Book 4 Air
Chapter 96 Guidance
The view a bald-headed figure was seen in total darkness as he seemed to be floating in nothingness. Aang's eyes were close as he felt weightless. Slowly he opened his eyes as the scene shot back revealing a lush garden around him.
All kinds of prunus trees were seen surrounded by a long flowing river. Close by was a small arched bridge leading into a huge mellow of hills and mountains. The skies were bright with tints of blue casting over the blank atmosphere. An unseen light source shined down on the garden as Aang took a few steps. The airbender was in awe of the beautiful realm, so unlike the mucky landscape of his previous encounters into the Spirit World. Where was he?
Was this heaven?
Aang slowly ventured into the magical like garden as he came across a woman sitting near by the river. She was dressed in layers of bright kimonos with lavish designs. The woman's hair over flowed down her waist like black silk and her face appeared to have a melancholic expression.
"Ah, excuse me…Do you happen to know where Avatar Roku could be?" Aang asked as the woman turned to him.
Her skin was pale white like rice paper; her lips were ruby red and small. The woman smiled faintly, "No, I am sorry…I do not know anyone by that name." the woman said softly as Aang sighed.
"So, where am I? What is this place?" Aang asked as he looked around a bit more as the woman turned her head back to the river.
"You are at the border between this world and the living." The woman said as she then gazed up at the bridge.
"Cross the bridge and you will enter into the another realm." The woman said with a pause.
"Be wary if you dare to cross that path for you can never return to the living if you do so." The woman said as Aang expressed fear and concern as he looked behind him.
"So then, where can I find Roku?" Aang asked himself as the woman turned and gazed at the boy.
"It is best that you go back while you can. Not many have a choice to return." The woman said as Aang then looked at her. Her eyes tinted a rare violet hue that appeared to glisten in the light.
"Why didn't you cross over?" Aang asked as the woman held her hand up to her chest.
"Because he won't let me…" the woman said in a sad tone as Aang blinked. "Who?" the airbender asked as a sudden roar shouted out into the air. Aang jumped back, "What was that?!" Aang cried out as the woman slowly stood up. "You must leave…Or he will keep you here as well. Forever…" The woman said as another roar bellowed out.
The scene then zoomed in on a massive claw stomping onto the garden floor.
Aang hesitated as he then cried out, "How do I get back?!" Aang exclaimed as the woman stepped behind and then wrapped her arms around him lightly.
"Think of your loved ones…Return to the people you love." The woman said as Aang relaxed in the woman's arms.
As his form started to fade away the airbender gasped as he saw a golden beast burst out behind a sakura tree, tearing through its branches roaring loudly.
Before Aang could react he felt as though he was falling. Suddenly he opened his eyes and gasped.
Taking a moment to take in his surroundings, Aang realized he was in the Fire Nation Royal Palace's dining room.
The scene gazed down on a curled form with flames dying down around the Fire Lord as he shivered in a cold sweat.
Opening his eyes, the young man looked around in a confused daze. "Mom…" Zuko called out lightly as he stood up then ran down the hall leaving the scorched walls behind him.
Iroh met up with Ryuan who was standing by the end of the front gates with the teens close by.
"Thank Agni…You found the highness." Ryuan said glad to the see the woman unharmed.
"Yes." Iroh said as he then noticed someone was missing in the group. "Where is Miss Bei Fong?" Iroh asked as everyone lowered their heads.
"She went back to Aang…" Katara said feeling shameful for leaving without both of the children by her side.
"Here, watch over her…I'll get Miss Bei Fong and Avatar Aang." Iroh said bravely as he handed Ursa to Ryuan before pacing off pass the gates and to the front doors of the palace.
Ursa leaded against the man behind her as he noticed her action and became concerned. "Are you alright, your highness? Are you in pain?" Ryuan asked as the woman shook her head while gazing at the waterbender.
Katara looked at her and then smiled lightly yet inside she felt slightly uncomfortable. The woman before felt different…Her presence wasn't the calm aura she remembered. It felt somewhat odd and un-nerving. Was it because she was afraid? Katara wasn't sure, but she let the feeling go as she then focused her worries towards the palace.
'I hope Iroh finds them…' Katara prayed as the scene zoomed in on her concerned features.
As Toph panted lightly as she reached the two red oak doors leading in the dining room. She stopped by the entrance taking a breath as she realized something. She couldn't hear the powerful fluster of wind blowing inside the room. Everything was quiet…
Toph then swallowed as she slowly opened one of the doors. Creaking to the side, Toph entered. The scene pulled in to a figure sitting in the center of the table his back facing the girl.
"Aang?" Toph called out softly as the boy didn't budge from his spot, didn't respond to her presence.
"Come on twinkle-toes…Let's go." Toph said lightly trying to see if the boy would respond to her.
"I couldn't do it…I couldn't find him." Aang said in a low tone drenched with defeat.
"That's alright…You can alwa-
"No it's not!" Aang yelled out cutting off the earthbender. Toph was taken back from the stern tone in the boy's voice as Aang turned his head lightly.
"It's blocked…I can't find Roku…I can't reach any of my past lives." Aang said as the reality set in his mind.
"How can we defeat him now? How can we fight something that can't die?" Aang said as Toph thinned her lips.
"We'll think of something…Now, please Aang. Let's go." Toph said almost pleading for the airbender to leave the devastated room of broken glass and dented walls.
Aang didn't move and Toph became impatient trying to persuade the boy any further. If you want things done, you gotta do it yourself.
Toph jumped on the table and walked behind the airbender. She then placed her hand gently on his shoulder before yanking him up and supporting his footing. "Argh you're heavy…" Toph complained as she wrapped his loose arm over her shoulder. "Come on Aang…Where's those light feet you always have?" Toph whined as she took a step carrying his dead weight.
Aang shifted his legs slightly as the two slowly walked off the table and down to the doorway.
"What's taking so long…?" Katara said with dread as she continued to stare at the front doors. Waiting for them to open and reveal everyone coming out safely. But it never came.
"I'm sure they're fine." Suki said trying to ease the girl's worry as the scene focused on Katara's face.
"I'm going to look for them." Katara said making up her mind as she then darted off to the front gates.
"Miss Katara!" Ryuan called out as the waterbender ran pass the gates and into the courtyard.
'I'll find you…' Katara thought as she huffed out entering into the palace.
A figure was seen wobbling side to the side as he aimlessly wandered along the hallway. 'Mom…Mom…' Zuko kept repeating in his head as his eyes looked tired and sweat dripped off his face.
"Zuko!" a voice called out as Zuko turned to the sound.
"Oh La! What happened to you?!" Katara cried out as she noticed the patches of burned clothing.
Zuko lifted his head lightly as he gazed at the woman in front of him. "Who are you…I can't remember…" Zuko said as Katara's eyes widen.
"What did you just say? Z-Zuko…It's me! Katara!" the girl cried out as she then felt his forehead.
"You're burning up! Oh! We have to get you out of here. Come on." Katara said as she took his hand and started to walk. He stopped her as she looked back.
"Zuko please! We have to get you out of here!" Katara said as the young man titled his head.
"Who are you?" Zuko asked again almost in a child like tone. Katara grinded her teeth as she then embraced him.
"Please Zuko! Stop this! It's me! Katara!" the girl cried out as it pained her to hear those words from his lips.
'He must have hit his head and is suffering from amnesia." Katara thought as she pulled away.
"Please come with me. We need to go…" Katara said in a soft and clear voice as the young man narrowed his eyes.
"I need to find my mom…" Zuko said innocently as Katara nodded her head. "She's just outside…I'll take you to her…Please Zuko." Katara said as she pulled on his hand to lead him.
Zuko lowered his head before nodding to the girl and followed her down the hall.
'This girl…who is she…I can't remember her.' Zuko thought as they paced down the hallway.
Oh no! What will happen? Please comment and review!
