The air reeked of smoke. Fire Nation ships darkened the horizon, blotting out the rising sun with their black sails. The Southern Air Temple trembled as fireballs struck its ancient walls, stone cracking under heat that seemed to roar like dragons themselves.
Monk Gyatso's robes whipped in the wind as he pushed open the heavy temple doors. His face, usually calm as still water, was tight with urgency.
"Aang!" His voice echoed through the chamber, where the boy stood clutching his staff, eyes wide and brimming with fear.
"Master Gyatso—what's happening?!" Aang's voice cracked, still childlike, still unready for the weight of the world.
"They're here," Gyatso said, grabbing Aang's shoulders. His tone was firm, almost harsh—something Aang had never heard before. "You must leave. Now. You cannot face this."
Aang shook his head, clutching his staff tighter. "I won't run away! I can help! I have to—"
"No!" Gyatso's voice thundered, and for the first time, the Avatar flinched at his master's command. The monk's eyes were fierce, desperate. "You are the last hope of the Air Nomads. If you stay, you will be their prey. Go!"
Outside, the sky split with fire. Agni Kai–trained soldiers poured into the temple, fire whips snapping through the air. Aang felt his chest constrict. He didn't want to abandon his people. He didn't want to abandon Gyatso.
Tears blurred his vision, but stubbornness flared in his heart. He spun his staff, air rushing to his command, deflecting the first surge of fire. "I won't leave you!"
Gyatso's eyes softened for only a moment—pride and sorrow mingling. But then the flames came.
Dozens of firebenders advanced, their attacks merging into a storm of heat and destruction. Aang pushed back with gusts of wind, summoning walls of air to shield himself, but for every attack deflected, three more came.
His young body trembled. He wasn't strong enough. Not yet.
A final, blazing inferno swallowed the chamber. Aang screamed—not from fear, but defiance—as the fire engulfed him. His voice was cut short.
When the flames died, silence fell. The Southern Air Temple—once filled with laughter and song—was nothing but ash.
And from the boy's still chest, a faint light emerged. A soft, blue-white glow—gentle, sorrowful. Raava. She lingered only for a moment, as if mourning the soul she had just lost. Then she drifted into the night sky.
The world had waited a hundred years. Seasons had turned like pages in a book. Forests had grown where cities once fell, and the moon had risen and fallen countless times. And through it all, a faint blue-white light had drifted across oceans, mountains, deserts, and plains, moving silently, watching, searching.
For a hundred years, Raava had wandered. Not for power. Not for glory. Not for strength. But for someone worthy to carry the weight of the world.
On one quiet night, the light descended, gentle as a whisper, into a secluded valley in the Earth Kingdom. Far from the chaos of kingdoms and empires, nestled among rows of humble farmland, a modest farmhouse sat beneath a sky heavy with stars.
Inside, a fire crackled softly in the clay hearth, its warm glow dancing across the walls. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze that slipped through the cracks of the windows, casting shadows that flickered like living spirits. The night carried a charge, subtle yet undeniable—a wind that seemed to hum with expectation.
Yu lay in bed, exhausted but radiant, swaddling a newborn in green cloth. Her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the child, her strong eyes filled with a mixture of relief and awe.
Beside her, Tan hovered, calloused earthbender hands hovering uncertainly above the infant. When he finally brushed his fingers across her soft cheek, a tear escaped, catching the lantern light.
"She's so quiet..." Yu whispered, her voice barely above the fire's crackle.
Tan smiled, eyes glistening. "She's watching. Look at her eyes... so aware already."
The baby, Samura, blinked slowly up at them. Her small face was serene, framed by dark curls that seemed almost impossibly full for a newborn. The lantern light kissed her skin, giving it a faint glow, and for a moment, she seemed older than her first breaths suggested, as if she carried a secret too big for the world.
Then, from outside, a streak of blue-white light cut across the night sky, bright yet gentle. It glided across the clouds like a comet, a soft, celestial sign that was impossible to ignore.
Tan jumped to the window, heart pounding. "Did you see that?"
Yu shook her head slightly, eyes still fixed on Samura. "I did... A falling star?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnkqsf9yPS
"I don't know," Tan murmured, awe in his voice. "But look at her."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMg2RKycbV
The wind pressed against the windows now, carrying an energy that made the lantern flames dance faster. Near the cradle, the gust coiled into a spiral, swirling over Samura's swaddled form, then vanished as quickly as it had appeared.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UJaDbDDtk
The baby cooed softly, blinking at something invisible, smiling at a presence only she could see. In that moment, the quiet of the valley seemed to hold its breath. A world of waiting had ended. Raava had found her.
Fifteen years had passed since the night Raava had chosen her. The Earth Kingdom morning was painted in gold as the sun crested behind the distant walls of Ba Sing Se, spilling light across the farmlands. Dew glimmered on rice stalks, carts creaked along dirt roads, and the air carried the mingled scents of wet earth and stone.
Samura darted through the fields barefoot, long braids bouncing behind her like twin ribbons of midnight. Her bow swung lightly across her back, but it was her feet and her connection to the land that made her fly.
"Hey! You're cheating!" a voice called out, breathless but full of laughter. Tao, her best friend and constant companion, raced after her. Wiry and quick, with short, dark locs that framed his chestnut-brown face, he carried a makeshift training staff, grinning as he pushed himself to keep up.
"I'm not cheating!" Samura called back over her shoulder, laughter spilling from her lips. "Maybe you should get up before the sun for once!"
The two leapt over a low rock fence. Samura's foot pressed to the ground, and subtly, almost imperceptibly, a stone rose beneath her step, vaulting her forward faster. Tao stumbled, arms flailing.
"Hey! That's cheating too!" he cried, landing face-first in the soft dirt.
Samura shrugged, landing gracefully, her body coiled and calm in a practiced Earthbender stance. Balanced. Controlled. Tao skidded to a stop in front of her, mock-serious, shaking dirt from his sleeves.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiytOEaEgUQ
"Alright, Stoneface," he said, grinning through the dirt, "show me what you've got."
Samura sighed, brushing a stray braid from her face. She wasn't fond of sparring, but Tao's persistence had a way of pulling her in. With a flick of her wrist, the earth beneath his feet rippled, unbalancing him just enough. Tao yelped, arms flailing again, and toppled into the dirt.
Samura smirked quietly, hands on her hips. Tao groaned and rubbed the back of his head.
"You're unfair," he complained. "You're way too good to be hiding out here, Sam. You should be in Ba Sing Se protecting the King or something!"
She offered a small grin, gentle and amused. "I like it here. Quiet. Safe. No one expects anything big."
Samura reached down to help Tao to his feet, steadying him with a firm hand. Tao grinned sheepishly, brushing dirt from his shirt. Despite his teasing, there was a loyalty in him, a protective spark that made him more than just a friend—he was family.
The village stirred around them—farmers emerging from small stone cottages, animals beginning their routines, smoke curling from clay chimneys. Life moved slowly, peacefully.
Yet overhead, the clouds shifted. Just slightly. Subtly. As if the world itself was watching, preparing.
She did not know what she was... not yet. But the winds of fate had already begun to turn.
The late afternoon sun stretched long shadows over the golden fields, painting the farmlands in a soft, honeyed light. Samura walked along the dirt road, brushing leaves from her clothes after sparring with Tao. Her bow swung lightly across her back, and her boots kicked up tiny puffs of dust with each step.
But today, the air felt different. Quiet. Heavy. Something unspoken tugged at her senses.
Ahead, a small group of villagers stood scattered along the ridge, their heads tilted upward, eyes fixed on the horizon. Among them, Tan and Yu stood side by side, hands shading their eyes from the sun as they surveyed the distant hills.
Samura jogged to them, curiosity flickering through her chest.
"What's going on?" she asked, breathless.
Her parents said nothing at first. Instead, Samura followed their gaze—and then she saw them: two Fire Nation air balloons, drifting far above the hills, barely visible in the distance.
Her brow furrowed. "What do you think they're doing?"
Tan's jaw tightened, the calm of his voice belying the weight he carried. "Scouting. Maybe watching supply routes... or looking for something."
Yu's lips pressed together as she whispered, almost to herself, "Each year they come closer and closer. What could the Fire Nation want with a farm village?"
Samura's eyes flicked between them, a growing unease coiling in her stomach.
Tan placed a steady hand on her shoulder, and his voice softened, though the lines of worry in his face remained. "Whatever they're here for, they're far from us. The Earth Kingdom is vast. And we are safe."
A gust of wind tousled Samura's long braids, brushing across her cheeks. She glanced back toward the sky. The balloons drifted slowly out of sight, their dark silhouettes swallowed by the rolling hills.
She looked back at her parents, reading the calm in their faces. It was genuine, deliberate—but beneath it, she sensed the quiet fear they tried so hard to hide.
For the first time, the world she had known—the golden fields, the peaceful routines, the gentle rhythm of her village life—felt just a little smaller, a little more fragile.
The farmland seemed to hold their breath alongside her.
The farmhouse was cozy, filled with the scent of simmering stew and the golden glow of lanterns. The worn wooden table bore the marks of countless shared meals, each scratch and nick a memory in itself. Samura moved gracefully along its edge, serving rice into bowls, while Yu ladled thick, savory stew into each one.
Across from her, Kyo and Koko squabbled over the last dumpling, faces flushed with excitement.
"I had the smaller one last time!" Kyo protested, crossing her arms.
"Because you already stole the big one before that!" Koko shot back, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Samura sipped from her bowl and grinned. "When will you two learn to share for once?"
Kyo smirked. "Easy for you to say—you eat like a mole-mouse!"
"Yeah," Koko added, "one dumpling and she's full!"
Laughter filled the room. Even Tan shook his head with a rare, quiet chuckle, the lines of duty on his face softened for a moment in the warmth of family.
Suddenly—BANG!
The front door burst open with a snort and a gust of wind. Druk, the enormous shaggy saber-toothed moose lion, bounded in, tongue lolling and tail wagging like a dog. His massive paws clomped across the floor, sniffing for food with gleeful determination.
"Oh no..." Yu laughed, trying to steady herself.
"DRUK!!" the twins shouted in unison, leaping forward to hug him. Druk's tail swept across the table, sending a bowl of stew tumbling to the floor.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2ytCAL3Qd
"Druk! Out!" Tan roared, his voice firm but tinged with amusement. "This is a house, not a barnyard!"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aYhWwrqgJ
Samura grinned and stood, moving toward him. "Okay, okay! I'll take him." She grasped his neck harness, and Druk grumbled in protest, tail still wagging as if nothing mattered more than the chaos he created.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8N2dajjTt
The moon glowed bright over the barn as Samura led Druk out back, the cool night air brushing her face. She fastened his harness to a post of hay, brushing her hand through his thick fur.
"You really know how to make an entrance, huh?" she murmured. Druk whined softly, nuzzling her shoulder, and she laughed, stroking him. "Aww, you're so cute, Druk."
Then—a faint whisper.
Soft. Barely audible.
"Sam...ura..."
Samura froze, heart thumping.
"What...?" she whispered, glancing around the quiet barn. The wind rustled gently through the cracked wood.
"Samuraaa..."
Her eyes widened. She stepped back from Druk, voice trembling. "Who's there?"51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3MHY0254R
Nothing. Just the creak of rafters. Druk growled low—not at her, but at something unseen. Then, after a tense moment, he relaxed, lying down calmly.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvGrDrdeI1
Samura tied him up quickly, unease prickling along her spine. She paused for a moment, glancing around the shadowed barn, then turned back toward the house.
Inside, the warm glow of lanterns welcomed her back. Her family was finishing cleanup, laughter and chatter mingling with the evening air. Samura slipped quietly past them, her face pale, and made her way to the back room.
"Wash up before bed, Samura!" Yu called.
"...Yeah. Okay, Mom," she replied softly, eyes flicking one last time toward the barn.
And for a heartbeat, the wind outside seemed to carry her name once more.
Moonlight seeped through the small window, casting pale silver streaks across Samura's room. She slept restlessly, brow furrowed, lips pressed tight, as if battling something unseen in the quiet night.
Suddenly, the darkness of sleep twisted around her.
She stood alone in a swirling void of smoke and shadow. The ground beneath her erupted into flames, fire consuming her village in seconds. Screams echoed, sharp and unrelenting. Fire Nation soldiers marched through the chaos, their armor glinting in the inferno.
Samura reached out, desperate to help, but her feet were frozen to the ground. A flicker of blue-white light danced around her, essence twisting and coiling like water in a storm.
A young boy appeared in the glow, his face familiar yet fleeting. Before she could grasp him, he vanished, replaced by a monstrous shadow with shifting faces—a whisper of something ancient, something terrifying.
A low voice curled through the void, almost a whisper, almost a command, reverberating across her very soul.
Samura jerked awake, screaming into the night. Her body trembled, drenched in sweat, heart hammering so violently she thought it might burst from her chest.
The door creaked open, and Yu stepped inside, carrying a small candle. Her presence was calm and warm, like a hearth in human form. She hurried to Samura's side, settling on the edge of the bed.
"Samura?" Yu asked softly. "I heard you scream—was it another dream?"
Samura looked up, her chest still rising and falling rapidly. "Yes... I had a dream. But it felt real. Everything... everything was on fire. Our village... the sky was red. And I heard a voice. I couldn't understand it... And earlier... in the barn, I heard something too. A whisper..."
Yu brushed a stray braid from Samura's face gently, her fingers warm against her daughter's cheek.
"Dreams can be strange," she said softly. "Sometimes they're just dreams... sweetie. But sometimes, they can mean more."
Samura looked down, shame and confusion curling in her chest. "I don't know what's happening to me. I feel... different. Like... something is trying to tell me something."
Yu cupped Samura's face in her hands, holding her gaze with a gentle certainty. "You are strong, Samura. Kind. Brave. Whether it's dreams, spirits, or something else... whatever comes your way, I know—deep in my bones—you can handle it."
A pause hung between them, heavy with unspoken truths.
"You believe in the spirits, Ma?" Samura asked quietly.
Yu's smile softened, though it was tinged with concern. "Samura, this world is very spiritual. Still... you're not the only one who's felt a shift in the wind lately. Something is changing. I don't know what it is. But we must be strong. Especially for your sisters."
She pulled Samura into an embrace, holding her close. Her whisper was almost lost in the quiet room. "You don't have to be fearless to be strong. Just... don't carry it alone. And as long as I'm here, I will not let anything hurt you. I promise..."
Samura rested her head against her mother's shoulder, eyes fluttering shut once more, letting the warmth of home chase away the lingering shadows of her dream.
The sun hung low over the farmlands, spilling warm golden light across the grassy clearing near the farmstead. Children darted about, their laughter mingling with the distant bustle of villagers preparing for the yearly Mid-summer Festival. Samura and Tao stood in the center, the two of them lost in their own game.
"I'm the Fire Nation Lord, and you can't stop me, peasant!" Samura declared, grinning mischievously.
Tao squared up, stick in hand. "I'm the Earth Kingdom defender. I'll stop anything that comes at us!"
Samura's eyes flicked to a nearby lantern, lit and swinging gently in the evening breeze. A sly grin spread across her face. "Watch this—I'll burn you to ash!"
She reached toward the lantern's flame, pretending to draw it into her palms. Tao laughed, raising his stick in mock defense.
Then it happened.
A burst of real fire erupted from Samura's hands, scorching the air and catching Tao's arm. He flew to the ground, yelping in pain.
"Oww! What the—?!" Tao exclaimed, dropping his stick and clutching his arm, eyes wide with shock.
"You just... firebent," he whispered, disbelief heavy in his voice.
Samura stepped back, panic flooding her chest as she stared at her hands. "No, no! That wasn't supposed to happen! I was just pretending..."
Tao took a deep breath, eyes fixed on the burn, voice dropping to a serious hush. "But... you're an Earthbender. Nobody here can do both. It's impossible. Unless... I mean, that would mean......
Samura's eyes widen. She shakes her head"
Her eyes widened, shaking her head. "No, I can't be. That's just a legend. I'm just... me. I don't even know how that happened... must've been the fire from the lantern!"
Tao stepped closer, voice soft but firm. "Samura, the Avatar hasn't been seen in a hundred years. He's the only one who can bend all four elements. After the Avatar was killed, many believed the spirit was destroyed, and reincarnation severed forever. That... that was firebending, Samura. You are an Earthbender... what if... the Avatar was reborn in you?"
Samura's breath caught. She shook her head violently.
"You don't have to face it alone," Tao continued, studying her face. "I won't tell anyone—I promise. You can trust me."
Samura's voice trembled, but she tried to hold her resolve. "No! Strange things have been happening lately, and this is just one of them. I'm not talking about this anymore. Please... just keep this to yourself. You must swear—no one can know. If my parents or anyone finds out... who knows what could happen!"
Tao nodded solemnly. "I swear. Your secret's safe with me."
A heavy silence settled between them, the weight of the revelation pressing down.
Samura exhaled and forced a small smile. "Come on. We should help set up for the festival."
Lanterns glowed softly over the village center as villagers bustled about, hanging colorful banners and arranging stalls for the Harvest Festival. Laughter and chatter filled the warm evening air, mingling with the aroma of roasted foods and sweet treats.
Samura and Tao walked through the lively scene, the secret between them pressing silently on their shoulders.
"Well," Tao said, trying to lighten the mood, "you just made this festival a lot more interesting. The Fire Nation won't know what hit them."
Samura forced a small smile, looking away, voice shaky. "It... it can't be real. I'm not the Avatar. It was the lantern, like I said."
Tao shook his head, frowning, unwilling to dismiss what he had just seen.
"Maybe it was a trick of the light... or maybe you're just imagining things," she added, hoping the words would soothe her own panic.
"You can deny it all you want," Tao said softly, watching her carefully, "but what happened did happen. You firebent, Samura. That's not something just anyone can do."
Samura's gaze dropped, voice barely a whisper. "I don't want to be special. I don't want this responsibility."
Tao placed a steady hand on her shoulder. "You're stronger than you think. And you won't be alone. I'm here. I promise."
Samura exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself, letting the festival lights wash over her as she fought to keep her fear at bay.
Night fell over the village, and the celebration grew brighter. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting a soft glow over the cobblestone streets. Villagers laughed and chattered, children ran through the streets playing games, and the scent of roasted food filled the air.
Tao lingered nearby, enjoying the festivities with his family but stealing glances at Samura, awe and concern flickering across his features.
Kyo and Koko ran hand-in-hand with other village children, their laughter ringing through the night like silver bells.
Yu stood with a small group of mothers, sharing smiles and stories, though her eyes occasionally drifted toward the horizon, wary of unseen threats.
Tan, ever vigilant, stood among a group of older men, smiling but being teased for his seriousness.
"Come on, Tan! You're too stiff for a festival. Loosen up!" an older man teased.
Tan chuckled but remained firm, eyes sweeping protectively over the crowd, his posture betraying a readiness beneath his calm facade.
Later, Samura and Koko lay side-by-side on the roof of a nearby home, watching fireworks bloom across the starry sky.
"Look! They're so pretty!" Koko said, eyes sparkling.
But her expression shifted as she noticed tiny pieces of soot drifting in the air.
"Do you see that?" she asked, concern threading her voice.
Samura squinted at the dark sky, confusion flickering across her features.
Then, the loud blaring of the Earth Kingdom emergency alarm cut through the night, echoing through the village.
"Warning! Warning! The Fire Nation is attacking! Fire Nation soldiers!"
The joyful atmosphere vanished instantly. Laughter and music died mid-note. Villagers froze, faces turning toward the horizon, fear etched in every expression.
"They're here... They're really here!" Samura whispered, tension coiling tight in her chest.
Koko grabbed her arm tightly, and the two girls exchanged a terrified look, the night shifting from celebration to impending chaos in a heartbeat.
The festival's glow turned to chaos in an instant. Lanterns swayed as panicked villagers darted in every direction, their voices cracking with shouts of warning. The crackle of fire in the distance was faint but growing, carried by the wind along with the acrid smell of smoke.
"Koko—" Samura seized her sister's hand, tugging her close. Her voice was sharp, urgent. "We have to find Kyo! She's still with the others!"
The two pushed through the terrified crowd, dodging mothers clutching their children, men grabbing pitchforks and axes, and neighbors rushing past with fear etched in their faces.
"Kyo!" Koko's voice trembled as she called out, her eyes darting frantically. "Kyo! Where are you?"
A familiar voice rose above the noise.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy6RzqtIdI
"Samura! Koko! Over here!"
Kyo stood near a cluster of frightened children, her small face pale, eyes wide. Relief flooded Samura as she charged forward, pulling both sisters into a brief but fierce embrace.
"We need to get back to Mom," Samura urged, glancing toward the horizon where smoke thickened. "Have you seen Dad?!"
Kyo shook her head quickly, and Koko only shrugged, fear making their voices catch in their throats.
She drew in a breath, then pressed two fingers to her lips.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xT2kJIHtv
"Druk," she called softly, the sound rising into a lilting whistle, followed by a low chant. "Tsa-hu!"
Before Samura could speak again, a powerful roar split the air. The ground quivered as Druk barreled through the chaos, his massive form scattering villagers who gasped and shouted at the sudden appearance of the shaggy saber-toothed moose lion. His tusks gleamed in the lanternlight, and his heavy paws thundered against the earth.
"Druk!" Samura rushed forward, grabbing the leather strap of his saddle harness. His eyes glowed with loyalty as he lowered his head toward her, snorting against her shoulder.
"Come on, Druk," she whispered urgently. "I need you to get the girls home!"
A villager, breathless with fear, stumbled past, shouting, "The Fire Nation's coming fast!"
Samura's heart tightened, but her grip on Druk only strengthened. She would not let fear take her now.
Smoke smeared the night sky, carried by the breeze into the heart of the village. The frightened cries of neighbors filled the air, but Samura stood rooted, steady, her hand resting on Druk's thick mane. Druk straightened at once, muscles tightening, ears flicking forward. His golden eyes locked onto her, waiting.
Samura turned to her sisters. Her voice was calm, though her chest ached with fear.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ5CrsRiSm
"Kyo. Koko. Get on—quick!"
The twins hesitated, but Samura's urgency left no room for questions. They scrambled onto Druk's broad back, clinging tightly to the thick leather straps along his saddle.
"I'll find Tao," Samura said firmly. "I'll make sure he's safe. Tell Dad to come back this way and hurry!"
Kyo gave a brave nod. Koko's lip trembled, but she held on tight.
Samura placed her hand on Druk's flank, pressing her forehead briefly against his fur. "Lead them home," she whispered. "Keep them safe."
The great beast rumbled low in his chest, a sound of promise. With a powerful lunge, Druk bounded into the night, the twins holding fast as his enormous form cut through the chaos.
Samura stood alone now, her braids whipping in the rising wind. Her eyes burned—not just from smoke, but from the weight pressing against her heart.
She drew a steadying breath, squaring her shoulders.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uE1rvsL3i
"All right," she murmured to herself, resolve hardening. "Find Tao. Find Tao."
Then she plunged back into the swirling panic of the crowd, disappearing into the storm of fear and fire. The night sky split open with chaos. Villagers screamed and scattered as fire bolts rained down from the looming war balloons. Samura shoved past the fleeing crowd, her chest pounding as her eyes locked on a familiar figure.
"Tao!" she shouted.
He turned, helping two elders stumble toward the trees. Relief flickered across his face. "Samura! Help me get these people out!"
She rushed to his side, supporting a frail old woman as the ground trembled beneath them. But then—suddenly—the noise died. An eerie silence blanketed the village, broken only by the crackle of distant flames.
Three massive war balloons descended with a thunderous impact. Fire Nation soldiers poured out in disciplined rows, their red armor gleaming in the pale light of the moon. At their head strode a man whose very presence chilled the air—a general with eyes sharp as blades and a cruel smirk etched onto his face.
The villagers froze. Mothers clutched their children. Fathers stood tense, their fists trembling at their sides. Samura and Tao blended into the crowd, their hearts pounding as the general's voice boomed over them all.
"By order of His Majesty, Fire Lord Ozai," the man declared coldly, "and in accordance with the Preservation of Imperial Order Act, all able-bodied citizens are hereby conscripted into service for the advancement of our great nation's military."
A ripple of anger tore through the villagers.
"You aren't gonna drag us from our homes to build your weapons!" one man shouted.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7MtO0ioMQ
"What gives the Fire Lord the right?!" another roared.
The general's lips curled into a sneer. "You will comply... or you will be annihilated."
"You'd best leave now!" a third villager cried. "The Earth King will hear of this!"
For a moment, the general almost laughed. "I have always admired the spirit of earthbenders. Such resilience... such fire. Too bad it always breaks."
Soldiers surged forward, shoving and striking the older villagers. Samura's hands balled into fists, her chest burning.
"Look at them!" she shouted suddenly, stepping out of the crowd. "What use are old men and women to you? They are no threat!"
The general's gaze snapped to her, eyes narrowing. Then, disturbingly, he smiled.
"You're right," he murmured. His boots crunched against the dirt as he closed the distance. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "We'll take the children instead."
Before Samura could move, his hand slammed into her shoulder, shoving her to the ground. The crowd gasped.
"I'll make an example out of you," he hissed. "What gives you the right to speak to me, you piece of dirt? Chain her up!"
"Tao!" she cried as rough hands reached for her.
"Samura!" Tao roared, but two soldiers restrained him, dragging him back as he fought desperately against their grip.
The general laughed, a cruel, guttural sound. He ignited a ball of fire in his palm, the glow reflecting in his cold eyes as he lifted it toward her face. The heat burned against her skin, closer, closer—
And something inside Samura snapped.
"No!" The scream ripped from her throat, carrying with it a surge of raw, unbridled energy.
Her hand shot up—grabbing the flame itself. The fire twisted, alive in her palm. Gasps echoed around her as she thrust it outward with a roar, her other hand directing the burning force skyward. The fire streaked into one of the massive balloons, bursting it into a fiery explosion that lit the entire night sky.
Silence fell. Soldiers froze. The villagers stared, wide-eyed and breathless.
The general stumbled back, his confident smirk faltering into shock. He studied her, his gaze sharp and calculating. Then, slowly, a wicked smile crept back onto his face."Interesting...And here I thought being assigned to raid filthy insignificant earth kingdom villages was a mockery" he muttered. "Lord Ozai will be pleased. Chain this girl up. I believe we may have just found the Avatar."
"Over my dead body!" Tao broke free, charging forward, only to be stopped again.
But before the soldiers could lay hands on Samura, the ground beneath them split apart. Tan burst onto the scene with a group of earthbenders, their eyes blazing with fury. The battle erupted in an instant—stone walls rising, fire clashing against earth.
Samura staggered to her feet, the raw energy still thrumming through her veins. Her father fought fiercely, earth shattering under his strikes. Tao kicked free, hurling rocks alongside the villagers.
The fight was short but brutal. One by one, the Fire Nation soldiers were overwhelmed, their war balloons toppled and destroyed. When the smoke cleared, the villagers stood victorious, their enemies bound.
And in the center of it all stood Samura—the girl who had bent fire.
The villagers crowded around, whispers rippling like waves. "Samura.... She bent fire!"... "Could she be?"....."Poor Tan, what a mess this will become!"
But Samura's breath came in shallow gasps. The fire that had burned inside her moments ago drained away, leaving her trembling. Her vision blurred, colors fading as the rush of power receded.
"No..." she whispered, her voice breaking. "No, this can't be real..."
Her knees buckled. She collapsed to the ground, her body limp.
"Samura!" Yu's voice pierced through the crowd as she rushed to her daughter's side, cradling her head in shaking hands.
Tan dropped to his knees, his face stricken with fear. Kyo and Koko clung to each other, their wide eyes locked on their fallen sister. Tao stood over them all, his fists clenched, his heart in his throat.
"Who would've thought..." he murmured, almost in disbelief. "Samura... the Avatar."
The villagers' cheers turned into a hush, their awe tempered by worry. Above them, the night deepened, heavy with the weight of what had just begun. Samura's eyelids fluttered open. Candlelight flickered softly across the room, warm and gentle. She blinked against the dim glow and realized she was in bed, surrounded by familiar faces.
Her mother, Yu, knelt beside her, wiping her face with a warm cloth. Tan, her father, stood close, along with Kyo, Koko, and several village elders, their expressions a mixture of awe and worry.
"You're awake," Tan said, his voice gentle, but carrying the weight of pride. "Samura... you scared us."
Yu smiled softly, brushing a stray braid from her daughter's face. "We always knew you were special," she said, her voice trembling. "I just didn't expect this... my daughter, the Avatar."
Samura leans up panicking, "The soldiers! What happened to the firenation soldiers?"
Yu's eye grow wide, "Samura! Don't worry, your father and the others took care of them. They are probably standing before the earth king as we speak by now." Yu assures. Samura breathes a sigh of relief.
Koko wriggled closer to Samura, her wide eyes sparkling with mischief. "So... you're the Avatar? Wait—that means you can bend air too, right? Can you make me fly?"
Kyo chuckled beside her twin. "Or can you fly now?"
Samura tried to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. The weight of what had happened that night pressed heavily on her chest. "Please Koko, don't call me that".
One of the village elders, a wise woman named Ema, stepped forward. Her staff tapped softly on the floor, steady and deliberate. "I've read the signs for years," she said, her voice calm, weathered by time. "The stars, the tremors in the earth, the whispers in the wind... the Avatar was returning. Now I see... it was you."
Samura shifted uneasily.
"But child," Ema continued, her gaze firm, "you cannot stay here. The Fire Nation will come back. And next time... they will come for you. It is no longer safe here."
Samura lowered her gaze. She already knew. "Can't we tell the king? Can't I pretend not to firebend? How would anyone even know it was me?"
Ema's eyes softened slightly. "Because, dear child, not everyone will rejoice at the Avatar's return. There are spies everywhere—maybe even here in this village. Many serve the Fire Lord out of fear. They will not risk their lives or their families to protect you."
"What am I supposed to do?" Samura whispered. "Where can I go? Mom? Dad?"
Tan and Yu exchanged worried glances, unsure.
"Go to the Great Swamp," Ema said finally. "Meditate. Listen to the spirits. Let them guide you. Only then will your duty begin to reveal itself."
"Then we will leave at first light," Tan said, determination in his voice.
Ema nodded slowly, rising to her feet. Before she left, she bowed slightly. "It has been a privilege to be in the presence of the Avatar before I leave this world."
With that, she turned and departed, her staff tapping softly against the floor. Silence settled over the room.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sQGT32NWE
That night, the moon shone bright over the farm. The village was shaken, but the quiet of midnight reigned. Inside, villagers slept. Outside, shadows moved.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e9AMf34Ro
Samura, fully dressed, slipped silently through the yard. She passed the girls' room and whispered something to them before moving past her parents' door. A tear slid down her cheek as she stared at their sleeping forms.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt1lLWagdz
She approached the barn. Druk rose, a low growl rumbling in his chest. She stroked his ear, then began fastening her saddle.
"You were just gonna leave?" Tao's voice rang out from the shadows.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQZqScjMwi
Samura jumped. He stepped forward, arms crossed, eyes filled with disbelief.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7JKWuDz8U
"Tao—I have to," she whispered. "If I stay, they'll come again. I can't let anyone else get hurt because of me."
"Then do what the elder said," he said, stepping closer. "Go to the swamp. Don't run. You're the Avatar, Samura. You're supposed to help people—not abandon them."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmcch1d06I
Her voice cracked. "I don't want to be the Avatar! I just want things to go back to the way they were."
"So you're running away?" Tao asked, hurt lacing his tone. "From your family? From me? I thought we were best friends."
She placed a hand on the earth. With a push, a small wall of rock rose between them, sealing the barn doors. Druk growled softly as she climbed onto his back.
"Running won't change anything, Samura!" Tao shouted. "You're still the Avatar! You need to accept this! ...Don't leave..."51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XXff8bVC1
Druk snorted, and with a powerful leap, they were gone, moving into the open fields under the moonlight.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCoZzWpMUr
The wind whipped around Samura's face as tears streamed down her cheeks. Behind her, the village shrank into the distance.51Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eqjIoiWZc
"Why me?" she whispered to the night.
And somewhere, over the vast Earth Kingdom, a voice echoed in silence.
ns216.73.216.33da2
and then Add to home screen.