Chapter 14: Unexpected Power

Previously on Avatar: The Journey Continues…..

"Renshu! Renshu, are you okay? What happened?" His earthbending partner exclaimed as he ran over and helped his friend up to his feet.

"I'm not sure..." Was the waterbender's reply before a large crack was heard from outside the room. That sound was followed by the enraged roar of the dragon.

"Let's get out if here." The waterbender suggested as he began heading back towards the entrance of the room.. Just then, fire spewed into the tomb as an angry dragon barred the door.

"Renshu! Hang on!" Siyu ordered before grabbing his friend and shooting up into the earth above them. After a few seconds, the two men were at the top of the earth while closing the earth behind them. Both men fought to catch their breath after the huge scare as they both stood to their feet.

"Well, are you to adventurers done digging in the ground?" Miki asked the two men causing them to turn around to see that they had shot up at the docking area of the island.

"Yes, we are done. We are ready to leave." Siyu responded quickly before running into the boat followed by Renshu who held onto the Ruby in his pocket as he felt this extreme power course through his veins.

…

"You need to get some rest..." She stated on the way to the home as a sickening feeling began to envelope her. Jai Li stood there watching Katara carry Aang back to the house. A grieved look was on her beautiful delicate face. Rui Zi stood next to her with a shocked expression on her face.

"I didn't know that the Gems affected the Avatar's health." The Life spirit stated as Jai Li looked down at the ground.

"It affects far more than just his health.. Please.. Will you send for Aagi... I need to speak with him." The beautiful woman asked causing Rui Zi to nod her head 'yes'.

"I will be back as soon as I can." The spirit added to her silent response before taking off back to the spirit world in search for the male spirit.

"Oh Kiroko... If only you would have listened..." Jai Li whispered before she too vanished back to the spirit world.

….

I understand. My duty is to protect Katara, Avatar Aang's future wife. That is why I must speak with Aagi. Bad things are happening outside of the Spirit World…. Things that are out of our control." Rui Zi said in nearly a whisper before the doors to the temple swung open. The brilliance took Rui Zi's breath away. It resembled the Southern Airtemple when it was first constructed. Inside the main room were beautifully designed airnomad designs in the walls and swirling pillars with beautifully written inscriptions all over them. The tile on the floor was as blue as the sky and a cool breeze flowed through the air. An airnomad flute could be softly heard floating through the air creating the most tranquil atmosphere.

"That is what I feared. If you ever need assistance then let me know. I will be more than happy to help protect the Avatar and his future wife in any way possible. Aagi should be right through that room right over there. I will allow you your privacy to speak with him." Rokan told the beautiful spirit before bowing and exiting the temple. Rui Zi then turned toward the door that Rozan had pointed to. It was closed but the beautiful airnomad music could be heared flowing from that room. With a deep breath, Rui Zi walked up and opened the door.

….

"Yes, I feel the warmth again….the power…the vibrant heat. Well done, Renshu, you fool… well done." Kiroko chuckled as he held out his hands to feel that long lost sensation course through his body. Even though he could still fire bend, that particular feeling of the warmth inside of him had vanished, until now…... The warmth of the Fire Ruby. It was an indescribable power, warmth that vibrancy that no fire bender had ever dreamed of feeling. It was the loss that every firebender in the world didn't know they were missing, except for the ones who had felt its consuming power. Yes, that feeling. Yes, that heat had come back to him.

"Nothing can get in my way.. Nothing." Kiroko said to himself before seeing Siyu entering into the room. He could tell that the blasted earthbender was going to try and get through to Renshu. 'I can't let him interfere with my plans.' The evil man thought before breathing deeply in and out and connecting to Renshu's unaware conscience. It was an ability that Kiroko had spent years upon years mastering and finally he was putting it to practice on the poor waterbender's mind. From his psyche, Kiroko could manipulate the young man's attitude. However, he was still trapped and bound inside of the prison so he couldn't manifest himself in Renshu nor could he completely take over his actions… Unless Renshu willingly let him.. unless he let go. Then Renshu would become his own personal puppet.. obeying every single command.

….

"It's so beautiful.. so glorious… so… powerful. How could anyone ever forget about this ruby? How could anyone deny someone else this feeling of power? Just holding it gives me warmth and strength, and I am a waterbender… Imagine what kind of power I would have if it was my own element…" The blonde headed man silently thought to himself as he examined the flashing red ruby in his hand.

"Renshu… Renshu… RENSHU!" Siyu screamed as he tried to get his best friend's attention.

"Huh? What?" Renshu mumbled as he snapped back into reality and looked up to see his best friend standing in the doorway of their cabin.

"Are you okay?" The muscular earthbender asked in concern. It had already been two days since they had escaped from Kasei, and ever since that day Renshu had practically lived in the room staring at his newly found possession.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why are you constantly asking me if I'm okay? Don't you think if I wasn't okay I would tell you?" The young waterbender replied in a harsh intolerant tone causing his friend to lift up his hands in a sign of peace.

"Hey, I was just asking. There is no need to get all flamed on me.." Siyu said as he placed his hands back at his side.

"Well, stop asking. You don't need to worry about me." Renshu responded before gazing back at the powerful gem that was practically bonded to his hand.

"I can't help but worry about you. You aren't YOU anymore, Renshu. You had been acting weird ever since you started getting those dreams from that spirit guy, and I didn't say anything really…. but now… now there is a huge difference in your attitude… ever since you have gotten that ruby." The earthbender confessed to his friend while walking toward him. This caused Renshu to sigh in frustration before placing the Ruby of Fire in his pocket and standing up to walk away from his friend and over to the water basin. "Look.. All I'm saying is you have been a lot angrier and hot tempered recently… and then you just sit and stare at that rock of Fire for hours. We've been in this boat for two days already, and you've hardly left the cabin to even get some fresh air or anything… I'm just worried about you, Ren." Siyu continued causing his friend to growl and spin around to face him. The waterbender's face was bright red from anger and his hands were curled into fists.

"Don't you get it, stupid?! The reason I'm always angry is because you won't get off my back! I can hardly move without you staring a hole through me and asking if I'm okay! This ruby has NOTHING to do with it... and neither does the spirit prisoner.. Those aren't the problem…YOU ARE! Now stop your constant worrying about me. We just need to find the other three stones and this will all be over!" Renshu shouted before turning around and breathing heavily in an attempt to calm himself down. Siyu just stood there a second, shocked and kind of hurt. He knew that this wasn't his real best friend. It was something else. Something had changed him or someone.. someone evil. Just that realization drove chills down his spine. Speechless, Siyu stood there silently listening to his friend's deep rapid breaths. He knew that right now he couldn't reason with him. So all he could do is just be there for him through it all no matter what…

"That's what best friend's are for.. Ren wouldn't leave me in this position if I were in it…so I'm not leaving him." Siyu thought to himself however… "I'll leave you alone." Was all that the earthbender could muster out before turning around and walking out the door. Instantly, guilt slashed into Renshu's heart when hearing the door close shut. This wasn't like him at all, and he knew it. He knew deep down that Siyu was right, but he just couldn't stop now. He had already started this mission, and he was going to finish it. Another burst of rage coursed through him causing him to take multiple rapid breaths to calm himself down.

"Why am I so mad? What's going on?" The waterbender thought as he looked at the water basin in front of him.

"Feel the power…Just let go… Release your grasp on yourself" Renshu heard someone say in a commanding voice. It was a voice he couldn't disobey. Anger coursed through his body as he felt heat flow through it too. Suddenly the water in the basin began to boil as fire flowed from Renshu's palm.

"AH!" The waterbender yelped as he jumped back and saw the fire vanish from his hand. He stared intently at his hand for a few more seconds before breathing in and out and watching a flash of fire appear again.

"How am I firebending? I'm a waterbender.. not a firebender. What is going on? Did my waterbending get replaced when I let go?" Renshu thought to himself before picking up his hand and watching the water in the basin yield to his control. Then with his free hand, he summoned the heat causing another small burst of fire to form in his palm.

"See what happens when you let go?" The chilling voice whispered eliciting a dark smile on Renshu's face.

"Yes, yes I see." The water/fire bender chuckled as he collided both fire and water into eachother creating a dense fog in the room.

"Don't reveal your power just yet. Obtain the other three spiritual stones first." The evil voice ordered as Renshu smiled maliciously.

"Yes, master." Was his simple response before swiping his hands out towards his sides and vanishing the fog that once clung in the small room.

"Where do I go next?" Renshu asked in a cold monotone voice.

"Gaoling." The dark voice replied causing the waterbender to turn around and walk towards the door.

"It's a shame that I have to corrupt such a noble heart… but I have too.. I must get my revenge on the Avatar, and I fear if I don't then Siyu will begin turning Renshu against me… Now It's time to take control of him, and turn him into my new glorious creation. That stupid fool.. By the time I am finished with him, there will not be a good bone in his body. His soul will be corrupted. He will be a puppet in my hand, a vessel used for my will and my will alone. My word will be law.. He will no longer be able to fight it. Ruby of Fire, at last you will be mine again.." Kiroko stated as he watched, from his prison, Renshu walk out of the cabin and into the sunlight.

…..

Music whistled around the room as Rui Zi stepped inside. It was a beautiful colorful room that was open to nature. Birds tweeted along with the music while flying lemurs jumped from tree to tree. Butterflys fluttered, seeming to bounce to the rhythm of the melody. In the middle of the room sat a young man who looked around 25 years old. He had dark brown hair and was small yet pretty built. His appearance caught the spirit of life off guard, as well as his attire. He wore the traditional airnomad clothes instead of something similar to what the guards were wearing or what he used to wear. However, his style of clothing was the least of Rui Zi's concerns at that moment.

"I hope that he will be okay with the news I have to tell him. He probably will not be happy that Jai Li is out near Kiroko's prison.. or even away from his protection…. " Rui Zi thought to herself as she slowly continued advancing toward the handsome young man. She was so deep in thought that she didn't even notice that Aagi had stopped playing the flute and was now turning around to see her.

"Can I help you?" His rich baritone voice asked, quickly snapping Rui Zi back into reality. His grey eyes held a light in them that sparkled and shined, but also a wisdom and.. heaviness of years of being the avatar.

"Hello Avatar Aagi, I am Rui Zi, The Spirit Of Life. I have come on the request of Jai Li, The Guardian of the Sapphire of Water to come with me to the bridge of visions. She says that she needs to speak with you, and it is urgent." This news caused a flash of worry to zoom through the avatar's eyes.

"Of course, Take me to her." Aagi ordered in a calm voice although his eyes held a much different story. Rui Zi nodded her head before swiftly exiting the room and heading for her home.

"Why is Jai Li outside of the gates? Why is she at the Bridge of Visions?" The first avatar asked as he swiftly followed the young women out into the courtyard.

"I'm afraid I cannot answer that Avatar Aagi. I promise that all of your questions will be answered when you get there." Rui Zi answered causing the handsome bender of four elements to let out a brisk sigh.

"Very well.." Was all he said before creating a large wind current and sweeping both himself and the surprised spirit up into the air.

"We will get there faster if we ride the wind rather than the earth." Aagi explained as they flew toward the Bridge of Visions.

…..

"Hey Aang, I know we need to get to Kasei as soon as we can, but do you think we can drop by Kyoshi and see Sokka and Suki?" Katara asked her fiancé who flashed her a sweet smile.

"Of course we can. I think Appa needs a break anyway." Aang replied before lowing Appa down on to the ground and helping Katara down. All of the young love struck girls and adults gathered around to say hello to the Avatar and his new fiancé. Squeals of delight could be heard from the little girls, and ooh's and ahh's could be heard from the older women admiring Katara's new betrothal necklace.

"It's nice to see you too.. Thank you, I'm glad to be here… Um.. Yeah it's great to see you again…" Aang responded to the multitude of admirers.

"AANG! KATARA!" An all too familiar voice shouted from inside the crowd. Next thing the young couple knew, Sokka was grabbing onto them and pulling them into a big bear hug. "It's great to see ya'll. I was wondering if y'all were ever gonna come pick me up! It's about time!" Sokka exclaimed with a huge smile on his face.

"Hey Sokka, I didn't know that you were going to need a ride… I thought you took a boat here?" Katara stated while turning her head to the side.

"I wish I would have, but I took Appa. The he LEFT me and Suki here on Kyoshi to go back to you. I HAVE NO CLUE WHY HE DID THAT! BAD BOY, APPA! BAD BOY!" Sokka scolded only to yelp when the huge bison pounced on him giving his a big watery kiss. "EWWWW! APPA GET OFF OF ME!" Laughter filled the air as Sokka gave it his best effort to get out from underneath the giant fuzzy beast.

"So I take it that you two worked everything out?" Katara asked Suki who was smiling at the scene of Sokka and Appa.

"Yeah, we did. I forgave him for being an idiot. After all, he's MY idiot." The kyoshi warrior stated eliciting a giggle from Katara.

"Yeah, he is an idiot sometimes. I'm glad that everything worked out between you two."

"SUKI, KATARA, AANG HELP PLEASE!" The warrior begged as he continued wrestling with the 2 ton sky bison.

"Alright buddy, you can get off Sokka now." Aang told his animal friend who, after giving Sokka another big wet lick, obeyed his master and back away.

"Thanks.. So why are you two over here anyway? I didn't think you guys were coming to see me just to make sure I was okay." The southern watertribe warrior asked causing Aang and Katara to become very solemn.

"I think it would be better to talk about that stuff back at the training house." The young waterbender suggested causing everyone to silently nod in understanding before pushing through the crowd. A few minutes later they arrived at the training house.

"Okay, so what's going on?" Sokka questioned, cutting straight to the point.

"We are heading to Kasei, the old firenation capital. Something strange has happened to Aang here recently, and we need to get answers." Katara answered before Aang could. This news immediately caught the attention of both warriors.

"What happened?" Suki wondered causing Aang to look down at the ground.

"We don't really know. I just had this huge pain hit me and I fell. Then the next morning my fire chi was blocked, and Katara had to go and unblock it. It took all of her energy to do it. Then I had a vision that I was supposed to go to Kasei, and there I will get all of my answers." Aang stated before looking back up from the ground only to see a worried look on Sokka and Suki's face.

"Well…. Can you still firebend?" Suki asked her friend.

"Of course I can. Watch." Aang stated before twirling around and shooting out fire from his palms and legs. However, after that he fell to the ground breathing rapidly. It felt as though his chakra was tearing… it was painful.. It was.. weakening.

"AANG!" Katara screamed as she ran over to him in concern.

"I'm fine.. Just out of breath." The avatar responded before Katara helped him to his feet.

"I think that is enough firebending at least until we figure out what's going on." Katara suggested as they walked up to the house.

"I think that is a good idea." Aang agreed before grimacing as a sharp pain jabbed him in the stomach.

'What is going on with me?' The young avatar thought to himself as a sickening feeling enveloped him.

…..

Hey guys! Told you I'd get done with this chapter as soon as I could! I hope you enjoy it; although I'm sure a lot of you knew THAT was coming. Because you guys are SO SMART! I'll try and get more soon too. I hope you like it! And thank you for all of the awesome reviews! YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! :D