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Chapter Fourteen: Preparation

Deviation Actions

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The Next Afternoon: Jasmine

Taking a cool rag from the water basin that had been set up in the hotel, the Non-Bender squeezed water from it and placed the damp cloth against Pema’s pale sweating face. Tenzin sat on the other side of his bed, holding the girl’s hand and watched her with a pained expression. He had carried her yesterday after the fight into his room because it was closer to the door in the lobby. Jade had done what she could to help heal Pema, but there wasn't a whole lot she could do. Pema’s mind was hard because of the strain it had gone through the day before, and she had yet to wake up from her coma. The Airbender didn't want leave her side since the fight, saying he had to stay there until she woke.

Jasmine looked over at him. There were bags under his eyes, his skin ghostly pale, and she could have sworn she heard his stomach growl but he didn't seem to notice. All his attention was focused on the girl lying comatose on his huge bed, looking smaller than usual and pale and… fragile. Again, Jasmine thought of yesterday, the way Pema had collapsed after the secret conversation she had with the man that almost killed her. The man, Rashado Lewinski, had called her a mind controller. Based on the name and of what had happened, it wasn't hard to figure out what that was: a person who could talk and control with thoughts alone. To think sweet little Pema could have an ability like this, it was huge and a little scary. Maybe that could help with what they had to do in the next three days. The thing that concerned Jasmine though was, if Pema became like this after this one fight of the minds, how could she be strong enough in the next three days if she had to face that man again? Practice, sure, but would it be enough? They just learned of her ability not even a day ago. They have to prepare Pema; this fight could cost her life if she wasn’t ready.

As Jasmine placed the rag in the bowl again, a small groan came from Pema’s pale lips and her head moved slightly. She looked back at the girl and saw her eyelids flutter. The eyes under the thin membrane of skin moved slowly. Pema’s Adam’s apple bobbed as she tried to swallow and a single name escaped her mouth. “Tenzin.”

Tenzin pushed hair from her forehead and kissed it. “I’m here, Pem,” he whispered, rubbing a thumb on her hand.

With a little moan she turned her head towards his and slowly opened her eyes, blinking rapidly. When Pema’s eyes finally opened, she and Tenzin stared at one another, and Jasmine felt as if she were intruding on a private moment so she looked away, watching the sky out the window. The scene of yesterday played again. What were Pema and that man talking of in their minds? It must have been important or else he wouldn’t have bothered to stop and look at the pale girl. When Pema was well rested, they could talk and find out was going on.

Two Hours Later

As Pema and Tenzin talked of what had happened while the gang was still underway the previous day, Jasmine was amazed by the story: Pema was a mind controller and so was the man. That would certainly explain the intense looks they had shared before he had disappeared. Tenzin told of how powerful Rashado was and of how he would have fallen under the command to switch sides if it hadn’t been for the girl next to him. Pema had blushed at the comet and smiled shyly. It was obvious that she was enjoying the attention, but she didn’t brag, not like anyone would if they some super awesome power. However, Jasmine was worried, and she decided to voice it before they started complimenting again. “Look, guys,” she said, gaining everyone’s attention with some raised eyebrows. “I know this story is fantastic, but there’s something none of you seem to grasp: What can we do to help Pema? She just found out about her power and the comet’s only two days away. What I want to know is; how are we going to prepare her in time for her second battle with Rashado?”

Contemplative silence reigned. Jasmine could tell she struck a nerve because Pema paled a little more. It was obvious what she thought about fighting Rashado again, but Jasmine saw that she was trying to put on a brave face. Tenzin, knowing her better than anyone else, rubbed her shoulder with a thoughtful frown. Then he spoke. “I think I might know how to help her.” He looked at everyone with serious gray eyes. “Dad used to teach me how to calm my mind when I’m stressed. Pema, didn’t you say you had created some kind of shield in your head when Rashado tried to control you?”

“Yeah,” she answered quietly. “I’m not sure how though. I think it had something to do with remembering why I was fighting in the first place. I screamed in my mind ‘NO! Azula is EVIL! I will never work for her! I will not betray my family.’ That was when I snapped out of it and I had to get Tenzin out of Rashado’s control before doing anything else.” Tenzin had blushed and Jasmine suspected she knew how Pema had helped the Airbender.

Bumi, knowing what Tenzin’s blush meant as well, started making smooch sounds. “Kissy, kissy! Someone’s in looooove.” Laughter rang out among Jasmine’s friends. Oh, things are going to get interesting.

Red colored Pema’s cheeks and darkened Tenzin’s as he scowled at his older brother. “Shut it, Boomerang Boy. You need to learn to grow up.” He snorted. “You and uncle Sokka have the same thing in common. Remember Tasha at the party last year?”

Jade raised an eyebrow at her new boyfriend and crossed her arms while looking at Bumi. Even that small gesture made him nervous. Jasmine loved watching him squirm. “Bumi, mind telling me what he’s talking about?” The Healer had asked this casually, but the Energy Bender knew her she was mad.

“Well… I was, you know… just messing around. It was no big deal, really.”

Kya laughed. “Seriously, Bumi? You are such a terrible liar.” She turned to Jade. “You had been on a trip then at short notice so you couldn’t make it. Tasha had this huge crush on Bumi and decided it would be funny to play spin the bottle. The bottle was green and had been rigged with clear tape and fishing thread. Since it had been her idea to play, Tasha got to spin first. I’m not sure how she did it, but the bottle had landed on Bumi. They went into the closet and had to stay in there for seven minutes. You could hear them making out.”

“I swear to God, Kya, I’m going to kill you!” Bumi growled and started to run after her as she laughed and ducked. “You promised you wouldn’t tell!”

Kya ducked a punch with a grin. “What’s the matter, Bumes? Can’t take a joke?” Good thing the room was huge or else they would have run into something by now.

“I’ll show you how funny you are when I rearrange your face!” he countered.

Tenzin sighed, stood up, took a stance, and Airbended his siblings into the air. When they squealed in surprise, Tenzin called, “Come on, you two! This isn’t the time for a fight. We have too much to worry about.”

Bumi scowled at him, looking stern despite being five feet in the air. “You take after Dad too much. Put us down and let us get some steam out!”

Jasmine decided to jump in. “He’s right, guys! We have bigger things to worry about right now. Wait until the battle and then you can blow people out of their hides. In case you’ve forgotten, Pema had taken a great deal of pain. Calm down now!”

Kya growled. “Let us down, Tenzin! We’ll wait, okay? I don’t like being up here.”

Jasmine looked at Bumi and raised an eyebrow. “Well, Bumi? You know the routine.”

He scoffed. “Fine; whatever! Just get me down.”

After a stern look from the Airbender, it was only then he set them down. As they straightened their clothes, he said, “Okay. Now that we have that out of the way, I’d say it’s time to practice. I’ll work with Pema to help with her mental powers. Bumi, I could use your help. You know how to make a shield in your mind; that could come in handy. The rest of you should practice your Bending and fighting skills. If you feel you need a break, take one; we can’t fight if we exhaust ourselves. Jasmine, “he added, turning to her, “I need you to find a place where Matt and Melisa could practice their Bending in secret. They’ll need their skills.”

She nodded. “You got it, Ten.” She went over to the twins. “Come on, guys. Let’s head over to the library. We’re bound to find something.”

Before they could leave, however, Sam came over and grabbed her shoulder. “You don’t need to do that; I know of a place we can go where no one will find you.”

Jasmine shrugged. “Okay; lead the way.” As he did so, Jasmine looked at Kuzon. “Do you wanna come, Kuzon? There might be cameras hidden.”

He grinned. “Count me in,” he said enthusiastically, jumping off the windowsill.

As the small group left the room, Jasmine heard Tenzin give some more orders for what to do now that they only had two days left until the comet. Deep in her heart, she prayed to every Spirit she knew of and hoped they stood a chance against the tide of black water coming in, to try fighting it back before they drowned. They had to win; if they didn’t, Azula would engulf the world in flames, burning everything that breathed life into civilization until nothing remained but ashes. Jasmine would not let that happen, even if it might mean losing her life. But if it had to happen, she was willing to give it to protect the world.

Hidden Arena: Sam

He watched his opponent with determination, waiting for Matt to make his move. The kid might be young, but Sam could tell he was much older than his fourteen years claim. From the look of his friends, they had also been through more than should be necessary of kids their age. He knew how they felt; when Aula had cornered him some time ago with the threat if killing his girlfriend and unborn child, he had had no choice but to cooperate. His mother had died in plane crash last year and his father had a restraining order on him for being an abusive drunk and had been in prison for almost choking his wife to death when Sam was ten. He was only nineteen now and was an instructor in the fighting arts back home. He couldn’t lose the family he had now. Annie meant too much to him and his child was in her; he would give his life to save both of them.

 Azula was cold and malicious, not to mention a complete manic. All those things could make a person dangerous, but in the Cold Firebender’s, as the kids call her, case, it was her cunning yet delirious mind that made her more so. Sam hoped they had the chance to end this before things got more out of hand, but the possibility of losing everything and everyone he knew and loved dug into his heart painfully.

Sam barely had time to react as Matt punched him in the shoulder with surprising force and he stumbled, berating himself for letting his mind wander. As the boy backed away, Sam readied himself and threw a kick to Matt’s middle, but he jumped back before his foot could collide with flesh. Matt then tried to sweep Sam’s legs out from under him, but he jumped, swung his leg and kicked him in the shoulder. The Shadowbender grunted and backed away before resuming another stance; Sam did so as well and came in with a punch to the throat. He knew it was a dangerous move, but he wouldn’t put much force into it because a move like that could kill someone. His opponent blocked it by raising his arms in a X shape and moving his arms apart quickly before punching his guts, but there was more pain then there should be and Sam flew backward, hitting a wall and smelling something that seems to be burning. His vision was blurry and faint sounds of running came through the dull ring in his ears.

“Oh God; I’m so sorry!” That was Matt’s voice and he sounded scared and frantic. As his vision sharpened, Sam saw Matt, Melisa, Jasmine and Kuzon looking at him with concern. The Shadowbender continued. “I don’t how that happened; I have spats like that occasionally. Are you hurt?”

It felt like electricity had gone through him, but he didn’t want the kid to worry more so he gave a tiny smile and decided to make a joke out of it. “I’ll be okay; who knew you had punch on you? You could beat a boxer at his own game.”

But Matt didn’t see the funny side of this. In fact, he looked angry with himself and at Sam’s attempt of humor. “Don’t you get it? That hit could have killed you. I could’ve killed you! Again!” He stood up and stormed over to the benches to sit with his back to the gang. Sam thought it was his imagination, but it almost look like a black mist was surrounding the distraught more and gave a shudder. Matt’s anger seemed just as dark as the shadows he controls. He made a personal note never to make the kid angry again.

Melisa looked at him with knowing eyes. “My brother’s anger can be dark,” she said, reading Sam’s expression with startling perception. “Sometimes I’ve heard him ask himself ‘Why me? Why do I have to have these abilities?’ I’ve tried to help him, but he wouldn’t believe me when I told him his powers can be used for good. He told me shadows are darkness themselves and nothing good comes from it. Matt thinks he’s a danger to everyone, even me, even though we’re twins. He had said it would have better if he had never been born.”

There was silence as they all stared at Matt, sitting so still he could have been mistaken for a statue if it wasn’t for the dark shroud. Sam wanted to ask what that bit was about, but didn’t since he suspected he already knew the answer. Benders generally have a hidden strength and when they feel a certain emotion their bending is shown for all to the see. Sam now knew to really be careful with any of the Benders here; the last thing he wanted was to anger them. If he was honest, they scared him. All of them could control a certain element that could either be dangerous or unpredictable. Matt’s power was even more so and thinking of the experience a couple days ago, Sam was fully aware that the kid could do serious harm. But there was also something sad about him, like he had discovered something unpleasant. Matt did talk about seeing his mother in a dream and how he had thought she was dead, which she was. Poor kid… Sam knew how he felt since his own mother was gone.

Taking a deep breath which his hurt his ribs a bit Sam managed to stand up with the help of his new comrades and announced, “I think this would be a good time for a break. We’ll meet back here in about an hour; then I want to see Matt and Melisa spar.”

Beach: Tenzin

With Pema sitting in front of him and his brother Bumi by his side, making a triangle, following his lead as they breathed and meditated, the Airbender felt peace enter his mind and hoped the others were feeling it too. They held hands because his father used to say that physical contact help them focus of the object or person they are meditating about and Tenzin felt he was right. There was a kind of tingling sensation from where their hands connected. He wanted to ask what the others were feeling but did not dare interrupt the session for fear of losing concentration. The breeze from the ocean helped them too; it had been Bumi’s idea to go there to the beach and the Airbender was impressed. Originally he had wanted to go the park but the beach was more relaxing and wondered why he hadn’t thought of it first. He blamed it on stress and that wasn’t an exaggeration; they all had been through so much together stress was bound to happen. But he was grateful to have the others with him; it made the stress bearable.

He felt both Bumi and Pema squeeze his hands and knew they had finished clearing their minds, and opened his gray eyes to see them opening theirs as well. Their eyes looked clear and he thanked his Dad for the lessons. Still holding hands, Tenzin said, “Okay; now we’re ready. Bumi, it’s time.”

His brother nodded before looking Pema in the eyes. “When I was in training with Ursa, she had said to make a shield for myself around my mind to keep not only intruders out but to keep my powers at bay. The best way to make a shield is to think of all you love and hate, forcing them to mingle to create a barrier. For example; when you blocked that man’s attack, you had said you thought of the people you loved. That was a good start. Along with it you had told him and yourself you would never work for Azula because of what she had done. That was a hateful thought but also just as effective. I want you to try that again and see if you can merge them to make that wall. You ready to try it?”

Even though she looked nervous, Pema nodded, took a deep breath while closing her eyes, and concentrated. Tenzin felt the tingle more thoroughly in his arm and he exchanged a surprised look with Bumi, and he knew his brother felt what he did. The Energy Bender then closed his eyes, Tenzin following his lead, and spoke to Pema. “As you picture the things you love and hate, give a reason for each thought. Form them into a wall where no one can come in unless you allow it. Think of the important questions: Why and what are you fighting for? Who is worth protecting? Why must you take down the villains? Who in the world is most important to you?” To Tenzin’s amazement, he actually saw the thoughts and images in Pema’s mind. How had he gotten there? It occurred to him after a few seconds that she must be letting them know why she was fighting for the good: her family, friends, himself, to protect the ones who were hurt because of Azula’s ruthless black heart.

The Airbender felt her mind harden with resolve and the images blurred until there was nothing but a short of mist, then that hardened and became the imaginative wall Bumi was talking about. It was amazing to watch. Once the wall was fully erected, Pema took a deep breath and Tenzin felt himself leave her mind. He opened his mind and saw Bumi nodding approvingly. “You did it, Pema. Hopefully now you’ll be protected from Rashado’s abilities. And Tenzin,” he added, turning to him, “you may not have realized it, but while Pema was making her wall, you were doing it too, so now you’re protected as well; it happened while she was letting us into her mind.”

Tenzin was surprised. “Really? That’s insane; in a good way.” He turned to his girlfriend. “Looks like we’re prepared, but to be on the safe side, I think we should practice making the wall and strengthening it until we’re sure we can overcome Rashado’s power.”

She nodded. “I agree. What now? Do we train?”

Bumi shook his head. “Not for you.” When she was about to protests he raised his hand. “I’m not calling you weak, but even though you have a strong mind, you’re not quite ready to train again. Maybe tonight, after you’ve had some rest and got something to eat.”

Tenzin jumped in. “He’s right, Pem. After your ordeal, your body is still a little slow. You don’t want to exhaust yourself so soon.”

Pema scowled defiantly. “But I feel fine.” To prove it, she quickly stood up and managed to stay upright after swaying. Her skin had paled again. “See? Good as new.” Until she took a few steps away from them and Tenzin had to use his Airbending to keep her from landing on her face. Bumi went over to her and helped her sit while the Airbender stopped his air bubble. Pema groaned. “Okay, maybe I’m not so fine. But I can’t just sit around while the rest of you train. I have to help.”

The Energy Bender looked at his brother. “Help me get her up; maybe Jade can do something for her.” He nodded and helped Pema walk back to the hotel, making sure she didn’t fall again. Tenzin hated feeling helpless, but now he felt more so as he helped Pema into the lobby and up the stairs to his room. The boys placed her on the bed and Bumi left to find Jade while the Airbender stayed with herm stroking her hand. She looked so fragile, but he had to hope she could pull through before the comet. That’s two days away from now. As the sun lowered behind the horizon, time was ticking away until the time came where the world would either be saved or destroyed.

Hidden Arena: An Hour Later: Kuzon

The knife thrower was playing with one his stars, a shuriken, his mother had given him, watching Matt and Melisa battle. He was impressed by their skills and couldn’t help but think of what the Lightbender had said earlier; about how Matt had never wanted his powers. It reminded Kuzon of the battle they were facing: Light against Dark. The elements are neither good nor bad; it all depends on the person who wields them. The girl was right about that; it’s the same with people who can’t Bend, like himself. He could kill with his stars alone, but he prefers to pin instead of harm. Matt just needs to learn to control his anger and everything would go better. Putting his star away, Kuzon watched with interest as Melisa shot a sparkling white orb at her brother who used a shadow shield to extinguish it before hurling the dark mass like a wave at his twin. It never reached her for Melisa used her own version of a wall, higher than the wave and reduced to wisps of smoke.

It was then Sam called, “Alright, you two. I would say you’re even.” Then he looked at Kuzon. “Come on down; it’s you and Jasmine next.” He didn’t want to fight his secret crush, but Kuzon wasn’t ready to admit that he liked her yet. Once he was on the compacted ground with Jasmine watching him with a smirk, the knife thrower decided he wasn’t going to let his crush on her let it crush him. He just hated the fact that she was smart and pretty; it made look better than any other girl who had tried to get his attention. He liked natural looking girls and Jasmine was definitely natural, but it was her strong personality that struck him hard in the gut. She acted more like a tomboy and didn’t try to look good; she just was. Jasmine knew how to fight, thanks to her parents Jet and On Ji, who helped her become a black belt in karate last year. Her black hair had a slight wave to it and looked as soft as silk and Kuzon wondered again what it would be like to run his hand through it…

He quickly pushed that thought into the back of his mind and readied his knives, hardening his resolve. Kuzon wasn’t going to let Jasmine distract him again; he was going to win this fight, even if it was only training. When Sam gave the signal, he threw the first of his stars at Jasmine, which came from a hidden armband that held thirty of small yet sharp knives. He had two armbands; that equaled sixty knives altogether.

Jasmine jumped out of the way and sprinted towards him, aiming a flying kick to his shoulder while he rolled under her and shot three more stars at her sleeves, which pinned her to the ground. His lessons with is parents came into his mind, making his body go on autopilot. Kuzon didn’t think as he sprang to his feet aimed three more stars at her, but Jasmine anticipated that move and swung her arm out of the way. The stars were too sharp for untrained hands, so she had no choice but to rip her sleeve from the ones that held her in place, leaving a tattered mess. There were little knicks in her skin and Kuzon slightly guilty for them, but Jasmine was tough girl and didn’t seem to notice them as she sprinted towards him.

Kuzon took another stance and met her fist with his forearm and punched her in the gut with his other, knocking her back with a few paces before she was on him again. He had to dodge every way to avoid the torrents of smooth attacks and did a backhand spring to avoid her sweeping kick. Before he even landed on his feet Kuzon shot one arrow from each arm band and managed to pin her to the ground by her shoulders. Before she could get up, Kuzon was on her, straddling her waist while pointing a star to her throat while they both sweat and breathed heavily. Matt whistled after a few seconds of silence. “That was awesome!” he said slowly. Melisa nodded in agreement, staring at the pair.

Kuzon grinned. “Looks like I win, eh?” He put his star away and helped get the other two out of her shirt before placing them back into his sleeves and helping her to her feet. “Nice work, though. I feel bad for whoever is going to fight you.”

Jasmine scowled at him, wiping some of the blood off with a tattered rag. “Don’t try to butter me up, Kuzon.” Then she grinned slightly and kissed his cheek. He blushed in surprise. “But thanks. You fight really well, too.”

He grinned back and Sam said, “Yeah, nice work you two. I think we did well for today. I say we head back to the hotel and get some rest. The day after tomorrow, we fight, and we’ll need as much rest as we can get.” There was a murmur of agreement and the small group left hidden arena, mentally preparing themselves for the fight to come.

The Next Morning: Jet’s Old Hideout: Toph

The Master Earthbender, being blind for the exercise, took a deep breath and started stretches to prepare. She and her friends had only today and the beginning of tomorrow to finish their planning and training before going off to fight in the war tomorrow night. Normally she would look forward to a fight, but even Toph had to admit to herself that she was nervous as hell. Still, she did everything she could to prepare herself and the other Earthbenders who had joined their cause. Some years ago, a little after Lin was born, she had opened an Earthbending Academy and some of the people here were instructors and former students. Some of the others were from Suki’s M16 team. Toph prayed it would be enough and hoped the kids were okay.

The kids were also coming home today at around noon. Lin had called her last night after training to let her know to expect them. They teenagers had decided it was time to come home for the final battle and Lin had also told Toph of Azula showing up at home tomorrow. The older Earthbender had been relieved to know that everyone was safe and had been surprised by the news of Pema being a mind controller. Her youngest daughter had explained how Pema had become aware of her abilities and was stunned to know how she had fought a full grown man who had had more experience with this ability. When Smellerbee and Longshot had heard of this from Pema herself, they had said they were very proud of their little girl. Toph thought they were more than kids now because of what they had been through; despite their ages, they were stronger than most adults, and she was proud of every single one of them.

After the stretches Toph said to the Earthbenders, “Alright! Let’s get started. You know the routine. Take your stances!” They all did so and Toph led the formation through a series of exercises. She had to make certain they knew what they were doing before moving onto the next formation. Over by one of the other buildings, Katara was leading the Waterbender while Aang and Zuko worked with the Airbenders and Firebenders.  The newcomer, Jason, who had been sent by Pema the day the fight had broken out, was part of the Waterbending circle. There were hundreds of people here and Toph saw organized everyone looked, how calm and collected her friends were while they helped the fighters prepare. Her husband, the Duke, and the other Non-Benders were preparing the rest who couldn’t control an element. She hoped it would be enough; Suki had said the other spies and fighters around the world were preparing for the fight as well. That didn’t necessarily they would win; it was up to the kids if they won or not. But Toph and the others had faith; their family was strong and they had been preparing for this fight all their lives. If people had to die, it would be for the good of the world.

Afternoon: Airport: Jade

The Healer tried to stay calm, but she was excited to finally be home, despite the fact that the war was brewing right in their hometown. Jade wanted to her mother and father and she could tell Bumi and the other were as anxious to be back where they belong as she was. The only ones who seemed put out were the twins and Sam, probably because they didn’t know where to go and who these people around them were. For all they knew, the strangers could be minions of the Cold Firebender and maybe some of them were; but this was their home and the kids knew every street and store that had been there since they were younger. Matt and Melisa were already accepted by Aang and Katara and Jade felt the other adults would accept them as well while Sam was willing to do anything to help. Still, she could hardly blame them for being cautious; she would have been the same way if she was going to somewhere different.

Her little sister, Lin, was sitting by her as they sat by the main entrance, waiting for their cars to be driven back to them from the lot. They cars had been there since they left under instructions to be kept under lock and key until they got back from California. The young Earthbender kept looking at the Shadowbender and Jade knew she was thinking of the kiss they had shared the night Sam was reluctantly recruited. The Healer gave her a nudge. “You should tell him.”

Lin looked at her slowly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Jade didn’t need to be an Earthbender to know her sister was lying. “Yes you do; you like Matt and I have the feeling he likes you too, otherwise he wouldn’t have kissed you back that night. You should give him a chance, Lin. You never know what could happen.”

Lin looked at the boy and Jade hoped her words would get into that stubborn head; then the girl said, “But what if he decides he’s too dangerous to be around? Matt’s been closing himself off more and more the closer the comet got. I think he plans on leaving after the fighting is done. I don’t know if I can live with that.” Lin looked at her, suddenly looking like the child she was supposed to be instead of the Earthbending prodigy. “I’m worried about him, Jade. He’s been through a lot with and without us and the thought of him leaving makes me feel empty. I got used to having him around.”

Jade wrapped an arm around her, which her little sister leaned into. “We all did; you just have to remind him that he’s no longer alone, that he has us now.” She grinned. “Besides, we Bei Fong’s are hard to get rid of.”

Lin laughed a little. “Maybe you’re right.” She bit her lip and looked at Matt again. “I just hope I can make him see reason for staying. He and Melisa could start a new life here. It would certainly be better than living in the woods.”

She nudged the girl’s chin with her fist. “There’s that stubborn little Earthbender I know and love.”

Lin grinned a little and was about to say something before Bumi beat her to it. “Come on, everyone. The cars are here and we’re heading home.”

Home: Martin

He couldn’t believe he was back so soon. There wasn’t enough room in the vans for three extra people, so he, Matt, and Melisa had to get a cab. But as he watched the buildings go by, he could hardly believe the changes the town had undergone and was pretty much unaware of the twins’ presence. People were boarding up their windows and stocking food in the basements while everywhere there were fighters preparing for the battle that was to take place. It almost looked like a military base, especially when people had been piling sand bags usually reserved for the occasional flood. He wondered how his mom and dad were fairing with all of this, but experience told him they were calm and collected. Martin, on the other hand, was nervous and a bit afraid. Despite having trained for a good portion of his life as a Chi Blocker, he felt inexperienced compared to his friends, who had been through more while he was off on vacation. Still, he was going to do everything he can to make sure they got a chance a winning this thing.

He had called his mother ahead while they had been waiting for the cars back at the airport and she had told him that everyone was at the training compound where Jet had used years ago. It was the perfect space to practice and have meetings; there plenty of old warehouses that could hide everyone while they conversed but also with plenty of fighting space for over a thousand people. They were headed there, being led through old gates and concrete streets as they drew closer to their destination. Martin took his eyes away from the scene outside and looked over at the twins, Melisa in the middle, Matt at the other window, looking out with wary eyes. The Chi Blocker didn’t blame him; he remembered his first trip to California when he was younger than Matt and of how scared he had been when his family had landed there. Martin didn’t know anyone and he certainly was wary; but in the end he had fun and has been going there every year since then.

Martin’s eyes locked on the girl and his heart stuttered before pounding hard. Despite being almost fifteen, she was beautiful, and he could imagine every guy falling over himself to get with her. That thought oddly made him jealous even when he knew he shouldn’t; he’s only known her for less than a week. Yet there was older age about her as if she had been living a lot longer than fifteen years, along with wisdom far beyond her years. Matt shared a similar feeling, but it was more reserved than Melisa’s. She knew who and what she was and had accepted that, and Martin saw courage in her blue eyes and felt her strong presence the first time they met. He didn’t believe in ‘love-at-first-sight’, but he also couldn’t deny he felt something for this mysterious girl. Maybe after the battle and things had turned to better times, he could show her new things that girls her age might like.

Until then, he had to focus on the upcoming. Tomorrow was going to mean everything. All of their training would come to fruition on night of the comet. Martin’s determination grew as they drove through the fence surrounding the warehouses and pulled to a stop in front of a group of people who were their parents. Everyone got out of the vehicles and Martin paid for the cab before searching for Ty Lee and Haru, spotting them at the end of the line. He ran to them as the other kids except for Matt and Melisa ran to their parents. His mother hugged him close as she cried. “My boy! It’s so wonderful to see you again. I’ve been worried.”

His dad had joined the hug and gave a squeeze. “Welcome home, son.”

And welcomed he felt. It was good to be home.

Well, how was it? I plan on making two more chapters plus an epilogue, and that will be the end. So sad; I’m gonna miss writing this story, but hey, if all goes as planned, I could be an author and I’ll sell more stories. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Anyway, I hope you’ve enjoyed this story as much as I have. Another chapter coming up!

Chapter Fifteen: katara434.deviantart.com/art/C…

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gohaangten12's avatar
Ur amazing at writing fighting scenes, I have to say. Which means the final battle should be really really good! I can't wait to read more!