Avatar: Two Brothers

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After everyone left the dojo, Da-Wei picked himself up and headed to the change room. However, before he could take another step, someone called out to him, “Cracked under pressure eh?” Da-Wei turned towards the center of the ring where the person who had taught him all his air bending and physical training stood, Air Nomad Ruthar.

“Sensei Ruthar!” Da-Wei called out in excitement. “Still as respectful as always. Come over here!” He held out his arms to give him a hug and Da-Wei ran towards him. As Da-Wei was about to jump, Ruthar immediately formed a fist with his hand and surprised Da-Wei with a sucker punch.

It was quick but Da-Wei saw the attack just in time to block Ruthar’s fist. “What in the world are you doing sensei?!” Da-Wei yelled in confusion. After the exchange, Ruthar disengaged, showing no hostility.

“Just now you were able to block my Air Punch despite being in point blank range. Yet during that fight, you weren’t able to block that Air Punch that even a first year could see coming?”

“Uh, you know what they say. Pressure changes everything.” He said nervously. Ruthar walked up closer and stared Da-Wei in the eyes. “Pressure is one thing, choosing to lose is another.” Ruthar knew Da-Wei’s true intentions.

“Alright sensei, you caught me.”

“Da-Wei, I don’t understand. For years you told me all you ever wanted was to become an air bending master. This was the chance you have been waiting for. Why did you throw it away?”

He let out a sigh before explaining. “Sensei Ruthar, I’m not ready to leave Zuan Shi yet. I have made some very close friends here and…”

“I see, that is understandable but Da-Wei, you know one day your paths will eventually separate.”

“I know sensei, but for now I want to remain here. Please, don’t tell the other council members I forfeit the match!”

Master Ruthar was caught in a dilemma. As a high ranking member of the Air Nomads, he was inclined to tell the truth about all matters towards the council. But as Da-Wei’s mentor, he wanted what was best for his mentee.

“I will give it some thought, but I make no promises.”

“Thank you sensei, for everything!” With that, they both left the temple.

As Da-Wei was on his way back home, he was struck from behind on the head by another sucker punch. He clutches the back of his head and he didn’t even need to look to figure out who had attacked him.

“Chloe!”

“Hey, how did you know it was me? It could have been the other 298 people in this town.”

“It's always you.”

“Oh haha. Good point.”

“What is with people trying to punch me today?”

“So I heard you had a huge examination today.”

“Did you hear about the results too?”

“Yeah I did. Oh well you win some you lose some.”

Da-Wei wasn’t the slightest bit surprised with Chloe’s answer. She was always that type of carefree person. They had been friends since childhood because both their older brothers were best friends but they were both no longer in Zuan Shi.

“Hey Chloe, you know eventually we'll probably both leave this town.”

“Oh yeah, to be honest I haven’t thought about it too much.”

“Aren’t you going to miss this place? And all your friends?”

“Yeah but why think about that? That just sounds so sad. I'd rather enjoy my time here now.”

Even with all the book knowledge he had, Da-Wei couldn’t help but be amazed by Chloe’s simple approach to life. He had been worrying about the future so much he hadn’t realized that he hadn’t been enjoying his time in Zuan Shi.

Suddenly Chloe slaps him on the back. “Hey!” Da-Wei shouted

“Ahh quit worrying. No matter what happens we are going to stay best buds!”

“Haha you are right.”

As the sun was setting and the area was getting dark, they both realized they had to hurry home.

“I better pick up the pace. I’m going to need all that rest for the big Bender Ball game I got tomorrow.”

“Alright, I will see you around.”

They both exchanged their goodbyes and headed home. Little did they know, after that night, their lives would take a turn they never expected.