Chapter Ten

Beginning of spring, 97AG

A wall of bright yellow fire with streaks of green surrounded her, expelling Jeong-Jeong's attack. The old Master stroke again, sending two fire blasts her way. Rya was able to dodge them quite effortlessly by ducking and rolling to the side. She then sent a horizontal arc of fire towards him with her feet.

Jeong-Jeong blocked the oncoming attack with an orange and red wall of flames of his own. He then sent it her way, trying to push her off. The fifteen year old was ready for it though and with two fingers extended created a ring of lime green fire that mixed with Jeong-Jeong's fire screen, cutting it in half. She sent a fire bomb then, through the rift that was created, but the Master only dodged and sent another to her. The girl smirked as the blast came her way, blocking it with her hands.

Rya decided close range attacks were probably best suited for this duel. Rya rotated her arms charging her attack, finally sending a fire blast through her fist. The fire was the greenest it had been during this match, suggesting its extremely high temperature. Jeong-Jeong was only able to create a shield of fire but that was only enough to avoid any burns. Her blast was much stronger than his shield so he was pushed backwards, collapsing on the ground.

Rya quickly put out all the flames that surrounded her, running to her Master's side. He was swiftly back on his feet as she pulled him up, "Are you okay, Jeong-Jeong", she asked hurriedly but the old man ignored her question, "Very good Rya, excellent use of your further combustive fire", he said dusting himself off, the old man looked at the sky and decided, "We will have our meals now and will later talk about your departure to Fire Nation waters".

Two years ago Jeong-Jeong had explained to her of the existence of the Order of the White Lotus. He had even initiated her as a part of the Order, making her a low ranking member, but still a member nonetheless. She was just happy to be connected with something that represented the good in the world, that wasn't a part of one Nation, but of all.

The young girl was definitely excited about going to see the best sword Master in the world, Piandao. She had trained with her flyssa swords those three years she stayed with the Irula tribe and Jeong-Jeong but she hadn't made much progress. It was the old Master's idea to seek Piandao's help. After she learned who he was and that he had managed to defeat one hundred Fire Nation soldiers when they sought him out to arrest him for deserting the military, she was eager to learn from such a Master.

Rya finished eating her bowl of barbecued fish and boiled mushrooms. They were currently sitting near the camp fire. The fifteen year old looked at the small river that snaked through the land just a quarter of a mile from where they were. The camp had migrated a few months ago a bit north to avoid Fire Nation soldiers that were prying in the forest.

"I have arranged a ship to take you to Shu Jing in a week. An apprentice of Piandao's will be waiting for you at the port. Yet firstly, you must travel to a Fire Nation colonial village not too far from here, Chang Guai, for departure", he said, resting his bowl on the ground, Rya gulped, "So… Soon? I'm not done with mastering firebending yet", she said, looking straight into his golden eyes.

Jeong-Jeong put his hand on her shoulder, "But you have. There is nothing more I could teach you. Your fire is much stronger than mine. Than anyone's I know. I am still to know a bender that can conjure green flames", the girl knew where this was going, a goodbye, so she laughed at his last statement through her teary eyes.

"I heard Azula, the fire princess, could bend blue fire", "I have heard of it to", he said with a knowing look, he then turned his gaze at her, noticing her redden eyes, "Do not cry my child, we will meet again, I'm sure of it", he assured, setting his bowl on the cold ground, some snow could be seen atop the trees though it was mostly cleared out from the duel, "I know Jeong-Jeong but… I'll miss you, I'll miss everyone", she said. The tears spilled now.

Rya scooted closer to the old Master, hugging his side, her voice muffled, "I'm really glad I met you all those years ago", Jeong-Jeong limited himself to hugging her back, "Me too, Rya", the fifteen year old continued, "If… If I hadn't met you I wouldn't… I probably wouldn't even be alive", she said, "I'm so thankful that you accepted to be my teacher, but even more than that, you are… you all are my family now".

The old Master was touched by her words. It meant so much to him as well. She knew he had lost his son, why or how, Rya had no idea, only that it had been the last thing that happened before he left the Fire Nation.

Jeong-Jeong cherished the times he spent with Rya. She reminded him of his wife Zahara. He had lost her too. Much like his wife, Rya had a warm soul, always seeking for the best in people. She believed in equality between all nations. That was one of the reasons he had made her an initiate on the White Lotus Order. Iroh had agreed with him.

But for now he had to let her go. Jeong-Jeong had a strong feeling that Rya had a big part to play on this war, and due to it she had to learn all she could so she could be prepared.

It was with great sadness that a few days later she travelled to Chang Guai.

Author's Note:

Hello again A:tLA adoring people! How's it going on this fine day?
Here we are, three years away from the main show. Yet much will happen before that, I assure you my friends...
I don't know if you noticed but I've added a picture to the cover of this story. It took me some time to draw it but here it is, a picture of Rya :)

Thank you for reading and until next chapter, bbye.