Hello, benders and nonbenders alike! We have reached the point where the field trips with Zuko start. I know, Zuko and Celina just got reunited and now they're being forced apart by the three characters who aren't happy about their relationship because adventures are to be had. But don't worry, I've made sure the lovebirds still have plenty of storytime together. Which brings us to this current chapter. I don't own anything, Avatar the Last Airbender belongs to Nick. Enjoy!
The Firebending Masters
After breakfast, Celina wished Zuko luck on his first lesson with Aang and headed off to a secluded open area somewhere in the temple. Everyone was surprised at first, believing she would join in the lesson after learning about her gaining the ability to firebend. Well, all except Zuko who Celina informed about her lessons with Fang the previous night after their overdue reunion. Though she didn't bother mentioning it to the rest of the team, wanting to keep that information to herself for a while. After all, she learned it best not to surprise them with new information regarding her spirit side. Especially since she wasn't on the best terms with a few members of the Gaang at the moment.
So off she went, determined to get a variety of bending practice in for the day. With the sun high in the sky she was excited to try out the forms Fang taught her the previous night. But first, she started off by conjuring a small flame in her hands. Celina watched as the flame rose and fell as she did a simple breathing exercise to get warmed up. Once she felt warmed up enough Celina extinguished the flame and set to work.
Fang started her off with a set of ten forms varying between low kicks, high punches, and double hits. The dragon taught her each form one by one, moving on to the next when Celina managed to get it down. It was only when he put them all together that Celina realized it was a set. The fluidity of the sharp motions flowing into the next felt so much like a dance. One she had the pleasure of sharing with a dragon the previous night.
Finishing the set Celina went about streaming a line of fire in front of her. Fang had been kind enough to mix some waterbending techniques into the firebending lesson. It worked out surprisingly well and was a nice transition into the new form of bending. Part of her wanted to try streaming the fire around her but Celina thought against it. She was still far too new to the art and didn't trust herself not to accidentally get burned.
Having worked on her firebending for the better half of the morning Celina decided to switch over to something more familiar. Extinguishing the flames she instead drew upon the water from her skin. While fire was certainly hotter to deal with, bending water carried a familiar warmth Celina happily fell back on. She got lost in the movements, bending the water into different shapes, working it whichever way she wanted.
By the time midday came, Celina's muscles happily ached. A good sign for her to stop for the time being and refuel with some lunch. Heading towards where the Gaang decided to set up, Celina arrived to find Haru handing out food. Celina gave him a slight nod in thanks when he handed her his food. She found a spot next to Toph and sat down to eat. When Zuko made an appearance she expected him to join her and Toph. Instead, he took his lunch and went to head off somewhere else.
"Hey, where are you going?" Celina asked him.
"I need some time to think," he responded before heading off.
She was a bit taken aback but let him go, returning to her lunch. Celina was sure he would tell her when he was ready.
Once she was done eating Celina headed back to her secluded area to focus on practicing her energybending. After the fight with Combustion Man she needed to work more on that ability. Sure she'd come a long way from just blacking out from intense pain, but the fact that she still was experiencing pain after using her abilities wasn't great. So more practice was definitely needed.
Taking a deep breath Celina started. Holding one hand on top of the other she concentrated on forming a tiny ball of energy. It appeared soon, feeling a pulsing energy between her hands. Slowly Celina drew out her hands, expanding the ball of energy. She got it to the size of a large pumpkin before feeling tension starting to form in her head. Wanting to stall a headache from happening Celina shrank the ball of energy down to the size of a ball. The tension in turn lessened.
The act of energybending was easy. However, Celina needed to learn just how much of her energy she was giving it. Something she never thought about during battles. Always going off adrenaline which usually meant overdoing it.
Working with the ball of energy Celina moved it from one hand to the other. Paying attention to it, she noted the warmth it radiated. Curious, she concentrated on warping the temperature. A smile formed on her face as the energy's temperature dropped. The ball fluctuated between cold and hot as Celina played around before settling back to its starting warmth. A nice discovery to be sidetracked by.
Continuing with bending practice Celina began to move the ball of energy around. Starting slow she maneuvered it around the room, lighting up different parts as it passed. Celina noted that the further she moved the ball away from her the more her muscles started to ache as if she was stretching. Which in a way she was. And just like any other training session the more she did it the more her body would adjust. So lap after lap around the room the ball of energy went, slowly building up the speed, until her body and head started to hurt.
Breathing heavily Celina dismissed the ball of energy and sat down. It was a good practice session, but she knew more work would need to be done. But she also knew when it was time to stop for the day. Part of her wanted to go find Zuko and ask him to help her with the headache that was forming but decided against it. It was clear from lunch that he was dealing with something and most likely didn't want to be disturbed. So after regaining her breath Celina headed off to the baths. Hoping a nice soak would help alleviate her soreness before dinner.
o
Dinner at the moment was an awkward dance of Katara still not talking to Celina. So the older girl chose to get Appa situated first, dragging a small bale of hay over near one of the fountains. He rewarded her with a grateful groan before tucking in to eat. Turning back to the group she saw that Katara stopped dishing out food, enjoying her bowl of stew next to Aang. Two empty bowls remained. Celina rolled her eyes before heading back and filling them up for her and Zuko who just made his way next to the campfire. She was about to hand him his bowl when he spoke up.
"Listen, everybody, I've got some pretty bad news. I've lost my stuff."
"Don't look at me. I didn't touch your stuff," Toph said, holding up her arms.
"I'm talking about my firebending. It's gone."
Everyone stared at him in surprise. Except for Katara who laughed maniacally, earning her glares from Zuko and Celina and looks from the others.
"I'm sorry. I'm just laughing at the irony. You know… how it would have been nice for us if you lost your firebending a long time ago?"
"Well, it's not lost. It's just weaker for some reason."
"Maybe you're just not as good as you think you are."
"Watch it," Celina warned.
"Or maybe Celina stole it since that's something she could do now apparently," Katara continued to poke.
"If that was the case he would have lost it a while ago considering I gained the ability to firebend at the beginning of the summer."
"I bet it's because I changed sides," Zuko said, trying to stop a fight from starting up between the sisters.
"That's ridiculous."
"I don't know. Maybe it isn't. Maybe your firebending comes from rage, and you just don't have enough anger to fuel it the way you used to," Aang suggested.
"So, all we need to do is make Zuko angry… easy enough," Sokka figured. Setting down his dinner Sokka got up and began to repeatedly nudge Zuko in several places with the hilt of his meter sword.
"Okay, cut it out!"
"As someone who was a slave to their emotions which affected my abilities, I don't recommend relying on anger," Celina said. Sokka nodded in agreement, remembering how Celina was back in the Earth Kingdom when she first unlocked her spirit abilities.
"I don't want to rely on hate and anger anymore. There has to be another way."
"You're gonna need to learn to draw your firebending from a different source. I recommend the original," Toph suggested while casually eating her food.
"How's he supposed to do that? By jumping into a volcano?" Sokka asked.
"No. Zuko needs to go back to whatever the original source of firebending is. For earthbending the original benders were badger moles. One day, when I was little, I ran away and hid in a cave. That's where I met them. They were blind, just like me, so we understood each other. I was able to learn earthbending, not just as a martial art, but as an extension of my senses. For them, the original earthbenders wasn't just about fighting. It was their way of interacting with the world."
"That's amazing, Toph. I learned from the monks, but the original airbenders were the sky bison," Aang said before turning to Appa. "Maybe you can give me a lesson sometime, buddy."
Appa growled in acknowledgment before returning to his dinner.
"For waterbenders it's the moon. That's who I learned from along with the ocean spirit," Celina added. From the corner of her eye, she saw Sokka sadly look up at the moon. His guilt regarding Yue still ever present, though no one dared to comment.
"Well, this doesn't help me. The original firebenders were the dragons, and they're extinct."
"What do you mean? Roku had a dragon, and there were plenty of dragons when I was a kid?" Aang questioned.
"Well, they aren't around anymore, okay?"
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry."
"But maybe there's another way. The first people to learn from the dragons were the ancient Sun Warriors."
"Sun Warriors? Well, I know they weren't around when I was a kid," Aang said.
"No, they died off thousands of years ago, but their civilization wasn't too far from where we are now. Maybe we can learn something by poking around their ruins."
"It's like the monks used to tell me. Sometimes, the shadows of the past can be felt by the present."
"So, what? Maybe you'll pick up some super old Sun Warrior energy just by standing where they stood 1000 years ago?" Sokka asked.
"More or less. Either I find a new way to firebend, or the Avatar has to find a new teacher."
Everyone fell silent. A plan was made, be it one where many things could go wrong. But at least it was something.
"Uh, what was that earlier about Celina being able to firebend?" Haru asked.
The Gaang turned and looked at Haru, The Duke. and Tao who had been sitting there the whole time, listening to them talk. Their food bowls were forgotten as they stared at Celina, wide-eyed and confused.
"Oh… right. You guys don't know."
o
Food was forgotten for a little while longer as Celina explained her being a spirit and all the accessories that came with it. Such as Zuko being her soulmate and gaining the ability to firebend because of that connection. The stares of amazement she received from them afterward caused Celina to scarf down her dinner and head off, not liking the uncomfortable feeling their awe brought. She headed towards the giant Pai Sho table Aang mentioned previously, figuring no one would be in the mood for a game.
The echoing of other footsteps told her that someone decided to follow. Celina's first thought was Zuko but she was surprised to find that it was her brother who followed after her.
"Oh! Uh, hi."
"Hey. Um, are you doing okay? You looked pretty uncomfortable back there explaining things… and after you were done."
"I'm fine. Just needed time away from the awe and praise. It's not exactly something I'm used to, being admired for being a spirit and all." Sokka nodded. "What about you?"
"Huh?"
"Are you okay? I saw how you got when I mentioned the moon."
A moment of surprise appeared on his face before Sokka looked up to the sky. "Some days are easier than others. The closer it gets to the full moon the more I can't help but miss her. Don't think that will ever stop."
Celina was quiet, giving her brother a moment to grieve. Perhaps she should try contacting Yue at some point, see if she could get Sokka some closure.
"I, uh, also wanted to say I'm sorry." Celina looked up at her brother. "I'm sorry for the way we treated you after you told us about Zuko. I should have known you wouldn't betray us. I just got so angry that I let it cloud my judgment. And then I went and hardly spoke to you after.… Look, I'm not gonna pretend that I'm thrilled with the idea of your soulmate being the person who's been hunting us down for forever. But as long as he makes you happy, then I guess he can stay."
She smiled before pulling him into a hug that the two relaxed into. There were still emotions to be worked out and Celina hoped that he and Zuko could form a better relationship. But for now, the both of them were just happy to be talking again.
"Thanks, but I don't think you have much of a choice," Celina laughed.
"I know but I wouldn't be much of a brother if I didn't try and defend your honor. Especially from the guy whose driving goal has been getting his honor back for months."
The two broke out of the hug in a fit of laughter. It was once they were calming down that the person they'd been talking about walked into the room. He stood there awkwardly, not exactly knowing what to do. Sokka decided to relieve him of a decision.
"Okay, I'll leave you with your boyfriend." As he walked out of the room, however, Sokka stopped right next to Zuko. "If you ever hurt her, I'll kill you."
And with that, he left.
"I'm guessing you two made up?"
"You'd be correct. And don't worry about my brother, he's just being protective. But how about you? How are you feeling?"
"Not great. I'm just hoping this plan works. I don't know how I'd contribute if I can't firebend anymore." Reaching out Celina took Zuko's hand.
"Hey, we'll figure this out. I'm certain of it. And you're more than just your bending. You're a great swordsman and dedicated to whatever you set your mind to. No matter what, you'll still be a part of this team."
A small smile appeared on his face as Zuko pulled his hand free to wrap his arms around her.
"How is it you know exactly what to say to make me feel better?"
"It's like the universe made us for each other or something."
Their foreheads met as they indulged in quiet chuckles. As the laughter settled Zuko leaned down and kissed her which Celina happily accepted. He let out a groan as the kiss broke.
"I can't believe we're going to be separated again."
"It won't be for long. Have you and Aang figured out when you're leaving?"
"First thing in the morning."
Celina pouted, not exactly pleased. But she quickly wiped it off her face and held Zuko tighter. "Well, we have a little bit of time before we should head back to the rest of the group. And I'd like to get a bit of affection in before you have to depart."
"Mmm, I second that."
Stealing away for a while longer, Celina and Zuko found a cozy spot where they could just hold each other and share a couple kisses. They might be separated again in the morning but for now, they were together.
o
Celina breathed heavily as she finished the new set Fang taught her, a smile on her face. Just a few more attempts and she'd get it. Learning from the original source was truly the best way to go and she was lucky to have that experience again, this time knowingly. Roku stood off to the side, observing her lesson. While she could still feel his gaze on her it no longer was unsettling. Something she was sure wouldn't be the case with the rest of the past Avatars but still a step in the right direction.
"You're picking things up nicely," he commented.
"Oh, uh, thanks. I always enjoy learning more about what I can do with my bending. Plus, Fang is an excellent teacher."
The dragon hummed in appreciation.
"Besides, with things going on it'd be best for me to learn the art."
"What do you mean?" Roku questioned.
Celina sighed. "Zuko's bending has weakened. We're thinking it's because he's no longer relying on anger."
Roku had a cacophony of emotions pass across his face. Even more disappointed in his nation that they were relying on anger for their bending. Pride that his great grandson decided that wasn't the way head wanted to do so anymore. Worry over Zuko's weakened state.
"We initially thought going to dragons would help until we found out they were extinct. So he and Aang are going to the ruins of the Sun Warriors to see if that could help come morning."
"The dragons extinct?"
"That's what Zuko told us. Though he didn't go into much detail."
"I can see why. His great grandfather Sozin made dragon hunting a spot of great glory. However, he is wrong regarding their extinction. Two dragons remain in the living realm, and luckily for my great grandson and the Avatar they are heading right towards them."
"That's amazing!"
"However, with this information, I believe we could do some good as well."
"What do you mean?"
Roku smiled as he walked up to Fang who greeted him kindly. The Avatar and his animal companion shared a knowing look.
"Do you know about the origins of dragons?" Celina shook her head no. "They are creatures born in the spirit world. You see, the spirit and the living world were once openly connected, open for anyone to come and go as they please. When Avatar Wan closed the portal some of the dragons managed to remain. While the number of dragons has decreased there, they are still thriving here."
"I'm more than happy to hear that dragons are okay, but I'm still a bit confused about what we can do."
"Several dragons have already lain their eggs and are more than willing to send them to the living realm to help. We should be able to achieve this during the summer solstice after the war has ended. What is required of you is to inform the two dragons and then return to aid in bringing it over. Do you think you can do that, Celina?"
"I'd be honored."
He smiled and for the first time, Celina felt she and a past Avatar were on the same side. Not hating one for attempting to succeed where the other failed. Not putting up with each other because of a common connection. But actually working to achieve the same goal. Oh, how far they'd come.
"Good. Fang will be able to teach you how to inform the dragons."
Celina's brow furrowed in confusion before she turned to her teacher, wondering what it was he was to teach her.
o
The following morning Celina tried to get up in time to catch Zuko and Aang before they left. Unfortunately, training with Fang took longer than expected and she woke up to the two of them already gone. She cursed the situation, gathering the attention of her friends and family.
"What's up with you?" Toph asked.
"Can't stand being away from your boyfriend?" Katara sassed.
Even with how aggravated she was Celina didn't take the bait. "Roku has given me a mission to complete that involves going to the Sun Warriors. And it looks like my ride has already left."
"Roku? You mean Avatar Roku? I thought Aang's past lives hated you," Sokka said.
"Yes well, we've both moved past that considering I'm soul bound to his great-grandson."
The three of them stared at her blankly, having become a bit numb with how many surprises Celina brought to them.
"How much weirder can your life get?" Sokka said.
"Don't go challenging the universe," Celina said.
"So how do you plan on getting there since Sparky and Twinkle Toes are gone?" Toph asked.
"I don't know. It's not like Roku told me to expect a backup in case I…"
Words died on Celina's lips as she spotted a familiar form on the other side of the room. Something that she knew the others wouldn't be able to see. A turquoise rabbit hovering in the air. A small smile spread across Celina's face. It had been too long since she'd it. Going back to the South Pole.
"Hello, old friend."
The others exchanged confused glances. They asked each other who she was talking to, and that it was probably more spirit stuff. She ignored them, heading straight over to the rabbit spirit. It did a twirl in welcome, causing Celina to let out a small giggle.
"You always did know how to make me smile. I have a big job to ask of you, my friend. I need to get to the Sun Warrior's ruins to deliver news to the dragons." She heard her friends and family erupt in questions at the mention of dragons but still, she ignored them. "Do you think you can get me there?'
There was no hesitation. The rabbit nodded before flying around Celina and picked her up by the back of her dress. She didn't have time to say goodbye to the others - Sokka and Katara who gawked at her seeming flying on her own - as the spirit rabbit flew her out of the temple.
And on they went.
o
The journey was long as the rabbit navigated her towards the ruins of the Sun Warriors. Appa would have been much fast and more comfortable but Celina didn't complain. Her spirit friend was doing so much for her already. The day passed and soon did the night, Celina not managing to sleep a wink in the air. As they got closer to their destination Celina spotted a magnificent display of multicolored fire vortex in the sky. She couldn't help but tear up at the scene and knew at that moment just who the flames belonged to.
A little while after the fire display Celina arrived at the ruins and was met with multiple surprises. One was that the ruins weren't ruined as the Sun Warriors were still there. They stared at her in awe as she arrived, not seeing the reason behind her arrival. Zuko and Aang also stared. Both were surprised to see her and unlike the Sun Warriors, they were able to see the spirit who carried her, something that shocked Zuko even more.
"Celina?"
"Hi, boys!"
The spirit let her down gently and quickly flew in front of her. It nuzzled its nose against hers as a goodbye. "Thank you, old friend." The spirit let out a grateful purr before flying off. Meanwhile, Zuko and Aang ran up to her.
"Celina, what are you doing here?" Zuko asked.
"Got sent on a mission by Roku regarding the dragons. You know, just some everyday spirit stuff."
"Roku sent you?" Aang questioned surprised.
"I'll tell you about it later."
Taking in her surroundings Celina spotted a long staircase up to a bridge with caves on either side of it. A place she knew she would meet the dragons. As she went to head up she the chief of the Sun Warriors went to intercept.
"Hold on, now—"
At least he tried to. Celina was too quick and dodged, hurrying up the stairs. "Sorry! Important dragon Spirit World stuff going on!"
The steps were many but she ascended with speed, slightly out of breath once she reached the top. Looking back and forth at both caves Celina took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Thrusting her hands out she let out a soundwave of spiritual energy. The caves rumbled and soon two dragons were flying out. One red. One blue. The duo circled the bridge and each other in twists and curves before settling on the bridge and stared at her.
Fang was an intimating dragon to be around before he and Celina became friends. That was nothing compared to the two dragons around her. But it was now or never and she wasn't about to let Roku down. She stepped into the dance that Fang taught her. Small flames sparked from her fingers, growing with each move. Spinning and twisting her body the flames turned into wheels of fire. The white center of the flame slowly expanded outward until the whole flame was completely white.
Everyone watching from below was taken aback seeing the white flames. Sure all of them had just seen the spectacular flames that the dragons breathes earlier. Zuko and Aang even had plenty of experiences with Azula's blue ones. But white was new. Zuko felt his heart swell with pride seeing his girlfriend achieve such a thing.
Feeling her firebending almost reach its peak Celina thrust her hands upward where a small cyclone of fire erupted. Everyone watched as different wisps of colors emerged in the fire. They spoke a message that only the dragons could understand. One that Fang carefully taught her two previous nights before.
Dragon eggs are to come once the war is over. Trust the Spirit of Passion who stands before you for she shall help bring them upon the summer solstice. This realm's dragon population is far from over.
Celina's arms shook as the colors faded and the flames dissipated. Feeling all the energy she just spent she fell to her knees, breathing heavily. Looking up she met the gazes of both dragons. They gave her a nod of gratitude before curling their bodies and retreating into their respective caves. Having achieved what she was sent out to do Celina smiled, taking a moment to feel proud of what she accomplished.
Zuko and Aang were quick to meet her as she descended the stairs along with the Sun Warriors. Her boyfriend grabbed her into a tight hug, sneaking a quick kiss on her cheek.
"That was incredible."
"Where'd you learn to firebend like that?" Aang asked.
"Fang gave me a crash course two nights ago," she answered. Turning out of Zuko's arms she went to address the Sun Warriors. "The dragons have already been informed but I thought I should tell you as well. As long as the war ends I shall return on the summer solstice, bringing dragon eggs over from the Spirit World."
The Chief bowed to her. "We are extremely grateful for this news. You are welcomed back to our civilization at any time."
"Thank you." Feeling completely exhausted from everything Celina turned to Zuko and Aang. With her mission accomplished she wanted nothing more than to head back to the Western Air Temple. "Think I can catch a ride back with you guys?"
"I think we can do that," Aang said.
o
After a ride back and a good night's sleep Celina sat with the rest of the Gaang and watched as Zuko and Aang showed off what they learned from their trip. They were currently demonstrating the form set Fang had shown her during their first firebending lesson.
"With this technique the dragons showed us, Zuko and I would be unstoppable," Aang explained.
"Yeah, that's a great dance you two learned there," Sokka said.
"It's not a dance. It's a firebending form," Zuko told him.
"We'll just tap-dance our way to victory over the Fire Lord."
"It's a sacred form that happened to be thousands of years old!"
"Oh yeah? What's your little form called?" Katara poked.
Zuko hesitated before answering. "The Dancing Dragon."
The group laughed at the name while Zuko tried to still his temper, releasing it as a shrug. Celina walked over to her boyfriend and wrapped her arms around his side, pleased that he was dealing with his anger in a healthy way.
"Perhaps you and I can perform the Dancing Dragon later. After all, you know how much I like dancing," she whispered in his ear.
Zuko smirked before nuzzling his nose into her neck. The moment of affection caused Katara to scowl in disgust and leave while Sokka just rolled his eyes. Aang couldn't help but smile at the happy couple before prodding Zuko to continue his firebending lessons. Celina laughed at the Avatar's excitement as she stepped back to watch the two of them train.
Thank you for reading. Be sure to leave me a review and a crazy "So Tell Me About Yourself" answer.
"So Tell Me About Yourself" is an inside joke between me and my friends which started from my one friend's hatred for the typical getting-to-know-you question "So tell me about yourself". She, being so annoyed with the phrase, gave a silly answer that she murdered people in their sleep. When she brought it back to me and my other friend we both gave a silly answer. That is where the idea for my account name came from.
