Chapter 11 - The Way Of The Dragon

Note: Sorry for the delay, with the school year starting and a side project made me busy.

The 'voice'

Harry's thoughts

Text in the book

Harry leant against the tree as he observed the red-lake, he knew that he'll have a few precious moments of rest before the training will begin. The level of training of the Old Masters was always beyond the extreme, it is most likely he'll get some instructions, never by the Masters themselves, and then be thrust into some kind skirmish where he'll have to use the things he was taught to stay alive. Until his results will satisfy them he will stay here, no matter that there is a war going on earth and that his loved ones are in danger.

Harry's forehead crunched as he was lost in thought. It was obvious that one of the main things that he'll train is his bending, so he probably should organise all that he knew about it if the Old Masters decided to give him a pop-quiz that he'll be punished severely for falling it.

He knew that there were four elements that a human can control: Air, water, earth and fire, you don't have to be a wizard to be a bender. He never met anyone else who could 'bend'(Control the Element) other than him, bender were extinct these days. For some reason he could bend two elements: Air and fire. For some reason it was impossible to control your element before you turn 16, until that it worked like accidental magic, bursting uncontrollably when the bender was extremely emotional. It was pretty much impossible to find any valuable books about it and there were no willing teachers.

Could shut up please? I'm trying to sleep here!

What? You can sleep?

Of course I can you dimwit! Did you think I'm just a voice that your consciousness created while under stress?

Err... Wait a minute! Did you read my mind?

I am in your mind!

Harry growled in frustration and ignored it, that voice was going to drive him mad soon enough. He suddenly saw a tome that was lying next to him, he was so absorbed in his argument with the voice he didn't notice it appearing.

He picked it up but he almost fell forward from its weight. He sighed before picking it up and quickly dropping it on his knees, only a whimper of pain escaped him.

Wimp

Harry ignored it once again and preferred to examine the heavy tome that was lying on his knees. It was ancient-looking and had a very hard cover that was coloured with many shades of red and many designs of fire-breathing dragons, Harry didn't recognise any of them. Its title was carved into it: 'Firebending - From the candle flame to a dragon's breath. The complete guide for traditional firebenders. Written by Avatar Roku.

Harry frowned in confusion, what kind of a title is an Avatar? He never heard of it.

You didn't heard of it? What do they teach you kids in school those days? Or you're just naturally stupid?

Oh and you know what is an Avatar?

Of course!

And?

And what?

What is an Avatar?

Oh... Err, it's such a nice weather today! Don't you agree?

Harry rolled his eyes, after the enlightening conversation he had he was nowhere near the answer. He decided to just open the tome and start reading.

Introduction:

Fire is the forth element of the Avatar cycle, it is the only element out of the four that could be created from the bender's chi. It is a common belief that only strong emotions like anger and grief can produce a master level firebending but it is wrong. A true firebending master does not use his emotions to be able to bend, it's his calm mind and unbreakable will that allows him to create fire and control it completely.

Harry digested the information slowly, he saw now that his control on his elements was truly minimal, he used his emotions to control them, exactly the opposite of what the book said.

Our ancestors, who later would build the Fire Nation, learned the art of firebending from the dragons. They learned that complete discipline was a critical part of firebending, a mistake could be fatal, anger could cause many deaths.

Firebenders draw their power from the sun like the waterbenders draw their power from the moon, yet a solar eclipse will unable a firebender to bend at all.

Harry was getting more and more confused, who were the Fire Nation? How did they learn firebending from the dragons?

Chapter 1 - Basics

The first lesson of firebending that should be taught before even starting the training is breathing. Breathing helps with concentration, until the student is able to breath for hours without weathering his training could not start.

He's kidding, right?

Please tell me he's kidding!

Harry didn't answer since he was shocked into silence. Breathing? That was his first lesson? No! He will not do it! Time is too precious to waste it on that!

He turned to the next page only to find it empty, he looked through all of the pages only to find them blank as well. He groaned, "You've got to be kidding me!" He muttered miserably.

Apparently he's not kidding

Shut up Grumpy!

What did you say?

I called you Grumpy! I've been thinking of a name for you and now I found it!

No! I refuse to be called in a such disrespecting manner!

Exactly, Grumpy! Or do you prefer to be called Grump?

Harry received a sulky huff as a response, he grinned, and now that he felt better he could start his first lesson. Harry sighed in frustration, he hoped that things are better back at home.

XXXXXXX

Breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out, breath in, bre- Ok that does it!

Harry glared at the tome which remained unchanged, the letters glinted mockingly at him emitting a growl of frustration from Harry. He have been breathing for what felt like days yet the second lesson didn't appear in the tome. Grump's mocking laughter interrupted his thoughts once again but he barely reacted, he was nothing but a little annoyance in his path to learn firebending and get back to earth to save his friends.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw words appear on the page, he blinked in surprise, what did he do right this time? He shrugged, he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, he continued reading eagerly.

Well done! You have proven you have the required discipline and the right intentions to learn the forgotten way of a true firebender. In those last years I noticed a drastic change in our nation, the people have became too proud, arrogant and see themselves superior to the other nations. I suspect Fire Lord Sozin is planning to wage war against our sister nations to make his empire bigger and stronger, the only thing that stops him for the moment is his fear of myself.

Harry was getting more and more confused as he continued reading. The tome was talking about some era that was not recorded in history, a world with benders and non-benders yet no wizards and witches. Perhaps it was before this era, but when exactly? From what he understood and guessed, there was four nations, one for each element. The Fire Nation who were lead by a Fire Lord, Sozin at that time, grew powerful and became arrogant because of it. The Fire Lord had dreams about building an empire by conquering the other nations, yet he feared Roku for some reason, Harry was sure the reason was this Avatar title. It seemed as if Roku was a Fire Nation citizen but had a certain fondness for the 'sister nations' as he called them. Reading, Harry concluded was the only way to find out more about this strange world.

As an Avatar, I should've crushed those ideas, taking the throne from Sozin and most likely killing him. Alas I couldn't, he was my childhood friend and to this day I don't believe that he will do anything, he hasn't proved me wrong.

He's weak, consoling his own personal emotions to act, he strongly reminds me of you.

Whatever you say Big-G.

Harry smirked as he received no reply. So it seemed as if the Avatar was some kind of a judgmental position for the four nations, enabling the Avatar to remove any threats to the balance of the world, but what made him/her so special? It seemed no one monitored the Avatar's actions, since he was allowed to let his emotions drive him while making decisions for the whole world.

Returning to the subject in hand, fire is the most wild element out of the four, it is alive. Some say that fire is nothing more than a tool for destruction, I disagree. It is true that a careless firebender can destroy everything in his path, yet a true master can use his bending to undo the damage.

Now that you have learned the key to firebending and took the warnings to your heart, you are allowed to start learning the firebending.

Harry sighed in satisfaction, he had finally reached it. He had to admit, the warnings had really affected him. It was exactly like dark magic, scratching the surface gave you the advantage at a fight yet you had to endure the endless chilling whispers that tried to pull you even deeper, so you will become what you are fighting against. It reminded him of the movie Star Wars, Harry thought with a grin, but he'll never fall to the 'dark side', he had to keep his good looks after all.

Chapter 2 - The Chi

The chi is the energy that flows in our bodies, without it we wouldn't be able to function.

Unlike the other elements, fire is the only element that could be created by the bender's chi. For that reason fire is considered to be the most mobile element, even if an airbender could find air anywhere.

To be able to produce fire you would need first to become aware of your chi, it could be easily achieved with meditation. For those who are unfamiliar-

But Harry stopped reading, he was already in a deep trance he achieved searching for his chi. He suspected that it would be connected to his magical reserves, a moment later he was proven to be right. He found a trail of the chi and he grasped it, sudden warmness rushed inside him, he was strongly reminded of the same feeling he felt before he released the white flames that destroyed the Horcrux. So he did just that, he channelled all of the energy he felt into his right hand and pushed it out. Greyish flames flew out of his right clenched fist toward the red lake, he didn't expect the backlash that slammed him into the tree behind him. He groaned in pain as he heard Grumpy laughing at him, he ignored him for the moment. He stood on shaky legs before stumbling and falling down again, he felt a sharp pain in his right hand, he looked down at it only to find it scorched, almost black in colour. He cursed out loud while glaring at the tome that was lying innocently on the blue grass. He crawled to it slowly and read the few lines he skipped.

When you'll feel the chi building up in one place(i.e. Hands, legs, mouth etc.) you should not release it right away. First the firebender needs to learn how to subdue his chi and control it completely, before that injuries may occur.

And you're saying it only now?

That. was. funny!

Harry growled tiredly in frustration, he wasn't feeling well, perhaps he should rest. Harry crumbled into unconsciousness with his scorched hand cradled protectively to his chest.

XXXXXXX

Not that far away from where Harry was training he was observed from a tower that was invisible for anyone who wasn't permitted to see it. In one of the highest levels of the silent tower three beings observed their 'student'. They were standing in a richly decorated office with a lot of furniture and paintings.

Death smiled in surprise and satisfaction, "He learns quickly and is extremely powerful, I believe we have found the One." He said with sinister joy shining in his blue eyes.

Fate reluctantly nodded while a scowl marred her flawless face, "Yes, but don't get your hopes up brother, he is after all only a human." She spat the last word in disdain.

He nodded absently and murmured quietly: "An extraordinary one, he is perfect for this mission."

His sister threw a sharp look at her brother before her golden eyes turned towards their younger sister and she sneered before asking: "And what about you sister? What do your mushy emotions tell you about young, pitiful Harry?" She mocked her sister.

Time, who was looking out of the window with her hands clasped behind her, she didn't turn when she was addressed by her sister. She answered while still observing Harry: "He is indeed powerful and talented, yet his fear of us has disappeared. Instead he feels only hate towards us, I believe that he seeks a way to destroy us to be free once again." She finished quietly.

Her siblings blinked stupidly at her for a moment before two identical smirks of amusement appeared on their faces. Fate asked her sister in mock confusion: "Are you sure we're speaking about the same person my dear sister? The last time I talked with Harry he was ill-tempered-".

"-Angsty-" Death quipped, his smirk growing.

"-Weak-" Fate continued waving her hand in a lazy dismissing gesture.

"-And completely miserable!" They finished in unison while laughing, when their sister didn't react they rolled their eyes before exiting the office.

Time didn't move an inch yet her eyes were filled with cold anger, she muttered quietly: "You can laugh now, your arrogance will soon be your downfall, I'll enjoy seeing you burn in hell."

Her lips formed a little sinister smile as her violet eyes never left the form of Harry who was engrossed in his duel against his materialised opponent.

"Soon."

XXXXXXX

Harry lost his breath as he blocked another burst of fire, he moved away from his enemy to put distance between them so he could catch his breath. After regaining consciousness he discovered that his hand has miraculously healed, yet it throbbed in sharp pain as if to remind him of his foolishness. After that lesson he learned a lot, many fight styles and ways to use firebending, at the moment he needed to fight the firebender that appeared out of nowhere to pass his test, the duel has been going for a while and he was starting to feel its effects on his body.

He jumped to the left to dodge the wave of fire that his opponent released, he returned fire with three sharp jabs of his fists. His opponent didn't dodge as Harry thought he would, he started running towards Harry and created a half sphere of fire, protecting his front from Harry's desperate attacks. Harry kept sending fireballs and streams, trying in vain to stop his opponent or at least slow him down, his mind trying to find a way to counter his enemy's attempt to finish the duel. Suddenly an crazy idea made to his mind, it would be extremely risky and would need his remaining energy to do it, if he would fail it would certainly will mean his loss, he had to wait for the right moment, timing was crucial.

Harry stopped his attack and stood in a stiff stance, his breathing deep, his eyes glinting with power. His opponent didn't seem to notice the sudden change as he advanced towards the emerald green eyed teen with only with one purpose in mind. 30 feet, 20, 10, 5... Now! Harry released the massive energy that gathered in his arms, creating an immense burst of fire that sent him a few inches above his opponent. Carefully avoiding the flaming sphere, Harry landed behind his opponent, before he could react Harry sent a thin blade of fire towards his exposed back. All that the firebender was able to do was to utter a shrill cry of pain before falling on the floor dead.

Harry collapsed in exhaustion on the scorched blue grass, while he learned how to control his element, it still took a lot of energy from him. He sat up in surprise when he saw the grass beneath him changing, all the burned grass was restored but the tree was still burning in a golden glow. A true master can use his bending to undo the damage. He jumped to his feet with renewed determination, for once he could undo the damage he caused and he was going to do it.

Harry took a deep breath before closing his eyes, he reached out towards the energy that the flames were emitting and with an almost inaudible grunt of effort slowly drained it towards himself. He opened his eyes as he felt the energy flow through his veins, a gasp escaped his lips at the feeling of the sheer power, he felt so alive!

It took Harry a few moments to recover from the sudden euphoria, it seemed as if power was indeed the strongest drug ever existed. With such power he could easily conquer the world, be the greatest emperor as he ruled earth as a one nation! After killing the pathetic Dark Lord he-

Harry violently shook himself out of power drunk trance he has fallen to, how could he think about world domination? That kind of thoughts belonged to Voldemort or them. He narrowed his eyes suspicion, perhaps his new imaginary friend had something to with it.

Hey Grump.

Yes, Dunderhead?

Did you have any thoughts about evil plans to conquer the world and live happily as a supreme ruler for the rest of your life?

Once or twice.

Did you think about it in the last minutes by any chance?

No, I was thinking about my future Global conquest-

But Harry already dismissed his words after hearing the denial. While he was sure that Grump was lying, he knew he wouldn't be able to make him admit it. His presence in Harry's mind may affect him, he refused to believe that such dark thoughts were created by him.

Harry shook his head to clear his troubled thoughts and turned towards the tome that was lying near the tree, surprisingly undamaged. He picked it up and saw that a new paragraph has appeared.

Congratulations are in order! You have passed the last test and proved you have learned everything I can offer, but remember, you cannot become a master firebender by reading a book, it is the experience of many years that forms the true masters.

Harry frowned in confusion, that's it? A few words of wisdom is all he gets for learning firebending at such a fast pace, he barely felt ready! His emerald eyes grew darker as a deep rage bubbled inside him, he was breathing heavily like an enraged bull and dark grey flames built in his fists.

With a sudden bright flash he found himself in a strange room, it seem to be ancient and was dimly illuminated. It reminded him of Hogwarts, the walls were built from stone and were decorated with many portraits, each presented some kind of scenes. Great battles, debates, democracy, corruption, abuse, love, scientific projects and wonders were only the stat.

Harry felt his anger shimmer away as he was absorbed in the calm atmosphere, he could hear soft chanting from somewhere but he didn't have the will or energy to turn towards it.

"It is quite beautiful here, isn't it?" A familiar feminine voice asked him softly.

Harry jerked in surprise and tried to find the source of the voice, yet his movements were sluggish and he stumbled down, landing straight on his face, when he tried to get up he found out that he lacked the energy to do so. "Wha'?" He mumbled in a small voice that sounded pitiful to him.

"Shush, it would be better if you didn't see me." Harry once again heard the voice that seemed to be much closer to him, he felt drowsy and accepted the fact that he is completely in her mercy.

"Good, now listen to me Harry. I've been watching you for a very long time, how the Old Masters-" The voice turned venomous as she spat the name. "-bullied you and tried to use you as their lap dog. They don't realise how much power you wield, but I see it, I believe that together we would be able to destroy them and you would be able to have the free life you deeply desire, a life where you are just another face in the crowd, living quietly and happily." Alarms bells rang in Harry's foggy mind, no one knew that, he needed to find a way to escape the tight grasp she had on his mind. His thoughts faded away as he entered her trance, completely surrendering his mind to her manipulations.

"That's it, relax and let me help you. I won't be able to contact you too frequently, but for now I can provide you some information that will make you more prepared, it will be in the tome you were given so think twice before burning it." Harry felt a stab of shame when he was reminded how he lost his temper for a petty thing again.

"But beware, with power comes responsibility. Your choices and actions will have a massive effect on the fate of humanity, you could choose the right way-" He was suddenly pulled away as the scenery faded around him. After a few moments where he floated blindly Harry finally landed, he was able to stand yet he wasn't able to move an inch, a mere observer.

Childish giggles reached his ears as he faced an ordinary family with three children. The father looked extremely familiar, his raven black hair was messy and his emerald eyes sparkled in happiness behind his glasses as he laughed with his wife at their children's antics. Harry's eyes grew wide as he recognised his 'future' self, he seemed to be in his late thirties and looked happier than ever. The red-headed mother looked familiar as well and it took Harry a moment to identify her as Ginny, it seemed as though his future self has forgiven her about the love potion incident enough to start a new relationship with her.

The sound of an arriving train shook him out of his thoughts, they were in King's Cross train station. Harry's eyes filled with tears as he observed his future children get ready to Hogwarts, seeing his heart's deepest desire unfold before him made him very emotional and a spark of hope slowly made its way to his mind.

He wasn't given the time to drink every detail of his children as he was pulled away, no matter how hard he fought against it.

"-or you would be tempted by seductive power of the easy way."

With a flash he found himself in some very dirty room, it was half way ruined as debris and parts of the walls laid on the floor. It was dark and he could hear cries from what he assumed was the street and gun fire as well as inhuman screams of agony.

He turned around to see himself through a broken mirror that loosely hung on the wall. His gasp of surprise rang loudly in the silent room, he could see himself but he was very different. He seemed to be in his late twenties and wore dusty military uniform with an insignia that he couldn't recognise. He was sickly pale and his breath was slightly laboured, his hair was longer and was dirty and dusty as well. But what startled him the most were his eyes, they were still green yet they looked darker, they were cold and void of emotions, to his horror Harry could detect a few almost unnoticeable red streaks in them.

Before he could digest it he was pulled away and many pictures and voices passed before his eyes, he was unable to concentrate on any of them before they disappeared.

A deep masculine voice reached his ears, it spat in hate: "You kept my mother from me! It was all because of you!"

He heard another voice as the first faded away, this one was warm and wise: "Ah yes, I've been waiting for you for a long, long time. We have much to discuss."

As it faded as well another voice reached him, he recognised it as his self, it was full of anger and frustration: "You don't get it, do you? If we won't unite as a one force we won't have a chance against them!"

Suddenly it all stopped and he was transported again, he felt like a ghost, he didn't see his body and felt an empty feeling inside him. He was in some endless space with a shiny black background. He could suddenly see a large ball of fire that was created by an explosion, yet it was much bigger than even an explosion from a nuclear bomb and for some reason he couldn't hear anything.

A voice rang in his mind, it took him a few moments of deep concentration do identify him as Death: "Well done, Harry, you have finished your third and last trial and proved your undiminished loyalty to us. Kneel before me to receive the honourable title of an equal of us."

To his growing dread he heard himself, he sounded hoarse and defeated: "Your wish, Master, is my command."

"Choose wisely, you have been warned."

With a gasp he found himself back in his own body, grey flames still danced around his fist ready to burn anything in their path. With a deep sigh from Harry they disappeared without a sound. He fell down on the blue grass from a sudden fatigue, confusion seeped through him as he tried to understand what happened, it seemed that spontaneous weird events became an usual burden those days.

Note: So if you didn't see it, most of the information of this chapter is taken from Avatar: The Last Airbender or invented by me. The show will have a part in the story but mostly in the sequel.