Waterbender
Author's Note: Varuna is one of the most important gods because his responsibilites are so important. He is known as the keeper of divine order, making sure that everything is working as it should. I thought that this character in Indian culture overlapped very well with Katara from Avatar the Last Airbender. Although Katara is a girl and she's not a god, they share similar characteristics. In Avatar the Last Airbender, Katara is known as the "mom" of the group becuase she is very responsible and independent. She is usually the one looking after the group and making the final decisions because she's the most wise. Without her, the group would fall apart and lose sight of what's important, defeating the Fire Lord. In this story, I wanted to tell it from Katara’s point of view instead to allow viewers to really connect with her character as well, not just Aang’s. In the show Avatar the Last Airbender, she comes off as stuck up a lot of the time just because she likes to be in charge and tries to keep everyone on track. Thus, I thought this would be a good opportunity to show a different side of her so thatreaders can get a better understanding behind Katara’s words and actions.
Magnificent, it was better than I could have ever imagined. As I stared at the enormous and intricate city before me, tears welled up in my eyes in appreciation. The sunlight glittered off every beautifully carved icey roof and the river of water flowing through the city pulsed calmly. The city was bustling with people laughing, walking around and water bending. It was amazing to watch everyone use their skills in different ways, some people fetching water into containers while kids were playing around with each other, trying to discover their newfound skills.
I looked over at Vayu to see his eyes big with admiration as well. After four long, exhausting weeks, we finally made it here from the Southern Water Tribe. We encountered a lot of obstacles along the way that we didn’t expect, including multiple ambush attacks from Prince Agni, the Fire Lord’s son, but looking at the beautiful Northern Water Kingdom before me made all my past worries melt away.
Saka began jumping up and down in excitement. “We finally made it!” He fell to the ground on his knees and repeatedly kissed the icy floor.
“Saka stop being so embarrassing!” I shouted over my shoulder at a whisper.
“So who do you think will be our water bending master?” asked Vayu as he looked over at me.
“I’m not too sure but I can’t wait to meet them and learn so many new skills!”
Over the last four weeks, I had taught Vayu as much as I could but even I didn’t have that much knowledge about water bending. Finding a water bending master was our only hope.
I was suddenly jolted from my thoughts as the calm, pulsing river began to vibrate with intensity.
Saka immediately began screaming like a little baby in fear, “OH MY GOD WHAT’S HAPPENING?!”
“I don’t know!” I replied back with frightened eyes. I grabbed Saka and Vayu’s arms so we could hold onto each other for balance.
The vibrating ripples in the river quickly turned into waves and soon a gigantic tsunami formed. My eyes widened in fear, I had never seen something so humongous before. Just as quickly as it rose it crashed down, sending all three of us toppling over and crumbling all the ice around us. The air was foggy caused by the crash spraying water into the air. In the fog stood a shadow and I had to blink to make sure I was seeing things.
“Uhh guys… am I crazy or is someone standing there?” Vayu pointed right at the figure I was looking at.
We all grabbed each other, huddled in fear as the looming shadow got closer.
“We’re going to die,” Saka whispered as a single tear rolled down his cheek.
The shadow got even closer and out emerged an old man.
I quickly pushed Saka and Vayu off of me. “Huh!?” I was so confused. Who was this guy and where did he come from?
Vayu stepped forward and demanded, “Who are you and what do you want!?”
The man stared back with calm grey eyes that seemed wise beyond his years, even though he already looked super old. “Isn’t it you who wants something from me?” he chuckled.
“What do you mean?” Vayu asked in confusion.
“Don’t you need a water bending master?” the stranger replied.
“Yes… But how did you know that?”
“Because I’m your water bending master.” He raised his arms, fingers curling, and a wall of water swiftly rose looking as if it touched the sky. “Now get ready to water bend.” he snickered.
I watched as his calm grey eyes turn turbulent as he quickly shot his arms down causing the wall of water to turn into 2 large spinning streams headed directly for us.