XI
"Ready?," Tera asked me about a week since we had fled the island. I nodded and put my black hood on. Destiny stayed on the island next to Kangaroo Island as Tera and I got on a little boat made out of a piece of bark that we found. I used airbending to push the boat forward. Tera opened up the map of the island that we had drawn. She whispered directions as I led us towards the island.
It was almost a new moon, leaving little light in the sky. We reached the island before the sun was on the horizon. Tera and I balanced perfectly on my glider and we jumped into the cave. We followed the tunnels that were carefully dug out by Dente.
"Holy Koh," Tera said softly as we reached the end of the tunnel.
There was a light shining through a door-like entrance. I grabbed the dazed Tera's hand and we walked through the door.
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It was an underground city. Tera and I took off our suspiciously dark robes and tried to blend in. We walked around the city. There were buildings and a pond and a school. There was a small farm in one corner.
I saw a boy about my age walking in the opposite direction. I stopped him.
"Excuse me!" I said just loud enough for him to hear me.
"You're not in my school! You're not even from here! Intr-" he began to yell. I placed my hand over his mouth to prevent him from telling on us.
"Look," I hissed at him, "if you tell on us, my friend here will be forced to remove your head from your neck. Okay? Now, I need some information that you have. I need to know where you keep your prisoners."
I removed my hand from his mouth. He nodded at me. He whispered, "The building with no windows."
"Thank you," I whispered back.
Tera and I walked quickly over to the building without windows. I nodded to her to make sure that she knew the plan. She nodded back.
We entered the building. I rang the little bell on the front desk to get the attention of the man sitting behind it.
"Yes, ma'am?" he asked me.
"Hello. I'm doing a project for school. I have to interview you."
"Sure thing!" He smoothened his hair. Like that made him look any better.
"To start off, what's your name?" I looked back at Tera. She was amazing! She had successfully snuck behind the desk and was rummaging through drawers without making any sound.
"Jing."
"How is that spelled?" I asked, trying to kill some more time.
"J-I-N-G."
"Okay, Jong."
"It's Jing. J - I as in iguana-monkey - N - G."
"Oh! Jing! How old are you?"
"About 37 years old!"
"Okay. Let's see what I have so far: 'Jing, an elderly guard, works harsh hours defending our people.' I think it's pretty good so far!"
"It's great, but its not the truth!"
"Woah, woah, wait. If you're going to give me information, and then tell me that it's not true, I am going to find someone else to interview, Mr. Jong."
"I'm sorry. What is your name by the way?"
Name. Why didn't I think of this? I bet he has everyone on file in this room. Think, Kya, think! What is a common name?
"Lee," I responded.
"Lee? You look different. Did you grow your hair out?"
"Yeah. Short hair wasn't really my style."
"It looks very nice."
"Thank you," I said relieved, "Can we get back to the interview? It's due tomorrow."
"Sure thing."
I looked over at Tera. In her hand she had the shiny key. She snuck out through the back window, still undetected.
"Never mind! Thank you Jong!" I yelled as I skipped out of the building.
I met up with Tera between the cave wall and the building like we had planned.
"Great job! Ready for part two?" I whispered.
"Yeah."
I gave her a quick hug and I ran back into the building.
"Jong!" I yelled, "Jong! Help me, Jong! Please!"
"Yes, Lee?" he asked me, startled.
"There's an intruder outside the building! She has this short brown hair and weird blue robes! Get her!"
Jing ran out of the building. About a half a minute later, he was back inside with a "struggling" Tera. He took her into a back cell. About ten minutes later, he came back out.
"Thank you, Lee. You've been a real help today. Now go home! Your parents are probably getting worried!"
"Bye, Mr. Jong!" I ran out again. I went into the dark corner of the cave where Tera and I had decided to meet up when she finished, and I waited.
And I waited…
And I waited…
And I waited…
About two days later, I saw five figures coming towards me. I knew who it was immediately. There was a tall male figure with long hair and a skip to his step. And a boy only a little bit shorter who walked with confidence and courage. Then the short boy that was slouched over and messy-looking. And the short, skinny girl next to him with the sword. And then some other person. My vision went blurry as the adrenaline rushed to my head. I was so excited I think my heart might have stopped.
I stood up and ran into Oroh's arms. With my arms around his neck, he hugged me so tightly. I felt a small tear trickle off his face and on to my head. I looked up into his teary eyes and he leaned down to kiss me. The moment his lips touched mine, my heart skipped a few beats. Despite of our large height difference making it hard for me, I kissed him back. And for that moment, time stopped. Nothing else mattered. It was just me and him standing together. Koda, Dente, Tera, and the other person ceased to exist. All our problems seemed to vanish. His lips were soft.
And after the greatest forever of a lifetime, he pulled away slowly. He put his face to my ear and whispered, "I thought I told you not to come for me?"
When he stood back up, I looked him in the eyes and whispered "as if" before kissing him again. But this time, I pulled away first. I looked him in the eyes and whispered, "I love you."
"I love you too," he whispered back. He kissed my cheek and I hugged him tightly. When I let go, I went over to Koda and gave my cousin a huge hug. And after, I gave Dente a big hug.
Oroh came up from behind me and put his large, warm hand on my shoulder.
He said softly, "I'd like you to meet someone."
I nodded and looked at the lady that he had brought with him. Before he even had to say anything, I knew who it was.
"Kya," he told me, "I'd like you to meet my grandmother."