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XXX Yu-Tai
In a split second, all of Tai's fear is replaced with a feeling of bewilderment.
Tai's column of fire had broken perfectly in two. Tai hadn't done that, hadn't had the time to even think. No, Eiyo had broken that attack. Eiyo had firebended. Eiyo was a firebender.
He snaps back to reality as Eiyo crumbles, and in an instant Tai is there, hovering over him. He's sure the expression of shock and fear on Eiyo's face is mirrored on his own, and he does his best to shake it off as he kneels in front of his friend. Eiyo's hands are shaking. Tai winces at the sight of the burns, the skin blistering and red. It's strange. A firebender shouldn't be burned.
Firebender.
Suddenly on edge, Tai's gaze whips around the training yard. There's not a soul in sight. He takes a breath, still nervous. What will happen if Eiyo is discovered? Tai doesn't want to find out.
He leans close to Eiyo, tries to meet his gaze, to draw the attention of those bright, shining eyes.
"Eiyo?" He whispers, carefully grips the boy's wrists. "We need to find you a healer."
We. Always we. For a split second, Tai recalls how angry he and Eiyo had been at each other just moments ago. But all that is gone now. All Tai can think about is his guilt, throwing fire at Eiyo. These burns, these painful, blistering burns, are all his fault. Everything is his fault.
Almost like a child, Tai whispers to his companion, his voice breaking. "Please. Let's go."