The clash of steel sang out all around him, while the stench of sweat filled his nostrils. The large room was hot, due to both the number of bodies working out in it, and the fact that there were Firebenders practicing as well. Yue's wooden staff connected with his opponent's shoulder. Hard enough to warn the man he had gotten hit, but gentle enough not to cause him injury. The two backed up a bit, resetting their match, and after a moment began again. As their sparring continued, Yue's face remained as blank as it had been when they first started over an hour ago. Though he was tiring, as evident by the sweat causing his hair to stick to him, and by his heavier breathing, his expression showed no signs of it. Unlike his opponent, who was much more visibly tired.
They went on for a while longer, before Yue's opponent bent over with his hands on his knees. The younger soldier let up his attacks and instantly made sure his ally and training partner was okay. Though he may have been serious, he wasn't uncaring. The two agreed to call it a day and went their separate ways. It was Yue's day off, so naturally he planned on spending it training, or reading, as usual. As he left the training hall he retrieved his other weapons from the wall. The jian he strapped to his waist, while the tessen was tucked into the long sleeve of his top. The staff stayed in his left hand, tucked up against his body respectfully.
As Yue was heading to his room to clean up after training, he was stopped by another soldier. Apparently his father, General Wudao, wanted to see him. After thanking the soldier, Yue changed directions and began the walk to his father's office. He couldn't help but wonder just what his father wanted from him. It must have been a new assignment of some kind, that was the only time the man ever talked to him. He prayed to whatever higher power was out there that this new assignment would be more fun than the last ones. Guard duty and border skirmishes were hellishly boring.
Yue approached his father's office and rapped sharply on the door. Entering at his father's command. "You wanted to see me sir?" Yue said, his expression calm as ever.
General Wudao's usually stern expression softened. 'Boy, I may be your commanding officer, but I'm also your father. When we're alone, you're allowed to refer to me as such." The man stated, just as calmly as his son had.
Yue bowed respectfully. "Of course, father." Though the way he said father was exactly the same as he would have said sir.
General Wudao rose from his desk and beckoned his son to come towards him. The man turned around and looked out the large window behind his desk, watching the people go about their day, most none the wiser about what would happen next. "As you probably already know, the Water Tribe seems to be set on world domination." The man explained after Yue went to stand next to him. "And as you also already know, the Avatar is from the Fire Nation this time. We have located him, a boy just a few years younger than yourself."
Yue listened in silence, but at this he perked up. "I assume the Avatar is the key to stopping the Water Tribe." He stated, not asked.
General Wudao nodded. "Right now, he is only capable of Firebending. He will need teachers if he is to master the other elements and keep the peace. That is where you come in." The man paused, making Yue think this entire thing was a cruel joke. He was incapable of teaching the Avatar any bending style. "Your new assignment is simple. Protect the Avatar at all costs. If you fail this mission, your life is forfeit."
Though he didn't show it, Yue was frightened by the prospect, but also excited by it. "I understand father, and I will not fail."
General Wudao smiled. "Atta boy. You will find the boy on Ember Island, I suggest you pack your things and move quickly, he'll be moving soon."
With that, Yue was dismissed, and left his father's office after giving the man a bow. Yue walked through the halls towards his room, his pace faster than normal and a bit of a spring in his step. His new mission most certainly wasn't going to be boring, that's for sure. His heart fluttered with excitement and his usual blank expression was slightly less blank and leaning towards a smile. He returned to his room and quickly packed a bag. Something light that wouldn't slow him down, but also contained very useful objects. The least useful thing he had was a book, but that was one thing he couldn't go without in his eyes.
Packing took him less than ten minutes, and after it was done, he set off. The only person he would even consider saying goodbye to was his mother, and likely his father had already told her, so that would have just been a waste of time. Instead he set off right away toward Ember Island. Keeping his new mission fresh in his mind. Find and protect the Avatar, no matter the cost.