Avatar the Rise of Darkness. Book one: Shadows

Chapter 4: Secrets of The White Jade

The cold evening air breezed past Yan as he stood in the sword training ground outside the main building of Lotus Island. The White Lotus's meeting had been going on for around 6 hours now. Yan had wanted to take the opportunity to go into republic city and do something more interesting, but Jian was making him train. 

"Why are we doing this right now?" Yan asked.

"As your official bodyguard, I am allowed to do make you do whatever I feel necessary to keep you safe," he said, blocking every attempt Yan made to strike him, "And right now, I feel like that's sword practice"

"Yeah right," Yan said as he bent more dust into a twirling sand-sword, "You just want someone to show off to."

"That might be part of it," Jian said, "Its not easy being one of the only non-benders in the White Lotus." He thrust his sword at Yan. Yan air bent himself out of the way. "Also I'm not the only one showing off, Mr. I-made-a-sword-out-of-sand," mocked Jian.

"Hey it's not that hard to do, airbending actually works very well with weapons," Yan said. He tried to strike Jian again but his strike was parried and Jian counterattacked, throwing Yan off balance and causing the sand-sword to break apart into a cloud of dust. 

"I was going easy on you," said Jian, as he sheathed his sword.

Yan air bent himself back on his feet. "The meeting still isn't over, we could probably go into the city now."

"Normally, I'm fine with you sneaking out," Jian said, "But things are different this time, you heard what Maser Sho said, there's something giving the Red Lotus confidence and if they find out you're unprotected, they'll attack you."

"Don't worry about it," Yan said, "I've never been attacked before, and besides I can protect myself."

"Yan, I don't think you're taking this seriously enough," said Jian, "Please for once in your life consider the possibility that what the White Lotus is doing is for your safety and for the safety of the entire world."

"I'm going to be fine, and besides the world doesn't need me," said Yan, "The New Air Nation and the White Lotus have been taking care of it for decades, the avatar is a thing of the past."

"I know I can't stop you from leaving but," Jian hesitated, "Don't do anything stupid."

"I'll be fine," Yan said, "If you're that worried about my safety you're welcome to come with."

"Oh don't worry I'll be there, I gave my word to Master Sho that I would not leave your side," said Jian.

"All right, let's go," said Yan, "The best way to get off the island undetected is by air scooter, but I guess since you can't airbend, I might be able to make an air bubble so we could go under the water, but I don't know if it will be big enough."

"Or we could just take a boat," Jian said pointing to the docks where a large number of small boats were sat.

"Oh right," Yan said, "I forgot about those."

cThe two wandered through Republic City. The snow-covered buildings were still covered in multicolored lights from the spirit festival the day before. The spirit portal, a large beacon of green energy, could be through the skyline. 

"So, now that we're in the city, are we going to meet up with Omara?" Jian asked, teasing Yan for his crush.

"No, she's working," Yan responded.

"How do you know?" asked Jian.

"I memorized her schedule," said Yan.

"... Okay then," said Jian, "So what are we going to do?"