Castilian

Author note: I apologise for the lack of activity this past nearly two years but my laptop broke, only just managing to save my files before I got a new laptop. I've been busy with A-levels and exams that has been extremely time consuming and stressful. Sadly I am putting The Return on hold because I want to focus on this new story. This story has been one I have been writing for literally years, this is my edited version as my original version I have changed slightly after going so far and wanting to change some aspects.

I hope you do enjoy this story and when I get back into The Return I will go back as that also needs editing from some holes I realised are in it. This story I hope to update every two weeks or so, maybe sometimes a month as I'm now in University and that takes priority over everything else. However because of the original version I do have most of the story line mapped out in my head and in previous writings so that's a good start.

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar The Legend Of Aang/The Last Airbender (whichever you decide to call it because technically the first and second box sets had The Legend Of Aang but I'm just being pedantic :P)

However Castilian is a character created by me and characters around her (I.e. Balthazar) are mine muhahaha

Without further ado here's Castilian.

Prologue

He paced across the dimly lit room methodically as his mind whizzed through multiple possibilities and their outcomes. It was too early and he knew it yet he had no other choice. Any other option he took would lead in disaster and that wasn't something he was willing to let happen. His life had not been easy and the path he was going to lead her on wasn't exactly going to be a comfortable ride either. The pacing stopped as he went over to the control desk. A smooth black surface, raised off the ground with glowing blue buttons and levers. Above the desk were three large flat screens that hung from the ceiling with thick wires. The entire room was dark, so dark in fact that you could not see the actual ceiling nor the walls. The only way you could identify the floor, apart from standing on it, were the blue lines that ran across like a circuit board which spread out from the control desk.

The man wore a cloak that made him blend into the room with his hood up but a pair of light brown eyes shone through else the room seemed completely empty. Eyes that held years of experience and pain but also the spark of joy and happiness. He sighed however with his eyes downcast at the present moment as he pressed a button with one long slender finger. "I'm sorry but you're the future. I hope you will forgive me in time." One hand passed over his face in exhaustion and he gazed up at the screens.

The middle screen crackled to life and as it cleared the image of a bedroom began to emerge. The bedroom was small but filled with a wooden wardrobe, a cream coloured chair and a bunk bed with storage cupboards underneath. The walls were a light shade of purple whilst a large window that took up most of one wall was situated opposite the door. Outside it was dark, the sun long gone and within the room it was dark. Some stars shone through in that summers night but most were covered by thick fluffy clouds and the street lamps that blocked out the light. It was quiet, no cars drove passed. The only thing you could hear if you strained your ears was the soft breathing of the girl on the bed. She had long brown hair that cascaded slightly over her face though not enough to block her peaceful face as she slept, eyes closed and her hands gripping the covers slightly.

The cloaked man stared at the sleeping girl. She was only 16 years old he thought to himself. Too young for such danger but with some hesitancy he placed one hand flat on the control desk. It was a long moment later that his hand began to slowly glow a dark purple. Not noticeable at first but the colour and brightness grew till it lit up his cloak, face and the room around him. The purple energy spread, covering the once blue buttons in that purple light till the entire desk was bursting with said energy. At that time inside the screen the same purple light began to pulsate around the girls form before in a blink of an eye she disappeared from the room in a flash of light. The man quickly retracted his hand as the glow dimmed then went out completely so the desk was once again black and blue. He pulled the lever next to him and then several buttons in rushed succession as the screen to the right crackled to life.

The same girl appeared on the screen, still asleep yet with no bed nor covers. Nor was she within any walls but in the middle of nowhere. Around was darkness but in the few moments that passes light began to creep in as the sun began its long crawl upwards at the arrival of the morning. To the right of the girl was a stone wall with fresh white snow piled high, however on the other side there was a long drop to the ground. You could not see the ground at all as high up as she was the clouds obstructed any vision downwards. The stone wall made up the temple. The great Southern Air Temple which was now sadly abandoned. Placing her here though would set her on her path towards her destiny. He knew that but although there wasn't anything he could do now an idea popped into his head. A gift. He turned from the monitors and rushed over to a corner. It held a small pile of things, his collecting over the years he supposed. He moved a small cardboard box out of the way and stacked to a pile on the right. Underneath held a small leather backpack he had once used. Back in the day. His fingers gingerly grasped the two leather straps, lifting the possession up before for a long moment it seemed he moved back to the control desk. Once he got to the desk he undid the button at the top to open the bag as he peered inside.

Nodding to himself everything was in order his right hand began to glow that bright purple. A split second later a rumble of what sounded like thunder rippled across the room and an unknown wind blew through the room that tugged on his hood though it didn't slip down. In front of him grew a large purple portal the swirled with different shades of purple. Without hesitation he stepped through and found himself in the girl's bedroom. The dark room cascaded shadows from the light from the portal making the already purple walls seemingly glow. At total random he grabbed some trousers, a t-shirt, jacket, socks and a pair of trainers before packing them tightly inside the backpack. He glanced around the room in thought before turning back to the portal. His hand glowed purple again and in response the portal seemed to shimmer for a quick moment. He stepped through and the portal closed behind him, leaving the bedroom in complete darkness once more.

Instead of stepping through to the control room he instead found himself standing next to the girl who still slept soundly. With the sky still somewhat dark and the winter air a little chilly he gently took out a blue jacket he had taken from her room and laid it over her. She shivered for a moment before again becoming still. He looked up at the sky then around, down to the depths below, then sighed. It had to be this way he kept reminding himself though it didn't make him feel much better. The grips of doubt were creeping in, as were the grips of guilt as he looked down at her in sadness. She was the future after all. He would not live forever and yet nor would she. So many things could go wrong. Oh he knew the risks. This was the safest path but every path had its fair share of risks. This one was no different. He only hoped… Oh yes he hoped she would make it through and that when they finally did meet she wouldn't hate him for all he had done. He had hated him all those years ago, a small part of him now as he truly realised what it was like. He just held pity now. This was what she would feel also in the years to come.

He knelt down to her, pushing a strand of hair from her face that covered her right eye before gently whispering. "Be safe. I will be here to guide you but the people here will teach you what you need to know. Learn from them. Experience this world fully and it'll help in the years to come." He rested a hand gently atop her head, she mumbled something incoherently in her slumber which gave him a small smile, such innocence. "Please forgive me for my actions. One day you to will understand this great strife for yourself. Be strong and be vigilant we all count on you."

He stood up again giving a swift glance to the rising sun and then to the portal. "Until we meet again. Hope it shall be in better circumstances." He said before bowing low and leaving through the portal which closed rapidly behind him.

He returned to the control room, his body ridden with shudders. His feet stumbled as he made his way to the desk before slapping two hands onto the sides and lurching forward. Two small drops of liquid plummeted and splashed against the black panels that held the desk together as a sob escaped his dry lips. His eyes were closed. Closed from the worlds for he did not wish to see them. For just once in his existence he did not want to see what was happening across them. Not now. He would once again look at the screens and view like he always did. Like an observer but for now he could not bear it.

If he had taken a glance at the screens, even for a moment he would have seen the black blur that ripped through the girl's room and into the cliff area she was now in. But he did not look and the black blur, after coming into that new world, disappeared into the sky as the sun rose.

The late sun had begun to gain speed as it rose and as the sunlight crept across the rocks and earth it streamed over the girls face. It's bare warmth covering her like a thin blanket against the cold though it was not enough to stop her shivering as it reached across her entire face. That was when her eyes began to open. Brown eyes met the sky above at the start of a new day and a new life. She just didn't know it yet.

Season 1 Episode 3 - Chapter 1

The first sensation I remember when I woke up was that of cold. That and the feeling of goose bumps across my arms as I shivered uncontrollably. I hadn't left the window open had I? It was summer it certainly shouldn't be this chilly. It wasn't till I opened my eyes that I knew and understood the true extent of my confusion. Well it did indeed multiple my questions from that to maybe one thousand. A picture holds a thousand words I had once been told yet this sight held all of which with an accompanying question mark. A bold question mark at that. I sat up rather sharply, my hands pushing painfully on the freezing ground below. Ground? I looked down and saw stone. This was definitely not my mattress nor the place I had fallen asleep in. I looked down at the blue jacket that was draped over me and cuddled it for warmth, putting my arms into the sleeves and zipping it up. This had been in my wardrobe that I last remembered. I was positive about that since I put it inside there the other day so what the heck was going on?

As I took in my surroundings of rock and sky I stood up and put my back against the flat wall behind me. The snow instantly numbing my feet and I looked down and cursed slightly under my breath at my stupidity. I really needed to find somewhere warm. A cave around perhaps? With a cautious step I peered over the edge. I was surprised that I couldn't see the bottom all I could see was mist and clouds. Strange. How high was I up then? I didn't feel lightheaded from altitude. Shouldn't I feel that? My vision blurred for a second as a dizzy spell took over causing me to retreat quickly back to the safety of the wall. Normally I wasn't scared of heights but seriously I had no clue where I was or whether this ground was safe at all. It could give way at any moment. I needed to move away from this quickly. I had no wish to stay near here. The cold and being in the open was an unpleasant feeling.

As I turned to move my foot grazed something. Confused I looked down to see a smallish brown bag. This must have been lying here with me. Why? It wasn't mine nor had I ever seen it before. "What the hell?" I picked it up anyway and opened up the bag. I know it wasn't mine but for it to be beside me it had to hold some sort of importance besides I hoped there was food or something. The thought of food caused a ripple of sickness through me. How was I meant to find food, or even water for that matter, up here in the middle of nowhere? How was I going to survive? The snow was all I had around me at this moment. The sickness doubled as I found no food inside though there was a water bottle. What surprised me more that caused a wave of worry to flood me was the fact that my clothing were inside. Why would someone put my clothes inside a bag? There was only one explanation. Only one to explain all this.

"I'm dreaming of course!" I exclaimed brightly. "None of this is real! When I wake up I'll be in bed at home." I shook my head and laughed. "Ha I was so worried! Right lets go enjoy my dream then. One of my more interesting ones for sure!"

I laughed again as I followed the ridge round, throwing the bag onto my back with carelessness. Honestly it was amazing the quality of the dream though, I was impressed. I must have been more tired than I thought! Seriously deep sleeping! I carried on walking, taking in the amazing view with awe. So high up I was and it was beautiful. I must have left the window open, it would explain the cold during my dream. I didn't recognise the place however so I really needed to get somewhere warm or away from the elements. Searching would helpfully find out where I was. It was intriguing. I shivered against the cold, pulling my jacket tighter around my frame. Even though this wasn't a dream I didn't really to get imaginary frostbite. I laughed slightly at my own joke although a sudden gust of cold wind blew my hair and made me grit my teeth. Shit this weather. I hope it didn't get worse. I was liking this dream and I had no wish for this to turn into a nightmare.

The edge I noticed was widening, gradually as I only just realised. I hoped it meant there was somewhere I could hold up and stay warm, well warmish up here. A cave would be very helpful right now though given my past experience of dreams they don't always go your way when you want. It's more when you need. I shrugged my shoulders and rounded the corner. My mouth opened slightly in awe. This wasn't what I was expecting. To my left were high wooden poles stuck into the ground with a hoop at each end that had a revolving door inside. I recognised this place.

"The Southern Air Temple." I breathed to myself, a plume of white cloud escaping my mouth and rising into the air.

Of all the places to dream… I turned around and saw a large patch of snow on a precarious edge, below however was a helmet. Red and grey with deep black eyes that stared back at me. I jumped back slightly in surprise and slight disgust. A Fire Nation helmet. I took a few steps back with my hand over my mouth but that would mean that Monk Gyatso… A sickening feeling rose at the back of my throat. Somehow I swallowed it back down but I turned away from the helmet quickly walked back to the path I had trekked up.

A bald boy rushed past me, taking me by surprise as I fell over, the ground froze my bottom in a matter of seconds. My breath caught up to me as I turned around to get a better look at the boy. He wore orange clothing with blue tattoos. This dream… Wow… He stopped for a second realising something the spun back around, a face lighting up like a kids at Christmas. He ran back up towards me, a giant grin on his face.

"Are you from the Air Temple? Or are you visiting? I'm Aang. Where us everyone?" He spouted out the three questions in such a rush I nearly didn't catch them though he stood there with hopefulness in his eyes.

My eyes drifted to the floor, he didn't know yet… Oh god.

"I'm just a simple guy with simple needs." A voice said from behind us as we both turned to look at the new people.

They both wore blue clothing, a male and female. Both stood shocked however the male was the first to react getting out a boomerang from a holder on his back and rushing towards me, the sharp blade glinting in the morning sun. I jumped back, my eyes wavering on the weapon with apprehension. Please don't get any closer. I willed as I gritted my teeth to stop myself from shaking. It was only just then I realised I was. Whether it was from the cold or from fear I couldn't decide. Maybe both I supposed.

I raised my hands and spoke, taking a small step forward. "Please I'm not here to harm I'm a traveller."

He saw my step as an advancement and pushed the blade into my neck. I felt the warm ooze of blood trick down my neck. He hadn't cut in deep but I flinched at the small pain the wound gave me. The cold wind chilled the wound causing it to sting even worse.

"Who are you? Are you from the Fire Nation?" He asked accusingly, not moving the blade or loosening his grip.

"I'm Elie. No I'm not from the Fire Nation I'm a traveller." I answered truthfully, keeping my hands raised and my body tense. I could hear my heart beating in my ears.

"Sokka that's enough!" The female argued from behind. "She's harmless look."

The male now called Sokka, though of course I knew that already, looked at me from head to toe and seeing no weapons he relaxed and lowered the boomerang. I took a breath of relief and lowered my hands.

"Sorry about my paranoid brother." The female apologised. "I'm Katara by the way and you've already met Aang."

I laughed uneasily. "Haha yeah." I put a hand on my neck and winced. "I have a brother too though he's definitely not as protective as yours."

Sokka gave me a sour look at that comment but didn't retort. Katara came up to me and removed my hand, she eyes the cut and smiled with what I could guess was relief. She had such kind blue eyes and her hair was partly braided with two strand each side of her head and then put into a bun at the back. I looked over at Sokka who was putting the boomerang back in the holder. They did seem alike, his blue eyes were more watchful. Aang's grey ones were definitely playful if his bountiful energy was anything to go by.

"I'll heal up fine." She told me, turned around and giving a warning glance at Sokka. He seemed to sense it as he looked up then sighed.

"I'm sorry." He mumbled, stuffing his hands into his pockets and going over to Aang who was gazing around.

I noted his face was a mixture of hope but sadness. The worst was yet to come. I went up to Aang as did Katara as we looked over at the densely packed sticks that I had seen earlier.

"So that's where my friends and I would play airball!" Aang exclaimed in delight, whirling round to his right and said. "And… over there would be where the bison would sleep… and…" He trailed off and I heard him sigh. Aang…

"What's wrong?" Katara asked with swift concern noticing Aang's dramatic change in demeanour.

"This place used to be full of monks and lemurs and bison. Now it's just full of weeds." He looked down, his mouth turned down in sadness, eyes close to tears. "I can't believe how much has changed." He mumbles.

I glance at Katara and Sokka as they look at each with worry as Sokka suddenly changed the subject. Although I don't input just stand there. He's going to find out sooner rather than later…

"So, uh, this airball game? How do you play?" Sokka asked putting on a smile as Aang's face lights up.

Xoxoxoxoxoxox

Katara and I watch from the side lines as Aang and Sokka stand on the poles, each having a hoop behind them. Aang had his right hand out using his air bending to rapidly spin the ball. Bit of an unfair advantage to be honest but after Sokka stabbing me a sly grin was not missed on my face. Katara and I saw Aang beginning to spin the ball around his figure, I cross my arms and wait. It was six-nil at this point so I knew what was about to happen. My sly grin grew wider. He threw the ball up high. Very high that although I followed it up with my eyes it was just a tiny blip in the sky. Sokka watched the ball nervously also. Aang however being so confident, his grin not leaving him, puts his hands behind his back and shuts his eyes. Prepare yourself Sokka I thought to myself, a laugh nearly escaping my mouth. Katara also has a smile on her face though her eyes tell a different story. They're full of worry. This blindness can't hold forever and she knows it. Just as motherly as ever. Oh Katara.

One eye cracks open and at that precise moment he bends the air which send the descending ball forwards at an alarming speed. It hits the first stick before bouncing back and forth from stick to stick so quick I could hardly follow it with my eyes. I give up following the ball and looked at Sokka who stares hopelessly at the incoming pain. The ball hits its mark right in his stomach as he gets flung backwards through the hoop. The door continues to rotate as he falls to the ground nearby.

"Hahaha." Aang says in triumph. "Aang seven, Sokka zero." Showing the score with his fingers and moving his down to his toes and back around again to emphasise the zero.

I glance over at Sokka, looking battered. "Making him feel better is putting me in a world of hurt."

His body goes still then he begins to move forward. I follow his eyes and I see the helmet, the same sick feeling begins to rise but I clench my fists and force it down. Sokka crawls towards the helmet and I begin to walk forward also despite my high desire to run.

"Katara check this out." Sokka says quietly to his sister, looking over at me as I approach before looking back at the helmet.

As her eyes fall on the object she says with contempt in her voice. "Fire Nation."

"We should tell him." Sokka decides, I nod in agreement.

Katara, seeing us both decide Aang should know, turns around and calls. "Aang, there's something you need to see!"

Aang was still playing with the airball but hearing Katara call he looks up and shouts back. "Okay!"

I knew what would happen now and just as I thought as Katara looks between Aang approaching and the ominous helmet. Quickly deciding whether to see that happy face fall or remain, she waterbends the snow from above as it engulfs the helmet and partly Sokka, much to his annoyance.

At that moment Aang reaches us and asked. "What is it?"

Katara stumbles out a lie with uncertainty. "Uh… just a new waterbending move I learned."

Although the lie is obvious in her voice Aang doesn't pick up on it and replied. "Nice one." I sigh quietly to the side so no one can hear. "But enough practising." Aang adds with excitement in his voice. "We have a whole temple to see!"

All three of us watch him walk on and once he is out of ear shot Sokka, who wipes away the new fallen snow from his head and shoulders, says to Katara in a sad tone. "You know, you can't protect him forever."

I look at the two siblings, struggling to tell a 12 year old the horrors of what happened here a hundred years ago. "He's going to find out soon." My voice was quiet but oddly certain and strong for the tone. "His entire civilisation was wiped out that's not something you can ever hide from him. I know he's an innocent child but he has to know."

Katara looks back at me uncertainly, her face crestfallen. Just like a mother to a child, to see that happy face broken… Sokka says nothing either though I see he agrees with me, his mouth is set into a thin line. Even with your best efforts Katara, I think sadly to myself, he'll find out soon. Sooner than you think.

Xoxoxoxoxoxox

Fun Fact: The story was originally going to be called Dimensions.

Hope you enjoyed the Prologue and Chapter 1

Please review and favourite if you wish I enjoy feedback ^_^

Any ideas are also welcome as are questions or suspicions ^_^

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