Avatar: Two Brothers

Unwanted Guest

On his way back to the temple, Da-Wei was mentally preparing for his conversation with Ruthar. He was ready to convince Master Ruthar to take him along but his excitement dissipated when he arrived at the entrance of the room. The door was left open and the entire place had been ransacked.

Filled with angst, he rushed in calling out for Ruthar but there was no response. He then searched the place thoroughly but Ruthar was nowhere to be found. Da-Wei tried hard to not think about the worst possible outcome, when his body sensed a slight disturbance.

Just in time, Da-Wei was able to roll to his left as a katana came slicing down towards him. He barely escaped the assasination attempt but he was not yet safe. His opponent, who wore a dark garb with his nose and mouth covered, was ready to rectify his mistake.

Seeing his opponent with a weapon in hand, Da-Wei kept his distance and waited patiently. In contrast, his opponent wasted no time dashing towards him. Without any hesitation, Da-Wei conjured a wind funnel and directed towards his oncoming enemy. He thought he had the invader where he wanted him but instead of getting knocked back, the enemy found the precise spot and jumped through the air funnel.

While Da-Wei was stunned by what happened, his opponent used his air bending to spin himself more, creating a spiral drill effect with his katana, aiming it towards the young airbender. If the attack was successful, Da-Wei would have been finished but thankfully he was quick on his feet and used his air bending to propel him up to escape his predicament.

As Da-Wei landed on his feet again, he was still processing what had just happened moments ago. Most of the air bending he was taught growing up were based on discipline and defense. However, the opposition he faced was far more aggressive, like nothing he had encountered before.

His opponent raised his katana again ready to strike again. Seeing how fast his pursuer was, Da-Wei prepared to inhale a breath of air to blow his enemy away. As he opened his mouth, the attacker performed a motion with his off-hand that stole all the air that Da-Wei was going to inhale. Da-Wei was left completely defenseless and his enemy was going to strike him down with his katana.

As the blade came inches away from his heart a massive gust struck the assassin and blew him against the furniture in the room. He managed to get up with his weapon in hand but he was struck again by consecutive air blasts, knocking him out of the house.

This time, he was badly injured, at least a broken bone in his ribs. He saw his katana a foot away from him so he reached out with his arm to try and retrieve it but his new opponent kicked it even further away. He looked up to find that Ruthar was staring down at him.

Ruthar scanned his foe quickly to make sure he wasn’t a threat anymore but as he was looking, he saw the symbol that he had dreaded on the enemy’s garb. He was ready to grab him by the collar and interrogate him but he was interrupted.

“Master Ruthar, you are okay!” Shouted Da-Wei. As he called for Ruthar, the enemy pulled out a hidden dagger and threw it at the unsuspecting air bender. Da-Wei was not prepared for the attack but luckily, Ruthar was able to respond by using his airbending to deflect the dagger away. However, when Ruthar turned back to question his enemy, he had disappeared.

“I’m sorry Master Ruthar, because of me he got away.”

“It's alright. I’m just glad you are safe.”

“Who was that just now?” Da-Wei questioned but Ruthar still refused to tell him. All he told his pupil was that it was none of his concern and turned away. But Da-Wei was unwilling to take no for an answer. He ran in front of Ruthar and blocked his path.

Ruthar was ready to use his air bending to force him out of the way but as he was about to do so, a few thoughts came into his mind. He realized that his stubborn student wouldn’t quit getting back up even if he broke a bone or two. In addition, he wanted to keep Da-Wei safe from the enemy, but it was clear after what happened that keeping things hidden would no longer help.

Da-Wei still stood with his arms outstretched, preventing his master from passing. Ruthar, raised his hand to form a fist and drove it right at Da-Wei’s face. He stopped just inches away from his nose and somehow, Da-Wei never flinched. Somewhat impressed, Ruthar gave a small chuckle.

“You do know by joining me, we are going to face many opponents like that and perhaps ones even far more dangerous.”

Da-Wei nodded.

“There is no telling when or if we will come back.”

There was a hint of fear in Da-Wei but with courage he nodded again.

“Ha, figures. Alright, follow me. I will fill you in.”