If he's a Sky Bison, how can he tolerate going underground and into caves? Haha dear Luca, you're just like me, so abnormal. And with that last thought, I went into meditation.
Chapter Two: Accomplishment and Despair
Sunlight beat down on me from the mouth of the cave, making beads of sweat roll down my face. I opened my eyes, awakening from my meditative state. I felt accomplished for I had finally fully developed my new Airbending move: the Air Rings. I shifted my purple eyes to the sun, adjusting to the sunlight. It looks to be about midday, I thought. I still have a lot of time before Sister Iio told me to be back, so I might as well try the Air Rings out. I jumped to my feet and started to try and master the Air Rings. It consisted of raising my arms and swinging them into four consecutive arcs, creating four rings of air. That was easy, I thought giggling asI quickly mastered the movement. Then, the hard part: directing and resizing them with the movement of my body. If my body didn't flow into each move, the rings would fall apart. If I moved too fast and rushed into each stance, the rings wouldn't stay together.
"Ugh!" I grunted in frustration. The only way to perfectly execute the Air Rings is to be like Luca, I thought, move with grace and fluidity, breathing in and out in time with the motions, then direct them to that stalagmite, encircle the stalagmite, and—"Ouch!" I exclaimed as a piece of rock flew from the cracking stalagmite, hitting me in the forehead. "That really hurt… Haha well, I guess I have to learn how to control the strength of the rings." I continued practicing and after a couple more tries, I was finally able to control the rings. I could manipulate them to separate over different stalagmites at the same time. I jumped up and down in joy. I'm finally going to get my Airbending tattoos! I can't wait to show Luca. Luca...Ah! I need to go wake Luca up! I ran further into the cave; darkness engulfing me, as I ran away from the sun that was starting to set. Soon, I could make out Luca's big sleeping form, and I decided he looked comfy. I think it would be okay to take a nap, seeing as I worked so hard. I deserve a nap! I'll be up in an hour and back at the temple before Sister Iio's curfew, and then I'll get my arrows! And I drifted to sleep, leaning on Luca's shoulder, between his arm and head.
The ground lightly rumbled and shook. I woke with a start, feeling the vibrations. Luca was up and growling beside me. "What's going on?" I shouted to Luca, but he had already started running to the mouth of the cave. "Luca, LUCA! WAIT UP!" I ran after him, as he waited at the opening. Something wasn't right. In the distance, I could hear screams and shouts of pain. What could be going on? It's coming from the Eastern Air Temple!
"Luca, let's go!" I said, as I airbended up onto his furry back. "Yip, yip!" And off Luca flew. We were flying so fast, I had to hold onto his coat as tight as possible, in fear of falling off. I could smell the smoke before I saw the dancing red flames destroying my home and family. A Sky Bison flew past us, on fire. The smell of his burning fur made me gag and Luca groan in despair. I looked down and saw Sister Iio and Sister Haun trying to gather some of the younger girls away from the flames. I had Luca land in front of them, and jumped down to Sister Iio.
"What's going on?" I asked her anxiously.
"The Fire Nation has started to attack us. Lily, you of all people shouldn't be here! The time has come: you must leave and go to the Southern Air Temple, find your husband and help him!" Sister Iio said, pushing me away, towards Luca.
"What about you guys? I can't just leave you all here to fend for yourselves!"
"There's too many, Lily! Just go!"
"What about these girls? They can't survive on their owns out there! I'll take them with me!"
"NO! That's too dangerous, not only for you but for them too! You must go on your own journey!" I had never seen Sister Iio so torn, or so stubborn. I could see Fire Nation soldiers starting to come in our direction. So did Sister Iio and Sister Haun. Sister Haun gave me a pleading look before running to the soldiers and start her last stand. Tears came to my eyes, as I fought to stay strong. I looked at Luca, and he looked into my eyes: brown eyes understanding purple ones. I looked at the shivering group of young girls with Sister Iio, and found my painful solution.
"Sister, please let Luca take the girls to safety in my place. I will go to the Southern Air Temple on my own, and Luca will protect the girls," I pleaded with her.
"As much as I don't like it, but... I agree. O-okay," Sister Iio relented. I could see she was desperate to protect these girls and try to save the temple. We loaded the girls onto Luca. I looked at Luca and held him in my embrace. I inhaled his scent, knowing this may be the last time we see each other. He gave me a reassuring lick.
"Haha you're right, Luca. We will see each other again eventually, in this life or the next," I said, choking back tears that were threatening to spill. "Remember; keep these girls safe for me!" Fire shot past me, and I knew: Sister Haun didn't make it. I saw Sister Iio try to fight off ten soldiers, as several more were advancing on me, Luca, and his passengers. "I'll be okay, Luca. Go and don't come back! Yip, yip!" Off he flew and I watched him go for as long as I could before turning to face my opponents.
Breath, I thought, trying to calm myself. Fire shot straight at me, as I threw up a gust of air, creating the Air Shield. I started the Air Rings, and swung my arms around in arc, jumping and spinning out of the way of attacks. I was able to create eight rings as I manipulated them to fit around every soldier around me, and tightened them around their midsection, tying their arms to their side. Every life is precious, I will not kill. The more they moved to get out of the rings, the more the rings tightened, restricting their movements, breaking some bones, but not killing. I ran to Sister Iio, to help her, but was thrown back by an Air Blast.
"LEAVE!" Sister Iio shouted at me, and I realized, she was sacrificing herself to make sure I escaped. I snapped out my glider from its strap on my back, and flew. I looked back at my home, once more, knowing nothing will ever be the same. The sight was heart-wrenching; my Sisters, my mentors, my family, all dying at the hands of these Fire Nation soldiers. Sky Bison burnt and warped into something unrecognizable. I turned away, and prayed. I prayed Luca was alright and so were the girls, I prayed for my Sisters that had died, I prayed for those who were in pain, I prayed for hope, and I prayed for forgiveness for leaving, instead of staying. I openly let the tears stream down my face as I glided through the smoky air currents, and set my mind on doing Sister Iio's request. I will find my husband, and I will come back… one day.
End of Chapter two! A little dramatic though... Haha
Author's Note: Sozin's Comet still hasn't come yet. The Fire Nation attacked the Eastern Air Temple first, knowing it was the girls' home, thinking it would be easier. There will be more explanation as for why as the story unfolds :) Reviews and advice are greatly appreciated!
