Avatar: Rebirth

Chapter 4: The Spirit Boy

I sighed and dropped the leather bound journal on a pile of ashes. "I hope someone actually ends up reading this," I muttered to myself. I brushed my long, black hair away from my face and yawned. I hadn't bothered to cut it, so it grew until the tips lined up with my waist. I ought to cut it though, it's starting to get annoying.

I stood up and streched. My back and neck were stiff from writting for so long. "A walk in the forest sounds good about now. Yi! Come on, we're going for a walk." Yi began to follow me as I walked. I looked around. Besides the forest regrowing, this place really hadn't changed. The buildings were untouched, so no one probably came by this place. Hmm, what are the chances that anyone would find that stupid notebook?

We walked until nightfall. I gathered some food along the way, and after lighting as fire, I began to prepare a meal. "Look at our catch today, Yi! Lychee nuts, mango, moon peaches, seaweed, and even a whole elaphant rat!" Yi just grunted at me. "Oh c'mon! I know you don't eat meat, but can't you just be happy with me?" He turned his head away from me. "Fine, you can have all the fruits and seaweed, but I want some of those lychee nuts." He seemed pleased by this and began eating. I just laughed and continued roasting my dinner.

Besides the crackling of the fire and Yi eating, it was pretty quiet. I smiled and sat down. "The spirits must be calm today, huh. First time in ages."

"I know, right? It's like they just can't keep their mouths shut."

I stopped eating. "Wh-who's there?" I asked in a shaky voice.

"Me."

"Show yourself!"

"I'm right here." I looked left and right but saw no one. "Look up." I was met with the face of a young man looking down at me. "Well, it's about time you noticed me."

I screamed and backed away from him, dropping the elephant rat into the fire. He picked it up and continued to roast it. "Wha--who--uh, what are you doing here?" I asked him.

"Probably the same as you." He pointed at my food in his hands. "Could I have some of this elephant rat?"

Collecting myself, I walked up to him and grabbed the scarf around his neck, pulling him close to me. I glared straight into his eyes. "Listen here, if you don't tell me who you are right now, I will have to resort to violence." I pulled out one of my daggers and aimed it at him. "Trust me, I can put a fight."

"Calm down, I've no intention of harm you or your bison." He put his his hands in the air and motioned me for me to move my blade. I didn't budge.

"How do I know you're not lying?"

"What reason do I have to lie?"

"What reason does anyone have to lie?"

"Hmm, true. But still, I assure you that I'm just a hungry traveler that wants to share this meal." He waved his hand that was holding the elephant rat. "Now could you please put away your knife." His voice was pleading, but I didn't care.

"Tell me why you're here first."

"I told you, the same reason as----"

I moved the knife closer to his throat. "Why are you near that burned village? Answer me, and tell me the truth." I narrowed my eyes. "Or I'll slit your throat."

"Easy there," he said, waving his hand to lower the knife. "Don't go making death threats just yet. Besides, you'd just call me crazy if I told you."

"I don't care."

He sighed. "Lower the knife and I'll tell you; keep it there and you'll never know. What have you got to lose?" He knit his brow in frustration when I didn't move a muscle. "Guess this leaves me no choice." With one swift movement, he kicked the knife out of me hand and caught it, grabbed the collar of my shirt, and aimed my weapon at me. He smirked at my shocked face. "You're not the only one who can put up a fight." He handed me my weapon and sat down. "Now can I please finish cooking this so we can eat?"