The Only Hope

Book 4: Chapter 3

Now

“Master Bri!” I spun at the sound of my name, and took a few balance-saving steps back as I was tackled into a hug. Looking down, I knew the red hair boy anywhere.

“Shad, how wonderful to see you.”

He released me from the hug, giving me the proper bow. “It’s wonderful to have you have you back!”

“It feels wonderful to be back.”

“Tell me, do you plan to teach again? Have you returned for good? Or will you be going back to the Fire Nation.”

“Shad, you know that was only meant to be temporary, I had a lot to figure out with the-”

“-I know, but then you left there, and no one-”

“Yes, I know Shad. Tell you what; I’m on my way to have breakfast with Tenzin. I was planning on talking about my return as a teacher. Okay?”

“Okay and welcome back again.”

I gave him a small smile, and a head nod before starting back towards my original destination. As I came closer to the table, I overheard the conversation going on.

“… President Raiko will give a small speech, the ribbon will be cut and then poof- I’ll be over.”

“Ugh, I still hate that guy.” I took my seat, and then looked at the faces staring back at me. “What? I didn’t like him before, and I ain’t going to start now. Pass the jam Meelo?” Meelo refused to pass the jam, to which I then asked Ikki to do. She did it without a fuss and the smile she got from me made Meelo frown. I scoop a little jam onto my roll, taking a bite from it. “Besides, the only reason I’m going today is to see everyone else. Which brings me to my next topic, Tenzin, if you would allow me; I’d like to start teaching again. Please?”

~~~

“…And of course, my biggest thanks go to Asami Sato and Future Industries. She brought our old central terminal into the modern era. Ladies and gentlemen, the world is entering a new age of peace and prosperity. Soon, Prince Wu will take his rightful place on the Earth Kingdom throne. And thanks to our updated rail system, Republic City and the Earth Kingdom will be united like never before!” Rolling my eyes, I clapped along with everyone else. My feelings towards the President were one of the few things that hadn’t changed in the passing of time. I was just excited to see Asami.

The crowd parted, leaving my little group in an out-of-place group. Asami spotted Tenzin, and smiled but when her gaze landed on me, her eyes grew slightly wide. That quickly faded, and a smile replaced her shocked face. I rushed over to her, giggling as we hugged.

“Bri! I had no idea you were coming back into town!” We pulled away, the mixed feelings clear in both of our eyes.

“No one did, I just kind of dropped in, literally.”

“How are you?” Asami’s hands gripped my forearms and my own hands curled under hers.

“… Better, I’m getting better.” I nodded my head, casting my gaze down before looking back at her. She gave me a smile.

“Good. I miss you.”

“I missed you too.”

“Ms. Sato, may I get a statement for the paper?”

“Um,” she looked at me, and then the reporter. I nodded my head, and released her arms so that I could step back. She gave me a small smile before turning back to the reporter “Um, sure.”

Stepping back, I turned on my heels just in time to see Prince Wu strolling towards Asami. As he passed me, he did a double check, pausing and wiggled his eyebrows at me. I scoffed and gave him a face. “Yeah right, in your dreams.” He shrugged and started back towards Asami. I rolled my eyes, muttering to myself as I watched him go.