Hey guys, haven't actually posted anything for this story in months. Lol I actually got over the rude comments and started a whole new story called Changing Waters which has been widely excepted by those who are reading it. I had a short flare or inspiration for the story, so I decided to write the next chapter for it… So… here it is: Also, as a side note: Read and review. It'll tell me if you guys still want me to write this one or if you want me to devote my time to Changing Waters alone. Thanks all.
"Ugh, where am I?" Aang stated to no one in particular.
"You're on Appa actually." Replied Tia.
As Aang inspected his surroundings, he realized that he was indeed back on Appa. But how did I get here?
"How are you feeling General?" Asked Kenji who appeared to be guiding Appa at the moment.
"I honestly don't know, I feel really light headed and weak. What happened back there? Last I remember, a firenation officer was bad mouthing the air nomads, and then it all went blank after that."
"It's kinda hard to explain sir…" Tia hesitantly began.
"I need to know what happened Tia, please tell me what happened…" Aang pleaded.
Tia just sighed, but before she could continue, Kenji spoke for her: "I didn't hear what you were talking about, but all of the sudden, your face contorted into that of an enraged man. Soon after, you stumbled slightly and then your eyes and tattoos glowed. You soon lifted into the air and began to destroy the battlements and knocked out most of the firenation officer's men. It was the most amazing display of bending that I have ever seen performed."
Tia interjected: "We were hoping that you would be able to fill us in a little, why were you glowing and why did you faint right afterwards?"
Aang shrugged a little, leaning heavily on the back of Appa's saddle: "I don't remember any of what you just told me, what I do know is that it was probably the Avatar spirit taking over."
"Is it some kind of weapon?" Shen asked.
"I doubt it Shen, it's probably more of a defense mechanism of some kind, though I don't know how I triggered it or how I got out of it even. Furthermore, I don't know why I fainted afterwards." Aang finished with his head hung a little low.
"Well, there's good news General" Began Kenji.
"We are headed towards the Western Airtemple, I figured you would want to ask the council for advice on what to do next as well as to warn them of the imminent threat that the firenation is to them." Kenji said with a smile.
"I guess I could also ask the council on this Avatar spirit business." Aang said with a small smile and non-committal shrug of his shoulders.
"Okay guys, I guess we should start looking for a place to land so that Appa can rest for the night" Aang concluded.
"Sounds like a good idea General" Shu said as he began to observe the setting sun.
After about an hour, they found an island to camp for the night, the small group made up camp, ate their dinners, and separated to sleep for the night.
As Aang went to bed, his tattoos glowed briefly and as Aang opened his eyes, Roku was in front of him: "Hello Aang, it's good to see you again." Roku said with a small smile playing on his features.
"Avatar Roku" Aang said with a deep bow: "It is an honor to finally meet you."
"The honor is all mine Aang. I wish to speak to you about something of utmost importance."
"Which is?" Aang began.
"The Avatar State" Roku stated calmly.
"What is that exactly?" Aang questioned.
"It is the time where you are at your strongest Aang, as well as your weakest. Your eyes and tattoos glow and you are empowered by all of the strength of the previous Avatars combined. They will control your actions and keep you safe in times of dire need. At first, the Avatar state serves as a powerful defense mechanism to a young and learning Avatar. But when the time comes when the Avatar has mastered all four elements, he will begin his training on mastering the Avatar state." Roku finished.
"But I haven't mastered any of the other elements yet, heck, I haven't even began my training yet! Why are you telling me this Avatar Roku?" Aang questioned with an air of worry in his voice.
"I am telling you this because you have to begin your training in the other elements, a war is coming Aang, you have seen the first strikes of it. Let me confirm in your mind, that these will not be the last either. You need to prepare yourself and your people for what is to come. The Avatar is to learn water, than earth, fire, than air. Since you know air, the next element you need to learn is water. Make you way to the North pole in haste."
"But what about the Western temple? Shouldn't I warn them of the attack?"
"I am sorry young Avatar, but you are too late. The temple has been decimated by firenation raids, the council is gone and so are most of the nomads who lived in that temple." Ruko finished this last comment with downcast eyes and a heavy heart.
Aang had tears in his eyes: "I was too late… I could have saved them! I could have been quicker!"
Before Aang could completely give into self-loathing, Roku pulled him back to reality: "NO! You must not blame yourself, it was meant for you to leave the temple before it was burned to the ground, you would not have survived the onslaught. I am sorry to say, but you must move on from this, the other temples know of the attacks now. You must focus on your training as the Avatar."
"Head North, find a master to teach you , and prepare for what is to come." Roku finished.
Aang only solemnly nodded "Thank you for your wisdom Roku. I will do as you instructed."
Roku only smiled as he disappeared. Aang found himself back in his bed, though he did also notice that it was late morning by the looks of it.
"You're finally awake General" Tia said with a wink and a smile.
"Ready to head to the Western Air Temple General?" Asked Kenji.
"There has been a change of plans Kenji, we aren't heading back to the Western Air Temple… We are heading North to the pole."
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but shouldn't we get to the Western Air Temple as soon as possible to warn the others?" Kenji stated with an air of confusion.
"There isn't anyone left to warn." Aang said while looking down.
"What?!" Everyone said at once.
"I had a spirit journey last night with Avatar Roku, he explained the Avatar State to me as well as what I needed to do."
"What did he exactly tell you about the temple General?" Shu asked.
Aang looked defeated at this point: "He told me that the temple was raided and the few survivors ran away, everyone else was killed."
"That only leaves two temples left. More than Half our people are gone…. He will pay for this." Tia said.
"Silence!" Kenji said.
"It's ok Kenji" the General said: "I understand her anger and I want her to be able to express it. I'd much rather hear than when she has to make important decisions."
When everyone nodded their approval, he continued: "Roku said that I needed to master the elements before I master the Avatar State. He said that a war was immanent and that I needed to master waterbending as soon as possible."
"Then that's what we will do" Tia said with a look of fierce determination in her eyes.
To the North Pole.
