A Time of Change {ATLA & LOK}

Chapter 34 - Across the Water

Talia – 13

Tenzin – 54

Kya – 56

Bumi – 58

The boat departed from the southern water tribe and I moved further into the boat, away from the chilled air.  I smiled excited and nervous at the same time, I found a spot where I could sit down, leaning against the wall as I sat, I placed my bag next to me pulling out the letter and itinerary of their trip. Trust Tenzin to create a whole itinerary. I looked over it, looking at the current date and their plans, by the time I arrive at the dock and taking into consideration travel time to any of the locations, I would be able to meet them at ... oh no.. not there, I don't want to go there! Ba Sing Se. I don't like Ba Sing Se. Sigh, oh well guess I'm going. Looking towards the window i had a while till evening. I smiled, replacing the letter and itinerary back into the bag. Standing up I stretched before picking up the bag walking out into the open air again. Maybe I could find somewhere I could practice or just move about a bit, I knew I wouldn't want to sit still for ages, and I couldn't bend for the whole time. 

Finding an open deck, lower down nearer the water level I smiled. It was basically empty a few people at the corner so no worries there. I placed my bag down in the other corner not far from the entrance back inside near the staircase. I walked towards the edge leaning on it momentarily, closing my eyes enjoying the sea breeze and fresh smell. I concentrated moving my hand at first followed by the other and both arms drawing some water from the sea. I stepped back into the centre of the area before moving my arms so the water spread around me in a circle, a basic training move to work on movements, flow and balance. Closing my eyes I moved my arms so the water circled around me in an orbital like motion following the movements made by my arms and feet. A dance almost. I had the whole movement memorised, which is why I could do it with my eyes now. 

~~~

After my training, well i wouldn't call it training, more letting loose or dancing as those movements were second nature now, natural, a part of me, subconscious even. I changed from sitting against one of the walls, Leaving the seats for those not as able bodied as myself, those who needed it more. To leaning against the edge looking down to the passing water in the waves caused by the boat as it churned on, or out to the view, the clouds in blue skies, the birds flying free. despite enjoying my time in the spirit world greatly and believing I didn't miss the real world; I realise now that I truly did. I miss the fresh air, the real breezes, the salty spray from the ocean , the birds. While spirits were similar, they were more mystical, brighter in colour, they had a different nature in themselves to these animals. Not only was it my family I missed but nature, the environment and everything that inhabited it. but I'm back now and I was going to make the most of it, and this life I have been gifted. of course I would still visit the spirit world through meditation, I hold both worlds and their inhabitants close in my heart and i'm not ready to give the spirits up completely. I didn't think that is something I'll ever be able to do.

I was snapped from my thoughts as a splash from the ocean below hit my face. I shook my head out and all those thoughts from looking into the deep depths of the water. I smiled lightly "Thank you La" i spoke softly. La may not be able to hear me, but there's a chance that they may and it's about time that I thanked them. for my life and for my thoughts and realisations. pushing off the bar I leant against I pulled the water away from my face, drying it. looking around with a soft smile I was curious to the stories of these others who travelled. why were they travelling to the earth Kingdom, were they to continue travelling elsewhere or were they like me, Switching boats onto the ferry to the 'great' city of Bo Sing Se. To visit family, on a holiday, to explore, be that the world or themselves or to start over? It wasn't any of my business but that doesn't stop me from thinking about it.

~~~

After the trip, sleeping, standing, sitting, bending and talking it to some of the other passengers, including a nice older lady named Roha, he had decided she wanted to travel around the world before she settled into old age back home with her family, she's a bit older than Bumi and by Watertribe standards had a lot of life left to live.

Picking up my bag I walked to the boat ramp and exited with a small smile, before it fell. I was almost to the dreaded city, I wonder what may have changed. walking down I continued on with the crowd, as we walked we appeared to be heading towards a guarded gate with different paths leading to the relevant locations, a row cars, for hire maybe? or with drivers to take people who couldn't drive themselves . A train station, some old rural paths and the ferry, my next location. walking up I paid for the ticket with money mum had provided and waited for the next one. rather than sitting like I would do on the ferry they got up to walk around the waiting area curiously.

~~~

The ferry was short and uneventful. no the big city itself the aide had many tales of and had visited once as a child. Me and mum visited to see King Kuei, an old friend my parents. All I knew was that his daughter; Hou-Ting, who I've only met once. She's a little older than myself but younger than Tenzin and we didn't get along very well. To say the least, and well to put it nicely she was bratty. Taking a deep breath. I left the ferry and walked towards the city's walled entrance, which was also the train station. I could do this. Now to find Tenzin, Jinora, Korra and the others.