Chapter 25. The Second One Already [FIXED]
Back in the city, walking toward the palace, I was hit with a wave of positive emotions: joy, happiness, and warmth. It felt like I'd only been gone for a couple of weeks, but my little sister was overjoyed to see me, as if we hadn't seen each other in years. It was like that every time—even two days apart felt like a tragedy. I remembered how every Monday she'd wait for me at the Oasis of Spirits, looking like Hachiko, eager for my return. All she needed was a wagging tail to complete the picture.
"Brother!" I heard a shout from the end of the street. Turning, I saw Yui and Katara skating toward me on ice they'd created with their waterbending. It seemed they'd made great progress in mastering ice bending while I was away.
"Easy there, you'll crush me!" I laughed as they jumped on me. "Looks like you've both made great progress," I said, holding a little princess from the North in one arm and one from the South in the other, smiling gently.
"Of course, it was so easy!" Yui boasted. "I was the first to recreate ice techniques," she added, sticking her tongue out at her rival.
"Only by thirty minutes," Katara protested, clearly annoyed at being outdone. She hated falling behind. I'd have to show her the progress of other students. She was too focused on Yui's abnormal talent. Though... it was debatable. Katara had caught up to Yui in skill; she was right on her heels. Her natural talent wasn't to be underestimated either.
"You're both super strong benders. Soon, you'll be teaching me," I joked, pulling them closer. "Where's Sokka? Bothering Dad again?" I asked.
"Yeah, he says he'll be the greatest chief one day, so he needs to learn everything," Katara said enthusiastically. "I'll help him too, and we'll rebuild those beautiful houses. You'll help, Yuki, right?" That pleading face left me no choice. I nodded decisively.
Sokka had become determined to restore the Southern Tribe and had been training for a year. Every day, he worked out, studied books, and bothered Arnuk for wisdom. At first, Dad thought it was just a phase, but seeing Sokka's persistence, he gave him a chance. Now, they were often seen together, and I was glad. Dad hadn't had much time to guide his wayward son, who'd grown up too fast. Sokka, having lost his father early, saw Arnuk as a close uncle figure.
After a short trip, I decided to master new abilities in earth and fire bending. I flew away from our pole for a day or two to find suitable conditions.