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

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

The Tragedy of the Lok Wa Isles

After Wei had given his speech, and everyone was dismissed, I told him what had happened. He was furious at Taruk and me but refused to talk about the matter further. Hana healed most of my injuries, but I was still pretty sore and bruised. The next morning, everyone was on edge. We still had school, so I got ready and woke Hiko. I felt like today was important, but I couldn't remember why.

At school, no one was focused. I sat down in History by Koluk and Hana. I made an effort not to look at Taruk. Mr. Hui walked in as class started.

"Well, I know everyone will be distracted, given the circumstances, but don't think that means we will have no lesson. In fact, it all seems a horrid coincidence that all this is happening with today being today, after all," Mr. Hui said.

"Um, what is today?" A girl named Kanshin asked.

"Nine years ago, today, was the last and worst Fire Nation attack on the Northern Water Tribe; the attack is known as The Tragedy of the Lok Wa Isles," Mr. Hui answered her grimly.

I swallowed down emotions. That was why today seemed important. With everything that had happened, I had completely forgotten.

"What exactly was The Tragedy of the Lok Wa Isles?" Kuhaku asked.

"Well to be honest, no one is really sure, Kuhaku. All that anyone knows is that one of the smaller fishing villages sent word to the capital calling for help. Now, that right there is odd. The main city in the isles is Higeki. And if one of the smaller villages needed aid, they would contact Higeki, and if they couldn't provide enough aid, then Higeki would contact the capital. So when this small village sent word to the capital, everyone raised an eyebrow. A message was sent to Higeki, asking about the possible danger, but they didn't get an answer. Even more suspicious, a ship was sent with some of the Water Tribe's greatest, including Master Wei and Desu. Anyway, they traveled to Higeki and found it burned to the ground. They searched for survivors but only found a seven-year old, two five year olds, one with an infant brother, and a two year old. Only five young children, and all of them horribly injured," Mr. Hui explained.

I swallowed again, trying to hold back my emotions. I saw Koluk glance in my direction when Mr. Hui mentioned the five year old with a brother.

He continued, "The men and women searched the other small villages but only found more wreckage without any survivors. Not one other living person was found outside of Higeki. What we think the Fire Nation was trying to do was to cut off our trade. They must have thought that a lot of trade came to us through the isles, but the only people who suffered the after effects were the Earth Kingdom citizens in the small villages we help. That is why trade now comes directly from the capital itself as well as the isles. That was the most recent attack on the North, until now."

"What happened to them," Kanshin asked. "The children, I mean?"

"I am not entirely sure. I would assume they were taken to any family members they might have left. If they had no families, then they were adopted ,I think," Mr. Hui answered her.

I couldn't sit quiet anymore; I cleared my throat, "Um, Mr. Hui, could I say something?"

"Of course, Hyriu, what is it you have to say?" He asked, motioning to me.

"Um, well, I think I can give a bit more information on what happened," I said, and everyone looked at me with interest. "I am one of the survivors of the Lok Wa Tragedy."

Everyone gasped.

"Oh, Hyriu, I had no idea. We can change topics if you would like?" Mr. Hui said.