Tattoos glowing, Aang passed through the familiar forms of Earthbending that Toph had hammered into him. It had been just a few short months since he had defeated Ozai, and it was the first time the Three Nations had let him go.
While things appeared to be stable to the populace, the post war world was rife with dissent and instability. Factions within each nation squabbled and fought over how to best restore order and balance, and in far too many cases, how to extract revenge upon the Fire Nation.
The Water Tribe was by far the calmest, but even they argued constantly. The Northern Tribe, having remained untouched for most of the war, had no real grudge against the Fire Nation, save Arnook's grief at the death of his daughter. The Southern Tribe had a vastly different view, having been victimized for decades, and their waterbenders imprisoned within the depth of the Fire Nation. The deaths of their friends of family still hung heavily on them, and many of them cried for blood as penance.
The Earth Kingdoms were as fragmented as ever, as hundreds of nobles from across their vast country convened and argued without end. Each noble sought to better his position as much as possible, regardless of the expense to others, be they former enemies or fellow countrymen. The Earth King of Ba Sing Se, despite his journeys across his home, remained detached, secure in his bubble domain behind the unbeatable walls. King Bumi's madness only intensified arguments, as his policies reeked of insanity, despite their effectiveness. Some of the Earth Generals, freed form the omnipresent threat of the Fire Nation, separated from the military in a bid to form their own states, and possess the coveted title of King.
While not as fragmented as the Earth Kingdom, the situation within the Fire Nation was the worst by far. Many of the citizens, after a century of glorious battle and victory, wee unhappy with the end of their expansion. While none were foolish enough to challenge the Avatar, especially with Sozin's comet a century away, they nonetheless were against the idea of peace with the supposedly weaker nations, and would gladly overthrow their new Fire Lord, who had usurped the thrown from the chosen heir, Azula. Many of the military leaders were already searching for the location of their favored lord and his chosen heir, and it was only a matter of time before they were found. Whether they would use them as a rallying point to start a revolution, or as evidence for the passing of the Mandate to spark a civil war remained unknown, but the Fire Nation was doomed to fall into anarchy until Zuko or some other leader could forcibly take control.
Even ignoring the conflicts of man, the Spirit World and the Balance had been severely tested over the century of war, and Aang needed to attend to them as well. While nothing had been resolved, the endless debates and arguments had fallen into a lull, giving him the opportunity to focus on the Spirit World. If he was lucky, he would be able to fix both World with the information within Wan Shi Tong's library.
Even with the Avatar State, lifting a complex of this size was formidable, and it took all of his effort to raise it from the depths of the desert. Knowing that Wan Shi Tong would most likely sink it again, Aang inhaled deeply, and forcefully expelled a blast of flame, sweeping it below the revived library, converting the sand beneath it into a massive sheet of glass. Aang paused for a moment, both to catch his breath and let the glass cool, before unfolding his glider and soaring across the sea of glass towards the library.
--- --- --- --- ---
ôAvatar.ö Wan Shi Tong;s booming voice filled the entrance hall. Though he had only said a single word, he managed to convey everything he wanted to say to Aang with no difficulty.
ôWan Shi Tong, it is good to see you again.ö Aang bowed.
ôYou are not permitted to enter. You ignored my rules when you last came here, and I will not give you the opportunity to break them again.ö
ôI come here because it is a matter of grave importance, and I will not allow your desires to stop me from doing my duty.ö
Wan Shi Tong glared at the Avatar, before continuing, ôI see you have fully realized your potential. While it would be foolish to face you, I will not allow you to use my knowledge for war.ö
ôYou don't have to worry about that. The war has ended, and now I only seek to restore the balance.ö
ôAm I to trust the word of a known liar?ö
ôI lied to you out of necessity, but now I have no need to lie. The Worlds are out of balance, and unless we do something to restore it, the damage of the past one hundred years will destroy them both. If you wish for your library to remain intact, you will let me pass.ö
Wan Shi Tong sighed unhappily, ôVery well Avatar. Even from beneath the desert, I can feel the imbalance of this world, and to prevent you from fixing it would be foolish.ö
ôThank you, Wan Shi Tong.ö
ôHowever,ö the spirit interrupted, ôshould I discover that you have abused this knowledge a second time, I will hunt you down and make you an example for all others who would dare corrupt knowledge for their dark ambitions.ö
Aang didn't respond verbally, merely bowing respectfully before proceeding into the depths of the library.
---- ---- ----
Aang didn't know how long he spent within the library, searching through the thousands upon thousands of books, gathering those few he felt could be useful into a small study, before venturing out to find more. Before long, the room was nearly filled with his collected tomes and scrolls, and Aang settled down to read them in earnest.
As much as it pained him, Aang took no shortcuts. He read each and every word with care, making sure he missed nothing. He often scribbled short notes or references on a blank scroll, and frequently cross referenced material in order to make sure his information was complete and accurate.
It was nearly two months before Aang found what he had been looking for and more, and it was with a grudging respect that Wan Shi Tong bid him farewell. Now that he was armed with the knowledge he needed, Aang knew what he had to do, the only real way to restore balance.
--- --- --- ---
In his absence, as expected, things had declined. What was unexpected however, was that they had also gotten better. Without the Avatar to act as a buffer, many factions had had the opportunity to lay into one another in earnest, which had proven extremely cathartic. The additional chaos had provoked both Earth Kings into action, and the Earth Kingdom had solidified into a unified, albeit unruly, whole.
The Water Tribes had managed to settle down into a state of calm, and had negotiated for the release of the captive waterbenders. While many of them were still fanatically opposed to the Fire Nation, many others were relieved to simply be reunited with family long thought lost.
The Fire Nation was radically different, as Zuko had enlisted Iroh's help in reuniting the sentiments of the people. While several generals and admirals had indeed been plotting to overthrow him, Iroh's information network was extensive enough to root them out and crush them before they had a chance to make their move. While many citizens of the Fire Nation were still against Zuko, there was little likelihood of a legitimate threat occurring for quite some time.
Once Aang learned of all that had happened, he began to reconsider. The world was slowly returning to equilibrium, the Three Nations were moving closer to peace and order, however minutely, and with the right guidance, could very well recover in time.
However, no matter how much they worked, they would never restore the Air Nomads to their former glory, and the dragons and sky bison were all but extinct. Regardless of his hopes, he knew that there was only one viable course and he had to steel himself to take it, no matter what it cost him.
---- ---- ----
Goodbye to the Gaang Here
ôAang! Where have you been?!ö Katara shouted as soon as he came into sight.
ôYeah, things have been crazy since you disappeared.ö Sokka commented.
ôSorry, I had to take care of some things.ö
ôWhat kind of things?! The world nearly fell apart while you were gone!ö
ôI'm sorry, but it was important, and things seemed to work out on their own this time.ö
ôWhat could be so important that you disappear again?!ö
ôI dug up Wan Shi Ting's library. I had to do some research on the Spirit World.ö
ôYou dug it up?! How did you manage that!?!ö Sokka exlaimed, clearly shocked.
ôDuh, he's the Avatar.ö Toph spoke up, mocking the swordsman. ôlifting up something like that would be easy for him.ö
ôYeah, it's not like you could do it.ö Sokka replied.
ôWHAT WAS THAT!?!ö Toph screamed at him.
ôWhat, is the greatest earth bender afraid of losing her title?ö
ôYou should think before you speak Snoozles.ö Toph retorted, as she bent the earth out from under him, sending the water tribe warrior crashing to the ground.
ôOw.ö
ôGuys, settle down. Let Aang say what he found.ö Katara reprimanded.
ôFine, fine.ö
ôWell, like I said, I was doing research, on similar events to see how we could resolve the conflicts. I also looked into the Spirits to see if there was anything I could do to help their world.ö
ôAnd? Did you find anything?ö
ôActually... yeah.ö Aang sighed, ôI found a way to fix everything.ö
ôThat's great Aang!ö Katra exclaimed.
ôIf it's so great, then why do you sound so down?ö Sokka asked, having picked up on Aang's melancholy mindset.
ôThe cost to fix it... is pretty high, and I wasn't sure if I could go through with it, especially since things seem to be settling down.ö
ôHow high?ö Sokka asked suspiciously.
ôDon't worry, it's not like it'll kill me or something. It's just... this will take a long time to do. I might not see you guys for awhile.ö
ôOh.ö Katatar uttered.
ôWell, I guess that's not too bad. We'll see each other again, right?ö
ôYeah, you're right.ö Aang responded, forcing a smile on his face.
ôWell, if you're going away, why not have a party?ö
ôYeah! A party!ö
ôThat sounds great guys.ö Aang smiled, allowing him to be drawn into the planning of a makeshift going away party.
He was going to miss them.
---- ---- ----
Assuming a meditative pose, Aang marveled at how easy it had become to cross between worlds. While before it had taken a spiritually connected place or outside effort, now he could pass between the two with just a few short minutes of intense concentration and meditation.
As Aang entered into the Spirit World, he was once again amazed at the difference between the two worlds. He took a long moment to simply embrace the wonder this world evoked.
ôHello Aang.ö
ôAvatar Roku, it's good to see you again.ö Aang greeted his past life, bowing.
ôI know what brings you top the Spirit World. Are you sure about this course? The balance will be stored, in time.ö
Aang nodded, ôI know that. Eventually, the balance will be restored, but that won't return the lives lost during the war, it won't heal the wounds that it inflicted, and it certainly won't revive the Air Nomads.ö
ôAang, this isn't necessary to revive the Air Nomads. There is still one remaining, and there are others who have already begun to learn the art of airbending.ö
ôThat's not enough. There are centuries of Air Nomad culture and lore that have been lost. I barely learned a fraction of it before I was frozen, and most of it was destroyed by the Fire Nation. Besides, reviving the Air Nomads the way you say...ö Aang trailed off, blushing, ôI know what that involves, and I couldn't do that to Katara, I'd lose her forever!ö
ôYou'll lose her if you go through with this.ö Roku countered.
Aang sighed, ôI know that, but if I'm going to lose her no matter what I do, I want her to be happy. Her mother would never have died if I had prevented the war.ö
ôSo it seems you've thought this through. I'm very proud of you Aang. You've grown so much since we first spoke.ö Roku responded, nodding in acquiescence. ôVery well, I shall take you to see the Spirit who commands time.ö
ôThank you, Roku.ö Aang replied, though he couldn't keep a trace of regret out of his reply.
--- --- ---
The spirit of time was found in a seemingly endless desert, filled with shifting sands and ever changing dunes. Unlike the deserts he had experienced, the sand here was some sort of crystal, creating a myriad of mirages whenever a gust of wind passed by. They were gone as quickly as they formed, but Aang could swear he saw people and places he knew.
Pushing those thought aside, Aang continued deeper into the endless sands. Hours seemed to pass, before he found his way into the Spirit's Lair.
The cavern was filled with hourglasses, the sand within them flowing down, up, sideways, going in all directions with no apparent rhyme or reason behind it.
AVATAR
Aang bowed in respect, ôI have come to ask for your help.ö
I KNOW. The spirit responded, it towered over Aang, its true form hidden behind a shiftless cloak, only shadows of it were visible. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ASK?
ôYes. The balance has been disrupted, perhaps damaged beyond repair. I seek to return to a time before all of this occurred, and prevent it from happening.ö
YOU UNDERSTAND THE REPERCUSSIONS?
ôI understand them as well as I can.ö
VERY WELL.
There was no flash of light, no screaming sound. Reality simply vanished as it was unwrought.
---- ---- ----
The sound of Appa's bellowing was the first thing Aang noticed. Shaking himself, Aang felt recognition flood his mind as he took in his surroundings, the Southern Air Temple in pristine condition. For a moment, Aang couldn't bring himself to believe that it had actually worked, and spoke to his lifelong companion.
ôWhat do you think Appa, did it work, or is this just a strange dream?ö
Appa merely growled in response, leaving Aang to interpret what he meant.
ôI'm sure that it worked. This is a second chance for me to do what's right, and save the world from its fate. I just hope I'm up to the task...ö
Aang continued to reflect on what was to come for some time, before a shout disturbed him from his thoughts.
ôAang!!!ö
Aang jerked in surprise, having almost forgotten what his guardian and mentor sounded like. His shocked state only grew as he looked up, seeing Gyatso out of breath for the first time. For one of the Airbending masters, who had mastered movement of all forms, to be out of breath meant that he had pushed himself to his limits, moving as fast as he could to catch Aang before he disappeared.
ôGyatso...ö Aang murmured, unable to completely accept that he was standing before him.
Gyatso responded by kneeling, and grabbing Aang in a tight hug. ôAang, I will never let them take you away from me.ö he spoke, reassuring the young Avatar that
As Gyatso embraced Aang, Aang allowed himself to feel the full weight of his decision come crashing down, safe in the knowledge that it would be passed off as relief of staying with his guardian. For the first time in what felt like forever, and would most likely be among the last, Aang allowed himself to be a child, and cried.
--- --- ---
---- ---- ----
----- ----- -----
---- ---- ----
--- --- ---
Wow, this is about three times longer than any other first chapter I've written, most clock in a little under 1000 words, with this standing at a bit over 2700. I think I've grown.
The start of an idea where Aang goes back in time to prevent the war. The following chapters will be set 100 years later as Aang meets his friends for the first time... again.
I'm thinking about adding in a chapter where Aang deals with the world 100 years ago, but I;m not sure if it's necessary or if it would be pointless.
Let me know if any of the scenes could use some work. I feel I kinda forced a few bits, and if it shows, I'd like to go back and fix them.
Any idea on what to name the Time Spirit would also be great. I suck at naming things. -_- I guess the same goes for the title.
While things appeared to be stable to the populace, the post war world was rife with dissent and instability. Factions within each nation squabbled and fought over how to best restore order and balance, and in far too many cases, how to extract revenge upon the Fire Nation.
The Water Tribe was by far the calmest, but even they argued constantly. The Northern Tribe, having remained untouched for most of the war, had no real grudge against the Fire Nation, save Arnook's grief at the death of his daughter. The Southern Tribe had a vastly different view, having been victimized for decades, and their waterbenders imprisoned within the depth of the Fire Nation. The deaths of their friends of family still hung heavily on them, and many of them cried for blood as penance.
The Earth Kingdoms were as fragmented as ever, as hundreds of nobles from across their vast country convened and argued without end. Each noble sought to better his position as much as possible, regardless of the expense to others, be they former enemies or fellow countrymen. The Earth King of Ba Sing Se, despite his journeys across his home, remained detached, secure in his bubble domain behind the unbeatable walls. King Bumi's madness only intensified arguments, as his policies reeked of insanity, despite their effectiveness. Some of the Earth Generals, freed form the omnipresent threat of the Fire Nation, separated from the military in a bid to form their own states, and possess the coveted title of King.
While not as fragmented as the Earth Kingdom, the situation within the Fire Nation was the worst by far. Many of the citizens, after a century of glorious battle and victory, wee unhappy with the end of their expansion. While none were foolish enough to challenge the Avatar, especially with Sozin's comet a century away, they nonetheless were against the idea of peace with the supposedly weaker nations, and would gladly overthrow their new Fire Lord, who had usurped the thrown from the chosen heir, Azula. Many of the military leaders were already searching for the location of their favored lord and his chosen heir, and it was only a matter of time before they were found. Whether they would use them as a rallying point to start a revolution, or as evidence for the passing of the Mandate to spark a civil war remained unknown, but the Fire Nation was doomed to fall into anarchy until Zuko or some other leader could forcibly take control.
Even ignoring the conflicts of man, the Spirit World and the Balance had been severely tested over the century of war, and Aang needed to attend to them as well. While nothing had been resolved, the endless debates and arguments had fallen into a lull, giving him the opportunity to focus on the Spirit World. If he was lucky, he would be able to fix both World with the information within Wan Shi Tong's library.
Even with the Avatar State, lifting a complex of this size was formidable, and it took all of his effort to raise it from the depths of the desert. Knowing that Wan Shi Tong would most likely sink it again, Aang inhaled deeply, and forcefully expelled a blast of flame, sweeping it below the revived library, converting the sand beneath it into a massive sheet of glass. Aang paused for a moment, both to catch his breath and let the glass cool, before unfolding his glider and soaring across the sea of glass towards the library.
--- --- --- --- ---
ôAvatar.ö Wan Shi Tong;s booming voice filled the entrance hall. Though he had only said a single word, he managed to convey everything he wanted to say to Aang with no difficulty.
ôWan Shi Tong, it is good to see you again.ö Aang bowed.
ôYou are not permitted to enter. You ignored my rules when you last came here, and I will not give you the opportunity to break them again.ö
ôI come here because it is a matter of grave importance, and I will not allow your desires to stop me from doing my duty.ö
Wan Shi Tong glared at the Avatar, before continuing, ôI see you have fully realized your potential. While it would be foolish to face you, I will not allow you to use my knowledge for war.ö
ôYou don't have to worry about that. The war has ended, and now I only seek to restore the balance.ö
ôAm I to trust the word of a known liar?ö
ôI lied to you out of necessity, but now I have no need to lie. The Worlds are out of balance, and unless we do something to restore it, the damage of the past one hundred years will destroy them both. If you wish for your library to remain intact, you will let me pass.ö
Wan Shi Tong sighed unhappily, ôVery well Avatar. Even from beneath the desert, I can feel the imbalance of this world, and to prevent you from fixing it would be foolish.ö
ôThank you, Wan Shi Tong.ö
ôHowever,ö the spirit interrupted, ôshould I discover that you have abused this knowledge a second time, I will hunt you down and make you an example for all others who would dare corrupt knowledge for their dark ambitions.ö
Aang didn't respond verbally, merely bowing respectfully before proceeding into the depths of the library.
---- ---- ----
Aang didn't know how long he spent within the library, searching through the thousands upon thousands of books, gathering those few he felt could be useful into a small study, before venturing out to find more. Before long, the room was nearly filled with his collected tomes and scrolls, and Aang settled down to read them in earnest.
As much as it pained him, Aang took no shortcuts. He read each and every word with care, making sure he missed nothing. He often scribbled short notes or references on a blank scroll, and frequently cross referenced material in order to make sure his information was complete and accurate.
It was nearly two months before Aang found what he had been looking for and more, and it was with a grudging respect that Wan Shi Tong bid him farewell. Now that he was armed with the knowledge he needed, Aang knew what he had to do, the only real way to restore balance.
--- --- --- ---
In his absence, as expected, things had declined. What was unexpected however, was that they had also gotten better. Without the Avatar to act as a buffer, many factions had had the opportunity to lay into one another in earnest, which had proven extremely cathartic. The additional chaos had provoked both Earth Kings into action, and the Earth Kingdom had solidified into a unified, albeit unruly, whole.
The Water Tribes had managed to settle down into a state of calm, and had negotiated for the release of the captive waterbenders. While many of them were still fanatically opposed to the Fire Nation, many others were relieved to simply be reunited with family long thought lost.
The Fire Nation was radically different, as Zuko had enlisted Iroh's help in reuniting the sentiments of the people. While several generals and admirals had indeed been plotting to overthrow him, Iroh's information network was extensive enough to root them out and crush them before they had a chance to make their move. While many citizens of the Fire Nation were still against Zuko, there was little likelihood of a legitimate threat occurring for quite some time.
Once Aang learned of all that had happened, he began to reconsider. The world was slowly returning to equilibrium, the Three Nations were moving closer to peace and order, however minutely, and with the right guidance, could very well recover in time.
However, no matter how much they worked, they would never restore the Air Nomads to their former glory, and the dragons and sky bison were all but extinct. Regardless of his hopes, he knew that there was only one viable course and he had to steel himself to take it, no matter what it cost him.
---- ---- ----
Goodbye to the Gaang Here
ôAang! Where have you been?!ö Katara shouted as soon as he came into sight.
ôYeah, things have been crazy since you disappeared.ö Sokka commented.
ôSorry, I had to take care of some things.ö
ôWhat kind of things?! The world nearly fell apart while you were gone!ö
ôI'm sorry, but it was important, and things seemed to work out on their own this time.ö
ôWhat could be so important that you disappear again?!ö
ôI dug up Wan Shi Ting's library. I had to do some research on the Spirit World.ö
ôYou dug it up?! How did you manage that!?!ö Sokka exlaimed, clearly shocked.
ôDuh, he's the Avatar.ö Toph spoke up, mocking the swordsman. ôlifting up something like that would be easy for him.ö
ôYeah, it's not like you could do it.ö Sokka replied.
ôWHAT WAS THAT!?!ö Toph screamed at him.
ôWhat, is the greatest earth bender afraid of losing her title?ö
ôYou should think before you speak Snoozles.ö Toph retorted, as she bent the earth out from under him, sending the water tribe warrior crashing to the ground.
ôOw.ö
ôGuys, settle down. Let Aang say what he found.ö Katara reprimanded.
ôFine, fine.ö
ôWell, like I said, I was doing research, on similar events to see how we could resolve the conflicts. I also looked into the Spirits to see if there was anything I could do to help their world.ö
ôAnd? Did you find anything?ö
ôActually... yeah.ö Aang sighed, ôI found a way to fix everything.ö
ôThat's great Aang!ö Katra exclaimed.
ôIf it's so great, then why do you sound so down?ö Sokka asked, having picked up on Aang's melancholy mindset.
ôThe cost to fix it... is pretty high, and I wasn't sure if I could go through with it, especially since things seem to be settling down.ö
ôHow high?ö Sokka asked suspiciously.
ôDon't worry, it's not like it'll kill me or something. It's just... this will take a long time to do. I might not see you guys for awhile.ö
ôOh.ö Katatar uttered.
ôWell, I guess that's not too bad. We'll see each other again, right?ö
ôYeah, you're right.ö Aang responded, forcing a smile on his face.
ôWell, if you're going away, why not have a party?ö
ôYeah! A party!ö
ôThat sounds great guys.ö Aang smiled, allowing him to be drawn into the planning of a makeshift going away party.
He was going to miss them.
---- ---- ----
Assuming a meditative pose, Aang marveled at how easy it had become to cross between worlds. While before it had taken a spiritually connected place or outside effort, now he could pass between the two with just a few short minutes of intense concentration and meditation.
As Aang entered into the Spirit World, he was once again amazed at the difference between the two worlds. He took a long moment to simply embrace the wonder this world evoked.
ôHello Aang.ö
ôAvatar Roku, it's good to see you again.ö Aang greeted his past life, bowing.
ôI know what brings you top the Spirit World. Are you sure about this course? The balance will be stored, in time.ö
Aang nodded, ôI know that. Eventually, the balance will be restored, but that won't return the lives lost during the war, it won't heal the wounds that it inflicted, and it certainly won't revive the Air Nomads.ö
ôAang, this isn't necessary to revive the Air Nomads. There is still one remaining, and there are others who have already begun to learn the art of airbending.ö
ôThat's not enough. There are centuries of Air Nomad culture and lore that have been lost. I barely learned a fraction of it before I was frozen, and most of it was destroyed by the Fire Nation. Besides, reviving the Air Nomads the way you say...ö Aang trailed off, blushing, ôI know what that involves, and I couldn't do that to Katara, I'd lose her forever!ö
ôYou'll lose her if you go through with this.ö Roku countered.
Aang sighed, ôI know that, but if I'm going to lose her no matter what I do, I want her to be happy. Her mother would never have died if I had prevented the war.ö
ôSo it seems you've thought this through. I'm very proud of you Aang. You've grown so much since we first spoke.ö Roku responded, nodding in acquiescence. ôVery well, I shall take you to see the Spirit who commands time.ö
ôThank you, Roku.ö Aang replied, though he couldn't keep a trace of regret out of his reply.
--- --- ---
The spirit of time was found in a seemingly endless desert, filled with shifting sands and ever changing dunes. Unlike the deserts he had experienced, the sand here was some sort of crystal, creating a myriad of mirages whenever a gust of wind passed by. They were gone as quickly as they formed, but Aang could swear he saw people and places he knew.
Pushing those thought aside, Aang continued deeper into the endless sands. Hours seemed to pass, before he found his way into the Spirit's Lair.
The cavern was filled with hourglasses, the sand within them flowing down, up, sideways, going in all directions with no apparent rhyme or reason behind it.
AVATAR
Aang bowed in respect, ôI have come to ask for your help.ö
I KNOW. The spirit responded, it towered over Aang, its true form hidden behind a shiftless cloak, only shadows of it were visible. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ASK?
ôYes. The balance has been disrupted, perhaps damaged beyond repair. I seek to return to a time before all of this occurred, and prevent it from happening.ö
YOU UNDERSTAND THE REPERCUSSIONS?
ôI understand them as well as I can.ö
VERY WELL.
There was no flash of light, no screaming sound. Reality simply vanished as it was unwrought.
---- ---- ----
The sound of Appa's bellowing was the first thing Aang noticed. Shaking himself, Aang felt recognition flood his mind as he took in his surroundings, the Southern Air Temple in pristine condition. For a moment, Aang couldn't bring himself to believe that it had actually worked, and spoke to his lifelong companion.
ôWhat do you think Appa, did it work, or is this just a strange dream?ö
Appa merely growled in response, leaving Aang to interpret what he meant.
ôI'm sure that it worked. This is a second chance for me to do what's right, and save the world from its fate. I just hope I'm up to the task...ö
Aang continued to reflect on what was to come for some time, before a shout disturbed him from his thoughts.
ôAang!!!ö
Aang jerked in surprise, having almost forgotten what his guardian and mentor sounded like. His shocked state only grew as he looked up, seeing Gyatso out of breath for the first time. For one of the Airbending masters, who had mastered movement of all forms, to be out of breath meant that he had pushed himself to his limits, moving as fast as he could to catch Aang before he disappeared.
ôGyatso...ö Aang murmured, unable to completely accept that he was standing before him.
Gyatso responded by kneeling, and grabbing Aang in a tight hug. ôAang, I will never let them take you away from me.ö he spoke, reassuring the young Avatar that
As Gyatso embraced Aang, Aang allowed himself to feel the full weight of his decision come crashing down, safe in the knowledge that it would be passed off as relief of staying with his guardian. For the first time in what felt like forever, and would most likely be among the last, Aang allowed himself to be a child, and cried.
--- --- ---
---- ---- ----
----- ----- -----
---- ---- ----
--- --- ---
Wow, this is about three times longer than any other first chapter I've written, most clock in a little under 1000 words, with this standing at a bit over 2700. I think I've grown.
The start of an idea where Aang goes back in time to prevent the war. The following chapters will be set 100 years later as Aang meets his friends for the first time... again.
I'm thinking about adding in a chapter where Aang deals with the world 100 years ago, but I;m not sure if it's necessary or if it would be pointless.
Let me know if any of the scenes could use some work. I feel I kinda forced a few bits, and if it shows, I'd like to go back and fix them.
Any idea on what to name the Time Spirit would also be great. I suck at naming things. -_- I guess the same goes for the title.
