A Path Strewn With Thorns
DISCLAIMER: Avatar is not mine (sob) and never will be.
NOTE: This is my first Avatar fanfic (and I'm actually in the middle of writing half a dozen other stories but I couldn't resist writing this, so great is my hunger for Chapter 13). So don't expect anything that good. I'm just releasing some pent up anxieties. Please review, though!
CHAPTER ONE
The wind whipped at his face. The breeze was a strong one. And the air was as chilly as the coldest winter's night. But all of this was extremely familiar. Aang slowly opened his eyes.
"Hello, Aang," said a kind and gentle voice.
"Hi there, Roku," greeted the younger avatar enthusiastically, "It's good to see you again."
They were both riding on the elder avatar's dragon, Fang, as he flew gracefully in a cloud-filled sky.
"So I guess you've come to give me some advice," chuckled Aang, not averse to the idea. Considering the circumstances, he needed all the advice he could get. Although he had feigned indifference to his closest friends, the memory of their invasion's defeat just a few days ago weighed heavily on his young shoulders. But then again, he couldn't help remembering what Wan Shi Tong's opinion had always been. Like Zhao, Aang's invasion had failed because he sought knowledge from the library only to defeat his enemies. His was a different destiny.
Then, there was the arrival of a former foe. Although he had accepted Zuko into their group, Aang was still uneasy over the young Firebender's presence. Katara's heated dislike of the prince only added to the young avatar's discomfort although he was puzzled as to the great extent of her hatred for Zuko. It was pretty strange considering he was the one Zuko had personally endangered for so long. If anything, he should be the one who hated Zuko the most. And yet he didn't.
Surprisingly, even sarcastic Sokka didn't really mind Zuko's presence although the Water Tribe warrior found it extremely awkward. But he was cool with it, nevertheless.
Fortunately, Toph trusted Zuko and that was one load off Aang's mind. It was quite ironic, actually, to think that Toph had a real, concrete grudge against Zuko (her feet were healing nicely but they were still slightly red) and yet she easily forgave him.
Then, there was still the looming question of what to do now? True, Aang did have a firebending teacher but would this be enough? Defeating the Fire Lord has proven, thus far, more challenging than he could ever have imagined.
All these thoughts passed through Aaang's mind before he realized that he was still with avatar Roku and the older man was gazing at him earnestly.
"Oh, sorry about that, my mind just wandered," Aang muttered, embarrassed.
"I understand completely, Aang," replied the other man gently, "You have much on your mind right now."
"Oh, Roku," Aang began in a hurried tone, "there's so much I want to ask you about.." But before he was able to continue, he was shushed by the old Avatar.
"I am well aware of that, Aang," interrupted Roku, "so I know that the span of one night will not be sufficient for us to tackle all we need to. So I will use this limited time to give you instructions about our next meeting. Please pay close attention."
Aang listened attentively, his face filled with determination.
"Once again," began Roku, "you will have to journey with me to the Spirit World. There are some people I would like you to meet. We will confer as to how you may best fulfill your destiny. You are to prepare yourself for this journey because it will last longer than all your other previous trips to the Spirit World. We will be having it on the night on the next full moon."
Aang nodded, taking everything in. He couldn't suppress all his excitement however. Going to the Spirit World was always an adventure and to imagine that it would be longer than his previous visits, was nothing short of a thrill.
"However, this time," continued the aged Avatar, with a sly expression on his face, which turned Aang a little apprehensive, "you won't be going alone."
Aang was instantly exhilarated. He thought about all the people he could bring to the Spirit World with him. Sokka had been there already but what the heck? It would be fun to see the sarcastic warrior's reaction to all the interesting things to see in that dimension. Toph might not exactly enjoy not seeing the sights but she might be interested in the new sensations she would feel in another world. It would be convenient to have Appa join him as well, although Hei Bai would always be there as a comfortable mode of transportation. What would Katara do if she were to go with him? The possibilities were simply endless.
"Before you get any funny ideas, Aang," Roku said, as if reading Aang's mind, "I'll tell you that this person has a connection to both of us. In fact, he is my great grandson."
Aang's jaw dropped miles below Fang's scaly body.
"You have a great grandson?"
"Why do you look so surprised? I was married and I had children."
"Yeah, but…but.."
"Don't forget to bring him with you. Remember, the night of the next full moon."
"But Roku, who is…"
Unfortunately, Aang was awakened by a small furry presence currently staring at him curiously.
"AAAH!!!" cried the surprised avatar, jumping awake, hand clutching at his heart.
"Momo," he chastised the lemur, "don't ever scare me like that again. For a moment there I thought you'd start talking."
To his relief, the lemur merely chirped in response.
"Looks like someone slept in this morning," said a familiar, sarcastic tone.
"Good morning to you too, Sokka," replied Aang cheerfully, "but you'll be glad to know that sleeping in was worth it this time."
"So how exactly are we going to find Avatar Roku's great grandson?" exclaimed a perplexed Sokka.
"Blame Momo," replied Aang with a nonchalant shrug, "he woke me up before Roku could tell me his great grandson's name."
"Are you sure this wasn't one of your weird hallucinatory dreams, like the ones you had a few days before the invasion?" asked a concerned Katara.
"I'm positive," replied Aang, "I just need to find out who Roku's great grandson is before the next full moon and I'll be all set."
"Yeah, that'll be really easy," remarked an unenthusiastic Sokka.
"Hey, maybe it will be," piped in Toph, who had been silent all throughout the discussion, "after all, we do have a Fire Nation person with us right now, if you haven't forgotten. Maybe Zuko can help us find Roku's descendant."
"Hey, you're right," said Aang with a grin, "I'll go ask him."
NOTE: Hate it? Love it? Bored by it? Please let me know. Reviews are my soul food. Thanks.
