Avatar: The Warrior's Rebirth Book 3-Tornado

Chapter 1: Expectations

Fire. Air. Water. Earth. These are the four elements. For over ten thousand years, we have learned how to bend these four elements. And in every generation, there is always one who can master all four: the Avatar. In each generation, the Avatar has always been the one to bring balance to the world.

With our help and guidance, Jago's taken another big step in restoring the world to balance. The Order of the Sun's grip upon the Fire Nation is finally broken. With Yao Tsung finally removed from power, my friend Kuzon has taken his rightful place as the new Fire Lord. Although things got rough near the end, when all was said and done, I feel at ease knowing the Fire Nation is gradually turning back to a kind and caring nation.

But there is still so much that needs to be done. We've struck another major blow to the Order of the Sun, but its leading members are all still at large, and they still have full control of the United Republic. If we are to truly break their grip on the world, we have to drive them out of Republic City.

Unfortunately, it's not the right time for us to make a move like that. Jago needs more time to reach his full potential as the Avatar. Now that we've got Katrinus and Lee, though, I'm sure more than ever we're on the right path. When the time comes, I know Jago will be ready to defeat the Order of the Sun once and for all. And I'll be there when he's ready. We all will.

***

Liara and Yuenna came to a stop as they watched Jago flew overhead on Magmor with Lee and Akosha, while Kyoshi rode beside Katrinus on Podo.

"And off they go," Liara mused, smiling brightly.

She felt Yuenna slip her hand into hers. When Liara turned to her, she saw Yuenna had a tear or two on her face, but she was smiling too.

"What is it?" Liara asked, unsure whether her friend was happy or sad.

Yuenna noticed and turned to her. "Oh, it's nothing, Liara. It's just, part of me thinks we should be with them right now...both of us."

Liara sighed heavily, holding Yuenna's hand tighter. "I know what you mean. Deep down, I feel the same. But don't forget, Yuenna. I made a promise to Jago. After I've found the answers I'm looking for, I will meet up with him and the others."

Liara's gaze shifted back to the flying animals Jago and the others were riding, which were now appeared as small dots on the horizon. "I will find those answers, Yuenna. And I will find Jago again, and when I do, I don't ever plan to leave him again."

Yuenna stared long and hard at Liara, seemingly taken aback by the confidence in which Liara spoke. Liara noticed and became uncertain, not knowing what she should say next.

"Seeing them all again has really changed something in you, Liara," Yuenna finally said, suddenly pulling Liara closer to her, wrapping her arms around her to give her a hug. "Before now, you weren't sure of anything. Now when you talk about leaving, finding out about your lost past, with so much confidence. Seems you've had some new inspirations to look up to."

Liara nodded, still smiling brightly. However, she was partly glad Yuenna couldn't see her face right now. After all, it wasn't only Jago that had given her new motivations. She could still recall vividly what Delores said to her on Wingfish Island.

"As much as I would love to kill you, I think I'll tell you a little story instead. A story about the man who killed your father." Those were her exact words, and the story she'd told was utterly disturbing. It was why she knew where she had to go: the Northern Water Tribe.

Liara suddenly felt Yuenna pull away. Looking down at her friend, she saw a trace of concern on Yuenna. "Is something the matter, Liara?" Yuenna asked, her voice a little worried. "You started shaking. What happened?"