Chapter Three

Aimi

~~~~~~~

"Airbender?" Mom gasped. "Are you sure you're not hallucinating?"

"I saw it." Dad said, his face shocked.

"Ma'am, your daughter is an airbender," Asami slid into the conversation. "She needs to meet Tenzin as soon as possible."

"How do you know this is true? This can't just happen. Haven't airbenders died out? Isn't Avatar Aang's family the only ones left?" Mom asked.

"Haven't you been listening to the news?" Asami asked. "A few days ago, Avatar Korra found out that due to her last battle that let spirits into this world, many non benders have become airbenders. It just happened."

Now Mom was slowly catching on. "Oh, my . . . Our daughter is an airbender."

Dad's face split into a smile. "Did you hear that, Aimi?"

"Yup." I muttered, sinking further into the plush sofa. "I heard everything."

"Aren't you excited?"

I got to my feet. "No. This is just another thing I've been forced to do. What I'd I don't want airbending?"

"It's something!" Mom cried. "We need to talk to your grandmother about this. Maybe it was passed down somewhere. She knew the Avatar, right-"

"Ew, Mom!" I shut my ears.

"Aimi-"

"Mom. Bending is not everything. You made me take martial arts. You made me take art classes. You made me do everything. I would survive anywhere thanks to that. But now? I don't think I can do anything else. Bending," I repeated, "is not everything." And then I grabbed my hat, walking outside. "I need some air."

♧♤♧

I walked into the hustle of the people at the market, trying to blend in the crowd. While I was here, I wanted to go ahead and grab something to eat. It was going to be a long day before I went home.

I was an airbender. A freaking airbender. Airbenders were supposed to be endangered. This wasn't supposed to happen to me.

I turned and took a step up to the bread store. That was strange. I didn't recognize this place.

"Excuse me," I said as I walked in, "did you change this place?" Radio's were stacked up on walls, shelves, desks, and the floor. "Yeah. You did."

"Bread place went outta business 'few days ago," the man said. His long mustache reminded me of a furry caterpillar.

"Really? Where can I go to get some?" I asked, annoyed.

"No need to be so moody." The man frowned.

"It's just my face," I said, and he rolled his eyes, giving me directions to the new shop. "Thanks," I said, backing away.

"Be careful, there's a step-"

Too late. My foot stepped on air and then I was falling to my death. Suddenly, a pair of strong arms caught me under my back and I was saved from having a cracked head.

I was going to say thanks when I was safe and standing, but my savior said in a very gruff, raspy voice, "Watch where you're going." I turned around, looking up at a tall, lean boy, with golden eyes and dark hair gelled to the sky.

"I could've handled it," I shot at him.

"Yeah? You're head almost split like a watermelon."

"Yeah? I could've saved myself just fine."

"Really? I didn't see any bending going on," he said, smirking. I scowled at him.

"I don't need to bend to save myself."

"Oh yeah? Well next time I'll let you fall to a painful death."

"Really? Too bad you won't be anywhere around me to watch it happen."

He smiled. "You're good at this." The smile seemed to make him look a little nicer, and I let myself relax.

"I need to go," I said.

"Wait." He reached out. "What are you here for?"

"Why are you interested?" I raised an eyebrow.

"You don't seem to recognize me, that's all," he said with a shrug. He was handsome. Not buff, but thin. He looked strong. He put a hand on his hip.

I laughed. "Should I?"

"Have you ever heard the name 'Raiden'?" He asked, flashing me a smile.

But my smile had completely disappeared. "Lord Zuko's grandson, you mean? That's you?"

"Nevermind that," he waved his hand in the air. "I'm a probender."

"You . . . " I scoffed. "I cannot believe I'm finally meeting you."

"I know. Most girls say that." He grinned cheekily.

"I hate you." I said, narrowing my eyes. "You should've left me to crack my head open." And with that, I walked away from him, leaving yet another person behind me.

~~~~~~~

Aah! Why does she hate Raiden all of a sudden? 

And who do you think Aimi's grandmother is?