Apples
See if you can count all the A's in this. Because this is for the letter A.
The air was slightly cool as the air bison swooped and dived, trying to show off to the young monks that stared up at them from below. They knew that today was the day that they would receive a human companion. Animal guides were important to the survival of anyone who wanted to live on any air temple. The monks knew it, the air bison knew it, and nature knew it.
That's why, every year, the young monks would choose a companion by offering them an apple. To an air bison the apple symbolizes a forever friend, someone who will stay with you through the thick and the thin, someone who would laugh and smile with you just because they could.
This year the avatar was going to choose an animal guide. The air bison that received that honor would be remembered by everyone and honored by everyone until the next animal guide was chosen from the air nation. The last air bison that received that honor was named Anoka. His great great grandson, also named Anoka, was determined to receive that honor.
"Hey, Appa!" Anoka said as he flew up beside him. "Who do you think will pick you? I know the avatar will pick me. He just has to. I mean what other bison could even try to compete with me." He puffed out his chest.
Now Appa was always gentle by nature, he didn't want to offended Anoka but this constant pig headiness was starting to wear thin on everyone's nerves. "Anoka," he started quietly, "The avatar could choose anyone and you should be happy with who ever chooses you."
"He'll choose me though, I know It." he had a lot of confidence. Sometimes it was a good thing, but most of the time he just seemed conceited. Appa tried to respond, but just then Monk Gyatso's bison called them over.
"Today is a big day for you little ones. Today is the one where you find the person that will make you whole. You will complete him as he will complete you. Together you will live life to its fullest, finding joy in its small things, and comforting each other when life seems to tough to bear.
What I want you to remember it that the monks know what they are doing, they will not choose someone for their flying ability, or how strong they are, but for the sole that shines from within. They know that this day is important and they will not make a mistake even in the slightest.
May you continue the legacy of the animal guides before you. Also enjoy your self. Now go! Make this day one to remember." He spoke with confidence and authority, staring them all down until they slowly started to descend.
"Appa!" Anoka was calling him again. Appa slowed slightly letting him catch up. "I hope you find someone who will make you smile."
"I wish the same thing for you too." Appa stated softly.
"Thanks buddy." Anoka laughed slightly as he bumped in to Appa with his shoulder. Appa, however was not ready for the affectionate shove and started to spiral out of control.
He struggled to bend the air currents around him. He envisioned them catching him letting him land softly on the platform below. Concentrating very hard, he managed to land on his feet. He shook his head, trying to clear it from the sudden drop. Looking up he saw the avatar himself offering him, the shyest bison in the entire southern air temple, the apple that lay in his outstretched hand.
Appa stood up slowly. He heard the other air bison land behind him, lightly touching down. Just then the world seemed to stop, only revolving around Aang. He smiled slightly, still holding the apple out. The happiness that radiated off of him was intoxicating. Their soles seemed to meld together as Appa tackled him to the ground, licking him happily.
"I guess this means we'll always be together." Appa couldn't agree more as he continued to lick him. Aangs joyful laughs filled the air.
Over Aangs shoulder Appa spotted Anoka. He had approached a young girl. She was trembling as she offered him her apple. Anoka slowly walked toward her, then licked her. Her happy squeal bounced off the walls.
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Quills stuck in to me, stinging whenever I bumped them. My ankles were raw from the shackles rubbing against them constantly. I felt dirty and the hope that I once had of finding Aang was fading.
A figure dressed in green appeared near the edge of the cliff. She made her way slowly forward, moving with grace and power. Power like a firebender! I reared back, trying to get as much space between us as possible. The entrance to the cave was too close to where she was. The place I had found refuge the night before had become a prison in the space of a few seconds.
She had stopped. It was almost like she had done so because she knew that I was frightened, but that was impossible. The only people that had cared for me were Aang and his friends. No one else cared for me.
She spoke "It's going to be ok Appa. I have to leave, but I'll be back soon with help." She crouched down slightly, setting food on the ground. But the thing that caught my attention was a single apple.
Ok so mow manny A's were in there? let see who can get the closest!
