The DragonBender

Chapter 4: Firebending Test and a Celebration

Leaving quickly I had to fight with myself not to fly into the air with joy. Now that people in this time period have seen me use Firebending I cannot afford to show my other skills. Unless if it’s a matter of life or death I must only practice my other bending at night. Luckily for me unlike Aang I’m not connected to the spirit word, or I’d be taken there without warning which would be impossible to explain to other people. Also I still need to learn how it’s possible for me to do what I do, before I’m found out and cause a global crisis.

“Sia over here,” I heard Zuko call. He was completely dressed in the Fire-Lord’s outfit and looked regal in it although his scar was made more visible.

“Hey Zuko, so what exactly does this celebration entail. Last night we didn’t really talk about it?” I asked smiling at him.

“Well it’s really just an excuse for the three nations to gather together and celebrate the end of the war and Aang saving us all from my father’s tyranny. It also helps us repair the damage done between the Nations, and hopefully prevent another Nations complete annihilation,” Zuko informed me.

“So what’s my part in all of this?” I asked generally confused.

“Well you’re new to the town and what better way for you to get to know people then the Fire-Lord himself introducing you?” he replied smiling.

“Thank you Zuko this really means a lot to me coming from you.”

“Zuko,” I heard someone shout from the crowd and watched in amazement as everyone moved to the side letting them pass.

The group was lead by a boy my age with dark hair and wearing a clock around him, beside him was a girl in a Water Tribe outfit with long brown hair, followed by a girl with clear eyes who seemed to be seeing without seeing, in the rear were Sokka and the Kioshi Warrior. Judging by the reactions of the people and Sokka being among the group this had to be Aang, Katara, Toph, and the Kioshi Warrior must be Suki. Looking into the eyes of my twin brother for the first time I noticed how alike we looked and from the weird glances I received from the crowd they probably noticed as well. Seeing Aang I felt troubled and would have ran away if it wasn’t for the fact that I would raise too many suspicions by doing so.

“Aang, Katara, Toph, Sokka, and Suki I’m so glad to see you again,” Zuko said his face breaking out into a humongous smile.

“The pleasure is ours Master Fire-Lord please don’t burn my alive,” Sokka said shielding away from him in terror well the others laughed.

“No matter how old you get Sokka you haven’t changed a bit,” Zuko replied laughing.

“So who’s the pretty girl beside you Zuko? Are you finally going to forget about May’s death?” Katara asked curiously with a hint of sadness in her tone.

“This is Sia she’s a Firebender from outside the capitol. She arrived the day before yesterday and took the Elvia School’s Boarding Exam. She also brought a surprise with her Aang that I’m sure Appa will enjoy,” he answered.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all, and thanks for your help the other day Sokka,” I replied diplomatically.

“Sia, that sure is a unique ornament on your cloak. Where did you get it?” Katara asked fingering a necklace on her throat.

“An old friend gave it to me although he died a long time ago. Your betrothal necklace is pretty when you approached us I thought that you were in a relationship with the Avatar,” I told her in reply.

“No you were right this necklace belonged to my mother,” Katara answered sadly.

“Oh well why don’t I show you the surprise Zuko was talking about well he greets his visitors?” I asked hoping to change the mood.

They just nodded their heads in agreement and Aang used a bison whistle to cal Appa to him. Seeing Appa made me realize what Cata would mean to him, he could finally have a mate of his own. I smiled to myself as Aang grew confused as to why I was leading them to the old Sky Bison pen, well the others remained oblivious to what was about to happen. I softly opened the door and laughed as Cata, Kyro, and Mika all barreled into me and smothered me with kisses.

“Aang, Appa I’d like you to meet my Sky Bisons. The big one is Cata and the little ones are Mika and Kyro,” I said to his shell shocked face.

They all remained silent and Appa landed on the ground. As soon as he did Cata went over to him and began to nuzzle him. Looking closer to Appa I recognized him as a Sky Bison that Cata use to play with before Monk Gyatso gave her to me. It’s lucky they can’t talk or I’d be in big trouble.

“How did they get here?” Aang asked in awe.

“I can’t tell you that because the story is quite long, and I believe that Appa would like some time alone with his new found friends,” I said avoiding his question.

We all left after that and spent the rest of the time celebrating with Zuko. I cried when I heard the tale retold about how the work of these friends ended a war that my uncle had started. Everything was going perfectly until Iroh showed up on the stage with a roll of parchment. I didn’t think anything of it at first until he unraveled it revealing a faded picture of myself dressed as the Princess of the Fire Nation. I had thought that I burned all of them my only consolation was that the picture was too old and crumpled for anyone to connect me to it.

“Friends, family, benders, and non-benders of the three Nations. You’re probably wondering why I am showing this picture to you all. This picture is of my older cousin Siria 95 years ago the girl who should have inherited the throne. Thanks to Zuko the war ended, but if my uncle hadn’t orchestrated his own daughter’s disappearance the war would have never lasted. I ask if anyone has any information on her to please let me know,” he said sadly before leaving the podium.

I guess that’s what everyone thinks happened to me, but I can’t go up there claiming to be Siria. I’d have to reveal my abilities and at the moment that is the most dangerous thing I can do. For the time being I should remain inconspicuous and try not to reveal who I truly am. I’m sorry Iroh, but this is for your own good.

The rest of the night I listened to more stories about their adventures and learned how Aang became trapped in the ice. I also learned of Azula, Zuko's sister, and how she had gone crazy after becoming the Fire-Lord. The hardest thing of all was to hear Aang talk about his old friends like they were dead, the Air Nomads, and Monk Gyatso as if it was his fault they died.

That night I cried myself to sleep wishing I could tell Aang the truth right now, even though I know that it will hurt him. Before I do that though I have to learn everything that has happened since I teleported to this time period. Then after I earned all I need to know, and earn some money for travelling I'm going to find the hidden temple I created maybe even find out why I have these abilities. From tomorrow onwards I have to do my best to finish what I started.