Hey everyone! I know it may seem like a long time to some of you, but I have been very busy. Anyway, just so everyone knows, this chapter takes place when Aang is still in dragon form. While his body was in the avatar state, Aang went into the spirit world. So when Aang gets back into the physical world he passes out (which is where the last chapter left off). I hope that makes this less confusing…
Disclaimer: You guys know I don't own any of this stuff except for Shen, right? Okay, then on with the show! :D
Symptoms, Betrayals, and Bad Advice: Part Three
Aang huffed with exhaustion as he pushed himself off the ground. Getting into the Spirit World had been very tough indeed, but he had finally done it.
Aang couldn't help smiling as he walked slowly through the ever growing vines and weeds present in the spirit world swamp.
The swamp in the spirit world was very cold and damp causing the young airbender to shiver. His clothes were also getting very dirty as he walked through muddy puddles. Aang sniffed the air and noticed how foul it was. The spirit world seemed different to him somehow. It seemed more ominous giving the atmosphere a sort of 'dead' feeling to it.
Aang could also feel his spirit threatening to be sucked back into his physical body. A frightening thought came to the young Avatar as he realized he might not be able to keep his body there for that long. He had to find Avatar Roku quickly before it was too late.
Aang started running through the swamp, racing as fast as his legs could carry him. He nearly ran straight into a tree before a huge bolt of lightning stopped him in his tracks. Suddenly, the tall form of Avatar Roku appeared before Aang causing the airbender to trip backwards.
Roku chuckled as Aang's body relaxed. "It's good to see you, Aang."
The older Avatar helped his reincarnation get up and proceeded in helping the young airbender dust himself off.
"It's great to see you too, Roku. I have been trying to come back here for awhile, but something kept blocking me out."
Roku gave Aang a knowing look before turning away. "Let's go for a walk. I'm sure you would rather discuss your new concerns in a more comfortable location."
Aang smiled brightly. "Yeah, that would be great."
The two Avatars started walking out of the swamp. As they kept moving the landscape gradually began to change. Slowly the muddy greens and nasty browns disappeared into bright reds and golden yellows as Aang and Roku entered a fire nation temple. It was the same temple where Roku had learned to master the Avatar State long ago many years ago when he was an inexperienced Avatar. Aang smiled, proud to achieve the same accomplishment as his past life.
Roku and Aang sat down on the fire nation rug located in the middle of the room.
"I have something of great importance to tell you Aang, but don't worry about it at this moment. Right now, I want to hear your concerns first."
Aang bowed respectively. "Thank you. For starters, I would like to receive some advice from you on how to deal with the new rebellions in the fire nation."
Roku gave Aang a serene smile. "I don't think you need my advice on that. What you need is more confidence. You've already shown your ability to deal with situations like this by defeating the fire lord. Have faith in yourself, and the answer will come to you."
The young airbender tried not to huff impatiently. "I know, but that was just one battle. I don't have any experience in politics or anything close like this. I've tried to show other authorities my thoughts on how to solve the conflicts, but they think I'm too naïve and immature to pull it off."
Aang frowned as he remembered the meeting with General Shino of the Earth Kingdom.
"Now that you have restored peace to the four nations, the people look to you now more than ever. If you make a decision and stand by it, you will gain respect from everyone whether they are the authorities or just plain citizens. You now set an example for other's so your decisions and behavior are being watched and critiqued. That means that your allies and your enemies are all keeping track. Every Avatar goes through this, Aang, especially ones who drastically change history."
Aang looked at Roku, trying to keep his expression from becoming bitter. "So, you really think I can do that?"
Roku nodded. "You have influence over many people's lives now, therefore actions such as this are now added on as part of your responsibility as the Avatar."
Aang nodded sadly. "I guess that means less time for fun, huh? I'm going to turn into a serious, old prune…"
Roku chuckled softly. "So that's what you perceive of me, is it?"
Aang's eyes widened as he shook his head forcefully. "Oh, no! I didn't mean that!"
"Don't worry, Aang. I'm not offended by the comment. But I will point out that your assumption is completely false."
Aang's posture relaxed as he saw compassion in the older Avatar's eyes. "There is always time to have fun. Even though it may seem really serious right now, you will have plenty of time to experience the joyful moments to. Remember, life is always balanced."
Aang smiled. "Life is balanced, just like Yin and Yang."
Roku nodded. "Yes. Yin and Yang is one of the most ancient principles in this world. Only the oldest spirits truly understand the concept, like the moon and the ocean for example. Everything can be traced back to yin and yang…"
"Right."
"So, is there anything else that's on your mind?"
Aang frowned as his he bent his head in concentration. "Actually, yes there is. I need to find the red dragon. Right now Zuko and I suspect that it is still in the fire nation. The dragon is very mad because it's perfect half, the blue dragon, was killed by one of the rebel groups. If we don't find it soon, the people of the fire nation will become a victim of the dragon's wrath."
Roku looked at Aang solemnly. "Yes, the dragon's wrath will put the world in jeopardy if it isn't found and tamed…."
Aang nodded. "So, do you know where it is?"
"Yes, I know…"
The young airbender sat patiently waiting for the answer, but none came. Aang looked at Avatar Roku warily. He seemed to be hesitating for some reason.
"Roku, is something wrong?"
Roku looked Aang squarely in the face. "The dragon is in the Northern Water Tribe."
Aang jumped into a standing position, his eyes blazing. "That's where my friends are! How could that be?"
The young airbender paced back and forth as Roku continued to stare at him solemnly.
Aang balled his hands into fists as his body tensed. "I don't understand! We would have noticed if a dragon was there. I mean, the place is made out of ice! The dragon could have easily melted the whole palace right now…"
"No, but it could if you don't leave soon."
Aang stared at Roku sadly. "I still have so much to ask you. But, I promise that I will come back as soon as I can."
Roku closed his eyes slowly. "I'm sorry, Aang, but you must not come back here."
The young Avatar froze abruptly. "What do you mean I can't come back?"
Roku quickly stood up and stared into Aang's eyes, hard gold into shattered specks of grey. "The dragon is you."
Aang stood still for a minute, trying to process what that meant. He frowned. "I'm not a dragon."
"As you enter the Spirit World, the dragon takes your form. It is currently using your body, or should I say, transformed your body into its own form."
Aang shrieked. "WHAT! It's…using MY body!"
Roku nodded. "I am using a special technique that allows the time here to flow differently than the one located in the physical world. Even though we have been talking for a while, it has only been a few minutes for your friends. So I'm sure the damage is quite minimal."
This only caused Aang to panic more as his breathing started to become more ragged. "How do I go back?"
"The same way you came here, though you are going to have to fight for it. It will probably take the same amount of effort as it took for you to come here."
Aang nodded as he prepared to run away. Before he could dash of, Roku took a hold of the airbender's arm.
"Don't lose strength no matter how painful it gets. And don't worry. I'm sure your friends will help you increase your power enough to come here again."
"Thanks, Roku."
Aang ran as fast as his legs could carry him as Roku watched from afar. "We will see each other again, Aang. When the time is right…"
After he spoke, Roku disappeared as Aang left the temple. After a few seconds the temple disappeared bringing back the dirty, swampy landscape. Aang panted heavily as he stopped to soothe his aching muscles.
Aang closed his eyes as he tried to let his spirit return into his body. The airbender grimaced as he felt an odd pulling sensation. It was even worse than the force from earlier that had blocked him from entering the spirit swamp. Aang could feel his head burn as sweat began to form on his brow. With all his might, Aang pushed back against what he knew now to be the dragon's power. The airbender's muscles were straining themselves beyond belief and he could feel himself getting ready to black out.
No! I can't let the other's get hurt! Please, spirits, send me back!
Aang gritted his teeth as he gave another mental shove. Right before his muscles exploded, Aang felt himself disappearing from the swamp and entering another form entirely. He could now see his friends running away in fear of him as the dragon roared loudly. Aang came to the realization that he was now looking at everything the dragon sees and could feel the movements the dragon's body was making. He almost thought he was a dragon himself. It was utter chaos inside the dragon's head and the pain was starting to become excruciating. Aang growled as the pain entered his head causing him to scream.
As he screamed, Aang felt the sensation of fire coming out of his mouth. He looked and through the dragon's eyes he saw fireballs blasting here and there causing the water tribe palace building to crumble. Aang could tell that it was the hallway as he saw Katara and Zuko approach him. Katara's eyes were a sea of emotions: Pain, worry, terror, and determination. Aang looked into those eyes and felt a shudder go through his own aching body. He couldn't hurt her. He wouldn't!
Aang started shoving with his mind, his spirit body moving violently in the dragon's mind. He screamed and pushed until he felt his body burn from the effort. Pain poured in from all sides: his legs, his arms, his face, and especially his head. But instead of stopping, Aang gave one more rough push. And that's when everything collapsed.
oooOOoooOOOOoooo
Aang shivered as his skin tingled from the cold and the mental battle. He could barely repress a moan as he felt soft, warm hands cradling him.
Aang opened his eyes bleakly. He could hazily make out Katara's face as she brought it closer to him. Her deep blue eyes stared at him with pain and worry. Aang coughed roughly as he struggled to raise his voice.
"I'm…sorry..." was all the tired airbender could mutter as he welcomed the darkness that enveloped him.
oooOooOOOOooooooo
Shen smiled as he entered a cold prison cell. It was just too easy!
Normally, Shen tried to not let his ego get to his head. But he just couldn't help himself. Breaking into the prison had taken only fifteen minutes, and half of his forces were nonbenders. Shen knew he was overconfident and he had really hoped this challenge would help him with restraint. Unfortunately, the whole event was doing the exact opposite. Naturally, Shen simply didn't care.
"I'm here to give you the opportunity of a lifetime. Come with me, and together we will restore the fire nation and its powerful leader. And if you play nice, we might just be able to give you what your heart desires most."
The prisoner chuckled darkly, and Shen could feel sparks of electricity in the person's form. "And what might that be?"
The prisoner's voice was very quiet, but Shen could detect the dark undercurrent being sent towards him along with the question. This person was said to be able to induce fear in every man, but Shen was not affected. He smiled brightly. Oh, yes. She will make the perfect soldier. I should have broken her out a long time ago.
Shen gave the prisoner a nasty smile. "I'm sure you are itching to get back at Zuko, to finally make him feel the pain that you felt."
Shen went down to his knees and went closer to the girl. "Vengeance is what you seek, is it not? Fire Lord Azula?"
Azula was lying on the floor. She was dressed in nothing but rags and her long black hair was tangled and messy. Her hair covered her entire face except for her mouth, which had formed into a very crazy looking smile.
"Zuko….will…. .die…."
Shen's eyes sparkled with excitement as he smirked loudly. "Once we capture the Avatar, Zuko will come. And then he will be all yours."
Shen stood up and brought his hand down to help Azula get up. She took his hand, her long nails digging into his palm…
And…Finished! Whoo, this took me a very long time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm too tired to type any more so…
See you later!
Last Edit: June 30 2012