Taking Down Tyrants
Yangchen, the previous Airbending Avatar was solemn as she spoke.
"Young Avatar, I know that you are struggling with reconciling your beliefs with your duty. It is never easy to go against what you have always known." Aang smiled. Yangchen understood him. She frowned slightly as she continued.
"However, when you ran away you never completed the training that would have prepared you for understanding why you must do what you have to do. Aang, you never got the opportunity to truly live amongst the cultures of your masters. Only then would you have understood each culture and what motivates them. You would have been able to empathize with them as a brother and support them as a servant to the nations, but I fear instead they have had to unfairly accommodate you." Aang's face fell as he immediately understood what Yangchen meant.
Flashes of the last few days and months replayed in his mind. He could recall many instances when people bent over backward to adjust to his diet even when other foods were available to them or he inconvenienced or endangered them because of his beliefs—some of which he now knew was flawed and faulty. He hung his head in shame. Yangchen gave a gentle and understanding smile.
"It is not too late young one. You still have a chance to make things right for the world. Even now your friends stand with you as they prepare to do their part to save their homes and nations. Go out to meet the Fire Lord and fulfill your duty. Save your world." She commanded softly. Aang gave a deep and honorable Air Nomad bow to Avatar Yangchen as she faded from his view.
No other incarnations appeared after her. Aang realized that what he had to do he wasn't ready to do. He needed more advice. He followed the oddly beautiful humming of the island to the northern tip and was shocked to discover the island wasn't an island at all. It was one of the Lion Turtle Spirits who eyed the young Airbender curiously.
"What is on your mind young one?" the island said gently.
"Is there any way for me to stop the Fire Lord without killing him?" Aang asked humbly. The wise old turtle rotated his eye to get a better look at the young Airbender's aura. Hmmm. So much conflict and shame. He could teach the young one the art of his kind, but he wasn't certain the craft wouldn't destroy the boy in the process as he still had much darkness to work out of his soul. He would wait. The knowledge was too dangerous without the purity of heart to use it.
"Little one, you have much that you must resolve within yourself before what I have could help you. You will have to find your own way. I am most certain that you will…" the turtle declared in his melodic voice sagely.