SMST: The Ethereal Path of the Avatar! – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: "SM", "R1/2", "ST", "A: TLA" and other properties belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Part 11
"…And that is how we escaped from the sea serpent," Sokka says proudly, between munches of food.
"Um, I thought I heard you screaming, 'Oh my god! I'm too young to die', Sokka?" Goku asked innocently.
"…"
"No, he said, 'Run away!'," Aang offered.
"You guys are NOT helping, you know!"
Katara merely giggled at her older brother's lamentations.
"I see," says the king of Omashu. "Well, that is quite interesting."
"For me, this place is, sir," Ranma says. "And this is the result of 'earth-bending'?"
"Of course, it is," says the king with a slight huff. "Where were you born? Another planet?"
"Heh, well-"
"We've never met earth-benders before, since we're from a place that, well, never had bending," Usagi says.
"Oh. Well, I suppose that's understandable, I suppose…"
The king then turns to Aang.
"So, I didn't expect to see any air-benders in this day and age, Aang."
"Well…I am the last one," Aang says sadly.
"Maybe not, Aang," Ranma says with a smile, as he stretched his arms.
"What do you mean, young man?"
"Well, even though Goku, Usagi and I were not born with the gift of air-bending as a 'natural ability', I've been working on a way for us to learn anyway."
"So…does this apply to any bending, and could anybody learn?"
"I'm not sure, but thanks to Aang and Katara's help, I don't see why not. It'll take time, though."
"Fascinating," the king says. "I can imagine a day when nations, kingdoms, tribes and nomads are no longer bound by a single element. To learn any bending would definitely tip the balance of power in this world."
"Well, in that case, it would be a good thing," Sokka says.
"Oh?"
"With everyone else knowing fire bending, the Fire Nation's effectiveness could be blunted."
"But that also mean that who we are as distinct peoples could be lost, Sokka," Katara says. "I don't loose our heritage in the process."
"You all have made great points," the king says, as he gets up from his seat, which caused the guest to rise from their own seats as well. "I'll bid you good night."
"Thank you, sir," Aang says with a bow. "We appreciate your hospitality."
"The pleasure was mine. You all get plenty of sleep…you'll need it."
As the king leaves, escorted by his guards, the kids sit right back down.
"That is one interesting man," Sokka says.
"What do you think the king meant by his remark, Pops?" Goku says.
"Ah, don't worry about it, kiddo," Ranma says. "For all we know, he'll want us to demonstrate what we know in the bending arts or something…"
The next day…
"Ranma, wake up!" Usagi says urgently, as she shook her husband awake.
"Ah, come on, Akane…not now," Ranma says groggily. "I don't want to die for your bad cooking-"
"RANMA!"
"What, what is it?" Ranma says, as he gets up.
"The kids are missing!"
"Huh," Ranma says. He looked around the room. With the ability to manipulate the earth like one manipulates clay, it was not surprising that Omashu was built with doors.
"What are we going to do, Ranma?"
Ranma gets up. He then stretches his limbs…
"Ranma?"
"Do what we usually do in a situation like this," Ranma says, as he walks to a wall. "Cause trouble. SHATTER POINT!"
BOOM!
With a 'door' now present, Ranma and Usagi could see the king's "Captain of the Guard".
"I don't need to ask you the burning question in my mind, no?" Ranma says, as he cracked his knuckles.
"All of your questions will be resolved, if you follow me," the Captain says, as he motions Ranma and Usagi to follow him.
"Damn, right!"
"I wonder what is going on?" Usagi wondered.
A short walk later…
"Hey, Pops!" Goku says, as he tried to wave.
"Goku?" Ranma says.
There, standing in the middle of the great hall, were the king, his henchmen, Aang…and the rest of the kids, who were covered in some sort of multi-colored crystal-like 'jacket'. This set up made sure that they could walk around, but could not escape.
"Goku!" Usagi says, as she goes over to her adopted son. "Are you okay?"
"Gee, thanks for being concerned about Katara and I," Sokka says sarcastically.
"Oh, sorry. Katara, are you okay?"
"HEY!"
"We're fine, I guess," Katara says.
"It's my fault," Aang says. "I wanted to explore this place, and the others came with me…"
"Got it," Ranma says, as he turns to face the king. "I think there is a misunderstanding here. I'm willing to make amends, if that is possible."
"Yes, yes there is. However, young Aang has already agreed to make amends."
"And that is…?"
"The king wanted me to demonstrate my skills as an air-bender," Aang says.
"CORRECT," the king declares. "I have authorized THREE tests for young Aang to complete. However…since you two are here, I propose a slight modification."
"What…kind of modification?" Ranma asked.
A short time later, everyone was in a cavern of some kind. A single, waterfall poured its contents into the cavern. No doubt, this cavern served as some sort of water storage area.
"Oh, joy," says Ranma with arms folded. "I'm impressed."
"So, how are we going to do this test of skills?" Aang asked.
"Young Aang, you will choose three people to represent you fro each test. However, only ONE person may take that test, and, once the test has been concluded, that person may not be used for another test."
"And the purpose is…?" Aang asked.
"You are the Avatar, and you will one day have to inspire and lead others…if there is suppose to be balance in this world."
The king turns towards the Saotomes.
"No doubt that you inspire these people to learn your ways. Now, they have to prove them worthy of your trust."
"Um, there are only two of us," Usagi says.
"You know, you're right," the king says, as he glances over at Usagi's direction. "So, Aang…who is going to be the third person?"
Aang swallows, as he glances over at his three young friends…
"Ooh! Pick me!" Sokka yells.
"Sokka, please don't," Katara says.
"Aw, man…!"
"I choose…Goku!" Aang says.
"Alright!" Goku says, as he casually broke out of his confinement.
KRISH!
"You mean to tell me that you could have gotten free already?" Sokka yelled.
"Well…I didn't want to be left out from all the fun, and all…"
"…"
"Good," the king says. "Now, the test…shall begin."
Tbc.