The Lost Waterbender (Avatar: The Last Airbender Fanfiction)

The Answer Is No

That day after school, I sprinted to the estate with Raiko at my heels. I was practically leaping for joy. If this story was true, it had to be me they were talking about! Even if it wasn't completely true, all legends originate from true stories. Not to mention the timeline matched up exactly.

We ran inside the gate and I almost charged into Ryu, who was holding a steaming tray of homemade rolls.

"Where are you two going in such a hurry?" He asked us.

"To find Piandao," I replied, doubling over to catch my breath. "Do you know where he is?"

"The master is in the forge," Ryu said. "Do make sure you aren't interrupting him him before you bombard him with whatever you have to say."

"Yessir!" Raiko and I chorused. We rushed into the forges to find Piandao.

When we arrived, he was studying several different blocks of metal. He put a finger on one and shook his head, then weighed another in his palm and put it back on the table.

"Piandao!" I said breathlessly. "I need to go to the Southern Water Tribe!"

Piandao looked startled. "What on earth for?"

I told him the story our teacher had told us. When it was over he stroked his goatee thoughtfully.

"If I were you I would think so too. And I think that child could've been you as well. However, I can't send you to the Southern Water Tribe."

My smile faded. "Why not?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't send you alone, and even if I could, you'd never be allowed to leave Fire Nation waters. It'd be too suspicious," he added. "And I told Koza I would keep you two in my care, which does not include allowing you to ride a boat halfway across the world to indulge the slim chance you may be right. I'm sorry, Badger. but right now you're too young and the trip too dangerous. For now you must stay here."

I nodded, crestfallen. "Yes, sir."

Piandao looked at me sympathetically. "I can't imagine what you must feel right now, but now isn't a good time. I have a feeling this war will end soon, and then we can find your family. But right now you need to be patient."

I nodded. "Yes, sir. I understand."

That night as I lay my bed, I struggled with what Piandao had told me. Part of me knew he was being reasonable and I had to accept that I couldn't go. But another part felt as though these people were holding me back. My entire life I had wondered who my family was, and now I had a chance to find out who I was and they wouldn't even let me try?

I groaned and rolled over onto my stomach. Sometimes I just wished I could be a normal Fire Nation girl, oblivious to what my country was doing and thinking my leader was a hero, not a mass murderer. But no, despite the fact I was walking free, I was a prisoner to this land.

The next morning I didn't say anything on the way to school. Raiko picked up on the signals that I didn't want to talk. As the school looked into view, a group of people all stopped and looked up at us. Their silence was a giveaway of he fact that they'd been talking about us. I clenched my fists and moved past them.

Suddenly I found myself rushing towards the ground. Raiko grabbed my hand before I hit my head. I whirled around to find the group laughing. One of them still had their foot stuck out.

I put my hands in my hips. "Why?"

The one who had tripped me shrugged with fake innocence. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

I took a step forward, glaring daggers at them. "I think you do. Touch me or my brother again and I will knock you senseless."

I turned around but they obviously thought my threat was empty. I jumped back as a fireball landed in front of Raiko and me. As it fizzled out I whirled around. The same girl who tripped me was blowing smoke off her fingertips.