Brawl 1 Water: Chapter 5 The King Of Omashu and the Wanderer
Landing in a field and walking up a hill, Aang said, showing off a city that looked like four mountains. "The Earth Kingdom city of Omashu! I used to always come here to visit my friend Bumi."
"Wow! We don't have cities like this in the South Pole." Katara said and then Sokka said. "They have buildings here that don't melt."
"Aang I thought we were done with these side trips after Kyoshi Island." Hoshi said, as he was more focused on Aang, unlike Saida and Miguel who were more focused on Omashu. Aang then said to him. "Come on, have a little fun Hoshi."
"I have fun, but you've been playing with Phaedrus more than you've been practicing with Phaedrus."
"But, I know how to roll Phaedrus out and how to give her more power."
"Yes, but you still need to work on your teamwork. That is important to a Brawler and his or her Bakugan."
"We're fine. Now let's see the city." Phaedrus said and Centipod said to Hoshi. "They're still new at being a team. Just give them time. Heck, we weren't really a team after we met."
"I know Centipod, but I worry Aang doesn't understand the responsibility for being Brawler yet."
"He will."
"Are you coming slowpokes?" Aang said at the bottom of the hill. Katara then said to Aang. "Wait, Aang. It could be dangerous if people find out you're the Avatar."
"You're not worried about us?" Miguel said to Katara and Katara said to them. "This is an Earth Kingdom town. So you guys should be fine, but let's keep the Bakugan on the down level."
"Yeah, Aang is the only one that needs a disguise." Sokka said and Aang said. "So, what am I supposed to do, grow a mustache?"
"That is a good idea Aang." Saida said and a few minutes later, they made a wig and mustache out of Appa fur. "Oh, this is so itchy. How do you live in this stuff?" Aang said to Appa and Appa just snorted at Aang. Sokka then said to Aang. "Great! Now you just look just like my Grandfather."
"Technically, Aang is 112 years old." Katara said and then Aang said as he pretended to be an old man. "Now, let's get to skipping, young whippersnappers! The big city awaits!"
"Don't push yourself, old man." Hoshi said as they all followed him to the city gate. As they walked, Aang said to everyone. "You guys are gonna love Omashu. The people here are the friendliest in the world."
"Rotten Cabbages! What kind of slum do you think this is?!" The head Gatekeeper said before he smashed the Cabbage in his hand, knocked the Cabbage out of the merchant's hands and then used his earthbending to launch the merchant cart full of Cabbages over the side of the cliff. "No! My Cabbages!" The merchant said as he and the other looked over the cliff and heard the cart landing. Hoshi then said to Aang. "The people here are the friendliest in the world" huh?"
"Just keep smiling." Aang said as they reached the gate. "State your business!" The head Gatekeeper said to Aang as he bended a boulder over him. Aang then got closer to the guy and said as an old man. "My business is my business, young man, and none of yours." The head Gatekeeper stopped bending and dropped the boulder, which caused the ground to shake. "I've got half a mind to bend you over my knee and paddle your backside."
"Settle down, old timer. Just tell me who you are."
"Name's Bonzoo Pippenpadlopsicopolis the Third and these are my grandkids."
"Hi. June Pippenpadlopsicopolis." Katara said as she and Hoshi walked up to Aang. Hoshi then said to the head Gatekeeper. "And I am Bonzoo Pippenpadlopsicopolis the Fifth. Nice to meet you."
"You seem like a responsible young lady. See that your Grandfather stays out of trouble. And you." He pointed at Hoshi. "You're a strong young boy. Show some respect for the elderly. And carry your Grandfather's bag."
"Yes sir!" Hoshi said, taking Aang's bag. The head Gatekeeper then said to them. "Enjoy Omashu." The gate opened and behind it were two more walls and Katara said as they walked in. "We will." Inside they saw the city full of life and stone boxes going up and down stone tubes and chutes. Saida then said to Aang. "Aang what with all the tubes and chutes and boxes."
"This is the Omashu delivery system- Miles and miles of tubes and chutes. Earthbending brings the packages up, and gravity brings them down."
"Great, so they get their mail on time." Sokka said and Pyravian said. "But why are you telling us about the mail system?"
"Because my friend Bumi found a better use for these chutes." Aang said before he had a flashback. In the past Aang was with his friend Bumi, a kid about his age with long pointy red hair and he said to Aang. "Look around you! What do you see?!"
"Um… The Mail System."
"Instead of seeing what they want you to see, you got to open your brain to the possibilities."
"A Package-Sending System?"
"The World's Greatest Super Slide!" Bumi said and Aang saw it the same way as Bumi. Aang then said to Bumi. "Bumi, you're a mad genius." Bumi then laughed and snorted before they went down on one of the Mail Slides. In the present, Aang and the others were all in one of the really big Mail Holders and about to go down one of the slides. Hoshi said to Aang as he was holding onto the holder. "Aang after this ride, we are going to the North Pole, right?"
"Airbender's honor. Now hold on to something." Aang said as they went down the slide. Sokka and Katara were freaking out. Aang, Hoshi, Saida and Miguel were having fun. And the Bakugan were panicking in the pockets of their partners. But the fun was over when a package of spears appeared behind them. Hoshi then said to Aang as Sokka and Miguel got down to dodge the spears. "Aang! Airbend or something!"
"I'm on it!" Aang said as he made the holder go left and right. That caused the holder to fall off the slide and they crashed onto a roof and they slid down to a training camp. In the camp, the commander said to his men. "Men, you'll be going off to combat soon. It's important that you be prepared for anything." They weren't prepared for Aang and the others rushed past them. Aang and the others then went through to another slide before the land in another one. Centipod then said to them. "Alright Aang stop this ride by using your Airbending."
"Yeah! Good idea! That will make us go even faster." Aang said hearing Centipod say, "Aang use your Airbending.". Aang then made them go faster and people saw them. The next problem was from one of the city's mail stops. There were packets blocking their path, they then screamed. But that packet left, so they calmed down. Unfortunately a new one appeared and they screamed as they crashed into it and were sent flying into the city. And while they skinned the roof off of some of the buildings, they did destroy a clay jar, someone was making and the cabbage merchant from the gate new cabbage supply. "My cabbages! You're gonna pay for this!" The merchant said as the city guard surrounded them. Aang then said nervously. "Two cabbages, please."
"Aang, we don't have any money." Phaedrus said as the guards grabbed them and brought them to the city ruler. The throne room was a big green room, Aang and the others were brought to an old bald man wearing a green robe and had a crown that was two long horns. The king looked at them and paid close attention to the Brawlers, more specifically Aang. One of the guards then said to The king. "Your Majesty, these juveniles were arrested for vandalism, traveling under false pretenses, and malicious destruction of cabbages."
"Off with their heads! One for each head of cabbage!" The cabbage merchant, who followed them to the ruler. Miguel then said to the merchant. "Is that really extreme?! Why not just let us go and we will never come back!"
"Silence all of you. Only the king can pass down judgment. What is your judgment, sire?" The guard said and the king thought for a moment. And while Aang and Sokka didn't beg, the king said to all of them. "Throw them… a feast."
"Wait what?" Saida said as everyone was very surprised by what the king said. Soon Aang and the others had a small feast and before they ate anything. The king said behind them. "The people in my city have gotten fat from too many feasts. So, I hope you like your chicken with no skin."
"Thanks, but I don't eat meat." Aang said as the king, who showed them all a piece of chicken. The king then gave the chicken to Sokka and said. "How about you? I bet you like meat." He then went to his chair and Katara said to her friend. "Is it just me, or is this guy's crown a little crooked?"
"No, but I don't think his crown is crooked." Hoshi said before the king said to Aang. "So, tell me, young bald one, where are you from?"
"I'm from Kangaroo Island."
"Oh, Kangaroo island, eh? I hear that place is really hopping." The king said making a joke and after Sokka laughed, the king said getting up and yawning. "All these good jokes are making me tired. Guess it's time to hit the hay." The king then fired a piece of chicken at Aang. Aang's airbending reflexes kicked in and he caught the chicken in an air bubble. The king as the guards around them gasped. "There is an Airbender in our presence, and not just any Airbender– The Avatar." Aang then put his hands behind his back and the king said to Aang. "Now, what do you have to say for yourself, Mr. Pippenpadlopsicopolis?"
"Aang we need to get out of here." Saida whispered to Aang and Aang said to the king as they all got up from their seats. "Ok, you caught me. I'm the Avatar… Doing my Avatar thing, keeping the world safe. Everything cheeks out. No Firebenders here. So, good work, everybody. Love each other, respect all life, and don't run with your spears. We'll see you next time!" They tried to leave, but the guards blocked them. Hoshi then said to them. "Please move or I will…" Hoshi then looked around his pockets. "...I will… uh?"
"Hoshi what's wrong?" Katara said and Hoshia said. "I don't have Centipod." Saida, Miguel and Aang then checked themselves too and found they were missing Pyravian, Eenoch and Phaedrus were gone too. "Looking for your Bakugan?" The king said as he showed them the bag that had all of their Bakugan voice coming out of. It did surprise them how the king knew what the Bakugan were and Katara then said to the king. "You can't keep the Bakugan or us here. Let us leave!"
"Lettuce leaf?" The king said, picking up a lettuce leaf. Sokka then said to his friends, as The king ate the lettuce leaf. "We're in serious trouble. This guy is nuts."
"But he is smart, so we better not underestimate him again." Saida said and Hoshi agreed with her. He then said to the king. "Ok, so what do you want?"
"One thing."
"And that is?"
"Tomorrow, the Avatar will face 3 deadly challenges. But for now, I will hold onto your Bakugan and the guards will show you to your chamber."
"My liege, do you mean the good chamber or the bad chamber?" One of the guards said and the king said. "The newly-refurbishing chamber."
"Wait. Which one are we talking about?"
"The one that used to be the bad chamber… until the recent refurbishing, that is. Of course, we've been calling it the new chamber, but we really should number them. Uh… Take them to the refurbished chamber that was once bad." The king said as the guard took Aang and the others away. The chamber was a closed rock circle with only small vents to keep an air flow going. So the only way in or out was Earthbending. But it wasn't all bad, they had six clean beds, lighting and fresh food and water, Katara then said as they looked around the room. "This is a prison cell? But it's so nice."
"Yeah I was expecting something bad?" Saida said before Aang said. "He did say it was newly refurbished."
"Nice or not, we're prisoners." Sokka said before Miguel said. "And not just us, our Bakugan are also prisoners."
"Yeah but I have to ask. How did he know about Bakugan?" Hoshi said before Aang said. "I don't know and while I am worried about Phaedrus, I can't help but wonder what those challenges will be."
"We're not sticking around to find out." Hoshi said before Saida said. "And how are we getting out of here? No one here is an Earthbender and we don't have our Bakugan, so we can't make an exit."
"The air vents! Momo can fit through it and get Appa." Aang said before Miguel got closer to the vent and saw what was inside the vent. Miguel then said to Aang. "Sorry Aang, but there are metal bars inside the vents, so Momo can't get Appa."
"How was Appa supposed to save us anyway?" Sokka said as he took one of the beds. Aang then said as everyone else took a bed. Appa is a 10-ton Flying Bison. I think he could figure something out."
"Well, no point arguing about it now. Get some rest, Aang. Looks like you'll need it for tomorrow." Katara said as Aang took a bed and they all went to sleep. The next day, a guard opened the door, waking Aang up and saw that he was the only person in the cell. Aang then said to the guard. "Where are my friends?!"
"The king will free them if you complete your challenges."
"And if I fail?"
"He didn't say. Your staff, please?" The guard said and Aang gave him his staff. Then two new guards appeared and took Aang to see the king. The king said to Aang as he was in a purple robe this time. "First, Avatar, what do you think of my new outfit? I want your honest opinion." Aang didn't say anything. "I'm waiting."
"I… guess it's fine."
"Excellent. You've passed the first test."
"Really?"
"Well… not one of the deadly tests. The real challenges are much more… challenging." The king said before Aang ran at The king. Aang then said to the king. "I don't have time for your crazy games. Give me my friends back. All of them! We're leaving!"
"Oh, I thought you might refuse." The king said as a wall came down and showed his friends being held by more guards. "That's why I have placed the Bakugan in each of the challenges and give the rest of your friends some special souvenirs." The guards then placed rock rings on the ring finger on both hands. The only difference was the color of the rings. Katara was aqua, Sokka was dark blue, Hoshi was blue, Saida was white and Miguel was black. "Those delightful rings are made of a Pure Genomite… also known as Creeping Crystal. It's a crystal that grows remarkably fast. Before nightfall, your friends will be completely covered in it. Terrible fate, really. I can stop it, but only if you cooperate." The king said as Sokka crystals started to creep. Sokka then said. "Agh! It's already creeping!"
"I'll do what you want." Aang said and The king smiled. Aang was then taken to a room full of stalagmite and stalactite, with a waterfall in the middle. The king laughed and turned to see the crystals had already covered their hands. The king then said to Aang. "It seems I've lost my lunchbox key, and I'm hungry. Oh, there it is!" The king said pointing to a key with two bags hanging by a chain over a ladder in the waterfall. The king then said to Aang. "Would you mind fetching it for me?"
Aang then started his challenge. For his first try Aang thought to use the ladder to grab the key, but the waterfall was too strong for him, so was kicked and almost hit some stalagmite. For his second try he tried diving into the waterfall from the roof to get the key, but it was too fast for him to grab it. After he got kicked out again and grabbed a stalagmite, he had an idea. Aang broke off the stalagmite and threw it at the key. Using his Airbending he made the water separate for a moment allowing the stalagmite to hit the chain and send it over the king's head. The king then grabbed both bags Aang then said to the King. "There! Enjoy your lunch! Now free my friends!"
"Uh, not yet. I need help with another matter. It seems I've lost my pet Flopsy." The king said before they moved to another room. This room looked like a zoo area. In one of the areas, Aang saw a little bunny-like animal with two bags around its neck. Aang went into the area and said to the king. "Ok, found him."
"Bring him to me. Daddy wants a kiss from Flopsy." The king said as Aang called his name and tried to grab the bunny, then a big white monster with big ears appeared behind him. Flopsy ran away and Aang chased it calling its name, which made the monster come after him. Flopsy then dived into a hole and when Aang tried to grab Flopsy, he got an idea and took a good look at the monster. "Flopsy?" Aang said to the monster just before it reached him. The monster was indeed the real Flopsy, that's why it was chasing Aang. Flopsy picked Aang up and gave him a big lick. Aang also saw two bags on the back of his neck. The king then called Flopsy over. Flopsy let go of Aang and went to the king As the king removed the bags and gave his pet a belly rub, Aang joined his friends and said to them. "Guy, are you ok?"
"Other than the crystal slowly encasing our entire body, we are doing great." Katara said because the crystals had covered all, but their heads and feet. Aang then said to the king. "Come on. I'm ready for the next challenge." The king then laughed and they were taken to an arena. "Your final test is a duel. And as a special treat, you may choose your opponent." The king was described as a skinny guy with a spear and a huge guy with an ax. The king then said to Aang. "Point and choose."
"So, you're saying whoever I point to… That's the person I get to fight?"
"Choose wisely." The king said as Aang thought about it. "I… choose… you." Aang said, pointing to the king. "Wrong choice." The king said as he removed his robe, showing that not only was an old man, but he was buff. That surprised Aang, but that wasn't the only surprise. Aang was then earthbend into the arena. The king jumped into the arena and said. "You thought I was a frail old man, but I'm the most powerful Earthbender you'll ever see."
"Can I fight the guy with the ax instead?"
"There are no take-backsies in my kingdom. You might need this." The king said tossing Aang, Phaedrus. Aang then said to her. "Good to have you back, Phaedrus."
"Same, now roll me."
"Ok, Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!" Aang said, rolling out Phaedrus. (Phaedrus 600) The king then fired a lot of boulders at them. Aang and Phaedrus dodge them and the king said. "Typical Airbender tactic— avoid and evade. I'd hoped the Avatar or his partner Bakugan would be less predictable. Don't you two have any surprises for me?"
"Here's one. Air Roar" Phaedrus said releasing a stream of air. The king then made a rock wall blocking Phaedrus' attack. "Oh, you two have to be a little more creative than that." The king the fire dust cloud at Phaedrus. That cloud blinded her and then hit her with a rock. (Phaedrus 550) She then crashed into the roof and then into the ground. (Phaedrus 475) Aang then rushed over to Phaedrus, releasing a gust of wind. "Did someone leave the windows open? It feels a little drafty in here. Are you two hoping I'll catch a cold?" The king then earthbend Aang away and then captures Phaedrus in rocks, not only damaging her, but keeping her locked down. (Phaedrus 400) Aang knew he had to find a Baku-Core for her. The king knew what Aang was looking for and hit him with a rock wave. The king then fired a lot of rocks at Aang. He couldn't dodge all of them and had no way to get the Baku-Core for Phaedrus. Phaedrus saw this and moved around, hurting her, but freed her from the rocks. (Phaedrus 350) Phaedrus then used her body to protect Aang. (Phaedrus 325) Aang then said to her. "What are you doing?"
"Keeping you safe, now let's take him down!" (Phaedrus 175) Phaedrus said as Aang gave her the Baku-Core. (Phaedrus 275) "Now Orb Stream!" Aang said as Phadrus made two orbs from her hands and threw them at the ground. They broke and released a stream of air that pushed the king back. The king smiled and then used his Earthbending to remove a part of the wall they just came from and threw it at them. Aang and Phaedrus panicked before they ran around in a circle with great speed. They created a tornado, so strong that when the king threw the rock, the tornado sent it flying back to the king. That surprised the king and he destroyed the rock before it hit him, but that gave Aang and Phaedrus a chance to attack the king. Aang was in front of him and Phaedrus was in the back. Both were ready to attack and smiled, but the king smiled too. They wondered why, until a little rock hit their heads. They both looked up and saw two big boulders over their heads. The king then laughed and said to them. "Well done, Avatar. You both fight with much fire in your heart." The king then got rid of both boulders. Then he dived into the ground and re-suffice next to Aang's friends. Aang and Phaedrus went to them and the king said to them. "You've passed all my tests. Now, you must answer one question."
"That's not fire. You said you would release my friends if I finish your tests."
"Oh, but what's the point of tests If you don't learn anything?"
"Fine, what's the question?" Phaedrus said and the king said. "Answer this one question and I will set your friends free. What is my name?" That surprised Aang. The king then said as he left. "From the looks of your friends, I'd say you only have a few minutes."
"How am I supposed to know his name?" Aang said before Saida said. "It's a riddle and the challenges must be the key."
"I got it!" Sokka said and they all looked at him. Sokka then said to them. "He's an Earthbender, right? Rocky… Because of all the rocks."
"I don't think that's his name, but that is a good backup." Miguel said and Aang said as Phaedrus shrunk. "Ok, so back to the challenges. I got a key from a waterfall, I saved his pet. And I had a duel."
"And what did you learn from them?" Katara said and Aang said. "Well, everything was different than I expected."
"And…" Hoshi said as the crystal started to cover their faces. Aang thought about it and said. "Well… They weren't straightforward to solve each test, so I had to think differently than I usually would." Aang then figured it out. "I know his name." Aang said as he went to the throne room. In the throne room, Aang said to the king. "I solved the question the same way I solved the challenges. As you said a long time ago, I had to open my brain to the possibilities."
"Wait, so he is?" Phaedrus said as the king laughed and snorted at the same time, proving who he was. Aang then said with tears in his eyes. "Bumi, you're a mad genius." Aang then ran to Bumi, causing Phaedrus to fall off his shoulder and give a big hug to Bumi. Bumi returned the hug and said. Oh, Aang, it's good to see you. You haven't changed a bit… literally."
"I hate to interrupt this touching reunion, but can you release us now?" Hoshi said as the crystal almost covered all of their body. Bumi then used Earthbending to break the crystal and took a piece. He then said to them as he let Centipod, Pyravain and Eenoch out of the bags. "Genomite is made of rock candy." He then took a bite of the Genomite. "Delicious!"
"So, this crazy king is your old friend Bumi?" Katara said before Bumi said. "Who are you calling old?!"
"Aren't you over a hundred years old?" Saida said before Bumi said. "Ok, I'm old."
"Will it be nice to meet a friend of Aang, but I have to ask? How do you know so much about Bakugan if they just got here?"
"The awakening of the Bakugan might be new, but I had a student three years ago from a world that lived with Bakugan. He told me about Bakugan and I taught him how to Earthbend and told him about this world."
"Could it be the same kid that went missing three years ago?" Miguel said before Saida said. "That might be the case, but if we want to know the truth, we need to talk to him. Where is he?"
"Gone on a journey to find the gateway back to your world, but I know one day you'll all meet and until that day, I hope that you will help Aang on his journey."
"We will, King Bumi." Hoshi said as he bowed his head. Sokka then said to Bumi. "But I still don't understand why you do all this instead of just telling Aang who you were?"
"First of all, it's pretty fun messing with people." Bumi said before laughing. He then got serious and said. "But I do have a reason. Aang, you have a difficult task ahead. The world has changed in the 100 years you've been gone. It's the duty of the Avatar to restore balance to the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai. You have much to learn. You must master the 4 elements, perfect your teamwork with Phaedrus and confront the Fire Lord. And when you do, I hope you will think like a mad genius."
"Don't worry, we got this." Phaedrus said as Aang bowed his head. "And it looks like you're in good hands. You'll need your friends to help you defeat the Fire Nation." Bumi said as Momo got onto Aang other shoulder. Bumi then said to Aang. "And you'll need Momo, too."
"Thank you for your wisdom. But before we leave, I have a challenge for you." Aang said before Aang, Bumi and Phaedrus went down the mail slides like old times. At the top, Hoshi looked at the horizon and wondered where the Bumi student was right now, but stopped when he heard a crash and the Cabbage Merchant say. "MY CABBAGES!"
In the middle of a dark forest, a young man had a map with X's in certain spots. He then put the map away and stopped at a fork in the road and said to a Ventus Bakugan in his pocket trying to catch a nape. "Should we go right or left?"
"Let's go right, now can I get some sleep?" The Bakugan said with male voice. The guy laughed before they started to walk down the right path. Not knowing that his path will cross with Aang and the others, but not before he crosses paths with other Brawlers first.