Chapter XI
The Parable of the Four Benders.
The three were led inside of the house into the main sitting room. They knelt on the cushions as Arjuna called for his wife. Chiko imagined Arjuna's wife to be tall, slender or bony and serene, but instead, she was short, squat and fiery. Padma thumped into the room, her gray hair in a bun and round, green eyes narrowed at her husband.
"What have I told you about surprise guests Arjuna? I know what I told you, no guests without me knowing! Send them out AJ!" The three felt tense knowing that this woman was no one to mess with; Arjuna cleared his throat and explained.
"Remember those Air Nomads I met four years ago, Underfed, and jumpy like untamed lemurs? Well these are them, I've asked the three to stay here for the rest of the summer. I know that you hate unplanned guests but I promise tha-" She cut him off with a wave of her hand.
"I know they will be no trouble, Arjuna, I am sure they know that they are not going be waited on hand and foot right?" Padma asked with her hands on her hips. At that Yomi interjected reassuring Padma
"Yes ma'am, we will do our part to keep the house spotless. We can do anything you need." Chiko and Mao nodded agreeing with Yomi. Padma rubbed her chin and glared at Arjuna before sighing and waving her hands.
"Fine, you boys can stay. I need the help anyway. You'll help out with the chores around the place, and I'll keep you three fed and sheltered. Deal?" Yomi and Mao place their right first into their left palm and bowed low. Chiko on the other hand, used his right on his heart and also bowed low.
"We'll be on our best behavior." The three said, Padma left shortly and returned with a broom, dust pan and a mop and bucket. The pump is on your right when you leave out behind the main house is a small apartment. There are beds and a fireplace.
"You'll mop, sweep and air out the beds. You must keep that place pristine. When you are finished, I will have dinner ready and you'll eat with Arjuna and I." She then turned to Arjuna and tilted her head.
"You do know that your daughter in law and her brother, Mya and Sein are coming tonight for supper?" Arjuna winced and then nodded.
"Well, yes…do you want me to go shopping again?" Padma nodded,
"We need more rice and vegetables if we're going to feed vegetarians. I have plenty of goose-turkey for the siblings." Arjuna sighed and kissed his wife's cheek and waved good bye.
"I'll return shortly, Padma love, don't scare the boys off." Padma grumbled and then shoved the cleaning supplies at the boys, and with a grunt she said,
"Don't stand there! Get your butts moving and clean up!"
After the encounter with Padma, the three were finishing cleaning up the very small "apartment" with a main room and a smaller bedroom with three raised beds and straw mattresses. It was going to be home for a few months and the trio wasn't complaining. The floors were mopped and swept, and the beds were made with fresh linens and aired out. The apartment was tidy and smelled less like mold then when they first arrived. Padma returned to check on the three and smiled.
"Ah! Excellent, you three wash up, I got the rice steamed and veggies stewed. The siblings are here so I want you three to look clean for them." The three were at the pump getting water to wash their faces when Yomi spoke.
"She reminds me of Midori a bit." Mao was combing his hair and took off his flax colored tunic top to get another one and another sash when he agreed.
"She has that same, no nonsense attitude that auntie has. I think we'll get along great with her." Chiko was looking for a chlamys to wear over his left side, so it won't draw attention to the guests. Chiko found it and the matching stone brooch and with Yomi help he put it on him. Finally the three all were cleaned and wearing fresher clothes. With that they entered the main house for dinner.
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Arjuna's daughter in law and her brother, look very elegant, however if Chiko had to pin a word on their appearance it would be: 'foxy', they seemed to have sharp faces and long eyes that look either playful or dangerous. Sein who had a long thin moustache turned to look at them first when they entered the dining room. Followed by Mya who wrinkled her nose as they sat on Arjuna's right, she was directly across from Chiko.
"Pappy who are these?" She asked in high nasally voice and pointed at them. Arjuna cleared his throat, but it was Yomi who introduced himself and his brothers.
"I am Sifu Yomi from the Jung Mu and these are my temple brothers, monks Chiko and Mao also from the Jung Mu." Sein who was observing furrowed his brow.
"I thought the te-" Yomi interrupted Sein
"We're the survivors of the massacre," He added on hurriedly, Chiko cleared his throat and an awkward silence fell on them, but then, Mya squealed and clapped her hands.
"Ohhh you're airbenders then! Oh! Can I see a trick?" She said squealing. Chiko shrugged and then with a flick of his wrist, he sent a breeze to levitate a loaf of bread in the air before plopping it down. Mya clapped in delight and sat back.
"I never seen an air nomad before, Pappy always has the most unusual friends, I am sure you have some really interesting stories." Arjuna waved that aside as dinner was served. The three were famished from lunch and the food smelt wonderful.
Conversation has risen again after the three had their first serving of roasted vegetables and jasmine rice. Arjuna explained how he found them again and his match with Mao.
"I shouldn't have played with him in the beginning. Mao wouldn't have the chance to throw me across the ring like a rag-doll." Sein lifted a thin eyebrow at Mao and asked,
"So the Downdraft Hammer-Throw is the name of the technique you used to defeat Arjuna? Is that a typical airbender move?" Mao shook his head.
"Not really, it's was inspired by earthbending, I've noticed how earthbenders draw the qi by staying grounded. It has a lot of force, so with that in mind I modified the simple 'downdraft' which just lifting air up and then blanketing the opponent to impede movement. I took a strong stance and put all my energy up and then smashed it down! Arjuna was like, BAM! Kissing gravel!" Arjuna drank his wine, a smile was on his lips.
"Well put Mao." He said with a smile on his lips. Sein smirked at this, amused as well as he ate roasted goose-turkey.
"Airbending seems to be non-aggressive. They don't defeat their opponents but push them aside so they could run away." The humor died among the three as Mya giggled. "That's right they are pretty cowardly." Chiko frowned and was to argue but Mao leaned back with his chopsticks and waved them with a flourish.
"My Sifu told me a fable once when I got into an argument with a few benders about who has the best bending style. He said that once a battle was between a Fire Nation solider, an Earth Kingdom laborer, a Water Tribe healer and an Air Nomad acolyte. The story goes that the benders were all in the same argument. Who had the best style? The Laborer was aggressive and had an excellent defense. He endured through most of the attacks of the zealous Soldier who offense was brutal and consuming. The fire ate through anything and she had best offense and kept the Healer on his toes who matched the Solider with his agility and adaptively. However, the Healer lost when he suffered mortal wounds and his element was all gone. The Laborer was exhausted not longer could stand the fight. And the Solider burned herself alive by her own element because she was too aggressive. The Acolyte was observing all of this, he was hiding in a tree and avoided the fight and in the end, it was he that won. He didn't have to lift single finger he knew that best way to win a fight, was not to fight at all." As the fable ended, Arjuna laughed and clapped, Padma grinned as the three covered their mouths to stifle the laughter. Sein and Mya were not charmed by this but didn't seem to be offended.
"Hmph, charming, so airbenders try to avoid conflict as much as possible, but when it comes down to it; they will never win the fight." Sein said annoyed, but Yomi responded instead of Mao this time.
"That's not true; we airbenders fight with all our being. That's one of the reasons that other nations can't touch us in combat, we have the best defense." Sein seemed to agree with Yomi but then challenged him.
"But why do you not have a finishing move?" This seemed to put unease to the trio not knowing how answer. Yomi did his best,
"Well…we value all life so taking one is against our principles." Yomi said carefully but Sein countered cruelly.
"If you had one, you could have saved that one's arm." Sein pointed at Chiko who paled and tried to adjust the chlamys looking embarrassed and hurt. Yomi tried to control his fury at Sein but Mao prevented him from raging.
"Actually we did almost a thousand years ago. During the era of Avatar Yangchen it was said some rogue airbenders created the 'Law of Void' or the 'Akasha Rules' which is pretty much a set of modified airbending stances that causes lots of nasty stuff to the air pressure in one's body. They were forbidden, none of our generation knows of them. Only a select few actually heard of them, even a smaller number knows even one of the twenty." Sein seemed unimpressed with a skeptical look, but Arjuna confirmed them,
"Gyatso once told me of that, said some benders mostly members of Kridha's group. They made those rules to destroy opponents that might assassinate the leader, get them before they get you. It was fascinating, but I never dug much deeper than that. I am guessing it was Gyatso who told you Mao?" Mao nodded,
"He only knows one of the Laws, or so the rumor goes. I never asked him about it. It was personal topic, I don't think even Aang knew about the Laws." As feeling of discontentment settled among the group, Sein and Mya left with a bow and wave to the three. The trio exhaled a sigh of relief as they left, and Arjuna called them into the study.
"We have much to talk about."
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Setting up the Pai Sho table, Arjuna offered Yomi to play with him. Sitting down the two started a game with Chiko and Mao observing.
"Sorry about my in-laws, Mya has the brain of a ferret-dog and Sein doesn't know what the word 'tact' means, my son only married Mya because of her nobility." He sighed and moved a tile as Yomi moved his.
"Nah, it was ok, we don't have debates like this on the road so it was nice to show off a bit." Mao said watching the game. Arjuna moved a tile with a crescent moon on it and nodded.
"You seem to handle yourself well, anyway my dear monks, I've heard more news over the last four years as I wander across the world, singing songs and telling stories." Mao lifted an eyebrow and asked,
"Did you marry in wealth Arjuna, because a traveling story-teller wouldn't make this much money." Arjuna laughed and took a piece.
"No, I was born nobility, I was the son of an ambassador, I loved to travel because of it and later I took myself as story-teller when my father died." Yomi leaned back to study the tiles as Arjuna continued.
"Souzin is dead, and Azulon is now the new Fire Lord. King Privithi of Omashu and the Earth King are worried about this, Chief Kussuyok of the North Pole is planning to isolate the North Pole and with the rest of the nations plunging deeper into the dark. We might see the very worst." Chiko listened to Arjuna and spoke back his voice was a bit cynical.
"Right, like g-g-genocide isn't so bad." Arjuna took another piece and responded to the sarcasm with more seriousness.
"The genocide of one people is grave; the termination of the other three is far, far graver. Mao's little parable of a battle between the four elements is a satirical insight now how the nations work. The main power houses are Fire and Earth, while the more subtle elements are Water and Air. Water leaves the fight early or withdrawals complete from the war. They isolate leaving each other exposed and they do not assist the Earth or Air. Water will keep to themselves; they are like ice. Ridged but they will melt in time. Earth will last for decades, they have very balanced way of staying in conflict, but eventually they will either crumble from the inside or through their own obstinacy, they will exhaust themselves and fire will conquer. But, something will eat from the inside and the Fire Nation would destroy themselves; either from a governmental take over or unbalance and then there will be anarchy." Yomi read the board again it was his turn to respond to Arjuna analysis. He took piece and moved another, leaning on the armrest with his long hair to one side. He examined the board again with a sigh.
"And in Nomad fashion, we ignored the conflict that was starting since Roku and we unwarily set ourselves for disaster. However, no abbot or Mother Superior could for see what Souzin did. That was unexpected; we thought that they would take Aang hostage, not kill an entire people just to hunt one person." Arjuna laughed wryly and frowned at the fact, Yomi was now winning.
"Yes that would have been the smart thing to do. Souzin could have taken Aang hostage, Gyatso and Palden and the rest of the Nomads could have done something to persuade Souzin, might have avoided a mass slaughter. But the fact that there was slaughter was sign that the Fire Nation has one thing on their minds. Total. Control. And nothing will stop them." This was very grim and real to the three. It was truth, dark and bitter. Yomi rubbed his temples and closed his eyes. The stress was apparent on his face as took the Dragon tile and won the game.
"So, what do we do Arjuna?" His voice sounded tired and worried. Arjuna sighed and looked at the table.
"For starters I'll convince the mayor to keep your identity a secret. Second, I'll be moving back to Ba Sing Se, and I will no longer travel in such hostile environments. You three…however have much to do. I need you to continue traveling, write to me and often but use different names. You must have different identities and only very select few must know who you are. Now obviously you're not telling yourselves every Li you meet on the road, I'm aware, however eventually you need to find secure place and settle down. Probably a city, not this one, but a city, Omashu or Gaihong one of those cities where you can live new lives and live in safety." He looked at Yomi who was downcast as was Mao and Chiko who knew that Arjuna was right. Eventually they will have to settle down and probably discard their names. Yomi met Arjuna's eyes, and saw much of the same in his own. Worry, apprehension, guilt and even hope. Their identity was in fragments and living on the road was no real life for them and it was also and an illusion of safety. Eventually they will be caught and they will die.
"I see so much of Hayate in you Yomi. You have his pride and his spirit. You will not let fear rule you or rule your foster son's life. This is why I need all of you. You will help me, for after this summer, I will need your help to deliver messages and do some work for me. With your help, we might avoid another holocaust."
Back in the apartment, with the fire rolling and Chiko chewing on a mint twig, the brothers look sullen and anxious. As Yomi tossed an apple up in the air and caught it. His mind was sifting through Arjuna's words. I see so much of Hayate in you Yomi. You have his pride and his spirit… You must have different identities and only very select few must know who you are… I will need your help to deliver messages and do some work for me. With your help, we might avoid another holocaust. Yomi caught the apple for the twentieth time before he spoke and breaking the silence.
"After this year we can't go back Mu Ten." Yomi said his voice was strong but there sadness, Chiko already an argument waiting.
"We-we-we-we can go back. A-a-auntie is waiting for us, she m-m-m-m-m-misses us. We should say in Mu T-t-t-ten Yomi." Mao was playing his pipes when he stopped and agreed with Chiko.
"Yeah, I mean Ichigo and Jiang haven't returned back from war and Ken is getting married on New Years, all her children will leave her. What better way to thank her then staying with her and helping around the farm. She already adopted us, we can stay at Mu Ten, and live there." It was tempting and seemed like a good plan however…
"No. Mu Ten is too small and not very secluded, Fire Nation have been around that area establishing colonies. The Hu Jiang also runs through there, with any luck in three years Mu Ten will be another colony. Also so many people know we're airbenders, we probably have bounty on our heads. Midori coul-" Mao shot back at Yomi, angry.
"NO! Midori will never betray us for a sack of gold nor will the villagers of Mu Ten! How dare you for suggesting that! Besides only Yama, Ken and Midori know in that village and maybe Choji. The water-cousins know but they are probably on their way to the North Pole. Your paranoia is unfounded, don't let Arjuna get to you. Man has point but it's making you suspicious of everyone." Chiko was now sitting at the window sill looking at the full moon and listening to the cricket-spiders. A meow-hoot of a catowl was heard briefly as he reflected on tonight. A city was no place for an Air Nomad, but staying in a town, where you can risk everyone's lively hood was no better. Chiko touched the scars on his left side as he traced them, feeling the harder texture under his fingertips. As much as his brothers disagreed, he would like to stay in one place for a much longer time. More than just a season, maybe for a few years, he wanted a place where he could have few friends. Find a job and even, find a pretty girl. But his face wrinkled at that, it was not like he didn't like girls. He was pretty sure he did, nor was it Tomkin. Whom he did like as well, but was now far away, I was for the simple fact that it was his appearance. Skinny, scabby and underfed, not mentioned his missing limb. Chiko didn't think he was atrocious, just not attractive. Biting his lip he reached into his pocket and pulled out Tomkin's choker. He felt a sense of longing and sadness. He accepted him, all of him. For that short time, Chiko felt whole with him. And the uncertainty that he will ever feel that wholeness again was weighing down on him. Yomi got his attention.
"C'mon bird it's time for bed." Mao was already in his, and Yomi was taking off his shirt to get into his own. Chiko got off the window sill and took off his own shirt before looking at the moon one more time before getting under the covers. Falling asleep was uncomfortable work, his mind raced with thoughts of Arjuna, the city and Tomkin. Settling on the memory of his laugh and goofy smile; Chiko finally found sleep, still clutching his choker.
Sleeping to noon is very rare and very special thing for the air trio. Yomi however, got up early and did his morning asanas, Mao got up a little bit after Yomi and decided to take a much needed bath. Chiko was snoring, tush in the air and in complete bliss, as time slinked into the daytime meridian. It was then, Yomi slapped Chiko exposed rear and said,
"Get up bird, you're burning daylight. Auntie Padma wants you do shopping for her." Chiko groaned as he was woken up.
"Oh go S-s-s-s-screw yourself." Chiko mumbled rudely as he rolled over showing his back to Yomi. Yomi frowned at his uncouth answer but before he could scold him. Mao poured his glass of water on his face. Chiko sat up abruptly with a look of death at Mao, who was laughing loudly at Chiko's discomfort.
"That's how you wake him up." Mao said still laughing as Chiko was toweling his hair. Chiko was out and shuffling around for clean pants and a clean hanfu. "What we're you dreaming about bird? Tomkin? Maybe him naked?" This earned Mao a glare and Chiko's middle finger as grabbed his sandals and headed to the main house with Mao laughing behind him.
"Brothers…"
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Chiko traveled inside the small estate,
his eyes darted around and noticed a young woman walking to him. Her brown hair was bound, and her green eyes seem to have a look of appraisal as she strode to the air nomad.
"You must be one of the nomad foundlings that father told me about. I've met your brothers, I don't know your name though, no matter I am Kirana, Arjuna's daughter. Sorry I didn't come down to supper last night, I loathe Mya, my brother who's fighting in the war, has poor taste." Chiko follow her as she weaved passed the hurrying maids and servants. "Since you will be staying at the estate you have to follow rules, I've already briefed Yomi and Mao on the basic protocols.
First rule is that you must obey my mother and I, as we are the commanders of the household. You will call me 'miss' and mother 'ma'am'. You must be presentable around guests, combed hair and tidy clothes. You will do various chores, and tasks until the late afternoon in which you are free to roam around the city. Father has given you a curfew you must return to the estate, when the gong rings ten times after dusk. I have two other siblings, my sister and brother who both live in Omashu, they will be visiting my father this month. You are expected to join us for supper and entertainment…" Chiko rolled his eyes as Kirana rolled off a list of rules. His face at a frown, but he didn't voice his opinion as he reached the kitchen with Padma waiting.
"Kira, you're excused, please leave me with Chiko." Kirana jerked her head back when her mother instructed her to leave in the middle of her list of rules.
"I thought she w-w-would n-n-n-never shut-up." Padma look stern but then laughed as she gave Chiko a large basket and piece of paper.
"My daughter can run an empire, but that's if anyone will listen to her. Mao had the same reaction. Yomi was bit more polite." Padma laughed at that, "Here is a basic list of some of the items I will need at the Guan Feng Square, please be back here when the gong rings three times." Chiko squinted at the handwriting and frowned. If there was one problem he had with this is was that he wasn't a good reader. Yomi helped him with his book, but reading the list by himself was going to take some effort. Sighing he bowed and took the list as he walked out of the estate back to the garden when, Yomi topless and pulling out weeds with leather gloves and an iron hoe. Chiko noticed that Kirana was watching from dining room window, with dreamy look on her face. Rolling his eyes, he headed to the market.
The market was bustling center of activity. Butchers shouted for people to see their fresh cuts of beef and pork. People showed off the wares from, jewelry to nuts, to musical instruments. Chiko looked at the list mouthing out the words trying to decipher the characters. The first item was a pound of sugar, next it was tea, vinegar, and then he needed to get lye, wine and finally pipeweed for Arjuna. Sighing he walked around to see if he could get the sugar. After bartering, got three of the things he needed. Looking down on his list he needed to get lye, probably at the apocathary. Just as he was going down to the apocathary he noticed a small garden from another road. Reading the sign, it noted it was public garden, smirking he walked down the hill, but before he could go around he bend to pond on the other side. He saw someone feeding the turtle-ducks. It was a young woman, around Chiko's age. Her long black hair was bound in loose bun with a pair of jade hair pieces. She wore a long silk shen yi, and had an umbrella with her. It was obvious she was a noble woman. And Chiko couldn't help but notice how pretty she was.
"Excuse me? I am s-s-s-sorry to d-d-d-disturb you miss." She lifted up and turned to Chiko. Her dark green eyes narrowed for second then lifted her head up proudly.
"What can I do for you?" He voice was light, but defiant, it had the strength of a woman in charge, it was a bit intimidating for Chiko but never the less he continued to walk forward placing his basket by the weeping willow.
"I just thought you-you-you-you-you would like s-s-s-some com-pany." She looked bit disdained at Chiko but then soften as she sat on the grass again.
"You may sit with me, do you have a name, or should I call you Mr. Stutter?" Chiko was about to say something harsh but bit his lip. He looked out into the pond, and as he was going to give out his name an idea hit him. Arjuna said that he had it hide his identity, why not now. Though there wasn't any reason for it, it did seem like a good idea for a smitten teenager.
"I'm M-m-m-ming Qin." Chiko said smiling; the girl laughed covering her mouth.
"That's odd name for a boy, and ironic one too." Chiko blushed and looked away.
"I think it-it-it-it-it's fitting." He said quietly, the girl chuckled stretching out her legs.
"Is it really? Well my name is Yun, and its pleasure to meet you Ming Qin." Chiko nodded.
"Y-y-y-y-you as well…" He said again quietly.
"So why did your parents name you Ming Qin? Did mistake you as a girl when you we're born?" it was Chiko's turn to laugh and for Yun to blush.
"You haven't s-s-seen many men n-n-nude have you?" Yun made a noise of disgust and looked away.
"I am a lady I don't look at nude men. It's impolite." She said her voice had embarrassment but she tried to look serene. Chiko stopped laughing and tilted his head a bit back. He let out clear strong note and started to sing.
"From the rivers that run through the glade
Watched the heron in the brook
Though waters were cool the shade
It was my heart the lady took." Yun looked enchanted; she smiled broadly at Chiko's song.
"I see, I was mistaken, it is very fitting name. You're a very talented singer Ming Qin, where did you learn to sing?" Chiko was struck with a bolt of inspiration when he said.
"The birds t-t-t-taught me." He flashed bright smile that made Yun giggle and blush.
"I see they taught you well, you have a very surprising talent. Perhaps we could meet again tonight. Here by garden after the gong tolls five." Chiko smiled again as he got his basket and got up. Yun sat up as well and got her umbrella. She blew a kiss as she walked down the road passed him. Chiko had a crooked, goofy smile as he watched her walk passed him. Then it hit him, I have a date…I have a date with a pretty noble girl. For second he felt pang of guilt as he looked at Tomkin's collar that was around his wrist. But them he smiled again as walked back to finish his shopping realizing that it was ok to like two people. Besides, Tomkin wouldn't mind anyway.
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The afternoon wore on and Yomi was finished with his weeding taking an afternoon nap in a low branched plum tree. Mao was mopping the floors in the main house and will be finished soon. Yomi was awoken when someone called his name. Sitting up he was greeted by Kirana with a tray of chilled white tea and lemon.
"I see you have done a good job, Sifu Yomi. The garden is spotless and we have new material for the compost. I expect you later to spread the manure, but for now you can relax and enjoy the tea I made." She handed him the tea which Yomi took a sip and was please by the light and tangy flavor and it was also very refreshing.
"Mmm! Thank you Miss, this is just what I needed, and you can just call me Yomi. I don't have my arrows yet so Sifu is a bit inappropriate." Kirana joined him in the tree with her own cup and took a sip.
"Father tells me that he knows of yours, is that true?" Yomi frowned drinking his tea and looking almost irritated.
"You mean my sire and yes Arjuna knows him." Kirana laughed and finished her glass a smile playing on her lips.
"So temple monks don't have fathers then?" She asked leaning on the branches. Yomi sighed drinking his tea,
"A father is someone that takes responsibility for you, teaches you and cares for you. The elders where my fathers, Tang and Gyatso were my fathers, just because Hayate provided the seed to engender me doesn't make him my father." Yomi said his voice seemed to have tinge of bitterness to it, but it amused Kirana.
"You sound very found of him." She said sarcastically and despite it, Yomi cracked a grin.
"I only know stories of him, some told that was a chauvinist and an ass, other say he was an airbending genius but angry one. Who knows, all I know is that he didn't seem the lease bit upset when my half-brother died. Most sires do correspond with their offspring, mine just ignored me." Kirana sighed and played with her glass the wind caught and played with her hair.
"My father easy to get a long with, he is a very simple man. He likes the road and the people that meets a long the way. I see him occasionally. But like you I never really formed a good relationship with mine. However I see him more as friend than a father. Now that he back home for good, it feels awkward." Yomi had a wry smile on his face and laughed.
"I kind of see why, you have to form a different relationship than what you are use to, I'm having the same problem." Kirana seemed puzzled by his statement.
"With whom, Yomi?" She asked to Yomi who was grinning, it became a short laugh following,
"Chiko, bird is growing fast. He's not the chubby little toddler I held in my hands so many years ago. And it's scary how he starting to bridge the gap we have. He's an adult and he's coming into his own." A smile was still on lips as he spoke, his eyes soft as he recalled all the memories.
"So I see what you mean by fathers previously. Chiko is yours isn't he? Well not by blood but close enough. This might be a bit off topic, but I have been meaning to ask. Why do you call him bird?" With that Yomi laugh shaking his head.
"Yes, but calling him mine isn't quite right. I like to say that I found him and he found me and we've never left each other. And I call him bird because he used to flap his arms around when he was a baby. I think it's more fitting now that he can sing." Yomi sighed and sat up in the tree. "I should go and clean up the apartment." Kirana got down from the tree and took the tray and glasses.
"I was nice talking to you Yomi." And with that she left, not long after Mao arrived and hopped into the tree.
"Hey what have you been doing?" Mao asked as he jerked his he's head to see Kirana go inside. An impish grin was on his face, "You and chatter-box have been hanging out? What did she say? What the protocols for speaking to her or some shit like that?" Yomi got down from his tree and walked to the apartment with Mao following him. "You don't have to be cross I am just asking what you jabbered about. I mean, she's kind of taken with you." Yomi rolled his eyes as he sat on the bed.
"I am aware of that; we just had a conversation about families that's all." Mao sat next Yomi, and quirked grin.
"I know how you miss having company like her; it's nice that you sparked something." Yomi was bit surprised by this,
"What no quip or snark? Have you been drinking something?" Yomi said getting up to put on his shirt and to get his purse.
"Oh stop with the sarcasm. I am just glad you aren't off brooding someplace or following Chiko around." Yomi stopped in mid-step and turned to look at Mao confused.
"Why would I be following Chi around?" Mao got up to get a clay cup and looked at Yomi.
"Because you want to keep with you, not because you don't trust him, but because you feel lonely without him, you can't cling on to him much longer. He's growing up, but doesn't mean your role as his guardian stops it just means you-hey! Where are you going?" Yomi was already out the door and heading out of the estate moving quickly.
"Just going for a walk!" With that he left, leaving Mao. He didn't want to think about his relationship with Chiko leaving or changing. He missed how he looked up to him and depended on him. Now that Chiko was being less and less dependent it was hard to change focus. Even though he missed that Chiko needed him less, he did admit that it was nice to see Chiko acting grown up. Still he wondered what his role was now and if Chiko still needed him.
Chiko was feeling giddy, still thinking about the date tonight, the grin his face widen into a full smile as he walked up the path in the estate. He walked into the kitchen with the basket of groceries and the bag still filled with a little gold. Kirana was with her mother instructing someone the servants when she saw Chiko.
"Ahh good you came back in time." She seemed pleased, Padma took the basket and chuckled.
"You got everything on the list…except you got tea instead of tobacco." Chiko winced; embarrassed that he misread the character.
"I'm s-s-s-sorry Ma'am." He said his cheeks flushing; Padma waved it aside and put the tea away.
"It's alright, Arjuna can pick it up himself, and we ran out tea a little bit ago so I am glad you got it." Chiko breathed a sigh of relief. Kirana covered her mouth to prevent her laugher as Chiko turned and left to the apartment.
"Poor kid, doesn't look he can read very well." She said helping her mother, Padma started to go out into the garden to get some vegtables.
"He'll learn this summer; I'm having him shop for me." She said closing the door.
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At the apartment Chiko was in front of a mirror, practicing what he would say to Yun.
"S-s-so I heard there is f-f-f-fountain near by w-w-would you like to s-s-see it?" Chiko sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "No that does s-s-s-sound r-r-right. Why would a g-g-g-girl want to visit a f-f-f-fountain?" Chiko stood up again and flashed a dazzling smile. "I know g-g-g-good n-n-n-noodle shop? Want to g-g-go there for dinner?" Chiko gave a frustrated grunt and turned from the mirror. "She's r-r-r-r-rich she probably would never s-s-step foot in a n-n-n-n-noodle shop." Chiko sat on the divan by the window and looked out into it. "Why I am s-s-s-so awkward around g-g-g-girls? I w-w-wish I was more s-s-s-smooth and hans-s-s-some, and I can s-s-s-speak without my stutter."
"Well the last part takes a lot of time." Chiko jerked his head to see Mao by the door. "What are you whining about this time?" Chiko frowned and jerked his head to the window again.
"None of your b-b-beeswax." Mao rolled his eyes and sat in a whicker chair.
"I was sixteen once too you know, what's bugging you?" Chiko sighed and laid on the divan and stared at the celing.
"I met a girl t-t-t-today at the m-m-m-m-market. She a-a-asked me out." Mao paused and blinked before smiling proudly.
"Oh! Wow! Really?" Mao looked pleasantly surprised as he walked over and sat next to him. "Bird I am so proud of you! What is she like? Is she pretty? Did you sing for her?" Chiko recalled his meeting with Yun and smiled.
"Yeah, s-s-s-s-she looked r-r-rich too. Yeah I sang her a h-h-h-haiku. She r-r-really likes it, but I am n-n-n-not good around women. It was a lot e-e-easier with Tomkin, but with Yun it feels more challenging." Mao sighed and nodded.
"I totally understand, women are harder to connect with than men, probably one of the reasons I court them more than girls. I like girls too; it just takes a lot more effort to please them. But this experience is important. You're learning what you like and don't like. More important because you're learning what you like with men is different then with girls. If you have any questions you know I will be happy to help you out. Yomi too, he will be more than happy to give you any advice." Chiko sighed and nodded,
"Thanks Mao, th-th-th-thanks for the offer." At that moment Yomi arrived with a large cantaloupe in his hands.
"Look what I found in the market today! Lets crack this baby open, I haven't had a melon in long time." Mao chuckled and then said to Chiko.
"You want me to tell him or do you want too?" Chiko frowned and then shrugged,
"Hey Yomi! Guess what?" Mao asked his voice playful, as Yomi started to slice open the large fruit.
"Umm…you found were Arjuna keeps his pipes and nicked one yourself." Mao blinked in surprise.
"How the hell di-never mind, Chiko has date!" That got Yomi attention and lifted his head from cutting the melon.
"What? Mao if you are play-" Chiko cut Yomi off,
"No! It's t-t-t-t-true! I f-f-found a girl at a g-g-garden and I am m-m-meeting her again." He interjected, after that, silence. All three brothers were quiet for a moment. Finally, Yomi spoke as he finished slicing the melon and handed Chiko a piece.
"That's great Chi-bird. I am happy for you." Chiko lifted an eyebrow as he bit down on the sweet cantaloupe.
"You don't s-s-s-sound happy; you're not m-m-m-m-mad at me? Are you?" Yomi turned around, smiled nervously.
"No I'm not mad just surprised. I mean…I never thought you will find a girl." Wrong thing to say, Chiko threw down the half eaten fruit and stormed out of the apartment.
"I thought you b-b-be happy for me! But you t-t-think I'm n-n-not good enough!" Yomi looked horrified and then shocked finally his face gave away to hurt. Mao let out a low whistle
"Man, Yomi that was a little harsh, don't tell me you're jealous?" Yomi whirled on Mao,
"No! I'm not jealous and I didn't mean that Chiko couldn't find a girl. I just didn't think he would find a girl so fast. I didn't mean to offend him. I was just surprised." Mao backed off from the tease and tried to console Yomi, he wasn't use to this at all neither of them were and both were wading into unfamiliar waters.
"I didn't mean to be a jackass, ok I was, but knew what you meant. Chiko is scared about this and I know you are apprehensive too. But he needs your support more than anything. I can help him as much as he lets me, but you're the one he really needs." Yomi looked at Mao and then at the floor.
"I have no idea what to tell him. Good luck? I mean, it feels so awkward. Want to be reassuring and strong-" Mao took Yomi's chin and made him look at his eyes.
"Brother, you are strong. You've been his strength since the beginning. He trusts you more than anything. I know you are proud of him, just tell him that. If he has questions answer them." As silence passed Yomi pulled away started for the door.
"I'll apologize to him, thanks Mao." Mao chuckled and sat on the divan
"Hey, it's my job to referee when you two have spats." Yomi rolled his eyes.
"Don't worry you'll have plenty more."
"Don't I know it, congratulations Yomi you have a teenager!" Yomi was out the door laughing.
Yomi found Chiko in the plum tree sulking, his head turned away from him.
"Chi, I am sorry for saying that I didn't think you wouldn't find a girl. When I know exact opposite, in fact I shouldn't even be surprise at all. You're well mannered, witty and you have a wonderful singing voice. Half of Gaoling should be following you." Chiko turned his head to Yomi and exhaled; he sat up from his reclining position and dropped down.
"I shouldn't h-h-have over r-r-reacted. I know you d-d-d-didn't mean w-w-what you s-s-s-said. We just g-g-got into t-t-town and I a-a-already have d-d-date with some n-n-noble girl. You're just s-s-surprised by it." Yomi sighed and lead Chiko back into the apartment.
"We're both scared about this; it's new for both of us. Though, I do want to say. I've been on this road before and if you need any help just ask me." Chiko nodded,
"Yeah, Mao s-s-said the same th-th-thing, Hey, Yomi? What w-w-would you g-g-give to a girl on a f-f-first d-d-date?" Yomi leaned on the door and though for second.
"Flowers are traditional, you could give her some chrysanthemums?" Mao interrupted them,
"Nah, they haven't bloomed yet that's more for the festival. Carnations are good for a first date, red ones especially." Yomi disagreed.
"Carnations are nice but what about roses?" Mao had pensive look on his face.
"Nah too strong, roses are for like a third date when you know you're getting lucky." Yomi glared and covered Chiko's ears,
"MAO!" Chiko jerked his head away from Yomi.
"Oh c'mon! I'm not going to sleep with her!" Chiko exclaimed half terrified at the thought. But Mao slipped a hand around Chiko's neck and said.
"Not on the first date but on the third or fourth." Chiko didn't look at all please at Mao's suggestion and walked into the apartment to get ready.
"I am not s-s-s-sleeping with her Mao!"
After looking for clothes that didn't scream 'wandering vagabond' Chiko wore a pair of sage trousers and modified han fu that was something like a tunic as well of mint green with a goldenrod sash and ash-grey shoes, he finished off with a flax colored chlamys on his left and headed out onto until Yomi and Mao caught him. Yomi gave him a bouquet of sweet-smelling rosemary, bachelor buttons and glade lilies.
"Now remember you must use your manners, pull the chair for her when you dine, don't order any garlic food or belch in public." Yomi went on, Mao added to his list,
"Complement her a lot, and take her to nice places like a tea salon. Smile and be yourself." Yomi finished fusing with Chiko's hair as the younger bender sighed and started to the gate.
"Good luck songbird!" Yomi called out, Chiko gave Yomi a thumb's up as he waved goodbye. Alone, the two stared dumbly at the gate before Yomi sighed.
"He's all grown up Mao." Mao sighed and wrapped and arm around him.
"You think he's going to introduce her to us?" Mao smirked and headed to the main house.
"Of course! When he does make sure you tell all the good baby stories the kind you know he's going to turn red and moan in embarrassment." He said laughing at the last part, Yomi was thoughtful and then smiled.
"Well of course, I wouldn't be a good parent if I didn't embarrass my kid in front of his girlfriend."
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Reaching the garden just as the gong rang five times, Chiko hoped that she would be there waiting. He was alone, sighing he sat on the bench with the flowers, hoping she would arrived. Five minutes later she came strolling in with a long gown and umbrella.
"Sorry, I had to do a few things before coming to see you, Oh! Oh Ming Qin you shouldn't have!" She positively squealed at the flowers as Chiko gave them to her with a shy grin on his face. "They smell lovely, oh there is even rosemary that's so nice, thank you Ming Qin." Chiko bowed, and offered his hand.
"Ready to g-g-go?" Yun looked puzzled and then smiled.
"Oh for dinner? Oh yes I know a good place for some stir-fry." With that she took Chiko's hand and lead him to the market place. The two talked as Yun lead him to the outdoor restaurant.
"So where are you staying at Ming Qin?" She asked as she found a seat. Chiko sat across from her and admired the patio like place with bamboo seats and soft cushions. There was bamboo awning and the chef was cooking outdoors. Chiko answered Yun
"My b-b-brothers and I are staying with A-a-a-arjuna, have you heard of h-h-h-h-him?" Chiko said looking around; Yun laughed and cocked her head to the side.
"Yes! I have, Arjuna Jin Feng, he's one of the ambassadors from Ba Sing Se. And you're staying at his estate, are you his nephew?" Chiko bit his lip, lying would be a bad idea but he did anyway.
"Yeah, s-s-s-s-something like that, we've arrived to-to-to stay at his e-e-estate for the s-s-s-summer." Yun giggled and smiled she beckoned a server to get them both some chilled green tea, the server nodded as Yun said.
"You have brothers? I have one but I don't see him, what are they like and their names Ming?" Chiko scratched his neck and felt suddenly awkward, talking about his family like this made him feel a lot shyer, clearing his through Chiko explained about his foster family.
"Gui Ma is m-m-m-my older b-b-brother; he's kind of like a p-p-p-parent than brother. Our m-m-m-m-mother died when I was b-b-baby. So he and Chang Hu raised me-me-me-me. Gui Ma is p-p-p-p-pretty protective of me. Chang Hu l-l-l-likes to pull pranks a-a-and make a lot of jokes." Chiko went on about Yomi and Mao using pseudonyms instead of their real names. The tea was served and the server told them about the menu.
"We have curried tofu and steamed jasmine rice with pork and broccoli." Chiko bit his lip and asked for the tofu while Yun sipped her tea and asked for the same. Chiko sipped his tea trying to think of a question to ask Yun.
"Um? S-s-s-so c-c-can you earthbend?" Yun shook her head.
"No my father can but I can't. Unfortunately Bei Fong ladies aren't taught to earthbend like men anyway. Can you bend?" Chiko had no idea how to twist that one drumming the table he said.
"Well yes…but I r-r-rather not d-d-demonstrate." Hoping that she won't question him, Chiko looked at the table not making eye contact.
"You don't sound too proud of that. Oh well, I wouldn't persuade you to do anything that you are uncomfortable with." Said Yun looking up at Chiko, smiling pleasantly, Chiko smiled back shyly and turned his head a bit.
The food arrived and Chiko ate slowly taking his time. The curry was spicy but he loved the rice noodles. Yun daintily wiped her lips and sat back in her seat. Sipping her tea she asked another question for Chiko.
"So what do what kinds of hobbies do you have Ming? Do you like poetry or do you prefer learning of the arts of war and combat?" Chiko wrinkled his nose and shook his head.
"I like p-p-p-p-p-p-poetry, r-r-r-re-re-reading about war isn't always interesting" He said taping his foot trying to speak out the words. Yun chuckled a bit at his frustration and finished her meal.
"What are your favorite poets then Ming?" Chiko furrowed his brow as he looked for some gold to pay the meal before saying.
"Well…Have you heard of-of-" Stopping in mid-sentence Chiko tried a different approach.
"Do you know the p-p-p-p-p-poet Lim Cam?" Chiko ask as he paid for both meals and tea. Yun seemed to recognize that as she got up from her seat.
"Oh yes! He wrote the Lily Scriptures. I didn't know you read those?" Yun said surprised as she left with Chiko, then she took his hand.
"Oh if you like Lim Cam you would love going to this salon I know! They do readings of him there and talk about all sorts of philosophy. You have to come and see it!" Chiko grinned agreeing as her as he led him down the white washed streets.
Passing by the tall terra-cotta houses with emerald green shingles Chiko followed Yun down the winding streets and uphill.
"When did you get into poetry?" She sounded almost out of breath as she asked him that question.
"I-I-I don't r-r-re-remember when. But I know I love how-how-how-how Lim Cam and Su Lao wrote about the all c-c-c-creatures of the w-w-w-world." Yun laughed at his answer as the walked into the poetry salon. Taking a seat, Chiko watched as man read a ballad his beard chin bobbing. Yun sat next to him and listened as well. She smiled as elder man told about a woman who pretended to be man to protect her father. Yun seemed a bit bored of the story and eventually got up Chiko followed out of the salon.
"What's wrong Y-y-yun? D-d-didn't you like the story?" Yun shrugged.
"It was fine. I've heard it before, it's not very interesting once you heard it the twelfth time." She stopped and tugged at Chiko's hand. "Did you hear that?" Chiko blinked and then strained to hear it.
"Oh! Oh! Drums! I hear th-th-th-them too!" Chiko started heading down the road with Yun following him.
"Wait for me Ming!"
The sound taiko drum echoed in a square near the center of Gaoling. There were flute players and people playing the gu-qin. Chimes and bells where heard as some citizens stopped and listened to the band play. Chiko smiled brightly as he got into the center and start dance with some dancers who were doing back lifts as they preformed. A few other citizens were dancing with him, but Yun sunk into the crowd as Chiko danced in with dancers following the beat.
"C'mon Yun! Join in! It-it-it-it's a lot of fun!" Yun bit her lip but then sighed as she took Chiko's hand.
"Fine you convinced me!" Chiko laughed as moved a bit slow guiding her. She beamed in delighted, as Chiko spun her around leading her around the square. Clapping in time to the music, Chiko flew across the floor the smile never leave his face. Yun was also enjoying herself as broke free from his hand-hold, dancing next him. Eye to eye, the both slowed down as Yun wrapped and hand around Chiko's waist and Chiko held her hand. As the music stopped as they were both looking at each other, face to face. A moment passed between them as they shared the momentary pause. With a giggle Yun darted off.
"Catch me if you can." Chiko ran after hear laughing loudly.
As the seventh gong rang, Yun got up from her seat at the garden where they first met. Both we're eating red-bean buns and sitting in shade.
"Ming. I need to return back home, the guards who watch over me are probably scouring all over the town." Chiko looked worried but she bent over. "Don't worry, you're ok. But if they stop you in-"
"I'll t-t-t-tell them I never s-s-saw you." She smiled as she stood up straight again. Chiko stood well feeling sad that he had to return back to the estate.
"You're a wonderful man Ming Qin. You're eloquent, gentle, well-educated and so much fun to be with." Chiko flushed bright red and looked down biting his lip in response to the flattery. Yun reached over to his left side and felt emptiness of his robes. Of where his arm should be, "How did you loose it?" Chiko looked up at her cheeks still red.
"I…I l-l-l-lost in an a-a-a-accident." Yun cupped his cheek.
"I was unsure about you when I noticed it, thinking I should have mentioned about it. But then I would have missed out on the bigger picture and how there is so much more." Chiko bent down to meet Yun in a kiss. It wasn't like the kiss with Tomkin at all. That kiss was playful and sweet. This one, was much richer and softer; the tenderness of the kiss highlighted all the fun he had today, making it the cherry on top. Pulling back Yun was smiling broadly,
"I have to go but thank you so much for this evening." Kissing his cheek she hurried back home leaving Chiko in a pleasant fog as he dreamily shuffled back up to the estate.
Home, Chiko still had the lazy love struck smile on his face as the entered the apartment.
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"Well! Someone had a wonderful evening!" Mao said cheerfully looking up from his pai-sho game. Yomi turned his head as Chiko flopped on the divan looking out the window.
"So? How was it?" Yomi asked slowly as Chiko took a moment to look out into the garden before answering. Nose wrinkling as he spoke with his eyes shut he tried to recall the evening.
"It's w-w-w-wa-wa-was nice. Really nice, she l-l-l-l-loved the flowers and he had n-n-nice d-d-dinner at an open air r-r-r-restaurant. We l-l-l-listened to a b-b-ballad and then we went out d-d-da-dancing." Mao got up from his seat and took another beside Chiko.
"We are you going to meet up with her again? Could you bring her here so could meet her." Asked Mao delighted that the youngest had wonderful night. Yomi looked a lot more hesitant as he leaned back in his seat he was still processing the evening, but he was genuinely happy that Chiko found a friend maybe a girlfriend for the summer.
"I d-d-don't know P-p-per-per-perhaps? I mean I want to s-s-s-see her again. I kn-know where to look at least." Mao clapped a huge hand on Chiko shoulder.
"Atta boy! You keep pursuing her; just remember if you have any questions about how to get her into bed just ask me." With a hardy wink Mao left the apartment to head to the Main House. Chiko frowned obviously annoyed at Mao's assumption when Yomi laughed.
"You need to ignore Mao, he's just yanking your chain." Chiko nodded agreeing with Yomi as he looked at the choker around his wrist.
"It's different though w-w-w-w-with Yun. She isn't like T-t-t-tomkin. He's sweet and p-p-patient he accepted my f-f-flaws. Yun…she gave me a chance, but it's just d-d-d-different. I don't kn-know how to describe it." Yomi rubbed Chiko's back gently sympathizing with him.
"It hard I know, but you can't compare Tomkin and Yun, they are two different people. Beside I think Mao might have mentioned to you that relationships with men are different with women. Comparing them isn't a good idea. Just see Yun as an opportunity to explore. Find out what you like with girls." Yomi got up and squeeze Chiko's shoulder.
"I need to talk to Arjuna about something, but I want to say Chi-bird. That I am really proud of you." With that Yomi left leaving Chiko to lay in the dying sun his eyes traveled up to the ceiling and recalled his kiss with Yun.
AN: I merged chapter 11-12. It's pretty unrefined but this is just to prove that no, I am not dead, but pretty much alive.
In a more important note. I am going to re-write the beginning of BOT. Some chapters will be gone for good others will be merged and one and two will be fully re-written.