The Only Hope

Book 1: Chapter 6

I was in a rough patch. A big rough patch. I knew if Tenzin saw me now, doing what I was doing, he would kill me. But I was the only one of the group who could. I was small enough, my body yet to hit teenage hood, and fast enough; thanks to my newly inquired air run.

“Ok Zabri, you’re going to go in, and distract. We’re going to round the back, and surround. Then, while you distract, we’re going to get the goods. Let’s do this.”

I nodded, and the small group of heads fell back. All together there were about five of us, doing a petty job for Lighting Bolt Zolt. It was really just to shake up the store owners into signing our little… agreement. Let’s leave it at that.

Strolling into the store, I looked around at the useless nick-knacks that I would never buy. The store owner was in the back, only peeking out to greet me, and then moved on. I picked up a huge glass ball, feeling its weight. It was pretty light, which was just what I needed. Holding back a smile, I placed the ball back on its table, and moved on. As I came up to the opposite side, I found a little wood figure of a… fish? Maybe it was a bear. I couldn’t really tell.

With me being a “clumsy” little 11 year old, I dropped the wood bear/fish and it “rolled” to the table with the glass. So I bent down under the table, retrieving the bear/fish. As I stood to get up I “hit” the table top, and the glass ball went rolling off the table and landed with a loud crash to the ground. The store owner rushed out from the back, yelling, asking what happened.

I looked down at the shattered glass, and then to the owner. My jaw begun to quiver as I opened my mouth to talk. But instead of words, I let out a loud sob. I dropped the bear/fish, and covered my face, mumbling into my hands. They lowered their voice, and I felt their hands on my arms. Then it happened.

It started out as a small whistle, and then escalated into a roar. Along with the roar came a blast of fire and air. Looking up just in time, I dived back, my body breaking the glass window front.

The next thing I remembered I was laying on the street front, surrounded by glass; and the worst pain I had ever felt in my life. My ears rang like gongs, and I tasted the coppery taste of blood. It all hurt so much, I wanted to die. Then I thought of Maia. I couldn’t leave her like our mother. I couldn’t. But no matter what I told myself, I couldn’t stop my eyes from closing again.

I gasped, as my body jolted in shock, and my eyes opened. I looked around, as I steadied my breath. I was in my room on Air Temple Island. I wasn’t hurt, or dying.

It was all a dream. A dream. A dream of the past. Of my past.

Laying under my sheets, my hands glided down to my night shirt’s bottom. I tugged it up a bit, and found the cool thin line that ran across my stomach. It was the spot where a piece of wood had entered my body. It was as wide as full size palm, and as long as arm from the elbow to the wrist. And I nearly lost my life to it.

I let out a sigh, and tossed aside my covers. I headed to my window, and pushed it open. The early morning air was fresh and crisp as the sun rose. I then glanced down, to see the Avatar walking across the yard to the ferry dock. I knew where she was going. To train with Moody Mako, and Beautiful Bolin.

I tilted my head to the side, and then slammed my window shut. Weather she liked it or not, I was going to join her.

I still didn’t know what to do. I know for everyone I should befriend Korra. But- ugh, if only they could see past her almost-title then they would realize her true colors! Of course… If I made up with her, or at least was nice to her, she may let me stick around to see Bolin. Mind: made up.

I changed from my night shirt and shorts to a light orange tank top, skin tight stretchy grey pants, and my normal boots. I grabbed my jacket, and buttoned it as I walked down the hall. I had stuck my glider under my arm, allowing it to point out from behind me.