Author's Notes:
Disclaimer: Did I forget to mention that I don't own A: TLA?
Thank you Alabaster86 for being my friend and beta! Thank you to all my reviewers! Thank you all dear readers!
The events in this chapter immediately follow the last one and take place simultaneously as those in chapter 18 when we last saw Zuko, the Dai Li, Sokka and the girls.
And now part three of "Educating the Avatar."
Breaking the Promise
"It is the obvious which is so difficult to see most of the time.
People say 'It's as plain as the nose on your face.'
But how much of the nose on your face can you see,
unless someone holds a mirror up to you?"
― Isaac Asimov, I, Robot
Chapter 21 – Educating the Avatar (Part 3 – A New Perspective)
The men had prepared a feast to please the senses. Provincial dishes, comfort food from their youth guaranteed to heal the soul, were laid on the dining table, beckoning the hungry group to sit and eat. There was a variety to choose from. Dumplings, spicy and lightly seasoned morsels of meats, noodles, soup, and rice complimented the main dish of roasted pig-chicken. Aang was not forgotten. There was an ample selection of fruits and vegetable dishes prepared with tangy, sweet and fiery sauces for his vegetarian palate. It went without say that there was also tea, selected from among Iroh's special blends, to enhance the dining experience.
Compliments on everything were extended and graciously accepted. The group exchanged pleasantries and ideas about food and cooking as they ate, relaxing in each other's company and enjoying the atmosphere.
"I've brought a little surprise for you Iroh," said Jianguo excitedly. He impishly waggled his eyebrows for effect.
"Oh?" Iroh braced himself. He and Jianguo went back a long way. This type of behavior could spell trouble.
"I was finally able to manage it." With a flourish, the shop owner produced a small canvas package from a bag almost identical to the one Sokka had purchased in Gaoling. He proudly passed the package to Iroh, who sneered at it even as he took it. "They're coffee beans!" exclaimed Jianguo. "I have a supplier now!"
"You wound me, old friend," complained the Jasmine Dragon as he tried to suppress his delight in his friend's happiness.
Ping broke out in laughter and jabbed Jianguo with his elbow. "I told you so! It won't sell, trust me. It's too bitter!"
"It tastes like mud," added Iroh sourly.
Jianguo led the next round of laughter, unfazed by the reception of his gift. "You just you need to learn how to brew it is all."
Absorbed in the moment, Katara was alit with delight. Forgotten were all the problems of the day and what tomorrow would bring. She leaned into Aang who was also enjoying himself.
"It sold back home. It will here too," insisted the merchant.
"Where was home?" asked Aang.
"Before I settled in Ba Sing Se, I lived in the northwestern part of the kingdom. I was the Order's eyes and ears in Wuhan.*"
"Wuhan?" Katara sat up in attention. "We've been to Wuhan! Remember Aang? The Fire Festival?"
"Yeah! That's near where we first met Jeong Jeong."
"Yes," nodded Jianguo excitedly, pleasantly surprised at the connection. "Jeong Jeong had settled among the tribesmen in the forest. They lived off the land and the bounty that the Yangtze River* provides."
"How did you join the Order?" Katara hoped to hear as many stories about the men and what brought them together as she possibly could.
"It ran in the family," he said off-handedly, with a shrug of his shoulders. He lost himself in contemplation, narrating in his mind about the place where he was born and about his family. When he did speak up he merely carried on with the story as if they were privy to his silent recitation. "The Yangtze River was valuable strategically for the Fire Nation, mind you. When their navy first made its way up the river, many people fled east across it in the hopes of making it safely elsewhere. Many set their eyes on Ba Sing Se, though some stayed behind. My family was one of those which stayed. I grew up in Wuhan under colonial rule.
My uncle was a member of the White Lotus. I was initiated after my father's death. It was important to my uncle that I expand my horizons and open my mind to more than what my father could understand. You see, my father opposed the Fire Nation vehemently and did what he could to thwart them. Violence was common." Memories teased at the edge of his conscience. He pushed them aside and skipped the part about how his father died. "My uncle did not want that for me. He did not want me to lead the life my father chose. So, he taught me, as the Order did him. I became a member and pledged myself to help those in need. Back then there wasn't any thought of winning the war or of driving the enemy back. It was a matter of surviving, making ends meet and living your life. Things were what they were and the hope was that stronger, smarter people in better positions than us were going to see about ending the war. My contribution was keeping the lines of communication open and being of service to those in need of it."
He continued absentmindedly as memories assaulted him. "A good number of people passed through Wuhan over the years. Some were members of the Order, some eventually became members. Mostly they were people in need of help."
The members of the White Lotus fell silent. Their thoughts took them back years into the past. For three out of the five, life had been very different. What's more, they had been different men.
Ping, ever practical, broke the awkwardness. He sighed heavily and offered, "More tea?"
"Yes, please," replied the adolescents in synchrony, prompting them to face each other and smile.
Having suddenly recalled something, Professor Yu-Tan chimed in. "I meant to tell you, Avatar Aang. You have quite a following at the university."
Aang was puzzled. "How do you mean, Professor?"
His girlfriend leaned towards him and used her brother's terminology to clarify it for him. "Avatar fan girls."
The comment earned Aang a few looks from the older men.
"Fan girls?" asked Uncle Iroh, highly amused and barely able to keep from chuckling.
Katara explained, "They tend to mob Aang where ever he goes," then sulkily added, "He is a celebrity now."
The tone of her remark raised some eyebrows at the table, but was completely missed by Aang.
The attention he naturally drew to himself wasn't a problem at first. Aang was the Avatar and he had just saved the world. Katara figured that he was entitled to some adoring fans. As time wore on, however, it became annoying. She didn't like the way some of the girls looked at him and then looked at her. After all, they didn't know him and she was used to having him to herself. All the same, nothing ever got out of hand and he delighted in meeting new people. He had told her once that he enjoyed the gratitude people expressed. It wasn't so long ago that he had felt guilty for running away from his destiny and effectually 'turning his back on the world.' It felt good to be appreciated. So, on the occasion when people, who just happened to be girls with stars in their eyes, showed a true interest in his people's culture and customs, and made him feel as if he was home again, she bit her tongue and endured it for him.
For his part, Aang never thought of, or felt about, anyone the way he did Katara. It never occurred to him that she could ever be a little bit jealous. If he learned of it, he would laugh for the mere fact that she was even remotely insecure. She had no reason to be. From the day he first laid eyes on her till the day he would close them forever, there would be no other for him but his forever girl.
Professor Yu-Tang's eyes sparkled with delight. Upon her comment, the couple had ceased to be historical figures to him and simply became Aang and Katara; a young boy and a young girl, very much in love. It was clear that the couple was still learning to deal with the fame and admiration that came with being heroes of the Hundred Year War. Naturally, they also had to deal with the various issues which have plagued teenagers since the dawn of time. But as if that wasn't enough, they shouldered a heavy responsibility which most could not fathom. The teenagers were actively shaping the path the world would take in its attempt to recover from the war. He was in awe of their fortitude, especially as they seemed unblemished in spite of what they had seen and gone through. He counted himself lucky to have the opportunity to get to know them as people, rather than as the source of a collection of facts which would eventually be laid out in a history book.
"No, these are not fan girls as you put it. They are mostly philosophy and anthropology students, eager to learn about the Air Nomads. There is nothing in the current curriculum to satisfy their need for knowledge on the subject. They gather to discuss what they've learned through various sources and to think of ways to discover more. They are pretty serious about it. If you are at all interested in speaking with them, if you should ever have the time to visit, I could arrange for a meeting. I am sure they would love it."
"That sounds great Professor! Thank you. I'd love to share everything I know with them!" He flashed a brilliant smile at his girlfriend, happy to hear that there was a genuine growing interest in his people.
"My pleasure; I am more than happy to help." Yu-Tang turned to face Master Liu, who sat across the table. "I am only sorry that I was not of greater assistance to you, my friend. Perhaps we can still get together with my colleague before you return home."
"I would like that very much, thank you. I also look forward to the day that something arrives from your counterparts in the Fire Nation."
"What exactly are you looking for Master Liu? I might be able to help things along, after all I know the Fire Lord personally."
Liu turned to meet the gaze of each man in the room.
"Moment of truth," whispered the Professor to his neighbor.
Katara caught the comment. She nudged her boyfriend under the table with her foot. He nudged back. Ever since the Professor had mentioned that Master Liu had something to speak to him about, the two had burned with curiosity. This could be it. Both grew more attentive.
"Thank you for your offer, Avatar Aang. There is something I've been meaning to speak to you about." He looked around the room again. "Did we agree to preface it?"
Ping received a nod from Iroh and leaned forward in his seat. "Assuming all goes well tomorrow, the Earth King will agree to meet the Fire Lord to calmly discuss the situation, thereby avoiding a confrontation. When the time comes, you will act as mediator between the two to help them decide what is best for their people."
The Avatar nodded in affirmation.
"However, young Avatar," continued Ping, ". . . the issue of the colonies is multifaceted. It is not black and white as the Hundred Year War was. The war had to end. Stopping the Fire Nation from conquering the Earth Kingdom and from dominating the world was undoubtedly the correct thing to do. That was simple enough to see. But the colonies are a whole other matter. Things are not as straightforward as one might think."
Aang knew they were two different situations. As far as it not being straightforward, he understood it to be a cascade of events. "The issue of the colonies revolves around the break of trust between the Fire Lord and the Earth King. Earth King Kuei has no confidence in the Fire Lord's word now and flat out refused to meet with him. By removing his support for the Harmony Restoration Movement, Fire Lord Zuko has reopened a wound. The pain and damage caused by Hundred Year War is not easily forgotten. The movement itself was a step to heal the people of the world and bring balance back to the four nations, to rebuild trust between them. That fragile trust was broken when the former Xinhai colonists were turned back at the Fire Nation because Zuko now wants to keep all the colonies where they are. There is bitter disagreement over this. Earth King Kuei will not accept foreign nationals occupying Earth Kingdom territory." He paused. "There is no clear solution. The leaders have to hear each other out and be willing to make allowances before we can move forward in search of an answer."
The young man continued, "We cannot afford to lose the progress which has been made in the year since the war's end. I'll do what I have to do to prevent a confrontation. I'll get them to sit down and talk. I'll work to repair the trust that was lost. Coming to an agreement will be difficult, but I believe it to be possible. It will take time, but we can achieve harmony."
"Harmony?" Ping snorted.
The newest member of the Order took it from there. "Harmony is rarely, if ever, achieved. History is littered with conflicts, big and small," lectured the Professor. "Some would argue that progress is only made because of conflicts. No conflict, no change, no growth."
Aang's brows knitted together. Just what is he driving at? "That was Fire Lord Sozin's argument to Avatar Roku for the war. He disguised his desire for conquest as a push for progress!"
"Ah," exclaimed Yu-Tang. "But progress can come from conflict such as war."
Katara became alarmed. "You're advocating war? Aren't we trying to prevent one?"
"Goodness no! Of course, not! I am merely pointing out that war is one way in which progress can be achieved. Albeit it at an exorbitant price!" The confusion and worry he caused in the pair was not lost to the professor. He chided himself for forgetting that they were not his students and therefore not used to his methods for starting a discussion. "Hear me out, please. The conflict is already present. None of us want to see it escalated into war. Progress can be achieved by clarifying and understanding the underlying issue and by working to resolve that. I am afraid we may not achieve harmony, but we can achieve progress. Progress arrived at through your guidance, Avatar Aang. Progress arrived at because you have a greater understanding of the underlying issue and can direct the monarchs to a common ground so that they can begin to talk."
The airbender grew pensive. Underlying issue?
Jianguo spoke up. "Avatar Aang, we are asking that you let us help you. The White Lotus is an organization which seeks knowledge and truth, and imparts it to those who wish to learn. We hope to clarify the problem for you. I, for one, am convinced that until the matter is firm in your mind, the Earth King and the Fire Lord will never arrive at a compromise that they could live with, let along one that will stand the test of time."
Aang nodded in acceptance of their offer. He saw the wisdom of finding a solution that would not fall apart every time they encountered something unexpected. Still, how could one prepare for the unexpected? He shook his head in disbelief over how badly things had fallen apart but a year from the night that they had come to an agreement.
(Flashback)
Aang stood before the map of the world in the Earth King's throne room amazed by what he saw. "I never realized the Fire Nation had built so many colonies in the Earth Kingdom."
"Yes. For the Earth people, they're a constant reminder of the war, like an old scar." As soon as the words had left his mouth, Earth King Kuei bristled in fear of having offended the young Fire Nation monarch. He stuttered apologetically, "Oh, I . . . I. Fire Lord Zuko, I meant nothing personal."
Zuko forgave the gaffe and gravely addressed the subject of the colonies. "No, Earth King Kuei. You're right. After all the pain my father has caused, it's my duty to bring healing to the world. I'll remove those colonies. I'll do whatever it takes."
(End flashback)
It was the beginning of a new era. The war was over. The peace accord was signed. All that remained were the colonies and the Harmony Restoration Movement was going to address that. Everyone was happy. Or so it seemed.
Twenty-twenty hindsight gave Aang a new perspective on that night.
(Flashback)
Fireworks lit up the sky. Cries of joy came from the people they flew over. Katara pulled Toph in for a hug and tried to lift her spirits. "Oh, Toph! Don't be such a grump! You're out with friends on a beautiful night, celebrating the fact that we saved the world!"
"True."
Aang was euphoric. The future was filled with wonderful possibilities, the best one of which was Katara. She felt the same way he did! She wanted to be with him. The kiss they shared in front of the Jasmine Dragon had sent him over the moon. Everything was perfect! Then he caught sight of Zuko. His friend seemed to have other things on his mind. Whatever it was would have to wait. Katara was right. This was their time and celebration was in order!
"You too, your new majesty Fire Lord Zuko, sir! Turn that frown upside down! It's happy time!" His friend didn't respond. In fact, it looked like his scowl grew bigger. "Zuko?"
Zuko turned away from the sight of the revelers below to fully face him. Grimly, he said, "I visited my father in prison the other day. I've been meaning to ask you for a favor, Aang."
The Airbender wondered what it could be. "Sure. Anything."
"If you ever see me turning into my father, I want you to . . . I want you to end me."
What? Aang was flabbergasted. His jaw dropped. Everyone was looking at Zuko as if he had lost his mind.
"Even now, after everything that's happened, my family's legacy is still a part of me. That's why it's my duty to heal the scars that the Fire Nation has left on the world. But the Fire Lord's throne comes with a lot of pressures, and if I'm honest with myself . . . I need a safety net. The world needs a safety net. That's what I need you to be, Aang − the safety net."
Is he serious? "Zuko, you're not your dad! And you're my friend! How can you expect me . . . ."
"As your friend, I'm asking you, if you ever see me go bad, end me. Promise me, Aang!"
Hurt and disheartened, he gave in. "Fine. I promise." He's not going to turn into his dad. He's just not.
(End flashback)
Thinking back on it now, perhaps Zuko felt something wasn't right. He couldn't have known back then what in particular could go wrong, or that it would go wrong. Perhaps he just had a feeling he couldn't quite put into words. Perhaps having reservations about the movement had caused him to think that he was turning into his father and led him to ask that stupid promise of him. Maybe that is what he meant by the throne having a lot of pressures. Maybe he agreed to the Movement, but . . . .
Aang wondered if Zuko consciously regretted agreeing to the Harmony Restoration Movement all along. I'll have to ask him. I have to remember to pull him aside and talk to him before things go any farther.
The men of the Order watched the young man patiently. He seemed to be having an inner struggle of sorts. One moment, he agreed to their offer of help and the next moment he was shaking his head in refusal.
Iroh hazard a guess. "Is your mind already made up?"
"Huh?" Aang came back to the present. "Oh. No. I am grateful for your counsel. Thank you."
Katara placed a hand on his arm, silently asking if he was okay. His covered hers and he assured her he was alright with a small smile.
At an unseen signal, the dialectic was started by Jianguo. "Avatar Aang, why did the Fire Lord remove his support of the Harmony Restoration Movement?"
"He believes that the Harmony Restoration Movement would destroy what the colonists have built."
"Can you clarify that? What did they build? How it would be destroyed?"
Aang blinked. The questions took him back to his days at the Southern Air Temple. He felt very much like he did under scrutiny of Monk Tashi.* The 'Dour Monk' was nitpicky and always calling him out on the most insignificant of infractions. Relax. They're just trying to help. Aang's tired mind half-mocked, Yeah, they want to help. They want to help me clarify and understand the underlying issue without telling me what it is. He took a calming breath before launching himself into the explanation.
"Yu Dao is one of the oldest colonies the Fire Nation has. It was settled before the start of the war. Zuko showed us around and explained that together with the Earth people who had originally lived there, the colonists had turned the village of Yu Dao into a prosperous city. Over the years, what had started out as traditional blacksmithing was transformed into a metalwork industry and both peoples lived and worked together side-by-side. They have made an effort not only to get along, but to live together peacefully during the war. The city is a testament to their efforts."
Katara recalled trailing behind the boys as they went through the streets with Zuko playing tour guide. As she looked about her, she noted many things that were unique to Yu Dao. Foods offered at the shops are representative of both nations. The buildings were a mix of colors: green roof tiles, red doors and shutters, trimmed in gold. Even the names of the businesses were a combination of both Earth and Fire. Two businesses stood out prominently in her mind; one was called "The Green Flame Inn," and the other "The Green Blaze Inn."* Still, there was something more important that testified to the uniqueness of Yu Dao.
"There is also the Mayor's family," presented Katara. "The Mayor is Fire Nation. His wife is an earthbender. They've raised their daughter to be Fire Nation, but she is also an earthbender. She even dresses in both colors." She added, "Forcing them to leave their home would force them to choose which family members go and which stay behind. It will tear other families like them apart too."
"Zuko believes that relocating the colonists back to the Fire Nation would destroy all they've accomplished and their way of life," concluded Aang.
Master Liu spoke approvingly, "He wishes to preserve the harmony that the citizens of Yu Dao have achieved."
Aang had not seen it that way. He was looking at the larger picture. He tried to process his thoughts as he spoke. "Uh. There may be a semblance of harmony, bu- . . . ."
"There is hostility?"
"No. There is no apparent friction, but neither is there equality. It is obvious as you move through the colony which side is benefiting from this. Everything from the kind of work they do to the clothes they wear shows the disparity between the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom. Though blended, the Fire Nation dominates in wealth and culture."
"But is this not the type of progress that you seek to achieve? Earth and Fire working and living together peacefully?" asked Master Liu. "It has to start somewhere."
Aang felt a headache coming on. His shoulders dropped. "It is like a horrible loop. Yes, this is progress, but at the same time it isn't. Yu Dao was the Fire Nation's biggest supplier of weapons during the war in the region. Allowing it to remain would send the wrong message to the people of the Earth Kingdom."
Katara worried her lip. That wasn't something she had thought of.
"The bottom line is that Earth King Kuei and Fire Lord Zuko have to talk. My goal is to restore harmony. Harmony can only exist when there is mutual respect between the nations, all four of them, but especially these two. You can't have balance if one nation occupies another. To the people of the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation is still viewed as an aggressor. It claims land that isn't theirs. Their presence is a constant reminder of the war. There will always be animosity between the two as long as the colonies exist. The Harmony Restoration Movement wasn't going to solve everything in one shot. It will take generations to undo what the war has done, but the movement was a step in the right direction."
Iroh, acting as moderator, saw a problem with the elenchus method they were using. It was most effective when the student was able to process the concepts they were examining. The more concrete the concept, the better able the student was at assessing the validity of held perceptions. Liu, not the most patient of men, was straining at his seams; his comments and questions already derailing their program. Taking that into consideration along with other factors, Iroh came to a decision.
"We do not have the luxury of time to do things as we would normally with an initiate." declared the Grand Lotus. To the Avatar, he said, "At the risk of overwhelming you, we must pick things up." He turned to the head of the orphanage. "We'll do it your way, Liu."
Master Liu agreed with the decision wholeheartedly. Though he understood the reason for the technique they employed, he was impatient to plead his case. Not to mention that despite the fact that he could not argue with the effectiveness of their method, he recalled how easily upset with it he became when he was that student. He found that having the tables turned wasn't much easier for him either.
"Avatar Aang, you talk about harmony between the nations, between people, but I am not sure that you realize how close to creating disharmony you are. The situation has far reaching effects; more so than you can possibly imagine.
The people of Xinhai returned to the colony because the Fire Lord decided that his people should continue life as they have been leading it. The Earth King and the Earth people rise against that, understandably so. Getting the two leaders to meet and talk till they reach an agreement is well and good, but there is one thing that everyone will overlook. That is the people themselves. Politics will play a dominant role in the talks. Neither monarch will easily step down from his position. Both have valid arguments, but there are real people caught in the middle of it. The people involved have been agitated by their forced return to the Fire Nation since the movement was proclaimed. They were not consulted. They have no say in the matter.
You heard Sueh-yén's report. Yu Dao isn't an isolated case. There are people in other colonies who also feel the same. If we," he gestured to everyone in the room, "have heard that there is talk of rebellion then you can rest assured that it is nothing new. Just as you have the protestors lined up outside Yu Dao, there are people within the colonies who talk of taking matters into their own hands. The Mayor's daughter did, and who knows what would have happened had she been successful. But neither can you say that if it wasn't for the attempt on the Fire Lord's life, that we would not be having this discussion. If not her, then someone else; it was only a matter of time and another set of details."
The fire which Katara spied earlier in Master Liu's eyes was back. He grew more passionate with every word he spoke. "I tell you everyone – everyone − is paying close attention to what will happen in Yu Dao. But my plea has nothing to do with the colonists themselves. Avatar Aang, my plea is for my charges."
He paused, letting that sink in.
"The children?" Aang said under his breath.
"Yes. Many children have been abandoned and orphaned because of the war. I grew up at the orphanage with others who now help run it. Like them, and many of our children, I was a troubled youth. It wasn't until I met Jianguo that I began my journey to find inner peace. You see, Avatar Aang, tragic beginnings are not restricted to children of the Earth Kingdom or," he added, taking Katara into account, "the Water Tribes. The children in my trust are of not only survivors of raids on earth villages, but also survivors of fallen colonies. The majority, however, are children born both earth and fire. Of them, the benders lead a more isolated life. They live in denial of who they are, or worse, they hate themselves as if they were to blame for what the Fire Nation has done. Those who were old enough to comprehend the war came to us understanding that they were hated. Can you imagine? Children hated because they were born to families of the enemy. Or worse; despised because they were begotten through violence? Children abandoned because their mothers could not bear the shame? Women deemed collaborators, turned out by their families because of it? Gold eyes are common among the Earth Kingdom refugees: war children; Fire Nation exiles; traitors hoping to avoid persecution. The lucky ones grew up in family units of some sort, with some semblance of identity. The Mayor's family is a fairytale to us: an earthbender mother and a firebender father, raising their child in a loving environment? How wonderful! It is a fantasy for people such as me.
We've watched the colonies with interest for years. During the war, some of our older charges left and started over at one colony or other. It was hard for them to integrate themselves as they knew nothing of the culture and were considered outsiders even among the "gold eyes." It is an unfortunate fact that a war child is not welcome anywhere. But if we dared to try, the colonies were the only place we could go.
When the news of the Harmony Restoration Movement reached us, we worried. If the most intrepid of our own had a hard time among the colonists, how would they fare in the homeland; a foreign land that wasn't home at all? What would become of those of us who dare not stray from our village? The Earth Kingdom would be whole again, leaving us in a small pocket, hiding and hoping for the good graces of our neighbors. And what of our firebenders? For years I struggled without a teacher, trying to tame my flame."
Liu smiled at the shock displayed by both teens. "Oh yes, I am a firebender. My green eyes? Yes. I have no explanation for that. I've never run across anyone else in the same predicament. It was a good thing at first. Mother stayed with me. It was just the two of us until the day I produced my first flame. My green eyes were not enough to protect us anymore." His voice trailed off. "Not enough to protect me."
Katara easily recognized the pain that flickered behind his bright green eyes. It was something she could identify with. She had seen it in Haru when he spoke of his father. She saw it in Jet once, and even in Zuko. Whatever the details were of what had happened next, she knew very well that he had gone on without his mother.
"Things didn't get any better for me. I wound up at the orphanage, bitter and self-loathing. If not for the Order, who knows where I would be now? Avatar Aang, our village is a mix of earth and fire, but unlike Yu Dao we are not at peace with who we are. Benders − some earth and some fire − and non-benders alike, our identity revolves around the fact that we are the only family we have. I was seeking something, anything, for instruction about the Fire Nation, history, culture, literature; something positive to give them a sense of who they are.
We don't belong anywhere other than where we are. It is home. It is safe. What wouldn't I give to have a place like Yu Dao to call home? I thought maybe . . . ." He felt silent, eyes moist with unshed tears. "Who do we turn to? The Earth King? Would he pack us up and ship us out with the colonists? The Fire Lord? Would he welcome us with open arms? What of his people; would they? Does he know we even exist? Did you? Please. Please, you are our Avatar too. When you sit down with Earth King Kuei and Fire Lord Zuko, will you not think of us too? Will you not keep us in mind, be our voice, and see if there is a place the future you seek to build for the likes of us?"
Stunned and overcome with emotion, Aang stared at Master Liu through wide teary eyes.
Fearing Jianguo was right after all and that it was too much for the young man to bear, Ping remarked, "Liu, I think you've broken the Avatar."
.
.
Katara sat between the men on the steps of the Jasmine Dragon. No matter that they told her she needed her rest, no matter that rested she would be of more help, no matter that they promised to do it themselves, they could not dissuade her from holding vigil over Aang as he meditated. They commented to each other that for a waterbender she was as immovable as rock on the subject. In the end, the Professor had bid them all goodnight and left for his residence. The rest took up positions next to the young lady.
Flanked by Jianguo and Ping to her right, and Iroh and Liu to her left, the waterbender sat, eyes fixed on her love.
A few feet away, seated before the water fountain in the square, was Aang. Eyes closed, legs crossed, fists together so that arrows met, he breathed naturally, evenly. He cleared his mind, relaxed and entered the Avatar State.
Author's Notes:
AND we are now caught up in the timeline with our friends in the Fire Nation.
* Wuhan is in China. I needed a name for the colony and selected this one.
* The Yangtze River is in China. Again, I was looking for a name and selected this one.
I decided to touch lightly on Aang's fan club as introduced in The Promise. For the purpose of my story, Aang and Katara have been having run-ins with the fan girls since the end of the series. The implication here is that under Aang's guidance, some of the students at Ba Sing Se University, later joined by some of the more serious Avatar fan girls, will go onto revive the Air Nomad culture, which we see in The Legend of Korra.
The dialogue appearing in Aang's flashbacks is taken directly from The Promise – Part 1.
* Monk Tashi/the "Dour Monk" was the monk who complained that Aang was spending too much time with Monk Gyatso playing instead of training. Because of that, Monk Pasang decided to separate Aang from Gyatso.
* The Green Flame and The Green Blaze: According to Avatar Wikia, these are the names of two of the business in Yu Dao. I believe them to be translations of the signs in The Promise – Part 1 comic.
Some of the arguments presented in The Promise are explored here. Master Liu's plight is my addition.
The technique I describe here, which I imagine the Order of the White Lotus to use, is the Socratic Method.
Remember the LOK episode "When Extremes Meet?" Remember the innocent non-benders who were rounded up by the police? One called out to Avatar Korra, "Please, help us! You're our Avatar, too!" Well, that line made quite an impression on me. I couldn't help but incorporate it here.
-*00*00*-
Okay, by "a show of hands," let me know which you want to read first. 'Zuko and the War Council,' or 'Aang versus Roku?'
-*00*00*-
Please comment. Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more.
Private Fire