Kavik stretched his legs after a very long journey. It felt like he had been on a ship non stop for the last couple of weeks. Which normally for a waterbender wouldn't bother him that much but the journey via boat had come after a three-week trip via ostrich horse from Bin-Er to the western portion of the Earth Kingdom. Kavik Knew all the boredom would be worth it though as he was traveling with Avatar Yangchen to the Western Air Temple.
After some much deserved rest after defeating Unanimity everyone on the Avatar's team from Kavik to Pik and Pak knew she wasn't right even though everyone seemed like it was back to normal. No one wanted to say anything to her but they all knew she was still trying to find her new normal after the death of her bison Nujian.
Kavik along with Jujinta, Tayagum, and Akuudan jointly decided to gently talk with her as a group inside the Bin-Er safe house one evening. They had practiced what they would say but nevertheless you could cut the tension in the room with a knife. They all quietly ate their diner and Kavik broached the subject with Yangchen as the others watched on.
"Yangchen, have you been feeling well recently?" Asked Kavik.
The use of her name by Kavik certainly got her attention. Despite him spending more time than ever with Yangchen he still usually just referred to her as "The Avatar". The informality of him addressing her by name let her know immediately that something was up.
"I feel perfectly healthy. Why would you bother asking a question like that?"
"Well, all four of us have noticed you feel more withdrawn from us than ever. You spend most of the time in your bedroom and really only come out to mail correspondence you've answered and to eat meals. We are worried about you."
She didn't answer at first and was clearly mulling over how best to answer him.
"I've just been busy having to deal with all the shang cities and it eats away from most of my time every day. Which by the way the four of you could help with. As companions of the Avatar, you have the authority to answer most of my correspondence in my name."
The four of them knew it wouldn't be that easy and now that Kavik had broached the subject the others would try to get her to open up.
"You know we care about you a lot and only want what's best for you right?" Asked Akuudan. She only nodded her head and he continued. "Well, you've been talking to your past lives more than ever in your sleep and almost all the conversations revolve around one thing grief around loss"
Yangchen didn't always have the greatest awareness for when she slipped into her past lives and when she slept alone in her bedroom there was no one to snap her out of it. Kavik had only seen the sleepwalking type state (for lack of a better term) a few times and other than play along there wasn't much anyone could really do for her. She had told him of how some of the older airbender nuns had tried everything to help her as a child but ultimately just playing along had always been the best course of action. Which had been discovered by her sister Jetsun. Just another loss for Yangchen but far less painful now after having reconnected with her in the spirit world a few months ago.
"What embarrassing things have I've been saying since the four of you have been listening to me so closely? Have I revealed intimate secrets about loved ones of my past lives?"
Yangchen wasn't angry but she wasn't looking any of them in the eye and was just staring at the soup they had for dinner. They were trying to be as discrete and gentle as possible but she had not caught on yet. It was Tayagum's turn to try move the conversation forward.
"If you must know what you were saying it was loss related to former Avatars who lost their spiritual animal guide. From Avatar Szeto who outlived his dragon to a water Avatar who lost their Polar Bear dog in an extreme blizzard."
They sat in silence for several moments. He had thought she might get angry with them but what her reaction actually was hurt so much more than anger. Silent tears filled her shinning grey eyes and the grief poured out.
"I miss Nujian so much. He was a part of me and now I've lost him forever. When an airbender meets their sky bison the elders always said the were a companion for life. I never imagined he wouldn't be with me. If anything, I thought he would out live me."
Kavik put a sympathetic hand on her shoulder to which see seemed grateful for. She studied all of there faces and seemed to come to an internal decision right then and there.
"I've now got something to tell all of you. While I have been working a lot on my duties with all the shang cities I've been in contact with my sisters in the western air temple. It seems what happened with Unanimity has reached their ears most likely from someone in the northern temple. Abbess Dagmola thinks it's time I come home which I suspect has more to do with me not having a sky bison now than anything else."
"What could they possibly do to help with that? Can airbenders have more than one bison in their lifetimes? Asked Jujinta.
"I don't know the answer to that question. It has been several generations since an airbender has lost their bison. It's even more unprecedent that it happened when I'm only 18.
"You should go." Said Kavik at once.
"It's not that easy Kavik. The different Shang cities have to continuously be managed and then there's the whole problem of transportation. Without Nujian it will take weeks to get to the Western Air Temple.
"Well, you have your team for problems like this we could help manage the different cities while you travel back home." Said Juginta.
"I don't know. Not only would you have to deal with all the trade but there are all the different political situations that come with running one of these cities."
"Akuudan and I have more than enough experience to handle these cities. We've spent more time in them than the three of you have been alive. Besides you have not only us but Boma as well who already is practically viewed as the leader of Bin-Er when you were away from it dealing with Unanimity."
"Are you guys really willing to deal with all of this for me? I can just stay operating out of Bin-Er and eventually I'll have a mode of transportation again."
Kavik Looked around at his friends all equally determined. "You've done so much for us let the four of us do this for you." Kavik said.
That night in the safehouse had been five weeks ago. At the time they had all been very excited about having their separate jobs. Akuudan and Tayagum would operate out of Jonduri in the Avatar's name and Jujinta and Boma would do the same in Bin-Er. It left one problem though Yangchen's troubled sleep.
In order for the Avatar to travel someone would have to go with her for her own safety. Talking to her past lives was a dangerous endeavor and could drive her to do things against her will. It was decided that Kavik (who had the most experience calming her down in that state) would travel with her to the Western Air Temple. All of that had led them to where they where now on a Fire Nation merchant ship north of the volcanic nation.
Kavik would be lying if he said he wasn't looking forward to the experience. From what Yangchen had told him the temple was different from the northern one with its own kind of beauty. She wouldn't elaborate on that and only smiled at him when she said it. Getting there was the hard part though. They had to ride to the western earth kingdom and sail to the fire nation capital just to get on a ship that was bound for the Western Air Temple. The Avatar had explained that without a bison it would be impossible to get there in one straight shot through the earth kingdom.
"Are you sure Abbess Dagmola got your letter"?
"Yes. I am sure. The Abbess is very prompt and is never late. Whoever she sends to collect us will come.
As far as Yangchen knew one of her sisters was to fly to their ship and give them a ride to the temple as the Fire Nation merchant ship, they were one was actually in route Bin-Er but had agreed to giving them a ride and allowed a bison to land on board to collect them.
After a light lunch that was provided by the crew the two of them stood on deck and in the distance saw a dot getting closer to them. It was obviously an airbender and bison. Kavik was excited at the prospect of being in the air and again and could only imagine how Yangchen must feel.
As the bison approached the landing area that had been cleared by the crew of the ship the two of them approached to meet the airbender. From up in the saddle, she appeared to about the same age as Yangchen and himself. She was slightly shorter than Yangchen and kept her hair shorter as well around her blue arrow tattoo. Yangchen approached the girl as happy as Kavik had seen her in months.
"Mina is that really you? You look so different than I last remember."
"You haven't been home since you left to deal with that mess in Teinhaishi two years ago. You look different as well but in a dignified Avatar kind of way. I have missed you so much."
The two women embraced and took in each other one more time and Mina turned to Kavik. She had a look in her brown eyes that he knew very well as it was the same look Yangchen had in her eyes when she was going to tease him. Must be an airbender thing.
"Kavik this is Mina. She and I were in the same airbender class as children. We've known each other since we were five years old"
Yangchen had trained him how to do a traditional airbender greeting with a bow and spoke their native language to greet the young woman.
"Yangchen, I didn't realize he would be so cultured and not just something to look at."
Kavik was glad she had waited to say that until after he had said his greeting as otherwise, he would have a hard time remembering it. Both Yangchen and Kavik sputtered and Mina laughed hysterically at their red faces. Remembering her manners though Mina returned Kavik's greeting and bowed in turn to him.
"I'm assuming you to have had enough of this ship so let's get going."
Yangchen and Mina used airbending to load their supplies and Kavik climbed up on her bison to make sure it was secure. Once that task was complete Mina took off with a gust off wind to take control of the reins and Yangchen did the same but to join Kavik in the saddle with all the luggage. Mina clicked her tongue and her bison took off.
The rush off the air on their faces was incredibly satisfying. Kavik took it all in as the approached the meadow on the island in front of them. He even glanced at the Avatar and she even more than him had a euphoric expression on her face. It was nice seeing his best friend finally have a moment to feel happy. Yangchen noticed him studying her.
"What is something wrong?
"No. In fact this is the rightest things have felt in a long time."
It was the first time since Nujian's death that he had seen her smile like she was now. He hoped this journey would bring the peace that she needed.
Mina turned away from the reins and walked to the saddle to join them.
"Kavik tell me have you ever visited an air temple before?"
"Only the northern one. It was beautiful and truly one of the most astounding pieces of architecture I've ever seen."
"I'm sure Yangchen has already mentioned this but all of the temple has their own beauty. The Western one though is completely different in a way you are probably not expecting. Yangchen, have you told him what to expect?"
"No, I wanted it to be a surprise."
It was obvious something was up the two girls shared a knowing smile.
Mina continued "Well what if I told you we were already here."
"What how is that possible? We are in the middle of the field and haven't even approached the mountains yet."
Yangchen grabbed his hand clearly excited about what came next. As Mina's bison flew over a cliff and suddenly took a dive that took him entirely by surprise. The next moment he opened his eyes he was hit with the most remarkable thing he had ever seen in his life an entire air temple situated under this cliff. After the initial amazement passed, he felt a little silly not realizing how far they must had climbed above sea level.
Kavik looked around and the thing caught his attention the most was the Avatar still holding his hand from prior to their rapid descent to toward the air temple. Kavik immediately let go of her and felt his cheeks warm and looked up to see Yangchen trying pretend nothing had happened but with faint tinge to her face as well. None of their embarrassment was lost on Mina but for the time being she went back to the reins to land.
They landed in front of a large pavilion with a fountain in the middle. The architecture was unlike anything Kavik had ever see. He had to be one of only a handful of outsiders to ever visit the temple.
Yangchen and Mina both were watching Kavik to gauge his reaction.
"What do you think?" Asked Yangchen.
"I think this is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited in my entire life. You were right Yangchen. It was way better being surprised with not knowing what the temple was like."
The girls seemed satisfied with his reaction to their home and the two nuns started walking to the adjoining area.
"We'll have time for sightseeing later right now lets just get to the Avatar suite in order to drop our stuff off and rest." Said Yangchen
"Oh, you will be staying in the Avatar suite? I just assumed you would want to stay in your old room. We haven't altered it at all in the time you have been gone."
"I would have liked that but lately my issues from childhood have been particularly difficult and Kavik has traveled with me primarily to attend to any issues I may have while I'm sleeping."
"Ah so you both will be staying in the Avatar suite?"
Mina's look could not have been smugger as she acted like she had caught them doing something indecent. Kavik figured it wouldn't be the only time here that the two of them would have to deal with questions about their sleeping arrangements. He didn't care though he just wanted what was best for his friend.
"Yes, we will be staying in the same room. Kavik has been exposed to my issues with my past lives and is the only person capable of calming me down when I'm on the ledge. He has been a great help to me in the time that I've known him."
The affection he felt for Yangchen in that moment was immense. Very few people in this world knew of her problems with slipping into her past lives and the fact she felt safe with him made him both proud and happy. He would do anything to give her more peace of mind in her most vulnerable moments.
The came to a stop at a large door which was clearly their destination. "Well, here we are here. I will see you both at dinner." Mina stopped and bowed to both of them then went back the way they had come.
Yangchen pushed the door open and they entered a very large bedroom with the largest bed Kavik had ever see in his life. An area for eating meals, a large desk, and a wash room cleaner than he had ever seen in his life.
"This is definitely nicer than anything I'm used to in Bin-Er or in Agna Qel'a."
"I've never actually been in this room before either. I knew it existed but have never had need for it before. At least they have redecorated for an air nomad Avatar unlike the Northern temple which still had the same furnishings from the time of Avatar Szeto."
"It really is beautiful Yangchen. I've only just arrived here for the first time and it already feels like a home to me."
It was at this declaration Yangchen closed the distance between them and gave him a hug. Her arms around his shoulders and his around her back. They both tried to express their affection for the other with a strong embrace.
After a few seconds they broke a part and began unpacking their luggage. The closet was big enough for both of them to have a side so there was no discussion needed on who got what space. After a few moments of peace Kavik knew it was time for a more serious discussion and moved to sit on the bed with Yangchen.
"Sorry about Mina prying into things. That's always been her way since we were very small children. She's ultimately harmless."
"It's alright. I actually was expecting a lot worse. Have your sisters here met any waterbenders before?"
"No. In our travels from temple to temple we interact with plenty of people from the Earth Kingdom and just due to proximity the Fire Nation as well. However, there isn't much reason for our paths to cross with people from the Water Tribe. No doubt you will be asked plenty of questions the next couple of days."
"I can handle that. Being a companion of that Avatar really teaches you how to deal with people more than I ever had too before in my life."
"We do need to talk about what comes next. We will be meeting with Abbess Dagmola once we are done here and we need to be prepared for the meeting."
"What do I need to know?"
"Dagmola has been our temples elder for a very long time. She was born during the second year of Avatar Szeto. She needs to be shown the same respect and even more so than that you showed Mina. However, as I am the Avatar I out rank her so when we enter the chamber of the elders you will need to introduce me just as Boma usually does and with less flair than you have in the past. It's incredibly important that she plays her part in helping me get a new bison but I can't have her meddling too much in affairs of the Avatar."
"Will there be other elders I will potentially need to know anything about? Being caught off guard at this point would not be ideal."
"There will be other elders present but as Abbess, Dagmola will speak for them. All attention should be given to her. She will inevitably ask how we met and became companions and I think it would be best if we stick to the story, we originally told your parents."
"I don't know it might be a laugh to tell her we originally met with me robbing you." He couldn't help himself. His comment earned a punch to the shoulder.
"Kavik please be serious. We are going to be collected at any time for our meeting."
"Sorry. Sorry. So, we met as someone had stolen an important document from you and as I was walking by noticed you guards chasing them. At that moment I used wanterbending to incapacitate the thief earning an audience with you so the Avatar could thank me."
"Yes, that will be the gist of it."
It was at that moment a knock came from the door. Yangchen answered and it was a middle age master airbender who introduced herself as Master Dima and told them Abbess Dagmola was ready to see them.
Kavik and Yangchen prepared to leave and followed Dima. The walk was longer than he had expected. As they went the passed statues of former temple elders and past Air Avatars. They were extremely detailed but he opted not say anything as Yangchen didn't like to think about how her likeness would also one day be on display.
As they continued walking, they entered a chamber where Kavik could have sworn echoed in an unnatural way as the sound bounced off the walls continuously from his foot falls.
When they reached their destination Dima turned to them and said "Abbess Dagmola and the other elders only have a few minutes to spare so be as concise as possible when speaking to her."
At that moment Dima pushed the door in front of them open and as the two off them walked in Kavik was struck by how formal the elders were seated at the head off the room. With who he had to assume was Abbess Dagmola at the center. It was his time to step forward first though and introduce Yangchen.
"The Avatar. Master of all four elements. Bridge between human and Spirits. Hero of Tienhaishi and Great lady of the shang cities."
Yangchen gave him a smile and stepped forward to be received Dagmola.
"My child you have returned to us after being gone for so long. It is an honor for your sisters and I to have you once again walking among us. I only wish it could be under happier circumstances. My condolences to you for the loss of your bison."
"Thank you, Abbess that comes as a great comfort, coming from the wisest of us. I hope my short time here help fill that void in my heart.
Abbess Dagmola looked to Kavik "Oh where are my manners. Please introduce yourself young man.
Kavik stepped forward and bowed in the traditional airbender manner and then greeted the elder in the native tongue of the air nation. After a few additional seconds bent at the waist he straightened and made eye contact with the Abbess.
"It is good to meet you Kavik and to finally put a face to your name after reading about you in Yangchen's letters. Please tell me how did you meet the young Avatar."
"I come from the shang city Bin-Er. A little over a year ago I earned and audience with the Avatar when I managed to be of assistance in apprehending a man who had robbed her. Upon meeting her she offered me a job to which I happily accepted."
Dagmola looked him up and down as if she were observing a prized koala pig at auction and seemed to at least think him worthy of the job.
"You choose well for a companion my young Avatar. I foresee the two of you doing great things with and for each other. However, enough small talk we need to touch on the reason you are here. To see the wild bison heard."
"Yes, but in all time researching my predicament I've never found an airbender who bonded with a seconded flying bison after their first passed away prematurely. Would it even be possible for me to bond with a second one after Nujian?"
"I'm not going to lie to you Avatar. This situation you are in is almost unprecedented. I too have researched our history and the only advice I have for you will be difficult. You will not be able to bond with a bison calve as since you are the Avatar you will not have the years needed to raise one. You will have to attempt to bond with one of the wild adults. More specifically since the mothers will not leave their calves you will have to bond with one of the males."
Yangchen didn't seem deterred by this if anything what Dagmola said made a lot of sense even to him
.
"Abbess Dagmola what would you suggests I do to get closer to the males? Generally wild male bison keep their distance from humans."
"I would suggest you start in the same way all airbender children do by the feeding the calves. Once you have done that inevitably the mothers will come as well. Once you have done that then and only then will you be able to approach the males and see if any of them will bond with you. Take you young friend with you as interacting with Bison Calves will go over better as a pair."
"Thank you, Abbess. Your wisdom is just as great now as it was when I was a child"
With that both Kavik and Yangchen bowed deeply to the airbender elders and backed out of the room.
'Did that go well? Asked Kavik. She seemed knowledgeable enough on the subject even if she is just using her best guess since this situation is unprecedented."
"A lot of what she said seemed logical. I agree with her that raising a bison calve at this point in my life is not possible but I thought I would be able to work with all the adults and not just the males."
"How does bonding work in a situation like this?"
"In a traditional sense we will take apples to the bison field and offer them to the calves. Whichever calve trust you to take an apple from your hand will be the one that you bond with. In this situation though the babies will just be the first step and we will move on to the females and then the males. I suppose whichever male approaches first will be my new bison if he accepts me."
They arrived back at the Avatar suite. A traditional airbending meal awaited them on the bed when they got back. Yangchen had warned him that they would be served nothing but a vegetarian diet by the airbender nuns and to no ones surprise it was two plates filled with fruits and veggies. Kavik had prepared though and had packed some fish and jerky for himself.
After they ate, they both knew tomorrow would be a long day so it was time for bed but that brought up and awkward problem that neither had thought of up to that point. There was only one bed in this room. Kavik had already moved to the closest to pull out his sleeping bag but Yangchen stopped him.
"You can take the bed Kavik I will sleep at the desk and work on paper work for Jonduri tonight."
"Oh no you don't. You aren't staying up through the night again. Tomorrow is one the biggest days of your life and you need to be well rested for it. You have the bed while I'll sleep on the floor and get up if you slip into a past life."
So, they had not come to any agreement at all. Which to be fair wasn't that uncommon of an outcome for them. There of course was a logical solution but there was no way he was suggesting it. However, Yangchen had a light blush on her face when she interjected.
"The bed is big enough for two. We can just share it and both be rested for the morning."
His face had turned red as soon as the words had come out of her mouth. The thought of spending a night next to the Avatar was very appealing but he wanted to be a gentleman as best as possible. Without making eye contact with her shinning gray eyes, he replied.
"Well, if, you're sure. I can still sleep on the floor and you get all the extra room."
"I'm sure Kavik. Let's just get ready for bed."
Yangchen stepped into the washroom to get ready for bed and Kavik did the same in the bedroom. He took his shoes off and changed into his night shirt and when Yangchen reentered the room she had done similarly. She was wearing the same silk night shirt and pant set he saw her wear all the time back at the safe house in Bin-Er but somehow, she caught more of his eye tonight since they would be so close to each other.
They climbed into the bed together. It took some time to see who was most comfortable in what position but ultimately, they laid facing one another. It was no where near as awkward as he had imagined. It just felt right being this close to her. In no time he had fallen asleep after seeing nothing but Yangchen's face until his eyes closed.
Several hours had passed when Kavik was jarred awake. Yangchen had been speaking.
"You failed her. She had no one to protect her expect you and even that was asking too much. If I can't even protect Tenga how can I protect the four nations."
Kavik quickly realized he knew this Avatar speaking through her. It had been a water Avatar that suffered through the loss of her polar bear dog and didn't want to have another animal guide.
"Tenga loved you. All she would want is for you to be happy and at peace."
Normally the water Avatar would keep going on but tonight she was satisfied at his words. Yangchen didn't wake though and had thrown their bed covers off of her during the episode. Kavik reached around her and tucked them back in laid Yangchen's head against his shoulder. He wanted to comfort her more but this would have to do and slowly he went back to sleep.
Knock, Knock, Knock. Kavik and Yangchen both opened their eyes when Mina opened the door to their room later that morning. Kavik was still drowsy and tried to sit up before Mina came in but it was too late. She stopped dead in her tracks seeing Yangchen lifting her head up when she had clearly been resting it on his chest.
"Were you two in the middle of something? Should I come back in thirty minutes?"
Both of their faces were as red as the fur of a fire ferret. After they both managed to untangle themselves from each other it was Yangchen who spoke first.
"What no. That was nothing. We just were exhausted and fell asleep before Kavik was able to get out his sleeping bag."
"So, you were both able to just change into your night clothes but couldn't get a sleeping bag out. Sure, whatever you say Yangchen. Anyway, Abbess Dagmola wants me to take the both of you to the bison field so get ready."
Kavik and Yangchen both changed as fast as possible and met Mina outside where her bison was ready with a couple barrels of apples already strapped into the saddle.
"I'm supposed to drop the two of you off at the field with the herd and not stay. The Abbess doesn't think it would be a good idea for a bonded bison and airbender to be present for this."
"About how far is the bison heard?" Asked Kavik
"The flight should only take a few minutes."
With that Mina went to the reins while Yangchen and Kavik situated themselves into the saddle. With a simple click from Mina's tongue they were off.
They flew across beautiful green fields and there was a body of water off in the distance. Sooner than Kavik was able to start enjoying the breeze the girls both spotted the bison. There were so many. Babies with their mothers and larger males grazing along with them. Kavik was once again reminded just how fortunate he was to be coming to a place like this as an outsider.
They landed and unloaded the barrels of apples. There was enough for each bison to have their share as long as they saved at least a couple for the important first meeting with one of the males.
Mina looked at Yangchen with sympathy written all over her face.
"I know this won't be easy just know that your sisters are here for you. If you bond with a new bison, I'll see you back at the temple in the next couple of hours if not I'll be on my way to get you both after that."
With that she took off and was just a speck in the distance after a few seconds.
"Well let's get started on the easy and fun part and feed the calves first." Said Yangchen
Yangchen was right about this being the fun and easy. As soon as they picked up their buckets the baby bison were all over them. The hardest part about giving out apples was making sure they each just got one. Kavik had four different cute bison all over him when he heard Yangchen laughing. It had been a while since he had heard her laugh
"Remember when we first met and I told you I thought you would fit right in at the temples. I was right. The bison love you and there's no greater honor than having even one choose to eat from your hand. They don't eat from someone who isn't pure of heart."
"The entire time I've known you I felt privileged. Whether that was the privilege of being you friend or seeing amazing places. There's nowhere I would rather be here."
She beamed at him as the rest of the baby bison started to move away and the two of them approached the mothers. One by one they fed the females. None of them were aggressive but they definitely were wearier of them and just accepted their apple and left without much thought.
After feeding them Yangchen started to look like she was feeling nervous again. He simple walked over to her a put a hand on her shoulder. He would not be able to help with the next part but wanted her to know that he was here for her.
They only had a handful of apples left and Yangchen had explained that whichever of the males chooses to approach them would potentially be her new bison. She would have to test whichever male chose to approach her in three ways to see if he would accept her. Take the apple from her hand, allow her to make physical contact/pet his forehead, and lastly allow for a first flight.
"I don't know if I'm ready. It's still so recent that Nujian passed and I don't know if this is what he would want. We were together for so long it just doesn't feel right."
It was odd to Kavik those were very similar to the words her passed lives said every night. He knew though that this is what Nujian would want. He would want her to be happy.
Kavik blue eyes met her gray ones. He knew that this needed to happen but he just had to make her understand.
"Nujian loved you. Not because you were the Avatar and protector of the world but because you were his airbender. While his time with us was shorter than we all would have wanted he lives on in us (he pointed to his heart). He knows that as The Avatar you need an animal guide who can be with you the rest of your life.
"I just don't think I could ever love another bison like him. Sure, I could use a bison to get around as the Avatar but not only is it hard for me to know what Nujian would have wanted I'm not sure I even deserve another bison. I've don't horrible things all in the name of being the Avatar. I'm not worthy of any of the bison heard.
"Don't think like that. Putting aside being the Avatar just you as Yangchen deserves another bison. Your love for Nujian proves that. You just have to open up."
"How can I open up to love when I can't even love myself. I've been alone in this world since the day I was born. While you, Tayagum, Akuudan, and Jujinta work for me that's all out of obligation. I gave each of you a job and the purpose you all currently follow.
This was getting frustrating for him. How could be get through to her. There was one way but was he ready for that himself. Guess it was now or never.
"While you may have given Tayagum, Akuudan, and Jujinta a path to follow they only do that because you are their friend. If they just viewed you as a job, they would have left you after Unanimity was stopped. They are still helping you to this day because they love you."
He stared directly at him. She still seemed unconvinced though.
"What about you Kavik? I blackmailed you into working for me in front of your parents. You had no intention of actually coming with me if I had given you a choice."
"At the time that was true. As more time went on, I saw how genuine of a person you are and what started as simply an obligation became friendship that I wouldn't change for anything. You both as the Avatar and Yangchen are worthy of being happy."
More silence passed and she looked down mulling over what he had said. She still didn't seem fully convinced so it was time for his big secret.
"More than anyone I know you are loved Yangchen."
She looked back into his eyes again.
"How do you know Kavik?
"Because I love you, Yangchen."
She had clearly not been expecting that. Kavik's face burned with embarrassment not sure if he had made the right choice. Even if she didn't feel the same way about him, he needed her to know that there was someone in this world who loved her no questions asked.
"You love me?" She asked simply.
"More than anything else in this world. I have for a while now."
With this second statement she closed the distance between them and he felt her lips on his. They were so soft and warm. His hand cupped her check while hers found the back of his head. Kavik was amazed at how well they fit together. After few more precious seconds they broke a part for air.
"I love you too Kavik. I didn't think you felt that way about me. For the longest time I didn't think you even thought of me as a friend and just a job. You are the most important person in my life."
"I guess I have always known deep down going back as far to the time we first talked in the restaurant when you were disguised. You were so striking and kind to everyone even though they had no clue who you were. Even then I noticed how I felt about you." Said Kavik.
She simply embraced him and he reciprocated in turn. There was still one task left here today and she suddenly had that determination again that he knew so well.
She grabbed one of the remaining apples and started walking toward the group of male bison. Some flew away immediately at her approach but a couple stayed and eyed her curiously. She stopped approaching and extended her arm toward the two males to see if either was interested in the apple. Slowly one moved closer and opened his mouth to receive the fruit from Yangchen.
That was the easy the part. The next step was crucial to get right. Yangchen bowed deeply in front of the bison and she waited to see if he touched his arrow to hers. Only then would she move on to the final step.
She stayed bent at the waist for several seconds and would've waited as long as needed but then the male bison touched his arrow to hers. Yangchen stood up and slowly pet the large animal slowly which he seemed to like quite a lot. The grumbles sound could be heard by Kavik 50 meters away.
The final step and the most difficult one first flight. Yangchen used airbending to propel herself upward and calmly sat on top of the bison's head in the driver's position. As gently as possible she pulled out a new set of reins from her robes given to her by Mina and she gently tied them around his horns.
Kavik didn't know how the next step would work. Yangchen like Mina had always clicked her tongue in order for Nujian to take off but her assumed that wouldn't work as this bison didn't know her yet. Yangchen answered his question immediately though as he heard her say "Yip Yip". Whatever saying it was worked instantly as they took off into the air flying into the clouds at great speed for several minutes before landing once again in the field.
She jumped down gracefully from the bison and came over to Kavik. She took his hand into hers and led him over to her new companion. The bison peered at him curiously but bowed his head which Kavik took as allowing him to pet the great animal.
"Have you thought of a name for this magnificent bison." Asked Kavik
"I was going to go with Thaven. In the ancient language of the air nomads, it means purpose."
"It's beautiful and it suits him. Hello Thaven you are truly glorious."
He continued to pet Thaven on the forehead. The bison responded in kind and returned the contact with a lick to his torso.
"There's still one last thing I need to do. Remember when we first met, I said that all of my companions need to have experience driving Nujian? Well, the same applies for Thaven. We don't have a saddle yet for him so you'll have to hold onto me.
With that she used a gust of wind to get onto Thaven and Kavik awkwardly followed her. Some things just never change.
"What was that phrase you said to him to get him to take off."
"It's typically used by children when they first meet their bison as a vocal cue to take off. However, as bison and airbender age they can use other sounds and even hand motions in order to take off. Try it.
He cleared his throat not wanting to mess up. "Yip Yip"
Thaven took off immediately albeit not with as much speed as he did just with Yangchen. While he held the reins she held onto his arm. He knew here in the sky with the Avatar may not have been where he thought he'd end up in life a few years ago. He now knew he was exactly where he needed to be and couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with the woman right next him.