Hello everyone!

This one took a couple more days than expected, but the main reason why I took my time with this was because I spent the days before editing like crazy!

I reread this whole story and edited a bunch of stuff. It was a great learning experience, but now I'm really tired.

Ah, well I hope you guys like this! Thank you for reading up to this point…

The Origin of Yin and Yang

Aang sighed peacefully. His body stretched into a small V-shape before curling inward, forming into a small ball.

He didn't want to get up. It had been the longest he'd ever slept since absorbing the dragon into his body. It was a wonderful sense of bliss that the Avatar preferred to spend more than four hours in.

Unfortanutely, all good things must come to an end at some point… He frowned as the thought sunk into his head.

With a good amount of willpower the young monk raised himself into a sitting position. The ground beneath him was unstable and shimmering in the sun. Aang glared as he ran his hands through miniscule grains of sand. He turned his head and took in all the numerous sand dunes surrounding him, placing him in the middle of a hot ocean of orange.

"I should have known this was too good to be true…" He mumbled before warily shifting into a standing position.

His feet started moving viscerally, carrying the young Avatar into the heart of the desert and towards a familiar looking temple. Yep, it's spirit world time. Really should have seen it coming…

In a matter of seconds the temple was suddenly in front of him, its large doors beckoning to him much like the first time he had been there.

Aang smiled before entering the building. The doors slammed behind him precariously, but luckily the airbender wasn't as close to them as he had been the first time so his body escaped the force unscathed.

As expected, Agnis was standing in the middle of the temple's grand assembles looking as translucent as he always did in these mental ventures. He chuckled. "It seems like she kept her word. You look well rested."

"Yeah. It was nice to sleep in for once, though I'm not really sure how much time has actually passed since I was awake…" He shrugged, "…it doesn't matter. What do you want to show me?"

"I see someone's eager to start. Well, let's see now…" Agnis walked over to one of the numerous mosaics that made up the lavish walls of the building. "Let's start with some observation practice. Do you recognize all of the creatures here?"

"Of course. There are lion turtles, sky bison, badger moles, koi fish," he sighed exasperatingly, "…dragons."

Agnis nodded. "Yes. All the originators of the four elements gathered together in the dragon's sacred temple, it's quite poetic isn't it?"

"Yeah. Just…peachy."

Agnis chuckled. "Is that sarcasm I sense in you, Avatar? Does this not impress you?"

Aang shook his head rapidly. "It's not that…I'm just waiting for the hard part to begin. There's obviously a reason why you're bringing me to this place again…"

"I see you're ready to start the process. But before we begin the trials you must understand why we're giving them to you in the first place." Agnis said this with a smile before motioning for the young airbender to sit down.

Trials? Aang sighed before reluctantly taking his place beside the spirit healer, his knees buckling outward as he sank towards the ground. The floor was hard and cold, as if it were made of some type of metal. The young avatar placed his hands behind his back.

"Okay, so what type of trials will I be facing?"

"Now, now," the spirit healer waved his hand playfully, "let's not get ahead of ourselves. First, I need to ask you a few questions."

"Uh, okay…"

"Do you remember this place, Aang?"

The airbender frowned as he glanced over the temple again. He could tell that there was something oddly different about the place since his last visit. It was a lot clearer and the stones that made up the building had a certain luster that wasn't present before. Things did look a little more familiar but Aang was sure that this was only his second time inhabiting the sacred place.

"I'm sorry, but I don't recall being here more than once. It does look a little familiar, but…I don't remember anything beyond that." He frowned as his mind continued to draw in blanks.

Agnis sighed. "I see. I guess the curse grows stronger with each reincarnation."

Aang raised his eyebrows. "Curse?"

"…Avatar, do you understand the concept of yin and yang?"

Aang nodded. "Yes. They represent a balance to all things in life. Good and evil, negatives and positives…one side never overrides the other, right?"

Agnis smiled. "Correct. Now, what do you think happens when that balance is threatened?"

"Um, well," Aang furrowed his brow, "…I guess something must be done to bring it back. After all, there must always be a balance."

Aang continued to contemplate the idea before turning over to look at Agnis. He was shocked to see the older man crying. The tears were glowing against his translucent skin, silver lines racing down his face at moderate intervals.

"Are you okay?"

The spirit healer gave him a small smile. "I'm fine. It just pains me greatly…that we had to endure this entity for so long. But…it is our burden to bear. Please, give me a moment…"

Aang turned away awkwardly as Agnis carefully wiped his own face. After a couple of minutes the spirit healer was composed enough to continue.

"You see, Aang, a long time ago…back before the time of the Avatar there were two boys named yin and yang…"

The young avatar gasped. "Wait, you mean there were two people named after the concept?"

"Yes and no. The concept was created because of the life of those two boys. It is time for me to share with you the true story of this place…and the origins of the four elements..."

Aang's eyes widened as Agnis placed his hands on the airbender's forehead.

ooOOOoooOOOOOOooooo

Azula stared at her new home with contempt. "Honestly, this place is fit for a hobo. I swear if I have to stay here a minute longer…"

"Look, it's not like I'm holding you here against your will," Jack said with patience as he went through his closet rapidly searching for something, as Azula would say, 'peasant like'.

"If I didn't have to deal with Zuko, I wouldn't be caught dead in this place." Her voice was sharp, an edge of malice seeking into the undercurrents of her statement.

If you were truly yourself, Azula, you wouldn't have even accepted the mission in the first place, Jack thought as he pulled out various, plain-looking attire. But he decided to keep himself silent as the princess continued to rant.

After skimming over their disguises Azula couldn't help the choking sound that arose out of the pit of her throat. "I really, really hope this isn't for me." She pointed at the ghastly wig in front of her.

Jack sighed. "You're going to have to wear it. With your hair all…messy like that everyone will know who you are from a mile away. There are so many posters out there for you, it's like they're taking over all the billboards."

Azula grumbled before putting the ugly thing on her head. "I hate blonds."

Jack ignored her comment as he placed a different wig on his head. "So, how are we going to get into the palace?"

"Hmmm, well they're all a bunch of pathetic, goody too-shoes. I'm sure if one of us is injured they'll let us in. You know, Katara is one of the best healers around."

Jack gulped. "I see. So, we're going to fake an injury, then what?"

Azula smiled as electricity swarmed around her. "Oh, we're not going to fake it. The only thing that will convince them is the real thing in its entirety."

Jack's eyes widened as Azula slowly walked towards him…

ooOOOOoOOOOoooo

Huh, it seems like these meetings get harder and harder to tolerate the more I keep Aang out of them...

The young fire lord contemplated over this for a couple of minutes before moving out of the meeting room. It was a welcome gift to finally be in a somewhat relaxed atmosphere. It was as if stepping into the former room would get his feet burned. Might as well for all the tension Shino is producing. If we don't act soon he's going to send in reinforcements…

Zuko was walking down the hallway when he nearly tripped over a woman lying on the ground. He frowned as he recognized the dark locks sweeping across the pale person's face. "Didn't expect to find you here…"

A small smile showed up though the person failed to reply. Zuko glared at the unmoving heap for a moment. When it was apparent that he wasn't going to receive an answer, he sighed longingly. "Mai…I need you to leave."

The smile grew a little wider, some teeth making their appearance. "I…can't do that. You…need me."

His voice was dark and cryptic when he replied. "No, I don't."

She slowly sat up so that her body was leaning against his door. "Don't…eat…"

"What?" Zuko's eyes narrowed as he sunk down into a kneeling position, taking in her form. "What are you saying?"

Mai smiled, though this time it looked pained. "Don't…eat…the food…"

As she said this her body shook, twitching as if she were going through a seizure. Mai's eyes widened, the pupils diluted. Her breathing became labored.

"Don't…e-e-e-at…" Her voice started breaking off in random intervals as her body shuddered.

Zuko stared at her for a few more seconds before he started shouting. "Mai? Mai! Someone help!" He shook her, his body tensing as he felt her temperature decrease. It was as if she were slowly turning into ice. Only now could he make out how much color she had lost already, her skin as white as paper.

He growled before lifting her into his arms, bridal style. "Someone help! Please!"

He was moving viscerally now, carrying her through the hallways as fast as his tense legs could. He reached the medical center in seconds, surprised to see that it was already occupied.

Katara gasped as she took in her friend's expression. "Zuko, are you alright?"

"I'm fine. But she, she's…" he could barely speak as he felt Mai's pulse. It was far too low for his liking.

Katara quickly stood up, covering her shoulders with a purple blanket nearby. "What happened to her?"

Zuko sighed. "I…don't know. Just heal her, please. I need to speak to Aang…"

He could feel the waterbender's gaze harden at his mentioning of the airbender. "I'm not sure if he's here right now. The dragon was using his body again the last time I saw him…"

"Ugh, I don't have time for this! Do you know where he is?"

Katara frowned as she spread her hands across the base of Mai's throat, the water glowing in wavy blues and silver whites. "I'm not sure. I think Agnis is with him at the moment…"

"Well that's just great." Zuko stared at his ex with a look of concern before turning away. "I'll be in my room if you need me. Be sure to tell Aang that we need to talk if you see him. It's urgent."

Katara gave him a nod, her hands moving at fast speeds as Mai's body suddenly shook with new convulsions. "I'll let him know."

Zuko closed his eyes before blasting his way out of the room and back into the hallway. His footsteps were now fraught with panic as he hurriedly walked back to his bedroom, opening the doors with a flourish. It was as if the motion was meant to calm him, both in mind and spirit as he slowly stepped into a new atmosphere.

He allowed his body to relax as his muscles reveled in the silence. The whole assemble was shot down the moment he opened his eyes.

There was so much food crammed into his room that he felt his nose would burst from all the smells. There were so many pastries, turtle-ducks, spices, fire crackers, fish, imported pork…

It was a feast fit for a king.

Zuko glared at the food as Mai's words came back to haunt his eardrums. Don't…eat…

He glanced at all of the various assortments of edible treats before his eyes landed on a small custard pie, his personal favorite. Zuko smiled grimly before taking the pie slowly in his hands, the treat beckoning to him with a gentle pull towards his stomach.

"Well, well…I guess someone's eager to start the final battle. It's too bad, that person miscalculated…" He squished the treat in his hand, causing it to explode all over his fingertips. "It takes a little more than that for me to fall into temptation…"

ooOOOOOooOOOoooo

Aang could feel himself falling. It was rapid and sudden, causing his stomach to groan as his heart raced into his mouth.

He clenched his fists into his chest, his body curving as he continued his descent. His body arched back before landing on the ground with a large thud. The young teen groaned loudly as Agnis floated beside him.

"How come you get to fly while my," He hissed as a sharp pain emitted from below, "butt takes a beating?"

The spirit healer couldn't help chuckling at the young teen's choice of words. "I'm sorry, though, truth be told, I'm not really here right now…"

"Of course you're not…"

Agnis smiled at his companion, his eyes sparkling. "No, really, I'm not here. Not in the physical world or the realms in your mind."

Aang shivered as he gave the older man a second glance. "Uh…excuse me?"

"Don't worry. All will be explained now…"

Aang stared at the man quizzically before turning to take in his surroundings. "So, where are we?"

"Just watch, Avatar. You're about to see two of the most defining spirits in our sacred history…"

As the sentence escaped Agnis' mouth Aang noticed two boys walking towards them. One was extremely pale with hair as dark as night and dark circles under silver eyes. The other boy appeared to have a more wild side. He had striking yellow locks that blazed like the sun while his orange eyes contrasted greatly with his companion's.

Despite their obvious differences, the boys held hands. They were grasping each other so tightly that their knuckles appeared to be white.

Both of them glanced at Aang speaking together in unison. "Welcome, Avatar."

The young airbender mumbled something before clearing his throat. His senses were on overload. Whoever these two spirits were, they were extremely powerful. He didn't need to sense their auras to come up with that.

They kind of feel…like Agnis. How strange… "Hi…"

The dark haired boy stepped next to Aang. "My name is Yin, and this is my brother-"

The other boy cut him off while rapidly appearing at Aang's other side. "My name is Yang!"

"Ah, it's nice to meet you both. So, um…you two are the creators of bending?" Aang cringed at the sound of his voice. Why am I so nervous, they're just a couple of kids, right? Why is my body responding this way?

Yin smiled at him. Aang couldn't fathom why but the air suddenly had an ominous quality to it. "We're not just a couple of kids, Avatar…"

Yang's smile suddenly shifted into a frown. "Your body is just not used to our presence. After all, we're the most powerful energy benders."

Aang grimaced as he received both comments at the same time. "Ugh, what I meant is…I…I mean…but…you guys look like you're six…"

Yang laughed while Yin snickered.

"Should we show him?"

"Yes, let's do it!"

Aang gasped as both boys placed their hands over his forehead. Immediately, his tattoos started glowing.

"Wow, his energy is so…ripe."

"Wow, it just makes me want to run around! I could just live forever on this stuff!"

"Stop being so dramatic! Hmmm, there's something else here…"

"Huh? Oh, you're right. Whoa, it's big!"

"This obviously doesn't belong in his body. It's like they…merged somehow. Humph, how convoluted…"

"Ah, somebody's been messing with the spirits."

Their voices assaulted him, changing from dark to light in a heartbeat. As they talked, Aang could feel bubbles of energy going through him, unwinding him. It was as if their energy was shooting through his body, infecting it with emotions of such contrasting intensity that the young airbender felt like he was going to black out.

"Wait, stop! You're hurting him!"

"Oh, would you just shut up! You're not helping things with that ball of energy either."

"Sorry…"

Aang gasped as the two boys lifted their hands from his head. His whole body was sweating profusely, his breaths coming in short taut waves. The two boys appeared to be fine, as if they had just gotten up from their naps.

Yin growled. "Now you did it."

Yang tilted his head back up with confidence. "I just tasted his energy. He'll be fine."

The young airbender sighed as his body slowly went into a calm state, his tattoos returning back to their light blue shade. "What…what did you do to me?"

Yang smiled before patting the young teen on the head playfully. "We just wanted to meet you."

Yin nodded. "When you look into someone's energy it helps you figure out what type of person they are. There's no hiding, their true nature is exposed."

"Wow," Aang said. He flinched when he realized how close Yang was. The boy's face was nearly pressed against his forehead.

The sunny child smirked. "But, you already knew that, didn't you? You've used energybending before."

Aang's eyes widened. "Yes…"

Yin raised his eyebrows. "Energybending has been gone from your time for a thousand years. How did you attain the ability to use it?"

Aang smiled proudly. "A lion turtle taught me."

Agnis was watching the whole scene with compassion. He couldn't wait for the two spirits to tell Aang the story of their existence. Their shared existence…

All will be revealed, Avatar. Then, you will remember…

oooOOOOOOoooOOOooo

Jack's face contorted painfully as he took another step. His side was marred by a bloody wound. His right leg was burned to the point where it was almost black. Oh, Shen, if only you could see me now. Huh, to think that we're best friends…

The pain of walking cut into his thoughts. Azula shoved him back up onto her shoulder, her expression showing nothing but hatred and disgust. "Look at you, weakling. Quit doing that! You're slowing us down!"

Jack glared at his supposed 'loving wife'. "I can barely move. My right foot is useless. You'll just have to toughen up and carry me…'sweetie'." He knew he made the wrong decision to add the pet name when a searing pain shot up his leg.

"Shut up, peasant! Don't tempt me."

Don't have to. Lunatic… Jack took in a shaky breath before attempting another step. Argh, when will this end?

"You know, for a brute you're not half bad." Her face was shifted awkwardly into a joyful countenance, laughter bubbling loudly at the surface.

Jack groaned. Great, now she's done a one-eighty. Her voice is so fake… "How long until we reach the palace, dear?"

Azula seemed to be out of it because she ignored the new nickname. "Ah, soon. Very, very soon…"

Not soon enough. "Do you really know the way there? You didn't forget, did you?"

Azula froze causing Jack to stumble forward and crash into the hard ground. With a grunt, he turned to the side only to find himself staring at a mirror across from them. They appeared to be a loving couple, both their blond hair flying in the wind. She really did seem to be carrying him, as if she would go through the ends of the Earth just to get him somewhere safe. The image was so far from the truth.

Jack could feel bile rising into his throat as he wheezed. I'm going to die. "Honey, we should go."

If the girl heard him, she didn't show it. Instead she looked at the mirror with horror, her eyes bulging out of their sockets. "Mommy?"

Uh oh. Jack tried to shake Azula. "It's not real. Whatever you're seeing…it's not real!"

Azula glared at the mirror. "What do you mean? I wasn't going to kill him," hysterical chuckle, "Zuzu just has to be taught a lesson. You're just jealous because you can't give him one now that you're gone!"

"There's no one there! Please listen to me!" He couldn't say her name, not in public.

Her episode wasn't helping matters. People were beginning to stare, trying to figure out why the young 'blond' was throwing a fit at the mirror. I have to get to her somehow, but how?

A thought seeped into his head. It was so vile and sudden that it nearly made Jack hurl on the spot. He blamed it on the blood loss. "Sweetie…"

Azula snarled upon hearing Jack's voice. "I. Hate. That. Name…"

She's coming back. Now for the hard part… "I love you."

Azula's eyes narrowed in shock, her mouth twisted into a snarl. "Why you filthy-"

Before she could finish the sentence Jack pulled her face close to his and kissed her. She shook violently as he continued to pull her in, his hands gently rubbing her sides. After a few minutes of intimate contact he stopped and breathed into her ear. "Do you feel better now?"

Azula's eyes were wide open, her mouth opened up in a large 'O'. She closed it rapidly as her eyes sparkled dangerously. "You…you…"

Jack smiled though his voice was shaking with fear. "That's right. I'm deranged from all the blood loss. I couldn't just stand by and let your beauty pass me by while I die. I had to let you know how I feel…"

A hot pain suddenly entered his gut. He coughed loudly as a couple specks of blood flew from his mouth. He tried to repress a shudder when she spoke. "Well, I guess we better get you healed than. Wouldn't want a few scratches to prevent you from…expressing yourself."

She then picked him up and continued to carry, or rather drag him, towards the imperial palace.

ooOOOOooOOOOooo

"So, why did you two come here? Is there something that you have to show me?" Aang couldn't help smiling at the two powerful beings before him. Once he got used to their presence they didn't seem as overwhelming as they were when he first saw them.

Yang smiled. "Actually, it's more like something we need to tell you. Do you like story time?"

Aang laughed. "I love stories!"

Yin glared at his brother. "This isn't happy time! This story has founded the very principles of the world he lives in. This is no joking matter!"

"Aw, lighten up. I'm just being kind. No need to push the harsh moments in his face."

Yin turned away and crossed his arms. "As if I can, lighten up…of all the convoluted things…"

Yang waved his hands as if to brush his brother's comment away. "Ignore him. So, are you ready to hear the story?"

Aang nodded. "I'm ready."

Yin sighed before turning back and walking over to stand next to Yang. "It all starts with the birth of two boys-"

"That would be us!" Yang cringed as his brother stared at him menacingly. "Sorry…"

Yin shook his head. "As I was saying, back then we were known as Shii and Jing. During that time everyone could energybend, but we were prodigies. Are skills were such that we could feel the emotions and energy inside all living things."

Yang smiled. "The easiest things for us to energybend were animals."

Aang shook his head. "Wait, energybend animals?"

Yin sighed as he tried to come up with a way to explain it properly. "It's like you're immersing yourself in a new being, a new form of life. The reason why bending is based on animal moves is because the spirits of different animals was used to perfect the art."

Yang nodded. "Before, when bending didn't exist, animals taught people how to fight. The most prominent and most sought out teachers were the tiger, the praying mantis, the swan, the monkey, and the…" Yang playfully furrowed his brow, "…what was the other one again?"

Yin rolled his eyes. "The dragon."

"Yep, that's the one! At the time the hardest animal to energybend was the dragon. They don't like exposing their secrets."

Aang narrowed his eyes as he remembered the obstacles he faced along with Zuko when they tried to learn the true meaning of firebending. "I think I know what you mean…"

Yin's eyes glazed over as he imagined the strong beasts. "Yes, the dragon was the most difficult to attain, and it didn't take its knowledge lightly. It wanted us to use its gift with respect and guidance."

Yang frowned. "Unfortunately, our dad didn't respect the spirits, especially the ones inhabiting animals. He forced us to use our new abilities to kill off the dragons for sporting events."

Yin growled. "Our father was envious of our skills. He wanted us to exploit them for his own dark purposes…"

Aang's head lowered as he took in the new information. "I see, so you two broke the balance…"

"Yeah, we were the first ones," Yang said, his voice no longer cheerful.

"As punishment for our crimes, the spirits cursed us. Since we still had knowledge from the animals, we had to accept new responsibilities. A new realm opened up for us and Yang became the first Avatar." Yin's eyes were closed, his tone calm and full of the shame that comes with carrying an unhealthy burden.

Aang stared at Yang in awe. "You're the first Avatar?"

"That's right. My brother became the first guardian of the spirit world and created its inner swamps and mazes. These landscapes formed a barrier to prevent humans from entering. He was never able to be seen by the human world. Only I could see him and he gave me advice on how to bend without the guidance of the animals…"

The airbender grasped his hair tightly as he felt a weird sensation pressing against the back of his head. "Wait, so that means…"

Yin smiled sadly. "You are the reincarnation of Yang, Avatar. Agnis," he turned to look at the spirit healer, "…is the reincarnation of Yin."

Aang's eyes went to impossible lengths as he glanced at the older man behind him. "WHAT?"

Yin grimaced at the young teen's tone while Yang laughed.

Agnis smiled. "Yes, I am, if we think in philosophical terms, your basic spiritual half."

Aang blanched. "I…my head is spinning."

Yang gave the confused airbender a big hug. "It's understandable. After all, my spiritual reincarnations always forget the experience. Only the past lives of Yin get the full story."

Yin glared darkly at his brother. "Thank goodness for that."

"Eh? What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know exactly what it means…"

Agnis chuckled. "I see we haven't changed much over the past thousands of years."

Aang stared at the two arguing spirits incredulously. "We don't argue like that."

"We're only reincarnated on the basics of spiritual terms. You could call us all independent if you looked at each of our personalities. But when energybending rises in the side of Yang again, then that signifies that it is time for the trials…"

At the word 'trials' Aang suddenly felt his body being sucked up into the air. Before he could completely disappear from the landscape, two voices chased him.

"I believe in you, other me! Show that dragon whose boss!"

"What? That's horrible advice! Respect the dragon, Aang! It's a very powerful spirit and it doesn't take well to insolent humans!"

"Darn, sorry! But you get the picture. Pass the trials!"

"You'd better pass!"

Before Aang could respond, his body crashed back into the dragon's temple floor painfully. With a large grumble he turned his body around, not surprised to see Agnis standing beside him unarmed.

"Why must I always get hurt when I come to this place?"

Agnis chuckled. "Oh, Aang, the simple things that amuse you…"

"Hah, yeah," he cleared his throat, "So…I have to pass these trials?"

The spirit healer nodded. "You have to take three. Every Avatar who energybends must go through them."

Aang frowned. "I'm not the first one?"

"You are the first one to take someone's bending away, but you are not the only Avatar who has experienced energybending. There are many ways to encounter that art, Aang. There have been countless Avatars before you," He turned towards the airbender with a sly grin, "What made you think that you were the first to happen across it by chance?"

Aang lowered his head as blood fled into his cheeks. "I don't know."

"Ha ha, don't be ashamed. After all, you are quite young…"

"Yeah…" he took in a deep breath, "So…what's the first trial about?"

Aang froze as he felt something hot hitting his neck. He turned around and nearly jumped when he saw the red dragon staring straight into his eyes. It held one of its claws up into the air and drew a red line into thin space. The line formed into one single box filled with kanji and other assorted symbols, but the meaning was as clear as day.

The airbender grimaced as he thought of a certain waterbender while reading the word. "Temptation…"

The pit of his stomach opened up beneath him as he felt his legs go numb. A strange panic seized him as another thought popped into his head. Aang glared at Agnis. "Wait, so if I fail any of the trials-"

"You won't fail. You must succeed in order to get your body back. This is a tradition that many Avatars have faced, but you're case is very unique. Any path that detracts from the main course of this procedure would produce dire consequences…"

The airbender grimaced as the red dragon stared at him challengingly. You can't back out now. Not if you want to be free…

Aang stared at the dragon with courage, his eyes filling with grim determination. "Fine. When does the first one start?"

Agnis whispered softly behind him. "Right about…now."

The dragon touched Aang on the forehead, causing the young airbender to black out…

Whew! This one took time!

Hope you guys enjoyed the concept I worked in here. I've always wanted to use Yin and Yang in some form or fashion in this, hence the design on Katara's betrothal necklace (and a bunch of other things).

I know some of you were expecting the trials to start in this chapter, but I wanted to work in some background info first.

Hope you all enjoyed this! Thanks for reading! No preview this time, you guys will probably have to wait until after the trials are over before you get another one…