Hello fanfic readers welcome to the final book of my series. Water and Fire is Air. I know the anticipation is killing everyone as to what evil shenanigans I have planned. Well if you read the sneak preview that is only a taste of what I have in store. There are a lot of twist turns and surprises.
A little background on this chapter: This was the story that I had a vivid dream about that began this whole Book 4 series idea. It was quite difficult to put into story form, but after ripping my hair out, its finally ready for you all.
So without leaving anybody hanging, I give you my story.
I do not own ATLA but I do own my vivid dreams, which are awesome!
Water and Fire is Air
Prologue
ASC 93 Earth Kingdom
In the hollows of a mountainous region, laid a temple; a grand architectural marvel; a once glorious place with gold and jewels; had aged to a vine ridden stone structure. Despite its antiquated looks, it stood out on a starless night, a tall and beautiful citadel. Very few knew of this location; scholars sought it for the vastness of its knowledge, secret organizations favored its history. In this world though; with the great goodness; was the evil lurking in the shadows.
Emerging from the lush trees was something with light brown and black feathers. Hands bound with leather; filed talons at the knuckles. Heavy cuffs surrounded their wrist, concealing silver pellets and pin knives. Their boot clad feet, left behind them, a ravaged land, where there once was a paradisiac one.
The pitch black sky was the backdrop for a grim scene. Flames from rebel soldiers illuminated the sky; lighting it an unnatural orange hue. Fire blazed throughout the small uncharted island. The group of men dressed in black, escaped from the site, satisfied with their destruction. They ran through the wilderness sure that they would get away. The heavy smoke pillowing polluted the former fragrant air.
Overconfident of their safety; they watched their handiwork. It was in that moment; water pooled beneath the men; the ground softened as their feet sunk. The soldiers struggled in vain as they delved deeper into the muck. The earth nearly consumed the men until; they were frozen up to their knees. Finally conceding, the group of men held up their hands in surrender.
Another group ran uphill and was approached by two men. A ring of fire encircled the group. With a cocky laugh from the leader; the men pointed out their hands turning the fire into a smokescreen; from the blanketed clouds emerged a man with a sword. Before any of them had a chance to react; all were subdued.
At the mouth of the temple Piandao, Jeong-Jeong, Bumi and Pakku stood in anticipation and stared at each other. Pakku stepped forward into the temple and gazed at the ruins.
"When Iroh said that he was holding a White Lotus meeting; I didn't think he meant in a temple."
Bumi patted the master waterbender on the back roughly, causing the elder to rub the sore spot, "Don't be a wet blanket Pakku; sitting around a table makes me antsy. Besides, I always love a good fight," he laughed.
"I must agree, training young men is very rewarding. However, it's been so long since I've battled formidable foes; it's actually refreshing. I couldn't pick better than with enlightened comrades."
"Ahh Dragon Spit," Bumi shouted, garnering all attention, "I forgot the last part of my form," he flexed his hand, stomped his foot as a rock came up in his palm "Oh there it is," he grinned
Jeong-Jeong raised his eyebrow and shook his head at the eccentric earthbender. "Speaking of dragons; where is Iroh?"
Screams of men could be heard; as the blaring light of fire marked his arrival. Iroh entered confident and jovial. "It seems my friend knows how to make an entrance," said the master swordsman
"Forgive me my brothers for my tardiness; one of the matrons discovered my weakness and exploited it."
Pakku turned up his nose, "Women"
"No"
"Weapons," questioned Piandao.
"No"
"Candy I knew it!"
"I'm afraid not Bumi," Iroh chuckled, "tea was the culprit, a special brew, that delayed my travels."
"As much as I would "love" to hear the story can you please explain why we're here" said Jeong-Jeong irritated.
"Of course,' he turned to the quartet, "Gentleman, this temple that we stand in, is one of the most ancient in the world. For centuries, since the first order of the White Lotus; it has been our job to protect it, for it is the four nation's greatest asset; from the newborn babe to the Avatar himself. Welcome to Qigong"
All the men gasped. Pakku kissed the white lotus emulate around his neck, "Tui and La."
"That's impossible this place was said to be destroyed," said Bumi in awe.
"Forgive me, but I'm in the dark about this place," said Piandao.
Pakku pointed to an image of the lion-turtle on the wall, "Qigong is the birthplace of Energybending. It is where all bending originates from; it is legendary. What is confusing to me is this place has remained relatively anonymous: how is that these rebels were able to invade and still have their memory intact?"
"That is a question for another time. We are not on a mission of protection," spoke Iroh, "I'm afraid we're too late for that. We are purely on a mission to salvage; if you men would follow me."
They went along with Iroh deeper into the temple. They entered a large room. The moonlight shone through on two giant scrolls; one was on fire and didn't burn; the other was under water and didn't get wet. The men were bowled over by the sight. Piandao narrowed his eyes and began to touch the one on fire. "Keep away from it you will get hurt!" shouted Jeong-Jeong.
Piandao ignored his friends warnings and placed his hand on the large parchment; a high pitched sound resonated from it, "Fascinating, this scroll, it lives"
"That isn't possible," said the master waterbender wagging his head in disbelief.
"Pakku, feel it for yourself."
Pakku touched the water scroll, "You're right they are alive; but not for long."
"There is no writing on them Iroh so how are we to extract—"
Suddenly, Piandao seized, his eyes rolled in the back of his head; the men went to intervene but Iroh stopped them. Pakku's expression went blank; his hand glowed. Jeong-Jeong and Bumi exchanged concern glances. "You should be proud men; not afraid, we're receiving a privilege. Jeong-Jeong, place your hand next to Piandao's."
"I'm not a waterbender; what am I supposed to do? Why should you get all the fun?" said the eccentric King folding his arms.
"You can touch the water scroll Bumi; there is a section where there is earth."
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" he said pumping his fist in excitement.
Jeong-Jeong hesitantly put his hand upon the scroll his eyes glowed red. Bumi touched the gravel part of the water scroll, "Oh my, that tickles." he said as his hands were encased in earth.
Iroh proceeded to the back side of the fire scroll and laid his hand on it; by doing so it turned his hair dark red.
The bright blue and orange light surrounded the men briefly before the scrolls let out a dying wail. The fire in the pit blew out and the water in the pit turned to steam. The scrolls turned bright white and shattered; leaving lights and stars that floated out of the skylight and into the air.
After taking the Fire Nation rebel soldiers into custody; The Grand White Lotus members reconvened at a nearby Inn. Iroh sat at the table nursing a cup of tea. The enthusiast stared at the liquid within; letting the aromatic vapors caress his face. He felt a hand on his shoulder and was greeted by grey eyes.
"You look troubled Iroh," said Piandao sitting next to him.
The dragon of the west kept his eyes trained on the hot beverage, "It's been two years today"
"Lu Ten," the sword master deduced.
"In the short time that we have been a part of this order; I have seen miracles things that shouldn't make sense, but do," Iroh looked at his reflection in the tea as a tear fell into it," Somehow I always wished that maybe it was a mistake... that I'll see his face and he'll be alive... that secretly I have a grandchild...some part of him...that I could remember—he was—"
Piandao put his hand upon Iroh's, "Believe me my friend, I understand wholeheartedly. Sometimes I think of my beloved Yakone very fondly and wondered the same things; if she's alive, if we have a child. Those thoughts only bring about more pain and suffering. The man who taught me the ways of this sword once said, choices don't always yield happy endings. What keeps me focused; what keeps me alive; is the work we do here."
The Dragon of the West conceded, "Yes, I suppose I should dwell on the things ahead and not the ones behind."
The sword master smiled, "Don't fight your grief Iroh; use it as your greatest asset."
"Thank you for your advice," with a relaxing breath he took a sip of tea, "So did you see anything from the scrolls?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact; it is my understanding from talking with the others that the scrolls exploited our abilities; mine for memory, art, tactical and mapping. I have been given images of our world when it was ancient; it leads to the temple."
"We will need to develop teams of trusted men to secure the location." Iroh look to the master earthbender playing Pai Sho with his northern water tribe ally, "Bumi what were your instructions?"
Bumi banged on the table giving his opponent the, in your face gesture. He composed himself and turned to Iroh, "Pakku and I are going to get together a team of benders to hide Qigong; we're calling them surfbenders."
"Sounds good; what of you Jeong-Jeong?"
"I've been requested to provide additional defenses from adversaries. I will be working with Piandao in terms of soldier placement.
"Very good"
"Iroh, if you don't mind me asking, what were you tasked with," queried Pakku
"Hmm I see," he said in a contemplative state.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I am fine. I was given something very interesting. A phrase. It is quite a peculiar one; I was told I would discover it's meaning in the future."
"What is it?"
Iroh sat back in his chair and looked to the horizon as the amber sun rose into the midnight blue sky. He took a tranquil breath.
"Water and Fire is Air."