Chapter 1 – 13 Years: 36 Months to Escape
Red dotted my vision as my head banged against the tree and I groaned, slumping down it. I wiped the blood out of my eyes and glanced wearily at the martial artist in front of me.
He scowled "Again. This time, attack me like you are trying"
I wanted to punch him so badly. But I got back up instead and readied myself, pushing my braid behind my shoulder and attacked him once more. I rushed him and he threw his hand out to punch me but I flipped over and brought my hand up to hit him only for him to block it in one swift motion. I gritted my teeth as I felt my feet slipping from underneath me and I tried to bring my foot up to kick him in the face in a uppercut but he grabbed my foot and flipped me.
My breath got knocked out of me as I hit the ground on my back gasping in pain. I could hear Azula laughing cruelly from a few yards away where she was training with her firebending instructor, her 5th one that year. I got back up shakily looking at my martial arts instructor who nodded.
"You improved a little bit. Now, practice the moves I taught you today. When I see you tomorrow, they must be perfect." He ordered before walking off and I stretched. I pulled out the rubber band holding my braid in and sat down near the pond redoing my braid and glancing over at Zuko and Azulas' training.
Zuko was struggling with some forms whereas Azula went through her moves perfectly, her blue fire blasting at the perfect focus and perfect speed. I frowned before looking back at the turtleducks in the pond. One of the baby ones came near me and I smiled softly reaching out with one finger and it gently nipped my finger seeing if I had bread.
"Your life is so simple isn't it?" I cooed softly as I gently stroked its head and it cooed happily, its mother observing from a distance cautiously. "A mom that loves you and siblings that you can always play with" It swam away after a bit and I sighed leaning back.
"Unlike our dysfunctional family" I mumbled under my breath before standing back up to practice my forms once more. Might as well get them perfect, its not like there is anything better to do.
After a few hours or so, my muscles were practically screaming with pain so I finally stopped and glanced up at the afternoon sun. It burned in the sky above me and it felt like I was being burnt alive. I wasn't Fire Nation, that was probably why I felt that way.
Water Tribe at birth but Fire Nation at heart, my mother Princess Ursa had always teased me gently tapping my chest. Well, my adoptive mother now. She explained to me 2 years ago that I was adopted into the family and was raised with the purpose to be a diplomat to other nations once the Fire Nation won the war. However, I was put through extensive weapons training and martial arts in order to make up for my lack of bending ability.
Or that's what they thought. I discovered I could bend at the age of 7 years old when I had snuck out and spent some time out under the full moon beside the pond. It had this 'pull' to it and I simply followed it and discovered my bending ability. Of course, Zuko discovered my ability as well and like the good friend he is, he swore to keep it a secret. Ever since, I carefully bent water in my room every full moon learning the push and pull of waterbending.
I smiled realizing that tonight was the full moon and I would be able to waterbend once more. I slipped into a daydream about trying to master some of the more difficult moves with waterbending scrolls I had stolen from the archived section of the library.
"You're daydreaming again" I heard someone say and I turned behind me to see Zuko standing there frowning and I smiled sheepishly at him "Hehe~" I stopped smiling when I saw his serious expression but especially the frustration and disappointment in his eyes.
"What's wrong?" I asked softly leaning against the tree and blowing a strand of hair out of my eyes. "I can't get these stupid moves! They're the most basic for the advanced moves and I just can't get them!" He stomped his foot on the ground, fire emanating from that spot and leaving burned grass when he moved away.
"You need to have patience-" I started but Zuko glared at me as if daring me to continue the sentence that I always started my motivational speeches with. I gave him a weary stare before glancing up at the sun.
"Look, you're rushing yourself, plain and simple" I stated watching the clouds drift by slowly. "You can't expect results this quickly. That and you're putting yourself down" Zuko opened his mouth to protest but he closed it when I looked at him with a stare that told him to shut up and listen.
"You look at Azula and put yourself down. You take our father's words to heart and you are getting nowhere as long as you keep a wall around your confidence. You are good at things, I have seen your expertise with certain firebending moves and those dual swords Master Piandao gave you?" I smirked lightly "You could kick Azulas butt in swordsmanship"
Zuko looked at me and for a moment his eyes gleamed with a hint of accomplishment and confidence but it quickly vanished as he turned to watch Azula practicing her firebending moves. I sighed before hitting the back of his head.
"Hey!" His temper flared up as he whipped around and glared at me "What was that for?" He yelled as I stood there calmly. I was very used to Zukos temper. "Just get to work on your moves"
Zuko glared at me, still mad about my "special way" of distracting him and I glared right back. He eventually broke the glaring contest and got to work on that one firebending move that he had trouble with and I went back to practicing my martial arts move.
After a few minutes I heard a whoop behind me and I turned around to see Zuko grinning at the sparks of fire that were fading away "I got it Kari, want to see?" Zuko said and I nodded. He performed the move perfectly and I imagined him sweeping someone's feet out from under them and gaining the upper ground.
I found myself smiling stupidly at the scene as Zuko finished up the move and gave me a warm smile. "Thanks for the help" He said before getting back to his firebending moves. I felt my cheeks grow hot as I turned away clicking my tongue and ignoring those butterflies in my stomach.
Stupid fire benders and their stupid fire….
Hi guys I'm back! Hopefully I didn't make you wait too long but here is the next chapter! Review and get a cookie :)