Avatar: Two Brothers

Examination

Zuan Shi was a small town with a population of about three hundred people that resided in the Earth Kingdom’s domain. There were many people who set up their stands to sell their goods to oncoming pedestrians. And many kids roamed the streets playing with one another.

Away from the lively area of Zuan Shi was a temple that was tucked away. This was where the future of the air nomads resides. Students would study and be trained by their designated monk to learn the ways of their ancestors. Once they completed their training, they would be fully qualified air benders and leave for one of the main air temples.

One such student was Da-Wei, who was quite the diligent student in both his studies and his physical training. In fact, he was the top student in all his classes at the age of fourteen. He was liked by all his peers and respected by his elders. There was no question he was going to become a master level air bender.

On this day, he was called forth onto the dojo to battle against one of his upper class men. Da-Wei had fought in this arena many times before and has a near spotless record. However, today’s match had a different atmosphere to it, as a couple of the Council of Elders from the air temples were here to spectate the fight.

This showdown was part of Da-Wei’s examination to become a fully qualified air nomad. Win and he would ascend further, lose and he would remain in Zuan Shi. Da-Wei was in his stance ready to battle as was his opponent who stood at least a head taller than him.

The gong sounded but both combatants remained at their position. This was quite normal for a bout between two airbenders, patience was always a practiced virtue. They began to move slowly in a circle, switching spots, when finally, the upper class man made the first move. He lunged forward to strike at Da-Wei, who was able to dodge.

His opponent saw that he had the advantage so he continued to press the attack but Da-Wei was too nimble for him. Eventually he used the opposition's own momentum against him as he stuck out his leg to trip him. The fall drew some laughter from the crowd.

Feeling a bit embarrassed and being made a fool of, the upper class man used his airbending to level the playing field. Gust of wind shot out from the palm of his hand and although Da-Wei was about to hop away from the first and second attack, the third one hit him dead on, nearly sending him out of the ring.

That last strike was a wake up call for Da-Wei. If he didn’t get serious, he would lose out on this opportunity. He airbended to boost himself back into the middle of the ring. Once they were both near the center, they began trading wind gusts but neither had the advantage.

Having had enough of their standoff, both of them gathered up as much air around them and launched themselves against each other. Both of them stuck their fist out but since the upper class man had the longer reach, Da-Wei’s punch never connected but he was struck in the chest.

Da-Wei fell backwards against the wooden floor but he had no time to rest as he saw his opponent jumping towards him, ready to end the battle. With his back to the floor, he began rotating his legs to create a mini tornado, catching the incoming attacker and sending him flying out of control. The current created by Da-Wei was so strong that his opponent was about to land outside of the ring, which meant that Da-Wei’s victory was all but assured.

The crowd was waiting for the man to land out of the ring but suddenly, Da-Wei struck his opponent one more time, knocking him back into the arena. The crowd was stunned and confused as to why Da-Wei didn’t let his opponent fall out of bounds.

Unfortunately for Da-Wei, hitting his opponent got his attention. The upperclassmen drew in a huge breath and unleashed it. Da-Wei put his arms in front of his face to protect himself but that left the rest of his body wide open. The upperclassman dashed in with his enhanced speed and finished Da-Wei off with an air kick that sent him out of the arena.

The examination was over, the official declared the upperclassman the winner and the crowd clapped and cheered. The Council of Elders rose from their seats and made their way towards the exit, disappointed by what they had seen. Da-Wei would have to wait for another chance to take the examination but there was no telling how long that would be.