Book 1 Chapter 7: The Sandstorm of Forgiveness
Characters: Ryan Gaia (Orion), Suta-Shutaru, and Jijia-su Gaia
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-The Exit-
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We traveled slowly towards the exit of the valley and when we reached the gates Suta was back on her feet and it was becoming dark again as our 5 day journey across that dangerous valley was at its end. I was still a little exhausted from my battle with the Dhai Li 2 days earlier but was able to manage. Suta was sleeping and me and grandfather were sitting around the fire watching the stars float across the sky. "I'm really sorry Orion what happened to you, I heard while I was in prison in the Northern Water Tribe. I couldn't help and it feels partially my fault that I couldn't stop your BROTHER from killing your family and your master." The world seemed to be crashing down, my brother? But he is as dead as my parents, it was my original Zetsumei Jutsu master was the one to commit this manslaughter. "No your wrong it was my former Zetsumei Jutsu instructor who killed my family, not my brother, NO!" There was silence. The wind was picking up outside and although the sun existed no more the sand and surface of the desert outside the valley walls were clearly visible. "It's true my grandson, believe me. I know the leader of the Black Rose Society and he is not your master Kamome but simply a thief of names who's original name was none other than Sousasu Gaia." For the past two days my grandfather had been completely open, whimsical, and showed me how to control my bending to an even farther degree through music, but he was now serious, and I hit the ground to see the vibration of his emotions. He wasn't lying. "So it was really Kamome who protected me not my brother?" I questioned, "Yes. He got wind of what your brother really was, showed your parents, and they threw him out of the White Lotus Organization. Two days later the tragedy happened and Kamome felt Sousasu's hatred coming nearer so he headed to your house to protect you and your family. He failed. These past three days have been wonderful with you my grandson, but I'm afraid that it is my time." "Grandfather no! It doesn't have to end! You could continue your journey with us, we might need you!" He got up and I followed and stepped in his way. "I will do what I must to make you stay, you're my last blood relative alive that I now do not hate. Please do not go. You can't stop me, you've seen my power old man, you know what I can do." We stood there in the firelight, the shadow of the edges of our faces flickering side to side. "Unfortunately you haven't seen my power." His hand glowed blue and before I could react he touched my chest, it was like he was filling the veins in my arms with pure energy. (theatrical music) "You must continue your journey with her young Orion." I fell to the ground and saw him walking towards the sandstorm. He was in the midst of the scorching hot sand swirling all around him and he looked back with a tear trickling down his left cheek. He held his hand up as if saying goodbye for only a short period of time and then it happened. Cracks appeared all around his face, clothing hair, everything and he burst into nothingness. "NOOOOOOOOO!!" I cried out and Suta ran out of her tent to see me on my knees crying. I had lost my last loved family member. First mom and dad, then Master Kamome, and now grandfather Jijia-su. My brother was going to pay. He was going to die. I failed them once before because I was scared that he was more skilled than me. But now, no fear, I would not fail again. I would train and train and train until I dropped every waking moment that I had. I thought this all to myself as I set there still sobbing and Suta held me closer than ever sobbing with me. The next morning I made him an unofficial grave and wept over my mighty grandfather for the last time.
