Northern Air Temple: Day…
Tenzin was informing the new Airbenders of history. "…His pupils pleaded with their master to eat something, but he refused, just like he had each day during the summer. Instead, he meditated and got his nourishment from the universe." Many Airbenders, aside from one, listened with disinterest. "So, Tang Xu completed the ninety-seventh day of his historic fast on which island?"
"Ooooh! Oooh!" The interested Airbender raised his hand.
"Anyone besides Otaku, who already studied this in his acolyte training?" Tenzin asked.
"Oooh! Oooh!" Otaku pressed.
"And is answering every question." Tenzin added slightly annoyed.
"Oooh!" Otaku continued, prompting the master to sigh and nod in acceptance. "Whaletail Island."
"That is correct, again…Now, on day ninety-eight…" Tenzin was cut off by Airbenders laughing
Bumi was cavorting around with his tunic over his head and had Bum-Ju peek out from the collar. "Greetings, air people. I come to seek boring stories to take back to the Spirit World."
Bum-Ju flew out from his tunic, making Bumi fall, and everyone laughed. This included Jinora, but Tenzin glared at his daughter to make her get back into the discipline position as she cleared her throat.
Later…
Tenzin and Oogi were flying in the sky, showing the Airbenders how to fly a sky bison. They soon landed; every Nomad was impressed.
"That is incredible!" Kai exclaimed. "When do we get to fly around on our sky bison like that?"
"It depends on how fast one advances through their training." Tenzin replied, dismounting Oogi and approaching his fellow Airbenders. "Even before that, one must bond with their bison. Unfortunately, we don't have nearly enough for everyone at this temple."
"What about those bisons?" Kai pointed off the balcony at a whole herd of sky bison.
"Actually, the plural of bison is bison." Tenzin said.
"Whoa!"
"Cool!"
"Look at that!"
"Can we ride those?" Kai asked.
"That is a wild herd we have yet to tame." Tenzin replied. "I have plans to do as such soon, but I would like to wait until you are all farther along in your training. You see, ancient Airbenders once tamed bison by displaying what they learned. They showed we are one in the same. Now, let's return to your lessons."
Just then, two sky bison arrived carrying new Airbenders, Kya, Pema, Rohan, Meelo, and Ikki.
"Dad!" Meelo cheered while Ikki waved. "We brought more Airbenders!"
"Everyone, class is dismissed." Tenzin approached Kya and Pema, as the other Airbenders approached the new arrivals. "We'll pick this up tomorrow." He reached his sister and wife. "How are things in the city?"
"We had a little scare, but everything is okay." Pema replied. "Zaheer infiltrated the temple by pretending to be a new Airbender while four other people did the same claiming they were helping new Airbenders. Those four wore gray clothing and straw hats."
"What?" Tenzin was shocked. "Is everyone alright?"
"Everyone's fine." Kya assured. "I fought against Zaheer and one of the people with the straw hats; however, both got away. I will say I did observe the four people using what looked like Jutsu."
"That would mean people from Shinobi Country." Tenzin noted. "Something about straw hats sounds familiar…"
Zaheer also stole an old necklace that had something to do with Guru…Lak…shmir." Kya said.
"Guru Laghima?" Tenzin asked.
"Right!" Kya nodded. "You know, I can never keep all those gurus straight. There were like a million of them. Remember that long, boring story about that guy who never ate?"
"Yes…I remember." Tenzin said, unamused.
Just then, an Air Acolyte arrived. "Utakata is calling on the temple's radio."
Temple Radio Room
Tenzin picked up the microphone."Utakata, is everything alright?"
"Everything's fine." Utakata assured. "I just offered to make this call in the place of Korra and Sasuke. Right now, we're in Zaofu with Lin's sister."
"Lin willingly took you all to her sister?" Tenzin asked.
"Wasn't her choice since we got a call about a new Airbender." Utakata replied. "It turned out to be Su's daughter Opal, and we'll be sending her your way soon."
"That's wonderful!" Tenzin declared happily.
"Anyways, how's training going?" Utakata asked.
"It could be better." Tenzin sighed. "No one seems interested in the hard work it takes to be a Nomad."
"Just remember, these people aren't your children nor were most of them Air Acolytes to begin with. Most of your new people were Earth Kingdom citizens, so it's going to take time for them to acclimate. Your role in all of this is to guide them into becoming Air Nomads.
In the spirit of that, mix up the lessons. I mean, you're all about balance. Essentially, one lesson could be learning while the other could be something that interest them and requires activity on their part. Don't forget, you're not alone in this either.
Sure, none of your kids are Airbending Masters, but they've been immersed in this culture to the point I'm certain they can help. Beyond them, you have Bumi, who was a Navel commander. Despite what you might think, I'm certain he has ways of unifying people."
"Those are good points." Tenzin was impressed. "Thank you, Utakata."
Northern Air Temple
Jinora was looking over the mountain range when Kai happened upon her. "Okay Kai, this is your big chance." He took a deep breath before walking up to her. "Hey, Jinora!"
Jinora turned to him. "Oh, hi."
"You want to go down there and see those flying bison?" Kai asked.
"I don't know." Jinora replied. "We might get in trouble."
"C'mon, let's have some fun." Kai reasoned. "We'll be back before anyone realizes we're gone."
"Well, I guess it couldn't hurt." Jinora gave in, making him smile.
In the Air
Jinora and Kai opened their gliders and flew down. As they flew, spirits moved in front of Jinora, who gave a smile.
"Her smile is pretty." Kai noted. "I still don't get why she's into Sasuke. He's not that nice, and he's obviously not the gentle type. I'll admit he's cool, but he and Jinora don't belong together. It's like we're meant for each other."
The two flew over a mountain ridge and caught sight of bison near a lake.
"Look! Baby bison!" Kai pointed at three bison calves, one groomed itself while the other two were playing fight. "Why're they on the ground?"
"Air bison calves can't fly a week or two after they're born, so the entire herd will stay near the ground, in the valley." Jinora informed.
"Let's go see the babies." Kai said, as he moved to land.
"Be careful." Jinora warned. "The mothers are very protective over the young."
Valley
Kai folded his glider as he landed and went to pet a bison calf. "Aww, they're so cute."
"Kai, get out of there!" Jinora called.
She saw an adult sky bison squaring up with the newer Airbender, who was now frozen in fear of the angry bison. Jinora flew past and quickly grabbed him from harm's way. She landed them a safe distance away.
"Wow, you saved me down there." Kai marveled. "You're an incredible Airbender."
"Well, I've been training for a long time." Jinora voiced.
"Then, why don't you have tattoos like an Airbending Master?" Kai asked.
"My dad says I'm not a master yet." Jinora replied.
"You can do everything your dad can." Kai reasoned. "Not to mention, you have all these spirit-y
powers. If anyone's a master, you are."
Jinora smiled. "Thanks, Kai."
"So, seeing as we have this chance, I got to ask, why do you like Sasuke?" Kai asked.
"Excuse me?" Jinora asked, her face turning red.
"I mean, Sasuke's cool, but he can also be kind of a jerk." Kai admitted.
"Sasuke may not seem like a good guy, but that's because he was lost in darkness for the longest time." Jinora stated. "I can't exactly blame him since his family and clan were taken from him at such a young age. It's worse that his own brother did it."
"Hold on." Kai was stunned. "His own brother killed everyone, but Sasuke, when the guy was young?" Jinora nodded. "That's messed up. No sibling should make their brother or sister suffer like that. I guess that does explain why he's the way he is."
"He made the choice to take a different path." Jinora smiled fondly. "You may not see it, but Sasuke has opened his heart that was once closed. Perhaps you think he's cold, but I know he cares the most about the people closest to him."
"Huh, I see." Kai said.
"Anyways, we should get back before someone finds out we're gone." Jinora stated.
They opened their gliders and flew back to the temple.
Temple Courtyard
Bumi, who is now just wearing hissinglet, was telling stories to other Airbenders."…We brought the net down on the head pirate, and he looked real sad before he saying 'I knew I should have followed mydreams and became a dentist'."
The otherAirbenders laughed.
"How come you grew up to be so cool while Tenzin became a stick-in-the-mud?"
"I guess cool is just something you're born with." Bumi replied.
Tenzin then arrived at the courtyard. "Bumi, can I talk to you?"
That got the other Airbenders to walk away.
"Let me guess, you want to criticize me for something?" Bumi asked.
"Actually, I need your help." Tenzin said.
"Oh, yeah?" Bumi dug his pinky in his ear. "With what?"
"Look Bumi, I'm new to overseeing people, that aren't family, in the ways of being an Air Nomad." Tenzin sighed, drawing his brother's attention. "I could use pointers from someone who has experience leading men, and Utakata suggested you would be the right person to go to."
"I would love to give you advice, baby brother." Bumi smiled and stood, as his younger brother sighed. "You must use military discipline to whip these troops into shape. The only way to deal with new recruits is to break them down and build them back up. Rule with an iron fist. Show…"
"Bumi." Tenzin interrupted as all the advice and his prior experiences training Korra came to mind. "We aren't a military outfit; we're supposed to be a nation. I would appreciate different advice."
"That's…a good point." Bumi admitted. "Well, in the United Forces it wasn't uncommon to be away from your family for months. I'm betting some of these people, especially those from Ba Sing Se, are missing their prior home. You need to show them this can be their new home.
That those around them can be their new family. Find those with promise and give them special lessons. Despite the fact you're guiding us, the burden of leadership shouldn't be yours alone. Additionally, the men don't understand why we must learn or do certain things.
Even I can't grasp it, and I was Aang's first born. In the United Forces, if a man didn't understand, the older troops demonstrated the worth. You know the worth, so show us. Another thing, a gifted soldier should be put it a position of power and given the tools to man it."
"That's, actually good advice." Tenzin noted. "Bumi, despite having Airbending now, you have an outsider's perspective and experience knowing who the gifted are. Perhaps you could help inform me of them. As you train, could you observe who they are?"
"So, you're actually going to take our advice?" Bumi question, surprised.
"Bumi, I wasn't as respectful of your time in the United Nations as I should have been." Tenzin clasped his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I think now your experience may be a crucial piece to everything I am trying to do here."
"What we're trying to do." Bumi corrected before nodding. "I'll help."
Tenzin smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
Balancing Post, Morning…
Tenzin and Jinora stood before the Airbenders.
"Today, we're going to begin with a balancing exercise." Tenzin Airbent himself onto a post before standing on one leg. "The key is to maintain your heaven and earth connection." He brought out a feather and suspended it above the palm of his hand with Airbending. "You try."
He lept down and observed. There were varying degrees of success, with Kai performing particularly well. There were also people like Bumi, who ended up falling on his back for the umpteenth time.
"Jinora." Tenzin called out. "I want you to take Bumi and those like him who are having difficulty performing the exercise. See what you can do about getting them up to speed."
Jinora nodded. "Right."
Courtyard: Later…
Tenzin had brought out a chair, shaver, and shaving cream as the Airbenders were now back together.
"Before I begin the next lesson, you should know participation is voluntary." The master informed. "This lesson is that of shaving one's head. Not all Air Nomads practiced it; however, those that did found they could feel the air around them.
It was both humbling and freeing. On top of that, Airbenders, as you have learned, were about defending themselves. If someone snuck up on you, you'd feel it. It is also important to note that even if you shave, hair does tend to grow back. So, anyone wish to volunteer?"
At first, no one did, but then Daw raised his hand. "I'll give it a try, Master Tenzin."
"Then please, take a seat." Tenzin saved Daw's head before sending him back to the group. "Anyone else?" No one stepped up. "Very well. It is now time for lunch. Eat up because our next exercise will be an obstacle course."
Obstacle Course
Everyone stood before the obstacle course, which had many parts to it. A walkway with rotating sand bags, and a tight rope that went up to a higher platform, all of it with wet mud waiting should you fall.
The platform was attached to a walkway which led to a balancing beam. Then, there was a ladder leading to the last obstacle, a cliff with spaces for an Air Bender to jump. Meelo and Ikki waited to the left of that with watermelons they'd be throwing.
"The objective of this exercise is to get to the top of that cliff." Tenzin informed. "The path is straight forward. Provided you concentrate and run like the wind, you'll make it to the top. Do note, each of you must run the course until you make it to the top."
They began running the course, with several of them having difficulties. That said, Kai was running through the bombardment of watermelons and cleared the post before reaching the cliff well before everyone.
Daw, while much slower than Kai, was still doing remarkably well. Kai sprang up the cliff. About 15 minutes later, Daw, covered in mud, followed suit eventually. The rest of the Airbenders, also covered in mud, eventually made it which left Bumi as the last man.
"Bumi, you took tense!" Tenzin yelled down the cliff. "Take calming breathes before making the next jump!"
Bumi took deep breaths before making his next jump. He clinched the landing and eventually managed to make it up the cliff where two of his fellow Air Nomads helped him up.
"You've all done well." Tenzin nodded, "Take the rest of the day to do as you please." They cheered. "Just remember, this will not happen every day."
He then walked away.
Evening…
Tenzin was walking around the temple with Bumi. "You said you had already seen some things?"
"Yep." Bumi stated. "That Kai kid is one of your more promising Airbenders. He's a natural to the point I still find it hard to believe he only got Airbending recently." Tenzin hummed but said nothing in response. "As for the others, Daw would also be another choice for special training.
He may not be as gifted as Kai, but his skills already seem to outclass his fellow Air Benders. Not to mention he has a willingness to learn. Those two would then be able to help each other learn and grow. The only other one I've taken note of is Otaku.
His skills are sorely lacking, but his knowledge is something else. That's not to say he and the other nomads can't become masters. It's just going to take time to shape them properly. Then there are those like…me." He sighed. "I would recommend putting Meelo and Ikki to use.
Have them give their own special classes to Airbenders like me who need more help. The last thing I noticed is that Jinora is a natural teacher. She also seems to be someone you rely on when teaching. If someone is ready to become a master, it's her.
"She is too young to get her tattoos." Tenzin quickly replied.
"Interesting, baby brother." Bumi smirked. "Instead of saying she wasn't ready or that she was unskilled, you say she is too young." Tenzin glared his way, causing the older brother to hold up his hands. "Well, it's not my place to say when she's a master."
"Is that all you observed?" Tenzin simply asked.
Bumi nodded. "That's everything."
Without another word, Tenzin took off.
Northern Air Temple, Next Day…
Bumi ended up finding Tenzin gazing at the valley, which was odd considering classes would begin soon. "Tenzin, is everything okay?"
"Something has been agitating the adult bison." Tenzin rubbed his beard. "There are more in the sky, which is odd since that wild heard should be taking care of their children."
Bumi opened his eyes wide. "They would be unless their children are what's troubling them."
"Of course." Tenzin's eyes opened wide in turn. "How could I have not seen it. There may be poachers in the area. Hopefully, it is not too late." He began running. "Come along Bumi." Bumi followed wordlessly as they reached the Airbenders. "Everyone, I need your attention!"
They all looked at Tenzin.
"Master Tenzin, what's going on?" Kuon asked.
"Bison calves are likely in danger, might even be because of poachers." Tenzin explained. "We need to get into the valley and check things out."
Kai and Jinora looked at each other, concern evident on their faces.
"Couldn't you handle this, Master Tenzin." Daw rubbed his head. "I don't think we're ready to tangle with potential poachers."
Tenzin was about to speak until Bumi stepped forward. "Listen, you may not think you're ready, but Tenzin does; otherwise, he wouldn't have brought this to us. Those bison are fellow Airbenders, and we got to stick together."
"Well said." Tenzin smiled and put a hand on Bumi's shoulder. "Ikki and Meelo, get some bison." They left as the master looked at the Air Benders. "This is voluntary, but I do think you are ready. The only thing stopping you is yourselves."
Bumi put his arm in the air. "Are you with us?"
Kai and Jinora put their arms up. "We're with you!"
Slowly, the rest joined in.
Valley
"I think I see something in the valley." Jinora pointed out.
"Alright, I'll set us down on that ridge." Tenzin voiced, having the bison lower.
Bumi then brought out a telescope and looked at the valley. "There are bison poachers alright. Got four babies locked up. They look like they're preparing to leave. Whatever we're going to do, we're going to need to do it fast."
"We're taking those poachers." Tenzin turned to the Airbenders. "This is your moment to put what you've learned to use."
Meelo put his fist in the air. "Leave no Airbender behind!"
Poacher Camp
The Airbender's followed Tenzin into the camp where they launched an air stream, but the poachers near the truck brought up an earth wall to block it. Some poachers from behind sent a net at Daw, but he felt it coming. He ducked before hitting the poacher with air to knock him out.
The lead poacher, who was wearing a cape made from a baby bison, bent earth that had the Airbender's scattering. Meelo rode up that earth and over the wall before air blasting the lead poacher into the truck. Jinora used the air scooter to bring Kuon and Ikki around.
She dropped the pair off, and they blasted air into a poacher, knocking him back first into the earth wall behind him. Tenzin was quick to take down three poachers himself. As his men were being beaten, the lead poacher rushed for the truck.
As he opened the door, Bumi, who'd hidden inside, blasted air out before hopping out himself. "You not only hunt and kill endangered animals, but you'd abandon your men when things got rough." He shook his head. "You sicken me."
Kai ran around the truck, angling his glider at the man clearly furious. "You kidnapped all these baby bison and think you can get away with that!?"
He prepared to attack the man until Tenzin stopped him. "Air Nomads were known for never attacking a defenseless opponent."
"Don't try anything." Kai lowered his staff and held it at the man's chest. "Your poaching days are over."
Valley: Evening…
The Airbenders had reunited the calves with their parents.
Once they had, Bumi and a couple of Airbenders had locked the poachers in their own cages. "Maybe you boys haven't heard, but there are new Airbender's around these parts."
"I'm proud of you Bumi." Tenzin walked over to him. "You stepped up and inspired our people to fight."
Bumi smiled. "I couldn't let all the hard work they've been putting in go to waste, and I figured I should do my part to help unify us."
Tenzin smiled. "You remind me a lot of dad."
"Thanks Tenzin." Bumi smiled back at him. "I'm going to work hard to be the best Airbender I can be."
Tenzin patted his brother on the shoulder. "I'm glad to hear that."
He then walked over to Jinora and Kai, who were playing with the baby bison.
"Master Tenzin, I think they recognize us now." Kai happily said.
"That they do." Tenzin knelt next to Jinora. "Recently, a lot has been brought to my attention. I've come to realize you are growing up. That is why I would like you to know I'm considering making you an Airbending Master."
"Really?" Jinora asked surprised.
Tenzin nodded. "I haven't reached a conclusion, but I can at least recognize my little girl is old enough for her tattoos."
"Jinora, look." Kai happily proclaimed. "They're flying."
Everyone turned to see the baby bison rise into the air.
"It looks like everyone is growing up." Tenzin noted.
Hydra1996: For now, he's not the target of the Akatsuki, but they'll come for him eventually. That said, Utakata here is technically living more peacefully than he had in canon. I know there's been the Equalist and Vaatu; however, he hasn't had to constantly be on the move nor looking over his shoulder. That's not to say Kiri will remain ignorant of where the Six Tails is, they just have to get their act together. For now, Utakata has more time to prepare, and a student earlier to motivate him to be stronger. So, things could be better or perhaps worse depending on how the Akatsuki adjust to the circumstances that come.
roggerlopez99: Eh, don't worry. I'm just glad you reviewed now, and thank you for giving your opinion on all the chapters in such a neat & tidy manner.
