Avatar
In the Beginning
For thousands of years there has always been the Avatar, the soul of nature that is reincarnated into the world over and over, each life different than before, never repeating itself. The Avatar has been born into each of the four nations more than once and probably close to a hundred times each. The soul has been male and female, knowing the trials and errors of each sex. Yet there is another soul that has wandered the world just as long as the Avatar. This soul is called the Chalice.
The Chalice is the human spirit incarnate. This soul is normally the opposite in appearance and personality from the Avatar. It is the universal equal to its opposite and can often be found with the Avatar. In most instances, these two become lovers. They have been together since before there was time, the Chalice balances the Avatar as the Avatar balances the world. The task for both souls in the world is tiring and hard, but together they help each other through and complete their destinies.
There is an order that helps keep the Chalice safe from the world, because of the bond that is formed between the Avatar and this soul often renders both somewhat weak. Many men have sought the Chalice to make the Avatar useless. This order was named after the favorite flower of the very first Chalice. A lotus blossom is the emblem of this order reminding man of the beauty and humility of the world. The order watches over the Chalice until the Chalice is fully realized. Once the Chalice is fully realized, their main duty is to unite the Avatar with the Chalice.
"Do I have to keep reading this, Gyatso?" Aang was bored of reading about Avatar duties. The highest monk decided it was best that he began learning about his role in the world as the Avatar and what to expect, in some way. He had only found out that he was the Avatar a couple days ago.
"I think you deserve a break for a while my young pupil. I think the elder monks forget sometimes that you are still a child", the old monk sighed. He was still furious about their choice to tell Aang before his 16th birthday. Never had an Avatar been told this young due to the risk of causing spiritual doubt in the young soul. It was obvious that Aang was feeling doubtful of everything lately.
"Maybe they made a mistake?" the young boy seemed to be begging his master for an answer that was obviously not there. He was hoping to be told that it was a possibility, but there was a simple huff as Gyatso spoke his mind.
"I think it's time you met someone. She is ready to be with you", Gyatso smiled, knowing that the Western temple was growing anxious about bringing the young girl he was speaking about, to be with Aang.
"Let me guess, the Chalice?" Aang mumbled. He was past being the Avatar and all of the duties that came with it.
"Aang, please understand. There are things in this world that no textbook can explain. There are several responsibilities with being the Avatar, but there are a few perks as well…" the monk hinted.
"Like what?" the younger airbender had to admit that the old man knew how to peak his interest.
"Well, for one you get to travel the world. You will learn from each of the other three nations. You will master water, earth, and fire. Each is a disciplined experience but you will meet new people. Another great perk is all the pretty girls…" Gyatso laughed.
"Lecher!" Aang laughed.
"I will send word to the Western temple. I think it's time you finally met Ava", the elder monk smiled, "I think the two of you will be getting along quite well."
A few weeks later the monks from the Western temple arrived with the young girl named Ava. There was a formal ceremony welcoming her and her chaperones. It then led to a procession that went to the highest point of the Southern temple where Aang was waiting to meet her. Gyatso encouraged Aang to present her with a flower, a lotus blossom, that he had one of his trained flying lemurs procure.
Aang had to admit that he was very excited and also very nervous about meeting someone new. Gyatso told him that this person knew how he felt since the others knew he was the Avatar. She would be his companion and he would be hers. There would be no separation; even the monks had no control over the bond that the two of them were to form. Yet Aang was nervous mostly because of the pressure for him and this girl named Ava to get along. What if they didn't? Gyatso said that they would most likely click, like two souls who had been searching for each other.
When she reached the end of the trail leading up to the gazebo where the young Avatar and his mentor waited, Aang couldn't help but catch his breath. She was simply beautiful. Her long dark hair was in a braid that laid across the front of her chest on the right side. It was nearly to her waist. There were lotus blossoms in her hair and she wore a white dress that fluttered in the wind. It was not a fancy dress but enough to catch his eye. She was being escorted by the high monk from the Western temple.
When they reached the gazebo, the young girl looked up into the Avatar's face. Her brown eyes were twinkling with amusement. In that moment, Aang felt like he would never be alone. Ava was here and he was complete.