The Warrior - Book One [AtLA]

Eight: The Divided Storm

𝐒𝐞𝐧 - 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐎𝐧𝐞 - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Katara and Sokka are arguing over how to set up their campsite, with Aang ending the fight and gloating about his ability to solve problems as the Avatar. Soon after, we travel to the Great Divide, the largest canyon in the entire world. While Katara expresses awe at seeing the yawning chasm before them, Sokka is bored by the sight, viewing it as somewhat lacklustre, and expresses his intent to fly over it on Appa.

I looked down at the deep canyon and feel an eerie sense of danger from its depths. 

"I don't even think it's safe to cross," I added into the small debate before a group approached us.

"If you're looking for the canyon guide, I was here first!" A Tribesman declared. 

"Ooh, canyon guide? Sounds informative," Katara commented.

"Believe me, he's more than a tour guide, he's an Earthbender," He is oblivious to the fact that Sokka is behind him, mocking him, "The only way in and out of the canyon is with his help, and he's taking my tribe across next.

 "Calm down, we know you're next," Sokka groaned.

"You wouldn't be so calm if the Fire Nation destroyed your home and forced you to flee! My whole tribe has to walk thousands of miles to the capital city of Ba Sing Se!" He yelled back.

"You're a refugee!" Katara exclaimed. 

"Huh, tell me something I don't know," The man grunted as a tribe of people gathered behind him.

"Is that your tribe?" Katara asked.

"It most certainly is not! That's the Zhang tribe, a bunch of low-life thieves. They've been the enemies of my tribe for a hundred years," he whistles to them,  "Hey, Zhangs! I'm saving a spot for my tribe so don't even think about stealing it!"

"Where are the rest of the Gan Jin? Still tidying up their campsite?!" The leader of the Zhangs called back.

"Yes, but they sent me ahead of them to hold a spot," The Gan Jin informed.

"I didn't know the canyon guide took reservations," The Zhang smirked.

"Ha, of course, you didn't! That's the ignorance I'd expect from a messy Zhang. So unorganized and ill-prepared for a journey!" The Gan Jin yelled.

I sensed someone behind a pile of rocks when an Earthebender bent them out of his way.

"Sorry about the wait, youngsters. Who's ready to cross this here canyon?"

"Uh, one of them... I think," I muse as the guide looks at the Gan Jin man and the Zhang Tribe.

"I was here first, my party's on their way," The Gan Jin rushed up to explain.

"I can't guide people who aren't here," The guide answered as the Zhang tribe walked past us.

"Guess you guys will have to make the trip tomorrow," The Zhang Leader mocked.

"Wait, here they come!" The Gan Jin man suddenly yelled as a group of people better off than the Zhang's approached.

"You're not seriously gonna cave into these spoiled Gan Jins? I mean we're refugees too! And we've got sick people that need shelter," The Zhang Leader yelled at the guide.

"I... Uh... Well..." The guide looked stuck.

"We've got old people who are weary from travelling!" The Gan Jin added.

"Sick people get priority over old people!" The Zhang retorted.

"Maybe you Zhangs wouldn't have so many sick people if you weren't such slobs!" The Gan Jin yelled back.