Red Water

by sungross

Part 1 of Red Water. The Fire Nation is thrown into chaos when news reaches the Firelord that small villages are being attacked by a small rogue group of waterbenders who can bend blood. They need the Avatar, but can he be trusted with the safety of the Fire Nation?

1. Chapter 1

Red Water

by Ross Hong

Upon the cold mountain lay a small, wooden staff. It was laying on the tree's side, and it was almost out of balance. The ground was fresh, newly fallen snow. Interestingly enough, next to the staff was a man with blue tattoos sitting in a cross-legged position with his eyes closed. He was invincible to the cold, sharp winds swirling all around him. His tunic ruffled in the wind, and snow particles slowly began gathering on his trimmed beard. He sat silent, and so did the mountain top. All of a sudden, the man breathed in, and all of the snow particles stopped, along with the winds. They sat frozen in place, and as he exhaled, they fell to the ground. He finally opened his eyes to see a setting sun. He winced, grabbed his staff , and stood up. His staff arm violently shook in the air, and out popped blue wings on the sides of staff. The man readied himself, then, as he was about to take off, an ominous red blob in the sky to the right of him scared him. He stood his ground, and prepared for battle, when he saw, riding the red blob (which was now clearly seen as a red, fire-breathing dragon), was his dearest friend, Firelord Zuko. The man waved at him with a smile, and Firelord Zuko waved back and called out "AANG!" Aang watched as Zuko pulled in next to the mountain top, hovering.

"What brings you here to the Air Nation temples?" Aang asked.

Firelord Zuko returned with "I was about to ask you the same." They both laughed, and as soon as they were done with their chuckle, Zuko answered "There have been reports of rogue Waterbenders around here. They have been attacking small Fire nation towns and stealing from the people. I was scouting around here."

Aang looked at him, puzzled. "Why is the Firelord scouting instead of sending out his scouts?"

"Because Aang, these are not ordinary waterbenders. They are the ones you told me about. The-"

"Bloodbenders." finished Aang darkly. "Is there any way for me to help?"

"Not currently," Zuko replied. "I've scouted every temple in the Air Nation - nothing to be seen except ruined buildings.

"Now, answer my question - what are YOU doing here?"

Aang didn't respond for the longest time.

[PART 2 IN PROGRESS]