Wow guys I can't believe it's been 4 years since I uploaded last… FOUR YEARS. Regardless, life has been crazy for me. Graduated college, found a job, started my Masters program. Just so much. But I am back. BACK. I've felt on and off for a while the urge to come back and write some more. Uploads might be irregular, but I want to keep going with this story. Hope there are still readers out there.
Note: This chapter focuses on the events directly before Aang's musing written previously. Next chapter will focus on the Northern Water tribe. Let me know what you think might happen in the comments!
Appa had been flying for what seemed like days. With no island in site, Aang resigned himself to allowing Appa to touch down in the water, allowing him to rest at least a little. The water had begun to get colder the further they were moving up North. As evidence of this, Aang had begun to see icebergs float by not but earlier that morning. They were getting close. He told himself.
It was mid-day and Toph was getting anxious. "We've been on Appa for DAYS. When are we gunna be on dry land again!?" Aang rolled his eyes and replied "not for a while Toph, the North Pole is completely covered in ice"
Toph quickly turned at that. "WHAT, you didn't tell me that!" She half screamed in defeat.
"Toph it'll be okay" Aang replied. "I promise I won't leave you to your own devices"
Toph scoffed at this. "The whole reasons we are going up here is for you to learn how to water bend, I'm sure you'll be leaving me to my own devices plenty"
Deep down Aang knew she was right and felt bad for bringing her up to the North Pole with him. "I can hear you sulking from all the way over here" she said while rolling her eyes. "Thanks for coming up here with me" Aang truthfully replied as he leaned back on Appas saddle, taking a deep breath of the fresh cold-air.
"If I didn't come, who is going to keep you in line?" Toph replied, smirking and crossing her arms. Aang knew she was right deep down. He was glad for her friendship. The conversation distracted him just enough that he didn't immediately notice the ice wall that came flying at them from their left. He had no time to react before Appa's leg was pinned. Aang jumped up from the saddle, staff in hand, ready to fight. He quickly lowered it when he realized where he was. Surrounding them were smaller boats with men dressed in water tribesman garb. He quickly raised his hands in surrender. Hoping they would attack no further.
He spoke "Please we mean you no harm. My name is Aang, I am the Avatar. I have come to learn the art of water bending from the Northern Tribe". No one dare responded immediately. The silence was tense. One man in the closest boat to where Aang stood lowering his hands "No one has seen or heard from the Avatar in 100 years, how do we know you are who you say?" At this Aang raised his hand and began to swirl a small tornado in his palm, signifying his ability to air bend. In his right hand he created a small flame. At this all of the water tribesmen lowered their hands, standing in complete shock at the realization that they were standing in the presence of the Avatar.
"Surely you are who you say you are, follow us and we will take you to our chief to discuss your request" the man spoke. At this Aang smiled and agreed. Quickly jumping to Appa's reigns, he guided him in the direction the boats began to move in. Almost there. Aang told himself. One step closer to fulfilling his destiny of mastering all four elements and restoring balance to the world.