The next chapter is out. Hope you all enjoy it
Chapter 8: The Great And Huuuuuuge Library
Aang sits on the ground as they are in an oasis in front of many holes as they wait for Aang to do something. "What's out here?" Sokka asks as he stands there wandering what Aang has planned for them. Toph bends down as she feels the ground. "A lot actually." She says. "There's hundreds of little…" She says as Aang shushes her and cuts her off. "I know you can see underground and Zian has a keen sense of smell but don't ruin the surprise. Just watch." He says as he plays a note on the flute that he is holding.
"Maaa." A gofer hums as it pokes it head out. "Hahaha yeah." Aang chuckles as he plays another note. And again another gofer pokes it head out as it hums. "I'm putting an orchestra together." He says happily as Sokka just looks at him blandly. "Orchestra huh? Well la dee da." He says as Zian smacks him on the back of the head. "Don't be rude. It's awesome." He says as they continue to watch.
Aang does the flute for a few moments until Sokka walks in front of him and places his finger on the tip of the flute to stop the music. "This great and all but don't we have more important things to do?" He asks as he looks at the others. "We should be making plans." He says as Toph just smiles "We did make plans. We're all taking mini vacations." She says. "There's no time for vacations." He says stubbornly.
"What?!" Zian says in a high pitch voice. "I'm learning the elements as fast as I can. i practice every day with Toph and Katara and even Zian has been teaching me a little bit of moves. I've been training my arrow off." Aang says as Katara walks to them. "Yeah what's with having a little fun in our down time?" She says as Zian smiles. "She's right even if there's a war going on we can still have a little fun time." He says not sounding sarcastic. Sokka crosses his arms and looks at Aang. "Even if you do master all of the four elements than what?" He asks sounding a bit annoyed. "It's not like we have a map of the fire nation." He says. "Should we head west until we reach the fire lords house? Knock knock, hello anybody home." He says sarcastically.
"I don't think so, we need some intelligent if we're gonna win this war." He says as Aang just a note and a gofer appears under Sokka. This causes Katara as well as to chuckle. "Alright we'll finish our vacations and then we'll look for Sokka's 'intelligent'." Katara says as Aang chuckles.
Aang than opens a map in front of her. "Your turn Katara. Where would you like to go on your mini vacation?" He asks as Katara examines the map. She than places her finger on a location. "How about The Misty Palms Oasis, that sounds refreshing." She says as Aang looks down on the map. "Oh yeah I've been there it's a pristine natural ice spring and I don't use the word pristine. It's one of nature's wonders." He says
Later
They come to the spring oasis as Aang had described it to be. However what is supposed be a natural and luscious spring resort is now a dry and barren place where instead of people looking for a beautiful place the place is no occupied by bandits and criminals.
The group stand there looking disappointed. "Must have changed ownership since I was last here." Aang says as he laughs nervously. "Ok have to say, this place was not what I was expecting." Zian says as they walk through the main entrance. As they walk they suddenly something crash as they look back and see that the sign that was hanging up has fallen down and crashed on exactly the same spot they were standing. "Well then." Zian says as they continue to walk.
As they walk they come to a hut as they all walk in single file with bandits sitting or leaning around the place. As Zian is about to be the last to go in one of the bandits spits in front of him as the spit lands in front of his feet. He stops as he looks at the bandit and gives him a sneer look as he growls. The bandit wipes his mouth as he grins at him and waits for him to start a fight. Just Zian is about to give the guy a serious beating Katara quickly comes out and takes him into the hut to avoid the situation.
As they walk in they see that the whole place is created like a bar with seats and tables placed all around. However the place is not really packed as there a few customers and some that are occupying a seat are sleeping. "One mango please." A stranger says to the bartender as he creates the whole beverage using only his two swords on his back.
"I don't see anything wrong with having one of those fruity beverages while we plan our strategy." Sokka says as he then pushes the others out of the way and heads to the bartender. "Excuse me." Sokka exclaims. The stranger starts to walk with his drink as he suddenly bumps into Aang spilling his drink all over him. Aang looks at his ruined clothes as he looks at the man and smiles. "No worries, I clean up easy." He says as he then blows air around himself as he dries off.
The man looks at him astonished. He then gasps. "You're a living relic." He says amazed. "Thanks, I try." Aang says humbly. "An air nomad right in front of me." He says he then bows to Aang. "Professor Zang, head of anthropology of Ba Sing Se University." He says as Zian ears perk up at hearing that. Professor Zang grabs Aang's arm as he examines it. "Tell me which of the air temples do you hale from?" He asks sounding really interested. "The southern air temple." Aang answers.
"Oh splendid." Zang says as he uses a … to measure Aang's head. "Now tell me, what was the agricultural product of your people?" He asks as Aang just looks at him confused. "Uhm are fruit pies an agricultural product?" He asks. "Oh fascinating, that is one for the journal." He says as he starts to scribble in his said journal. Zian walk over to him as he places his arm over the man's shoulder. "Hey professor, do you mind if you and I had a little chat?" He asks as Zang looks at him confused.
"Alright?" He says as Zian smiles. "Great" Zian says as he looks at his friends. "Me and the just want to talk about something." He says as he leads the professor to a corner of the hut. As he looks at his friends smiling when they come to the corner however he then looks at the professor with a serious and deadly look. "Listen professor I don't care how high up you are with them but I would appreciate it, not only for my sake but yours as well, if you don't mention anything about Ba Sing Se from here on out." He says as he looks at the man seriously. "Are we clear?" He says intimidating the guy.
The professor looks at him fearfully. "Yes of course." He says terrified. Zian then smiles. "Great." He says as he then leads him back to the others with an arm over his shoulder. When they return Katara looks at them confused. "What was that all about?" She asks as Zian smiles. "Oh we just had a little chat about the human anatomy." He says as the professor just nods.
Unconvinced Katara pushes the matter aside as she walks away. "So professor, you're obviously a well-travelled guy. Do you have a more current map? Ours seems to be a little dated." Sokka asks as the professor looks at him and smiles. "Centennially." He says. He takes out scroll as he lays it down on a table and opens it. Sokka examines the map and he groans. "What no fire nation? Doesn't anybody have a good map of that place?" Sokka says.
"If they did they would've invaded the firenation capital a loooooooooong time ago." Zian says. Katara looks at the map. "You've made a lot of trips into the desert." She says. The professor looks at the map disappointed. "All in vain I'm afraid. I've found civilizations all over the earth kingdom but I haven't managed to find the crown jewel. Wan Shi Tong's library." He says as Zian looks at him surprised. "Oh you got to be kidding me. Not that library." He says as the rest of the group look at him confused. "What you guy's never heard of the library?" He asks.
"You've spend years walking through the desert to find some guys library?" Toph asks him. "This library is more valuable than gold little lady. It is said to contain a vast collection of knowledge. And knowledge…is priceless." He says. Toph just looks unfazed. "Mmm sounds like good times." She says. The man looks at her excited. "Oh it is. According to legend it was built by the Great Spirit Wanshiton with the help of his foxy knowledge." He says as Sokka grins at him. "Oh so this spirit has attractive assistance huh?" He says as Katara just smacks him on the back of his head. "I think he means they look like actual foxes Sokka." She says.
"You're both right." The professor says as the two of them look at him confused. He smiles as he continues. "Handsome little creatures." He says as he pulls out a scroll out of his pocket. "Wan shi tong and his knowledge seekers collected books from all over the world and put them on display for mankind to read so that we might better ourselves." He says as he lays the scroll on the table and opens it to reveal a drawing of the library.
"If this place has books from all over the world do you think they got info on the fire nation? A map maybe?" Sokka asks. "I wouldn't know, but if such a thing exist it's in wan shi tongs library." The man says. Sokka thinks for a moment as he then lights up. "Then it's settled." He says as everyone looks at him. He looks at Aang. "Aang I do believe it's my turn. I'd like to spend my vacation AT THE LIBRARY!" He shout as everyone just stare at him. Toph waves her hand to get their attention. "Uh hey what about me? When do I get to pick?" She asks him.
Sokka crosses his arms. "You gotta work here a little longer before you qualify for vacation time." He says acting like a businessman as Toph just slams her bowl of fruit on the table as she grunts at him. "And what about me?" Zian asks. Sokka looks at him. "You still need to work for a few weeks before you can get it." He says as Zian then towers over him. "Oh really?" He says as he looks down at Sokka smirking but intimidating like. Sokka shrinks down in fear. "Uhm what I meant was that you actually qualify for one." He says as he then laughs nervously. Zian then automatically smiles. "Ok good to hear." He says.
"Of course there is the matter of finding it. I've made several trips in the see long desert and almost died each time." He says. "I know how you feel buddy." Zian says making Katara's eyebrow raise. "I'm afraid that desert's impossible to cross." The professor says as Sokka grins. "Professor, would like to see our sky bison?" Sokka says as the professors face light up in surprise. "A sky bison?! You actually have one?!" He asks as Zian nods and the exit the hut.
When they are outside the see the bandits eyeing Appa as they stand close to him and look at him with interest. Appa growls at them as he shifts away from them. The professor runs to them. "Sand benders shoo! Away from the bison!" He yells as they look at him from the cowls before the all climb onto a vehicle as they use there sand bending to move and they ride away. As they ride off Zian looks at them as he snarl almost as if some unpleasant memories have popped up.
The group and the professor climb on Appa as they all fly off in the sandy wasteland. They all scan the place as they keep their eyes peeled for the place they are looking for. The professor is sitting next to Aang on top of Appa's head as he moves closer to the bison's face. "Tell me sky bison; are you the last of your breed?" He asks as Appa as he just gives the man a groan. The professor rubs Appa fur. "Oh delightful, I only wished I spoke his tongue." He says cheerfully as he starts to rub Appa's fur. "Oh the stories this beast could tell." After he says that Momo pops up next to him as he screeches. The professor places his finger on his mouth as he looks at the lemur. "Shush chatty monkey." He says silencing Momo.
Zian chuckles a bit as he continuous to scout out. Aang looks at the professor's drawing of the library with interest. "Wow shouldn't be too hard to find a place like this out here." He says as they keep on flying.
Later
"Sand, sand, sand and oh look…more sand." Zian says broadly as they have spent for the last hour trying to find the place. "I know I'm and earth bender and I like earth…but come on!" He says as he falls on his back. Toph groans. "Does this place even exist?" She asks. "Some say it doesn't." The professor says nonchalantly. Toph's eyes widen. "Shouldn't you have mentioned that before?" She asks as she groans again and falls on her back.
As they fly on the professor wrights on his journal. Toph (bored out of her mind) looks at over the desert. Her face suddenly lights up in surprise. "There it is!" She exclaims as everyone runs over to her and they look to where she is pointing.
However they look and see absolutely nothing but the dry sand of the desert. They all then look at her annoyed. "That's what it will sound like when one of spots it." She says as she waves her hand in front of her. Zian rolls his eyes as he sits and looks over to the desert. "It shouldn't be this hard to spot a giant ornate building in the air." Katara says as Sokka looks through his telescope. He looks around as he scans the place and as he does he passes something which immediately draws his attention. He goes back as he sees it. It seems to be a giant tower that is sticking out of the sand. "Down there. What's that?" He says as the rest of them see it and fly down to it as they land.
They land as they stand in front of the tower and Katara looks at the drawing. "Forget it; it's obviously not what we're looking for. The building in this drawing is enormous." She says as Zian looks at the tower and ponders on it wondering something. Suddenly they look as they see a fox walking towards tower as it is holding a scroll in its mouth. It looks at them for a moment and runs to the tower. "Hey there little guy." Zian says as the fox's ears perk up as he sees him and then he continues to walk as he ignores them and to the tower.
"What kind of animal is that?" Sokka asks as Zian looks at him giving him a disbelief look. They look at the fox as it suddenly does something that makes Zian's jaw drop. The fox is running up the wall as it goes into an opening at the top of the tower. "Ok I'm pretty sure that foxes are not able to do that!" Zian exclaims. "I think that was one of the knowledge seekers. Oh we must be close to the library." The professor says determined. They all look at the drawing. "No this is the library. Look." Sokka says as he points to the tower and then at the drawing. "It's completely buried." He says.
They all stand there shocked except for Zian who seems unfazed by this news. "The library is buried?!" The professor cries out as he falls to his knees. "My life's ambition is now full of sand." He says crushed. He then takes out a small shovel. "Well time to start excavating." He says with a smile as he starts to dig the sand. Zian stands there surprised. "Wow that is unexpected." He says.
Toph touches the wall of the tower as she thinks. "Actually that won't be necessary. The inside seems to be completely intact…and it's huuuuuuuge" She says as Sokka looks up at the top of the tower. "That fox thingy went in through a window. I say we climb up there and give it a look." Sokka says as Toph crosses her arms. "I say you guys go ahead without me." She says as Katara puts her hands on her hips. "You got something against libraries?" Katara asks as Zian face palms.
"I've held books before and I've gotta tell you…they don't exactly do it for me." Toph says as Katara realizes her words and puts rubs the back of her head. "Oh right, sorry." She says apologetically. "Let me know if they have something you can listen to." Toph says. Zian looks at the tower. "Wow never thought I'd see this place again." He says as Aang looks at him confused. "What was that Zian?" He asks as Zian looks at him. "Nothing" He says.
Sokka takes some rope and ties it to his boomerang. He then throws it up high as it passes through the window of the tower and it hooks onto something on the other end. Sokka the starts to climb to the top. Aang pats Appa. "Don't worry buddy I'm not making you go underground ever again. You can stay down here with Toph." He assures the bison as he walk to the rope. Zian looks at them all nervously. "I don't know if this is such a good idea." He as Katara looks at him suspiciously. "Why?" She asks him.
He looks at her and he freezes. He then regains his composure as he calms down. "Nevermind." He says as he walks to the rope and also starts to climb. As they all climb to the top and go over the window they then start to descend. As they go further and further (despite what the tower's height looked on the outside) down they pass an opening as they look and see a giant building of where the exteriors are all perfect and magnificent. "Oh it's breath taking. The sprit spared no expense in designing this place. Look at those beautiful buttresses." The professor says fascinated at all the designs and look of the entire building.
Sokka and Aang giggle at what he said. "What's so funny?" The professor asks them confused. "Oh nothing we just like architecture." Aang says. The professor smiles. "As do I." He says. Zian rolls his eyes. "Yeah yeah keep going." He says as they continue their descend. As they touch the floor of a bridge the professor stops to look at a picture of painted owl over an archway.
"My word! The exquisite mosaic handiwork of this tile-rendered avian symbol ..." He says as the group look at him confused. He just gives them a weak smile. "Eh nice owl." He says. They suddenly hear rustling as they all hide behind the pillars. As they hide a giant black owl emerges from the shadows as it walks over to the rope that is hanging over the tower. "Please don't see me, please don't see me." Zian whispers to himself.
The owl then turns its head 2700 as it looks to the pillars. "I know your back there." It says in a deep male voice. Everyone continues to hide until the professor comes out and walks to him. "Hello! I'm professor Zei head of anthropology of Ba Sing Se University." He says excitingly as he bows to the owl. He looks at the professor showing no expression. "You should with the way you came…unless you want to become 'stuffed' head of anthropology." He says as he looks at stuffed heads of animals that are hanging on some pillar. The professor gulps audibly.
The rest of the group come out of the hiding as they walk to the being. "Are you the spirit who brought this library to the physical world?" Sokka asks. "Indeed, I am Won Shi Tong he who knows ten thousand things." He says as he looks at them. "And you are obviously humans. Which by the way are no longer permitted in my study." He says as Aang looks at him unsure. "What do you have against humans?" He asks. Wan Shi Tong looks at Aang. "Humans are only interested in studies to get the edge on other humans." He says. "And like I said they are no longer welcome. Especially ones I've already met." He says as he looks at the pillar that Zian is still hiding behind.
Zian's sweat starts to flow down his body as his nervousness start to go over the roof. "I know you're behind there…Zian." Wan Shi Tong says as everyone's eyes widen after hearing the spirit knowing Zian's name. Knowing he can't keep hiding anymore Zian comes out from the pillar. "Alright alright. You got me Wan" He says. Katara looks at him confused. "How does the spirit know your name?" She asks as Zian waves it off. "Long story." He answers as Katara gets suspicious.
Wan Shi Tong looks at Sokka. "So who are you trying to destroy?" Wan Shi Tong asks him as the great owl spirit's eyes are so big that Sokka can practically see his own reflection in them. Sokka looks at him nervously. "What? Du no no destroying here, we're not into that." He answers. "Then why have you come here." The owl asks still looking at the boy. "Uuuhm…knowledge for knowledge's sake?" He says clearly lying. The spirit looks at him for a moment as tensions brew up.
"If you're going to lie to an all knowing spirit being. You should at least put some effort into it." The spirit says as Sokka gets more nervous. "I'm not lying I'm here with the Avatar." He says as he places Aang between him and the owl. "The bridge between our worlds. He'll vouch for me." He says. "Uh yeah…I'll vouch. We will not abuse the knowledge in your library good spirit. You have my word." He says as they all bow to the Great Spirit. The spirit looks at them as he thinks. "Mmmm…very well. I'll let you peruse my vast collection. On one condition." He says as they look at him with raised eyebrows.
"To prove your worth as scholars you'll have to contribute some worthwhile knowledge." He says as the professor walks up to the spirit and kneels before him as he holds out a thick book. "Please except this tome as a donation to your library." He says. "First addition? Very nice." Wan Shi Tong says intrigued as he swipes his wing over the book and takes it. Next Katara stands before him as she holds out a scroll. "I have an authentic water bending scroll." She says. "Oooh these illustrations are quite stylish." He says as he takes the scroll and Katara bows to him.
Aang thinks for a moment. "Uuh…oh I know." He says as he takes out a wanted poster of himself. "HA!" He says as he shows it to the owl spirit. "I suppose that counts." He says as he takes the poster.
Sokka then walks up to the owl smiling. "Oh Great Spirit. Check this out." He says as he takes a piece of rope and ties it into a butterfly. "Tada" He exclaims as the spirit just looks at him. "It's a special not. That counts as knowledge." Sokka says as the spirit looks at him expressionless. "You're not very bright, are you?" He says as he takes the rope anyway as Sokka gives him an annoyed look.
Zian stands there feeling left out. "Whelp looks like I have nothing to give." He says as he walks to the rope that is behind Wan Shi Tong. The spirit suddenly places a wing in front of him stopping him in his tracks. "Actually you're the exception." He says as Zian looks at him confused. "What?" He says.
The spirit looks down at him. "I wish to contribute knowledge to you in fact." He says as Zian still looks at him confused. "What?" He repeats. The spirit looks at him and then looks at his friends. "Enjoy the library." He says as he flies up a little bit as he then grabs Zian by using his talons to grab onto his shoulders as he then flies up and then swoops down into the deep darkness of the library down below.
As soon as they leave the group head into the library part that they are in as Sokka looks down at where they flew. "Bright enough to full you." He mumbles before following the others.
Zian's side
"AAAAAAAAAGH!" Zian screams as they descend deeper and deeper as they pass many floors. As they do so he finally sees the ground as he panics with the owl spirit not slowing down. He screams as he prepares for the blow. As soon as they are inches away from the ground Wan then makes a sudden stop as this jolts Zian forward a bit. Wan let's go of him as he stand on his feet and Wan lands next to him.
Zian looks all around and sees that are in a giant room as he then looks up to see that they have flown down very low. He looks at the Spirit with a confused look. "So what are we doing here exactly?" He asks as Wan just surprisingly smiles. "Come." He says as he gestures the Earthbender to follow. Zian does so as Wan leads him.
They walk down a dark corridor as Zian is both confused and interested of what happens next. As they walk Wan suddenly stops him as he then lights up the whole place. As the light shines all over Zian is amazed to see a room that as filled with book cases and selves all littered with books, scrolls and all sorts of reading material that are probably tens of thousands years old. Zian is struck in awe as he looks all around.
"It is time." Wan says as he leads Zian to the middle of the room. There they see a circle carved into the floor. Zian looks at it curiously before he is interrupted by Wan's voice. "Sit" He says as he points to the circle. Zian looks at him as he hesitates a bit before nodding as he sits crossed legs. "Now close your eyes and meditate." He says as Zian does so as he knows that arguing won't help.
"What should I…" Zian tries to say before as he feels a force sucking him in as he opens his eyes and fear grips him as he looks down to see the circle has opened and he falls in as he screams. "Find Jolty, he will answer all of your questions!" Zian hears Wan's distant voice as he sinks father and father down and the darkness sucks him up as he disappears into the void.
Aaaaaaaaaand a cliff hanger. Sorry that I end it like this and sorry if the chapter isn't is as long as it usually is and the next might be as well. It was exams and I am tired so I just decided that it should be a cliff hanger so I hope you guys can understand.
And also sorry if I skipped the previous chapter of Toph teaching Aang but I just couldn't think of anything to put in it so I'm really sorry that I skipped it.
Nevertheless I hope you all enjoyed it and thank you for reading you are all the best I really mean. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. And I'll see you all in the next chapter. Bye.
