Everyone knows of the Avatar. Of Kyoshi the island maker, of Roku the volcano dweller, of Aang the peaceful, and of the current avatar, Korra the saver. The Avatar is as old as bending itself, legend goes, and is blessed by the Spirits with power over all four elements. The Avatar is tasked with keeping the Four Nations in balance, and bridging the spirit and physical worlds. However, there is one avatar who is only referenced in ghost stories. He is thought to be a myth, a legend to keep children in line. But he is true, and marks one of the darkest times in history. The Avatar turned against the Four Nations and the Spirits, fighting instead for his deepest desires. This is the tale of Avatar Hedaru
I hate earthbending practice.
My teachers always tell me, "You just haven't connected with your ability yet." or "It's just a matter of time until you're one of the strongest earthbenders in the kingdom!" or "I'm sure it's just a mental block, you'll overcome it eventually" It's the worst when I barely make a rock shake and they say, "See? Even the the rocks tremble at your undiscovered talent." It feels more like laughing than trembling to me.
A resolute guard says. "Ma'am, His Majesty is requesting your presence in the throne room."
"Understood," I comment, abandoning my earthbending stance. After hurriedly changing out of my training garb, I run to the palace with the knowledge that the Earth King doesn't like tardiness. Before entering the royal chambers, I check to make sure that my dress is in order and that my hair isn't a huge mess.
"Come in," thunders the royal voice in response to my knocking. I attempt to keep my face relaxed, although my hands are shaking. As I step into the room, the earth beneath me shakes. Struggling to remain standing, the ground lifts me up and glides me to His majesty. As the earth swallows itself into the ground in front of the throne, I notice the bender. It's a guard, a new one by the state of his uniform. Green with a yellow sash that is tied with an elaborate knot, the uniform of the king's guard is supposed to be worn with pride and patriotism. This guard, however, has tied it with a simple double knot. Disregarding this discrepancy, I kneel.
"You may rise, Daughter," He booms.
"Hi Dad," chimes my reply. "What's wrong? You never interrupt my useless earthbending practice."
"Hey," remarks my brother, Qijun, as he enters. "I wouldn't call it useless. Your teacher said you managed to move the rock a whole toe-length!"
"You shush," I demand, warm blood rushing to my face. "Not all of us were able to stop an avalanche at the ripe old age of seven."
"What can I say? I'm naturally awesome."
"Can you two stop bickering?" the Earth KIng interjects, a smile in his voice. "I did call Melusine here for a reason." Cringing at the sound of my full name, I silence myself. Father turns to me, "As you are surely well aware, your fifteenth year celebration is within a quarter moon's time. Being a royal family member, you must present your bending in a sparring match."
"Y-yes sir," my voice shakes as I try to keep my emotions in check, "I will work twice as hard on my bending."
"You are excused," Father responds, "unless you want to stay for a budget meeting." Both Qijun and I practically run out of the room. I immediately run to my quarters and turn on tub, the silver faucet washing away all of the stress from earthbending practice. This is the only place where I feel normal.
The water darkens the color of my abnormally colored hair, and appears to lighten my skin. The only thing it doesn't change are my bright green eyes. My eyes, along with my yellow hair, distance me from the populace. When I was a child people called me a true earth kingdom child, especially when I wore formal green and yellow clothing. Now they call me things like "mix-blood" and "freak". They don't know the half of it.
I towel off, get dressed, and decide to take a walk around the palace. I don't even see the guard when he turns the corner.
"Ow! You dunce! Can't you watch where you're going?!" I shout, standing up.
"Sorry your majesty! I wasn't aware you were there!" He manages to get out in between bows.
"Oh stop groveling," I demand, "You're not going to lose your head over running into me." I hate it when people bow to me. That's just another way they hide their disrespect.
"Ma'am," another guard interjects, "Master Quijon has requested your presence in the gardens." This instantly puts me on guard.
"I'll head over there immediately then," I counter. As I round another corner, I hear footsteps trailing behind. "I didn't ask for an escort," I shout behind me, refusing to slow down.
"No," the new guard admits, "But the general asked me to go with you."
"Fine," I concede. "Since I'm running into you so much anyway, what's your name?" I figure I might as well know. He breaks into a smile, like a child who got the present he begged for on a holiday.
"Hedaru"