Chapter 12

As the morning sun began to rise above the ice covered land, Jin and Kuma stood in the courtyard of Kuma's home. Soka had awakened them quite early to begin their training. He didn't mention much about what they would be doing but the boys knew it wouldn't be easy. Kuma yawned and rubbed his eyes as he looked to his grandfather who was reading a scroll.

"So grandpa, since Jin's the avatar and all, does that mean he's going to get kicked out of the academy? I mean the whole point of the academy is to better young benders right?... Well shouldn't the avatar find better training than there?" Kuma said while adjusting the warm coat he wore.

Soka rubbed through his thick beard and sighed. "Unfortunately you have a point. But he won't get removed from the school if you boys don't mention it at all. You have to keep Jin's true potential secret from anyone and everyone who may seems suspicious. Even your instructors cannot know. Do you understand Jin?"

Jin gulped slightly while hearing him."Yes sir... I still don't fully understand... Why me of all people in the world?..."

Soka placed his hand on the boys shoulder. "Sometimes in life we are gifted great things that we sometimes believe we do not deserve. You have been gifted the power to save the entire world just as those before you. Sure, you may not have picked this life, but it is yours now and you must embrace it in order to reach great heights."

Jin pouted slightly and sighed. Soon Soka smiled. "Don't worry boy. Soon you will see what I am talking about. But for now, the most important thing for you to worry about is training and getting stronger. It's not normal for the avatar cycle to just stop for so many years and then start again. Your purpose will show soon and you have to be prepared for it."

Jin nodded and began to think to himself. "I have to do it. For Mom. For Granny. And... for dad. Dad would want this... If dad was the avatar, he would do whatever it took to save the world and everyone in it."

And soon the boys began to train from sunrise to sunset. For days, Soka taught them years worth of water bending studies. It was quite a struggle for Jin. He was use to the usual rough and study way of earth bending but in order to water bend, he had to be calm and collected. It was a completely different pace for him. He often looked to Kuma for guidance on remaining calm. Kuma, regardless of his personality, was actually a skilled water bender. He began to succeed alongside Jin and even give him tips on how to control it. They worked together like a unit and made sure the other didn't fall behind. As their vacation began to come to it's final days, the boys had finally learned all that Soka could offer.

"Kuma, it's up to you to teach Jin what you learn from this point. Im counting on you." He smiled. "The next chief should have no problem with that."

Kuma smiled. "I won't let you down granpa."

Soka smiled and ruffled the boys head. "That's my boy! And for goodness sake, get a haircut. Could it hurt you? I mean really, look at this dreaded mess."

Kuma groaned and rolled his eyes. "Grandpa..."

Utah smiled while walking to them and hugging Soka. "No problem dad. I have that planned for him this afternoon."

"Mooom!" Kuma whined.

Utah smiled and took his hand before leading him into the house.
Jin laughed while hearing Kuma then turned to Soka. "Thank you so much for teaching me all of this. I'm still so confused but... I'm glad that I can get a great start on my training."

Soka smiled and patted his shoulder. "No need to thank me boy. As the avatar, you should know that you are never alone. There are always people out there who will watch over you and keep you safe. " He then smiled. "Tell me Jin, are you familiar with the game Pai Sho?"

Jin blinked blankly and nodded. "Yeah. My Gran Gran plays it all the time. She likes to use it as a reference to just about everything. I don't really get the game really..."

Soka laughed. "Well your grandmother sounds like quite the pro. I'm a fan of the White Lotus tile myself. But then again I've lost quite a few games because of it." He then smiled. "No need to feel bad about not understanding it. It's more of a adult thing."

Jin rubbed his neck. "Adult thing? Wish I could grow up faster..."

"Have you considered marrying a gal? It's the fasts way to adulthood."

Jin blushed. "Gran Gran said I can't marry a woman until I bring her the greatest tea flower in the world..."

Soka paused then smiled before patting his back. "Best of luck to you son... Hm.." He then tugged at Jin's head. "Maybe you should talk to Utah about getting a haircut as well."

Soon Soka began to leave and stopped before looking around a bit. He soon entered a large military building where Yakuah stood.

"So how was the training?" Yakuah asked as he held a large scroll in his hand.

"The boy is a fast learner. But he has so far to go. I spoke to the White Lotus Leader. It is ensured that he will be protected and watched. Kuma will teach him more but in the mean time we must begin to question our guest." Soka began to walk to a door. "There is a threat in our little world of peace and we best get all the info that we can."

Yakuah nodded as he followed Soka into a small room. I was lit quite low and in the middle of the room sat the fire nation spy who was tied to a chair. Yakuah approached him as Soka closed the door.

"Now. Who sent you?" He said quite coldly.

The fire nation groaned and glared at the male who stood before him. "It doesn't matter who sent me! All you water tribe scum need to know is that a revolution is coming. The great one will descend upon you all and show to the world who the true supreme power is! He will right the wrongs of the lands and gain the power of all avatars! He will restart the cycle and become immortal! He is eternal! He is justice! He is -"

Yakuah quickly punched the male square in the face. Soka sighed.
"From the sound of it were going to be here for quite awhile... I'll make some tea."