AVATAR: LIGHT THE WORLD (The Illevitus Chronicles)

BOOK 1

-Air-

Chapter 8

-A Quiet Moment-

Lygin's little outburst set the tone for their stay. What had been about two days felt more like an eternity as no one talked to anyone at all. The intense lack of communication was just staggering, making everyone very uncomfortable. In a moment of silence, glances between two people was sullen and unhappy, and they all did normal things together in silence. A silent dinner that night was particularly unhinging; the enormous high table had been laid out with a vegetarian selection. Imitation flying lemur jerky, caprice salad with vegan mozzarella, barbeque mushrooms, veggie sushi rolls, and a paella with roasted garlic and vegetable meatballs. Scar started to choke on a particularly thick roll, and DeMungus had to pat her on the back quite vigorously. Yes, DeMungus, the man who usually would've had a suggestive joke for the moment quietly saved Scar who normally would be appalled by his touch; and no one spoke of that or made a comment. Just absolute silence, absolute hell.

Niko was intrigued by this Obi' Che' Won that his cousin had mentioned, and had tried to press Lygin on the subject, but the giant man was stoic and remained silent. Niko was determined though to find out more, but also how Scar was involved. Scar usually told him everything or so he thought, and the only time they'd ever been apart for a long time was right after he and Ginger broke up. He dropped it for the rest of his stay though, and as he laid in the guest bedroom that night to fall asleep, he heard something.

Want to know a secret… Niko jolted up quickly recognizing the little voice in his head, but was it really trying to make contact now? It was almost midnight on what was probably the last night of the weirdest and quietest family reunion ever. "Yes…" it seemed dumb after he'd said that… out loud, and now he wondered if this thing could even hear him. Silence was a huge theme in this house, especially in this dark spacious room. The one large bay window in front of him was cascading him in a moonlight bath. He could see the moon as clear as day through the glass panes, it's milky mysteries many miles away from here. He felt his eyes get heavy looking out to the clear night sky where the moon and the stars filled the dark blue backdrop of the heavens. Silence.

His heart was racing, surely by now something, anything… Yet nothing happened, it seemed so clear though, the voice, how could it have-? Niko was frustrated to say the least that he thrashed a bit before passing out from the exertion.

Whenever Niko dreamed it wasn't usually pleasant. In fact, it was downright miserable, but somehow tonight he found the sleep he needed with a delightful dream about an ice cream fountain. He frolicked like a carefree child in it's cold embrace, the green mint ice cream was cascading in chunky spurts from the top of the fountain. Then suddenly things went dark, he was alone in a dark hallway, naked as the day he was born, and in the fetal position. There was a pair of eyes the stared through the darkness. This was no ordinary nightmare however; Niko had been here before many times in different ways on different hallucinogens, and then the voice in his head came to him: If we do not learn from history, we're doomed to repeat it…

The pair of eyes lurched forward to Niko; it was a grotesque being with a floor length beard. Its slimy elongated fingers reached out caressing his thigh with a gentle touch that felt like fire on his skin.

In real time Niko was thrashing wildly in his bed until he jolted awake, regaining himself he felt a chill wash over his cold body drenched in sweat, "What the hell? I haven't had a drugged nightmare in ages." He sighed and fell back onto the bed, but only for a moment. The dream was too frightful, his heart was racing, and now he wasn't getting back to sleep. Nico got up out of bed and sat on the large bay window shelf looking out to the heavens above. The stars above Ba Sing Se shined brightly just like they did above Zaofu. It was just unreal that Nico wasn't returning any time soon; he wondered how his parents were getting on as their lives probably got worse after he left, he thought about Ginger training new recruits boiling up on the inside at the twisted government she was serving, and then his thoughts rested on poor Boris. Losing a wife and having his only child removed from under his roof. It all seemed to much like a dream, but alas he wouldn't wake up from his reality. Niko slumped into a curled ball under the moonlight vowing to reunite Scar with her father even if it would be dangerous. As his vision started to glaze over and the light from the night sky swirled into the darkness Nico's thoughts went to hugging his mother and father, "I'll see you both soon…"

The next morning Lygin saw the group off with a slightly awkward goodbye, "So I guess I'll be seeing you more often, eh cuz?" He started nervously rubbing the back of his head with one humongous arm. His tone really bothered Niko, so flat and uncaring. He felt quite disheartened his cousin was still upset with Kyri's demonstration of her abilities. He refused to acknowledge her most of their stay, which for Lygin was very unlike him, but now wasn't the time to delve into his cousins many issues. To think just a few days ago these two were making plans to dance together in the future- now bitter estranged tension was their normal interaction.

At the very least Lygin directed them towards the train station, from which they could be shuttled to Ba Sing Se International Airport, and take a chartered flight to a settlement just thirty miles from the Northern Air Temple. Before that though the trio would have to bid goodbye to Kyri and Zillion. The latter of the two was eager to get back home after the exciting detours, or as he was referring to it now 'The Best part of his Middle-aged Life'. Behind them Kyri and DeMungus were both having a hard time holding back their laughter.

The Inner Ring was beautiful, with topiary gardens and marble sculptures lining the street, with such rich culture and depth being taken in by the eyeful, the group couldn't help but look like tourists. Some onlookers glared at the bunch, especially DeMungus, the shirtless man with tattered trousers, the long goatee beard, missing a whole arm… none of that resonated with the haughty citizens of the area. The dress code was very formal, clean shaven, wearing either traditional white silk robes or all white garments that comprised of a long tunic with eggshell belt and matching trousers. Every woman was made up modestly with her chin in the air, and they all dawned powder blue attire akin to the men. "Why do all these people look like they were made in a factory?" DeMungus quipped not enjoying the stares.

"Yeah, it is a bit strange, the other day people were dressed so casually," Nico commented making eye contact with a pouty man who violently took his gaze off Niko, not saying a word.

Kyri yawned, "Oh don't pay any mind… the upper echelon has some strange customs." Before long they stood proudly in front of their destination. The train station was huge, with trains coming and going like rockets shooting off into space, and people wandering in a hurried manner looking for the right platform or loved ones. Some dressed in that awkward uniform, some in practical wear, and even a few teenagers running about the platform in jeans and tunics. They all waited in line to receive information. Luckily Zillion and Kyri had both taken the train before, and the tickets weren't terribly overpriced. Lygin was nice enough to lend them some money for a ticket or two, but they just broke even after buying DeMungus's ticket with the last of their money. Niko sighed, now that they were broke it was going to become much harder to travel.

Zillion was the first to find his own train back to his side of the city, "It's been real, guys! Mr. Greeley is probably a skeleton, but please if you find yourself around my way stop by." With that Zillion got in the boarding line of the A-train: A standing for the Agyrian district. The four watched as Zillion flashed his ticket to the platform attendant, and then boarded the train.

After waving him off Kyri was the first to ask, "So how do you guys know him?" Her demeanor seemed a bit jaded, "He was pretty chill, but he's like forty…?" The guys just looked at Scar who madly blushed without saying anything.

"It's a long story," Niko bluntly put it, "besides DeMungus… you're like thirty, right?" DeMungus shot a dirty look at the Avatar blushing and in a low tone; "I'm only twenty-eight and three quarters…"

The remaining four wandered the platforms until Kyri's shuttle came in at about high noon. The universe bender in training was heading for Hwenton Square Island to start her training now that she was a free agent. "But- why not just come with us to the Northern Air Temple, it's not too far from Republic City and Hwenton Square Island?" Niko insisted, even though Scar was silently protesting behind Kyri's back.

"As much fun as you all are, I need to have a solo adventure, ya know!" Kyri smiled at the Avatar, "Besides I want to visit my old friend who is stationed along the way."

DeMungus stepped forward with a conviction in his tone that was a bit unsettling, "He's a Reservist, isn't he?" Scar was shocked at DeMungus's bold claim whereas Niko was just clueless.

Kyri just chuckled it off, "He just happens to be one, yes, but it's cool…" she heard the train whistle go off signaling its final boarding phase so she quickly said goodbye. After hugging Niko, she then ran up to the platform attendant, quickly flashing her ticket, and jumped onboard without another word.

That frustrated Niko, why was everyone so damn secretive with him. What was the big fuss about Kyri's friend? It was like the disaster in Lygin's foyer, which he still had no clue about. In their own train car Niko was curious about all this mystery, "What's a Reservist, DeMungus?" Scar and DeMungus locked eyes with one another and both seemed very hesitant to speak, "Why are you two acting so weird?" Neither of his companions spoke, but their gaze and demeanor just grew more uncomfortable, "This is really starting to piss me off! Tell me!" He raised a hand and fire flickered in his palm. He aimed at DeMungus.

"ARRRGHHH!" DeMungus squealed as Niko set the seat of his pants ablaze.

Scar quickly jumped in to put a stop to this nonsense, "Niko, stop! All you need to know is that there are people who don't exactly think we should still have an Avatar in this day in age."

Niko scratched his head and looked out the window at the roaming countryside speeding on by, "You mean like that Voglazaad guy?" Scar sighed then shook her head, "What are you talking about like, there's other people out to get me?"

DeMungus had fanned the flames which had scorched a tiny hole in his pants, "Look, kid, you have the power to decide who controls the world, pretty much, and men are greedy power-hungry animals." Niko reflected on that, it was true he had all this untamed power in a world where his abilities were seen as an unnecessary chaos, but at the same time there have always been Avatars for the most part. "The Reservists are a group of soldiers that are the military police for the world government. A lot of people thought it was a government conspiracy for the longest time, as the need for a global army wasn't quite in demand. But lately with the extinction of the earth bending practice, the dwindling amount of fire benders, and now confirmation that the Avatar isn't a finite solution to all problems…"

Scar picked up from that thought, "They just see you as a relic of the past." The three went quiet, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Their faces became sullen, this was all so new to Niko who had his head buried between his knees now. Then in an instant the train had been rocked by an unexplainable force that knocked the three from their seats.

The sudden jerk turned into an unpleasant roll as the train tilted sideways off the tracks. Currently the tracks where about two miles high above a sprawling green valley, and after the first initial roll they started to fall into a few longer rolls. Niko, DeMungus, and Scar were all being thrown about the tiny cabin, all three trying to hold onto the other the lessen the impact from hitting the window, the seats, and the overhead compartments.

An explosion occurred on the back end of the train causing it's decent to accelerate crashing down, in a spiraling motion; meaning instant death for those up further, and for everyone else onboard the prospect was just as grim.

BREAKING NEWS!

We here at channel 12 apologize for interrupting your scheduled programming to bring you this breaking story! A female voice began in a distressed tone. An act of extreme violence just occurred outside of Ba-Sing-Se; reports are coming in that train heading to Republic City was just bombed shortly after ten this morning. The onboard explosion rocked the train and destroyed the tracks that were two miles in the air. We are being told that a rescue party co-oped by the great nation of Zaofu would arrive in about fifteen minutes to the crash site. As of now it is unconfirmed how many are dead, but the station in Ba Sing Se did just release a statement saying that they hope for survivors. The station also states their chief engineer had contact with the conductor during the initial explosion, and then the subsequent fall. There is a sigh as the news reel keeps running. There is still no word on who attacked the train, nor has any possible motive been established at this time. Having said that we are receiving confirmation that the two nations leading the effort are also now opening up an investigation into the bombing. We will keep you updated as this story continues to unfold. I'm Misty Haverford, reporting for Channel 12 News, and we now return you to your previous broadcast.

In between black outs there was not so much happening, Nico remembered some grass in his mouth, and the gush of blood pooling in there as well causing an unpleasant taste. Following scenes and snip-its of consciousness: including a miniscule amount of time in a moving vehicle too weak to move, next he could only recall something was constricting his arms through the blinding pain of the accident, and it seared whenever he was awake and alert. Next there was at least appeared to be a lantern feeling extremely hot on his face and terribly blinding someone from his view. In one his limited moments of consciousness he took a quick glance to see Scar on the floor, motionless and bound.

He'd managed to stay awake and alert for a conversation between DeMungus and their captor. The voice sounded like Voglazaad, but honestly his brain was more focused on the immense pain from the crash and fall. Excruciating pain, the kind you need a doctor for- now -while you're still alive, type of pain.

"What are you gonna do with us?" DeMungus was kneeling. Clearly not as battered as Scar or Niko.

Voglazaad snickers at the armless man, "Well you made it out alive last time with one less limb, this time I'll finish the job, and I'll give the Avatar to my people. As for the girl she might fetch a good profit from a trafficking ring."

It was so sickening to hear that, he wanted to get up, to fight for his friends, but his body wouldn't let him. Where was the voice, his Avatar state, shouldn't it be going off? Maybe I lost it again, but then a gust of wind burst through the corners of the room. Niko felt the cool breeze on his skin, soothing his injuries, and giving him some new life; Mmm… fresh air, perhaps I spoke too soon, he thought. Alas, this wasn't quite enough to bring him completely back, but at least he felt refreshed despite his intense injuries. Somehow, he just knew they'd be saved!

Niko passed out once more hearing DeMungus wailing in the background. His prediction of safety was correct though as the next thing he knew he was laying in an actual bed. The sensation of the blankets draping over him was what tipped him off. The thought of the warm comfort of a bed was so unbelievable to Niko right now, but somehow here he was alive snuggling the blankets trying to become one with the mattress. Granted he just spent a few days sleeping in a king size bed with the softest pillows in the universe. "I vow to never take a good bed for granted again, and that's and Avatar promise," he mumbled as a slightly dull pain started to cause his head to throb.

Slowly his eyes opened, "How long have I been out?!" He jolted upward running his hand through his hair. Would he pass out again? Many questions filled his head with useless thoughts, he then moved his hands, "Oh I'm not all tied up anymore…" he sighed in relief. Niko began to look around the room he currently occupied, there was many ornate decorations and emblems matching the air nation symbol. "Huh? Where am I?"

Next thing he knew Scar was coming into the bedroom trying to be quiet as possible. She turned to look at him, "Oh, you're awake? Good! How do you feel?"

Niko groaned a bit holding his throbbing head, "Honestly I feel like I had a pretty bad bender," he then remembered being on the train, "Wait! We fell pretty far down, in a small metal compartment, how the heck are we even alive? Where's DeMungus? Is he alive?" His head started to kill again, "I guess migraines would be something I'll have to look forward t for a bit… ugh."

Scar sat down next to him, rubbing his back gently with her nails. It felt so amazing, even if it couldn't get rid of the persistent banging, "If I only knew how to heal?" Niko smiled at her, well it was a half wincing smile, "Anyway, to answer your questions, you actually broke DeMungus's fall… his weight shattered you left leg, look under the blanket." Niko lifted the blanket as instructed and to his horror his whole left leg was casted in a thin white ceramic. "He feels awful about it, and he actually carried you here."

Niko was unsure if he should feel touched or some kind of karmic energy from the fact that now he himself, like DeMungus, was down a limb, "Where is here?"

"Why you're in the Northern Air Temple, Pixie Stick…" A hiss of a voice came from the doorway. A tan lanky man, probably about a few inches taller than Niko and Scar, glided into the room wearing a traditional Air Nomad garment. His demeanor was very unpleasant and cold, with dark hair framing his face, and a long beard that almost touched the ground. This was no ordinary Air Nomad: it was Niko's ex-boyfriend. Niko flinched trying to move away, "Mimiro…? What kind of fresh hell is this?"