Two Learning the Balance

Kano sat on the dirt, watching as Haku casually sharpened a switch to a point. They were in a palace courtyard for Kano's first lesson.

Haku traced in the dirt. First he drew the Fire Nation symbol, moving to the Air symbol, Water, then Earth, then drawing a cross that divided them. "This was the state of the world during the war. Each Nation divided, our customs growing apart and rigid. So did our bending arts."

Haku drew a circle around the depiction. "There was a time when any bender would readily learn from another art, and use that to improve. This was balance, and it was lost. Now, after a hundred years, the bending styles have become sharpened, 'traditional' styles each with its strengths and weaknesses."

"Like what?" Kano asked.

Haku sat across from him. "Let's take Airbending and Earthbending for example. An earthbender faces their challenge head-on, fighting through it. An airbender is mobile, twisting away from the center of battle, and they find a way around challenges."

Kano nodded, thinking about what he was learning. There was much more to bending than he had ever known. Haku laughed at the younger firebender's expression, and ruffled the kid's hair. "Tell me why I was able to beat your brother so easily."

Kano thought before replying. "Chan lost because you were able to firebend in ways he couldn't. You were able to meet whatever came your way, and Chan couldn't."

Haku smiled. "Very good. That is why the Avatar brought me here, to teach you how to adapt. I had hoped Chan would study with us…he really is skilled…but I will settle for teaching you alone."

"How do we start?" Kano asked eagerly.

Haku shifted slightly. "First, you need to go pack a travel bag. I'm taking you to the Northern Air Temple. Our companion will teach you airbending."

"Who?" Kano asked. Haku gestured at the sky, where a young girl was slowly circling on a glider.

Aang stood side-by-side with Zuko, fire rolling from his fingers as he copied Zuko's movements. He grinned. It had been a long time since he had a firebending 'lesson', and he enjoyed the reminder of those days just before the war ended. They may have been hectic, but they had been fun, too.

"You're out of practice, Aang." Zuko scolded his former student.

Aang planted his hand behind his head, laughing shame-facedly. "I don't get a lot of time to practice."

Zuko shook his head. "Me either, but I make the time."

Aang sat down on a bench, gratefully taking a towel from a servant. "Zuko, we're getting older. Pretty soon, it will be time for the next generation to step forward and take the reigns."

Zuko laughed. "Listen to yourself. We aren't that old, Aang."

Aang looked down. "Hakoda passed away last year."

Instantly Zuko sobered. "I know. Sokka wrote to tell me." Zuko patted his friend's shoulder. "Aang, the years are going to catch up with us. We aren't immortal. Not even the Avatar gets to live forever."

Aang hung his head. "Its just not fair. She should still be here with us."

Zuko stiffened, his voice becoming flat and emotionless. "She should. Haku should have gotten the chance to know his mother."

"I'm sorry, Zuko. All of this is my fault." Aang twirled his fingers, a small cyclone of dust rising from the stone under their feet.

"Not…not really, Aang." Zuko looked up at the clouds. "If anything, its my fault."

Aang looked at Zuko. "Do you miss Mei, too?"

Zuko stood up. When he spoke, his tone told Aang the conversation was done. "Not as much as I think I should. Come on. We have a meeting with the nobility before much longer."

Kano stood with Haku, shifting under his pack. Although not exactly spoiled, Kano had never been very far from the palace, and never without a cadre of guards. He was both nervous and excited about his upcoming journey with his new teacher.

The Avatar's daughter finally seemed to notice them, and she landed, closing her glider with a snap.

"Hey Haku. This the prince?" She asked.

"Prince Kano, meet Sora. Sora, this is Kano." Haku introduced them. "Sora is the Avatar's oldest child, and a master airbender."

Kano looked at the girl, judging her to be close to his age. "So where are your tattoos?"

Sora grimaced. "Dad tried to give them to me, said they were traditional." She stuck her tongue out. "I told him where he could shove the needle."

Kano blinked. Somehow, he couldn't picture anyone saying that to the Avatar. Sora saw the look on his face, and laughed.

"I'm kidding. Mom wouldn't let him." She corrected. "Wow, you're kind of gullible, aren't you?"

A small brown creature landed on her shoulder. Kano jumped, then stared at it. "Is that a flying lemur? I thought they were extinct."

"Nah. This is Ringo. Isn't she a sweetie?" Ringo chattered, toying with Sora's hair. The airbender scratched Ringo's ears. "Yes, you are."

Kano grinned. If he was going to be traveling with an Air Nomad, things just might be more interesting then he had imagined.

Haku picked up his own duffel. "It's a week to our departure point. Think you can help the prince with his practice as we travel?"

Sora adjusted a small bag attached to a strap on her back. "Well, if I have to." She poked Kano in the chest. "But I won't go easy on you, Firefly."

Zuko sat in his study, going over a trade negotiation between the Northern Water Tribe and the northernmost colony. He heard the door open, and looked up, glaring.

"Shin? What are you doing in here?" The middle-aged man that had always given him solid advice bowed.

"Forgive my intrusion, my lord, but I have a matter of urgency to discuss with you. It concerns the future of the world."

Zuko gestured at a chair. "Speak your mind…should I send for Aang?"

Shin shook his head. "No my lord, this solely concerns you at the moment." Shin templed his fingers, thinking, and after a moment he began. "My lord, the world is not stable. Yes, the nations are growing, economy is stabilizing, and on, but the Nations themselves are not strong enough to stand on their own."

Zuko frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"My lord, I belong to a society that has one unshakable truth at our foundation: Fire is meant to rule."

Zuko rose out of his seat, but Shin raised his hands imploringly. "Let me finish, my lord. Please." After Zuko had retaken his seat, Shin continued. "The right to rule, but not destroy. What harm can there be if our nation rules willing vassals, nations that willingly bend to your will?"

Zuko spoke softly. "The nations are meant to be separate. Whatever your plan is…your goals, I will not be a part of it."

Shin sighed. "Am I dismissed, then, my lord?"

Zuko shook his head. "Shin, as long as your beliefs don't sway your sense of logic, I will need you on my council."

Shin rose. "Thank you my lord." He walked out, disappointed, but he would have other chances.

Next Chapter: Airbending