.
Took so long to update, didn't I? *goofy smile* I'm sorry… really! Thanks to all those who reviewed, especially those who have kept reviewing from chapter 1. You guys rock! The reviews for chapter 2 were very constructive, and I'll try to adopt the ideas as much as my writing skill can support. Due to this, there's gonna be some changes in this chapter and those following it, and it'll be fun, I promise! But, first off, I've got a few confessions to make…
I had rushed the ending of Chapter 2 in hope that no one will notice. Guess KaidaYuri and Tjjk were too smart for that, huh. I think you guys are writing geniuses. Keep the constructive reviews coming. They're fully appreciated!
I'm really scared of writing Toph's POV, that's why you'd notice I've not done that yet since Chapter 1. I'm gonna try doing it soon, but I seriously can't promise anything. *sigh*
Here are some changes I'm gonna make starting from this chapter…
THANKS TO TJJK: I'll stop signaling POVs and flashbacks and leave it up to you guys to figure it out. For geniuses like you guys, it'll be fun! I'll adopt Tjjk's suggestion of ending each POV with a double asterisk that'll look something like this.**
THANKS TO KAIDAYURI AND TJJK: I'm gonna avoid rushing parts of the story and I'll be more descriptive, even though its hard… promise!
THANKS TO TJJK: I'll watch out for my sentence structures and wordings as you've just showed me how much damage a carelessly worded sentence could do.
I think that about summarizes it for the changes. Get a load of me getting all formal… Ha! There were 6 reviews in total for Chapter 2. Thanks, you guys.
REPLIES TO YOUR REVIEWS
Hmweasley: I'm so relieved that someone actually understands. Thank you. I actually love it when someone rants, it keeps 'em talking. Please review this chapter, I'd love it. (PS – Is your name Haley Keller?)
Kaida Mira Raine: Yeah, sorry about my non-descriptiveness (Is there a word like that? ). I'm glad you like the relationship development, and my dialogue. I'm actually usually scared of writing Toph's POV, but I'll try it soon, thanks to you. I'll be watching for your review on this chapter… I need it ;) ). (PS – Is your name Elizabeth?)
Jewelz2008: Glad you loved the chapter. We're all wondering what'll happen next… You'll find out soon enough… Please review again. (PS – Is your name Julia Marie?)
Melizza-XoXo-: I did that? *gasps* I'm flattered! Thanks! And, I'd never be roomies with Azula either. Hey! Anyone out there who'll be roomies with Azula? I love long reviews, and… I DARE you to write longer ones, that's unless you can't. Ha! Please review again, I love reading your reviews. (PS - Your name's really hard to find out… but could you, by any chance, be Melissa Vallees?)
Tjjk: Wow! Thanks for reviewing. Your review was very… very… very helpful! And, OMG, you've got the sharpest eyes! As you would have noticed, I'm adopting your ideas. Thanks, Ashley. ;)
Tjjk: *looks around nervously* What? Don't look at me… You gave two reviews and so you've got two replies. Fair, ain't it? I made up the fortune in Chapter 1. Feel free to 'steal' it anytime. Looking forward to more reviews from you.
Doctor14force: I'm happy that you feel it's a great job. And, about the cliffhanger, I think it's fun that way. *maniacal laugh* [Couldn't figure out your name… And trust me, I tried!]
Jemimahrg: Thanks for the review, Jemimah. I'm glad that you think so. I'll be watching out for more reviews from you.
Phew! *wipes sweat off forehead* That has got to be my longest A/N yet. I dare you guys to make me write longer ones… ^_^ [Clue: I'll be forced to write longer A/Ns when there are more reviews to reply].
Finally, to do the disclaimer, it's… … … *CRASH!!* uh, excuse me… *Katara whispers something into my ear* Thank you, Katara. It appears that Sokka and Toph are having a fight… over peanuts. But, I give you… Aang! *audience cheers*
Aang: Hey guys! Well, Eastar Gift can't own A:tla or any of the characters 'cuz if he did, he won't be running this show, would he? But he owns EGGS, BSS BA as well as other OCs that might come up later. Thank you. *applause*
Me: Okay, that was quick. *Sokka flies across stage and crashes at stage left* It's time… *I duck as Sokka's boomerang flies past*… to get on with… *I duck again as a chunk of rock flies across the stage towards Sokka* WILL YOU GUYS JUST STOP FIGHTING!!
Sokka & Toph: Sorry… *Sokka walks off towards stage right, muttering something. Toph shoves him as soon as he gets there. I clear my throat.* Oh, sorry…
Me: As I was saying before the interruption,*I give Sokka and Toph a death glare. Toph sticks her tongue out at me. Why I oughtta…* It's time to get on with chapter 3.
CHAPTER 3
The Start of a New Year
Toph and I walked to the brown door with the number 351 on it. I slotted in the key to open the room… Already open? Strange. I opened the door absentmindedly as I turned to face Toph to ask her if she had opened the door earlier. The look on her face was one of pure loathing, a look that only one person could bring out. I swiveled around to look in the room, and there she was…
"Azula?" I heard myself say, even though I hadn't given my brain the order to. Well, Azula and I… let's just say we weren't on the best of terms. She was your regular spoilt-kiddo daughter of Governor Ozai.
"Hello, peasant…" I cringed. I hated it when she called me that. "Why don't you scurry off to your room and stop poking your snot nose where it doesn't belong." Azula taunted.
"Don't call me peasant. And this is my room, stupid!" I spoke through gritted teeth. Azula always had her way of making me angry. We always repelled each other like that.
"Your room? This can't be your room. That's not possible." Her eyes travelled to my hand, where the key was still clutched. "No way I'm sharing a room with you… you… peasants." I almost lost it then, every part of my body ached to get into a fight with her, but my brain kept me calm by reminding me not to get into trouble because Azula wasn't worth it. She whipped out her cell phone, punched some numbers and put it to her ears. After a minute or so, she heaved her bag and walked past us to the stairs muttering under her breath about not wanting to live a peasant life.
"Enjoy the room, peasants." Azula commented as she began to descend the stairs. I couldn't deny the fact that, somewhere in me, I was happy that she vacated the room; but I was incensed, to say the least, at Azula. It was then I noticed that Toph had not spoken throughout. I looked at her. She was shaking with anger. Her face was red and her hands were balled into fists so tightly that her knuckles were white. My anger was quickly replaced with concern.
"Toph?" I called, not sure if she was alright.
"Nobody. Calls. Me. Peasant" Toph said through gritted teeth as she stamped her right foot on the ground. And somewhere below, I heard Azula scream out in pain. Then, Toph smirked and walked into the room. My brain quickly figured out what had happened. I smirked as I joined Toph in the room. Unpacking was gonna take a while…**
The first thing I noticed as we entered into our room was the boy sitting on the lower bunk of the bunk bed to my right. He was dressed in a white T-shirt with a flame design on it, and a pair of blue jeans. He had this scar on his left eye which his black hair partially covered. He seemed to exude an aura of independence… I and Sokka looked at each other and whispered at the same time…
"Firebender."
He turned to face us. My mind unconsciously appraised him. He had a nice light brown complexion and appeared to be muscular. He'd have no problems with the ladies, I found myself thinking. I was interrupted by Sokka's voice saying, "Hello, I'm Sokka and this is Aang", gesturing to each of us as he spoke. The boy looked at Sokka for a short while and then turned his attention to me. I felt the chills run down my back as he gave me a piercing look, as if he were summing me up. Then, he smiled and replied,
"Hi, I'm Zuko."
[Later at night]
13th September.
It was a wonderful first day at school. I met this really beautiful girl and I think I like her, though I'd never tell anyone that. I also met her brother, Sokka and he's really funny. Then there's Toph. She seems more like a tomboy, and she can earthbend! And Zuko, he's really nice if you get to know him well. I'm glad we're friends. Classes start tomorrow. I can't wait. Hope I don't get lost. My first class is waterbending! You know what that means, journal? It's gonna be with Katara! Wish me luck, journal. I'm finding it harder to keep my avatar status hidden… I've gotta be more careful. Sleep's calling on me. See you later, journal.
*Yawn* I kept my journal in my bag and drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a certain girl.
"What kind of dream makes a guy smile in his sleep?"
"It's about a girl, trust me. How do you propose we wake him up?"
"I don't know, drench him?"
"Hmmm… Nice idea. I'll go get the water."
"Wait! You might need help with that."
"Shh… You're gonna wake him with all that noise."
I kept hearing these whispering voices in my sleep, then they stopped. I was about to regain the flow of the dream as our lips came closer, and then… SPLASH!!
I sputtered and stuttered as I woke suddenly to find Sokka and Zuko rolling on the floor with laughter, literally.
"Did you see the look on his face? That's gotta be worth a lifetime." Zuko commented. Sokka couldn't talk as he was too busy laughing so he just nodded.
"Ha-ha. Very funny guys." I spoke in sarcasm as I stood up, raising my hands to assess the level of wetness. "I'm gonna have a shower." I announced to Sokka and Zuko as they were finally coming to the end of their laughter.
"You mean, apart from the one you've had already?" Sokka asked, then he and Zuko started another fit of laughter.
"There is nothing funny about waking a guy up in such a manner. Ugh!" I felt my anger begin to rise, and with it something else… some kind of power. I had felt it before, but this time, it was stronger. I turned to walk off, but then I slipped and fell, landing on my ass. I didn't think humans could laugh so hard, but Sokka and Zuko laughed harder than I'd ever seen, so much that tears started coming out of their eyes. I couldn't help it, I laughed too.**
I could hear laughter from behind the door I was about to open. Whatever they were laughing about had to be pretty funny as it appeared to make Sokka and Zuko laugh themselves crazy. I had known Zuko, Azula's brother; he had quite a nice and charming personality in direct contrast to Azula's personality, which could best be described as vituperative. I didn't see the need to knock–something I would, as funny as that may sound, relish–as I opened the door to boys' room. The sight that greeted me was… uh… eye-trapping. First thing I noticed was Sokka and Zuko laughing at Aang. And then I shifted my gaze to Aang. Once my eyes fell on him, I discovered I couldn't take them off, try as I might. I wanted to look at him, no matter how much my brain tried to get me to look away.
Aang was seated on the floor facing the door with both hands leaned back on the floor, his right leg was stretched out on the floor while his left leg was drawn towards his body and raised in such a way that his knee was pointed upwards. The water made his hair stick to his face and his clothes stick to his body, highlighting his muscled arms and torso. He had this little wicked grin that was the ghost of a laugh; It made him look devilish cute. Just one word was going through my brain… Hot! Hot! Hot!
"Um… Katara?" Aang called. And just then, it occurred to me that I must have been staring. I blushed furiously as I struggled to regain my composure.
"I'd just wanted to see if you guys were ready for breakfast." I said.
"Breakfast?" Three of them asked in unison.
After close to 30 minutes, everyone was finally ready to go for breakfast. It was obvious we were going to be late, but Sokka made sure we didn't waste any more time as he claimed that food was not something to be trifled with. We had cupcakes and tea for breakfast, after which we hurried back off to our rooms to get ready for our first classes. After everyone dispersed, I was left with Aang.
"Right,… er, I think we should get to class." It was hard for me to look at Aang and not remember the sight from this morning, and then I'd begin to stare again. Aang brought out the map he'd been given and looked at it. I noticed it was divided into sections, one bearing the overall map of the school, showing the four buildings that made it up. They were arranged such that two buildings stood side by side while one stood on either side of the two buildings, just like a half of a square, partially enclosing a space between them. The two buildings in the center were the Administrative building, where the staff' offices were situated, and the Educational building, which housed lecture rooms, laboratories, and anything that had to do with learning, including the library. The two buildings at the side were the Accommodative buildings, where the students and teachers stayed for most of the year. One building belonged to the teachers while the other belonged to the students. The two side buildings were very high in order to house the great number of students that attended the school.
Aang flipped to the page that we needed, the one containing the detailed map of the Educational building. Thanks to the map, we navigated our way to the class. As we stepped in through the door, we were greeted by the chills of an ice room. Everything in the room was either ice or water. We suddenly appreciated the advice we were given when we got our schedules, that we would prefer to wear thick clothes when going for waterbending classes. We were seated for a while before the teacher walked briskly in.
"Good day, students. I am Master Pakku and I will be teaching you waterbending. I wish to welcome you to this year of education, fondly referred to as your bending year, because much emphasis will be given to your bending this year. I do believe that this is the first time any of you will be taught how to bend, right?" Master Pakku began immediately.
The class murmured a 'Yes, Master Pakku' in response to his question.
"Alright. Now, I would have to ask all of you to gather around this pool of water. Make sure everyone has a space in front of the pool." Master Pakku gestured towards a very large pool of water. They all circled the pool. Master Pakku walked on the surface of the water as though he were walking on land, earning a few gasps from the students.
"The first step to waterbending, and to any type or bending you will learn is to examine the element which you are trying to bend. In order to achieve the feat of moving the element, you need to 'become' the element. You are to determine what properties the element has that other elements do not have in common, and try to emulate it. Notice that water has a cooling effect when it is being drunk. It flows unrestrained and seems weightless though it is actually there. Try to create an emotion within you that calms you, makes you feel light and flows through your body, electrifying you."
All the students closed their eyes at this point and tried to achieve the goal Master Pakku had set before them. After a while, Master Pakku continued, "If you have been able to attain this, step into the water and then try to move the water you feel around you, in tune with your emotions."
I closed my eyes but I couldn't feel anything yet. I tried thinking about my family, my hobbies, my best food, and things like that, but all those could achieve was a smile. And then, I heard Master Pakku say, "That's it, Aang. You're doing great." And my heart jumped. I brought the picture of Aang all wet in his clothes back to my mind, erasing everything else. I began to think of Aang; the way he walked, talked, smiled and laughed. I tried to imagine him dancing and I felt a smile tug at the ends of my lips, only this time, it was more than a smile. I felt myself gradually become lighter until I felt I could float away. I stepped into the water.
The moment the water touched my leg, I felt like I'd just been plugged in. I was aware of the swishing of the water on my legs, and for some time I flowed with the water. Then, I heard gasps from several people around and I opened my eyes. I didn't know my hands had been moving, or that I had been doing anything at all, but I saw myself controlling the water with ease. It moved to the right as if following my hands. I willed the water to come up, to lift me up, and it did! I was waterbending!
"Amazing, Katara. Seems you have mastered the beginning steps of waterbending!" Master Pakku said in what was clearly the joy of having a student succeed under his training. I looked at Aang and saw he was controlling the water too, in a special way, like it was made for him.
"Class dismissed." Master Pakku ended, after some 45 minutes of trying to make other students catch up. He had encouraged them saying that he hadn't actually expected for them to get it at first trial, and that they should keep practicing.
I walked out of the class ecstatic at how our first class this year had gone. Aang and I had our next hour free so we decided to go someplace quiet and do some reading; but in truth I couldn't say how much of reading we did in all the time we were there…
Okay, I give; there isn't much in the chapter. But I was hoping to give a detailed start and then speed things up as I go on. But, now, it's time for…
Audience: EASTAR GIFT GIST SHOW!
Me: Haha! It's been quite a while, hasn't it? Well, today's a special edition of EGGS, because it's a special day. April 11th is the day… the day I was born! *Audience gasps* Yes, and I want to specially thank all those who found time to wish me a happy birthday, like Jewelz2008, Jemimahrg, Kimjuni2, Doctor14force, Almostinsane, Melizza-Xoxo-, and Pinkgurl14. Thanks guys! You've made my day, really!
Audience: *claps and cheers; Numerous shouts of "Happy Birthday, Eastar Gift"*
Me: Thank you. For today's show, we decided, thanks to votes by Kaida Mira Raine, Melizza-Xoxo- and Jemimahrg, we are having a very… very special guest. Ladies and Gentlemen… put your hands together… for the best… the coolest… your favorite earthbender, TOPH!!! *Audience go wild with deafening shouts and catcalls* *Toph walks in, waving to the crowd* Toph, we are extremely delighted to have you on the show tonight. Welcome.
Toph: Thank you. I'm also excited to be here. And, looks like someone is turning one year older. *She smirks and punches me on the shoulder* Happy Birthday, Eastar Gift.
Me: Wow! You're a lot stronger than you look, you know. Thanks! I guess you're already familiar with the routine, so here goes… *Three cards face down appear on the screen* You've gotta pick one which decides the number of questions you'll be answering.
Toph: I'll go for… the one on the right! *It opens and reveals 2*
Me: Toph's gonna be answering 2 questions from me and 2 more from the audience. Okay, my first question… Since you weren't really featured in this episode, let's focus on the part you played. What exactly did you do to Azula?
Toph: *A grin breaks out on her face* I only provided her with alternative accommodation for some time – the hospital section! *Audience laughs*
Me: I don't think she'll want to be crossing your path after that! My second question, what do you think of your new roommate? Surely, you've met her.
Toph: She's really nice, kinda like Katara. You guys will get to meet her in the next chapter. I guess she'll just fit the description of 'bubbling with life'.
Me: Nice! I think that's a precise definition. Time for the questions from the audience.
Patricia: Hi, Toph. I'm Patricia. I'd wanted to know what you were doing all through the episode?
Toph: Well, I had classes and then had some time with Sokka. You should hear about that soon in the next chapter.
Duff: Hello, I'm Duff. My question is, why do you tend to be tough most of the time, even when you're female?
Toph: Because I'm Toph, see? So I've gotta be tough. And being tough has got nothing to do with being female.
Me: And that's it for the questions. Today, we've got a very special EGGS surprise. There's a banner that says I love A:TLA and EGGS for free. All you've got to do is to send Eastar Gift [that's me] a PM that contains the words, "I LOVE A:TLA AND EASTAR GIFT" and your email address and I'll send it to you via email!
Me: I can't help but think that this has been a very short chapter based on content. But, I'll really appreciate it if you reviewed and told me what you think about it. I'd so love to have loads of reviews to reply in the next chapter. Thank you and Stay cool! *Audience break into applause as all of Avatar characters join me on the stage wishing me a Happy Birthday* *Screen fades out*