The Lone Mother

[Teᴙa253]

Tenoko's backstory... another saga in my "Tales of the Avatar Warriors" series.

Tenoko hasn't changed much. she's still really weird as a teenager, but her story is full of crazy adventures and other things.

CHAPTER 1
The Story of Tenoko Dragmire is a rather interesting tale, full of good times and bad ones alike. Her parents, Jado and Kotu Ikegami had treated her well throughout her life, and they had taught her to be a skilled waterbender.

Tenoko was popular as a child in the Northern Water Tribe because of her cheerful attitude, her daring schemes, and because she was the only daughter of the chief of the Unified Water Tribes. Although they were on opposite sides of the world, the Water Tribes had merged cultures since the times of the 100-year war.

Despite her ‘higher rank’, Tenoko lived a life like any other Water Tribe boy did. The only thing that made this unusual was that she was a girl. Tenoko was not exactly rebellious, but she did do a lot of things that would have had her parents after her if they had known. For Tenoko, life was about hunting, partying, taking risks, and most importantly, staying happy and having fun. She was very careful to live by this code.

Tenoko was unpopular amongst many of the young women of the tribe, most likely because she was popular amongst the young men, mainly because she shared interest in some things they did, and was not left clueless when they talked about “guy things” like hunting, sparring, and even crazy stunts like cliff jumping.

Additionally, during her teen years, Tenoko Ikegami [Ikegami being her maiden name] was rather attractive. Although she did not spend a lot of time making her self look this way, it was not like it came natural. However, it probably did take a little less effort from her than it did some of the other women. Nevertheless, Tenoko’s arrogance was pretty much only used to fuel her wicked sense of humor, only bragging about her skills in a joking [but true] manner.

Incidentally, Tenoko was able to back up most of her claims. Because she spent most of her time with the young men, she was fond of sparring, waterbending, and hunting, being a master of stealth herself. This story picks up with Tenoko just before her 18th birthday celebration, which was celebrated by much of the tribe. The reasoning for this celebration was simply because the Tribe Chief [Tenoko’s parents] would use it as an excuse to throw a yearly lavish festival for the whole tribe to enjoy.

Unfortunately, because of Tenoko’s sense of humor, she was notorious for doing things that would embarrass other people, even if the things she did should have embarrassed her. Usually her victims were her parents. Just like they wanted this to be an important day for Tenoko, Tenoko was scheming ways to embarrass them worse than ever.

“You’re not going to make me dress up all fancy again, are you?”

“Of course,” her mother replied, “you’re a grown woman now, Tenoko. Heading into the real world, you need to be presentable and respected. Besides, you’re our only heir for the position that your father holds.”

Tenoko laughed.

“If I became Tribe Chief,” she said, laughing, “the Water Tribes will become the laughingstock of the world.”

“And why is that,” her mother asked her,

“Because we’d be laughing so hard that everyone else would start to laugh with us, and nothing would get done—ever.”

“I am sure you know better than to use your judgment like that,” her mother remarked, as Tenoko began dressing up in a lavish, sky-blue dress she had never worn before. She actually liked it, but was not about to admit it to her parents, as it was tradition that she and her parents were supposed to get into some kind of argument before the party.

Nevertheless, she went out to present herself to her father after she had finished. She really did look gorgeous, despite her usual rough, hunter look that she had taken from her time with the guys. He had actually been coming to see her for himself, so they met in the hallway just outside of Tenoko’s room.

“There’s my daughter,” he said proudly, holding out his arms. Tenoko may have liked to embarrass her parents through various means, but that did not mean that she didn’t love them. She embraced him, smiling.

“it’s not every day that a girl turns into a woman, Tenoko,” he said, “or that she learns the day that the Water Tribes will become hers.”

“when is that, by the way,” Tenoko asked, “I need to start sending letters to the other 3 nations that the Water Tribes are no longer to be recognized as an official Nation, but rather as a madhouse.”

“What are you talking about,” her father exclaimed skeptically, “please tell me this is another one of your jokes.”

“Perhaps,” Tenoko replied, “but either way, it must be done. Oh, and I’m feeling stuffy and neat. The party isn’t for another several hours anyways, so I’m going to relax. These clothes are stuffy anyways.”

However, Tenoko’s term for “relax” had a completely different meaning. She ruffled up her hair, and threw her clothes into her father’s arms, leaving her in her undergarments [though she hadn’t kicked her shoes off, which her father noted was out of the ordinary].

During the 1½ seconds of surprise, Tenoko had gone back into her room started writing a letter of some sort. Her father stood there watching, and was soon accompanied by her mother. It was a few minutes before she finished.

“here,” she said, handing them 3 letters, taking her clothes, which were still in her father’s arms, and throwing them back on, “one’s for the Earth Kingdom, one’s for the Fire Nation, and the other is for the Air nomads. I meant it about those notices.”

She walked right past them, her hands in her hair, fixing it up. Both Tenoko’s mother and father looked at each other with confused looks; it was hard to understand what ran through the mind of young Tenoko at any time, because she was so difficult to predict, because her eccentric tactics made her that way.

Nevertheless, when all was said and done at the festival that evening, Tenoko was looking her best, and the party had gone off [so far] without her doing anything embarrassing, much to the pleasure of Jado and Kotu. Of course, Tenoko was spending much of the time socializing with the guys she usually hung out with anyways, but at a party as large as one, there were plenty of people anyways.

“You’re hot, Tenoko” one of the guys, named Zadok, remarked,
“I know I am,” she replied, “maybe I should take off my shirt or something.”

They chuckled, mostly because they knew that Tenoko would actually do it, because Tenoko was known to be unafraid of anything [and as far as revealing skin went, she had nothing to be ashamed of at this age].

“What’s your prank this year, going to be, Tenoko,” another one asked, “those are always what make the party go off with a bang.”
Everyone laughed, and Tenoko crouched down, having her and her group of guys huddle in a circle.

“This year,” she said, “I cannot tell, for it would ruin the surprise. Trust me though, you won’t be disappointed, and this might be bad enough to make father reconsider me being next in line for the position of Tribal Chief. Trust me, this one’s a doozie.”

Some girls were passing by their little circle, and they actually turned their heads as if they were better than the others, including the heir to the throne of the Water Tribes. Of course, one of the reasons Tenoko was so popular was because she didn’t care about social class. She saw herself as just another person, and that meant a lot to many of the people, particularly the “commoners”.

“What’s the matter, ladies,” Tenoko asked, standing up and making sure her elaborately done hair was still straight, “can I help you, or do I need to make a scene?”

“Don’t do that,” one of them said, but right as she did, Tenoko had slyly thrown some water out underneath their feet and frozen it as ice, making them slip. Naturally, this caused a scene, where Tenoko especially was laughing hysterically.

Unfortunately for her, this got the attention of her parents as well, who knew at once who the culprit was.

“Tenoko Zoraki Ikegami,” they said, and Tenoko knew it meant trouble, since they were using her full name.

“Uh-oh,” she muttered to herself, and they led her to a quieter corner where they could talk to her without being interrupted.
“Please try to act a little more mature,” they said, “you’re 18 now. You’re a grown woman. Is this the sort of example you want to give to the Water Tribes as their future Chief?”

“Actually,” Tenoko replied, “it is. I want the people to know that I’m not going to be all sulky and serious. I want them to know that I’m just another normal person who likes to have fun, even if it is occasionally at someone else’s expense. I want them to know that I’m just like any of them. I’m not going to be some sort of cruel oppressive warlord, even if I did turn the Tribes into a dictatorship. Of course, there’s no point in that, but it proves a point...”

Tenoko was a smart young lady, and she knew how to deal with people very well. This had been what had helped her get a lot of friends.

“But remember,” They told her, “regardless of what you do with the Tribes when they become yours to ultimately control, remember that it is one of the Four Nations, and that a bad leader could cause it to crumble. Do you want to be known throughout history as the chief who crumbled the Water Tribes?”

“No,” Tenoko replied, “Because I have no intention of doing that. Mom, dad, you two have always worried too much—”

“Not exactly,” they replied truthfully, “it’s just that you don’t worry at all about anything, even things that are important. For one thing, don’t do that in public ever again.”

Her mother reached forward and pulled Tenoko’s shirt back down. She had lifted it up and was looking at her belly, which clearly meant that what her parents were saying was going in one ear and out the other. An ironic thing about Tenoko’s social skills was that although she knew how to become friends, she was not very good at giving herself a good image, but she didn’t care a bit. Belching loudly in public was mandatory for her [and that was only the most common of Tenoko’s anti-social tactics, but that’s irrelevant at the moment], and luckily, most of the people that were her type also liked her style, having a similar one themselves. Altogether though, Tenoko was a nice person to be around.

The party was going to last two days, and right now it was the day before her birthday, so they were still celebrating. There were various people from the other 4 nations there, some of which Tenoko knew. One of her best friends was a young girl from the Earth Kingdom, who came from a very rich family. She was 14 years old at the time, was always dressed in elaborate and fancy clothes, and was known to literally be incredibly beautiful. She had an elaborate birthmark that covered almost the entire left side of her face, but this only seemed to make her all the more interesting. This was Zuki Meisha.

She was a perfectly normal young woman [except the huge birthmark], except for the fact that she had a limited mental capacity. Her laugh though was contagious, and so whenever she and Tenoko got together, Tenoko just had to start talking to Zuki and telling her jokes and Zuki would laugh hysterically, even if the joke was lame, because Zuki didn’t know any better. This would always cause a scene, for Zuki was a very peculiar young woman, and was in a similar vein like Tenoko.

Zuki was well-known for her powerful earthbending skills, as well as her stunning beauty. Many people called her the most beautiful girl in the world, which only made Zuki cuter, as her innocence and her limited mental capacity limited her to only laughing at this statement, as she did not understand what it meant.

Tenoko and Zuki got to talking, Tenoko using terms that Zuki could understand. The party had been going very smoothly and orderly for the most part up to this point, and so Tenoko figured that it was time to throw a little friendly chaos into the mix.

With that in mind, the fun was about to begin...

~Katara~

[Teᴙa253]

and here's chapter 2.
CHAPTER 2
Zuki was also friends with the people Tenoko was usually around. She never usually remembered any of them [let alone their names] because of her limited mental capacity, but they knew her, and when they were excited to meet her, she became excited to see them.

On the other hand though, Zuki was ‘afflicted’ with a rare trait known as Chi-Dominance. A Chi-Dominant Bender was a bender that had excessive amounts of bending energy, and would sometimes unleash huge amounts of said energy at random times. However, Zuki’s limited mental capacity made her bending reflex go off whenever she was surprised, startled, or frightened. Tenoko’s friends were careful about this, but this time Tenoko was going to use it to her advantage.

She showed Zuki a mirror and pointed to her birthmark, and this kept Zuki’s simple mind occupied, as the markings that covered the left side of Zuki face always taken her interest. With that said, she left and turned to her friends.

“that girl is going to be part of my scheme,” she whispered, snickering, “when I go up there come the right time, all you guys need to do is sneak up behind her and make her jump. I’ve already given her explicit instructions on what to do from there.”

“I can see where this is going,” Zadok laughed, “are you going to pull a Zuki sort of like she did last year?”

“That poor girl can’t take two steps without someone wanting to do something to her,” an earthbender named Rakon, remarked, “I refuse to be a part of anything that involves manipulating her.”

“It’s not manipulating,” another boy named Cha-Len replied, “we just want her to be able to help out with Tenoko’s scheme. She isn’t going to get hurt at all. Besides, the incident last time where she took off her dress was her own doing. She does that, if you haven’t noticed.”

And Cha-Len was correct. Zuki’s mind sort of ‘did its own thing’ with Zuki. She was known for doing random things at random times. She just didn’t know any better, and so no one ever blamed her.
Incidentally, Zuki had wandered onto the dance floor, and had drawn attention to her self. She didn’t know any actual dance moves; she just made up her own. However, she had a unique style that was actually very graceful and swift. Her eyes were closed, and it was again apparent that she was in her own little world.

Tenoko meanwhile, chuckled. In her hands was a bottle of something, presumably alcoholic, and strong judging from the label.

“Anyone wants to see me down this?” she asked, and she got faces to turn as she held it high in the air.

“For the water tribes,” she said, blasting the cork off of the bottle, and she began downing it. She later regretted it, but for the time being, she just chugged it straight until it was empty. By that point, she was a sickly shade of green, and was clutching her chest. Her insides were burning from the strength of the drink.

“Ha-ha,” several people laughed, “Tenoko’s gonna get it,”

And she did. She ran out of the room, her friends at her heels. They knew what was coming, and they were right.

The next 15 minutes involved Tenoko hurling out her insides, along with a considerable amount of blood. Of course, later in her life, this type of beverage would become nearly an everyday thing, but for a girl who had never had anything that strong before, it could have killed her, what with all the blood she was now projecting from her mouth. Needless to say, her friends were laughing, despite her pain.

“learned your lesson, eh?” they chuckled, and Tenoko was still hurling up any last contents of her stomach, and possibly some of the lining of it and her throat, the latter of which was still burning.

“Your parents are going to kill you, Tenoko” Zadok chuckled,

Tenoko got up, blood still dripping out of the corners of her mouth.

“Thanks for reminding me,” she said scratchily, “I’m going to go back in and try to forget about this incident.”

She turned away and started walking back towards the building. Her friends looked at her skeptically, wondering where the happy Tenoko had gone. She stopped just outside the door, and then crunched up; laughing hard enough that she actually fell into a sitting position.

“Do you know how hard it was to pull that off,” she laughed, “you guys are all so gullible. I’ve got no regrets.”

“Rather,” Cha-Len remarked, “you have nothing to wipe that blood and crap off of your face with, so you’re going to just go ahead and confess it, am I correct?”

“Aye, you know me too well,” Tenoko laughed, so what are we waiting for? Let’s go in there and party!”

And party they did. Tenoko was able to truthfully say that she danced with every guy her age in the room, but of course, the party went on long enough to permit that.

When all was said and done, and the party approaching its conclusion, Tenoko’s parents called Tenoko to the front of the room. She went up needless to say [and had since cleaned up], and that was when her father made the announcement that Tenoko was to be the next Water Chief upon the abdication of he and his wife. This event would take place the next day, which came as a shock to everyone, including Tenoko.

“That early?” she exclaimed, [most likely intentionally] in front of everyone; “I’m only 18,”

“And it’s time you put those skills of yours to the test,” her mother replied, “you’re a smart woman, Tenoko, and you’ve always been able to keep people happy. Your father and I were talking about it the previous evening, and we both decided that it was for the best. It is time for some change, and with a spirit like yours, that change will be welcomed.”

Tenoko went pink, and lowered her head, blushing fiercely.

“You know,” she stammered, “about that thing I said about the tribes being a laughingstock...”

“You don’t have to accept the call of duty, Tenoko,” her father replied, “If you don’t think you are ready, it is not like it is obligatory at this age. It is merely a taste of something different for the world.”
Tenoko would have declined, but there were people in the crowds cheering her on, encouraging her to accept the position here and now. Moreover, the Water Tribes were known in this day and age for being the least formal of the Four Nations.

This encouragement actually caused the young Chief-to-be to accept the call. Her parents smiled as the company cheered, for they knew that they had made the right decision.

Once Tenoko was able to get a few minutes to herself, she found Zadok and asked him to follow her alone, away from the [2nd] lavish festival, this one in honor of Tenoko’s ‘promotion’ [again, the Ikegami family was known for using any excuse for festivities, and the Tribes enjoyed them, and also the humor of their daughter, Tenoko]. He did, and the two of them sat outside, looking up at the bright moon that overlooked them. The fortress-like palace of the Northern Water Tribe overlooked the ocean and the horizon, and with the moonlight shimmering on the waves, it was actually rather romantic.

“Well,” Zadok asked, “what did you want me for? Surely you’re keeping your clothes on, eh?”

“What,” Tenoko stammered, blushing, “of course. It’s just...”

“It’s just what?” Zadok asked; he may not have been incredibly caring about every single thing [like a man such as Rakon], but the 20-year-old man did have good intentions, and he did have an interest in Tenoko, and not just because of her social status.

“Do you think I’m ready for the task?” she asked, “I mean; me as part of The Council of the Four Nations?”

“You’ve always been good with people,” Zadok replied, “it’s why I started liking you in the first place. You’ll do fine.”

“I just don’t want to have to be known as the ruler who failed her nation should those rumors of the war be true. Do you really think The Order of the Avatar Slayer could in fact be returning to power?”

“I’m not sure,” Zadok replied, “but again, you’ve always been good with people. What else do you need to worry about?”

Tenoko knew there was something, but she couldn’t quite tell what it was. It didn’t seem like anything drastic, but she knew that it was nagging her, and this annoyed her, so she started fidgeting with her clothes, ranging from the hem of her dress to the ends of her sleeves. Nonetheless, Zadok did not seem to catch what she was worrying about either, and so the two of them shrugged it off.

“I’m technically in charge of my own parents now,” she said, “I am one of The Four Rulers. I... I just feel overwhelmed at this age.”
“Then why did you accept the position this early?” Zadok asked,

“I...” Tenoko stammered, “I didn’t want to let my parents down;” she replied, “and I wanted to do like you said—I wanted to make people happy. I enjoy making people laugh.”

“You do well too,” Zadok replied, “that stunt with Zuki was certainly something to be remembered. You went sky-high.”

Tenoko’s ‘prank’ involved her friends startling Zuki after she had explicitly instructed her to aim her attack [despite it being triggered by a reflex] towards her. She was blasted high into the air, and came down with a bang. It certainly caused a scene, and the crowds loved it [though Tenoko still sported a huge bruise on her backside where she had landed painfully on it from the incident].

Tenoko chuckled. “What can I say?” she remarked, “it was fun, and it was worth it. I’ve got no regrets—just an aching backside.”
Zadok laughed from this simple statement.

“What did I say?” Tenoko asked, but this just made it funnier. A lot of Tenoko’s humor was unintentional, and that was the type that generally gets more laughs anyways.

“You’ll do fine, Tenoko,” Zadok laughed, “trust me, alright? Have I ever steered you wrong before?”

“Many times,” Tenoko replied, “in fact, two of them were in the last month even. Try another question.”

Zadok remained speechless.

“Amazing,” she remarked, “that little remark made you lose your voice?”

However, Tenoko’s eyes popped open when he suddenly pulled her forward and connected his mouth with hers. After the split-second of surprised, she closed her eyes and immersed herself in the moment as well. Zadok’s hand went behind Tenoko’s head and began messing with her elaborately done hair, undoing it and letting it fall behind her back. Her hair was dark brown and wavy, and it has a smoothness that matched her face, and her sky blue eyes.

After they pulled back several minutes later, they both looked a little ruffled. Zadok stood up and helped Tenoko up as well.

“I invited you to stay at my place tonight, if you wanted,” he told her, smiling, “of course, unless you wanted me to take you home.”

“I was wondering when you would ask that,” Tenoko laughed, “I’ve wanted to spend an evening with you for a while now.”

“Then it’s a date,” he laughed, taking her hand,

“And what we just got finished doing wasn’t?” Tenoko exclaimed, “You know, you make a really bad lady’s man. Don’t give up your day job.”

This made both of them laugh, as this was the sort of humor that Tenoko was a master of, and would eventually go down in history for [among other things, as Tenoko’s life was full of adventure].
Zadok’s reaction though involved him slinging a water whip around Tenoko’s ankle and slipping her over, landing her flat on her back. Her hair, which Zadok had messed up while they were making out, sort of went everywhere. Soon he was looking down at her, the moonlight reflecting from her eyes.

“You’re really pretty,” he said, “I love your hair.”

“Alright, alright,” Tenoko laughed, pushing him off of her, “you can flatter me by talking about how awesome I am later. Right now I just want to get to bed. Besides, my legs are killing me.”

“Alright then,” Zadok replied, “I’ll carry you.”

“That’ll just put stress onto my backside,” Tenoko remarked,

“Don’t lie,” Zadok said, “besides, you’re supposed to be tough, remember?”

He smacked her there, and it actually made her cringe from the painful kindling a few days previous.

“Just shut up and take me to your house,” Tenoko laughed, “your failure is not going to redeem itself any better.”

He took her to his house nonetheless, and despite her remarks, she liked him just as much as he liked her.

~Katara~

[Teᴙa253]

Chapter 3... haha and this makes me get the Tenoko rank.

CHAPTER 3
Tenoko wanted to be alone for a few moments though, and so she decided to take a little break and go outside. The 18-year-old young woman gazed upwards at the bright moon which overlooked the powerful Northern Water Tribe. She sat cross-legged, still in her fancy apparel from the elegant celebration they had just departed from. Naturally, temperatures this far north were not the highest, but most Water Tribes citizens were less prone to the cold.

Tenoko had taken the concept of sitting and relaxing while staring up at the moon from a group of waterbenders that lived in a village northeast of there known as the Serenes Waterbenders. Their village, naturally, was known as Serenes Village.

This time though, she was interrupted by a firebender of all people. It looked like she too had left the festivities, but she looked to be in her mid-20s. She sat down next to Tenoko.

“So,” she said, and startled the young woman, “you’re the new Water Chief now, eh?”

“Aye,” Tenoko replied, looking over at her guest; she had long, black hair, a pointed face, pale skin, and golden eyes. Her face itself looked dangerous, despite a calm smile being situated on it currently.

“Who are you,” Tenoko asked curiously, “you sound familiar.”

“I am Ayumi Takamatzu,” the woman replied, “You should remember me now as your old rival.”

“You’re nuts,” young Tenoko laughed, “why in the spirit’s name would you choose a woman 6 years younger than you as your rival? Surely it wasn’t because of the trip my parents took to the Fire Nation where we got into that fight and I won? That was luck, and we both know it.”

“But it opened my eyes, Tenoko,” Ayumi replied, “it made me realize that even one mistake could lead to a person’s downfall.”

“Ayumi,” Tenoko replied, “just let it go. Surely you’re not going to hunt me until the day we die, are you?”

“Of course not,” Ayumi laughed, “this is merely a power struggle. Yet a good rival keeps a person strong and sharp, and so I figured I’d do you a favor, especially if you are to rule one of the Four Nations.”

“Ayumi, I’m 18,” said Tenoko, “you’re like... 25 or something.”

“24,” Ayumi replied, “and think—it’s something to be proud of; you’ve got a rival that is that much older than you.”

“But wouldn’t that mean that it was humiliating for you?”

“Not now that I can boast that my rival is the Chief of the Water Tribes; anyone able to get a position like that has to be good at what they do.”

“True;” Tenoko remarked, “so what do you want with me this time?”

“I just want to talk,” Ayumi replied, “see how my old rival is doing.”

“I’m doing good,” Tenoko replied, “although my boyfriend might be wondering what I am doing.”

“Hmm...” Ayumi chuckled, “so you found yourself a man, then?”

“Aye,” Tenoko replied, “I suppose I have, though there are no plans at the moment. How about you;”

“Aye,” Ayumi responded, “Lord Orzon has chosen me as his bride. The ceremony is to take place in roughly a month. Luckily for you, you don’t have to go through something so formal and arranged like me.”

“Orzon,” Tenoko said, seemingly mulling the name over; it seemed to ring a bell, as Tenoko was pretty sure he had met Orzon as well during her parents’ trip to the Fire Nation; “Orzon Zhaoka?”

“Aye,” Ayumi spat, “I want a man who actually cares about me.”

“And who is to say he doesn’t?” Tenoko replied, “He seemed to always show a certain interest in you if I recall correctly.”

“He’s like that to everyone,” Ayumi muttered, “it’s as if he cares about everyone. If that’s the case, he’s just going to treat me like the next person, and not like his wife.”

“But regardless,” Tenoko remarked, “That would make you the fire Lady. Surely that has to mean something?”

“Not at all,” Ayumi sighed, “I don’t want it if I don’t get to be loved by the man who chose to marry me.”

One crucial point that Ayumi had left out was the fact that Orzon was part of The Order’s forces that had recently emerged and was engaging in a Fire Nation civil war. Her opponent, a young woman named Zeruda and her family, were their resistance. Ayumi incidentally, was also for this war, as she was part of The Order of the Avatar Slayer as well.

“Still,” Tenoko remarked, “that’s a coveted position, you know...”

“Damn it, Tenoko,” Ayumi remarked, “You’re not getting it. I could care less if I were offered complete domination over all four nations. I don’t want that unless the man that I am forced to marry actually cares about me. I don’t want to go through my life knowing that everything is feigned; forced—an act.”

“Whoa, whoa,” Tenoko exclaimed, “just... just calm down. What am I supposed to be? I’m not like your advisor or anything.”

“Ah,” said Ayumi, “but with your new position, your input certainly means a lot more than it used to. Moreover, as a direct leader of a nation, you are now part of The Council of the Four Nations, meaning that you’re going to the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se in but a few days.”

“Damn it,” Tenoko growled, “I guess my parents weren’t jesting.”

“I’m afraid not,” Ayumi giggled, and with a demeanor like hers, it was almost creepy the way she did; “surely you have good judgment for your parents to let you have this position this early in your life. They are smart people from what I know of them. You’ll do fine.”

“Wait,” Tenoko remarked, “I thought we were rivals. Don’t rivals usually try to best each other instead of help each other?”

“Aye,” Ayumi replied, “but if a rival is not a challenge, then what’s the point? I want you to stay sharp, Tenoko Ikegami.”

“Alright then,” Tenoko replied, starting to stand up, “I’ll do that.”
Ayumi however, pulled her back down. Tenoko, not wanting to leave this woman in possession of her dress, complied and sat back down.

“What else do you want?” Tenoko sighed,

“Don’t leave this quickly,” Ayumi replied, “things were getting interesting.”

“Damn it, Ayumi,” Tenoko snapped, “I want to be with my boyfriend.”

“He’s not going anywhere,” Ayumi replied, relaxing, “so talk to me. After all, you are now a political figure. What is it like?”

“Well,” said Tenoko, “it sort of sucks at the moment, because I’ve got a powerful firebender who intends to kill me if I want to get up.”

“Perhaps a drink,” Ayumi asked, offering some sort of beverage to Tenoko. Tenoko looked right into Ayumi’s eyes, and she remembered her rival from the last time they had met. This was no poison of any sort.

“Try me,” Tenoko chuckled, and took a swig, “but now my lady, you have to match it. It’s this sort of thing that makes you tough. Guys love when a girl can handle a little draught every now and then.”

“Very well,” Ayumi replied, and she took a swig. This drinking game proceeded until the bottle was emptied. Tenoko, who had had a little experience in this department [more than Ayumi at least] was a little more sane than Ayumi was, and this was part of her tactic.

“You know,” she told Ayumi, hiccupping slightly, “there is never a need to overpower anything that you can outsmart, am I correct?”

“Aye,” Ayumi replied, not noticing that Tenoko was tying her hands together, “that’s the truth. Unless of course, you have (hic) raw power, and just blast them off the face of the world.”

“That’s true,” Tenoko replied, “now (hic) if you wouldn’t mind sitting up for a moment, please?”

Ayumi did as she was told, and then drunkenly tugged at Tenoko’s shirt, pulling it up a little.

“Right here,” she said, pointing to a certain location on Tenoko’s belly, “is a point that if you hit just right, will not only incapacitate a bender (hic) but will also cause them to have a chaotic moment and ‘spazz out’.”

Tenoko laughed, being drunk enough not to be concerned about Ayumi lifting her shirt a little. She began tying Ayumi up around her ankles, and she didn’t notice it, it seemed.

“Now lie down,” she said, laughing, and Ayumi did so.

“I can’t move my hands and feet,” she complained, jerking at her bonds, “this hurts. Stop it.”

“Alright,” Tenoko giggled, hiccupping again, “just hold still.”

She brought Ayumi’s hands and feet together, and tied them together as well, leaving her bound neatly up, unable to move.

“Let me out,” she said in a whiney voice that came from her drunkenness. She struggled to escape, but couldn’t.

“There’s no need to ever overpower anything you can outsmart, Ayumi,” Tenoko replied, “For I have just outsmarted (hic) you.”

“So you (hic) have,” she remarked, “now let me out.”

“Alright, alright,” Tenoko replied, and drunkenly untied Ayumi and started idly playing with Ayumi’s long, black hair. It was smooth and silky, and most normal people would enjoy the way it felt. In their drunken state, they were not entirely aware of what they were doing.

It was eventually Zadok that found them. Ayumi had regained most of her soberness, but Tenoko was a little off still.

“And how are you,” he asked her,

“I am simply a Fire Nation woman,” she replied, “an old rival of Tenoko’s. Relax; I have caused her no harm.”

“She’s right,” Tenoko added; for though she was not completely sober, she was mostly aware of what exactly had happened. This however, would affect later decisions in her life, but at the moment, she was just interested in getting inside and relaxing. She was tired, a little cold, and wanted to rest.

“Farewell, Tenoko Ikegami,” Ayumi replied, “we shall meet again.”

She bowed [slightly awkwardly] in her Fire Nation manner, and Tenoko did the same in the style of the Water Tribes.

“You look tired,” Zadok remarked, sweeping Tenoko off of her feet and into his arms, “you want to lie down?”

“Aye,” Tenoko replied, “or rather, I just feel a little dizzy. I’m not entirely tired, to use the term.”

“Whatever works then,” Zadok replied, and he took Tenoko inside and laid her down gently. He paused.

“So,” said Tenoko, yawning, “what now?”

“What did you two talk about?” he asked, “you and that firebender;”

“Just random things,” Tenoko replied, “rivalries and such. She told me also that I was part of The Council of The Four Nations.”

“She might have been random with that,” Zadok remarked, “but regardless, she’s right. The Water Chief is the Water Chief regardless.”

“Damn it, Zadok,” Tenoko laughed, “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

Zadok laughed, “And what, leave the Water Tribes out of world affairs? Surely you don’t want to run an isolationist nation.”

“I’m too drunk, alright,” Tenoko laughed, “I still don’t believe half of what happened, and the other half of me just wants to throw my clothes off and jump into some of the icy water.”

“Well don’t do that,” Zadok laughed, “Koara Lombardi of the Southern Water Tribe was a lucky shot; you probably couldn’t last that.”

“Are you belittling me,” Tenoko exclaimed, laughing, “you know what—I’m going to prove you wrong one day; mark my words.”

“Ha,” Zadok laughed, “do your worst, girl.”

“My worst,” Tenoko replied, “will be after some bedtime, if you catch my meaning. I’m going to go lie down.”

“Very well then,” Zadok replied, getting some meat out and starting to cook it, “if you need anything, just give me a holler, alright?”

“Aye,” Tenoko replied, “because I wear the pants in this relationship.”

Zadok laughed, “One gust of wind and it’d get proven that you’re not wearing any pants, mistress Ikegami.”

“Don’t start that sort of fancy talk with me, young man, or spirits help me, I will resign right now.”

“Go to sleep, Tenoko,” Zadok replied, “You’re too tired to be doing things like this. Don’t kill your image because of me.”

“Whatever,” Tenoko replied, yawning, and rolling over; she was asleep in minutes. She was the lazy type who either slept in her clothes or would sleep in her undergarments and throw her clothes on after picking them up off the floor where she had left them. This time actually, she chose the latter. She was not bothered by Zadok snuggling up to her a while later, not even when she woke up.

Regardless of the rumors of war, Tenoko was very content with her life, and this wasn’t about to change. Her reputation was its own thing, and she cared little for it. Those who knew her knew her for her true colors, not her impressions anyways.

~Katara~

[Teᴙa253]

Chapter 4. this took way longer than it should have.

CHAPTER 4
When Tenoko got home later the next day, her parents were waiting for them. They did not question what Tenoko did, but they did ask why she looked a little ruffled.

“I just had a drink or two,” Tenoko replied, “and got into a friendly match with my old rival.”

“Your old rival,” her father exclaimed, “who is this?”

Tenoko slapped her forehead, as she had not ever told her parents about her rivalry with Ayumi Takamatzu. In fact, there were a lot of things that Tenoko did not tell her parents, though usually it was because she didn’t want them worrying about them, because they were not very important.

“It’s just a woman that challenged me to a spar when we went to the Fire Nation,” Tenoko replied, “She’s not trying to assassinate me or anything—or so it would seem. Don’t worry though. I just didn’t feel like telling you because I didn’t want you worrying about it. You were right about me—it was about time that I started making my own decisions and watching out for myself.”

She paused for a moment, and then looked closely at her parents.

“So,” she asked, “is there something that you wanted to tell me; warn me of; advise me about, or something?”

“Aye, as a matter of fact, there is,” her mother replied, “and we regret not telling you this earlier.”

“Ah,” Tenoko remarked, “I take it that it is similar to the secrets I hold then—you didn’t want me worrying about it?”

“Aye,” her mother replied, “we didn’t want you worrying about it, but now that you’re a political figure the way you are, we feel that you ought to know, since she could come back for her throne.”

“What,” Tenoko exclaimed, slightly confused, “whose throne?”

“Dento Ikegami,” her father replied, “Tenoko, you were not our only child. You were our only heir because your sister did things against us—she also joined The Order of the Avatar Slayer.”

“My sister” Tenoko exclaimed, “How old is she; who is she; where is she?”

“Your older sister is 34,” her father replied, “She was 18 when she rebelled, meaning that you were but a tiny girl. You likely don’t remember her. Regardless, she said that she was determined to take the Water Tribes from our family and bring them into submission of The Order of the Avatar Slayer.”

“Where is she though,” Tenoko asked,

“That we are unsure of,” her father replied, “as there have been no reports of her in a long time.”

“What am I supposed to do about that,” Tenoko asked, wondering herself what she would do if she ever encountered her sister?

“Use your judgment,” her mother replied, “you’re a brilliant woman, Tenoko. Like you always say: “there’s never a need to beat up anyone that you can outsmart”. And of course, you have most of the Water Tribes on your side, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Alright,” Tenoko replied, gaining confidence, “I guess I’ll see what happens then; I’ll let fate chose my destiny.”

And all in all, that was what she did. The next big event that occurred in Tenoko’s life was her trip to the upper ring of Ba Sing Se, where she would meet with the leaders of the other three nations for the first time proper. Being as wealthy as her family was, Tenoko was able to travel there in style, and of course, she wasn’t alone.

Technically, she was though in her mind, as none of her friends went with her [as they had nothing to attend to in Ba Sing Se, and obviously were not part of the Council of the Four Nations], and most of the people on this ship were “rich old people”, so at 18, Tenoko felt almost like the odd one out. It turned out that she was easily the youngest person aboard, as everyone else seemed to at least be in their 40s.

Regardless, her trip went smoothly. She was respected just as much as the other passengers because of her new political status, but also because even though she had her crazy moments, Tenoko was generally very mature in the right places and right times.

Of particular note to Tenoko though was a conversation with an aged man who pulled her aside to talk to her.

“So,” he said, “this is the new Chief of the Water Tribes,”

“Aye,” Tenoko replied, “that news didn’t take long to spread,”

“Indeed not,” the old man replied, “after all, that’s world news. The only thing I wondered was why old Jado and Kotu Ikegami wanted you to take their place this early.”

“They’re old,” Tenoko replied truthfully, “they’re almost 60.”

Tenoko’s parents had been 40 when they had her, and therefore had been only 24 when they had Dento. Why there was such a large age difference between the two sisters was for their parents to know.

“I know that,” the old man replied, “I was just curious is all.”

“Do you think I’m not ready for the job?” Tenoko asked, though this too was only in a curious manner. Tenoko didn’t seem terribly offended, because she too was not 100% sure that she was ready.

“That is not for me to decide, young chief,” the old man replied, “For I do not know you, nor do I know what you intend to do with and from your position. Time will tell how good of a leader you will become.”

“Alright,” Tenoko replied, shrugging, “well, like I said during the actual ceremony—I’m here to try my best.”

“Tenoko, isn’t it?” the man asked,

“Aye,” Tenoko responded, “what is your name?”

“My name is Karoma,” the man replied, “either way; I knew that you seemed familiar to me.”

“When have we met,” Tenoko asked curiously,

“You resemble your sister,” Karoma replied, “although your parents always spoke well of you after she left them.”

“You know my sister,” Tenoko exclaimed,

“Aye,” Karoma replied, “She is actually hiding in Ba Sing Se. She wanted to see you again.”

Tenoko’s eyes darted this way and that.

“Did she say what she wanted,” Tenoko asked,

“No, but I don’t assume it was good,” Karoma replied, “Because the last time I checked, she was intending to try and find a way to take over the Water Tribes. With you as their leader, you are more vulnerable, only because of your young age.”

“Thanks for that,” Tenoko sighed,

“And yet, I have faith in you,” Karoma replied, “it was why the Water Tribes were cheering you on to accept the position that day. I may not have been there, but news like that travels fast. Live up to what your people expect of you, Tenoko Ikegami,”

“That’s what I plan to do,” Tenoko declared, “let them come. My loyalty remains frozen deep inside the heart of the Water Tribes, unwavering.”

Karoma put his hand on Tenoko’s shoulder.

“You’ll do well then,” he said, smiling, “I have no reason to doubt it.”

Tenoko, being a generally outgoing young woman, talked with most of the passengers by the time they landed at the Earth Kingdom. Because of her respecting approach, she too was respected, despite her young age.

Once inside the walls, Tenoko realized that, although she had been here with her parents before, that she honestly did not know where to go. Luckily, she wasn’t afraid to ask for directions, and eventually, after a while of wandering, she found her way into one of the grand Earth Kingdom chambers, where The Council of the Four Nations was taking place. Naturally, because of her age, the people guarding the entrance questioned Tenoko and who she was. However, she was armed with the Water Tribe seal, and moreover had the official declaration from her parents that told what had happened in that regard.

Once in the chamber itself, Tenoko felt small against the Fire Lord, the Earth Queen, and the Head Air Nomad Monk. She had met them before at different times, and knew that they were likely going to soon pass their positions down to their children, but she was not sure how soon. Moreover, she felt left out, since the other leaders were obviously married if they had heirs that would soon take their places.

It was a time like this that made Tenoko wonder if she really belonged here—if her parents had been thinking straight when they had given her this position. Nonetheless, she had taken upon herself the responsibility, and so she was going to live up to it.
Upon her entrance, she was greeted by the others, who respectfully recognized her as the Water Chief, and thus as part of the Council of the Four Nations. The Head Monk, an elder Tenoko recognized as Kufu, was the “leader” of The Council, and it was he who called the meeting to order once Tenoko had sat down. There was an empty chair next to Tenoko, which of course, was usually occupied by the male ruler of the Water Tribes. [There have been numerous occasions in history where this council had met where one or more of the rulers had been single, so this was not an unusual occurrence] Naturally, it wasn’t occupied because Tenoko was single at this point in her life.

“Welcome, Tenoko Ikegami,” Kufu remarked, and Tenoko folded her arms gently, sitting there to find out what exactly this meeting was for.

“Thank you,” Tenoko replied, bowing her head slightly, “I am honored to be in the presence of such great leaders and people. I feel out of place to tell the truth.”

“Don’t be,” said Zaklash, the Fire Lady, “For you are one of us, and are at the same level as us in your native Nation.”

“I’m just a kid,” Tenoko remarked, “the more I sit in front of you all, the more out of place I feel. I don’t belong here.”

“As the Chief of the Water Tribes” said Temek, the Earth King, “you do. There is no excuse, Tenoko Ikegami. You accepted the position from your parents, and they were smart. They knew what they were doing. Do you know why they would want to choose you at this age?”

“They said it was because I’m responsible,” Tenoko replied, “but half the time, I’m... I’m really not.”

“And you suppose that political leaders cannot be jovial at times, young Chief,” Dara, the Head Air Sister, chuckled. She was gentle in nature, but had a joyous sense of humor in her older age that made her a very pleasant person to be around.

Naturally, Tenoko didn’t answer. She did however, realize that she was wasting time, and she had respect for her elders, and so made note of this after Dara’s remark.

“You don’t need to waste your time on me,” Tenoko remarked, “I’ll learn. Clearly this meeting was not to initiate Tenoko Nagishima now, was it?”

“No, as a matter of fact it wasn’t,” Fire Lord Azor remarked, “but that’s not the point. There is no allotted time for these meetings to take place, so there is no such thing as “wasted time” as long as something significant gets done. If a young Water Chief has a few slight insecurities because she feels young, small, and out of place, then we will try and resolve it. That is the purpose of these things, Tenoko Ikegami—to resolve problems of any sort, large and small alike.”

“You have the floor, Water Chief,” Earth Queen Amiti chuckled, “are there any issues you would like to bring forth before the Council?”

“There aren’t really any, actually,” Tenoko replied, gaining confidence again, “I guess if I’m not out of place, then everything is good. The Water Tribes are still in high spirits from the grand festivities that took place not too long ago in honor of my “coronation” to use the term.”

“Unfortunately,” Azor remarked, “there are not such good tidings in the Fire Nation. The Order of the Avatar Slayer is becoming more prominent by the day. It is not a planned attack, but it is easy for an intelligent person to come to that conclusion.”

“So it wasn’t just us,” Amiti commented, “it’s affecting the Earth Kingdom, the Air Temples, and the Fire Nation.”

She turned to Tenoko. “Looks like the Water Tribes are the only ones that have been left out so far, Chief. Count yourself lucky.”

“I take it this was why this meeting was called to order?” Tenoko remarked, her fears from earlier coming back to assume the form of reality. The others nodded, and Fire Lady Zaklash spoke.

“This was our original reasoning, aye,” she remarked, “but again, it can be about everything or about nothing.”

“Then we’re called to order I take it?”

“Aye,” Temek replied. Tenoko kept a straight face. She had the utmost interest in what they would be saying, as she did not want the Water Tribes to fall while under her rule.

~Katara~

[Teᴙa253]

chapter 5...

CHAPTER 5
One thing Tenoko had never really been told very much about was The Order of the Avatar Slayer and their ways. This was not because people wanted Tenoko left in the dark, but rather, at that point in time, people didn’t see it as much of an issue, let alone a threat. Moreover, it was not an issue in the Water Tribes, and so there were few there that were concerned about it.

Naturally, word would have spread around if there had been unease in either of the two Water Tribes, but there was nothing that reached the ears of the old Chief, and therefore, nothing of that caliber to pass on to Tenoko at the time.

One thing Tenoko did wonder was why there was unease in the Air Temples of all places. After the others had finished giving reports of what their “unease” in their respective nations were; Tenoko spoke up.

“It just got me to wondering,” She remarked, “unease in the Air Temples of all places. What exactly is happening?”

“Avatar Lahka has become a refugee there,” Kufu replied, “going from temple to temple.”

“Why is he hiding,” Tenoko exclaimed, “I never recall the man being a coward. It just doesn’t seem like him.”

“His age is catching up to him,” Dara replied, “according to his claims, he will die soon, and the new avatar will then be born in the Earth Kingdom as the tradition of the Avatar Cycle states.”

“He was a good man,” Tenoko remarked, her face lowering slightly. Being from the Water Tribes, Lahka had always been an interesting friend to Tenoko, as he went lots of his time in the Water Tribe, and the teenaged Tenoko always liked to see him and converse. “Why is he going to die this soon though? He’s only 113 years old.”

Living to be over 115 was not an incredibly rare occurrence. Moreover, the Avatar lived longer than that most of the time anyways.

“The stress of The Order of the Avatar Slayer trying not just to end his life, but to end the Avatar Cycle forever is weighing down on him,” Azor replied, “just like every world leader does not want to be known for the fall of their nation, each incarnation since Zuroc’s time has feared being the one to end the Avatar Cycle.”

“then by all means, he needs to be kept safe,” Tenoko declared, her shoulders tightening as her hands gripped the edges of the large table they were sitting at; on it was a large world map.

“And safe he is,” Kufu replied calmly, “so there is no reason to get tense, young Water Chief. You asked what the cause of the unease in the Air Temples was, and I simply answered you. It is because Dara and I have been willing to house the avatar that The Order intrudes into our borders. Ultimately though, we Air Nomads are going to declare neutrality from this war. If our people wish to fight, they may do so. However, we are not going to take a side in it, as we do not have a formal military.”

“Aye,” Tenoko remarked, “that’s understandable. So what do we do in a year or so if Avatar Lahka does pass away? The next avatar will be born in the Earth Kingdom, and unlike the Water Tribes, There are many Order forces there—no offense, Queen Amiti; King Temek.”

“none taken,” Temek replied, “but what needs to happen is we need to pray that fate will be on our side, and that we will find that Avatar before The Order does. If the rumors of them being able to force an avatar into The Avatar State to kill them are true, then the Avatar Cycle is in grave jeopardy, and will be until the Earth Kingdom baby is old enough to make his or her own decisions.”

“Indeed,” Azor remarked, “perhaps if the new avatar is found after Lahka’s death that he or she can be sheltered in the Water Tribes. You would not mind that, would you, Chief Tenoko?”

“Not in the slightest,” Tenoko replied, “There are no threats against the Water Tribes at the moment, and so I’m willing to accept a challenge or two should they be dropped upon me.”

“Then it is decided,” Kufu declared.

All in all, the meeting was rather boring in Tenoko’s opinion, except when The Order of the Avatar Slayer was brought up. Other than that, it was mostly affairs that did not involve the Water Tribes, and so Tenoko generally was sable to stay out of them. However, once the meeting had adjourned until next time, Tenoko still had a good few days to spend in Ba Sing Se before she would head back.

This was where her first trail came into play. She ran into a woman who apparently recognized her, despite her fancy clothes she had worn [the reason being, of course, because of the meeting. Once she got back to her hotel room she had planned to get into some everyday things again]. The woman knocked Tenoko down and crouched down; ruffling up Tenoko’s neatly done hair. Tenoko looked back into the woman’s face and noticed that for some reason, she looked familiar—almost like an older version of herself.

“Dento,” she exclaimed, “What are you doing?”

“Tenoko,” Dento remarked emotionlessly, “so mom and dad apparently did decide to tell you a little bit about me. Tell me, sister—what does ruling the Water Tribes feel like?”

“Well,” Tenoko stammered, still in a sprawled, sitting position from where her older sister had pushed her down, “a lot of it is just boring talk. I personally think it needs a little more crash-bang.”

“You want crash-bang,” Dento sneered, “I can give you some of that.”

Without warning, Dento suddenly lifted Tenoko’s shirt slightly, and jabbed her with a knife. It was very painful of course, but it was not designed to kill her, and Dento knew this.

Tenoko’s eyes widened from surprise.

“What was that for,” she exclaimed, “why is my own sister trying to kill me now? If I had known you wanted the job so badly...”

“This isn’t over the position, you idiot,” Dento remarked, “you wanted a bit of crash-bang, and so Dento Ikegami provided.”

“Why don’t you like me,” Tenoko asked, blood now running down her still exposed stomach; moving was not a very good idea for her right now, as she was not sure if Dento would try anything or not,

“Who told you that,” Dento chuckled, “I just think it’s fun to pick on you. I always have, and probably always will, younger sister.”

“That was a little intense though, don’t you think,” Tenoko remarked, her breathing slightly agitated, “I mean; you just stabbed me. What do I say to that sort of thing?”

“If I wanted to kill you I’d enhance this move,” Dento replied, and she swiped a knife just barely past Tenoko’s throat. She was precise, for there was a tiny notch of blood that began seeping out of the tiny cut that Dento had given her as her knife whizzed by, “like I said; I’m just giving you crash-bang. Don’t be ashamed; just wash up and lie down. We’ll run into each other soon enough again anyways.”

And with that, Dento unpinned Tenoko and dashed off.

Tenoko limped back to her hotel room, the wound on her stomach bleeding plentifully. To cut a long story short, Tenoko was able to wash the blood out of her clothes, and get herself cleaned up, though she was careful and precise with her breathing. She took her time washing up too, as she was in the relaxed mood.

Upon getting out, drying off and putting her underclothes on, Tenoko sat down to look at the knife wound that she had recently received. She was also debating writing to her parents regarding the incident, but since she was feeling alright, she didn’t figure that they needed to worry themselves over it. Looking it over, she saw that it had been a simple stab; it hadn’t hit any of her vital organs obviously (hence the reason she was alright), but it still hurt, and was bleeding a bit. Bending however, did the trick to stop the bleeding. The pain she could deal with and the slightly tense breathing would be easy to adapt to for a while.

“Dento Ikegami,” Tenoko thought to herself as she laid back and closed her eyes, “that means that she’s still single. I think that that is rather ironic, given that she’s 16 years older than me, and I’ve already apparently got guys after me.”

The 18-year-old Water Chief curled up under her sheets and fell asleep. Her mind was still on Dento, The Order of the Avatar Slayer, and, for some reason, her curiosity had her wondering where the leaders of the other three nations were lodging. Nonetheless, she slept peacefully.
Tenoko woke up around midnight, as it had been about mid-day when she had run into Dento, and only a few hours had passed while Tenoko had cleaned herself up.

Feeling well-rested, Tenoko decided to take an evening stroll around the city. Being one of the world leaders, she had obviously been lodging at a high-class hotel, and as such, the surrounding district as high-class as well, meaning that the crime rate was likely not very high. This logic was what led Tenoko to do what she did.

Deciding to throw something more casual on, Tenoko put on some of her old Water Tribe gear and then set out into the town. She did not really have any destination in mind, and so she just wandered around. It was quiet and serene at this time of night, and Tenoko figured from the position of the moon and stars that there were only a few hours left until sunrise. This didn’t deter her, and she continued walking.

The grandeur of the Earth Kingdom was relatively new to Tenoko’s eyes, for, although she had been there many times, she had not actually gotten to stop and look around as much as she pleased until now. Technically, she was literally able to do just about anything she wanted. In the Water Tribes, there were no limitations whatsoever.

Tenoko’s wandering eventually led her to the front gates of the Earth Kingdom Palace again. She looked up at the fortress-sized walls, and then at the guards standing in front of the gates. Always being one who enjoyed a conversation, and figuring that at this time of night, being a guard was not likely very fun, Tenoko decided to stop by and chat. Besides, she knew how men were, and she knew that even if the scenario was not suggestive, that they probably would enjoy seeing a young adult woman pass into their range. She casually stepped towards them and gestured a hello. They returned it.

“What brings a young lady such as you out here at a time like this,” one of them asked, “surely you’re not thinking of visiting the Earth King?”

“I doubt it,” Tenoko chuckled, “I was just bored and decided to take a stroll. I wound up here, and figured that two burly men would probably enjoy having someone to talk to, particularly if that ‘someone’ was female, am I correct?”

They all chuckled. One of them stamped his foot to create a block of stone for Tenoko to sit down on. Taking the hint, Tenoko did so, crossing her legs and her arms. She was in her warrior’s garb; complete with the big boots, the thick, plated fingerless gloves, the loose, short-sleeved, feathered dress, and the baggy pants she wore underneath.

“Well,” the other guard remarked, “King Temek is not too fond of people loitering here—just a heads up.”

“If he wants to throw the Water Chief off of his premises,” Tenoko chuckled, “then by all means let him. He was a nice old man though when I was talking with him at the Council.”

“My apologies,” the man stammered, “you didn’t—it’s just…”

“I don’t look it,” Tenoko laughed, “don’t worry, I get that a lot. I still thought I was too young for the job, but those nutty waterbenders that I call mom and dad apparently thought otherwise. Other than that though, I’m just another person like you all. I just apparently have a government position that all in all just means that I have to do a bunch of boring things and write a bunch of boring rules. Personally, I’m set for a more laid-back style.”

“Sounds dreamy,” one of them chuckled, “but just be wary—The Order’s forces are on the prowl, and it’s hard to tell where they will target next unless you’re one of The Four Bender Families.”

“Do tell,” Tenoko remarked, raising an eyebrow. She made herself comfortable, as she figured she’d be here for a long time.

~Katara~

[Teᴙa253]

this took ages to get out. sorry bout the wait.

CHAPTER 6
“The Four Benders” said the guard, “are legend; surely you know at least a little bit about them.”

“The Four Benders,” Tenoko remarked, “I’ve heard a little about them. Miyamoto, Iwata, Tadashi, Sakurai—those are the families, right?”

“Aye,” the guard replied, “they live in this district of the city even; they’ve got younglings that already know how to bend.”

“How young exactly,” Tenoko asked, clearly interested in the subject,

“Well,” the guard replied,” they’ve passed by me to the Earth Kingdom Palace a few times, and when they did, I caught their names of course. Alzar Miyamoto the Firebender is only 4 years old. She’s the youngest of the group, and she’s the only girl. Shinon Iwata the Waterbender is 7; Aiku Tadashi the Airbender is 6, and Zinjamyn Sakurai the Earthbender is 5, and he seems to be the leader of the group almost.”

Tenoko laughed. “So,” she remarked, “I take it that they’re close childhood friends then?”

“Very,” the guard replied, “they’re bound to become bending masters at very early ages as well. They share techniques; tactics; everything. It’s absolutely amazing.”

“I’d say,” Tenoko remarked, “little kids as bending masters isn’t something that’s been a very common occurrence since that 100-year-war.”

“But keep in mind,” the guard chuckled, “that bending masters 1000 years ago are barely novices against today’s standards.”

Tenoko chuckled, “that’s true,” she remarked, “but hey, that’s water under the bridge. It’s good to know that the nations aren’t warring against one another—at least this war doesn’t judge people based on their bending arts”

“It’s still not a good thing,” the guard remarked,

“Aye, of course not,” Tenoko replied, “and I doubt that if this war DOES escalate to the levels that people say it will, that being a world leader will be a very good thing to be.”

“You think you’re up for it, Chief Tenoko,” the other guard asked

“Aye,” Tenoko replied, by this time, fully confident in her skills, but not overconfident by any means; “it’s why I took the job. Still, it makes me wonder why my parents would give it to an 18-year-old girl.”

“They spoke good things about you when they came here,” the guard remarked, “they said you turned out much better than your sister.”

“Well, that’s a given,” Tenoko remarked, “my sister is why my breathing sounds funny right now. Trust me, I don’t sound like this normally. On that note though, how long have you been working here?”

“17 years,” the older guard (the one that had told her about The Four Benders) replied, “this fellow over here’s going on his 6th year.”

“And you two work this late at night,” Tenoko exclaimed, yawning,

“Not usually,” the guard replied, “but hey, someone’s got to do it, and so when our turn comes, we just take it and move on.”

“It’s a good motto,” Tenoko remarked, “but, I suppose that I’ve kept you gentlemen occupied long enough. I guess I should go back and catch me a little more shut-eye, eh?”

She chuckled, and stood up. She staggered slightly because of her injury she had gotten from Dento, but it wasn’t anything permanent—just rather painful. Nonetheless, Tenoko was a tough young woman, and was not about to let something like this get her down.

“You’re hurt,” the older guard exclaimed, “are you sure you’re going to be alright getting back to wherever it is that you’re staying?”

“I’ll be fine,” Tenoko shrugged, though she clutched her stomach, “it’s not even bleeding yet—oh,”

Tenoko pulled her hand away and it came back red. Looking down, she saw that the area above her belt was red with blood. Her wound had opened again. This gave Tenoko the suspicion that although it was clearly not meant to be fatal, that there was more to the wound Dento had given her than met the eye. The guard actually reached his hand out to take Tenoko’s but Tenoko accidentally jerked back, and her hand hit herself in the stomach.

Due to Tenoko’s unfortunate fast reflexes, this just intensified her pain. She cringed and fell to her knees in agony.

“This needs to be looked at,” he remarked, “We need to find a way to get you back to the Water Tribes.”

“Have you heard of this,” Tenoko asked, looking up at him; the man was middle-aged, so regardless of how many years he had spent here, he obviously had a lot of experience in the world.

“Aye,” the man replied, “it’s not going to kill you, but if unchecked, it lasts several months and results in the loss of a lot of blood. The best places to get it cured are right in your realm, Water Chief. We need to get you back to the Northern Water Tribe as soon as possible.”

“I can’t just walk out on the Council,” Tenoko remarked

“You wouldn’t be,” the man replied, “you’re clearly new—those meetings only happen once per “visit”. After that, you’re free to do as you please. Fire Lord Azor and Fire Lady Zaklash have already departed for the Fire Nation the moment the meeting adjourned. I know this because I was on duty during that time as well; just about to go on a break.”

“When would I leave” Tenoko asked, as the man hoisted her into his arms,

“As soon as possible,” the man replied. “This seems to be a much more dangerous situation than first meets the eye.”

“I’m gonna die, aren’t I?” Tenoko shrugged,

“Not likely,” the man replied, “you should by all means survive this.”

“Very well then,” Tenoko shrugged, for all in all, she was not really afraid of death.

Unfortunately for Tenoko though, upon her return to the Water Tribes, news of her attack had spread quickly, and many people were worried or scared for her, and that had been what she had wanted to avoid. She was in a hospital bed, making a nice recovery. She was dressed in her fancy things for some reason, likely because her other ones were being cleaned and rid of the blood on them.

“Damn,” she grumbled, “I’m never gonna get a moment’s peace,”

“She could have killed you, Tenoko,” her parents warned, knowing about Dento’s treachery, “she does it slowly and patiently.”

“How you know that,” Tenoko asked curiously, “I mean; I thought it had been a while since you had last seen her.”

“It has been,” Kotu replied, “but we’ve heard reports of her deeds. Things like that don’t go unnoticed, Tenoko.”

“She specifically told me that it wasn’t going to kill me though,” Tenoko replied, “just that it was going to hurt—she was definitely right.”

“Is there anything we can do for you,” Jado asked,

“Just don’t die any time soon, alright, mom; dad?” Tenoko chuckled, “the doctor told me I should be fine. Surely he said the same to you, right?”

“It’s just a parent thing,” Jado remarked, “us being paranoid about it just means that we love and care for you.”

“And that’s what I want,” Tenoko replied, “you two mean more to me than anything else. It’s why I wanted to see you even over Zadok.”

“well,” Kotu commented, chuckling slightly, “he did seem like he really wanted to see if you were alright; so your mother and I will take our leave now if there is nothing else you wish to talk to us about.”

“Very well then,” Tenoko remarked, smiling, and with that, they left her alone. Of course, she was not alone for very long, as Zadok soon showed up and introduced himself by swapping spit with Tenoko.

“Thanks for telling me who you were,” Tenoko chuckled once he pulled back, “you can’t just waltz in on the Water Chief and do that.”

“Prove me wrong,” Zadok laughed, “besides, I’m too awesome for an introduction, Chief Tenoko. You know me.”

“Well,” Tenoko remarked, “at least a ‘hello’ would have been nice.”

“Eh,” he remarked, “maybe so, but that’s past. So, what’s new?”

“Other than my sister trying to bring me lots of pain, not much,” Tenoko replied, “The Council of the Four Nations is not a bunch of old stuffy tightwads like I thought; granted, they’re not as frivolous as I am, but they’ve got a good streak of humor in ‘em.”

“Your sister,” Zadok exclaimed,

“Aye,” Tenoko replied, “it turns out that I have an older sister.”

“Is she good-looking?” Zadok asked in a humorous tone,

“Why don’t you ask her next time you see her,” Tenoko replied, “She’ll probably give you the answer you’re looking for in the form of a knife in the gut. No, you idiot! She’s 34. I doubt you’d want her as a girlfriend.”

“Tenoko,” Zadok laughed, I was kidding. Besides, do you really think I care about how good-looking the Ikegami family’s eldest is when I have their younger daughter as my own?”

“The Water Chief is property of no one,” Tenoko laughed, “now get me a drink—the stronger the better.”

“As you wish, Chief,” Zadok laughed and he returned a few minutes later with some drinks. Unfortunately, the healers aw it, and while they could not technically forbid Tenoko from doing anything, they did forbid Zadok from drinking, moreover, with the injured Tenoko.

“Damn you all,” he laughed, but as any other respectful Water Tribesperson, he backed down and left Tenoko alone to recover.

Tenoko was kept there for about a week before she grew tired of it. Using her authority, she discharged herself and returned home, but this was ultimately a foolish decision, as Tenoko’s wound did not heal.

She kept this a secret for about a month before word got out. It got out only because Tenoko fainted, and there was blood on her unconscious form. At first the people thought it was an assassination attempt, but after finding no evidence, they realized that it was Dento’s wound. Naturally, word of the Water Chief collapsing all of a sudden spread like a flash flood. Her parents, assuming that she did not want to return to the hospital, took her to her chamber and brought the healers to her, as opposed to the other way around. Needless to say, they were the most concerned [but Zadok was a close second].

When Tenoko came around again, they asked her why she had done what she did. She naturally answered exactly the way that parents who know their children would expect.

“Why didn’t you just request to be taken back here like you are right now,” her father half-chuckled, “it would have saved a lot of time and saved you a lot of pain.”

“I don’t like feeling like this, dad,” Tenoko replied, “I feel useless—like I’m holding myself back—like I should be doing things for the Tribe when I can’t. That was why I tried to hide it. Damn you, Dento; what in nine blazes did you do to me?”

“Tenoko,” her mother exclaimed, “you don’t need to feel that way at ll. Regardless of who you are—commoner or Tribal Chief—you’re still only human. You’re still subject to sickness and injury. Think back at all the people who visited you. Did any of them look upset?”

“Aye,” Tenoko replied, many of them did.”

“They were upset at what happened to you,” Jado responded, “no one is blaming you for what happened. If political needs show up in the time when you are bedridden, the Tribe Council will take care of it, Tenoko. That is what they are here for, and we hand-picked them. They are here for you in times of need, Tenoko. Be sure to consult them often.”

“I know, I know,” Tenoko replied, “you told me this, mom. It’s just—I hate feeling like this. You know me: I hate being left out of any action, even if there is none. I hate being incapacitated.”

“Then just relax,” her father assured her, “or ask for one of your friends to show up and keep you company. I guarantee that several of them would like to talk to you again whenever you next get the chance.”

“I like that plan,” Tenoko replied, “send in Zadok. Besides, it’s getting late, and I want a few words with him before he leaves.”

“Very well then,” her parents replied, “we shall see you around, Chief Tenoko. Farewell.”
With that, her parents left, giving Zadok time to come in. Tenoko’s bleeding has stopped (at least the external bleeding) and she was lying in bed, completely dressed in her fancy things again. Zadok was of course, not paying attention to her clothes, and so he simply jumped on top of her and began showering her face with kisses.

A few things were going through Tenoko’s mind at this point, but regardless, knowing that she had so many people on her side to help her made her happy.

~Katara~