Chapter 2: Gyatso comes to town
Alan woke up, and he found himself inside the barn. He had slept pretty well, and when he checked his watch, it was early morning. Alan quickly remembered what he had learned to do the previous night, and then tried to manipulate air again to make sure that last night wasn't a dream. It wasn't. It was Sunday, and Alan didn't have any activities scheduled for the day, so he headed back towards the house.
His grandparents were obviously asleep, so he decided to take a walk around the neighbourhood to get his mind off everything. His walk was indeed very enjoyable, and he passed many houses. But one house caught his eye, and it was where Jimmy lived. The small boy's father often used to go to China for different purposes, and he seemed to have made lots of friends within the Chinese.
Alan proceeded, and he started going up a hill to breathe some fresh air, but then, he saw a figure who was seated at the top. Alan walked near him, and he saw an old man, bearded, and he was obviously meditating. Alan then recognized the man. It was Lee Gyatso! Alan got excited, but never bothered about disturbing the man. So, he sat down as well, and then started to form the tiny tornadoes on his joint palms again.
Avatar Aang and you are almost like one Alan.
Huh? Was that you sir?
Yes, it was me. I see that you have learnt to do some neat tricks during this lifetime.
Well, I discovered them only yesterday. Anyway, how do you know of this?
Alan, I too was an Airbender previously. I taught avatar Aang himself, but he left the Air Temple a long time back. But I have learnt that Aang did very well, defeating Fire Lord Ozai, and restoring balance in the world again.
Uh sir, what are you talking about?
Oh, so you don't know! Well, let me begin then. By the way Alan, I didn't come to Laynfield just for sightseeing, but I came here to train you. I learnt your name from Mason when he was in China. He was talking about his neighbours, and when he mentioned your name, I immediately knew that it had to be you!
I had to be what?
The Avatar, Alan. You are the Avatar of this generation, and it is up to you to maintain the balance between the four elements. Let me start the story then. You must listen to me, and you know that it's real, for you have discovered your ability on your own. This is indeed unique because none before you have ever learned to Airbend without proper teaching. Ok, and so….
Gyatso explained everything about the four elements, and everything about the avatars. He also explained about the rise and fall of the Fire Nation, and how the world had managed to keep everything about manipulating elements a secret. He explained that there were underground communities, who taught and carried our Bending of the elements. It seems that there were thousands of benders all around the world, all keeping their bending a secret, and teaching what they had learnt to the future generations. But Gyatso had bad news too. He told Alan that the Fire Nation might rise to power again, much more powerful than ever, and that spies of underground communities had seen armies of Fire Benders, training in isolated islands near Australia. He warned Alan that they might try to kill him if they knew that he was the avatar, and he also concluded by saying that Alan must master all the elements, and then bring an end to whatever the Fire Nation was planning.
But how do I master any element without a proper teacher?
In your previous life, Monk Gyatso taught you airbending, Katara taught Waterbending, Toph taught Earthbending, and Zuko taught Firebending. It may take a long time to find Katara, Toph and Zuko, but I am Monk Gyatso, and I will help you learnt to Airbend.
That's great, but, what will my grandparents say?
I will talk to them, and nobody must know of your secret. The Fire Nation is very tricky Alan, and you might be lost. Also, you must learn how to control the Avatar state, for it will be most useful when you are in grave danger.
I am just an ordinary person, what kind of danger will I be in haha!
It's not something to joke about Alan. We will start lessons immediately!
You mean now?
Yes. Now is the time. You must be excited as well. It's not common in this age for a person to use the elements in anyway they want.
Alright then. But what are you going to teach me?
Everything I know about Airbending. But first, show me what you have learnt.
Alan demonstrated every single move, which made Gyatso more and more surprised. He even tried a new move by changing air currents, and all the moves really impressed Gyatso.
Well, I guess there is very less for me to teach you. This is amazing Alan. Nobody has ever learnt so much on their own, and in such less time. The spirits are really favouring you Alan. But I can teach you something really unique. A technique only I know and you after you have learnt it. Alan, air is such a strong thing. Every living being uses it, and I can show you how to benifit from this. Alan, meditate just like me, and focus on every living thing that consumes air right now. Continue doing itwith me every morning, and it can help you save your life!
Alright, let's begin then.
Alan meditated, and to his surprise, his focus helped him detect hundreds of living creatues who were using air. He could sense them all so perfectly, but still, he couldn't exactly point out the location of the creatures. Later that day, Alan's grandparents met Gyatso, and he told them that he was going to teach Alan some Martial Arts every morning. Everybody was happy, and Alan continued his training everyday with Gyatso. Soon, he was taugh much more difficult techniques, and Alan outmatched Gyatso in every feat he tried in airbending. Gyatso was really impressed, but he was still worried for Alan's safety.
On the last day of Gyatso's trip, he met Alan on the hilltop again, and then, he hugged him.
The world is in need of you Alan. I am really surprised at your abilities, and also, I suggest that you find teachers who can teach you the remaining elements. It won't be easy, but I know that you can achieve everything the world expects you to Alan. Dark times are approaching, but never give up, and fight your way to give this world freedom, if it were ever to fall under evil. This is my last advice to you Alan.
Thank you sir. With your help, I have learnt much about the ways of an airbender. I too am surprised at how easily I was able to master it, and I am truly grateful. I hope we meet again.
We will Alan. And now, I must depart, and you must go and get yourself ready for school.
The two departed, and Alan went home, thought about everything and got ready for school. He had a new challenge up next, and although Gyatso had told him about the teachers of the remaining elements, Alan didn't really have an idea about where to find them.
Not faraway, three others are facing a bigger problem than Alan. Something is wrong, and what is happening cannot be possible. Much faraway, hundreds of people dressed in black are moving through a desert, and they bear the sign of the Old Fire Nation...
Next is Chapter 3: Finding friends and foes...