Avatar The Last Airbender: Water and Fire [ON HOLD]

Chapter 1 - Water and Fire

Water and Fire

A Troubled Past

"Fire, fire!" a man shouted as he ran through the village streets, "everyone, run... the Fire Nation, they're here and they're burning everything down!" he franticly informed the other villagers. Looks of confusion and worry, swept across the faces of all who heard the man's pleas. "Did you not hear me?" he shouted aggressively now, "the Fire Nation is attacking us and someone needs to inform the town council and ring the warning bell!" A town guard heard the man's shouts and immediately ran to ring the town's warning bell. The man then continued to run through the streets, spreading the news.

Villagers, who had just heard the man, began packing their necessities in case they were forced to leave. The men in town began to gather at the outskirts of the village; they were going to try and fend off the Fire Nation soldiers. "Xiao Mi, my dear, we may have to run away again" an anxious mother told her confused daughter. "Again? You mean more bad people are trying to get us?" the little girl asked innocently but nervously. "Yes dear, more bad people are here, and if they find us we will be in very big trouble." The young girl just nodded, understanding the situation. "Come then, pack your things, just in case." The mother then led her daughter into the small house and began packing.

Moments later, the door opened. "Kanari, Mi Li!" the man shouted from the doorway. "Ba Ba!" the little girl called out, as she ran from the room into her father's arms. He hugged her tightly, then released her to embrace his wife. "I was beginning to worry about you, where have you been?" his wife asked. "I've been with Tyro, there was a council meeting held today. But things are very bad at the moment and we may have to leave the village soon, or risk being caught. Have you packed?" he scanned the room, seeing the bags and various items scattered across the bed. "Yes, but only money, clothes, food and water. Is there anything else we need?" she pointed to the items as she spoke.

The little girl's father thought for a moment, "No, it's enough. I'll bring my sword and lead two ostrich-horses over here. But I'll need to go to inform Tyro of the situation and thank him, so you'll need to load the bags onto the ostrich-horses." Kanari nodded and began gathering the bags in the room while her husband grabbed his sword from the rack. He then headed off to get two of the beasts and meet his friend. The little girl sat on a chair, unsure how she could help.

Curious, she walked to the window and pulled the curtain to one side, so she could see the street outside. A bright, warm, amber light glowed outside the window, illuminating her childish features as she gazed at the scene before her. She let out a tiny gasp. Kanari heard her from the room and walked to the window. Anxious, Kanari pulled her daughter away gently, to see for herself.

Suddenly she ran to the door, thrust it wide open, and confirmed her fears. The house across the street had gone up in flames! Seeing the house engulfed by flames she realised that the Fire Nation army was moving further into the village, faster than she expected.

A Fire Nation soldier was standing by the burning house, turning only when he heard the creaking of a door. Upon seeing Kanari standing in the doorway he widened his already elated grin and prepared to launch a fire ball at her. "Jeom!" Kanari shouted when Jeom came into her view. The soldier punched the air. As his fist came to a halt, a blazing orb magically sprang from his knuckles.

Kanari stood, paralysed by fear. But just at the very last moment, the fire ball was swiftly diverted by another fire-bender. Jeom effortlessly pulled the fireball away from Kanari, and sent it ricocheting back towards the attacking soldier. The soldier was caught unaware, and the full force of the fireball threw him onto the ground, rendering him unconscious. Jeom then turned, looking to see if his wife and daughter were harmed.