Avatar: Two Brothers

Premonition

The next morning had arrived and Da-Wei was making his way towards the temple. He was already thinking about what Ruthar might say to him. Would he tell the Elder Council about his actions at the examinations or would he keep quiet about it?

As he was lost in his thoughts, thinking about all the scenarios, he saw something falling out of the sky. It was not initially clear what it was until he got closer and identified that it was a sky bison diving out of control into Zuan Shi. It crashed and landed where the temple was.

“Master Ruthar!” He rushed towards the temple hoping everyone was safe.

Within the temple, Anaya had crashed into the temple of Zuan Shi. Thankfully Armaan was able to use his air bending to soften their landing but Anaya was severely hurt. The injury she sustained from the feather attack had gotten worse. Armaan was also quite shocked from the impact but he made sure the baby was okay.

Many of the students flocked to the crash site but the monks tried to keep everyone away from the scene. The students still caused a major ruckus until Master Ruthar used his Airbending to create a giant vortex to get everyone’s attention. After everyone became silent, Ruthar approached Armaan.

“Master Ruthar!” Armaan ran to him in tears. Ruthar tried to calm him down. He encouraged him to speak slowly so that he could understand what he was trying to say.

“They invaded the Western Air Temples and everyone is in danger!”

“What are you talking about? Who are they?”

“I don’t know, I couldn’t see their faces. There were two hiding in a cloak but there was one wearing a mask who fought Monk Mesja.”

The students in the crowd heard bits of what Armaan had said and they began talking amongst themselves. Ruthar grew concerned so he asked Armaan to make sure. “The one with the mask, was there a symbol on him?”

Armaan nodded and explained what the symbol looked like. Once Ruthar fully visualized what Armaan had said, his heart sank.

As Ruthar was still letting the thought sink in, a messenger hawk appeared with a letter tied to its talon. Ruthar grabbed the letter and set the hawk free. On it was the seal of the Earth King, which could only mean it was something of extreme importance. He unrolled the letter and began to read the content.

After he finished reading, he put the message away and turned to Armaan. “You did well Armaan. Rest up, I will take care of things from here.” Ruthar called for the monks to assist him for medical attention. He then took the baby and walked towards his room.

While this was happening, Da-Wei had arrived at the temple. He fought through the crowd to find the sky bison wounds being treated by some of the monks. He scanned the area for Master Ruthar but he was nowhere to be found. So he turned to one of his classmates, “Where is Master Ruthar?” And he replied by telling him he returned to his quarters.

Da-Wei blitzed his way through the temple and made his way to the footsteps of Master Ruthar’s place. He knocked on the door with great force and the door blew open and slammed in his face.

“It's not polite to knock so loud Da-Wei.” He spoke to the teenager who was holding his nose. Da-Wei was glad to see that Ruthar was unharmed but he also noticed that Ruthar was making preparations to leave and that he had an unexpected guest.

“Uhh, Master Ruthar, where are you going? And who is that?”

“Da-Wei, now is not the time for explanations. I have something very important to do. If you will excuse me.” But Da-wei wouldn’t take no for an answer and grew suspicious.

“Wait, Master Ruthar. Did you secretly have a relationship with someone and that baby is now your responsibility?”

Unimpressed with his comment, Master Ruthar blasted another stream of air, which slammed Da-Wei hard against the wall. “Apparently, someone needs to learn manners.”

As he walked up closer to Da-Wei, the teenager covered his head, “Sorry Master Ruthar, it was only a joke!” But Ruthar didn’t do anything, no violence, no lecture, nothing. Da-Wei then opened his eyes and he could see the look in Ruthar’s eyes was one of worry and fear.

“Da-Wei, listen carefully, your request to stay in Zuan Shi has been approved by me. Do not leave and keep everyone here safe.” Da-Wei couldn’t believe what he was hearing, he got what he wanted but something didn’t feel right.

“What about you Master Ruthar? Where are you going?”

“I have important matters to attend to. I may not be back for a while.”

“I am coming with you!”

Ruthar couldn’t help but laugh. “What’s so funny?” Da-Wei asked.

“Yesterday you begged with every fiber of your body to stay. And now suddenly you want to leave? You really are a piece of work.”

“I can help, please Master Ruthar!” As he was talking, Ruthar unexpectedly threw an air punch at Da-Wei. This one was much quicker than the last and Da-Wei got sent flying out of the room and into the cement outside. He slowly picked himself up but Ruthar struck him with another air strike to keep him down.

“If you can’t even break out of this technique, you won’t be ready for the troubles that lie ahead.” Da-Wei used all his strength to break free, but Ruthar was far stronger.

Ruthar came out of his quarters for a moment, calling for Da-Wei’s attention. “Da-Wei, I will say this again, stay.” And with that, Ruthar returned his quarters and slammed the door shut.