-Xia in my match. He won but he didn't do overkill. He just nicely beat me then helped me up. Arnook announced the semi-finalists, then everyone began to disperse. As I was walking home, a lot of people said "Good job," to me or, "There is still tomorrow," and other words of encouragement. I was very confused and met up with Wei. I told him about how everyone was being so nice to me.

"Well, most everyone in Hydronia has heard about your actions during the scouting mission. They're all calling you a hero," he said.

"Really? Wow," I said humbled, "So this is a taste of being a, well, a hero."

"Don't think this is what it is like," Wei admonished. "Do you want to experience that battle again?"

I shuddered and shook my head.

"I didn't think so, and that was just a small skirmish. Imagine the real war that rages on right now," Wei said.

I thought about that. That night, I had more nightmares, and I didn't get much sleep. I saw the Fire Nation woman again, and I could see her glimmering sword. It was a katana with a red grip threaded in gold. The next day was tense. It was the swordsmanship tournament. I wouldn't be holding back today. We all gathered in the Training Field. I had the Gambing Blade strapped to my waist. That tournament was much more fun for me since I got to truly demonstrate my skills. Of course with every match, I did the "No disrespect intended" thing. I fought vigorously, not holding back. I kept my disarming technique a secret as I was saving it for a special someone. Tekton and Taruk fought. Taruk was a beast and beat Tekton. Then he glared over at me. The crowd loved my display of skills and shouted "Hyriu Swordwielder."

I won every match I fought. I didn't gloat or boast to anyone. I just fought respectfully and then left the stage. I knew I had to be humble. This was a test of character. I noticed Wei watching me closely, confirming my suspicions. I never over did a fight, and if I came up against an opponent who wasn't that good, I still used complex moves to beat them. Others, on the other hand, played down their skills and beat their opponent with simple moves to show how bad he was. I didn't want anyone to feel bad about themselves; I wanted them to try. At the end of the day, I won all my matches, Taruk won eleven matches, and Tekton won eight, so he just barely made it. Everyone congratulated me on my success. Afterwards, I hung out with my friends and we celebrated.

The next day was the semi-finals. If you lost your match, you were out. The hand-to-hand combat semi-finals were first. Tekton and I fought; he won. The semi-finals would narrow the warriors down to just two people for the finals. They went pretty quick, it seemed. They were over before noon, and Koluk and Hito were the final two. Chief Arnook congratulated them both. There was a short break before the water bending tournament. I went to the stands and sat with Lina, Fai, Koluk, and Hana.

"Good job, Koluk," Hana said.

"I can not wait to see you fight tomorrow. I am sure it will be great," Lina said.

"Nice job," Fai said.

The water bending part started. We cheered on our friends. Taruk fought with an angry expression. He annihilated Tekton. The final two were Huan and Taruk. There was another break. I got up to go down to the field.

"You nervous?" Fai asked me before I walked away.

"Yeah, I am," I replied.

"Don't worry. They don't call you 'Hyriu Swordwielder ' for nothing," Hana said.