Chapter Four: The Fire Nation
June stood behind a podium that made her look like she was engulfed in flames. Kun stood to her left.
"My people, as your new avatar, I will do all in my power to provide peace among the four nations. This world has been done harm by the Hundred Year War and it is our job to restore it, together." Millions of faces stared back at her. Little girls in the crowd emulated her. All eyes were on her and, strangely, she didn't mind it.
Once the speech was over, Kun playfully nudged June's arm and mouthed the words "you did great." June knew she had.
As June was coming down from the podium, Aria flew up to her on her air scooter. A young man, who looked to be about nineteen, followed Aria.
"June! This is my friend Riu! He's a firebender. I think you'll like him," Aria said with a wink.
Riu stepped forward and the first thing June noticed was his auburn colored eyes. His dark hair was very curly but not curly enough to be an afro. Tall and muscular, Riu stood about a head taller than June.
"Hello, Avatar," Riu took a hold of June's hand and bent her wrist upward, exposing her knuckles. As he dipped down, he placed his warm lips to her hand. "Excuse me, but I must say that you are gorgeous."
June felt her face blush. Kun, who had been standing behind the young avatar felt a pang of jealousy course through his veins.
"Tell me, have you found a firebending teacher yet?" Riu smiled a smile that you would expect to find on royalty.
"No, I haven't actually," June batted her eyelashes.
"Well, miss, I'd love to teach yo-"
"June, I think it's time we head back to the palace," placing his hand around June's waist, Kun began to lead her away.
Riu jogged to catch up with them. He draped a hand over June's shoulder. "Sooo, Avatar, would you like me to teach you? If it's okay with your boyfriend over there."
Embarassed, Kun and June both said in unison "We're not a couple!" Normally, Kun would have separated himself from June in this kind of situation, but not this time. This time he pulled her even closer to him and out of Riu's hold. Riu gave Kun a bad feeling.. or maybe it was just jealousy.
"I'd love for you to teach me, Riu." The jealousy pang Kun had felt before suddenly struck again but this time around, ten- fold.
"Awesome. Would you like to meet me later? The Fire Days Festival is in town," Riu looked intently into June's eyes. How could she refuse?
"Yeah, sure! Come to the front steps of the palace around seven and I'll meet you there."
"Flammeo," Riu shot Kun a look that asked watcha-guna-do-about-it?
"Come on, June." Kun, with his hand still around June's waist, turned and led her away. When he looked back, he saw Riu turn to start walking towards Aria. With a flick of his finger, a small section of earth rose from the ground and caused Riu to stumble before catching himself on the staircase of the stage. "Serves him right," Kun muttered under his breath.
A/N:
What do you guys think of Riu? Don't worry, details will surface soon!
I tried to make Kun a little protective over his best buddy.. did I do a good job? :P
Shoot me a review!
Rock on little turtle- crabs! \m/
