Chapter Four:

-Aang's Tale-


How could I have been so stupid? Katara's eyes watered, and she hugged Siku's stuffed penguotter closer. "I'm so sorry, Siku. Please, forgive me."

She sat down on the shore and watched the waves roll in and out. Night had fallen, but she felt restless. All she could think about was Siku trapped in the storm, crying out for help. Katara reached her hand out toward the water, attempting to rescue the illusion plaguing her mind, but it faded away.

"Katara?"

She snapped out her thoughts and turned around to see Aang.

"How are you feeling?" He sat beside her.

"I keep trying to think of something I could've done, something I could've said–" She closed her eyes. "Or maybe this is all a nightmare?"

Aang placed an arm around her and let Katara lean against him. "Yeah, me too. A part of me believes Siku's still out there, given the irony of all this."

That's right. Aang ran away during a storm too. Katara sighed. "Siku's not the Avatar. As much as I'd like to hope, I doubt she got that lucky."

"What's the meaning of this?" a high-pitched, female voice cried out from behind them.

Turning around, Katara and Aang saw a small, cloaked woman. She removed her hood, revealing, as Katara recalled, an elf.

"Ellie?" Aang said.

The elf's big eyes glared at them, her long, pointed ears raised in alarm. "Miscreants! What have you done with Ellie's young mistress!"

Katara lowered her head. "We're sorry, Ellie."

"Sorry?" Ellie's face flushed red. "Ellie asked you to watch over the young mistress until Ellie returned on her eleventh birthday. Why did you give her to Lucius Malfoy!"

"What?" Katara shared a glance with Aang, her eyes widening. "We didn't give Siku to anyone. Last night, she went out into a storm. She's dead."

Ellie raised an eyebrow. "Do not lie. Ellie saw the young mistress with Lucius at Hexington Gardens."

Aang gasped. "Then Siku's alive?"

Katara's heart skipped a beat at the news, relief washing over her. "But we didn't tell Siku about the Magical World. How did she end up there?"

"That was my doing."

Katara, Aang, and Ellie looked up toward the half-full moon. The spirit of a young woman appeared within the light and floated down from the sky.

"Moon Spirit Yue." Aang bowed.

"It's good to see you again, Aang. Katara." She smiled. "I rescued Siku before she drowned."

"Why didn't you return her to us?" Katara said.

"Because you broke the agreement." Yue's tone became serious. "Siku was meant to return to her true home on her eleventh birthday, and yet you were keeping the truth from her."

"We didn't mean any harm. I just–" Katara wiped her eyes. "It's too soon. Eleven is still a child. We're all she has, and to send her away from everyone and everything she knows? I couldn't."

Yue sighed. "As benign as your intentions may have been, you did not have Siku's best interests at heart. When I found her, her deepest wish was to learn of her origins, so I granted it."

"May we visit her?" Aang said.

"No." Yue shook her head. "The worlds are meant to be separate. Venturing there would disrupt that balance, and Siku must learn the ways of her kind without you."

"So that's it?" We can never see our daughter again?" Katara furrowed her brow. "No, I won't accept that."

Aang put a hand on her shoulder. "Katara–"

"No, Aang." She shrugged him off. "I've tortured myself, thinking that I led our baby to her death. Now that we know she's alive, Yue wants us to move on like Siku was never here? Without even saying goodbye?"

"I understand, Katara, but…." Aang thought for a moment before turning his attention to Yue. "I want to maintain the balance as much as you do, but I request passage to the Magical World to see if Siku's alright and say goodbye. Can you at least afford us that?"

Yue went silent, considering his request. "Very well, Aang. However, you must travel spiritually not physically."

Katara frowned. It wasn't what she wanted, but if it meant seeing their daughter one last time, she would take what she could get.

"We're in agreement," she said.

"Meditate yourselves into the spiritual realm, and I will guide you from there." Yue laughed. "Oh, and before I forget. Siku apologies for running away and causing you both so much trouble. She hopes that you are not too upset with her."

Katara gave a small smile. "No, we're happy she's alive. Thank you, Yue."

"You're welcome." Yue floated higher into the sky until she faded back into the moon.

"What a mess." Ellie shook her head.

"Ellie, I know things didn't work out as planned, and I'm sorry." Katara handed her the stuffed penguotter. "Could you please give this to Siku? It's her favorite toy. She should have it with her."

"Ellie will contact the young mistress when able." Ellie nodded. "However, before you depart, Ellie must warn you. Muggle humans can't see you in an intangible state, but Magical ones can. The young mistress is now staying with the Malfoy Family at their manor. Do not alert any of them to your presence."

"Muggle?" Katara cocked her head to the side.

"We understand." Aang smiled. "Thank you, Ellie."

"Ellie will watch over the young mistress in your absence. If anything happens, Ellie will seek your aid." With a pop, the tiny elf vanished from the shore.

Katara met Aang's gaze, and could tell that he was overwhelmed by the same emotions she was.

Aang nodded in the direction of his meditation temple. "Come on."

"Oh, Aang. I hope she's okay." Katara shivered and huddled her arms around herself. "I don't know if I'm ready to say goodbye."

"We should be grateful we're able to say anything to her given how things turned out." He kissed her. "I know this is going to hard on the family, especially you, but this is the way things have to be. We'll pull through this."

"I know," Katara said. "Hey, wait a minute. Don't you know someone from the Magical World? Maybe they could help us."

"Yes, but that was over a hundred years ago." Aang looked up at the sky. "I was only six when we met…."

….

"Nyah, nyah, there's no way you can beat me this time, Aang," Bao said.

Aang stood his ground on his side of the airball arena. Bao was three years his senior, and yet Aang was able to win every match against him. It had created a rivalry between the two, but Aang didn't care. He was just having fun.

Swaying his hands, Bao created a swirling ball of air and shot it toward Aang's goal post. It ricocheted through the trench of pillars before coming at Aang from the left. Timing his movements carefully, Aang whirled the ball around himself and shot it back with a powerful gust of wind. The ball flowed around the pillars before striking Bao in the stomach, knocking him through his goal post.

The other boys cheered Aang on while he did a victory dance.

"Looks like it's Aang: Six and Bao: One." He laughed.

Bao groaned. "I don't get it. "You're practically a toddler. How can you be this good?"

Aang gave him a cheesy smile and shrugged.

"Whatever. This time we'll go nine out of thirteen," Bao said.

"Guys! Guys!" A five-year-old nomad named, Tsu, rushed over to the group. "Hurry! Follow me!"

Bao jumped down. "What's going on?"

Tsu stopped running and caught his breath. "The Elders requested that we meet them in the courtyard. They have something important to announce."

Everyone shared a glance before following Tsu to the courtyard. Anticipation ran through Aang. What news did the Elder Monks have for them? Had something terrible happened, or maybe they were going on a trip? Curiosity getting the better of him, Aang rushed to the front of the group and tried to spot a hint to answer his endless questions.

Standing amongst the Elders was a small boy, around Aang's age. The boy's clothes were different and gave no indication of what nation he belonged to. His eyes were watery, and he watched the approaching children with caution.

Was this boy the news? Aang loved making new friends, and so far had at least one in every nation of the world. He waved at the boy, who glanced away.

Monk Tashi stepped forward. "Now that you all have arrived, we have an announcement to make. Monk Gyatso found this poor child lost in the forest."

Aang, unable to control his eagerness, sped up to the boy, and said with a bright smile, "Hi, I'm Aang."

The boy stared at him and took a step back, but Gyatso put a hand on his shoulder.

He chuckled. "It's alright, child. Aang is my pupil. He's not going to hurt you."

The boy nodded and said in a thick accent, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Aang. My name is Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, but you may call me Albus for short."

"That's a mouthful," Bao said.

"Okay, Albus, you want to play airball with us?" Aang said.

"Just a moment, Aang." Monk Pasang gave him a stern look. "It appears that Albus is from a land very far away, and does not posses the same… bending abilities that we do. Until the other Elders and I find a way to return him home, he will stay here as our guest. And for his own safety, he is not allowed to leave the temple. Is that understood?"

Everyone bowed their heads. "Yes, Monk Pasang."

"Good." He turned his attention to the other Elders. "Come. We have important matters to discuss."

The Elders headed inside of the temple, leaving the children alone.

Albus placed his hands behind his back and shifted his feet. "So this airball you mentioned? Is it some kind of sport?"

"Yeah, it's really fun," Aang said.

A three-year-old nomad jumped up and down. "Aang's our undefeated champion. No one can beat him."

Bao huffed and walked over to them with his arms folded. "We'll see about that, and besides, this new kid doesn't look like an airbender. He can't play with us anyway."

"Don't listen to him, Albus. Bao's just a sore loser." Aang grinned and winked at Bao, who stuck out his tongue. "So what nation are you from?"

Albus was about to answer, but stopped himself and muttered, "As your Elders said, I'm from far away."

"How far?" Bao snorted. "And what's with the weird accent and clothes? You look like a pirate."

"Pirates? Honestly. My family is not associated with such rubbish." Rolling his eyes, he looked at Aang. "If it's not a bother, I'd prefer to be alone right now."

Aang watched Albus walk toward the temple and frowned. He didn't know why this new kid was acting so strange. It felt like he was hiding something.

"Hey, wait!" Tsu rushed after him but was stopped by Bao.

"Let him be." Using his airbending, Bao flung the looser part of Aang's tunic over his head. "Come on, prodigy. We have a match to finish."

Aang shifted his gaze between the other boys and Albus' retreating form before shaking his head. "No, go on without me. I want to make sure Albus is okay."

"Suit yourself." Bao gestured to the other boys. "Let's go, guys."

Aang walked over to Albus, who had stopped by the stairway, his attention focused on the vast landscape below them. The young airbender cleared his throat, making Albus turn around.

"Yes?" he said.

"Sorry, but are you okay?" Aang furrowed his brow. "You look sad."

Albus lowered his head. "More afraid than sad."

"Did something bad happen before Gyatso found you?" Aang said.

"I'm honestly not sure. I was playing in the forest behind my house, and when I crawled underneath some bramble, I was here. I want to go home. I'm sure my mother's caught quite a fright from my absence." Albus sighed. "And my father already lectured me this morning not to wander so far. Oh well, I suppose Aberforth will have another chance to tease me."

"Aberforth?" Aang said.

"My younger brother. A real nit, and quite the little sneak to mummy." Albus shrugged. "But I still love him. Sometimes."

"Well, I'm sure the Elders will get you home in no time. Air Nomads travel all over the world." Aang thought for a minute and smiled. "Hey, I know what'll cheer you up. Meeting my best friend, Appa."

"Who?" Albus said.

Aang pulled out a bison-shaped whistle and blew it. No sound came out, but not too long after a baby sky bison soared toward them.

"Come here, boy!" Aang held his arms out wide.

Appa landed on top of him and licked his face.

"What on earth is that?" Albus stepped back.

"This is Appa, my flying bison." Aang laughed. "Appa, this is our new friend, Albus. What are you waiting for, boy? Go say hello."

Appa gave a faint yip and leapt for Albus. He screamed, shielding his face, and suddenly teleported behind Aang. Appa landed on the ground and gave a confused whimper.

Aang did a double-take. "How did you…? But you were right over there a second ago."

Albus uncovered his face and looked around. "I was?"

He nodded. "You teleported. How did you do that?"

Albus glanced around to see if anyone else was there. "Do you promise not to tell?"

Aang raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

"Please promise." Albus pouted, his brow furrowed. "Your Elders told me to keep it a secret, but you might as well know."

"Okay, I promise." He nodded.

Albus kept his voice to a whisper. "I'm a wizard."

"You mean like a magician?" Aang perked up with excitement. "I saw a performance once. He was able to pull a grown Kanga-rabbit out his hat."

Albus folded his arms and huffed. "My people do not perform for Muggles. The ones you see are frauds."

Aang blinked. "Muggles?"

"Non-magical people." Albus glanced back at the temple. "Although, your people are different. I've never seen anyone who can control elements before, or, at least, not in the way I saw your Elders do it."

"We call ourselves benders, and our element depends on our nation." Aang gestured in various directions. "There's the Water Tribes that live in the North and South poles, the Earth Kingdom to the east, the Fire Nation to the west, and lastly the Air Nomads. Right now, you're at the Southern Temple while the rest of our brothers live up north, and our sisters live in the east and west."

"Astonishing." Albus' eyes were wide with intrigue. "Perhaps you could show me around? At least until I return home?"

"Sure, if the Elders permit it." Aang smiled. "But you'll come back to visit, right?"

"Maybe. Though I doubt you and your lot have heard of England," Albus said.

Aang thought for a moment before shaking his head.

"I figured so. My family lives in a wizarding village called Mould-on-the-Wold. However, my sister was born merely a month ago, and it's made our house quite frantic." Albus stretched his arms. "I usually venture into the forest for some peace and quiet. Though a little trouble is fun too."

"Well, I'd love to see it someday." Aang floated onto the ledge of the stairs and sat down with his legs crossed. "So, what kind of magic can you do?"

"Where I'm from, we don't receive proper training until we're eleven. Normally, I perform magic by accident, but I'm doing my best to control it. For example…." Albus looked at a nearby tree.

Aang watched him focus on the fruit that dangled from the branches. Pointing at the ripest one, Albus closed his eyes, and within a matter of seconds, the fruit appeared in his hand.

"Wow. That really is different. You didn't have to use any moves or anything!" Aang said.

"That's magic." Smiling, Albus was about to take a bite out of the fruit, but Appa rushed over to him and nudged his side.

Aang chuckled. "I think Appa's hungry."

Albus tried to resist the Appa's begging yips, but reluctantly surrendered to his cuteness."Very well, you can have it."

Appa ate the fruit in one bite before yipping with glee, and he thanked Albus by leaping on top of him. Aang laughed while his animal companion licked the side of Albus' face, causing his hair to stick straight up.

"Well, it's good to see you three are getting along."

They turned to see Gyatso approaching them.

Aang stood and bowed. "Gyatso, is Albus leaving already?"

"No, we haven't found a solution yet, which is why I feel it is prudent we have discussion. Aang, Albus, please come with me," Gyatso said.

Aang glanced at Albus, and they followed Gyatso into the temple. When they arrived in Aang's room, Gyatso shut the door. Aang sat on his bed, and Albus sat beside him.

"The other Elders don't want me to tell you this, but I feel it's important." Gyatso sighed. "Specifically for you, Aang."

"You mean about Albus being a wizard?" Aang said.

"Yes. You see Albus isn't just from far away. He's from another world," Gyatso said.

Aang and Albus' eyes widened. "Another world?"

"But how's that possible?" Aang continued.

"It has been this way since the beginning. Our worlds are connected through the spirit world, but there hasn't been any contact between the two for thousands of years." Gyatso sat down. "This is probably the first crossover since then."

Albus furrowed his brow. "If the worlds are disconnected, then how was I able to get through?"

"Somehow, you managed to sneak through a crack in the barrier that keeps us separated," Gyatso said, "Tomorrow we'll search the forest for any clues. Until then, I hope you enjoy your stay here, Albus. I know this must be very shocking for you."

"Gyatso, is it possible that Albus can visit the other nations?" Aang said.

Gyatso shook his head. "I'm afraid not, Aang. While Albus is safe with us, his identity must not be revealed to the rest of the world. If the wrong person were to find out about him and his world, it would cause more trouble than you could imagine."

Aang pouted. "Okay."

"Now, I'm sure there's something you two could entertain yourselves with?" Gyatso smiled. "I bet Albus has never played Pai Sho before. Perhaps you can show him, Aang?"

Aang returned the smile, knowing that his mentor was trying to lighten the mood, and bowed. "Yes, Monk Gyatso."

"Wonderful. I have other duties to attend to, but I'll catch up with you both later this evening." Gyatso left the room.

Once he was gone, Albus collapsed against the bed with his arms spread out. "Bloody Merlin. I actually managed to travel to another world? Maybe this is a dream? Or possibly I've gone mad, and my parents are already signing me off to St. Mungo's?"

"Cheer up. It's not that bad." Aang leaned over him.

"Speak for yourself. When my father hears about this, I'm going to wish I was only dreaming. Or dead." Albus shivered. "Maybe I could stay here forever? Your Elders won't mind, right?"

"Albus, you'll be fine. I promise." Aang stood and walked over to his closet. "Now, let me show you how to get your butt kicked at Pai Sho."

….

Katara laughed. "Well, I shouldn't be surprised. You make friends everywhere you go. Did Albus ever return home?"

"Yeah." Aang nodded. "Apparently a rift appeared in the forest that allowed him to pass back and forth. Albus continued to visit the temple until we were twelve, and well, you already know the rest. Although, given how long it's been, he probably already passed away."