An unnamed forest within the Earth Kingdom. Half a month after the solstice.
It's about time I found my first firebending teacher. As helpful as my natural abilities are in mastering this element, having a teacher would be far more effective. But it all has to happen on my terms.
"Found anything?" I asked Driya, who was walking beside me. She was intently listening to the "whispers of the forest," which shared everything happening around us.
"Yes, there's a small human settlement to the south, near a river," she replied after a couple of seconds.
So, the informants weren't lying—people from Jong Jong's group were spotted in this area. I hope we can strike a deal with him…
"We're being surrounded by some people," my companion casually informed me.
"Hmm," I focused on my senses and "saw" these people. Homemade spears and ragged clothing—Jong Jong's followers aren't living in luxury.
The admiral's men kept following us until we reached their camp. Clearly, there are experienced warriors among them who sensed we were dangerous and decided to wait until we entered their camp, where they'd have a better chance. Smart move!
Right now, I'm using my true appearance: "Yuki from the Northern Water Tribe, with her assistant." Driya altered her looks to resemble a typical woman from our tribes: slightly tanned, dark-haired, and blue-eyed. And damn, the new look suits her perfectly!
Before we reached the camp, new faces started gathering around our duo. None of them seemed exceptionally powerful—they wouldn't call their leader for every little situation. Let's see what Jong Jong's subordinates say—or if they attack us outright.
"Who might you be? Looking for something, gentlemen?" a man asked softly, smiling. His clothes were old, his beard and hair unkempt, but he still made a strong first impression. It's all about how you carry yourself! The charisma is undeniable… Interesting characters have gathered around this deserter. He even reminds me of Agent Coulson—forgive me, *Avatar* fans, for the comparison. "And ladies," he added, shifting his gaze to Driya. His expression showed only mild interest and caution. Dude, you're smooth! Even I can't resist—his gaze keeps undressing this luscious nymph.
"Will Jong Jong be available today?" Why does my mouth work against me?! I just wanted to explain things properly... Oh well, I'm always up for a warm-up. Drink this! I launched a blob of water at some random guy. Sorry, buddy, you're just background here—I don't even need to know your name. Shouldn't have poked me with your spear.
"Don't hurt them too badly! They're good guys!" I warned Driya. We've been through this—some people still don't consider how fragile the human body is and just go all out.
"If they're good, why are we fighting them?" she asked, impossibly curious.
"Sometimes, to become good friends, you need a good fight first!" Ah, the good old days—arguing over something trivial on the soccer field, fighting, making up, and then playing again.
"Got it!" No, no, no! I just added more trouble for myself. Note to self: clarify this point later, or she'll end up picking fights with someone from our tribe.
After dealing with the extras, I focused on battling "Agent Coulson." He was revealing some interesting earthbending moves. Years of training were evident—techniques flowed one after another, subtly pushing me away from the main brawl where Driya was having her fun. I didn't even try to stop his plan—I was too fascinated by his style.
Once we were away from the main action, my opponent pulled out several round objects in a few swift moves, lit them, and threw them at me.
"I love fireworks," I said, emerging unharmed after the explosion of several small but dangerous firebending attacks. "Show me more!" Even my childishness doesn't change my expression—a true professional agent! "Hey, Zuko! Come get your boy!" Now he probably thinks I'm crazy. He stopped attacking—how disappointing…
"Yuki, Northern Water Tribe, Future Leader of the Northern Water Tribe, Future Chief of the Earth Kingdom, Future Ruler of the Fire Nation, Future Spiritual Leader of the Air Nomads," I declared, and suddenly I'm reminded of that scene where a certain Targaryen's titles are read out…
"I come in peace," I said, spreading my arms and smiling brightly. Ah, his eyelid twitched—I hit the mark.
"Are all Water Tribe people this annoying?" someone asked from behind. He didn't even attack, and I left my back exposed to you, Jong Jong. How boring.
"You'll get used to it, Admiral," I replied, turning to face him. Yes, I'll take you all north—I need people like you.
"I doubt it," Jong Jong said flatly. "Why are you here?" he asked calmly. Now I know who "Agent Coulson" learned from—holding himself with such dignity while looking like a vagabond. Those scars near his eye look like they're from a "serious battle" with a street cat over food. I'm rambling today.
"I have a proposal that will benefit you and your people," I said after taking a deep breath, reining in my emotions. My chi is growing too quickly—it's at its peak right now, and I know this process won't end until I'm around twenty-three, when my body reaches its prime.
"Alright, I'll listen," he agreed. "Let's go to the settlement."
"Where's the girl who was with me?" I asked him. There are plenty of beaten bodies lying around, but no sign of Driya. Strange…
"She just ran past my hut, excitedly talking about some new plant."
So she found a new specimen—that explains her absence. Discovering a new plant is more interesting than a bunch of guys…
The camp looked well-maintained, even the stone paths were neatly arranged. The houses resembled large dog kennels—creative.
"Chey!" he called to the guy who fought me. "Take care of everything here."
So that's his name. He reminds me of someone… Oh, right! That's the guy who led the Avatar's team to the camp. Why is he so… different? Back then, he was a bit goofy.
Entering the hut, I discreetly scanned the space with my eyes. An old teapot, burning candles, something resembling clothes, Pai Sho—not much here.
"What's the proposal?" he asked immediately, not even offering tea.
"Your relocation to the North Pole," I stated bluntly.
"Details," he said, not refusing outright. That's a good start.
"We need skilled warriors. Right now, the Fire Nation doesn't care about our tribe, but that peace won't last forever," I said, one of many reasons. "They won't leave you alone either, so why not join forces?"
"It all sounds too good. Let me guess—then we'll be sent to defend our new home on the front lines? Will it really be that smooth? I doubt your people have forgotten the bloodshed caused by the Fire Nation."
"My word will be enough. Of course, there'll be tension, but no killings from our side. I hope you can keep your men in check too." I know that expression—internal conflict. Time to add more fuel to the fire. "Our healers will be waiting for you, offering full treatment for those in need. Food, peaceful sleep, you can even start families. All we ask for is loyalty."
Jong Jong closed his eyes, freezing like a statue, lost in thought. Two minutes passed, and the atmosphere worsened—it seems I'm facing rejection. Time to reveal some cards.
"The Avatar, just one person, can stop the war and bring peace to our world. We all hope for them, don't we, Admiral?" There's a connection.
"I'm not an admiral anymore," he replied grimly.
"Why is the fate of humanity in the hands of one person? Do Avatars have different blood? Maybe they're not even human? What do you think, 'not an admiral'? Why do people follow the Avatar?" As I spoke, I gathered water from the air, and soon various animals I'd seen before were swimming around us. He doesn't want to answer? Then I'll continue.
"It's a symbol! Thousands of Avatars have built their reputation. People already have a Messiah in their minds. But how do we know this is the Avatar? Our Savior?" I hope these speeches aren't in vain. "Bending! When nations are content with one element, the Avatar masters all four. Hmm, what if a being appeared who could master all four elements? Could they be called an Avatar? Do they have the right to bear that title?"
"What's the point of all this empty talk?" the now slightly irritated "not an admiral" asked. I'll build my fleet, and you'll be an admiral again.
"Alright, alright, one last question: which element do I control?" I'm fine mentally—just answer the question. Can't I do all the talking?!
"Water! I'm a waterbender!" I moved the water figures around. "Then what's this?" I lifted myself along with a chunk of earth. "Ah, earthbending! Apchyi," I sneezed a stream of fire. "Looks like I'm the Avatar? Not yet—I'm missing air, but it'll come."
"The new Avatar?" Jong Jong asked, snapping out of his daze, looking at me intently.
"No, I'll explain everything, but you should already know I won't let you go now," I said. Sure, the show portrayed him as a decent man, but I don't rely on luck.
The real dialogue began, not just me doing all the talking. Convincing him I wasn't the Avatar was harder than getting him to relocate. Driya's arrival helped dispel his hopes. Seeing a spirit in person really helps accept reality. Having multiple elements doesn't make you the Avatar, and believing these elements came from a spirit? No way—though the Avatar did get their elements from Raava, but Raava hasn't been remembered for… many millennia. By the end of the day, I had a teacher, and our tribe gained new members.
A couple of days ago, I raised this issue with our tribe. Don't ask how hard it was to explain the benefits of Jong Jong's people joining us. Of course, I could've just ordered it—I have the authority—but such actions can erode trust quickly. So, I spent a few hours convincing the council. Logically, they understood it was good, but their hearts still craved Fire Nation blood.
"Take only the essentials! Everything else will be provided at our new location!" Chey directed the preparations while Jong Jong calmly sipped tea in the shade. He's got it made. The student works, the teacher rests.
But I can't rest. The former admiral has only one fully functional ship capable of long voyages, which can only carry half his people. So, we urgently need another ship. We could create a temporary ice vessel—which I wanted to do—or borrow one from the Fire Nation—Jong Jong's idea. But Driya had other plans. She wanted to make the ship herself. We decided not to reveal her element, so it's happening elsewhere. Soon, I'll share my gift with Suyuki or Shizuka, and I'll likely lose my abilities. All hope for crossing the ocean will rest with Driya.
"Change everything! No 'cool' Flytraps on deck!" Those things could snack on a person if left unattended, and they'd expose her element. "I'm no longer under your spell, Driya!" Because I closed my eyes and am sensing everything through my spirit's feelings… She's used to controlling her surroundings, leveraging her looks and making puppy eyes.
We finished everything in two days. Driya's ship turned out ordinary—and that's great! The ship she made—or rather, birthed—is a semi-sentient plant that can sail on its own. But since wooden ships here don't have that function, people will have to row. Now we're ready to set sail.