Chapter 36. The Mages [FIXED]
**92 years after the genocide of the Air Nomads**
**Northern Water Tribe, Katara**
For the umpteenth time, I adjusted my hairstyle, unable to calm down. Today, we'll demonstrate our mastery of waterbending, and based on the results, we'll either become full-fledged waterbenders or remain apprentices. I can't let Yuki down—we're his students, and his reputation as a mentor depends on our progress.
"You know you'll pass this test easily, so why worry?" Sokka lazily asked, picking his nose.
"I need to be better than the others! Better than that know-it-all Yui! All eyes will be on us. If we pass all the stages, we'll be the youngest waterbenders of the century—after Yuki, of course," I explained, my voice rising as Sokka raised his hands in surrender.
"Feel better now?" Sokka asked after my rant. Taking a deep breath, I realized I wasn't as nervous, especially since Yuki had trained us beyond what was required.
"Yes, thanks," I thanked my brother. "Let's go find Yui. She's a wreck too. We should calm her down," I said, stepping out of the room.
"I thought you'd want to gloat over her instead," Sokka mused. "Sometimes, I don't get you," he added, shaking his head.
"She's my best and only friend. No matter how sharp our words are, our friendship is stronger," I explained. "Mom's been disappearing a lot lately. Any idea why?" I asked curiously.
"Yeah," Sokka replied, trying to sound serious. "Not because of something, but because of someone. I read about it in a book. When a girl gets a boyfriend—" He grimaced at the word, "—she starts acting differently. If I catch this guy, he's in trouble," he declared.
"I think it's great. Mom deserves happiness too. I wonder what he's like," I said, pressing my palms to my cheeks. Looking at my fierce brother, I wanted to bring him down to earth. "What will you do when you find out who he is? He's an adult man. No matter how strong you are, you can't compete with him."