Chapter 7: Bending Practice
Over the next few nights Quasimodo learned firebending from General Iroh, however the fire wasn't exactly bending if you get what I mean. Literally! No matter how hard he tried the flames would not budge. Iroh had started by trying to get him to control the flames of some candles but nothing would happen. He was so frustrated he was about to give up.
Quasimodo sat on a grassy hill looking up at the sky. Why? Why cant I do this? "What's wrong with me!" He said aloud. "There is nothing wrong with you boy." He turned to see his teacher standing behind him. He sighed. Why? Why is this so hard? "Why cant I do this?"
"Perhaps its simply because your not a firebender." "There are other elements boy , or did you forget?" His eyes widened and he smacked his forehead with his hand. Ugh I'm so dumb. "But….Your a firebender how can you teach me a different form of bending?"
I've studied the different nations for a long time. I've also studied each nations style of bending. I can teach you the techniques and we can work from there. Over the next few days, he tried to learn the other elements. He tried air which also did not work . Not that he was surprised all the airbenders had died a hundred years ago. All except for Aang that is.
It was when he was learning water bending when he discovered what kind of bender he truly was. I cant do it! I've tried but maybe I'm not a bender at all! "I'm so stupid!" He shouted punching a wall. The general Iroh stared at him in surprise.
Quasimodo turned to look at the stone wall he had just hit. There was a large crack running down the middle. Either your really, really strong or you're an earthbender. Quasi stared at his hand shocked, then looked at the wall. Did….Did I do that?
The old general nodded. His eyes widened and he smiled. "I really am a bender!" But….But how? "I'm not from this world." I do not know, but if you want to escape you need to practice your bending.
"Let us try something simple." Follow me. He followed the old general to the large garden behind his house. He motioned to a large rock. "Move that rock. "Quasimodo tried, but the rock would not budge. He tried and tried again but he couldn't move it.
I cant do it! "I don't understand it worked before!" Perhaps you are tired. We can start again tomorrow night. Over the next few nights Quasimodo got somewhat better. However, that was all about to change.
"Quasimodo!" The young Earthbender turned to see Ty Lee rushing toward him. Ty Lee what are you doing here? Its not time for me to head back yet. She was panting she looked exhausted. Are you ok? I'm fine. "Did you run all the way here?" He asked both amused and concerned.
I had to…. "Quasi I have something important to tell you." There's….been a sighting of Avatar Aang's flying bison not far from here. "He's heading this way!" Quasi knew about the stories of Aang having a flying bison, but he thought it was a rumor.
What was Aang thinking though?! He was wanted by the Fire Nation and now he was just going to fly right to the fire lords palace. Was he crazy! He took a deep breath. I have bending now, I can protect Aang now.
That night he began to pack all he would need (which wasn't much.) Into a bag. He tuned to see Ty Lee standing in the doorway. "Do you have to go?" He sighed. Ty Lee, I have to do this! I have to. Will I ever see you again? I….I don't know.
She threw her arms around him and kissed him on the lips. She pulled away blushing. I…I'm sorry that was so stupid I-she was interrupted however when Quasi kissed her back. I guess this is goodbye. She nodded. His hand slipped from hers as he climbed out the window and onto the roof.
I'll never forget you Ty Lee. I will see you again I promise! She watched with teary eyes as he ran across the rooftops and out of sight.