...
Within his office in a nearby barracks, the commander received reports from informants who sent notice of the discovery of the air benders.
Some of the soldiers of the Fire Nation, but more in most people in the Earth Kingdom, the commander was fun for what he saw, as people in times of war managed to change, ethics disappeared for many, and they decided to see for themselves, clearly slag that only seeks to benefit.
With greater reason, he supports why the Lord of Fire is doing this war, only the world will improve properly once the Fire Nation is in command.
But so far, they first have to make that.
Meanwhile, he had to remain fixed on his mission, hunt the last lags air benders who escaped the attack, but more especially, locate and eliminate the greatest threat to the triumph of the fire nation.
The avatar.
An air nomad that somehow eludes the attack on the Air Temples and that somehow continues to elude them. He has received many reports, many who do not come to the case, and that is only to collect the reward, others that are more perceptive and that give the expected results, air benders but not the one who is looking for.
The commander frowned as he remembered the girl they had discovered not long ago, an air bender, A teenager to be precise and very skilled if I manage to escape from their captors, the profile in it is the most appropriate and ensures that it arrives To be the avatar.
If so, capturing it and getting out of doubt must be the highest priority now.
Just when the commander thought that his captain had entered his store, reverence and announcing to get the attention of the commander. Which looked up from the reports and looked at him with a frown.
-And well, you found it ?
The captain has with his head and shakes his head- no commander, he escaped ...
The captain snorts and shoots the papers of the reports to the desktop- How is it possible to escape? We have hunted air benders these years, we know how to track them, and we fight against air benders who resisted ... tell me, captain, how did they fail ?
The Captain kept looking at the ground to say- This girl is not like the others, she is ready and too skilled, no doubt powerful, commander ...
-Capturing it is too important, I should not remind you, but if it can be the one who I think is, I have sent a notice to the Lord of the Fire giving registration of my results ...
-And that's why I came here.
The commander and his captain turned to see the direction in which the voice originated; they saw that from the entrance, A middle-aged man who wore air nomad robes as well as a long bar with gray strands.
The captain quickly became alert, but the commander stopped him from doing anything, he knew who this monk was because, during his audiences with the Lord of Fire, that monk was also present.
-The traitorous monk ...
The monk only smiled with a little mockery; his facial expressions did not show if he was angry at the name that the commander gave him, finally hummed and then said- my name is Afiko, commander, and address me as I am, an Advisor of the Lord of Fire Sozin.
The commander snorted before that perspective, no matter how much he did not like it was true, somehow that he did not understand, that monk Afiko remained close to the circle of trust of the Lord of Fire.
-And what is done here, counselor?
Afiko looked at the captain with a crooked smile that showed arrogance, and then saw the commander again- the Lord of Fire Sozin sent me ... he is curious to know about the air bender they discovered, according to his commander's report, he assures that it is of the main objective.
The commander nodded as he got up from his chair, putting his hands on his desk- so is, about one of the villages of the Earth Kingdom, a report came to us about an air bender present, we found a girl who coincides with the age that the avatar should have.
-And where is it now? -Afiko decided not to walk around and went to the point of the report.
The commander then looked down to say angrily and helplessly- She escaped... the villagers interposed and achieved in the middle of everything.
-Then tells me that they had the greatest threat of the Fire Nation in their hands, and some common villagers and currents prevented them from capturing it. -Afiko released the question with a condescending tone and mocking that marked the comment more as a statement than a question.
The commander of the eyes with fury in the face of Afiko but could not refute that argument, the only thing he could do was raise a solution.
-We are taking action, mobilizing resources to search for it, I know the level of priority that means to capture it ... -Sharge your attention to the captain who was observing the Airbender with so much suspicion- Captain, what do you have to report?
The captain is surprised to be included in the conversation and is speechless for a moment- eh ... yes, one of our explorers confirmed to have seen the girl - I recovered as fast as I could notify the progress they had achieved- She was following something, we do not know exactly that it is but if he went away from here, heading east.
The commander frowned- I thought you had said that they could not follow the trail.
The captain nodded- It was because he was flying in that direction, he was not subtle when hiding it.
Afiko took his hand to his beard and said, "He must use a glider cane, then. The air nomads use them to fly. It will not go far; it only allows you to travel not-so-long distances."
The commander frowned and began to think about something that his commander had said so subtly- makes sense, the report that gave us notice of her spoke perfectly of someone performing air control in full view, is someone very unconscious who does not think good things.
Afiko listened to the perception of the commander, and then a malicious smile put on his face.
-If it is like that, then maybe it is time to stop looking for her, it is time for her to come to us -Miro at the pair of fire benders to then say- we must leave as soon as possible, I have an idea to catch the girl and if everything goes out Well then this girl will be given voluntarily ...
Without more to say, he went to the exit without waiting for anyone, but before he could leave, the commander spoke once more.
-Do you know... I am curious: what led you to collaborate with us?
Afiko only stands in place, with a frown while remembering his life from years ago, life in the southern air temple, the life of a respected monk and everything that entails, the sacrifices, his views and points of view, and His disagreement with the positions of people, which led to distance themselves and resent their nation and all culminated when that happened.
-My reasons are mine, and they are private, they would not understand.
Without more to say, Afiko retired while leaving behind the commander with his captain, leaving both of them intrigued and confused by the way of being of the air bender.
...
Elsewhere...
In a valley full of vegetation, the great tranquility of the night filled the air, giving a feeling of peace, the stars and the moon illuminated the sky, while on Earth, it was a different thing, a small campfire illuminated a small camp where two people and a bison flying were near the campfire, the two people were the Monk Gyatso and the young woman known as Malú.
Right now, Gyatso had finished preparing his dinner and that of his new guest, which Malú received with pleasure and began to eat, for his part, Gyatso studied and contemplated the young woman who was with him, by his appetite, it was clear that she had not eaten anything for a while, but of course, it seemed that she had not forgotten that she was not alone, because soon she took some food from her plate and gave it to Lola, who gave a happy grunt for receiving food.
Gyatso allowed himself a slight smile at the girl's kindness and attention, and it was good to see that in times like these. They continued in a shared silence as they continued eating, enjoying the calm and the presence of the other, as Gyatso recognized that it was good to be in the presence of another air nomad after a long time.
"I grew up in the Eastern Air Temple," Malu said when she had finished eating while looking at her empty plate. "When the Fire Nation attacked that night when the comet passed... my mother hid me in a cave so that the firebenders wouldn't find me and to keep me safe... I didn't hear anything from my parents after that."
Gyatso nodded and looked at the girl with pity and understanding at the vague way she ended her story. He shouldn't say more since it must have happened to her parents, but there was still something Gyatso didn't understand. "Why did you come out of hiding then?" I don't think it's wise to do so. The Fire Nation is looking for the survivors who escaped the genocide of our race.
Malú nodded in agreement with that, remembering what happened in the village and how the villagers protected her as well as sacrificed themselves so she could escape. She closed her eyes sadly as she thought about what could have happened to them.
She put her plate aside, grabbed her legs with her hands, and looked straight into nothing.
-I know... -she said with a soft voice that marked sadness and distress, Gyatso could only look at her with empathy at what that girl could have seen, who knows how long she has been alone and being persecuted by the Fire Nation- I have seen what the Fire Nation has been doing, people who suffer and are terrified, I hid in a village with people who sheltered me when... they arrived...
Tears came out of Malú's eyes when she remembered that whole situation, at that moment, Gyatso got up from where he was to stand next to Malú and put a hand on her back as a sign of support, letting the young woman go through the pain that must have been accompanying her for a while.
After a moment, Malú was able to compose herself so she could continue her story. "I managed to escape, and I was adrift nearby… fearing that the firebenders would find me… but then in the distance, I saw you and Lola, not far away. I was amazed to see a flying bison. I didn't know what to do, but when I saw it, I knew I had to follow it until I got here, where I found you too…"
The story itself was surprising for Gyatso because of the ending, so he was able to get an idea of where he could have seen it, in that place that looked like a big fire, where the village that Malú described must have been. He was surprised by how close they were to meeting each other and how they managed to do it.
"What about you? How did you get here?" -Gyatso then turned his gaze to Malú, who suddenly began to add nervously- but of course, you are one of the greatest masters that the Air Nomads have, clearly if someone could escape, it must have been you, I'm just asking...
Gyatso just shook his head while giving her a reassuring laugh- Okay, I understand what you meant, but I'm curious, how do you know who I am, by the way?
At that, Malú calmed down and began to answer her question- Sister Lio, I often heard her talk about some monks from the other temples and many times, she mentioned you as one of the best she had ever met.
Gyatso tried to locate the person that Malú mentioned, and when he did,d he smiled- Yes, I remember Lio, she and I agreed on many things besides the fact that she was the one who helped my pupil get his bison.
The mention of Aang and how excited he was to have a bison of his own, as well as how happy he had seen him when Appa came into his life, filled him with warmth.
-Your pupil? He's not alone? Where is he?
Malú's questions gave a new turn to the conversation, and it was something that Gyatso didn't know if he could answer, it took him a moment before he could give a correct answer.
-I... I don't know; we got separated when the Fire Nation attacked the Southern Air Temple, and ever since then, I've been looking for him all over the Earth Kingdom in the hopes of finding him.
Malú nodded although she felt there was something else- This... he is sure he achieved...
Gyatso nodded and answered before he finished what he was going to say- Yes, I am sure he left before the attack, and I know he must have been far away when they attacked us... since then, I have been looking for him all over the Earth Kingdom...
Malú nodded now understanding- Oh, that is why he wears those clothes and not the robes of the air nomads.
Gyatso nodded- In times like these, wearing those colors is not the best, I also wear a hat to cover the arrow on my head, in addition to avoiding cities and villages...
Malú, upon hearing him, saw him processing what he had said and then saying- So... where are you going now?
Gyatso sighed. "Well, I was supposed to go in the opposite direction to where we are, but seeing the presence of the Fire Nation caused me to deviate... it will take me a while to find a safe route, which should be long, and I will need more supplies than I have now..."
"Well... not far from her,e I saw a town that has not yet fallen into the hands of the Fire Nation, it may have what we need for the trip, in Flying Bison, it won't take long."
Gyatso raised an eyebrow as he looked at Malu out of the corner of his eye. "Us?"
Malu realized what she had said and immediately began to say. "Well, if you allow me to accompany you, of course, it's just that... I don't have anywhere to go and... I would feel safer not traveling alone."
Gyatso, seeing that she was getting nervous, said- I say this because I didn't expect you to decide to accompany me. You are welcome to accompany Lola and me - he said, making a gesture with his head to his bison that was now sleeping- although,h, of course, we will have to make a couple of things clear, Lola must stay hidden here, it is not safe for her to remain visible to other people, it could be a risk.
Malú wanted to say something, but seeing how calm Lola was to be here, then she thought that would be the best, so without complaining, she nodded.
- Well, the other thing would be that if you are going to travel with us, you will have to go unnoticed, which means that we will have to find something more discreet for you.
Malú at that looked confused- Hum, Discreet how?
...
The next day...
This was something new and strange for Malú.
Walking through the streets of this town in Earth Kingdom clothes, it was strange to wear clothes that were not from the Air Nomads or even the colors. They had arrived early, and before anyone could notice the presence of any of them, the monk Gyatso took her to a kind of laundry where they had to steal clothes, she did not feel very comfortable doing that.
Right now, she was walking dressed in a dark green tunic that was a little big on her, although it was the only one they found in her size, although she kept a bit of her original clothes that would not be very noticeable, she still felt uncomfortable wearing someone else's clothes.
-I know you must not be comfortable, but in order not to be recognized, we must avoid attracting attention, and for that, we must learn to blend in.
Malú nodded in understanding- I understand... but it is still not right to do this.
Gyatso didn't refute that, so she just added- At least you don't have to use this hat to hide an arrow tattoo... there are things we might not like to do, but in times like these, things won't be easy.
Malú let out a sigh but couldn't find a way to argue; she just stared at Monk Gyatso. He might agree with her, but he didn't look upset like she did, he looked resigned, as if it wasn't the first time he had to do something like steal clothes.
-Maybe it doesn't affect him because it's not something worse he's had to do - she thought to herself, a little uneasy at the perception of the great airbender having to commit dishonest acts.
She shook her head, trying to get those ideas out, but she knew they would be bothering her for a while.
Continuing on her way, Malú saw several people passing by on the streets, who didn't pay attention to them more than an occasional glance. Indeed, the disguises worked, so she could at least admit that it was true that doing this was for a good cause.
They turned a corner where market stalls were starting to appear, where they could surely find supplies.
"By the way, take this," Gyatso said as he took something out of his tunic and handed it to Malú.
Malú took the object and looked at it curiously, opening her eyes in surprise when she realized that the object looked a lot like a flying bison.
"It's a whistle to call Lola if we find ourselves in very serious trouble. Blow it with all your strength, and she will hear it and come to us."
Malú was impressed, she examined the whistle in amazement, soon looking at Gyatso, grateful for having entrusted her with something of great value and also to ask.
-When will I know that I can do it?
Gyatso began to think of an answer to that, questioning scenarios where a rescue of his bison might be necessary or even those that could be avoided, so all he did was say.
-Only in cases of extreme urgency, where you can't find a way out anywhere, only in that case.
Malú nodded at the answer, carefully putting Lola's whistle away in her tunic.
After that, they proceeded to enter the market, which was full of various people, as well as smells, sounds, fruits, and various products that were offered.
Malú watched, fascinated by everything she saw, even if she had been in a village before, certainly, this town was busier if there were things like those that were sold, she approached several steps without moving far from Gyatso, who walked more cautiously, looking for what to buy and what not, only those that were indispensable.
As she watched people walk and shop as if nothing was wrong, without looking upset or worried, without a doubt still not feeling the weight of the war, it was lucky that the Fire Nation was not yet reaching places like these.
Seeing these people, Malú couldn't help but think about how things were in the Eastern Air Temple before things changed as they had.
-So you were here! I told you I would find you!
The violent voice took Malú by surprise, who, intrigued, went to where something seemed to be happening; some people were also paying attention to the sight of a guy who was harassing a lady.
-I already told you that I just need time, Rinshi... when I can...
-Oh no, of course not, Yen, you already owe me a lot of money -she grabbed the lady by the arm to say angrily- and if you think I'm going to keep listening to your excuses, then...
-Leave her alone!
Malú's voice took Rinshi by surprise, who, confused by the voice that seemed to protest, turned to see her from a close distance and snorted mockingly after turning his gaze on Yen.
-Go girl, if you know what's good for you, then don't get involved... -without anything else to say, he approached Yen to say- now you're going to pay me or...
However, before he could say anything, a gust of air pushed him towards a stand, crashing it and leaving him unsteady
The lady looked shocked at what had just happened, as did several others when they saw what was airbending.
This was done by Malú, who was in a defensive position and with a determined look on her face. She could feel proud of it, but for another person, that was not the case.
Gyatso turned around, a little frustrated by how things had taken a turn that he did not expect, he did not expect Malú to decide to do something like that, he looked in disbelief that this girl was an Airbender and that she would demonstrate it in an exhibition that could give her away, even worse she had done it in front of the entire village.
She looked around and began to see him. Some of the villagers were now looking at her somewhat incredulously and surprised, but Gyasto could read the fear and dread, as well as the ambition and greed of some to have in their hands a possible reward for giving notice to the Fire Nation, a warning that the girl was a survivor of the genocide.
He would not allow that to happen.
He quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of there, and they had to get out of there before someone decided to follow them.
-Monk Gyatso, what are you doing? -Malu asked, trying to get Gyatso to let go of her.
-Not now - said Gyatso with a worried but also sharp tone as he took Malú out of the market and proceeded to enter the streets of the town, while looking behind, in search of someone who could be following them, he saw out of the corner of his eye someone who seemed to be coming in his direction, so he went into an alley, bringing Malú with him and then continuing until he reached the next street, he continued until he entered a new alley and stopped.
Only when he did that did he release Malú and then face her.
-What did you do? Did you ree airbending on that guy?
-It was for a good cause... he was taking advantage of the merchants and also that lady... something had to be done.
Gyatso let out a sigh - And it occurred to you that the best way to do it was with airbending? Malú, you can't do that in places like this, we can't let anyone know about us...
-But the nuns...
-You're not with the nuns anymore, not even in the Eastern Air Temple, and much less in the times before the war, you must understand that doing things like the ones you did can be a death sentence...
-Although I appreciate your little help...
A female voice was heard behind Gyatso and Malú, at which Gyatso became alert, he became defensive against whoever was there.
However, he found the same lady that Malú had helped, who was carrying the supplies that Gyatso had left behind to get Malú out of the market, which he now showed her as a sign of security.
-They left them behind when they left in a hurry - he made a gesture for them to take them, at which Gyatso, skeptical, took them carefully.
-Thank you...
The lady just shook her head- It's nothing... your friend helped me with that thug, it's the least I could do, I could repay them by getting them out of the town, I'm afraid several people have started looking for them.
Gyatso tensed at that prospect; they had to get out of there as soon as someone found them, if that lady did, then it was just a matter of time.
-We're fine...
-Thank you very much your help would be good, ma'am...- said Malú as she began to walk to the lady.
Who smiled and smiled kindly at Malú- Yen, my name is Yen... follow me, please.
With a gesture with her hand, she indicated that they should follow her, to which Malú nodded as Yen began to walk; however, Malu grabbed her shoulder to stop her- Wait... we must be careful, we don't know anything about her and we don't know what intentions she has.
-But I helped her, it's obvious that she wants to help us, not all people are bad; I know there can be bad people, but we can't distrust everyone.
After saying that, Malú seemed to catch up with Yen in the hope that the Earth Kingdom woman would get them out of the village without being caught, but Gyatso stayed behind, still wary of the sudden help, he wasn't sure about many things anymore, war changes people, some change more than others, while others take advantage of it to benefit from others, he has seen many cases like that and it's one of the reasons why he doesn't visit villages except when the situation warrants it.
But it seems that he won't have another choice, he just hopes that this stranger wants to help them in good faith and isn't leading them into a trap, at least they had Lola to back them up and escape if things got too difficult.
With a sigh of resignation, Gyatso loaded up his supplies as he followed the pair who were already heading out of the village.
...
-I didn't think I knew an airbender... -Yen said as she led them near the exit- it's certainly not common to see one of you anymore, but I appreciate that you helped me.
Malu smiled a little embarrassed- It was nothing, I couldn't let that guy attack you like that...
Yen smiled softly at that answer as she handed Malu a lid from a large vase- Here, use this to cover the vases, while you stay hidden, I'll move the cart, and when it's safe, then I'll hit the vase so you can come out.
Malu nodded as she took the lid from the vase and got inside while covering the vase from the inside, Gyatso was at her side looking skeptically at the plan, Yen soon looked at him and handed him the other lid from the other vase, although she had her reservations, she could hardly find another way to get out without ending up in a fight.
Without further ado, he took the lid and got into the jar, hoping that this wasn't a bad idea.
...
Yen gave a couple of knocks to the jars to indicate that it was safe to leave, the moment that happened, Malú rushed out, moving the lid and pushing herself with air bending to get out, Gyatso was a little slower and cautiously left, waiting for anything, however, when he left he saw that they were in an open field.
The help had been genuine, he took his bag of supplies and pushed himself to jump and get out of the jar with his air bending and landing softly, more than Malú showed, Yen was amazed when she saw him.
-So they are two airbenders, well that is a big surprise.
Gyatso blinked and then said- We appreciate your help back there. It was going to be difficult for us to achieve it, but thanks to you, we avoided any conflict.
Malú nodded with a smile.
Yen shook his head- You don't have to thank me; it's good to help the airbenders to escape safely, the more of you manage to be safe, the better for everyone...
Gyatso raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but it was Malú who asked.
-More?, have you seen more airbenders?
Yen shook his head- Not from me, but I know that several camps near the mountains there -he pointed in the direction where it seemed that Lola was not far away- no one from the town would go there, that place is full of spirits; honestly I don't believe it, I've been there before, and I've seen people there who constantly seem to be doing air bending.
-Seriously...
-It sounds interesting, but we should go now, thank you very much... - said Gyatso without the opportunity to continue the conversation and took out Malú, who was confused - we should go quickly, our friend must surely be waiting for us, she doesn't like us to leave her alone for a long time.
The comment seemed to convince Malú, who immediately nodded and hurried back, without looking back and rushing out of there, leaving Yen with a smile as she said goodbye to them.
The argument of returning with Lola was to stop Malú's optimism; there was something strange with that, and it would be better to let her know.
-When we finish loading the supplies, we will leave... we will go directly to get away from here.
-Wait, what? -Malú stopped- but, if what Yen said is true... then we could find more of our people, we have to go...
Gyatso shook his head- I wouldn't trust that we better take the route we already had...
-Monk Gyatso, it's about our people!... yes, if they can be there, then we must...
-No... I have to find Aang; I can't abandon my mission - said Gyatso to make Malú understand his point of view- besides, I don't trust what that lady said, it could be a trap.
-Yen helped us get out; she's clearly a good person, and if there could be airbenders, then they could be hurt or scared, we can't leave them alone!
-You don't understand, this is something I have to do, I'm supposed to find him, if not, we can have a future, our nation, all those who died...
Malú looked at him with pity when she saw that Gyatso was succumbing to despair. She clearly couldn't understand him, and she knew she had to let him know, to say something that he possibly hadn't realized, but that was necessary for him to hear- Do you think that? How can you say something like that? Monk Gyatso, please think about it... you and I, two surviving members of a decimated nation who didn't know where the other was in this immense world, coincidentally managed to meet and get to know each other? This is a miracle! Don't you think this could be destiny?
Gyatso, upon hearing her mention that, raised his head and looked at Malú, he didn't know how to respond because it was true, what possibility could there be that the two of them had gotten to know each other? As if this reckless girl could still be alive with demonstrations like the ones she made.
It was a part that he understood and even less so when he related everything to one thing.
-Destiny?
Malu nodded at that with a smile on her face to say the following- That's right if fate led me to survive until now, then was it fate that brought you to where I was hiding and made me come out?
Gyatso, at this new perspective, didn't know what to say, he was somewhere between confusion and disbelief- Do you think this is fate?
Flashback...
Southern Air Temple.
In the meeting room of the Council of Elders, Gyatso was not alone, next to him, the monk Tashi was at his side in this small meeting, and in front of the two was Monk Pasang, leader of the Council of Elders of the Southern Air Temple, who was in his seat, listening to the arguments that his two companions had come to discuss with him.
A matter that concerned the Avatar that Gyatso was in charge of.
-Aang needs to be free and have fun, he needs to grow up like a normal child.
Tashi snorted in amusement at his argument- You can't keep protecting him from his destiny.
Gyatso frowned at Tashi's insistence, regularly in his insistence that Aang put everything aside and be deprived of his childhood, the two had clashed in their points of view.
Although, of course, they hadn't reached this point before, he hoped to gain an understanding of his intentions from the monk Pasang and get him to keep Tashi at bay.
-Gyatso -the voice of the monk Pasang brought Gyatso out of his thoughts- your intentions are good, but you are letting your feelings for the child cloud your judgment.
The comment of the monk Pasang was certainly not what Gyatso expected; he was disappointed to find himself cornered that he couldn't protect Aang from this. Yes, it may be like that, but it's about more than that.
"I just want what's best for him," Gyatso said sincerely, making it clear that that's the only thing he wanted for Aang.
The monk Pasang nodded at his comment but still gave his verdict- But what matters more is what is best for the world... you and Aang must be separated, the Avatar must be sent to the Eastern Air Temple to be trained... - Gyatso was surprised by the verdict by what Pasang had ordered, helpless Gyatso could only lower his head with regret as he accepted the verdict with regret, Tashi nodded in agreement satisfied and went to leave with what was established while Pasang noticing Gyatso's sadness decided to say something else- the role of the Avatar is a great responsibility, which is not for a child and it is not up to us to decide who carries that burden, the only thing we can do is prepare him and prepare for the future...
End Flashback...
Malú, who was not aware that Gyatso was remembering an old conversation, did not stop saying what she thought,t and her tone changed from one of joy to one of joy. - But then you insisted on looking for someone who hasn't been seen since this whole war started, he's likely even dead, but you refuse to believe that, and therefore, you're ignoring everything and everyone on a mission that you won't be able to complete, you simply turned your back on the world and everyone!
Gyatso shook his head as he carried the bag on his shoulder- This is important; it's something I have to do, and I'm not going to leave it behind for something that isn't true.
Gyatso's answer was blunt, leaving Malú dismayed, seeing that the Airbender didn't even want to investigate and that he didn't want to help his people, walking away, she saw how he simply continued on his way, making his decision.
She frowned, nodding to herself, if he didn't want to go where his people were hiding, then she would go and make sure to help them.
...
The next day...
She got up carefully, with the aim of not waking either Monk Gyatso or Lola, then she quickly took her glider and took to the skies straight to the mountains, where survivors like her were hiding.
Although she felt bad for leaving Monk Gyatso and Lola behind, clearly he was only focused on finding this Aang, whoever he was, he was so determined to find him that he dismissed the prospect of him being with the others in the mountains.
Well, she would let him see it, she would go, ask for someone named Aang, and if she found him, then she would return to tell Monk Gyatso.
As she flew through the mountain territory she managed to distinguish something, she was intrigued and decided to descend to see what it was, then when she saw it, she was surprised- It's a stupa! She was right, they are here!
He looked ahead and saw a kind of clearing where a little light could be seen,
With joy, Malú ran in that direction- It must be there - using her airbending, she hurried to get to where the light was, not noticing that someone was following her- There are things from air nomads all over the place, they must have brought them with them... Hello?!... Hey, excuse me, are you...?
But then she felt a tug on her sleeve that made her stop, Malú then turned to see who had grabbed her to find Gyatso looking at her a little angry- Girl, what are you doing? I told you not to go away, it's not safe that...
-About them!
The voice that was heard kept Gyatso and Malú alert, who turned to warn the air nomad of the possible danger but saw that the air nomad uncovered his face to reveal that he was not an air nomad, it was the Earth Kingdom woman who had helped and who now looked at her with malice, implying that he had tricked her to lure her into a trap.
The ropes and nets began to be launched at them, and Gyatso created a rotating gust of air to block them, at the same time, soldiers of the Fire Nation appeared from parts of the sanctuary and began to launch fire attacks, Malú pushed herself with her air bending to avoid them, while Gyatso dodged some with mastery while launching air gusts in the direction of several soldiers to knock them down.
One of the soldiers who looked different charged a burst of fire against Gyatso, to which he created a dome of air to stop his attack, instantly propelling himself upwards with air bending and concentrating a powerful burst that hit the soldier, sending him far away.
Malú, for her part, propelled herself with her bending to confuse the soldiers she came across, appearing near them but instantly moving in another direction, confusing them and using air bursts to throw them away.
The fight was going in favor of Gyatso and Malú when a great gale arose from one side and pushed Gyatso and Malú, taking them to a corner, stunned, which gave the soldiers who were still standing time to throw nets and catch them.
Gyatso, recovering from the attack, was surprised by the attack that had knocked them down.
-An air attack? That's impossible unless...
-Make sure they're well secured, especially the old man, he's the biggest threat.
The voice sounded very familiar to Gyatso, one that belonged to a person he knew years ago; he looked up to where he heard it, and that's when he saw him, along with a couple of Fire Nation soldiers, along with what seemed to be a commander of the Fire Nation Army, that's when he saw an air nomad entering the trap site and giving orders without being threatened by the firebenders.
-It can't be... Afiko
The aforementioned heard his name and turned to see who had said it, where the two captured airbenders were, and opened his eyes in surprise at who the trapped person was- Monk Gyatso, who would say that our paths would cross again? -She smiled haughtily when she could recognize the Great Airbender they had captured- although,h of course, she expected you to have someone else with you.
-Hey, I already did my job, they said they would pay me if I brought air benders here. -The lady, Yen, hurried to stand next to Afiko and began to demand the payment that had been promised to her.
Faced with the demands of the lady, Afiko only rolled her eyes in annoyance at the interruption- You complied with what was agreed, and you will be rewarded, the soldiers will give you what was promised... what's wrong, Gyatso? Surprised to see me alive?
Gyatso only frowned to say- I just don't understand... the Fire Nation is supposed to have destroyed our nation and is chasing the survivors that remain... what are you doing with them?
-What do you think Gyatso looks like? I'm working for the Fire Lord, helping him hunt down survivors with this technique I used on you and the girl. Survivors become difficult to catch, but with my knowledge, I've managed to capture them and exploit their weaknesses... after all, how do you think the Fire Nation knew how to attack the Temples in the first place?
Gyatso and Malu were stunned and shocked by Afiko's revelation, especially Gyatso, who had a perception of who Afiko was and the place he held. He was a respected master and monk at the Southern Air Temple, and he may have been a bit controversial, but still.
-You... you caused... it was all because... - Gyatso tried to find a way to say it while digesting Afiko's betrayal.
Although Malu took less time than him because she didn't take long to say what she thought.
-You're a damn traitor! -Malú shouted angrily in the direction of Afiko- you killed my parents and my friends! All of them!
-Enough of this, we have what we were looking for - the voice of the commander who was with Afiko caught Malú's attention, and she opened her eyes in alarm when she recognized the commander who had located her in the village where he found her, the one who now looked at her with a wicked smile- finally, after all these years, the Avatar is in our power...
That certainly unsettled Malú, she the Avatar?, but that couldn't be, on the other hand, she felt the monk Gyatso stand up at the moment the commander mentioned the Avatar, while Afiko only smiled haughtily and then responded.
-You have misunderstood, commander, that girl is not the Avatar.
The commander, as well as the Fire Nation soldiers nearby, looked at the traitor monk in disbelief at what he said.
-What?! How can you... -the commander couldn't believe it, how could Afiko be so sure, but then, seeing his posture in his confidence, and the confidence he showed that he understood- you, you knew that she wasn't the Avatar from the beginning! All this time, you kept us blind!
-Of course, I knew, in the time I spent at the Southern Air Temple, I applied to be the Avatar's Airbending Master, and I was close to getting it if it weren't for him - he raised his hand and pointed at Gyatso who looked at him with a frown, one that Afiko soon returned as he walked forward with an angry expression on his face - him and the foolish council of Elders that denied me the right, do you remember that Gyatso?
Gyatso, for his part, did remember it, he remembered that day very well, the day that Afiko requested before the council to be Aang's tutor, they permitted him, given his great reputation in the Temple being considered one of the best masters that the Southern Air Temple had to offer, but before he could begin training Aang, the elders requested a test of what Afiko would teach Aang.
Gyatso would not forget that day for what he witnessed from Afiko.
-And we did so with good reason, what you wanted to teach were violent and sinister techniques that went against everything that our culture meant and represented Afiko, after what the elders and I witnessed that day... all those bison and lemurs you killed...
Gyatso couldn't finish thinking about a perspective that came to him, of how after Afiko's permission was withdrawn, they then gave it to him as Aang's tutor and guardian in every sense, he doesn't want to imagine what would have happened to Aang if he had had Afiko as his teacher and to what extent it could have changed him from the child he raised.
-Yes, yes, we already understood his story; it was very sad and all that, but I'm not interested in hearing any of that -in that,t the commander's gaze went from Gyatso and Malú to Afiko- if that girl is not the Avatar then these two are of no use to us.
-And now what? So now you will kill us? -Gyatso asks questioningly about what they plan for him and Malú.
While Malú is worried about the possible answer, she quickly holds the bison whistle that Gyatso had given her and squeezes it tightly.
The commander, faced with these questions, simply stares at Gyatso with a mocking smile at his question.
However, faced with these questions, Afiko only shakes his head while smiling maliciously and decides to speak before the commander does- Of course not, believe it or not, you are vital enough, Gyatso -with confident steps, Afiko walks until he gets as close to where Gyatso was trapped and crouches down so that both of their eyes meet- at least for the moment, after all, you were the child's guardian, what was his name? Ah, of course, Aang, the Avatar, if anyone should know where he is, it should be you.
Gyatso stared at him without changing his expression, but inside, he had many emotions pent up: fear because Afiko had revealed that crucial information, relief at the perception that the Fire Nation had not yet reached Aang, but also dread at having an idea of what Afiko could plan.
It was clear to him that he did not know where Aang was; clearly, he must remain hidden, and that was a great relief, but the bad thing was that he did not know where he could find him.
-Wait, so this old man knows where the Avatar might be?, very well, old man, now you will tell us where the Avatar is, or if you don't, we will kill this girl.
Malú, alarmed, took the whistle and blew it hard, hoping that Lola would appear, she blew it several times as the commander approached, Gyatso noticed the girl's concern and instantly stood up "You want me as a hostage, you threaten Malú, a simple girl to achieve your goals... there is no doubt that war brings out the worst in people, no matter what nation they are from."
She said it calmly as she faced Afiko, however, behind him, she noticed something and decided to prolong the conversation.
Afiko just snorted- The old ways are over, Gyatso, this is survival, if you don't understand it, then you won't survive in this world.
Gyatso just smiled enigmatically- Oh, but I understand, I understand very well, as much as I want to defend my position as an air nomad, I know there are moments to be conciliatory and when to go on the offensive... I learned that from an old friend of mine, Avatar Roku.
Malú and some Fire Nation soldiers were shocked that the old Airbender mentioned the Fire Avatar, but Afiko just narrowed her eyes. "Well, he's not here, and you have no choice but to cooperate with us."
"That's where you're wrong."
A powerful gust of air came from behind, pushing Afiko and the rest to various parts of the sanctuary, but Gyatso protected himself and Malú by creating a dome of air, quickly freeing himself and then Malú, the latter looked ahead and was surprised to see Lola who growled loudly making her presence known.
-Get on his back and stay at a safe distance... I'll take care of it from here - Gyatso said, urging Malú to escape, who wanted to refuse, but when she saw Gyatso, she realized that it was not up for discussion, she nodded as she turned to Lola.
The soldiers, as well as Afiko, recovered from the attack and got up in surprise, but when they did, they noticed that Gyatso was standing in front of them while Malú escaped with a flying bison.
-Something else... when they attacked the Southern Air Temple, soldiers from the Fire Nation intercepted me... but to escape, I had to show a side of myself that I didn't want to show again... but now...
Before I could do anything, a great gale pushed everyone while air currents surrounded Gyats,o who made movements with his hands, starting to levitate and generating a whirlwind of air that was becoming more violent.
And then all hell broke loose...
...
-We can't leave it behind, Lola, we have to go back! -Malu said to the Bison, hoping to convince her.
The bison gave a grunt of agreement and turned around to go back for her companion, however, when they turned around, where the Sanctuary was, a great explosion of air-filled it, expelling a large amount of dirt and wind to the surroundings, Lola dodged it by rising, while Malú observed in amazement the level of technique that must have been required to do something like that.
Soon, she saw something emerge and head towards where she and Lola were, she opened her eyes and smiled with joy when she saw that it was the monk Gyatso rising in a glider to where they were and gracefully landing on Lola's mount.
-Lola, get us out of here, it's time to go -Gyatso said calmly while the Bison did that.
Malú, for her part, went to hug the older man. "I was worried, but seeing him and what he did... it was incredible…"
Gyatso shook his head. "It wasn't one of my best moments, but it was something that had to be done…" He then looked in the direction where they had escaped with luck, luck that Lola had appeared.
But maybe others weren't so lucky.
He was preparing a trap for airbenders, who clearly must have been attracted. Who knows how many survivors were already captured while he was still there, doing nothing? Guilt filled Gyatso as he thought about that prospect. He looked at Malú and then looked at the sky.
-I guess he was right, I can't spend the rest of my life chasing Aang to find him and ignore what's going on in the world, especially when survivors of our nation are still out there, wounded and afraid...
Gyatso lowers his head in shame, recognizing for the first time that his mission may be a lost cause, even though his desire to find Aang fills him with determination, maybe it's time to consider that Aang is no longer in this world.
But then he remembers what happened before, how even if he's alive or not, the Fire Nation will continue to search for an Avatar, no matter who it is and where they find him.
Maybe he won't meet Aang again in this life, and he'll have to wait to see his young pupil again in the next, he knows that one day he will see him again, but in the meantime, he's still here, and he knows that he has to do something to protect his people.
He turned his attention to Malú, who was still in her speech about why he was being delusional for continuing on his mission when he approached her.
-If this is what our life is supposed to be like now, then I don't see the point of remaining neutral.
-You're right.
-Of course, I'm right... wait, am I right?
-You're right... we can't continue as we are, if we can ever have the chance of a future,e then we can't continue like this before the Fire Nation attacked the Air Temples, we elders knew that the danger was imminent, a war was near, but we never foresaw that it was one of our own who gave them the way to destroy our nation, Afiko betrayed us because he didn't agree with our way of seeing things, but as much as it was our way of being, in times of war it won't be of much help to us, the old ways are over, we can only adapt and survive...
-So that means...
Gyatso nodded- If we are going to look for other survivors, then we have to do it right; they are out there, but if we want to find them, then we have to start seeing things in new ways...
Malú nodded as a smile graced her face, at the same ti, the Sun began to rise, starting the day.
Meanwhile, from the sky, Xiànshí watched as Gyatso and Malú, along with Lola, flew towards the horizon.
...
Many journeys in search of redemption begin in the dark, but with a little courage and a little faith, above all, with someone to accompany you on the way, you can find the path to the light...
It may take years, decades, or even more than a hundred years, but the fate of the air nomads will continue to be debated as they make more essential decisions for their future to restore their nation...
But that is another story...
...
Hello to all readers, how are you? Here is the second part of the first chapter of the second book, I tried to publish it in the best possible time so that it would connect well with the time lapses in which each chapter would be published, but here is the final result.
Well for those who don't know I'll leave you this information, Malú and Afiko belong to an Avatar card game, the characters as well as their information can be found in the Avatar wiki so you can look them up.
Now, let's go back to the chapter, Gyatso and Malú's adventure was certainly full of events and now more in the perspective of how they will get into this emerging war, but as Xiànshí said that's another story, but don't worry we're just starting, it's time to go to another universe.
And I'll give you a preview, we've already talked a lot from the perspective of Avatar Aang's era, what do you think if we go explore the times of another Avatar, the next universe is almost ready for you to know who we're going to talk about now.
So that's all for now, see you in the next chapter.
And don't forget, in a multiverse of possibilities everything is possible.
Thanks.