Benders

[the warrior]

     The sun was high overhead. The air was crisp and dry dirt crunched underfoot. Aoxui's skirts kicked up a vapor of dirt as she walked, making her seem like a spirit rather than an ordinary girl. She wasn't in uniform today; her hair was long and loose, her dress lighter and cooler.

     She wasn't in a hurry, but she did have somewhere to be. Pati had asked for her help at the beach, collecting water nuts.

     The shoreline came into view and Aoxui headed toward her friend's figure, kneeling on the beach. Once she was behind Pati, she greeted her.

     "Ah!" Pati shrieked. She fell over, her long ponytail dipping into the water. "Why do you feel the need to scare me everytime I ask for your help?" She asked, squeezing the water out of her hair. Aoxui just shrugged, holding back a smile. "S'not my fault you're scared of your own shadow." She held her hands behind her back and swung her shoulders to and fro, enjoying the breeze and her friend's annoyance.

     "Oh, just help me already," Pati mumbled. Aoxui got to her knees and rolled her sleeves up, rooting through the shallows for the black pearl-like nuts. Once gathered, they could be crushed and used like sugar.

     They gathered for about an hour, chatting and laughing and occasionally splashing each other. Finally Pati paused. "Hey, I got a question for you," she began. "Shoot," her friend replied. "I'm taking a vacation. This is the first time I'm going without my parents, and..." she paused again, shy. "Do you, maybe wanna come with?"

     Aoxui glanced at her friend's face, which was flushed from heat. She hadn't left Kyoshi Island since she'd arrived. And that was six years ago.

     She made up her mind spontaneously. "Sure. Where are we going?"

     Pati sputtered. "Really? Oh great! I was worried going by myself you know, I've -"
"Pati," Aoxui interrupted, "where are we going?"
"Ember Island," the girl answered. "It's going to be so much fun! I've heard a lot about their hot springs and spas."

     Aoxui agreed. That was super close to her parents in the Fire Nation. Maybe...maybe she could visit them? Excitement bubbled up inside her and she smiled at Pati.

     Yes. She was very much excited for a vacation.