Avatar: The Last Airbender: Legend

Fully completed story at:

patreon.com/FanFictionPremium

***

Shaking in the cart of one of the Shu villagers, Guan Yu happily chattered his feet as the wagon rolled along at a measured pace towards home. Along with him, there were several other people riding on the cart, the village neighbours quietly talking to each other, discussing the latest news. Without listening to the conversation, the contented child rested his hands on the bottom of the cart, throwing his head back. The many clouds were illuminated in red tones by the sun, which was sinking below the horizon: it would be dark by the time they arrived. The pleasant cool air fluttered the boy's thick black hair, which he had let loose.

The academy had a dress code, so his hair had to be neatly styled and out of the way of the other students.

-Why would hair get in the way?

Many times Yu had asked the rector this question, for which he had to write a page more. Carelessly shrugging his shoulders, the captain's son easily agreed to the burdensome writing. On his mother's advice, he was actively practising his handwriting, and the rector's practice sessions were a great help.

As the sun slipped below the horizon, their small procession arrived at the village of Shu. The symbolic fence to keep pets out of the village was open wide. A few grown men chattered together to close the wooden gate. Cursing the unknown oaf for forgetting to close the door, they went home without saying goodbye.

The last candles were burning in some of the buildings, welcoming tired relatives after a long day in the city.

Walking along the beaten paths of the village, Guan Yu felt as if he had missed a whole life during this week. Actively turning his head to discern the slightest change, he bumped into an unfamiliar body. Looking around, the captain's son hurriedly gave the fallen girl a hand. The stranger's delicate hand grasped the outstretched palm with a firm grip, drawing Yu into the girl's embrace.

-Look who's back with us? It's little Yu!

Laughter and pleas for mercy echoed between the houses, drawing the attention of the sleeping neighbours. Hearing a few swear words, the girl released the baby from her nimble hands. Rising to her feet, she continued to laugh softly, while shaking off the dust from her clothes.

In the darkness it was hard to distinguish exactly who it was, but the familiar voice and habit of tickling gave Yui an answer.

-Hello, Pika! It's good to see you.

Hugging his former friend's sister, Guan Yu wistfully remembered how much fun he and Fei used to have. Silent and sinking into melancholy, the young disciple didn't notice the strong arms of the butcher's daughter embracing him. Leaning down and cradling the boy against her voluminous chest, Pika rubbed the top of the boy's head.

-He misses you too, come make up. I'm sure you two can be friends again.

With hope flashing in his eyes, the boy looked up at the girl's face.

-Really? It's been so long since we've spoken to each other....

-If you go back to the city, you'll meet her there.

-Faye's in town? Why didn't you tell me?

Righteous indignation was met with an ironic look from Pika. Realising the ridiculousness of the situation, Guan Yu had the conscience to look away and blush.

-Generally, go ahead, he's your friend.

Having patted the boy on the grown-out hair, satisfied with the work done Pika left in the direction of the house. Humming some unfamiliar tune, she disappeared into the darkness of the night.

The late homecoming was an extravaganza. His family, who were waiting for him, were all on their nerves, torturing themselves with all sorts of speculations. Sipa, who had clung to him from the doorstep, did not want to give way to her parents and let her son go. Examining the child from head to toe, she wailed about Guan Li's irresponsibility and the whole school thing. Yipping from the corner, Old Man Lon had no sooner finished his sentence than he received a wet rag on his head.

Finished with hugs and explanations about the delay, the tired boy was fed and promptly sent to bed. Barely touching his pillow, Yuu heard the rustle of the door. Slipping into the room, his mother crouched carefully on the edge of the bed. Stroking her firstborn's head, the woman watched entreatingly as the small, serious eyes closed, plunging the boy into sleep.

While in the real world, Sipa couldn't tear herself away from her son, something strange was happening in Guan Yu's dream.

Walking through the coloured forest, the boy noticed many strange and unknown creatures. First, an old crane walked beside him, followed by his little kin, stumbling and constantly falling. The majestic bird opened its mighty wings, covering the cub from danger.

Following the crane ran a white horse. Stately and powerful, he loosened the soil with his hooves, leaving deep footprints on the ground. Unfamiliar birds flew in a flock above the snow-white stallion, trying to peck or sit on his back. The smallest bird with red plumage flew aside, driven away by its relatives.

Two tigers, white and yellow, came out of the forest to meet the animals. While the yellow one lazily lay on the grass and wagged his tail in displeasure, the white one roared furiously, walking round the procession of peaceful animals in a circle.

Closing his eyes and trying to wake up, Guan Yu saw the silhouette of a huge bear between the trees. With a voluminous belly, the mighty predator was wandering around in the distance, casting rare glances at everyone gathered in the clearing. His bloodshot eyes showed lurking rage and greed.

Trying to take a step forward, Yu fell into the void, leaving the animals alone. Falling through the haze, he saw different people that he had never met, until his mother's concerned face appeared before his eyes.

Reaching out his hand to her, the captain's son was able to touch the vague silhouette of Sipa, who was gaining distinct features with each passing second.

-Wake up, son, get up!

Shaking the boy by the shoulders, Sipa kept looking back at the open door. With difficulty chasing away the remnants of sleep, Yu heard the many screams of his neighbours coming from all directions. His eldest son's small room was as bright as day. Turning his gaze to his mother's crying face, the boy worriedly asked questions to which he received one answer.

-Afterwards, all afterwards! Get up, we have to leave.

Throwing on the first things he could find, Yuu ran after his mother, who was running around the house, gathering a small bag. When the woman had a small knife in her hand, she picked up her daughter in her other hand and rushed out. Running outside, Guan Yu couldn't contain the shock and horror that flashed across his face. Shaking with fear, the child looked at the burning houses and panicked neighbours. Unknown people were running among the houses, pulling things and occupants out of the buildings.

-Let's run quickly!

Running away, Sipa turned to the backyards, hoping no one would find them there. The squeals of pain of women and the cries of infants mingled with the vicious laughter of the unknown assailants. Climbing over the low fence, the boy caught a glimpse of movement from the side as the body of a man flew through a neighbour's window.

-Uncle Tay...

Looking at their neighbour's ripped open sternum, the child's knees shook. Falling to the ground, he tried to join the torn edges with his hands. Howling with fear and despair, he smeared blood and tears on his face, attracting more and more attention. Noticing his absence, Sipa returned and administered a slap to her son. In the commanding tone she had heard from her husband, the mother shouted at the firstborn, urging him to leave before it was too late.

Discarding the knife, she held out her hand to Yui. A soft smile slowly showed on her face. A thin trail of tears flowed down the dimples on her cheeks.

-Come on, my good man, we have to go. Everything will be-

Before he could finish his sentence, Sipa's body was squeezed on both sides by the stone slabs. The blood splattered on the child's face slowly dripped down, and the mother's palm fell to her knees, spreading her fingers invitingly.

Picking up the still warm hand from the ground, Guan Yu crawled up to the stone barrier on his knees. A thin slit between the two stones allowed dark blood to pour out. Stroking the stone, the boy shifted his gaze from hand to slab, unable to believe his eyes.

-Look at this, what a touching scene.

-Hey, Fop, I think he's gone-

-Where did he go?

-With his head!

The ridiculous dialogue between the two Earth mages and the laughter that followed caused dissonance. Listening to them merrily discussing his mother's death, Yu could only squeeze one thing out of himself.

-My sister was there too...

The boy's questioning tone caused another round of cackling. Punching themselves on their knees and shoulders, the two brigands found the whole situation wildly hilarious.

-I guess I didn't even notice. All right, kid. It's time to call it a day.

Standing up, the Earth Mage began to make passes with his hands when a fireball flew into his face. The man fell to the ground screaming, clutching his burned face with his hands and hurting himself even more. The second bandit had time to react and began to turn towards his enemy when a broad blade of guan dao emerged from his back. Twisting the blade for safety, Pink looked around for a new victim. Right now, he didn't look like a ridiculous uncle. The cold eyes and hard expression on his face were frightening and made the boy's hands shake even more.

Falling down beside his son, Guan Li examined him from head to toe. Inundating the child with questions, he tried to elicit at least something about the rest of the family. Grabbing Yu's face and bringing him close to him, the captain looked him straight in the eyes. Unable to answer, the boy twitched his eyes, pointing downwards. Following his gaze, the man disbelievingly accepted the torn palm from the small hands. Shaking with fear, he ran through a thousand options in his head until his gaze settled on two slabs of stone from which scarlet liquid flowed.

-No... No!' screaming and crying, Lee pressed his forehead against the bloody stones.

Wailing, he cursed everyone, from himself to the spirits and gods that had abandoned his family.

In the distance, approaching voices could be heard, and upon hearing them, Guan Li snapped out of his seat. Pushing the sergeant aside, he looked through the small gap between the houses with eyes burning with hatred and grief. The flames erupting around him began to rhythmically shrink in ripples, until in an instant, they exploded in a furious column. The fiery madness consumed the houses, incinerating the attackers and the few survivors.

-Take care of Yu.

Saying the last words and not listening to the reply, Guan Li dashed towards the centre of the township where the bandits were gathering. With a scowl, Ping picked up the boy sitting in prostration, running towards the fields. Behind the sergeant's back, screams and explosions rang out. The rumble of boulders colliding with buildings and the incessant roar of flames.

Hanging on Ping Yu's shoulder, he stared at the burning Shu Village with empty eyes. In his mind, he could still hear his mother's last words and her affectionate smile.