Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:47:56 GMT 1
CHAPTER 15: THE FORTUNE TELLER (II)
Toph left Sokka in charge of making sure the Earth Kingdom was run smoothly (at least to her specifications) while she was gone with us. I knew that I would be able to call Appa and Momo whenever I needed them, and luckily for us, when we did not need them, they had managed to learn to take care of themselves during the absence of a master. However, before we could get back to them, we had to get out of the city first. Toph was able to handle that rather easily. However, we made one unexpected stop on the way. Toph took us to a crazy fortune teller’s booth. I looked at the fortune teller, and saw that she seemed to be closing up shop.
“Wait,” I said, being a girl of a curious nature, “are you a fortune-teller?” she laughed.
“Yeah,” she replied, “I sure am. Would you like me to tell you what I see in your futures?”
“All four of us,” Ty Lee asked, “if you’re willing to do that, sure! I’ll even pay for all four of us if you want...”
“I can do that,” she replied, “after all, everyone likes a little fortune from Zuki Meisha, the oracle of Kyoshi...”
“Zuki Meisha,” Kai exclaimed, “you wouldn’t happen to know Water Chief Katara, would you?”
“I know her on a personal level,” Zuki laughed, “why?” she paused,
“Kai,” she exclaimed, “is that you?”
“Aye,” Kai replied, “and this is Toph, Ty Lee, and my daughter, Kai II.”
“Ah yes,” she said, laughing again, “I remember you all. Well come, sit down, sit down... I may look like a Kyoshi warrior, but I’m actually that and a fortune teller. After all, Zuki’s always right, hehehe…”
“Looks don’t make a difference to me,” said Toph, waving her hand over her eyes, “I’m blind, remember, Zuki?”
“Of course I do,” she laughed; Zuki laughed a lot—more than perhaps was natural. Nonetheless, she sat down. Right as she was about to tell Ty Lee her fortune, she was interrupted by a cloaked woman who looked to still be pretty young. Ty Lee turned her around so she was facing me. From her appearance, she seemed to be a Fire Nation girl.
“You’re not from the Fire Nation, are you?” I asked curiously,
“SHH,” she said, “not so loud. Yeah I am. Don’t tell anyone though. I’m being hunted. Sure the 4 nations are at peace, but I’m being hunted for other reasons. I need my future foretold before I continue my journey. Sorry for butting in front of you all. I’d stay and chat, but I have to leave swiftly.”
“Sit down, Fire Lady,” she said,
“What did you just call me?” the girl asked, sitting down,
“Just sit down, young one,” Zuki replied, “it was a simple mistake, that’s all—I think.”
The girl sat down, but looked edgy. Zuki told the girl her fortune.
“You’re gonna get captured,” she said, “And put on a ship back towards the Fire Nation... and then some people are going to rescue you—some of the world’s most powerful benders. They will also help liberate the Fire Nation from the civil unrest that is going on there. That is all I see for now.” Zuki stood up and helped the girl up. She thanked her and then ran off without another word.
“So,” said Ty Lee, “can I get my fortune read?”
“I just told yours,” Zuki replied enigmatically, “you four are the powerful benders who will end up crossing paths with that lady again and rescuing her. There is also one more, but I don’t know who. Hehehe…”
“Come here, Kai Serenes II,” she said, “You have a slightly more interesting destiny. You are with the others, but you will also help restore balance to the world. Just remember that. With these things in mind, I need to go and help my friend’s children get home.”
Suddenly, a girl of 4 years old poked her head in behind Zuki,
“Aunt Zuki,” she said, “can we go home now?”
“Of course, Katara Altina,” Zuki replied, picking up the little girl and kissing her on the cheek. I knew at once that this was the crazy Zuki that my mother had sometimes mentioned. However, I didn’t know she was a fortune teller, and I knew she was not really related to Katara or her children, Sokka Hakoda and Katara Altina. I therefore deducted that Sokka had to be around here too.
“Well,” said Zuki, “aunt Zuki’s got to go somewhere soon, so you two
get to stay in the royal palace with your uncle Sokka.”
At this exact time, a little boy of about 10 popped in. This had to be Katara’s older child, Sokka Hakoda.
“Katara,” he said to his sister, “are you okay?”
“Yeah,” she replied in her tiny voice, “I’m just... I feel...” she paused and sneezed. She fell backwards, and a small burst of flame had appeared in front of her.
“They’re so cute!” Ty Lee exclaimed,
“Aren’t they,” Zuki replied, laughing, “hey Toph,” she said, turning to Toph, “you don’t mind if your sister-in-law’s little children stay at your palace, do you?”
Toph shook her head. “I’ll never need that whole place,” she shrugged, “go for it. Besides, Sokka would probably be happy to see them again.”
“Thanks,” Zuki laughed, and then turned to the children.
“Do you two want to go in “the tunnel” to get there?”
“Yay, tunnel,” Sokka said, and Katara mimicked him. The poor girl sneezed again however and lost her balance.
“Is she okay?” my mother asked, and to our surprise, it was little Sokka who answered us.
“Katara just has a little trouble breathing normally,” he said, “she’s not going to die or anything, but that’s what her problem is.”
“Okay,” Kai said, smiling and picking up the child. She was a tiny girl with a vibrant face that had the same firm look her mother’s did. She also had a diamond-shaped mark over her left eye. It was not dark red like Zuko’s, but a lighter red color was over her eye nonetheless.
“Is that a birthmark?” my mother asked, pointing to the marking on little Katara’s left eye and cheek,
“That’s what mommy called it,” little Sokka replied, “She said it reminded her of daddy’s scar.”
All four of us, including Toph, closed our eyes to give Zuko a moment of respectful silence.
“So anyways,” said Zuki, “It’s getting dark. I better get these kids to the Earth King (Sokka) so they can get some sleep. It was nice to see you all again! Hehehe…”
We waved goodbye as Zuki plunged underground with little Sokka in one arm and little Katara in the other. We knew she’d be back where we just were within a matter of minutes.
“So,” said Ty Lee, “what are we going to do now?”
“That girl who came by here was a bit dodgy to me,” said Toph, “and she sounded familiar.”
“You felt it too?” my mother exclaimed,
“Yeah,” Toph replied, “I think that might have been Sanaki Li Chan.”
“But is Sanaki the Fire Lady?” I asked,
“She might be,” Toph replied. Since Toph was the queen of the Earth kingdom, she was the most likely to know about such things.
“I still have not been informed on whom former Fire Lord Iroh’s choice for his successor was.”
“Is he still alive?” I asked,
“Who, Iroh?” said Toph, “of course he is. He and I have been best friends forever for almost 20 years.”
My mother chuckled and smiled at Toph.
“So,” I said, “are we going to go find her and see if she really is Sanaki?”
“Well,” said Toph, “I won’t be able to see for myself,” she paused and pointed to her eyes,
“but yeah’ said Ty Lee, “there’s no point in going to the Fire Nation to be taught firebending from the Fire Lady if the Fire Lady isn’t there, huh?”
“True,” I replied, “then let’s be on our way, can we?”
“Sure,” Toph replied, “I guess we’ll spend a few more nights at the palace before we head out...”
I smiled at Toph and she seemed to detect my gesture,
“You’re a good kid, Kai,” she told me, “and I was honored to teach you my master earthbending secrets. I know you’ll use them well.”
I turned slightly pink. “Thank you,” I said shyly, and then embraced Toph for a second.
“So,” said Toph, “to the palace!”
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:49:11 GMT 1
CHAPTER 16: THE FIRE LADY REVEALED
Before we went back to the palace, we went after the mysterious Fire Nation girl. Zuki the fortune-teller had said that she was going to get captured, and so we wanted to make sure we were there to save her, like she had similarly prophesied. Toph was leading the way, as she knew her way around this city like she knew earthbending—perfectly. We suddenly heard some racket up ahead.
“You all stay here,” said Ty Lee, “that sounds like a huge crowd. I’ll go investigate. I’m known for not being seen.”
Without another word, Ty Lee flipped and cart wheeled ahead of us. She may not have been a kid anymore, but she still had her acrobatic abilities. She motioned for us to come and follow. In front of us we saw a huge group of Fire Nation soldiers and earth kingdom bounty hunters. However, we were not going to fight these people—not yet at least. Suddenly a woman came running into view. She skidded to a halt, and Ty Lee noticed that she was barefoot. She put out her hand is if to scan the area, and then took off towards the statue in the center of the plaza. She zipped up it like a squirrel up a tree, but then jumped down, shooting fire from each of her limbs, and even her mouth. This had to be Sanaki. Whoever this was, she was a firebending master for sure. However, she was soon thwarted. There was a waterbender in the crowd, and she shot an icy mist at her, and she stopped and started feeling her way around, wandering aimlessly but swiftly.
“She’s blind,” Toph exclaimed, “that has to be Sanaki!”
However, we needed a better opportunity to strike. Therefore, we needed to find out where they were going with her once they caught her. It did not take long. A net was shot in her direction, and it hit her mid-jump, slamming her to the ground. I could see my mother’s urge to rescue her foster child growing, but like the rest of us, she knew we needed a better plan.
“Besides,” said Toph, “knowing Sanaki, she’s probably got a reason to let herself be captured. Think about it, Kai. When does Sanaki ever get captured? I have a point, right?”
My mother nodded again. We watched to see what they would do, and if this was really Sanaki.
“So,” she shouted, though the net constricted her, “it takes half of your army to finally capture a blind girl, eh Zhao?”
“Zhao,” Ty Lee exclaimed, “I didn’t know he had a son.”
“You learn something new everyday,” Toph shrugged, “I bet he’s probably trying to live his father’s legacy and take over the Fire Nation. He seems to be even more like Zhao than the old one was.
I heard Zhao laugh,
“Surely Fire Lord Iroh must not have been in his proper mind if he bestowed the throne to you, a little blind girl.” He said, “Therefore I’m doing not only the Fire Nation a good deed, but also the world, Miss Li Chan. You’re not fit to be Lady of the Fire Nation.”
“but I am anyways,” Sanaki retaliated, and so by all rights you cannot do this to me!”
“We’re not in your realm anymore, girl” Zhao retorted,
“I know you’re not,” said a voice, and I looked around, and noticed that Toph had jumped off the rooftop, “it’s mine.”
Toph hit the ground with an earth-shaking rumble. She had landed on her fist.
“And as queen of the earth kingdom,” Toph continued, “I command that you release the Fire Lady this instant.”
“The decoy force if working, Zhao whispered. Everybody run.”
They took off, and Toph was right behind them.
“Looks like a fight to me,” said Ty Lee, “Kai, Kai, come on, let’s go.”
Ty Lee flipped off of the roof and took off after Toph and Zhao’s soldiers. I followed, and my mother did too. However, we were stopped by other soldiers.
“Please let us through,” my mother said calmly, “that is my foster child they are taking. If you do not comply the results might be undesirable.
“Seriously, grandma,” said a soldier, “if you want to fight us, come back when you’re 30 years younger.”
“I take it you are not going to grant my simple request to let us through then?” my mother retaliated.
“I guess not,” said one of the soldiers,
“Okay then,” my mother replied, and then she turned to me; “you take the left side, I’ll get the right—bloodbend them out of our way.”
I did as I was told. We controlled the soldiers and made them run off after the others. We followed them and ended up getting past them. When we did, we let up our bloodbending on them and took off. My mother, though 55, was able to keep up with me. We caught up with Toph and Ty Lee, and we learned that there was a large amount of Fire Nation Navy awaiting us. We knew we would have to find a different way onto the ships, for we knew Sanaki was being taken back to the Fire Nation. What the reason was though, was not yet known. Additionally, we saw Clazdian’s minions blended in with the others, so we stayed clear for now. However, something sparked my mother’s attention.
“Oh,” she exclaimed, “they’re... they’re torturing her!”
Ty Lee and I looked (Toph didn’t) over and saw Sanaki getting knocked unconscious and then put into a large crate, still bound in the net. It was here that I had a plan.
“Into the crates,” I said, “Toph, you get into a metal one, metalbend yourself out, and then get us out.”
“You can help,” Toph told me, “you’re a metalbender too.”
“Oh, of course,” I said, “I’ll be glad to help. It’s just... I didn’t want to be stealing your glory or something.”
“By showing me your skills,” said Toph, “you’re actually helping it. I didn’t teach you how to metalbend for you never to use it.
“Quick,” said Ty Lee, “over here!”
We each chose a crate and waited to be loaded. Luckily, I heard that all four of us were being loaded onto the same ship. Therefore, we waited. We waited for a couple of hours before we decided to investigate our surroundings. Once that was done, Toph and I broke Ty Lee and my mother out. We looked around and found that we were below deck of one of the battleships. We did not know where Sanaki was, but we knew that these ships were traveling as a fleet. We snuck up onto the deck and learned it was night.
“How are we going to find Sanaki?” Ty Lee asked, and I thought about it.
“I don’t know,” my mother replied, “I figure that when she regains consciousness she’ll try to get out—or she’ll just start yelling until she gets out. She was always a stubborn one.
“But what if she’s on a different ship?” Toph asked in a whisper. We had gone back below deck.
“She probably is,” I replied, “but either way, we should be alright. Kai and I are surrounded by ocean, and Toph, these ships are made of metal. You know what this means, right?”
Toph grinned. “I sure do.” She punched the ground and made a huge dent in the floor. It made lots of noise.
“Aw, crap,” she muttered, “That was a stupid thing to do.”
“Are we going to hide?” Ty Lee asked, “Or are we going to try and fight them off?”
“Let’s try fighting them off,” said Toph, “if we can take control of one of these ships, this Zhao guy will know who he’s up against.”
“Still,” my mother protested, “if things are able to be settled in a peaceful manner that is the road which I will take.”
Toph shrugged. “Well,” she said, I think you’ll soon be able to find out whether or not peace talk will be possible. The soldiers are coming. I can feel them. I can hear them. Listen.”
“They’re above us,” said a voice, “one of them is a metalbender. Only they can do that. We could be facing Queen Bei Fong, sir.”
“Please,” said the captain, “we took out Lady Li Chan of the Fire Nation. The Earth Queen should be no different.
“Ooh,” Toph muttered, “wrong thing to say, “Sir”.”
Toph grinned. Suddenly, we were surrounded on all sides by a crowd Zhao’s soldiers.
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:49:59 GMT 1
CHAPTER 17: THE FIRE NAVY FIGHT
My mother simply shrugged and prepared to fight. “we have come to reclaim Sanaki Li Chan,” she said, “if you are not willing to return her to us, things may end up becoming less than desirable.”
Naturally, none of us were surprised that they were not willing to go down without a fight. However, they surrendered after my mother demonstrated her power on the more competitive ones.
“She’s two ships away,” the other pleaded, “and that’s where Zhao is. We promise not to interfere if you spare us.”
“That was way too easy,” Toph laughed,
“It was,” Ty Lee commented, “c’mon girls, let’s go.”
Ty Lee looked over and saw a ship bearing a huge Fire Nation flag.
“That has to be the one,” she said, “can you all swim?”
“Aye,” my mother replied, “Toph, can you?”
“Since my husband is from the water tribe,” Toph replied, “I kind of had to learn. Besides, I don’t want another incident like The Serpent’s Pass.”
None of us had been there, but we knew Toph was referring to a time when she had been too hesitant to cross an ice bridge, and an enormous sea monster has shattered it, flinging Toph into the watery abyss below her, where she nearly drowned.
“Well obviously,” my mother said, “we’ll have to wait until the evening when the ships slow down to cross to another one; otherwise we’ll be left behind. Unless...”
My mother turned to me and winked.
“Well,” said Ty Lee, “I’ll find my way across.” Ty Lee back flipped off the edge of the ship and seemed to catch a draft in the wind. The folds of her robes almost served as wings. Ty Lee landed on the back of the ship, slid down and clung to the wall.
“One down,” my mother said, “Kai, you next.”
“So what about me,” Toph asked,
“This may involve a slight amount of risk on your part Toph, but it’s the only way we found to get you on. You’ll have to get a little wet though, for this plan is not yet perfected.”
“Hey,” Toph shrugged, “whatever gets us there.”
I flipped over to the other boat, using my water whips to latch onto the wall, followed by a little metalbending to lodge myself there. We made no noise in comparison to the sounds the ships made.
“Mother,” I called, “it’s just you and Toph now.”
“Hey wait,” Toph exclaimed, “what?” but my mother said nothing. She produced one of her water whips and bound Toph with it. She then cracked it like a whip, and Toph spiraled towards us. Just as we figured (since this had not been perfected, this being Kai’s first try at aiming an object as large as a person), Toph missed us by about 20 feet. Luckily, it was towards the front of us, Toph swam towards the side of the ship and used her own metalbending to pull her arms out of the water. She seemed disoriented. My mother shot straight into the water and appeared next to Toph, holding her hand to make sure she didn’t lose her grip.
“That was a little crazy,” Toph commented, “have you done that before?”
“Actually,” my mother replied, “that was our first try at that. We’re sorry if it hurt you.”
“It didn’t hurt,” Toph replied, “But I feel a little disoriented. You know, there’s no earth around, and I’m blind, all that jazz.”
“Well,” said Ty Lee, “if you’re alright, let’s get inside the ship.”
“Simple stuff,” Toph muttered, and she pulled herself out of the water. I was surprised that this blind earthbender was able to swim the way she could. Of course, Toph was internationally known for being “awesome”, similar to how Sanaki was internationally known for being a prankster. Toph climbed up a little bit, ripped open a hole in the ships hull into which we climbed. After we were all in, she closed it back up and made it look as if it had never been touched.
“This is the cargo hold,” said Ty Lee,” we need to cross one more ship though. This one might be harder since we can’t stand out in the open like we did on that last one.”
“Hmm,” my mother and I both thought fir a while. We didn’t have to worry about being seen down here—at least not for a time.
“I’ve got it,” I said, “Toph, what if you—I mean one of us—metalbended a hole in the bottom for us to get out, and then my mother or I could waterbend a bubble for us to slip under the other ship and up into it. Do you think that’s possible?”
“I’m in for trying it,” said Toph, “oh, and I noticed you caught yourself when you said who was gonna do the metalbending. I’m proud of you.”
She winked at me, and I said nothing.
“Mother,” I asked her, “is this alright with you?”
“Aye,” she replied, “let’s do this.”
I bent a hole in the bottom of the ship, where my mother kept the water from coming in using her bending skills. She pushed it back into a large bubble, and Toph and Ty Lee jumped in. my mother quickly followed, and I did too, sealing the hole behind me. Once in the bubble, my mother sent out a pair of whips from both her hands, one of which latched onto Toph’s wrist, the other onto Ty Lee’s. I was able to keep myself from sinking, similar to how my mother was. We had thought of the fact that we would sink. Nonetheless, we were able to keep ourselves up this way, (actually Toph and Ty Lee’s legs from the knee down were outside the bubble in the water) and we repeated the process underneath the targeted ship. We knew this was the one because of my mother’s senses. We climbed into the cargo hold and stopped to plan our next advance. We knew Sanaki wouldn’t be down here. Zhao was aware that we were somehow following him (but he probably thought we’d take another ship), therefore, we figured Sanaki’s crate would be somewhere safer.
“So,” said Toph, “what’s our plan?”
“An all-out assault on Zhao and his men,” Ty Lee replied, “Kai is not too happy about him abducting the girl she helped raise.”
“Makes sense to me,” Toph shrugged, “when do we strike?”
“Right now,” my mother replied, “Kai, keep a close eye out for Sanaki. Ty Lee, you too, and be sure to disable any rouge benders.”
“And what do I do,” Toph asked, grinning, “besides look adorable?”
“What else,” Ty Lee laughed, “beat everyone up?”
“Just making sure,” Toph laughed, and then we struck.
It was a battle between fire, water, and earth. My mother and I had the absolute advantage, being surrounded by water on all sides, but the firebenders had power too, since it was a bright summer day. My mother was absolutely invincible. I had never seen her fight so vigorously before. A lot of the people on this ship though, were minions of Clazdian. In fact, this was not even the real Zhao that we were fighting. These people were incredibly powerful, so it was a good thing that we were too. However, we were still winning. It seemed that they were aware of this too, because suddenly, some of the soldiers raced over to one of the crates on the deck and threw it overboard. I closed my eyes, for I could suddenly feel them glowing. I knew that if Clazdian’s minions saw me like this, everything could end. I was able to calm down, but then I noticed that the crate had broken open and a solitary red figure was thrashing amongst the waves. It was Sanaki, and we all knew full well that she could not swim. Naturally, she was screaming.
Suddenly, we heard a voice.
“I’m coming, Sanaki!” it shouted, and suddenly, from the cliffs not very far from us (the ships were sailing beside the cliffs to stay out of sight from the general public) we saw another solitary figure. I squinted and recognized it as Zuki, the same earthbending Kyoshi Warrior fortune-teller we had met earlier.
“Hold on, Sanaki!” she shouted, and then, dressed in her heavy gear, she did a swan dive off of the 100+ foot cliff straight into the water. She was going to save Sanaki.
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:50:30 GMT 1
CHAPTER 18: THE KYOSHI CHAMPION
“Zuki,” my mother exclaimed exclaimed, “you crazy maniac.”
Zuki swam powerfully over to where Sanaki was sinking. She quickly recovered her, and when she did, Sanaki was out of breath.
“Oh, Saza,” she said, “I knew you’d come back. I’ve been waiting so long for you to return,”
Zuki laughed in the playful manner that she did, (she wasn’t mocking Sanaki) and said “this is Zuki”.
“Oh,” Sanaki muttered dismally, “sorry.”
Even from this distance, we all could tell that Sanaki seemed very depressed, not because it was Zuki, but that it wasn’t Saza, the boy whom she loved with all her heart.
“Zuki,” Ty Lee shouted, “What are you doing?”
She seemed to be ignoring us. She clambered onto one of the ships, said something and showed them Sanaki’s head. My keen eyes showed me that Sanaki was wearing an elaborate tiara that only the Lady of the Fire Nation was able to wear. Whatever she said made the people on the ship consent, and somehow, despite all the craziness, tumult and uproar that has been going on, we got to the Fire Nation. The dark version of Zhao had been slain by Ty Lee during the melee, which meant the real Zhao was still somewhere in the Fire Nation.
A few days had passed, and we kept a close eye on Zuki’s ship. However, it landed first, and the moment it did, Zuki and Sanaki took off. Sanaki disappeared, and Zuki simply started ambling around. When we landed, we stopped her to talk to her. Zuki may have been crazy and childlike, but in reality, she was 40 years old.
“Which way did Sanaki go?” my mother asked,
“Hey Kai,” said Zuki happily, powerfully embracing my mother. Now my mother was a very tough woman, but Zuki was so immensely strong that I could see that my mother’s face looked strained from the tightness of the hug. After all, Zuki was strong enough to lift over 7 tons—with one hand. However, her lack of raw speed and her slow mind made her about an average fighter at least. Of course, my mother taught me that when Zuki gives one person a hug, everyone gets one too. Sure enough, I could feel my ribcage nearly buckling from Zuki’s strength, but I tried to hide the strain I was suffering from it. After all, I was happy to see Zuki. Soon after was Ty Lee, and she let out a strained grunt, but then hugged Zuki back. This was a “mistake” for Ty Lee, for any time Zuki gets a hug; she’ll always give one back. Surely Zuki was dim-witted and annoying, but her kind and happy nature made her very difficult to hate. After Zuki was done, Toph got her turn. She simply yelled, and Zuki squeezed her really hard—harder than the rest of us. We looked at her and noticed she seemed to be zoning out—and forgetting what she was doing to Toph.
“Zuki,” said Toph with what breath she had, “you’re... crushing... me...”
Zuki wasn’t listening though. She was oblivious. Throwing rocks at her head would do no good, for half of the reason Zuki was so stupid might have been because she used to accidentally drop huge rocks on her head. I did know of Zuki’s weakness though, so I slipped my fingers onto her neck. Zuki screamed with laughter and dropped Toph, who began massaging her chest.
“Holy...” she exclaimed taking heavy breaths, “she almost... she almost killed me that one did... whew...”
It took a little while for Toph to get back on her feet. We waved goodbye to Zuki and went looking for Sanaki. Zuki had told us that by orders of the Fire Lady, she was not allowed to disclose the mentioned Fire Lady’s location to anyone. Zuki may have been stupid, but when she gives her word, she never lies. However, you could weasel secrets out of her without even a bribe, so Zuki was not the one for personal matters.
“thinking logically,” said Toph, “she probably went towards the capital, back to her palace—assuming she still rules in that palace. Something tells me that this Zhao guy has more influence here than I thought.”
“Indeed,” said Ty Lee, “I wonder what’s going on here. Let’s find one
of the Fire Sages. They always can tell you what’s going on in the Fire Nation.”
“How do you know this?” I asked,
”I used to live in the Fire Nation,” Ty Lee replied, “before I became a nomadic wanderer.”
“Okay,” I replied, “I was just wondering.”
We kept walking until we came to a central plaza. Toph suddenly ran forward to the centerpiece, where there was a distinct statue.
“This statue is different,” she commented, “it’s a statue of a woman now; but this place is so familiar. This is where Katara and I once pulled a prank so Katara could prove to me that she could have fun. This is the same town that I cheated a bunch of suckers in! Ha, ha, ha! I love this place! The runaway returns!”
She had shouted that last part, and now we were getting strange looks from people around us. Not surprisingly, some guards came up to Toph.
“We’ll take that as a confession,” they said,
“But all my charges have been cleared,” Toph replied coolly, “besides, that was 19 years ago. Oh, and the Earth Queen is not about to be arrested for petty crimes like that.”
Toph lifted up a piece of the binding she had on her right hand and flashed a green earth symbol that was a symbol of Earth Kingdom authority. Katara had one as well, and Sanaki did too. However, like Toph, they kept their hands covered for various reasons.
The guards apologized and disappeared, Toph laughing again.
“Oh, wow!” Ty Lee exclaimed, “You really are the runaway!” she ran to a wall and picked up an old wanted poster. It depicted Toph’s face and stated her crimes. Next to it was a similar wanted poster, but this one depicted Sanaki. The message it had was interesting.
“Should the Fire Lady be usurped, she will be arrested for the following crimes, which some say have not been cleared:”
It listed various crimes, similar to those of Toph, but underneath it, there was the Fire Nation symbol of authority and a signature that my mother recognized as former Fire Lord Iroh’s. However, it said that Sanaki was cleared of all charges. We looked at Toph’s again and saw the same thing. Toph smiled when we told her.
“Good old Iroh didn’t forget,” she laughed, “but still, that statue... it should be of Iroh, but if it’s not, it should show the current Fire Lord or Lady. Since he’s done for, it might be Sanaki.”
We all looked up, and Toph felt it. It depicted a woman balanced on her right hand. Fire was spewing out of 4 places: the woman’s grinning mouth, the fingers of her left hand, and the tows of both her feet. This had to be a statue of Fire Lady Sanaki.
“So she really is Lady of the Fire Nation,” Kai exclaimed, “I never would have thought that 29 years ago when I found that 3-year-old child.”
“And yet these things happen,” said a voice from behind us. We turned around, and Toph recognized who this was at once.
“Iroh,” she exclaimed, embracing him, “you’re a fire sage now?”
“Indeed I am,” Iroh replied, “and I see that you all like that statue of our Fire Lady, do you not?”
We all nodded. It was quite the elaborate statue.
“So,” my mother asked, “can you tell us what has happened in the last 3 years; after Zuko perished and all?”
“Indeed I can,” Iroh replied, “in all truth, since Zuko married the Water Chief, he sacrificed his rights as next fire lord. Of course, he was the one who told me he was doing this, for those two were so close. Therefore, Zuko was not next in line. I knew the next Fire Lord or Lady had to be someone talented. A supernatural named Tera Mezhiak Altina told me that Sanaki’s family had been the royal family’s former guard. I also knew that Sanaki was a very prodigious firebending master that had already exceeded me, so I lined her up to succeed me.”
My mother and I both smiled. Ty Lee and Toph did the same.
“However,” Iroh continued, “that was where the trouble began...”
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:51:54 GMT 1
CHAPTER 19: THE SAGE AND THE FIRE LADY
“Of course,” said Iroh, “it wasn’t my fault, neither was it Sanaki’s. Perhaps the best way would be a recollection of the event itself.”
Iroh had invited me to sit next to him up where he was giving his abdication speech. Being the carefree, curious woman I was, I happily accepted. Additionally, he said he had something special for me. I went not to receive, but because Iroh was also my good friend. I could understand why Toph was fond of him.
After Iroh finished his speech, he was about to announce the name of the person who would be succeeding him.
“My successor, citizens of the Fire Nation, “is the greatest and fastest firebender in the world. My good people; your next Fire Lady is Sanaki Altina Li Chan!”
My jaw dropped. Iroh had chosen ME to be ruler of the Fire Nation? I was just a blind woman who led an easy-going life. Sounded to me like a difficult task. However, I heard Iroh continue his speech and say that he was becoming a Fire Sage. I heard some tumult in the crowd. I guess not everyone wanted me to be their ruler. Iroh however, managed to partially convince them by saying he would help correct any of my less-than-satisfactory ways, if I even had any. Iroh then said I was to say something to the crowd—to give them encouragement. I was so glad I was blind and couldn’t see the people below me.
“People of the Fire Nation,” I said, “as your new ruler, my primary desire will be to restore this nation back to its former peaceful glory, and restore its reputation among the other three kingdoms. No longer will the earth kingdom and the water tribes look down at us for the deeds of Sozin, Ozai, and Azulon. Who’s with me?”
I got a much louder cheer than I thought. I could feel Iroh smiling at me behind me. However, I also heard some people talking bad about me. Among them was a man named Zhao, the son of another Zhao, who seemed to hate me anyway. This probably just worsened our relationship. Nonetheless, I was the Lady of the Fire Nation now, so I had to do my best to please the people and to make the Fire Nation a better place.
After a few days, my theory was right. I hated this place. I felt so confined—so miserable having to tend to so much Fire Nation business that I never got a moment to go outside and sing and dance like I used to. I was so glad I had Iroh as my counselor, because right now, I needed it, and it was only my 4th day here.
“Iroh,” I said, crashing through into the room, “why did you do this to me? I hate this place, I hate this job!”
“Really now,” Iroh exclaimed, “was I mistaken in putting you in charge of our wonderful nation?”
“Yes,” I replied bluntly, “I never have time to do what I want anymore. I can’t even go outside. This place feels like a prison. I want my old life back. Tell them you’re becoming Fire Lord again.”
“I am afraid I cannot do that,” Iroh replied, “for once a Fire Lord abdicates, they cannot return to the throne again.”
“But I don’t want the Fire Nation throne,” I pleaded, “I want to get out of here—I want to sing and dance again. I’m so lonely here.”
I broke down crying into his shoulder.
“I am deeply sorry then,” said Iroh, “I have done a very selfish thing. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Yeah,” I replied, “but I need a solution. If I can’t even do the things I love to do, I’m going to lose it. I mean, why did you have to pick me? I’m not Fire Lady Material. I’m just a blind woman who likes to dance and sing.”
“Sanaki,” said Iroh gently, “I chose you because when I saw you I knew you were the one. Besides, you’re the Fire Lady. You can do whatever you want. If you need alone time, you just have to demand it.”
“But this place is a prison,” I replied, “The only thing I can stand about it is the throne room.”
“I knew you would like that,” Iroh chuckled, “but again, if you just need some time to get out, I can help you arrange that.
“I’m talking about a whole week perhaps,” I replied, “I’ve been so depressed. When I don’t dance or sing or laugh or play for a ling time, I get sad—really sad. And I feel so down—so depressed.”
“Then what’s stopping you?” Iroh replied, “You don’t have to do this all day. These first few days have been a little hectic just because of our current situation. If you want an entire town to evacuate so you can burn it down, it awaits your command. Sanaki, you have absolute power. Such are the ways of the Fire Lords and Fire Ladies. However, the wiser ones will always let the people have some say in what goes on, and I’m pretty sure you’re not the type who does something unless you have a reason to.”
I nodded, and smiled. I embraced the old sage. “Thank you, Iroh,” I said, sniffling away my tears, “I... I want to do good... it’s just when you’ve been deprived of your favorite activity for so long, it does things to you.”
“Well, my Lady,” Iroh replied, “if you want a day off, just tell me and I shall watch over matters until you return.”
“You will,” I exclaimed, about to cry again, but this time from happiness, “Oh thank you. Thank you so much!”
We embraced and then I left. I was finally outside of the palace. I may have been blind, but I didn’t care one bit. I loved being blind—being who I was—and now, being back outside, I just had to go return to my usual place where I would dance and sign. I would just go there and start doing my own thing. People would gather around to watch me, and I didn’t mind their company. This time, however, when I went there, there were architects removing the statue of Iroh that stood in the center of the plaza. I overheard them also saying they were removing the statue that stood in the nearby town (this nearby town is where Iroh is at the current time).
“Excuse me,” I said to what I assumed was the chief architect. “Why are you removing the statue of Fire Lord Iroh?”
The man turned around.
“Oh,” he exclaimed, “my Lady, what brings you here?”
I repeated my question, this time a little more bluntly.
“Well,” he said, “it is tradition that the centerpiece of the plaza be a statue of the current Fir Lord or Lady. This statue is going to be moved to the other side of the mountain, where it will join the other statues of former Fire Lords and Ladies. Right now we’re trying to figure out what pose to make your statue in. You wouldn’t by chance have an idea or suggestion, would you, My Lady?”
“Well,” I replied, “dancing has always been something that described me, and this is my traditional dancing spot, which is why I came here… so how about if you find a pose of me dancing?”
“That can be arranged,” the architect replied, “can you hold a pose for about 5 minutes?”
“I’ll do my best,” I replied, “If I can’t, I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to be sorry, my Lady,” they said, “It will be us who are sorry for not sketching your picture fast enough.”
I shrugged and began dancing. I held a pose where I was standing on my right hand, my legs were pointing opposite directions, and my left hand was pointing forwards and to the left. They captured this pose, and a few minutes later, earthbenders had brought the statue to life. I felt it and smiled. I crawled all over it throwing fire into my statue’s let hand, both feet, and mouth. After I did, the statue shot fire from these places.
“We hope you like it,” the architects said, and I danced my night away.
I was glad the being Fire Lady was not as hard as I thought. I actually became very popular and loved by almost everyone. People still loved my dancing, but when the world heard of The Dancing Fire Lady, people from other tribes would watch me as well. I enjoyed my life again, except for one factor—a rival of mine named Zhao.
~Sanaki~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:53:11 GMT 1
CHAPTER 20: THE CITY OF THE RED MAIDEN
“And that, my friends,” said Iroh, “is my story.”
“Nice,” Toph muttered, “Sanaki’s attitude doesn’t surprise me. Where is that maniac anyways?”
“She has retreated to the City of the Red Maiden,” Iroh replied, “also known as the Fire Nation Capital.”
“So,” I said, “that city has been named after her?”
“To an extent it has,” Iroh replied, “and I would like to go with you, but I must linger here for a time. I do hope you will forgive me.”
“We do,” my mother replied, “but I have one question: why did Sanaki flee?”
“She did not flee,” Iroh replied, “rather, she returned to her city to face off with Zhao and restore peace to the Fire Nation.”
“I see,” I replied, “you don’t suppose she’d let us help her, do you?”
“Not a chance,” Iroh laughed, “that girl’s a stubborn one who likes fighting her own foes.”
My mother smiled. “That’s my Sanaki,” she chuckled, “Kai, lead the way.”
I did as I was told. Iroh gave us directions to the City of the Red Maiden, and by mid-day, we were there.
It was a very elaborate city, and it seemed that the security of the place had been dropped since Sanaki took control. People were everywhere, the town was flourishing, and it appeared to be a happy place.
We ran into Sokka, Appa, Momo, and Katara’s children there as well. Apparently they had flown straight here because they heard something was up, and yet nothing was.
“Where’s mommy?” little Katara asked after seeing me,
“I don’t know, Katara,” I said quietly, and picked the child up.
“I want mommy!” she cried,
“Here, Katara,” said Sokka, taking her from me, “just sleep in Appa’s warm fur with your brother.”
Sokka set little Katara next to the little boy Sokka, and the tiny girl curled up in her brother’s arms. Since Appa had been without a master for so long, his saddle had since come off, and yet he still flew without difficulty, and no one was in danger of falling off. Besides, he was on the ground at the moment, and Sokka was watching him.
“Well Sokka,” said Toph, “you two can go ahead and return to Ba Sign Se now. We have this taken care of. Besides, the children probably shouldn’t be here...”
“Yeah,” Sokka muttered, “you’re right.” he paused, and flipped himself onto Appa’s back. Momo jumped up and landed on Toph’s head—just like old times. “I guess he wants to go with you all,” he commented, and then turned back. “Yip, yip!” he said, and Appa took off with Sokka and the children.
“just like old times, Momo,” Toph muttered, “of course, after Sanaki joined our group, he seemed more fascinated with her head… he’ll like to see her again too I reckon.”
“Yeah,” I replied, “but come to think of it, something doesn’t feel right here. Does anyone else feel it?”
“Aye,” my mother replied, “does anyone else?”
“Yeah, you think something would have happened if Zhao was in control,” Ty Lee commented, “and yet this place has such a happy aura...”
“Something’s definitely amiss though,” said Toph, “first off, Iroh wouldn’t lie; secondly, it’s almost too peaceful. You all look around you.”
We did as Toph told us, and we all noticed a slight unease here. We decided to go to the village square and see if anything was amiss there. The plaza here was huge. Naturally, a huge statue of Sanaki was gracing it, identical to the one we had seen in the last village.
We looked around, and suddenly we realized that this vast plaza was empty. The same thought crossed not only though the mind of me, Kai Serenes II, but also the mind of Ty Lee, Toph, and my mother.
“It’s a trap,” Toph exclaimed, “quick, everyone on; Kai, Earthbend us up!”
Toph and I were able to dodge ourselves away from the ambush, but we soon came down, surrounded by Zhao’s men.
“Surrender the fire lady,” they told us, and naturally, Toph was the first one to get on edge about it.
“WHAT,” She exclaimed, “we don’t have her... your dark form tried to kidnap her.”
“And we were the ones to stop him as you know,” Ty Lee chorused, “and we plan to do the same to you!”
“So you think, girl,” said a voice. We all turned and saw that it was Zhao.
“Men,” he shouted, “attack!”
Before we could reach Zhao, he had somehow escaped. However, we were far fro finished. We were surrounded by soldiers who had rebelled against the very Fire Nation itself. Suddenly, we heard a voice.
“NOT IN MY NATION YOU DON’T!!” it shouted. We turned, and sliding down a railing on a column of fire was Sanaki Li Chan herself. Again, she did not seem to notice our presence, but we fought strong and hard anyways. Fire was flying in all directions, and after we started fighting a strange wind picked up, particularly around Ty Lee. I had suspicions that she might be an airbender, but it was not my business to be poking my nose where I didn’t need to, even if I was the avatar.
We continued fighting, mine and my mother’s water proving very effective in dispatching the soldiers. After they realized that we were still unscathed, they surrendered and ran off.
“Hold it,” said Toph, putting her hand to the ground, “they’re all going the same way. Needless to say, we follow them. Come!”
“Shouldn’t the avatar be the one guiding us?” Ty Lee whispered,
“Kai,” said Toph, “do you care if I lead for a second or two?”
“Not at all, I replied, smiling,
“See Ty Lee,” said Toph, “like I said: the Earth Queen is always right.”
“That was Zuki,” Ty Lee laughed,
“Ah, I get it now,” said Toph, “you’re just trying to boost morale. Nice job.”
Toph hit knuckles with Ty Lee and they carried on.
“Where’d they go?” my mother asked, “They moved fast.”
“They probably went to the local arena,” Ty Lee replied, “when Sanaki first mentioned Zhao, she said she was going to end up fighting him there one day. It looks like we’ll be seeing an Agni Kai soon...”
We followed Ty Lee as she dodged through alleyways and buildings until we reached the arena. It was packed with people. Whatever this was, it was a setup. We did notice that guards were posted outside of all the entrances though.
“We cannot let you through,” they said, “Zhao’s orders.”
“And what about the Fire Lady’s orders?” said Toph, “she’s the one who matters. Besides, I’m the earth queen. I do what I want unless Fire Lady Sanaki says otherwise—when we’re in her fire Nation.
“In other words,” said Kai, “we are going in. prepare to fight if you do not comply.”
Naturally, they did not, so after a few minutes, we dispatched of the guards and found ourselves a set behind Sanaki.
“You think we should help her?” I asked,”
Not at all,” my mother replied, “listen to what she’s saying...”
I did. Zhao was taunting her saying that she should get her army to help her fight him.
“You, my friend,” said Sanaki, “are about to get whipped by a blind girl—and the Lady of the Fire Nation—and she’s gonna do it alone!”
People around us cheered.
“Does she come here often?” I asked a man sitting next to me,
“Yeah she does,” the man replied, “the Fire Lady is always fighting someone, whether it is in a friendly fight or a to-the-death match. She’s the coolest Fire Lady this nation has ever had, mark my words.”
I was not hesitant to believe in Sanaki’s awesomeness. In times past, Sanaki had done many things in her life, and beating people in Agni Kais on a regular basis was actually one of them. I watched as she got into position, Zhao on the opposite end. From what we were hearing, this was one of the greatest fights this group of people had ever seen.
“Do you think she will be okay?” my mother asked me. She seemed worried about the Fire Lady—the girl she had helped raise from a young child, who, now 32, was on her own and the ruler of the Fire Nation;
“I guarantee it,” I replied, and then lowered my voice to a whisper, “the avatar spirit tells me the same.”
My mother smiled, and then turned to watch the fight.
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:54:30 GMT 1
CHAPTER 21: THE FIRE LADY'S AGNI KAI
The entire fight was incredible from my point of view—I had perfect glimpses of the Agni Kai fight between Zhao and the Fire Lady. There was an announcer and everything.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he shouted, “today Zhao and Sanaki are going to fight to the death. They are settling all differences here and now. Should Zhao win, he will take the throne. Should the Fire Lady win, she will simply gain even more bragging rights. Personally, I don’t think Zhao stands a chance...”
“Quiet you,” Zhao snapped, punching his palm, and turning to Sanaki, “any last words, lady of fire?”
“Yeah,” Sanaki snapped back, “let’s see how long you can go on fighting a blind girl before you call for help.”
Zhao did not have a response for this, and the fight started. Zhao fought just like his father—with huge, slow, yet powerful attacks that swift little Sanaki was able to dodge with ease. Sanaki had always been a defensive fighter anyways, and because of how much she had grown, she was able to take more damage before dropping. Nonetheless, she was not being hit. Her movements though, were what were really interesting about her.
She moved like an acrobat, throwing attacks from her hands, then landing on her hands and kicking some attacks while walking on her hands. After some of this, she would flip up and repeat this process, moving seamlessly from standing on her hands to her feet to her hands again, with the grace of a Fire Lady. Graceful, beautiful flames of various shades of read and blue were emitting from her hands and feet, and these flames attacked Zhao in a similar fashion. Everyone could tell that Zhao was being overwhelmed.
However, Zhao was not about to give up. He had the same megalomaniac attitude that his father had had, and I, along with everyone else, could see that he was bent on killing Sanaki. He launched a huge fireball at Sanaki for about the 15th time, but this time was different. This time, it connected with Sanaki, blasting her off her feet.
No one thought that the small, thin Fire Lady would be able to endure such a blow, but she did. In fact, not only did she take the blast, but as she was spiraling through the air, she flipped sideways and landed on her feet. She redirected what energy there was left over from Zhao’s attack, converted it into lightning and knocked Zhao down.
This was when things got a little strange. Zhao ended up calling in reinforcements, so now it was 7 on 1. However, Sanaki just laughed.
“I knew you’d need backup,” she cackled, “I mean, come on, Zhao. I thought you knew better. If you want to be the Fire Lord, you’re gonna actually have to have some abilities.” She laughed.
“Get her,” Zhao shouted, and his minions came after her.
“Hold it,” said Sanaki, and she stomped her feet, sending a huge wave of lightning close to the ground that paralyzed them for a second,
“You do realize,” Sanaki continued, “that by attacking me you have the chance of being killed, right?”
I watched them all nod, but Sanaki was expecting an answer.
“Hey,” she said, “I’m blind. Give me a “yes” or “no” answer.”
“Lady,” said one of them, “if anyone’s gonna die here, it’s gonna be you.”
“Fine then,” said Sanaki, and suddenly, a huge thin bolt of fire shot out from Sanaki’s right hand and she nailed the man in the chest, killing him. He dropped, and Sanaki grinned. “I’ll take it you all understand then.”
“We do, Lady of Fire,” they replied, “bring it on.”
“With pleasure,” Sanaki replied,
These benders were much faster than Zhao, but nowhere near as fast as Sanaki. Sanaki was able to overwhelm them one at a time, while defending herself pretty well at the same time. One thing the enemy benders noticed was that the easiest way to attack Sanaki was with small swipes that would cut her. These were working pretty well for them, and it did not take long for Sanaki to receive several cuts, some large, and she was bleeding excessively.
“Can’t take the heat, Fire Lady?” they taunted,
“the fact that you’re assaulting the woman who has been trying her best to run this nation is enough heat in and of itself,” Sanaki replied, “but you’re not gonna have time to remember that, because you’ll be dead right about... now”
Sanaki suddenly spun around, unleashing huge waves of fire that exterminated 4 of the 5 benders (Zhao was the 6th, and Sanaki had already killed the 7th beforehand). The last one stood behind her, about to attack. However, Sanaki spun around and spewed a huge stream of fire from her mouth which overtook him, killing him.
“It’s just you and me, Zhao,” Sanaki said, “come on, you can take me—7 big men against a little blind lady; you can try it.”
Zhao and Sanaki fought for a long time, Zhao taking it easy as to avoid Sanaki’s attacks. I knew what he was planning on doing, and Toph seemed aware of it too.
“Sanaki,” she shouted, “he’s trying to wear you out!”
“Shut up, you!” Zhao shouted,
“Hey!” Toph snapped back, “I’m the queen of the earth kingdom. I’ll do what I want here unless the Fire Lady says otherwise! She’s the one that can do whatever she wants!”
Suddenly, everyone gasped. Toph’s words seemed to have motivated Sanaki, and she had launched an attack that knocked Zhao down. She quickly pinned him and prepared for the final blow.
“I’ll listen to the earth queen,” she said, “and I’ll do what I want. Farewell, Zhao,”
Sanaki’s next attack was a swift move that was indeed fatal. Zhao was motionless and Sanaki began limping away. Crowds surrounded her but she held her arms out to signal them not to touch her.
“I just need to be alone, okay?” she snapped, and she ran off, still limping. “She’ll be east to follow,” Ty Lee noted, “look, she left a trail of blood that leads all the way back to the palace.”
“Poor thing,” my mother exclaimed, “I need to speak to her.”
“Eh, she’ll be alright,” said Toph, putting her hand on my mother Kai’s shoulder, “Sanaki’s a tough kid. During our late teens and early 20s we’d get into fights all the time. She’s got guts that one does.”
My mother smiled, “thank you, Toph,” she said, “you remind me a little of Sanaki,”
“How so,” Toph asked, “is it ‘coz we’re both blind and both rule one of the four kingdoms?”
“Well,” my mother replied, “That, and just the rough-and-tough nature of both of you; and you’re a good friend.”
Toph shrugged, “thanks,” she said, “now let’s find Sanaki. I need to have a word with her as well.”
“Okay,” I replied, and we followed the trail of blood all the way to the Fire Nation Palace. We were let in because of Toph and my mother, because my mother was world-renowned, and had served the Fire Nation—as well as the other nations, many times, and because Toph was the Earth Queen.
“Just be warned,” said the guards, “she seems a little tired, and she was bleeding all over the place. Perhaps you should wait for a while before you try to go in and see her.”
“Will she be alright?” I asked,
“Yeah,” the guard replied calmly, “this happens to her all the time. She’s a tough woman, that Fire Lady is... and she’s the best ruler this nation has ever had. Mark my words.”
“I’ll second that,” said Ty Lee, “but Iroh was great too,”
“Indeed he was,” the guard replied, “anyways, welcome to the palace and enjoy your stay. You can obviously tell that the Fire Lady is normally quite easy-going, but heed my warning for this time.”
“Okay,” Ty Lee replied, and the four of us went in.
It was very elaborate, and the great maze that had been created by the Dai Li on the old Fire Lord’s request was gone. Everything was back to normal here, and with Sanaki in charge, there were lots of fires all around us.
“That’s Sanaki for us,” my mother chuckled, and Toph laughed,
“Well,” she said, “I think this is where you request to see her... this door feels grand, and I think it leads to the throne room.”
We looked up at the door. On it was a large icon of the Fire Nation.
“Without a doubt,” I commented, and pushed it open.
~Sanaki~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:55:38 GMT 1
CHAPTER 22: THE PHOENIX QUEEN'S LABRYNTH
We found ourselves in front of another guard, who seemed to recognize us for some reason.
“Ah,” he exclaimed, “Queen Toph; what are you doing here, if I may ask?”
“I just wanted to say hi to the Fire Lady,” Toph replied, “is she here?”
“Aye,” the man replied, “she is here. Just be warned that she might be in a foul mood though. And, who might you be?” he turned to me, my mother, and Ty Lee
“I’m Ty Lee,” Ty Lee replied, “and this is Kai Serenes I and Kai Serenes II.”
“Kai Serenes,” the guard exclaimed, “my apologies, my lady.”
“It’s okay,” my mother replied, “May we see the Fire Lady now?”
“I will go and check,” the guard replied, passing through the door. I could feel fire from behind the door once he opened it. He went in and talked with Sanaki for a while before coming out again.
“The Fire Lady will be seeing you now,” he said, but we heard a voice.
“NO SHE WON’T!” Sanaki shouted, and the guard poked his head in. Ty Lee later said she saw Sanaki waving her hand over her eyes, indicating she was blind. She chuckled.
“Oh,” the guard stammered, “right. The Fire Lady will be... The Fire Lady... eh, you can go in now.”
Toph laughed. “That’s another blind joke for ya,” she said, “let’s go in.”
We went in and we saw Sanaki sitting on her enormous throne. Around us, there were huge flames. Sanaki was lazing in the throne sideways, gazing upward.
“Lady Sanaki,” my mother said, “do you remember me?”
Sanaki held out her hand to feel the heat patterns radiating from my mother Kai Serenes I, and she suddenly smiled.
“Kai,” she exclaimed, and she jumped off her throne and gave my mother a hug. She smiled, and my mother smiled back.
“Sanaki,” she said, “it’s been such a long time since I last saw you. What have you been up to?”
“All sorts of things,” Sanaki replied, “times have been dark since I took control... there have been fights erupting all over. Luckily my skills have grown, for usually I’m the one who ends up silencing them. Among my haters, they call me a seductive woman who uses her looks and speeches to convince many—it’s a cold truth, Kai—a cold truth.”
“And how well have you been keeping things under control?” Toph asked, “Quite well actually,” Sanaki replied, “I’ve become a powerful enough firebender that there are no limits to my rule. Many now call me “Phoenix Queen Sanaki”. The rulers of the Fire Nation have always had a bad reputation. How should I be different?
“Sanaki,” I said, “the reason you’re different is because you are not aspiring to take over the world. You are simply using force to keep the imperialists in line so they don’t try to overthrow you. If they did that, then they would resume taking over the world.”
“Well,” said Sanaki, “most of that has been crushed under my reign thanks to my skills, but it still leaves something to be desired. I need to get out of here. I want some more adventure. Iroh can watch over the place for me, but yeah, I need out.”
Not to the surprise of any of us, we heard the decree that Phoenix Queen Sanaki had departed for a time, just as we were sneaking out. We were next to some of the imperialists, who started sn1ggering, but then they learned that Iroh would be overseeing the Fire Nation while she was gone, and they stopped. Everyone knew better than to try against Iroh. He might have been an old man, but he knew how to operate really well, similar to how I managed my avatar powers, or how Toph and Sanaki managed while being blind.
“So,” I asked her, “where are we going?”
“we are going to my secret retreat,” Sanaki replied, heading back around the palace, “it is a secret inner courtyard that I use to practice in. there’s lots of fire, and that’s where I plan to teach you firebending, little miss Avatar.”
“Avatar,” I exclaimed, lowering my voice to a whisper, “how did you know?”
“Well,” Sanaki replied, “the Empress of the Mountains and the Phoenix Queen have had close, but very secret associations for a long time. It came from out old friendship, and the fact that we were both blind, and the fact that we both are totally awesome. Anyways, she told me, but I already felt it in you… I could feel your water, but I could also feel a presence of your 2nd element, earth, flowing through you. And then, a want for fire, the next element, called out to me. It comes from being a master, Kai Serenes II. You should know. You are the waterbending master other than your mother and Water Chief Katara.”
“Thank you,” I said quietly, and we continued until Sanaki took us down into a maze. She breathed in really deep and spewed a huge fire out of her mouth that shot through the tunnels. She then used those flames to find her way out. There was something to do with firebending that Sanaki was able to detect that led to her exit. She told us all to follow, and all of us did except for Toph, who decided to earthbend herself through all of the walls, restoring them as she went. However, she ended up lagging behind for some reason.
“Toph,” Sanaki called out, “Toph where are you?”
“I’m here,” Toph cried out, “I nicked a booby trap or something. I burned my feet. Ooh, it hurts to walk.”
“oh snap,” Sanaki muttered, “Toph don’t move. There are traps all over this place, many of which were not made by me. One more wrong move and you could get burned in other places as well.”
Sanaki took Toph and was able to lead her out of the labyrinth as well. Kai was able to heal Toph with no effort at all, and then we all looked around at where we were. It was an elaborate courtyard, surrounded by flames. This was obviously Sanaki’s natural habitat. Icons of the Fire Nation emblazed the walls, and there was a lot of red.
“Of course,” Sanaki told me, “sometimes I just come here to retreat. There are living quarters over beyond that wall and that door. It’s unlocked, since I usually only bring myself and my most trusted friends here.”
“The place feels, familiar, Sanaki,” Toph commented,
“That’s because I haven’t changed it much,” Sanaki replied, picking at something in her ear; “it’s still the same place.”
One peculiar thing I noticed about Toph and Sanaki was that they both would do strange things like that whenever they were not in public. Sanaki picked her ears a lot. Ty Lee found this rather funny. Sanaki simply shrugged it off.
“Hey,” she shrugged, “anything that is worth doing is worth doing, right?”
“I guess so,” Ty Lee laughed, “besides; you can do whatever you want.”
“True,” Sanaki laughed, but for now, you all get some rest, especially you, Kai.” She pointed at me. “You’re gonna need it that most.”
Everyone left but Sanaki. My mother and Sanaki met again when it was evening. My mother was out wandering when she saw Sanaki sitting in the middle of her arena.
“What’s the matter, Sanaki?”
“Nothing,” Sanaki replied, “I just couldn’t sleep. How about you,”
“Well,” Kai replied, “you’re doing the same thing I used to do all the time. Sanaki, it may seem like you have changed, but you’re still the same adorable little girl that I adopted 29 years ago. You still have that kind, loving nature, and that touch of competitiveness. You’re a great Fire Lady, Sanaki, and don’t think that you’re turning evil just because of the bad reputation, okay?”
“Yeah,” Sanaki replied, “I won’t. On another note though, your daughter has incredible power. I could feel it. She’s probably destined to be the destroyer of Zuko’s Threat, as Katara called it. You know that Supernatural Lord?”
“Aye,” Kai replied, “I hope she does. Then Tera will be able to live at ease again. Of course, you might not like that,”
“No,” Sanaki replied, “I forgave her. I learned what she went though. It must be terrible. I wonder where she is right now.”
“You’ll meet her again,” Kai replied, “but for now, we should both get some rest.”
“Okie,” Sanaki replied, just like she had when she was 14, “I’ll do that.”
Sanaki and Kai both went up and went to sleep, leaving everything silent.
~Sanaki~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:56:58 GMT 1
CHAPTER 23: LADY OF THE FIRE NATION (I)
I was roused the next morning by my mother, who told me to make haste down to the courtyard. Sanaki was waiting for me when I got there.
“Okay, Kai,” she said with an energetic tone, “today and tomorrow and however long it takes you, I’m gonna teach you firebending. According to my calculations, and what Toph said, you might be able to become a full-fledged firebender in a little over a month. Now, this is gonna probably be your most difficult lesson, since fire is the opposite of your native element, water. So, let’s get started. Get into my position.”
I mimicked Sanaki’s position and waited for her next instruction.
“Now,” she said, “you need to feel the energy of fire… turn towards the sun, and in your case, put your hand to your eyes, or you’ll end up blind like me. Luckily, I was born blind so it’s not a big deal if I look right at the sun without closing my eyes. Anyways, make sure you breathe regularly too. Firebending is powered by the sun, but comes from your breath and energy. You breathe in, and then concentrate on the actual bending, and it will come out as fire. Just concentrate. You’re not going to get it on the first try. In fact, for you, it might take a while.”
I spent the next while trying to make fire. It was hard, since the water flow within me didn’t seem to want to produce fire, but after a while of Sanaki standing beside me, sensing my every move, I finally got it.
“There we go,” said Sanaki, “but now you need to learn how to control it. Concentrate that fire so it surrounds your hand, and then launch it straight forward for starters.”
I did as I was told. At first I was unable to do it, and then I lost the fire, and it took me a few minutes to be able to get it back. Luckily Sanaki seemed patient enough, but I could tell from the look on her face that her temper was growing short. After my 4th attempt failed, I turned to her, knowing she was bound to explode any second.
“Sanaki” I said, “I’m sorry. Firebending just comes slower to me than the other elements I guess.”
“Kai Serenes II,” said Sanaki, “it’s a good thing you said that when you did. That means that you know your faults and don’t think that you’re the all-powerful avatar and ruler of the world. My patience was thinning, but the fact that you acknowledged your faults makes it all better. People who know their blemishes and learn how to make use of them are the ones who become the true masters. That’s what I did. I recognized that I was blind, and found a way to utilize it. I know what my weaknesses are and were. I was small, thin and weak in my younger years, so I developed a strategy against it—and against cold temperatures, my other weakness. Toph and I were talking about it once. Anyways, I can’t sense any obvious weaknesses in you. You are a calm fighter, but you don’t want to use your power just because you can. You like to keep it and only use it when you have to. Kai, you’re gonna be one heck of an avatar, mark my words. Therefore, we shall continue.”
By the end of the first day though, I had made little progress.
“Tomorrow, same time, same place,” Sanaki said, “be there.”
I was there. I thought I would be early, but to my surprise, Sanaki was waiting. She said nothing, only that we were going to begin right where we left off last time.
“I’ve already taught you the basics,” she said, “now what you need to do is practice them until you can do them at all, and we’ll go from there.”
I did as I was told once again, but unlike last time, I actually got them this time. I was firebending. I got excited, and to my surprise, my energy made my firebending even more prominent.
“Now you’ve got it, Kai!” Sanaki exclaimed happily, embracing me; “and after a little more practice, I’ll teach you how to do the 4 moves of firebending I coined, similar to your mother’s waterbending moves and Toph’s earthbending moves. So, carry on.”
I continued to practice firebending until Sanaki said I had mastered
the basic art. Now, though, she said I needed to practice on her martial arts style of firebending, and this took the rest of the week. On the first day of our second week, Sanaki announced that I was ready to learn the first of her 4 moves.
“Before we start,” said Sanaki, “I need to ensure that you will be able to do this rapidly enough. Try throwing fireballs straight in front of you as fast as you can.”
I used a swift, cutting movement Sanaki had taught me previously and began throwing out small fireballs only about 3 times larger than my hand. I noticed Sanaki was doing it too, but hers were much faster. Of course, she told me this was to be expected. Anyways, Sanaki then told me that she would teach me the first move.
“What you do is simple;” she said, “you only have to shoot those fireballs like crazy, but spin around while you’re doing it. You’ll end up spinning really fast, but it should not deter you. And in case you’re wondering how you know when to throw another fireball, you just wait until you’re facing the same way again—or aim at a different target. This is more of a move that goes for speed rather than accuracy, so don’t worry if you miss. Try practicing hitting that ice shield. I’ll give you a little time, and the more damage you do to it the better.”
I didn’t think that it was my mother holding up the ice shield until after I had successfully destroyed it in Sanaki’s allotted time. I didn’t say anything, because my mother put up her hand indicating to me that not only did she volunteer for the job similar to the way she had with Toph, but also that she was unhurt. I smiled and turned back to Sanaki, who was facing the opposite way. She did not turn when I faced her.
“Kai, you did well. Now you practice that move for a few days and I’ll advance you to the 2nd move.”
Time seemed to fly during my lessons with Phoenix Queen Sanaki. I was always fascinated by her title, especially because the last person to hold a similar title, Phoenix King Ozai, had used it to rule the world. Sanaki simply used it because it was a high rank that even Iroh approved of her using. Anyways, Sanaki came down and told me about the 2nd move. She was smiling.
“This one is one of my favorites,” she said, “in fact, it probably is. What you do is start by ‘slowly’ making a ring of fire around yourself. When I say slowly though, I mean about half of a second. What you do next is bend it upward and around you, and then shoot some powerful flames behind you at the ground. The force should be able to blast you forward several feet. This is a common move I used when fighting against fire nation legions. It blasts right through people, knocking them back considerably, depending on how much strength you use. Now, to start, I want to you to learn to surround yourself with flames. After all, this part of the move may seem pointless, but if you’re not surrounded in flames, it’s not too much different from just charging into someone.”
I surrounded myself, particularly my upper body and head, with flames. It took me a few tries of course (for everything I tried did—I was not like some super-prodigious bender who could pick up any move in 5 minutes), but I eventually nailed it.
“Now for the 2nd part: disregard the first part for now, and just throw fire behind you at this angle and you’ll blast forward. After you feel the blast ending, but your hands out to ease your fall, and then kick flames out when you get back up. Once you master this, put them together and you will have the move.”
I did as I was told. I actually mastered this move faster than I thought I would. Sanaki was pleased.
“Next time,” she said, “I’ll teach you the 3rd and 4th of my 4 great moves. Be sure to continue practicing my other techniques though, otherwise you’ll lose your skills”
Needless to say, I did. I was not about to lose my newly acquired skills.
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:58:07 GMT 1
CHAPTER 24: LADY OF THE FIRE NATION (II)
I continued practicing my moves that Sanaki had taught me—there were 3 whole days dedicated to practicing these two moves—the rapid-speed fireballs and the fire blast move. I also practiced the basic bending techniques that Sanaki had taught me, and soon after, Sanaki told me she was going to teach me the 3rd move of her 4 great moves.
“This one’s a lot easier than the 2nd one,” she said,
“So,” I asked, “out of pure curiosity, if this move is easier, why did you teach me the other one first?”
“Well,” Sanaki replied, “because that is the order in which I created them. Therefore, it is the order I teach them. So, would you like me to continue?”
“Aye,” I replied, “please enlighten me, Sanaki.”
“Okie,” she replied, and continued. “This move is similar to the one Toph taught you. Here’s what you do: you zoom forward surrounded by fire. However, instead of knocking people back, this move will set things on fire. Fore example, watch this;”
There was a tapestry brought out by Ty Lee and my mother, and Sanaki turned to face it. She then zoomed right through it, and yet it didn’t seem to move. However, she was on the other side of it, and her flames she had used during the move had ignited it and it was gone in seconds.
“it’s that simple, Kai,” Sanaki continued, “of course, I don’t think I have enough flammable objects for you to practice on, so we’ll have to rely on ‘blind’ (heh, heh) faith that you can successfully do it. Besides, I can tell when the move is done properly. So, crouch down, kick off with your feet, and firebend. The firebending should take care of most of the move, so, go ahead and try it.”
I did. I crouched down, and I was surrounded in flames. I then dashed forward with my foot out, another part of the move she did not mention, but that I noticed. This move was easier to master than the other ones, so it did not take long for me to perfect it.
“I noticed you used my kick as well, Kai,” said Sanaki, smiling, “I was wondering if you were going to notice that. You’re a very observant learner. I admire you for that.”
“Thank you, I replied timidly, “you are very kind for offering to teach me your skills and enlighten me with your firebending knowledge.”
“Wow,” Sanaki exclaimed, “that makes it seem like I’m actually doing something important,” She chuckled after saying this.
“You are, Sanaki,” I replied, “You’re helping the avatar herself learn one of the four elements—her opposite element in fact.”
“Aw,” Sanaki muttered, going slightly pink, “I feel all warm and fuzzy now. Thank you, Kai Serenes II. I know that my abilities will never be used for evil purposes in hands like yours.”
“You’re welcome,” I replied, “and yes, I would never want to use any of my abilities for purposes other than serving my friends or defending them. Some people have too much power and it corrupts them. This is why I am very careful as to when I use them,”
“That’s the spirit, Kai,” Sanaki replied, “and as a result, after more practice on this move, and the other two, I will teach you how to counter with firebending.”
A little more time passed (a few days or so) and Sanaki found me ready to learn her counter move.
“first,” she said, “let’s remember that this is not my 4th move—this is something you need to learn with all four elements, so it can be used accordingly depending on your environment. So, I’m going to attack you, and I want you first to counter me with your waterbending counter, and then your earthbending one. From those movements, I will sense how to teach you the firebending counter.”
I did as I was told. Sanaki launched quick attacks at me, and I countered them first with waterbending, which sent her sprawling and decreased her speed, and then with earthbending, which knocked her back a considerable distance.
“Very good,” Sanaki said, “and now for the effects of a firebending counter. It works the same way your other two counters work, but with fire instead. Try me.”
I did not want to hurt Sanaki any more, but the fact that she was attacking me and that I knew she would get impatient if I didn’t defend myself the way she told me to (similar to Toph) made me counter her blasts with firebending. They didn’t send her far, and I noticed that she attacked me again. This time though, I noticed a decrease in power. After countering her for the 5th time, I decided to note this to her.
“Sanaki” I exclaimed, “you’re attacks are losing power. Is something wrong? I mean is that normal?”
“It is,” Sanaki replied, “the firebending counter hurts your elemental energies and depletes energy in general, thus decreasing your attack power. So there’s my counter move for you—plain and simple.”
“Thank you, I replied, “I’m sorry I hurt you though.”
“Eh,” Sanaki muttered, “its fine. I’m a lot tougher now than I was when I was 13, so it’s not like very much damage was done.”
“So,” I asked, “are you going to teach me the 4th move now?”
“Of course,” Sanaki replied, just practice that counter move for a day or two and we’ll start it.”
By the time I had mastered the 3rd move, we were halfway through the 3rd week of training. It was halfway through the 4th week that I finally started on the 4th move. Of course, my days were filled with rigorous practice, but since practice was not as eventful as the actual learning process, it was not brought up very much.
“The 4th and final move,” said Sanaki “is a very versatile move that serves many purposes. It can serve as a reflector shield if you know what to do. First surround yourself with a fireball using the bending techniques I’ve taught you. This should be done very quickly. If you make your strokes just right, you will reflect anything the enemy shoots at you, even water. Kai, please help me demonstrate.”
My mother began shooting water at Sanaki, but Sanaki conjured up her fireball shield at just the right time and it reflected back at my mother, who back flipped out of the way.
“Of course,” said Sanaki “my favorite use of this handy little move is one like this,” Sanaki suddenly made a swift motion with her arm, and the fireball went in front of her. The instant that it did, she kicked it out with her foot, and then pulled her foot back in, and the fireball followed, and disappeared.
“If you can make that ‘shield’, and are able to bend fire,” said Sanaki, “you will be able to do this move. Therefore, I will give no further instructions on how to use it. Our training session for today will be complete once you are able to do this move.”
Surprisingly, I was able to pull off the move in only a few minutes, and Sanaki was pleased. Of course, after this came the routine practice time, except now that I knew all 4 moves and the counter, it became more vigorous. Nonetheless, I pulled through. On one of the last days of training, some hints about a higher order of firebending came into play. Although Sanaki had not used lightning in her moves, she had taught me it, and how to redirect it, and how crucial it was for my feet to be bare when I tried her moves. I ended up leaving that day learning a form of firebending I had only heard about—lightbending. Light was a form of fire, for it glowed and gave heat. Sanaki had learned how to master it, and could move it at will. The technique was pretty creepy, for darkness would appear where Sanaki bended the light away. Nonetheless, she had taught me her ways. Similarly, Toph had taught me a secret metalbending technique that had enabled me to learn it so quickly. However, like Toph, Sanaki did not want me disclosing that secret. It was similar to Katara’s secret spirit water oasis. It was something that should not be tampered with unless it was necessary.
“Well Kai,” Sanaki announced, “congratulations. In 6 weeks time, you have become a full-fledged firebending master. Now shoot a stream of fire in the air for me to the night.”’
I did so, and watched the glorious flames that symbolized me becoming a master. My 3rd element had been learned, and that left only one more. I did not know where I was going to find an airbending teacher, but fate always seemed to help me find a way.
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 3:58:43 GMT 1
CHAPTER 25: THE REALM OF THE AIRBENDERS
We set sail northwards towards the western air temple. My mother never really said why, but since that was one of the most intricate air temples—and former home to female air nomads, she guess that there might be a possibility of finding something—or someone—there that could be of help to me. Iroh had stayed behind to oversee the Fire Nation, similar to how Sokka was doing the same for the Earth Kingdom.
Now that Sanaki was part of our group, we learned more about the Fire Nation‘s current standing. “Things seemed pretty normal” Sanaki said, “until Iroh started eyeing me to become his successor for the Fire Nation throne.”
“So,” Ty Lee said, “say in the hypothetical situation that Zuko had survived, what made him sacrifice his right to the throne? Surely Katara could have given up her position and moved to the Fire Nation”
“According to Iroh,” said Sanaki, “she wanted to. However, there was something in the volcanic air of the Fire Nation that did not settle very well with Katara, and Zuko was aware of it. Zuko didn’t want that harming their relationship, so he offered to switch roles.”
“And Katara accepted just like that,” Toph exclaimed,
“Nah,” Sanaki chuckled, “she got all stubborn and didn’t want Zuko making that sacrifice, making up all kinds of things, like staying indoors and what-not. Zuko didn’t want her to have to live that way, so he ended up convincing them to move to the water tribe. Also, Zuko said that there were too many things about that Fire Nation that pained him physically and mentally, and he did not want to be reminded of them,”
“Ah,” my mother Kai Serenes I said, “that makes sense. I wondered why Zuko seldom came here...”
“and of course,” Sanaki continued, “in the meantime Iroh had taken charge of the Fire Nation at least until Zuko came of age, but after he did that, he went off and married Katara after a long and complex story that is not any of my business. If any of you want to find out, you’ll have to ask Katara.”
Sanaki paused for a second to poke Momo, who was on her head, and then she continued.
“So from my understanding Iroh had to find a successor” she continued, “I don’t know what made him choose me. I mean, sure we had been friends for several years previous to my coronation, but I never expected that he would do that to me... I mean, I knew I was a skilled firebender, but I never thought I was a master, especially after feeling the way he used fire. But then he offered to train me after we had tea together. I still remember the day we met. I had just finished dancing like I usually do, and then I had gone to a tea shop, sat down and ordered some tea. I sat next to this old man, and after a little talk, he learned I was Sanaki Li Chan, and I learned he was Iroh. He didn’t ever tell me he was the Fire Lord though. Iroh has always been a modest man who never really wanted power. He told me that after he set the Fire Nation on my shoulders. I originally got so frustrated at him for it, ‘coz it disrupted my daily life that I loved so much.”
“So by that logic,” I said, “basically Iroh was just looking for a powerful firebender in good standings with himself to take over for him?”
“I guess so,” Sanaki shrugged, “I mean, I never once asked or even hinted that I wanted to be Fire Lady, ‘coz in reality, I really didn’t. Like Iroh, I enjoyed the small and simple things in life.”
“So,” I said, hoping I was not sounding c0cky, “do any of you think that I’ll be able to find an airbending teacher once we land?”
“Never doubt,” said Ty Lee, “for sometimes, the things you seek are right in front of you.”
“Are you saying that you’re...?” I exclaimed, for she was right in front of me when she said that,”
“I never exactly said that,” Ty Lee replied, “I mean, it’s a figure of speech, but still, sometimes, it can be taken literally.”
She didn’t exactly answer my question, but I had never been the inquisitive type, so I let it slide.
With the exception of a few interesting conversations, our trip to the Western Air Temple was uneventful. When we landed, and got to the temple itself, Toph ended up locating a spot where she had stood over 19 years before.
“This is the exact same place,” she remarked, “this brings back memories—good ones and bad ones alike.”
“What do you mean?” I asked,
“The last time I was here,” said Toph, “Aang and Zuko were both still alive. I mean, it’s not like I was in love with them or anything—that’s what Sokka was for. It’s just... it brings back memories of the good times our gang used to have.”
“I’m sorry Toph,” said Ty Lee “is it harsh?”
“Eh,” Toph shrugged, “it’s alright. I mean, sure I miss the little guy, and Zuko too, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Besides, Aang’s successor is pretty dang skilled—and has a lot of his old traits.”
“What do you mean?” I asked; this was one of the first times I had ever had someone talk to me about one of my predecessors other than things I had learned from myself.
“Well,” Toph said, “you’re a pretty quick learner. Twinkle Toes managed to learn his opposite element really quick. He mastered all 4 elements in about a season. You’ve taken longer, but I’ll just say that you’re more skilled—I mean, you’re equal to the masters—your mom, Sanaki and I.”
“Oh,” I said, “um, thanks.”
“Don’t mention it,” Toph shrugged, walking around, “hey, I can actually feel where I’m going again; yeah!”
“What do you mean,” Sanaki asked her,
“Also the last time I was here,” said Toph, “my feet were burned. Obviously now though things are different”
“Yeah,” Sanaki replied, “I’m glad I can feel my surroundings too. I mean, this place is incredible.”
Sanaki suddenly paused, noticing one of their group members was missing.
“Hey,” she exclaimed, “where did Ty Lee go?”
“You just noticed she was gone,” Toph laughed,
“I wasn’t asking you,” Sanaki said defensively. Momo, who had gone with us, was on Sanaki’s head once again before he leaped off.
“Just messing with ya, Sanaki,” Toph laughed, elbowing her friend; She used to call Sanaki “Wildfire” but I figured that Toph decided to have a tiny bit more respect for her now because of her position. Of course, she still treated her the same way, and neither Sanaki nor Toph ever let their rank affect their behavior towards their friends.
Ty Lee suddenly reappeared carrying a staff.
“Look what I found,” she said, and my mother and I turned around. Toph and Sanaki remained motionless. I heard Sanaki whisper something to Toph, and they both sn1ggered. Anyways, Ty Lee had found a glider. It looked a lot like the one the spirit boy from my dreams (who I learned a while ago was Aang) used, except it was slightly different-shaped. After all, Aang had come from the Southern Air Temple, and this was the Western Air Temple. Ty Lee spun the glider around and hit the ground with it, and it was a staff again by this time. Her movements sort of reminded me of Aang’s.
“You know, Ty Lee,” said Toph, “if I didn’t know better I’d say you were an airbender.”
Ty Lee laughed. “Maybe you should have asked Zuki the fortune-teller about that one,” she said, “I mean, she’s always right. She would have told you the answer.”
Sanaki chuckled. Momo jumped back onto Sanaki’s head, and almost got tangled in her hair. She had known Zuki longer than any of us except perhaps my mother. Still, Toph was also picking up on my theory about Ty Lee, but I figured if Ty Lee did not want to tell us, that was her business.
“Kai II,” she said, “I got you this.” She handed me another staff, which of course was a glider.
“And,” she continued, “I found you an airbending teacher.”
All of us suddenly stopped dead in whatever we were doing.
“You did,” Sanaki, Toph and I exclaimed simultaneously,
“I did,” Ty Lee giggled, “There’s only one problem though.”
“What is that,” I asked again,
“The only problem is, Kai II” said Ty Lee “is that your airbending teacher is right beside you.”
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 4:00:28 GMT 1
CHAPTER 26: THE REMINISCENCE
Incidentally, none of us looked around. It might have been because my mother and I sort of figured that it was Ty Lee. Ty Lee was the one talking, and Toph and Sanaki were blind.
“So you’re an airbender,” Toph exclaimed, “seriously?”
Ty Lee nodded. You might have noticed the way I moved back when I was your enemy.”
“You did always seem like the ditzy type,” Toph laughed, but soon stopped. Ty Lee had jabbed Toph’s right arm. Momo, who was on Toph’s head, jumped off and back onto Sanaki’s head. Sanaki jumped, slightly startled, but then realized it was just Momo.
“What was that for?” Toph snapped,
“Sorry,” Ty Lee replied, “I don’t know what came over me.”
“Well,” Toph snapped, “normally I’d take that as an excuse to beat you up, but that will have to wait until after you teach Kai II airbending.”
“Oh no, my queen,” Ty Lee giggled, “please don’t hurt me.”
“Forgot about your sense of humor, eh, Ty Lee,” Toph laughed, “Just don’t do it again or next time I will hit you—off the temple. If you really are an airbender you’ll fly back up.”
“Actually,” said Ty Lee, “you moved. I was actually gonna see if you were gonna notice my movement or not, and if you did, it was just to bring back old times, my friend.”
“Friend,” Toph muttered, “interesting you should use that term...”
“Are you saying you doubt that I’m with you all?” Ty Lee exclaimed, “I joined Kai Serenes before any of you. And in case you haven’t noticed, Azula is gone, and I have no clue where Mai is.”
“Mai,” Sanaki interjected, “I’ve heard talk about a deadly assassin who goes by that name. I never really knew her too well, having not been with either of your groups, but that name sounds familiar.”
“How do you know Mai,” Ty Lee asked,
“I’m the Fire Lady,” Sanaki replied, “when things like that happen within your boundaries, you have to know about it.”
“Oh,” Ty Lee replied, “that makes sense.”
Meanwhile, I just sat there, listening to the three women talk about what they were. I did hear a lot about this Mai figure, and she seemed like the dodgy type.
“Of course,” said Sanaki, “she never revealed much to me—or anyone for that matter.”
“That’s kind of how Mai is,” said Ty Lee, having known Mai longer than the other two, or even my mother and I for that matter, “Mai never really said much to anyone—not even Zuko.”
“Really now,” said Toph, “I thought Zuko and Mai liked each other.”
“Well,” said Ty Lee, “that makes no difference now, but even back then, it was after Mai said something to Zuko that Zuko didn’t like. Zuko might have overreacted, but whatever Mai’s secret intention was, she was set, and was not going to alter her career for Zuko.”
“Wow,” I exclaimed, “that sounds harsh. Was Mai mean?”
“Well,” Ty Lee shrugged, “not really. She just kind of liked to stay out of the way and only speak when spoken to.”
“Oh.” I said, and noticed that Toph and Sanaki had started conversing. Momo was still on Sanaki’s head.
“Okay,” I replied, “I was just wondering.”
“Well Kai,” Ty Lee said, “judging from how tired your mom is I think we’re staying here for the night. I’ll begin teaching you the airbending processes I have mastered starting tomorrow if you would like.”
“That would be lovely,” I replied. I had wanted to ask her this, but I didn’t want to sound rude, so I had not said anything. I looked over at my mother and saw that she had fallen asleep. She may have still been hale, but she knew that she was getting old. I sat down beside her and ran my fingers through her now grey hair. She was also getting paler, but the distinct signs of her dark skin and brown hair still showed.
“Hey Kai,” Ty Lee whispered, giggling, “Do you want to see me play a trick on Sanaki?”
“Is it going to hurt her or make her mad?” I asked, concerned for the good friend of my mother’s, who also happened to be the ruler of the Fire Nation,
“No,” Ty Lee replied, “it’s actually more of a trick on Momo, but it might startle Sanaki too.”
“Well,” I shrugged, “okay; as long as neither of them gets hurt.”
“Alright,” Ty Lee replied. She got behind Momo and did something to him that made him freak out. Momo had a slight spasm, during which he got tangled in Sanaki’s thick, massive hair.
“What the blazes,” Sanaki stammered; trying to wrestle Momo out of her hair, but her was tangled. Toph and Ty Lee laughed; my mother did not even stir. Sanaki crossed her arms and faced me. If she were not blind, she would be staring right at me.
“I know that was you, Ty Lee,” she snapped at me, and then I said something to her.
“Um, Sanaki,” I said, walking over to her and freeing Momo, “Ty Lee is over there.” I put my hand on Sanaki’s shoulder and helped her face Ty Lee. Momo, now free of Sanaki’s hair, remained on Sanaki’s head nonetheless. Sanaki took him and began scratching his head. When she stopped, Momo jumped back onto Sanaki’s head.
“So Ty Lee,” said Sanaki “was there a reason why you did that?”
“Actually,” Ty Lee chuckled, “there wasn’t really. It was Momo we were trying to scare, and it worked. Sorry about that.”
“Okie,” Sanaki replied, “just try to be nicer, okay?”
“Alright, Sanaki,” said Ty Lee. “I’ll remember that.”
I was amused at how well Toph and Sanaki got along, considering how different they had become. Toph was the same rough, hard, and slightly rude woman she was long ago, and Sanaki was still the same kindhearted, lowing, and sweet woman she was long ago. By “long ago” I mean, even before I was born. My mother used to tell me tales about these two. They did various things together as younger children, and had some very unusual and dark adventures during the year where Sanaki was 19 and Toph was 18. Nonetheless, I don’t know their stories—no one does save them and anyone who might have been involved.
Later on that evening, Toph, Sanaki, and I were sitting on the edge of one of the hanging towers, and I was gazing at the sunset (both of them being blind, they couldn’t).
“So,” I said, hoping to start a conversation, “you two are the Earth Queen and the Fire Lady. What is that like?”
“it’s alright,” Sanaki shrugged, “I mean, I think it’d be cooler to be the avatar and have all sorts of super awesome powers, but that’s just me.”
“Yeah,” said Toph, “I think that’d be pretty cool, except I’d hate having to learn the elements. I’d want to teach myself.”
“That’s true,” Sanaki replied, “we are that proud type...”
“Not you as much, Sanaki,” said Toph, “you’re gentler than I am. Of course, Kai here is much gentler than either of us.”
“Yeah,” I replied, “I, um, I guess I am...”
“Did you hear that?” Toph laughed, “Kai actually admitted something positive about herself.”
I turned red and turned away. Luckily Sanaki defended me.
“Don’t be rude to Kai,” she snapped at Toph, “You know she’s really shy.”
“Yeah, I know,” Toph chuckled, “sorry Kai. It’s just that you need to learn to take credit for things that you deserve.”
“I... I’m sorry.” I replied, “It’s just the way I was raised.”
“Well,” said Toph, “unlike my parents, yours are good to you—well, at least your mom is. I don’t know your dad.”
“I never knew my parents either,” said Sanaki, “it was actually Kai who found me.”
“I remember you telling us that,” said Toph, “you probably have an interesting bending story too, right?”
“I guess so,” Sanaki replied, “but I didn’t learn from the original firebenders until much later in life. You got it in early with the earthbenders.”
Toph chuckled, “True,” she said, “but we’re about even nowadays in our respective elements… and I bet Kai might be able to fight us both and do alright with the powers she has.”
“Yeah,” Sanaki replied, “she probably could. And she’s gonna learn airbending starting tomorrow, right, Kai?”
“Aye,” I replied, “so I best be getting some sleep. That was nice talking to you both.”
I got up and left to get some sleep. After all, I would be undergoing vigorous airbending training like I had with the other 3 elements, and I knew by now what that was like.
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 4:01:29 GMT 1
CHAPTER 27: THE AIRBENDING SISTER (I)
I began my training with Ty Lee the next morning. Compared to the methods of my other three teachers, Ty Lee’s techniques were different and rather unusual. Of course, I attributed it to the fact that airbenders were practically extinct, Ty Lee’s slightly ditzy nature, and perhaps that she had to teach her self—or she had a mysterious source. I never ended up asking her—either it slipped my mind, or I was just not interested at the time.
“Airbending,” said Ty Lee, “is generally cheery, gentle, and of a carefree nature—like me. With the right attitude, Kai Serenes II, you can become a master airbender as well.”
On the note of master airbenders, one thing I noticed about Ty Lee that I never noticed before was that I had never seen her arms or hands proper. Also, her bangs had always hung well past her forehead. Now though, although she still was not showing her arms, (and all I could see of her hands were her fingertips) she was barefoot and was wearing pants that only cane slightly below the knee. She was also wearing her hair in a way that I could see her forehead. She had the arrows of an airbending master on her legs, feet, and forehead, and I assumed she had them on her arms and hands as well.
“You have my attention,” I said, “please teach me the ways of airbending.”
“Alright,” Ty Lee said, cart wheeling towards me. “First off, you need to feel the force of the wind. Just close your eyes and relax”
I did as I was told and felt the wind sailing past me. It was actually a very relaxing feeling. Air really was a very gentle element.
“Now,” said Ty Lee, “similar to the way your other teachers have done to teach you their respective element, you need to become one with it, and it shall do your bidding. So, develop a feel for it and then try to airbend.”
After a few tries, I was able to get it right, and I made a little air sphere which I found highly amusing to watch and to play with.
“Very good,” said Ty Lee happily; Ty Lee was easily the happiest person in our group, not necessarily because the rest of us were dismal, but rather because of her happy go-lucky nature. “Seeing as you’re starting to get the hang of airbending down, I will teach you a basic but dead useful technique that all four type of bending possess: a counter move.”
“Just out of curiosity, Ty Lee,” I said, “is there a reason you’re teaching me the counter move so early?”
“Yes there is, Ty Lee replied, “it is because if you want to be able to do anything with airbending, you must know this. Is move appears rather gentle, but if you know how and where to hit with it, you can unleash rather destructive power for airbending standards.”
I had a feeling that I knew what was about to happen next. Sure enough, my mother was here to practice with Ty Lee, so they could show me how it was done. This time I was scared for more reasons than one. Anyone could tell my mother was tired at the moment, and Ty Lee had mentioned that if you hit with the move just right, it would have devastating effects. I couldn’t pull myself to watch it. I told Ty Lee this.
“Well,” said Ty Lee, “it was your mother’s idea again. I mean, she had done it with everyone else. I was against it too, but she’s a stubborn one when it comes to the greater good.”
“Kai,” my mother told me, “you must learn to put your duties as avatar in front of everything else, including me. You must not worry about worldly things, including love. If you do not, you will lose control of the avatar state, similar to how Aang did years ago.”
I closed my eyes and my head hung low. “Mother,” I pleaded, “you’re exhausted. You need rest, not combat.”
“I know my duties,” Kai I replied firmly, “and Kai my daughter, you must learn yours. You are the avatar.”
I was glad that Ty Lee was my teacher in this scenario, for she was a very patient, gentle woman, as opposed to the likes of Sanaki, who was quick-witted, straightforward, and very impatient, or the likes of Toph, a more rude, “let’s just crack down and do this” sort of woman. They both were kind at heart, but did not have the patience that Ty Lee or my mother did. Still, I was unable to overcome my fears for my mother’s safety. I was worried about her.
“Please” I pleaded, “don’t do this, mother. At least get some rest first.”
“I cannot,” my mother replied to me, “for your mastering of the four elements is at the top of my priority list.” She came over and embraced me, for she noticed the tears that were forming in my eyes.
“I’ll be alright, Kai” my mother reassured me, “I’ve faced off against a supernatural before who was bent on killing me. Ty Lee is a very skilled bender, Kai. I’ve known about her for a while now, but she did not want me saying anything until after you had mastered water, earth, and fire.”
I stopped, taking in my mother’s words.
“Well,” I said, “if this is what you want to do, then do it; but please be careful, please. I beg you.”
“Rest assured, Kai,” my mother replied, and then Ty Lee faced me.
“You ready,” she asked, “for this is a move that must be closely observed because of its intricacies.”
“I thought you said it was a simple move,” I commented,
“It is,” Ty Lee laughed, “but if you want the full effect, it becomes a little more complex. So, get ready to watch me.”
I watched as my mother let out one of her attacks on Ty Lee. Ty Lee countered it with two jabbing movements in the air, and then she clapped her hands together at a pinpoint location. The effect of this was awe-inspiring. The attack blew Kai Serenes I clean off her feet where she spiraled into a perfect landing back onto her feet, reminiscent of Sanaki’s attack during her Agni Kai against Zhao. The only difference was that Sanaki had sent an attack back, whilst my mother did not.”
“Now,” said Ty Lee practice this move. It might take a day or two to master like I did, but I know you. You’re a very swift learner.”
Ty Lee was right. By the 4th day though, I countered Ty Lee with such a powerful hit that she was knocked clean off the edge of the temple. However, a few seconds later, she was flying back up on her glider, which she had kept with her.
“That reminds me,” said Ty Lee, “I need to teach you about gliding one of these days. First though, I am going to teach you at least two of The Four Moves of airbending.
“Okay,” I said, “and I suppose you want me to practice the techniques you have taught me so far?”
“You’re right on track,” Ty Lee said, smiling broadly. “The first move will be taught tomorrow.”
Airbending took me a nonstop 5 weeks to master, just like waterbending, earthbending, and firebending. However, during that time, a lot of things happened, such as Ty Lee teaching me the 1st of the 4 moves.
“This one,” said Ty Lee “is an enhanced version of that air sphere, except it packs a pseudo-explosive punch to it. What you do is move your hands like this to form high-speed winds inside the ball, and then kick it at your opponent. Watch out.”
Ty Lee suddenly did it at me, but I used the counter move she had taught me, and knocked it back at her, but she jumped it.
“Very good,” said Ty Lee, “you’re utilizing your techniques. Now, try the one I just told you.”
I moved my hands the way she told me to, and then drop kicked the ball I had made. However, this “drop-kick” was actually a very high-speed slamming kick, and it did the job nicely. It exploded in Ty Lee, knocking her back. However, she flipped up again.
“Very good,” she said, “you’ll be a full-fledged airbender in no time.”
I had mastered those two moves in the first weed. I was not doing too badly as far as mastering airbending was concerned.
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 4:03:56 GMT 1
CHAPTER 28: THE AIRBENDING SISTER (II)
My airbending training with Ty Lee continued. She was very patient with me through my struggles and errors, something I made many of during my lessons of bending with any of my teachers. I may have been a very powerful avatar, but I was not some perfect godly figure. I had my flaws just like any other normal person. The only thing that set me apart as “not normal” was the fact that I was the avatar. It wasn’t something that I had not personally wanted to be, but, like all avatars before me, I did not really have any choice in the matter, so I made the best with what I had. I mean, sure a lot of people fantasize about how cool it would be to be the avatar, but in all reality, it is not too much different from just being a normal bender. I mean, you control all 4 elements and have a lot of spirit intervention, but that’s beside the point. Avatar or not, I was content with my life, always aspiring to improve and to make my mother and my teachers proud.
“Okay,” said Ty Lee, “now for the 2nd of the 4 moves; this one is very basic, but has some amusing after effects. It’s basically a super jump, but if there’s anyone surrounding you when you do it, you’ll blast them backwards. Watch out.”
Ty Lee got right in front of me, and the next moment, I was on my back about 5 feet away, and she was about 15 feet in the air, landing gently.
“That is the effect of the move,” she said, “are you okay?”
“Aye,” I replied, “and thank you for demonstrating on me rather than my mother. She’s getting old, and she’s completely exhausted. I can see it in her face.” Of course, this all had not happened on the same day. This was day 13, and the moment with my mother and Ty Lee attacking her (only to demonstrate her point) had been days 1 and 4.
“So,” I asked, “how do you do the move?”
“Well,” said Ty Lee, “contrary to what it looks like, you use your feet to bend the air around you. You concentrate all your power into your feet, and then blast air from them. This will propel you into the air and blast people about 5 or 6 feet backwards. It’s a great move to use if you get surrounded in close quarters.”
I began concentrating energy into my feet so I could blast myself off. Ty Lee, who was in front of me, suddenly darted behind me in an airbender-like fashion and made a comment.
“You need to be a little quicker, okay?” she said, “I mean, your enemies are not gonna wait for you to gather energy, now, are they?”
“No,” I said, turning slightly pink; luckily my dark skin hid it rather well, “you’re right; they probably won’t.”
“Yeah,” Ty Lee replied, “so, just try a little harder. I’m not mad or anything. Take your time to try and do it quickly.”
I did as I was told and after a few tries finally got it.
“Are you ready to test the move?” Ty Lee asked, coming towards me,
“Aye,” I replied, “at your ready.”
Ty Lee came at me, and right as she did I shot myself into the air, and looked down. Ty Lee had been knocked onto her back. However, one thing she had forgotten to tell me was how she landed so gracefully, so I landed painfully on my ankles, and I buckled.
“Kai,” Ty Lee exclaimed, “are you alright?”
I did not answer. I was hurting.
“Kai Serenes II,” Ty Lee gasped, “don’t tell me you’re hurt.”
“I am,” I replied, “I think I injured my ankle. Let me see if I can put it back together. I’ll probably need my mother’s help for something like that.”
“I’m sorry,” said Ty Lee; she looked almost about to cry, “I forgot to tell you how to land. All you have to do is continue blowing air downwards, and your fall will slow, and you won’t get hurt.”
“Oh,” I exclaimed, massaging my left foot. My ankle was getting better because of my healing abilities, “if that was it, then I kind of feel stupid for not realizing it was virtually the same thing.”
“Well still,” said Ty Lee, “it was my fault for not saying that simple phrase. So, are you alright?”
“I think so,” I replied, “I mean, the pain is gone.”
“Good,” said Ty Lee, “let’s keep practicing that move then. I mean, now you know how to land it too, so yeah,”
We continued practicing this one for a few days as well, until Ty Lee decided I was ready for the 3rd move.
“This move seems a little evil,” said Ty Lee, “but, like your other 3 teachers, I coined the airbending moves you are learning. After all, I’m not sure how airbending originally was done, since I had no one to learn from. That aside, here are the basics of the 3rd move. What you do is you suck in the air towards you by moving your hands and feet in the proper manner (you remember how I taught you that, right). Once your target is in reach, just blast them away, like this.”
Ty Lee demonstrated on a dummy this time, which was very good, for my mother had been sleeping for almost the entire day, getting up only occasionally to eat something. I had to tell her to do this even, for one of mine and her biggest problems was that, although we cared deeply for others, we tended to neglect ourselves. Ty Lee sucked her target in for a split-second, and then blasted it several feet away.
“These are obviously combat moves, Kai,” Ty Lee advised, “remember that not all bending is this harmful.”
“I know,” I replied, “I’m still willing to learn that move”
Therefore, we practiced that move. The method of “sucking” was something swift and powerful, so it took me a while before my airbending had enough force to drag Ty Lee towards me, but by the ending of the 4th week, I had done it. Ty Lee was very pleased.
“Well Kai,” she said, “you’re almost a full-fledged airbending master. There are just a few more things I need to teach you, one of them being the 4th and final of my Four Moves. This one is a bit easier than the last one—it just takes a bit of effort and a strong willed mind that won’t get dizzy too quickly.”
“What do you mean?” I asked curiously,
“I mean,” said Ty Lee, “you’re gonna be making your own tornado. What I mean by that is that you’re gonna BE the tornado.”
“Oh, wow,” I exclaimed, “that sounds exciting.”
“But,” said Ty Lee, “in order to do this, I must first see how sensitive to dizziness you are, and we must learn to overcome that.”
I felt sort of awkward at what I was doing now. Ty Lee was making me spin around and around, and she was making me do it faster and faster. I got so dizzy that I could barely stand up, so naturally, the minute I tried taking a step, I fell over.
“This is why I am teaching you this,” said Ty Lee, “that’s the basic concept of the move.”
Ty Lee continued training me, and I noticed that I was getting less and less dizzy after the high speed spinning. Of course, I was developing a severe headache, but that had to be overlooked. Ty Lee finally decided it was time for her to teach me the move.
“Now,” she said, “all you have to do is airbend with your hands and feet and you’ll be okay.”
I did as I was told, and I mastered the move after all that preparation.
“Well,” said Ty Lee, “you’re done. All there is left to do now is go for a glide.” She handed me a glider and she took off. She had never taught me how to do that, but before this, she had once told me: “if I ever tell you to do something without giving instructions that means you already know the techniques.”
I jumped off and followed her, and felt blissfully free. I loved flying, so I intended to keep this glider for later use as well. We spent the rest of the day flying around. I had finally mastered all four elements. I was so amazed. I was finally a full-fledged avatar, ready to take on Clazdian.
~Kai~
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Teяa253
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Post by Teяa253 on Jul 29, 2008 4:06:13 GMT 1
CHAPTER 29: THE DREAM OF THE AVATAR
I had finally mastered all four elements and was a fully-fledged avatar. That evening when I went to sleep, I had interesting dreams. The first and most prominent one I had was that I saw several people I recognized as past avatars… an airbender woman named Yangchen, a water warrior named Kuruk, a woman reminiscent of Zuki named Kyoshi (which, it was actually Zuki who was reminiscent of Kyoshi), and old man I remembered as Roku, and then Aang. Out of all these, it was Roku who spoke to me first.
“You know who we are, correct?” he asked,
“Aye,” I replied, “you are my past incarnations. I suppose you have come to give me warning about something?”
“Indeed we have,” Roku replied, “you are probably aware that it has been said that only the avatar can defeat Clazdian, correct?”
I nodded, and waited for him to continue.
“We are not sure how powerful each avatar is,” Roku continued, “until we’ve seen them. And you, Kai, are one of the best. You might be the one to defeat him. Are you up for the task?”
“I,” I stammered, “I don’t know.” However, I suddenly plucked up my courage. “Nevertheless,” I said, “if it is my duty then I will accept it.”
“I sacrificed my life so that the avatar cycle would survive,” said Aang, “I’m positive that you are the one, Kai.”
“So,” I asked, “is there anything you know about Clazdian?”
“We know a lot,” said Kyoshi, “but what you should be asking is what we are willing to tell.”
“Okay,” I said, shrugging, “what are you willing to tell?”
“We are willing to tell whatever you wish to ask about,” Kyoshi replied. Already this woman was confusing my little 19-year-old avatar self.
“Kyoshi is an enigmatic one,” Kuruk grunted, “what she means is that we know a lot about him, and the supernatural race. They and the avatars have long been connected.”
“Connected,” I exclaimed, “how so?”
“They are both masters of the elements,” said Kyoshi, “and yet they both have a unique trait. They can live forever, but they obviously lack the avatar state.”
“So,” I said, “I assume the avatar state is the key to defeating them?”
“It’s a possibility,” said Kyoshi. It seemed that out of all of the people here, Kyoshi was almost trying to confuse me. However, she had more to say. “Clazdian can only be defeated in the same way as the supernaturals.”
“Do you know how that is?” I asked, and it was Roku who answered this time. I noticed that Yangchen had not even opened her mouth yet.
“Indeed we do,” he said, “The lack of elements will slay him. It is what he did against the supernaturals. There is a way to control this “substance” if you wish to call it that.”
“How do you control it?” I asked curiously,
“That’s one thing we haven’t discovered yet,” said Aang, “but don’t give up there. I think one of the others might know.”
“There is a little more that I can share with you, Kai Serenes,” said Kuruk, “it seems that this... substance... can be utilized by one who has perfect control. So, when you go to encounter Clazdian, be sure that you understand this concept I am warning you about. Perfect control, Kai Serenes II, is the key to Clazdian’s defeat.”
“Okay,” I said, “so,” do any of you know what Clazdian will do? How does he fight?”
“I never had the opportunity to meet him in person,” said Kyoshi;
“I never knew about him until Yangchen made a remark about him to me,” Kuruk grunted,
“I always thought Tera was the one behind this mess,” said Aang,
“I only caught a glimpse of him once,” said Roku, “and it was in a warning about my heritage. Now I understand what it meant. Zuko is gone.”
“I see,” said Kai quietly, and then suddenly, Yangchen said a word.
“I know Clazdian’s tactics,” she said, “I remember them very well. I encountered him. We fought. Clazdian is an imitator. He will imitate people close to you. In my case, it was past lives of the avatar. To be exact, he imitated the last 5 people from the cycle before turning into me. It was here that we both escaped. He fled, and I did not want to be anywhere near to him, so in essence the fight was called off. Just be wary Kai, for he will not fight the same way twice.”
“I see, I exclaimed, “well thank you. That will help a lot.”
“You are welcome,” the avatars said in unison. “You are now returning to the real world. There will be a portal beside you, and it will lead you into Clazdian’s dimension.”
I suddenly woke up. I glanced around and saw an ominous black circle about 7 feel in diameter. Inside of this circle was the same looking world that Katara had been in. of course, waking up to something this ominous was a but scary, so I screamed, for I had been startled. This woke the others up.”
“What in the...” Toph exclaimed, but then she sensed it. “Kai,” she said, “what is that thing?”
“It’s the entrance into Clazdian’s dimension,” I replied, “I was visited by the avatars last night. They explained everything to me. I must go into that realm, find Clazdian, and fight to the death.”
“Fascinating,” said Ty Lee, “did they say you had to go alone?”
“They did not,” I replied, “but I am not going to force any of you to go. You all have played your part in helping me master the elements.”
“Well,” said my mother, stretching, “I will be glad to accompany you, my young daughter. I will follow you until death takes me. Hopefully that will not be for another 100 years.”
“Aye,” I replied in support, and then Ty Lee stepped up.
“Hey,” she said, “I’ve been with your group since near the beginning, and no Clazdian freak is going to make me back down.”
Toph grinned, punched her palm, and joined us as well.
“The Empress of the Mountains is not about to let you down either, avatar Kai.” She said, “I’m still with ya.”
Sanaki was the only one left, but it seemed that she had just been waiting for Toph to finishe her speech before she stepped up.
“The Phoenix Queen never lets her friends down,” she said, “Kai; I’ve been a good friend of your mother’s since near the day I was born. I’m not about to let either of you down of all people. Come, let’s go.”
Momo was with us, perched on Sanaki’s head.
“We taking Momo too,” I asked,
“We have to,” said Toph, “I mean; we don’t want to leave him all alone. Besides, he likes Sanaki’s head.
“Well then,” I said, “let’s go.”
The five of us (and Momo) descended into the portal. At once, we saw the Western Air Temple scene vanish before our eyes and it was replaced by a black and purple void. Those of us who were not blind looked around, and could not really tell what we were standing on.
“This place is so vivid,” Sanaki exclaimed, “it’s almost like I can see.”
“You’re like that too?” Toph exclaimed, and Sanaki nodded. “Me too”
“There is an eerie silence to this place,” Ty Lee commented, “and yet I hear noises—strange noises. I hear echoes of a mysterious dimension... like lost people are calling out; supernaturals, avatars, and humans alike.”
“I sense it,” Sanaki commented to the others, “I can feel that there are friends of mine here.”
“What do you mean,” my mother asked me,
“Ladies,” Sanaki said, “I think Tera and Katara are in here somewhere.”
“What makes you say that?” Ty Lee asked,
“No, no,” said Toph, “she’s right. I can sense them too. Just try closing your eyes and your native element sort of points the way.”
“What are Tera and Katara doing here?” I wondered aloud,
“I have no idea,” said Toph, “but I can feel that they are lost. Whatever brought them here was probably not good. I think though, that they are looking for Clazdian. I mean, why would anyone want to come to such a foul place unless that was it?”
“You make a good point, Toph,” I said, “and I believe that we must find them. I do not want them in any danger against Clazdian.”
“What about Clazdian’s minions?” Sanaki exclaimed, “This place is swarming with them.”
“We will just have to be careful,” said my mother, “folks, this is it. Any wrong moves might be your last. Do not let your guard down for even a split second.”
This really was it. This was Clazdian’s Domain. The final phase of my journey had indeed begun.
~Kai~
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