Disclaimer – all original Avatar: The Last Airbender characters in this fanfic (excluding my OC's) are the property of Bryana Konietzko and Michaela Dante DiMartino.
Chapter 24. Friends In Need.
Year 93 AB – Spirit World, Realm of Keepers.
Four years have passed since Huo started his training with the Keepers, and there were no signs that Yuan'Shi found the Avatar, which of course, was a good thing. Huo was a fast learner and made good progress, which pleased Wei'Rai. Since the Avatar could bend all elements, Huo learned about their strengths and weaknesses from the other three Keepers. When he didn't train with the Fire Keepers, he either spent time with his father, who told him more about the Fire Nation and its customs, or explored the Spirit World, socializing with other spirits.
With his firebending being much stronger than before, Huo could leave the realm on his own since he could defend himself whenever he encountered a malevolent spirit. Of course, Huo never provoked or started a fight with a spirit, just like his father asked.
"One more time, Huo," instructed Wei'Rai. "Gauge the distance closely and remember, the longer the motion, the greater the distance."
"Got it!" Huo replied, focusing on the tree located in the distance. The ten-year-old boy wore a dark-red sleeveless tunic with white tracing and black fingerless gloves. On his legs, he wore wide red-colored pants with black patterns for increased mobility and black-colored solid boots.
Naturally, the boy grew up, and his black hair became longer, reaching his back. Since running around in a Spirit World with loose hair would be dangerous, Yan Zu tied them into a thin top-knot with a red ribbon instead of cutting them.
Exhaling, Huo moved his right foot in a circular motion while the three phoenixes watched him carefully. The boy felt a tingling sensation in his legs, which slithered down to his feet. He then squatted, and with loud thunder, he immediately propelled himself with lightning toward the tree.
The distance was covered in a flash, and Huo stooped a few centimeters before the tree, almost touching it with his nose. He exhaled and smiled, turning towards the phoenixes. "Nicely done, Huo!" Nou'Rai praised.
"Yeah, this time, you didn't slam into it like before!" added Vin'Rai.
"Good, now use the same technique to reach us from that spot!" Wei'Rai instructed.
The boy hopped in place and squinted his eyes, gauging the distance. Since the phoenixes were further away, Huo moved his right foot slower than before, charging his lightning longer. He propelled himself toward the Fire Keepers with the same motion and stopped right in front of Wei'Rai.
"I did it!" Huo exclaimed.
"Good," the phoenix nodded. "Still, don't let it go to your head. Performing the technique when you have the time to think is one thing, but doing it in the middle of a fight is a completely different story. Now take a break and we'll continue later."
"Okay," Huo nodded and sat down on the ground, crossing his legs. While the phoenixes began to train on their own, the boy spotted two small, black-colored lizards with red fins on their backs. He remembered that those animals liked touching fire, and their fins turned color when they did.
When Huo created a blue flame, and it took the same shape as the two lizards, the small creatures ran up to it and began to touch it, causing their fins to turn blue. Since the Fire Keepers didn't usually name their techniques and forms, the boy started to call his sentient flames 'firelings'.
Over the four years, the boy played and trained with his firelings, learning the best ways to take care of them and to use them in a fight. While he could use firebending to control and shape fire from outside sources, those flames weren't firelings and would return to normal if Huo lost control or focus.
As he observed the two lizards and his lizard fireling, which ran after each other in circles, he remembered the times when he, Eilu, and Shaku played together. The boy still couldn't believe he had spent nineteen years in the pond. Although not as shocking as learning about his father's death and the possibility of being killed by the Keepers, Huo was gobsmacked when he learned about it. Eilu and Shaku were now adults, and he wondered if they remembered him.
After the break, Huo resumed his training with Wei'Rai, but he couldn't stop thinking about Eilu and Shaku. The Fire Keeper quickly noticed that the boy wasn't focused since his moves weren't as sharp as before. "What's wrong?" asked Wei'Rai. "Do you need a longer break?"
"No, I'm sorry," Huo apologized and lowered his head. "I just can't stop thinking about my friends."
Nou'Rai stood up and approached him. "The ones from your childhood?" she asked, and Huo nodded. "Yes, I would like to see them."
"Do I need to explain why is that a bad idea?" Wei'Rai asked. "You're not ready yet. You need to be patient."
The phoenix with the white-colored crest looked at her brother. "Wei'Rai, you planned to take Huo to the physical world before he was ready anyway," she stated. Huo raised his head and looked at the Keepers, confused.
"For a completely different reason and we'd return shortly after," Wei'Rai replied.
"There's no harm in doing it now," Nou'Rai noted. "That way he'll start training it sooner and he can see his friends while you're at it."
"Excuse me," Huo spoke. "What are you talking about?"
Wei'Rai looked at the boy and sighed, knowing he'd not stop bothering him without an answer. "During a Gathering, we came to a conclusion that asking the Ancient One to bestow you with energybending, a bending that even the Avatar doesn't have, would increase your chances of success," he explained. "It's the only bending a human can have in addition to his own bending."
"Oh!" Huo's eyes widened. "So you're going to take me to see the lion turtle!"
Wei'Rai nodded. "Yes, but like I sa-"
"And we can visit Eilu and Shaku afterward! Let's go now!" Huo exclaimed, almost hopping in place. While seeing the lion turtle once again and gaining another bending was fantastic, he really looked forward to seeing his friends.
Wei'Rai rolled his eyes and looked at his sister. The leader of the Fire Keepers knew that once the boy set his mind on something, there was no talking him out of it. Simply saying no now would not achieve anything and could even slow his progress.
"Ugh, fine," the phoenix agreed resignedly.
"Yes!" Huo jumped from happiness and hugged Wei'Rai, who hung his head with a sigh. Nou'Rai and Vin'Rai only chuckled in response.
"Okay, that's enough hugging," Wei'Rai said, and Huo pulled away with a grin. "If you seriously want to go, I need to tell the other Keepers first."
"Okay!" Huo nodded.
Half an hour later – Somewhere on The Eastern Sea.
Since the lion turtle roamed the seas, Wei'Rai asked Nukuio to check his exact location and warn them if any humans were nearby. The last thing Wei'Rai wanted was a Fire Nation ship witnessing a phoenix and a human talking with a lion turtle. After making sure that they'd have their privacy, Wei'Rai left the Spirit World with Huo on his back and appeared above the waters of the Eastern Sea. Even though it was nighttime, Huo and Wei'Rai immediately spotted a moving island and knew they were in the right place.
After gaining the lion turtle's attention and causing him to stop and emerge from the sea, Wei'Rai landed on his paw. Once they greeted each other, the phoenix began to tell him what happened in the Spirit World and their plan to stop Yuan'Shi.
"And that's why I ask you to bestow this human child with energybending," Wei'Rai said, looking at Huo, who took a few steps forward.
The lion turtle's eyes shifted to Huo while his stone face remained expressionless. After hearing everything that the Fire Keeper said, the ancient animal decided. "A young heart can be blinded by darkness disguised as the false light," he said with a deep voice. "But with time and guidance, the mind can learn to see the true light and become a guide for others."
The large animal lifted his right paw and delicately touched Huo's chest and forehead with two claws. A green light illuminated the two spots as he imparted the knowledge of the art of energybending to Huo.
"The future of energybending in now in your hands, successor of the violet flame," the lion turtle said as he pulled away his paw and placed it under water. Wei'Rai squinted his eyes questioningly after hearing the lion turtle's words while Huo bowed his head. "Thank you!" the boy said with a smile.
"I also thank you, Ancient One," Wei'Rai said and bowed his head as well. He then looked at Huo and sat down. "Come one, let's go."
The boy quickly ran up to the phoenix and climbed on his back. "We bid you farewell," Wei'Rai said while Huo waved to the lion turtle. When the phoenix rose into the air and began to hover above the sea, the lion turtle submerged its head in the water and once again pretended to be an everyday island. Huo and Wei'Rai only watched as he slowly swam away.
"Okay! Now we can go and see Eilu and Shaku!" Huo stated excitedly.
Wei'Rai ascended above the clouds, not wanting to risk being spotted by a ship, and began to fly toward the direction of the island where Huo was born.
Sometime later – Fire Nation Central Island.
Wei'Rai could actually feel Huo bouncing on his back from the moment he spotted the island in the distance. "Could you stop already!" he snapped. "My back is starting to hurt!"
"I'm sorry!" Huo apologized, calming down. "I just can't wait!"
The phoenix shook his head, rolling his eyes, and landed on the island's shore. Huo quickly got down and exhaled, seeing the landscape, which brought so many memories.
"Don't take too long, keep out of sight, and don't talk with anybody," Wei'Rai said. "I'll fly above the clouds so when you're back, give me a sign and I'll come to get you."
"Okay!" Huo nodded and rushed into the forest.
Even after so many years, Huo remembered the way home. Passing through familiar places, he noticed that the greenery had somewhat changed and expanded. However, not all places and things he saw were pleasant. Huo stumbled upon the mountain prison, which brought terrible memories. Still, the boy noticed that the entrance was collapsed and assumed it was the work of the villagers. It was good to know that no more innocent people would be locked in that place.
The most awful thing he saw was his father's grave. Huo could only imagine the devastating effect it would have on him if he didn't know about his death in advance. Despite everything, the grave was well-tended and had many flowers planted around it, which brought a gentle smile to Huo's face. The boy was glad that the villagers paid his father a well-deserved respect. Not wanting to waste more time, he continued toward the village.
When Huo noticed the houses in the distance, he slowed down, not wanting to get spotted. Even during the night, there was a chance that one of the villagers might still be awake. If someone recognized him, many questions would be asked.
The village didn't change much during all those years. Huo noticed maybe one or two new houses but nothing more. The inn didn't change a bit, and Huo was urged to see who worked there now, but his friends were more important.
As he carefully wandered the village, he noticed a light in Eilu's home, meaning they weren't asleep yet. Sneaking towards the house, Huo crouched under the window and carefully peeked inside. An older woman, which Huo recognized as Eilu's mom, sat at the table with her hands clasped and fingers intertwined.
Something was wrong, and Huo noticed that she was sad. Squinting his eyes and turning his ear toward the window, the boy tried to hear what she was saying. "Spirits, please save my daughter and bring her back to me," she pleaded with her eyes closed. Huo was able to hear a crack in her voice.
"What's going on?" he whispered while Eilu's mother kept repeating her words.
Huo needed to know what happened, but the question was how to do that. The most straightforward way would be to knock at the door and have a conversation, but Wei'Rai told him not to talk with anybody. He noticed that the light in the house came from the fireplace located not far from the table. Huo got an idea. He needed to use everything he had learned so far to get his answers.
The boy walked away from the window and moved behind the house so no one would spot him. He sat on the ground with his back towards the house and crossed his legs, creating a small blue-colored flame in his hand. The boy focused on the flame, and its color changed to violet after a few seconds. Since the spirit of a Fire Keeper was merged with his, Huo was able to change the color of his flames from blue to violet and vice versa, just like Yuan'Shi could turn her black flames to orange and back.
Huo began to stare at the violet flame. He steadied his breathing and focused, wanting to hear the breath of the fire located in the house behind him. After a short moment, he could hear the breathing of the violet flame in his hand and the breathing of the fireplace. Huo breathed in tandem with the latter as he kept his eyes on the flame in his hand.
After a few moments, he could see Eilu's mother and the entire room as if he was inside the house. Of course, the orange light of the flames turned violet and drew the woman's attention. She immediately gasped and stood up.
"What is this?" she asked worriedly, and Huo needed to do something before she panicked and ran away.
Just like Yuan'Shi did when she spoke to him the first time, Huo spoke into the flame in his hand while his voice came from the fireplace. "Don't be afraid, human. I heard your pleas for help and decided to answer them."
"W-Who are you?" the woman asked, and Huo began to ponder about a name. Since it didn't seem like she wanted to run, the boy began to firebend the flames of the fireplace, creating a shape of a large bird: a phoenix. It was the first thing that came to his mind and wasn't scary.
The flame phoenix flew up and landed on the table, causing the woman to take a few steps back. Huo maintained his technique, allowing him to see everything through the phoenix, and talked into the flame in his hand, making the woman believe the violet-colored phoenix spoke to her. "I'm a spirit of fire, a just protector of the Fire Nation and its people. Tell me what troubles you?"
Dumbfounded at first, the woman regained her composure and began to speak. "My daughter, Eilu, went to the Fire Nation to work there as a member of the Domestic Forces," approaching a shelf, the woman grabbed a pile of letters and placed them on the table. "It was her dream to the protect the people of the Fire Nation. She quickly became a captain just like her father. She wanted the people of the Fire Nation to be safe, but she was always too thorough. She wrote in one of the letters that many guards were corrupted and a member of a noble family pulled the strings. She stopped sending me letters soon after."
"Her friend, Shaku, went to the capital to check on her after I showed him the letters, but he also didn't return," the woman continued and wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'm afraid something bad happened to them. I just feel it that my Eilu needs help."
Huo's eyes widened. This is not how he imagined this trip to unfold. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself and continued to speak through the phoenix. "Fear not, I will find your daughter and his friend. They will be reunited with their families."
The woman bowed her head. "Thank you!" she said, wiping more tears from her cheeks. Huo could see a spark of hope in her eyes. If he wasn't motivated before, that gave him all the motivation he needed. The flame phoenix returned to the fireplace, turning back into violet-colored flames. Huo stooped firebending, and the fire cooled down, returning to its orange color while his vision returned to normal.
At first, the boy ran off and was about to leave the village, but he suddenly stopped at its edge. Thinking about Eilu and her adventures made him realize that if by any chance, her mom would tell the people what just happened, they could call her a liar or worse. He had to make sure that it would not happen.
Gathering his own energy, Huo created a violet-colored phoenix-shaped fireling. "Fly around the village a few times," the boy instructed, and the fireling complied. When it took off, Huo took a deep breath and began to scream. "Everyone! Look! A spirit!"
The boy quickly hid in the bushes, and after a few seconds, he noticed that some villagers began to open their windows and look around the sky, noticing the violet-colored phoenix. Even if only half of the villagers saw it, Eilu's mother wouldn't be called a liar.
Huo was glad his plan worked and walked away from the village, heading back toward the shore. When the phoenix fireling returned, the boy changed his violet-colored flames to blue and inhaled the fireling into his body. While Huo was determined to save his friends, one thing he didn't look forward to was explaining everything to Wei'Rai. He could only imagine how the Fire Keeper would react upon hearing what he decided to do.
When he actually thought about it, Huo knew that Wei'Rai would never give him permission to go and would take him back to the Spirit World no matter what he said. If that happened, who knew what would happen to Eilu and Shaku. For Huo, his friends and family were more important than training.
The boy stooped, crossed his arms over his chest, turned his head, and looked at the village. He could stay at the inn, providing someone who doesn't know him now run it, and start his rescue tomorrow. If not, he'd spent the night in the cave where his father and Shen'Rai hung out from time to time. Wei'Rai would be angry for sure, but it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Making up his mind, Huo turned around and headed back to the village.
Instead of taking a direct path toward the inn and risking being spotted, Huo stuck to the edge of the village, sneaking behind the houses. Some villagers kept looking around the sky from their houses while a group of them talked in the center of the village, discussing what they just saw.
When Huo finally reached the inn, he noticed an older couple standing outside the door staring at the sky. The boy was in luck since he didn't recognize them, meaning they had to be new residents and owners of the inn.
"Excuse me," Huo said, gaining their attention. "Are you the owners of the inn?"
"Ah, yes, we are," the elderly man nodded and smiled. "My name is Tejum and this is my wife, Nezuni. How can we help you, young lad?"
"My name is Huo," the boy introduced himself while simultaneously bowing with his right hand, enclosed into a fist, placed directly beneath his left hand, kept straight so that the bottom-right corner of the left hand touched the top-left corner of the right hand. It was a custom Fire Nation greeting, which Yan Zu taught him. Aside from greeting, this hand gesture was also used when something nice happened, after business, and when someone was leaving. "Could I stay the rest of the night at your inn? I saw a large violet-colored bird flying over the forest, and I prefer not to remain outside."
"Oh! Of course," Tejum replied, looking at the sky. "We saw it too. One can never be too careful with spirits."
"Come quickly," Nezuni gestured towards the inn.
"Thank you!" Huo smiled and followed the couple. When they entered the establishment, Huo looked around. Some things were moved elsewhere, some were new, but it was the same inn where he was born, where he lived, and where he helped his mother with cooking.
"It looks nice and cosy," Huo pointed out, pretending to be here for the first time.
"Thank you, we just took over the business from the previous owner, who turned out to be a waterbender," Tejum stated. "We learned from the villagers that she was kidnapping people and placing them in the mountain prison. After being discovered, she killed her husband and ran away. The villagers also think she kidnapped her son."
"Don't say such things to him; you'll give the boy nightmares!" Nezuni scolded her husband.
"Nah, he looks like a brave and tough lad," Tejum said, noticing the boy's vertical scar on the left side of his face and the tattoo on his forehead. "What are you doing alone in the middle of the night?"
"I'm heading towards the Fire Nation capital," Huo answered. "My friends are there and I need to find them."
"What about your parents?" Nezuni asked concerningly. "Where are they?"
"I... I lost them... because of the war," Huo answered. In a way, it was the truth.
"Tch, blasted war," Tejum shook his head. "Well, I can give you a ride if you're heading to the capital. I'm heading there tomorrow with stuff for the festival, so you can tag along."
"Really?! I don't wanna be a bother," Huo replied. "Plus, I don't have any money to pay you."
"Nonsense, I always travel alone, so I would enjoy company for a change," Tejum assured. "You can help me load and unload the stuff, and that would be counted as payment. Deal?"
"Deal! Thank you very much!" Huo replied.
"Don't mention it," Tejum replied with a smile. "Now, let's go to sleep. We got a busy day tomorrow."
Huo nodded, looking forward to sleeping in a comfy bed.
Please R&R ;)