The next morning, Kunsu woke up to a bad headache. He remembered his dream last night perfectly, and became even more confused. He didn't want to do anything but lay in his bed and think. However, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in" the door opened; it was Usagi, with a tray in her hands filled with a whole aray of food and a cup of tea.

"I hope I didn't wake you, but it's almost noon so I figured I should give you something"

"Was I really asleep that long?" he inquired, taking the tray. She nodded, "we should be at Ember Island in a few hours. The captain told me you can see firebending up close there." In all their years, neither Kunsu nor Usagi have seen any other bending besides earth. It would be a fascinating experience for both of them to encounter.

"Listen, I know it's been hard on you ever since Dad died, I get it, but that was five years ago. It's time to stop grieving on the past and get on with your live. Besides, you have many more obstacles to get through, and I know our father would want you to focus more on them. I'm not asking you to forget about him, but I want you to overcome these sad thoughts."

"You don't understand,"

"No, I do, I still miss Father every day but I don't let it make me sad or angry anymore," she got up to leave, "I know you'll do what's best," she walked out of the room, and slammed the door shut.

…I can never forgive myself…

…but maybe I should try…

After awhile, there was another knock on the door.

"Come in," it was one of the member of the White Lotus who visited Kunsu's house.

"Good day all mighty Avatar! We shall be arriving in the ports of Ember Island in about an hour. There, I got tickets for you and your sister to go to a firebending show!" Kunsu scowled, "It's more exciting as it sounds; definitely worth going. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Uhm…yes, actually. I've been reading some of the books you given me about the Avatar, and I'm wondering what this 'Avatar State' is?"

The sage smiled, "little is known about the Avatar State, the Avatar keeps most of it's aspects a secret. However, what we do know is that it is a spiritual state the Avatar goes in to as a defense mechanism. It is said that you would be at your most powerful state as the Avatar. In due time, you will learn to master that as well. For know, it will only activate in extreme situations, yet I don't think it should be much of a problem as of now."

"How will I master it?"

"Well, during your airbending training, your teacher, Rohan, will not only try to get you to master air, but hopefully have you master entering and exiting the Avatar State at will."

Kunsu paused, "you say 'hopefully,' what is that supposed to mean?"

"Mastering your spiritual self, Kunsu, is much different than mastering your physical self. It is much more independent work, looking deep within yourself, and you may not get it right away. But that will be a long time from now, right now we must focus on fire," he stopped, "is that all you need?"

"Yes, that is all…but I request that you never again call me the 'all mighty Avatar' anymore. Kunsu is perfectly fine."

Usagi was getting ready in her room, wearing a long red dress, glittery red shoes, and her hair curly and freely flowing. Kunsu cracked open the door, "you ready?"

"Just about…okay, how do I look?" Kunsu opened the door and saw his little sister dressed as if she'd grown into a beautiful young woman, "you look stunning, little sister." She blushed, "and look at you!" Kunsu was wearing a traditional Fire Nation suit with his hair actually washed and neat. He also had his father's gloves on. "The Avatar in the making," she winked.

"Oh, hush up," he said making final changes in the mirror, "I'm hoping to get some experience before I meet my firebending teacher, Ryuu. The sages told me he's one of the head leaders of the Order of the White Lotus. I'll have to make a good impression somehow."

"That's gonna be hard, even for you," she laughed. Kunsu grew red, and she joshingly punched him in the shoulder, "I'm only joking," she looked at the clock, "oh my, we're gonna be late!" She grabbed her brother, who's been staring at the mirror the whole time, and they both ran down the hall and out on deck. There, they met the captain. He also wearing FIre Nation attire, but this one being more sophisticated and manly.

"Right on time, I'll be your escort to tonight's fine show." With that, the three of them were on their way.

Much was different in Ember Island than it was back in Kunsu's Earth Kingdom town. A lot more shops, food, and people; this place had more everything! Kunsu's little village had only a fraction of as many people on this small island. It wash't the richest place, it may have even been the poorest village in the whole kingdom, but it was to Kunsu's liking. He also noticed a lot more people laughing and smiling. In his town, it seemed that everything had died, and nobody had fun anymore. The food was scarce, the weather's hot, nobody seemed to visit. It's just a small town that has lost all it's life. It made Kunsu realize that maybe it wasn't his grief that caused him to be so depressed, but his town that just has nothing happy about it.

While walking through town, things seemed to get less crowded.

"Where is everyone?" Usagi questioned, "we're still on the main street, yes?"

"Everyone is in there," the captain pointed to a large tent, a couple hundred feet away, "that is the Fire Nation traveling circus, it has been popular for several hundred years. It is a mix of both incredible animal performances and agile nonbenders stunts. Not to mention, a large portion is all amazing and unimaginable firebending techniques."

They entered the giant tent, where thousands of seats were placed all around the center ring. The place seemed almost full, except for three conveniently placed seats in the first row. The captain led them to the seats, swung is arm toward them and wailed, "voila!" We sat just in time because the lights dimmed and the show began.

There were breath taking acts from people such as a girl walking over a tight rope and another eating fire. However, the bending that took place really amazed Kunsu and Usagi. Never have they seen such flowing hand movements, gracefully controlling the fire. Earthbending, as they both knew, is both rigid and solid. Also, the things the firebenders did with their flames was stunning. One made his flame into a dragon, and had it fly around the entire tent. Another made it replicate a lovely lady, and he danced with the flame girl throughout his entire performance. After it was over, the ring leader entered for a final farewell, and we left.

"That was incredible!" Usagi hollered, giving Kunsu a nudge, "wasn't it?"

"Yes…it really was,"

As the two siblings and the captain boarded the ship, Kunsu turned to the captain and bowed, "thank you for this opportunity"

"Thank you for attending," he joshed, "but you know what would really make this night? Why don't you put those moves into action!"

Kunsu hesiatated, "I dunno…"

"C'mon, you could at least try!" said his sister. And like that, he replayed all the moves in his head. He took a deep breath inward, clenched his fists, moved his leg forward, and jolted his arm outward.

Nothing.

He did it again.

Nothing.

He was about to try a third time until the captain placed his hand on Kunsu's shoulder and laughed, "I'm sure you'll get it with Master Ryuu at the capital." and returned back into the boat. Kunsu hung his head in shame.

Usagi turned to me, "what's wrong? Your stance seemed perfect compared to the performers."

He look at her, "I guess I'm not a good firebender," he then led her back to their rooms.

To Be Continued...