Last of Our Kind
Sorry I took so long to update, I've been kind of busy lately. I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender or the following quote.
"The Master said, "A true teacher is one who, keeping the past alive, is also able to understand the present."
(Analects 2.11)
― Confucius
What Took You so Long?
Wenona and Aang had agreed to try and sneak off on Appa to get to Roku's Temple as they had been instructed in the Spirit World. They decided it was for the best that the others didn't come along as it could put them in danger. Unfortunately, Appa didn't share their sympathies.
"Let's go, Appa." Aang said quietly as he tugged at the bison's reins. "Come on, boy."
"Look, Appa," Wenona said, "we're sorry, but Sokka, Katara, and Keng are not coming with us. This mission is specifically for me and Aang, and if my little siblings got hurt, I could never forgive myself."
"Exactly," Aang agreed, "so get your big butt off the ground and let's go!"
"I think his big butt is trying to tell you something." Came the recognizable voice of Sokka.
Wenona and Aang looked at the others sheepishly.
"Please don't go, guys." Katara said. "Aang, the world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation, and neither can I. And, Nona, if they capture you who knows what they'll do?"
"I know what," Wenona said solemnly, "slavery, imprisonment, possibly even death. But Aang and I have a mission. Aang needs to connect to Avatar Roku's spirit and I need to meet this guide that Avatar Setna told me about."
"I have to talk to Avatar Roku about what my vision means." Aang added. "We need to get to the Fire Temple before the sun sets on the Solstice. That's today!" Aang Airbended himself onto Appa's head and Wenona quickly climbed up into the saddle. As Aang began to lead Appa forward, Sokka, Katara, and Keng jumped in front of him.
"We're not letting you two go into the Fire Nation." Said Katara.
"At least, not without us." Sokka added with a grin. "We got your back."
Aang and Wenona smiled, realizing there was no dissuading the other Water Tribe kids. Appa gave Sokka a friendly lick, much to his displeasure. The village leader handed them some supplies and urged them to leave quickly in order to make it to the temple in time.
The sun was steadily rising in the east. Everyone's nerves were on-edge as they flew across the vast stretch of ocean.
"Come on, boy, we've got a long way to go." Aang said to Appa. "Faster!"
Appa gave a low growl in acknowledgement and began to speed up. Keng was observing the water below for any sign of danger. That's when he saw the ship.
"I think we've got a problem!" He declared.
"Yeah, and it's gaining fast!" Sokka added worriedly.
"Fireball!" Katara shouted as said object was launched from the ship below.
"I'm on it!" Aang replied, steering Appa out of harm's way.
As the fireball zoomed by them it filled the air with a horrible stench.
"Urgh!" Wenona cried out, pinching her nose. "Can't they make their weapons of destruction not smell so bad?"
"We have to get out of Zuko's range before he shoots another hot stinker at us!" Katara said.
"Can't you make Appa go any faster?" Sokka asked.
"Yeah, but there's just one little problem." Aang said.
"A blockade." Wenona gasped. "This...is bad."
"If we fly north we can go around the Fire Nation ships and avoid the blockade. It's the only way."
"We don't have time for that! We'll have to run it!"
"Nona's right," Katara agreed, "we won't make it to the temple if we take a detour."
"This is exactly why we didn't want you guys to come." Aang said. "It's too dangerous!"
"Why else do you think we're here?" Keng inquired.
"Let's run this blockade." Sokka said.
"Appa! Yip-yip!" Aang proclaimed and the bison immediately shot off at an astounding speed.
The Fire Navy ships had clearly taken notice of them. Aang was having Appa dodge fireballs left and right. He took them higher into the clouds to try and get better cover; unfortunately, one fireball came perilously close and, as Appa tried to avoid it, Sokka was thrown out of the saddle and started falling to almost-certain doom. Aang swung Appa around and they all plunged down toward the water. They just managed to get down in time for Wenona and Katara to grab their Nonbender brother and pull him to safety. The Fire Navy ships took advantage of their exposed position and launched another barrage of fireballs. At one point, Aang had to perform an air-strike and shatter one fireball that was coming head-on towards them. No sooner was that accomplished than they soared right past the blockade.
"We made it!" Aang and Wenona declared.
"We got into the Fire Nation." Sokka said uncertainly. "Great."
"Next stop, the crescent island." Keng stated with perhaps a little too much enthusiasm.
It was getting close to evening when they finally spotted the island. Aang brought them down to a clearing behind some rocks. Katara and Keng rubbed Appa's belly as the bison lay down to rest after his ordeal.
"You did it, buddy, nice flying." Aang said.
"Aw, you must be tired." Katara cooed.
"No," Sokka replied, not realizing to whom she was speaking, "I'm good. Refreshed and ready to fight some Firebenders."
"She was talking to Appa." Keng stated.
Sokka looked embarrassed for a moment before he shrugged it off.
"Well, I was talking to Momo." He retorted.
"Keng," Wenona said, "I want you to wait here with Appa. There a strong likelihood that we'll find trouble and I don't want you getting caught up in it. Can you do that?"
"I'll try." Keng sighed with disappointment.
"Good," Wenona hugged him, "we promise we'll come back as soon as we're done in the temple."
"Good luck!" Keng called after the others as they began to walk away. Keng plopped down on a rock and exchanged looks with Appa. "How much you wanna bet they'll find more trouble than they expect and we'll need to come and rescue them?"
Appa gave a huff in response.
"You're right, only a moron would bet against that."
"I don't see any guards." Sokka said when they reached the temple entrance.
"The Fire Nation must have abandoned the temple when Avatar Roku died." Katara pointed out.
"Well, if I were the Fire Lord," Wenona said, "I wouldn't exactly want people venerating an incarnation of my ultimate enemy."
"It's almost sundown," Aang said, "we better hurry."
The four kids and the flying-lemur darted into the temple. Inside, it was empty, and quiet. Too quiet.
"Wait," Sokka said, "I think I heard something."
They all turned around and saw a group of older men in red uniforms and funny hats.
"We are the Fire Sages," declared the oldest one, clearly the leader, "guardians of the temple of the Avatar!"
"Great," said Aang, "I am the Avatar."
"We know." He then sent a blast of fire towards them.
Aang began to Airbend the oncoming fire-blasts away and yelled for the others to run for it. They set off through the labyrinthine passages, narrowly avoiding their pursuers. Then, suddenly, they found themselves cornered. One of the Sages was approaching.
"I don't want to fight you." He said. "I am a friend."
"Firebenders aren't our friends." Sokka snapped.
The man walked forward and kowtowed before them.
"I know why you're here, Avatar."
"You do?" Aang inquired.
"Yes," he arose, "you wish to speak to Avatar Roku. I can take you to him."
"How?"
The man moved a lamp on the wall to the side and sent a fire-blast into an opening concealed behind it. A secret passage opened.
"This way." Everyone looked a little unsure until they heard the voice of the Head Sage nearby. "Time is running out. Quickly."
The Fire Sage who helped them introduced himself as Shyuu. He told them of how the Fire Sages were originally loyal only to the Avatar, but the war ended up forcing them to pledge their loyalty to the Fire Lord. Shyuu continued by saying how, a few weeks ago, the eyes of Roku's statue began to glow and they knew the Avatar would come. He led them through the underground tunnel and up a spiral staircase to the chamber outside the Sanctuary. When they arrived, they realized, to their dismay, the Sanctuary doors were locked. Only a fully realized Avatar or five Firebenders were powerful enough to open the lock.
"Five fire-blasts, huh?" Sokka pondered. That's when inspiration struck. "I think I can help you out. Nona, hand me one of those lamps."
"Okay." She replied, handing her brother a lamp from the wall.
Sokka then began to fill five separate bags with the oil and sealed them shut.
"This is a little trick I picked up from my father." Sokka explained. "I seal the lamp oil inside an animal-skin casing. Shyuu lights the oil-soaked twine and ta-daa! Fake Firebending."
"That's our little explosives expert." Wenona said fondly.
"You've really outdone yourself this time, Sokka." Katara added.
"This might actually work." Shyuu said.
Sokka quickly set the explosive bags in place.
"The Sages will hear the explosion, so as soon as the doors open, you rush in." Shyuu said to Aang and Wenona.
"It's almost sunset," Katara warned them as they positioned themselves behind the pillars, "you guys ready?"
"Definitely." Aang assured her.
Shyuu lit the fuses, there was a tremendous boom, and…nothing. The doors were still locked. Naturally, Aang was more than a little ticked off and began pounding at the door with air-slices.
"I don't get it," Sokka said as he inspected the scorch-marks, "that blast looked as strong as any Firebending I've seen."
"Sokka," Katara gasped, "you're a genius."
"Wait, on what grounds are you basing that statement?" Wenona asked in disbelief.
"How is Sokka a genius?" Aang added. "His plan didn't even work."
"Come on, guys, let her dream." Sokka said smugly.
"You're right, Sokka's plan didn't work." Katara continued. "But it looks like it did."
Wenona smiled in understanding while Aang just seemed clueless as ever.
"Did the definition of 'genius' change in the last hundred years?" He asked.
"Come quickly!" Shyuu yelled as the other Sages entered. "The Avatar has entered the temple Sanctuary!"
"How did he get in?" Asked the Head Sage.
"I don't know. But look at the scorch-marks, and down there." Shyuu pointed to where a shadow moved through the crack beneath the doors.
"He's inside! Open the doors immediately, before he contacts Avatar Roku!"
All five Fire Sages sent fire-blasts into the locks. The doors opened to reveal, not Aang, but Momo.
"It's the Avatar's lemur! He must have crawled through the pipes! We've been tricked!"
Momo leapt at the Head Fire Sage and turned his headdress around so he couldn't see. Shyuu, Katara, and Sokka apprehended the other Sage. Wenona also jumped out and ran for the Sanctuary.
"Now, Aang!" Shyuu yelled.
No one came.
"Aang, hurry up!" Wenona called.
Aang did emerge, but he was being restrained by Prince Zuko.
"The Avatar's coming with me." He said. The Fire Sages escaped from the others' grips and held them prisoner and the Head Sage pulled Wenona away from the Sanctuary. "Close the doors! Quickly!"
Just as Zuko began to lead Aang away, the young Avatar managed to squirm out of his grip and dash towards the Sanctuary, grabbing Wenona away from the Head Sage and leading her inside, just in time. Suddenly, there was a flash of bright, blue light.
Inside the Sanctuary, Aang and Wenona beheld the statue of Avatar Roku. Aang was confused that nothing was happening, but Wenona hushed him and told him to be patient. She herself had taken notice of four tapestries on the walls of the room. One was of a Water Tribe man. Then, the light that reflected through the sun-stone illuminated the Sanctuary and a wind whipped around them. Aang found himself on a misty mountain-top facing Avatar Roku. Wenona, however, found herself somewhere completely different.
She was standing in an oasis. A small pool of water held two koi fish, circling each other like Yin and Yang. Beneath a large, wooden arch stood a man. He was dressed in heavy, blue, Water Tribe clothes. His hair was grayed and pulled into a wolf-tail. His eyes were an icy blue, not unlike her own.
"Hello, Wenona," he said in a deep, calm tone, "I've been waiting for you." He gave a pleasant smile.
"Why did you help the Avatar?" Zuko demanded.
"Because it was once the Sages' duty," Shyuu replied, "it is still our duty."
They were interrupted by the sound of slow clapping.
"What a moving and heart-felt performance." Came the sarcastic voice of a man who was followed by a large group of guards. "I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand when you explain why you betrayed him."
"Commander Zhao." The Head Sage greeted with a bow.
"And Prince Zuko," Zhao continued, "it was a noble effort, but your little smoke-screen didn't work. Two traitors in one day, the Fire Lord will be pleased."
"You're too late, Zhao!" Zuko declared as Zhao's guards restrained him. "The Avatar and one of his friends are inside and the doors are sealed."
"No matter. Sooner or later, they have to come out." Then a thought seemed to enter Zhao's mind. "Why is one of the Avatar's friends inside with him? I would have thought only the Avatar would be able to speak with Roku's spirit."
"We aren't sure." The Head Sage stated. "Perhaps one of them can explain." He pointed towards Sokka and Katara.
Zhao marched over to the restrained, Water Tribe teens.
"Well? Care to enlighten us?" He said in his threateningly calm voice.
"You may as well forget it." Katara snapped.
"Our sister's reason for being in the Sanctuary is none of your business." Sokka added.
Zhao narrowed his eyes.
"I don't think you children comprehend your situation." He shot a blast of fire dangerously close to them, making Sokka give out a startled yelp. "Ready to talk?"
"No." Katara said angrily.
Zhao simply growled in annoyance and turned back towards the doors.
"I'll find out soon enough."
"Who are you?" Wenona asked the man. "Avatar Setna said you're my Spirit Guide, but I don't understand why."
"Come here, Wenona." He beckoned her closer and she approached. "My name is Achak. I was the Waterbending Master for Avatar Roku."
"So, what do you want from me?"
He sat down in front of the pool and motioned for her to do likewise.
"Yours is a curious destiny, young Waterbender." He continued. "Your life has always been connected to that of the Avatar. And I'll tell you how." His expression became contemplative. "In the days before the Avatar, there were four great Masters, known as the Four Sources. A daughter of each of the Four Nations, granted with unbelievable power and skill. They were each the successors to the first Bending Masters of the human race. Then, a time of Darkness came upon the world. An evil spirit attempted to destroy everything. The Sources often had to fight to protect their homelands, but none of them were strong enough to hold the spirit off for long. At least, not separately. The four women eventually came together and became good friends, fighting the Darkness whenever and wherever it appeared. Eventually, the spirit was prepared for one, final, ultimate strike. The Sources knew that only their joined powers were strong enough to defeat it; and so they gathered together in the rock-column basin at Wulong Forest. Together, they combined their energies, uniting the four elements into a single force. The force generated was pure Light Energy, the Avatar Spirit. The Darkness was driven out for good and the evil spirit destroyed."
"What happened to the Sources?" Wenona asked.
"The energies they contributed were their own Bending abilities. To summon the Avatar Spirit, a sacrifice had to be made. The Sources gave up their Bending."
"That's incredible. But what does this have to do with me and the war?"
"The Avatar Spirit could not remain in its raw form, that much power could become dangerous if it wasn't tempered. So, the Sources devised a system where the Avatar Spirit would be incarnated into an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth forever. The cycle began with the birth of a young Water Tribe girl named Setna." Wenona smiled at the mention of her tribe's foundress. "The Sources, though they could no longer Bend, were still able to teach Setna about her role as the Avatar, giving her the guidance and instruction she needed, even if not the Bending lessons she required. In remuneration for their brave and noble sacrifice, the Sources became the living embodiment of the Avatar's power and would, like the Avatar, be continuously reborn to teach the Avatar the elements."
"That's why Setna told me I needed to master Waterbending before Aang does."
"Yes. The Sources will always be the ones to truly teach the Avatar. Even when you get to the Northern Water Tribe, you will naturally surpass Aang. He will not have enough time to master Waterbending in a single place and must progress in the other elements as quickly as he can. You will help him reach mastery."
"What if I can't? What if I'm not strong enough? What if I can't protect him?"
"Your sisterly love for Aang is proof that you will never allow yourself to fail him. You know you are strong and powerful, Wenona. You have always been. Thousands of times you have guided and taught the Avatar, now it is your responsibility to do so again." He raised his arm and Wenona's gaze followed.
Across from where they sat stood thousands upon thousands of Water Tribe men and women. Each one radiated a sense of power.
"We are always with you," Achak continued, "we are a part of you, and you of us. We are the Water Source of the Avatar. An Avatar cannot survive without their Sources."
"What about the Air Source?" Wenona asked. "All the Airbenders are gone."
"Aang already knew his Air Source. Monk Gyatso helped Aang to master Airbending. Monk Gyatso's spirit lives on in Aang and will return with the first Airbender to be born in the new generation of Air Nomads."
"So, what you're saying is, even though all the Airbenders are gone, the Source exists in Aang and will start up a new cycle when he has an Airbender child?"
"Precisely."
"Okay, what about the other two Sources?"
"When the time is right, you will know them. You and the Avatar will feel a connection to them, something you won't be able to explain. Our time is drawing to an end. There is a threat awaiting you and Aang in the temple. I can help you, but only if you are ready."
Wenona felt incredible power coursing through her body. She saw blue light all around her, and a voice that was not hers alone spoke.
"I'm ready."
"When those doors open," Zhao said to his troops, "unleash all your fire power."
"How're Aang and Nona gonna make it out of this?" Katara whispered to Sokka.
"How're we gonna make it out of this?" He retorted.
Slowly, the doors began to open and two sets of glowing eyes were seen.
"Aang! Nona!" Katara yelled out. "No!"
"Fire!" Zhao shouted.
Waves of fire flew towards the darkened chamber, only to be stopped by an old man with long, white hair and a beard with glowing eyes. Beside him stood another man in Water Tribe clothes.
"Avatar Roku and Master Achak of the Water Tribe." Shyuu gasped.
Avatar Roku sent the waves of fire back at the attackers, melting the chains that bound the captives. Master Achak stepped forward, his eyes glowing blue. He appeared to pull water straight from the air itself, creating a giant wave that washed the enemy over to the staircase, sending them sprawling and tumbling out. Avatar Roku then began to destroy the temple. When the attack calmed and everyone else had fled, Katara and Sokka looked through the clouds of dust to see the powerful entities transform back into their sister and friend. They rushed over and caught the two before they collapsed.
"Hey, Meat-head." Wenona choked out when she saw Sokka holding her. "How's it going?"
Sokka smiled lightly.
"Where's Shyuu?" Aang asked.
"I don't know." Katara replied.
The temple soon started to sink. The four kids inside waited near a hole in the wall, hoping for a miracle. They all gasped in shock and relief when they saw Keng steering Appa over to them. Making a hasty departure, the group leapt onto the bison and flew away from the ruined temple.
Down below them, looking through his spy-glass, a banished Fire Nation prince watched his only chance of returning home soar through the clouds to safety.
'Achak' is Algonquin for 'spirit'.