A/N: It's been a while since my last update, which I'm very sorry, but I really needed the time to make things come together. I am still not completely satisfied with it, but I hope it will do. I also know there isn't much going on, and it may seem like a filler. But like I said before, I'm saving up to the main point. I also promise some Zutara along with small glimpses of the wedding six years ago. At least some parts I've left out that explain some actions from our favorite characters and how they came to be now.
Also next chapter will be much longer. I plan to at least put two chapter's worth into the next chapter. Even though it's hard to do since I love suspenseful drama, I'll make them longer for you all and I also wanted to thank you for reading and reviewing my story.
Book 5 Water
Chapter 17 Devoid
As Aang came across the other clearing, the sight was simply mind-blowing as he held his breathe. A form came into view as it slowly crossed the path. The scene then zoomed out showing hundreds maybe even thousands of these human like forms of white mindlessly wobbling and pacing in the area. Aang stepped in closer as he then noticed a strange light in the center of the spirits, a small red orb pulsating ever so lightly inside the almost translucent form of the unearthly beings.
"Are-Are these the lost spirits?" Aang said out loud as the forms suddenly stood still while they all called out in different pitches. Each form seemed to speak out randomly as the small light in their bodies appeared to glow bright then dim every time there was a high pitch or low tone. Aang shut his eyes and fell to his knees as the loud noises created reverberations of a deafening cry, almost unbearable for the young man's ear drums to handle as he covered the side of his head while crying out.
Once Aang's voice stopped screaming out in pain and fear, the spirits then stopped and continued on their idle motions.
Aang remained quiet as a bead of sweat dripped down the side of his face.
'What on earth was that?!' The young man thought as he then slowly stood up.
How can he find out what they were? He needed answers but how could he ask when these things reacted so loud and fiercely to the sound of his voice?
Narrowing his eyes, Aang then turned back into the forest and thought it through.
He knew he couldn't go back into the living world just yet. But what if Pathik knows what to do?
Who else can the airbender ask in an unknown realm? Looking up at the thick canopy above him, Aang then closed his eyes as he tried to call forth his previous self, Avatar Roku.
"Avatar Roku…I need your help." Aang said as a form appeared in front of him. Dressed in his Fire Nation robes, the old Avatar looked down at the young man.
"I am here, Aang." The spirit said as Aang looked up and sighed.
"Roku, I don't know what to do." Aang said desperately as he then spoke again, "Do you know anything about the lost spirits?" Aang asked as the old man narrowed his eyes.
"I haven't heard of them in my time on earth, so then I would not know for sure. My spirit is within you, Aang. I only know what you do at this moment along with my own life. I am sorry." The spirit said as Aang lowered his head.
"Then tell me, who should I ask? How can I find out how to help these souls?" Aang asked as the old Avatar narrowed his eyes as he looked to his left.
"There is the gate keeper of the boarder between this world and the next." Roku said as he pointed down the pathway.
Aang then yelled out in both frustration and dread, "That's where that demon lady is!" Aang cried out as he refused to journey back to that terrible place.
"It seems that the woman's soul was taken over by the golden dragon." Roku said familiar with the old legend of Agni.
"Wha-So you mean she's still exists?" Aang said almost relief that the once beautiful princess was still there.
"Of course…All that exists comes to this center point of the boarder realm, before breaking off into different worlds. The last realm known is the Spirit World, the focal domain of the Great Spirit Koh." Roku said as Aang finally understood the grand scale of the spiritual dimensions.
Closing his eyes, Aang then knew what he had to do.
The sight of the large Fire Nation fleet came into view as a boat was seen drifting along the choppy waves to the island of Hing Wa.
A strong wind continued to blow across the coast as hustled forms of men were seen carrying a stretcher made of bamboo sticks and thick cloth to the water's edge along the crashing waves.
Moments before the ship previously stationed along the coral reefs, a message was sent for aid of urgency. Once the men came into view on the shoreline; the head leader of the boat signaled his men to row harder, pushing over the growing waves.
A woman dressed in a long red cloak was then seen hopping out of the boat and into the shallow shores as waves crashed behind her knees.
"Hurry! He needs medicine, fast!" The woman cried out as the men were amazed that her petite appearance was strong enough to steady the rocking boat still while she ordered them to care for the injured man inside.
The men then quickly responded as they carefully handled the injured man onto the carrying contraption. As the group strapped the man in another strong breeze passed through causing a powerful force push by making the waves roar against the surf.
The loud rustle of the group's clothes swayed violently against their bodies as the sight zoomed out showing the long narrow beach and a forest of palms trees covering the area.
The sight of a woman holding a bundle in her arms was seen, as the face of a baby came into view. The infant was sound asleep as the nanny rocked side to side. Just then a knock on the door was heard, as the woman turned.
"Ah, Kara…Come in." the nanny said to the servant as the young woman bowed and then walked in carrying a small tray of a steaming cloth. Woken up slightly, Lee started to whine and cry as his mouth moved in a chewing motion. Kara looked at the child amazed, "How did you know he would get hungry?" the young woman asked as the older nanny chuckled.
"When you've handled the royal family for nearly thirty years, you'll know a thing or two about these little babes." The woman said with a smile as she handed the infant to Kara and then sat in a chair and started to disrobe her right breast. Picking up the damp hot cloth from the tray, the experienced woman cleaned herself and then lengthened her arms out.
"Come now, it is time to eat." The nanny said as Kara gave her the child.
Lee continued to cry before he felt the familiar softness of bare skin and scent of milk. For nearly six years, the nanny has been nursing the royal children of her majesty ever since the birth of prince Kuzon.
Her services were greatly desirable and her loyalties were indebted for a long secured retirement.
Kara watched the woman in both awe and respect as she leaned in and wrapped a gauzy silk cloth over her shoulder, shielding the infant.
Bowing her head, the woman was dismissed as the nanny continued to breastfeed the hungry child.
Kara left the room as she softly closed the door behind her. As she then turned she suddenly bumped into a tall figure.
Kara gasped as she saw General Jee looking down at her with a slight surprised expression.
"General!" Kara managed to say as she bowed deeply apologizing.
Jee simply chuckled as he lightly waved his hand in a careless matter, "No, no don't apologize. I wasn't really watching where I was going either." The man said with a kind tone as Kara's cheeks tinted.
Clearing his throat, Jee then straighten his pose as he passed the servant woman, "As you were, Miss Kara." Jee said as nod his head while he then walked down the hall. Kara kept her head low as she watched the man disappear from the corner.
Clasping her hands together in front of her, the woman sighed. She knew it was more than a simple crush she had for the tall general. Every time she saw him, Kara would have the strange sensation of her stomach fluttering and her cheeks would warm up.
Even though they were both in different stations of the royal palace, Kara remembered in the past when she was first resigned to care for the Highness's children. General Jee would often guard over them while she was under their care. He always has such a kind expression on his features as he soon bonded with the children, along with her.
Kara knew she could never truly be with him. He was after all a high ranked general and his great-great grand father was an Imperial to the Fire Lord. Making his status an official right as general. If he were to be with someone as lowly as a servant, it's possible his reputation would become tainted. Also age could also play another terrible outcome for her. Of course, the girl didn't want to bring such a fact up as she placed her hand on her heart.
Kara couldn't deny her feelings and yet...
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breathe, the woman recollected herself as she then walked down the hallway.
Yet…There are more important things to be concerned over. Kara thought as she kept her head up high as she made her way down the royal dining quarters.
Walking into the dining room, the young prince was seen as he entered. Kya looked up from her seat and smiled.
"Kuzu, you're just in time!" the girl cheered out as her brother gave a small smile. "In time for what, Kya?" Kuzon asked as his sister beamed a happy grin.
"Daddy ordered us some hot chocolate!" Kya said as she kicked her legs under the table with joy.
Kuzon then smiled slightly wider as he turned to the servants who came in with silver cups of the hot drink.
'This will be Kya's first time drinking it…" Kuzon thought to himself as the servant placed the cup down in front of them along with trays of fresh baked cinnamon cookies.
Kuzon then noticed the Fire Lord was no where to be seen, slightly disappointed, the boy turned to the head of the table where the empty seat came into view.
"Where is father?" Kuzon asked as Kya nibbled on a cookie.
"He had to see Uncle Iroo. Daddy said he'll come back." Kya said as she then moaned with glee as she enjoyed the sweet treat.
Kuzon then lowered his head as he stared down at the foamy-chocolaty drink before him. He clenched his fist.
There was always something his father had to do. He couldn't stay for less than a couple of minutes before leaving once again.
He just goes whenever without saying why…Just like mother. Kuzon thought as he still didn't fully understand why his mother left the palace.
As the steam rose into the air, Kuzon sighed while he turned his attention to his sister who grabbed hold of the handle.
"Be careful Kya, it may still be too hot." Kuzon warned lazily as his sister stuck out her tongue.
"Nothing's too hot for me, Kuzu…I'm a firebender!" Kya said with pride as she leaned in and sipped the drink.
At first, the girl's reaction seemed almost unpleased until she started to lick her lips. "T-This is amazing!" Kya exclaimed as she took another sip of the creamy drink.
Kuzon chuckled as he pressed his chin on his hand while his elbow rested against the table.
He remembered a similar reaction take place when he had his first sip of the delicious beverage. He was only three at the time; his sister was just a no more than a year old then. The boy found it strangely wonderful how much time went.
Even though every day felt like the same. He knew things are going to be different. Now that he was a waterbender, and his sister, a firebender. They're fate will go in two separate paths. The one thing, the boy didn't want to happen.
Turning back to his cup, Kuzon took a nice long drink of the hot chocolate as he sighed with content.
It was pleasant…Being safely tucked away inside the warm walls of the palace than out there in the freezing cold.
Closing his eyes, Kuzon enjoyed the warm fuzzy feeling of the hot chocolate and his sister's contagious laugh.
The sight of a thatched roofed hut came into view nestled beside a camping ground of small dwelling platform houses with open walls made of wood along with palm leaves and dried seaweed mounded the top into a rounded framework covering. Katara kneeled by the injured man's side while she gazed at the black haired woman preparing the medicine.
The waterbender has never seen such herbs before as she watched the woman take a bunch of brightly colored flowers of orange and yellow and smash them up with hairy broad leaves into a fine mixture. The woman then grabbed a piece of smoothed bark and applied the medicine onto the man's burns. Katara then looked back down at the solider as she narrowed her eyes while she lightly held his hand.
"Do not worry, this herbs works as a mild antiseptic and will heal the damaged tissue." The woman said comforting the waterbender's concerns. "Thank you…We are greatly humbled for your services." Katara said as she bowed her head deeply. The woman nodded her head with both respect and understanding as she continued to tend to the man's aid.
The scene then pulled away from the hut and over the village as the sight of dark cloaked figures were seen hiding in the thick jungle bush. The face of a man was seen smirking as the sight drifted downward to an ornament clip below his neckline.
The glimpse of pendant was a silver lotus title seen gleaming by the pouring rays of sunlight from the canopy above. The scene then zoomed out revealing over ten members of the dark clad forms preparing to attack.
I know there isn't much action, but don't worry…Next chapter will be full of it! Again, thank you all for reading. Please review and comment for a faster update!