Chapter Four “Amber"

     The sun sprayed Xan’s room with a warm, orange glow as he rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed. Standing up, he made his way over to the window and watched as the outsiders prepared themselves for their trip back home. His eyes scanned the village as they caught Kiako leaving her home after bidding her parents farewell. She, also, would help protect the people since they were a large number.
     Xan looked over at Mina’s hut, as she walked out and greeted the villagers good morning. Her staff in hand, she made her way over to the square and attempted to round up the outsiders with Kiako’s help. When the large group finally started to assemble, an awful feeling clawed at Xan’s stomach. Rubbing it, he started making his way down to the square.

     “Everyone, PLEASE make sure you have all family members AND belongings with you! “ Kiako shouted, trying to catch everyone’s attention. The outsiders looked around themselves, following the command, as they made sure they had not left anything in the village. Mina had just finished disputing with an older woman when Xan came into her view. With large smiles they embraced, and with Xan’s help, both Mina and Kiako managed to get everyone ready to leave.

     “OK EVERYONE PLEASE LISTEN UP!!!” Mina shouted over the buzz of talking. “Everyone must stick to the group or risk becoming lost! Both Kiako and I will guide you back to your village, so please be patient! We will be leaving in a moment!”
     With that, everyone went back to talking as they waited for departure. Mina looked over at Xan who returned her gaze with a faint smile that faded within a few seconds. Concerned, Mina made her way over to him through the crowd and touched his arm.
     “What’s wrong?”
     “Can’t I come with you?”
     “No Xan. You’re the leader of this village, and they need you here.”
     “But -- ”
     She placed her finger over his mouth.
     “I’ve done this many times before. You’ve seen my abilities; you’re the one who said my skill with the bow is amazing… You don’t think I can protect myself?”
     “It’s not that, I just… Please be careful Mina.”
     He grabbed her hands and held them, and she let out a smile.
     “I’ll be back before you know it, you’ll see. Besides, we have our necklaces to cherish. You’ll be with me wherever I go and I’ll be with you.”
     Xan couldn’t help but smile at that fact. They had made each other necklaces when she had started escorting people back home in an attempt to stay in contact with each other.
     “Alright,” he said finally and Mina hugged him.
     And with a final kiss, Mina parted from Xan and joined Kiako at the head of the group, and they began their journey out of the village.


     Mina adjusted her bow so that it hung from her belt loosely, enough for her to grab it with ease if the time came. She glanced at the rising sun and back at the group of people following behind her. Kiako soon came running up to her from her position at the back.
     “Is everyone doing ok?” Mina asked.
     “Yep, everyone’s peachy. Normally someone would be complaining by now.”
     A moment after Kiako spoke, one person near the front began to grumble about how the sun kept staring him in the eye. Kiako and Mina couldn’t help but giggle. Walking backwards, Mina addressed the group.
     “Patience, my friends. A valuable friend for such a journey. You shall all be in your homes before the day is over.” Mina turned back around and continued walking with Kiako.
     “I should probably get back to my post,” Kiako stated. They both nodded as the earth bender stopped and watched the villagers walk passed until she could see the end.

     The sun continued to climb across the sky as the group neared the top of a hill along the pathway. Mina paused for a moment at the top and took in her surroundings. The pathway continued down then straight across to the village of Amber, right alongside a small lake with the corresponding name. The forest all around them began to grow darker, giving it an unsettling edge.
     Mina waved the group onward, and they continued their trek until at last everyone was within the village. Thanking Mina and Kiako for their time and protection, the people made their way to their homes. Mina glanced out of the village to the trees and the pathway back to Onyx.
     “Ever have the feeling your being watched with… Unwanted eyes?” Mina said, scanning the pathway. Kiako did the same.
     “I’ve been getting weird feelings all day too.. We should be careful… The sun’s already starting to set.”
     Mina nodded and tightened her grip on her staff.
     With determination written across their faces, Kiako and Mina began their journey back home.