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The Last Woodbender Chapter 32 (Avatar Meeting)
🕑 Added 2023-08-10 17:51:57 +0000 UTCAs Aang closed his eyes, he allowed himself to be enveloped by a serene tranquility, like a gentle breeze caressing his skin. With each deep breath, he felt the world's weight slipping away, the burdens melting off him like wax under a warm sun. The cacophony of noise faded into oblivion, leaving behind a profound stillness that wrapped around him like a comforting blanket. In this moment of pure serenity, Aang's senses became heightened, and his surroundings transformed into a realm of ethereal silence. And as he finally opened his eyes, a sight materialized before him, Roku, whose entire being emanated a radiant blue glow.
Avatar Roku's aged voice resounded with wisdom and warmth, breaking the room's silence. "It's good to see you, Aang. All of us are happy to see you made it to Ba Sing Se," he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of countless lifetimes. Channeling the wisdom of his predecessors, Roku's eyes twinkled with reassurance.
Aang's lips curved into a familiar smile, but beneath the surface, a flicker of unease danced in his eyes, unnoticed by all but the perceptive Avatar. He acknowledged Aang's facade with a gentle nod, recognizing the burden that weighed heavily upon the young airbender's heart. In that fleeting moment, as Aang's hand rose in a friendly wave, the air grew still, anticipation hanging in the air like a suspended breath.
Aang's voice, once buoyant and carefree, deepened into a tone of earnestness, resonating with the gravity of his words. "Roku," he began, his voice carrying the world's weight. "I'm good, Roku, but I need your advice on something important."
With a voice as warm and comforting as a gentle breeze, Avatar Roku sat tall before Aang, assuring him, "We all are always with you, Aang. Whenever you need help or advice, we are here. All of Us," a spectral symphony of past Avatars materialized around Roku, their translucent forms radiating wisdom and ancient power.
Like a shimmering sea of phantoms, they encircled Roku, each Avatar seated in a cross-legged position, their eyes fixed upon the young Avatar Aang, brimming with hope and support.
Aang saw Avatar Kyoshi, Avatar Kuruk, Avatar Yangchen, Avatar Szeto, and countless other Avatars. Aang couldn't help but feel as if the weight was lifted off his shoulders, knowing he had help from all the Avatars of the Past and that he could rely on them whenever he needed help.
In the midst of this ethereal gathering, Aang found himself seeking solace and counsel from Avatar Roku, his gaze fixed upon the wise Avatar. With a voice filled with genuine concern, he humbly ventured forth, "Well, I need advice about what to do about Naruto," As his words reverberated through the air, a subtle shift in the atmosphere was palpable. With her penetrating gaze, Avatar Kyoshi narrowed her eyes at Aang, an inscrutable expression etched upon her face, almost as if she was silently scrutinizing his every intention. Meanwhile, Avatar Yangchen, her usually serene countenance momentarily clouded with confusion, gazed at Aang as if silently urging him to explain further.
"Naruto?" Avatar Roku's brows furrowed as he repeated the name, a perplexed expression washing over his face. The confusion in his voice was evident as he turned to his young successor, Aang.
"I thought he was your friend, Aang," Roku questioned with a hint of hesitation, hoping that Aang's reaction was perhaps a touch exaggerated. Deep down, Roku understood just how much Naruto meant to Kyoshi. With a sense of surprise, he couldn't help but wonder why Kyoshi hadn't already confronted Aang, demanding an explanation for his seemingly antagonistic stance toward Naruto. After all, Kyoshi had cherished him as her sole remaining great-grandson, a connection to her lineage that held immense value. Although Roku himself had never personally met Naruto, he found it difficult to believe that the boy could pose any real threat to Avatar. Doubt lingered in his mind as he considered the possibility of Naruto being an enemy. The notion seemed unfounded and unfathomable.
"We are," A sense of urgency flashed across Aang's face as he swiftly confirmed the statement, his words rushed and tinged with a hint of shame. His gaze dropped, his hands instinctively clutching the sides of his head, a tangible display of his inner turmoil. Uncertainty clouded his thoughts, leaving him grappling for the right words amidst a series of deep breaths, fully aware of the daunting nature of the forthcoming conversation. "Is just..." Aang hesitated, his speech momentarily faltering as he met Roku's gaze once more, searching for the courage to continue.
"He's getting more violent; he killed hundreds of people when he destroyed that drill, and I'm not sure if I can trust someone like him if he doesn't stop," Aang expressed with a mixture of concern and regret, feeling a tinge of self-consciousness for speaking critically of Naruto.
Ever since their departure from Kyoshi Island, Naruto had been an integral part of their group, standing steadfastly by their side. He had proven himself time and again, displaying unwavering loyalty and risking his own life to safeguard their well-being. As a cherished friend and trusted ally, Naruto had seamlessly assimilated into their tight-knit circle, a beacon of reliability amidst uncertain times. His unwavering support had offered a reassuring sense of security during moments of turmoil, which made it all the more challenging for Aang to cast doubt upon Naruto as if he were a foe rather than a comrade."
Still, Aang knew he needed to have this conversation sooner or later. Aang hoped he was simply overreacting, and perhaps Naruto could still be considered his friend, even if he thought little of the life he had taken so far.
"Aang, you need to realise that not everyone approaches conflict the same way-" "I know that!" Before Roku could finish his sentence, Aang's voice rose unexpectedly, interrupting him with an unintended burst of volume. As their eyes met, Aang's expression contorted with a mixture of regret and embarrassment, causing him to avert his gaze and begin absentmindedly rubbing the smooth surface of his hairless scalp. Yet, as Aang timidly raised his head to meet Roku's gaze once more, he was met with a profound sense of relief as the elder Avatar's visage softened into one of understanding, alleviating his inner turmoil.
"I'm sorry," Aang whispered, his voice tinged with remorse and frustration, like a gentle breeze carrying the weight of his emotions. "I wasn't trying to yell," he confessed, his eyes brimming with sincerity as if he were a remorseful child apologizing to his parents.
Roku's face softened with empathy, his eyes reflecting a comforting understanding that washed away Aang's self-blame. He adorned Aang with a reassuring smile, like a beacon of solace amidst the storm, assuring him that his frustration was valid, but forgiveness was granted. "You're still young, Aang," Roku interjected, his voice laced with a dismissive tenderness as if brushing away the weight of Aang's apology like a fleeting thought. "There's nothing to apologize for," he added, his words carrying an air of wisdom that transcended age before pausing momentarily, his throat clearing softly like a gentle melody preparing to continue.
"As I was saying, not everyone approaches the enemy the same way. During my lifetime, Kyoshi would often tell me to be harsh and bring justice. Kuruk was in the middle, saying that sometimes we, as 'the Avatar' need to make the hardest decisions. We are the ones who keep the peace, so we will always make the most difficult decisions. Not even your group of friends approaches the enemy the same way as you do," Roku spoke with an old voice; despite his old age, he still sounded firm and wise.
Aang, though nodding in understanding, couldn't hide the lingering doubt etched across his face. With a solemn tone, he voiced his thoughts, "I know that, but neither of them ever killed anyone." As he spoke, Aang raised his hand, his fingers methodically counting off one by one, each representing his unwavering belief. "I know Katara has very small tendencies of violence, but she still spares the enemy, I can say the same for Sokka and Toph. They both fight and contribute on their own way, but they don't kill anyone, except Naruto." The final words escaped his lips with a bitter edge, a noticeable shift in his voice that resonated through the spirits of his past lives.
With a fierce narrowing of her eyes, Kyoshi fixed a piercing glare upon Aang, her expression brimming with frustration. It seemed as though she was on the verge of unleashing a torrent of reprimands, eager to inform him of his childish behavior. However, Kyoshi quickly realized that it was Roku's turn to address Aang, not hers. Suppressing her impatience, she decided to bide her time until Roku finished babysitting Aang, patiently awaiting the opportune moment to deliver a much-needed reality check. Yangchen held her breath, hoping that Kyoshi would exercise restraint and not be too harsh on Aang. While Yangchen personally disagreed with Aang's perception of the situation, she empathized with his perspective, understanding the underlying reasons behind his actions.
"I understand not everyone faces their enemies in the same way, but Naruto is killing anyone he faces, he doesn't try to like let them live, he always goes only for the kill, he has many ways where he can just either knock them unconscious, use his trees to make them unable to move, but Naruto always goes for the kill. The same was for the drill, if he had just waited a bit longer, me, Katara and Sokka would have destroyed it from the inside, but instead," Aang stopped talking, taking a deep breath, his anger rising with every word he said, his voice heavy with both frustration and sorrow, as he expressed his sentiments to Roku. It pained him to utter these words. Yet, Aang knew the importance of conveying his concerns, of helping Roku understand why Naruto's single-minded approach troubled him.
"Instead he-" As Aang spoke, his voice trembled with a mixture of sorrow and suppressed rage. Pausing for a brief moment, his eyes clouded with painful memories; he couldn't help but recall the haunting sight of the colossal drill, reduced to a twisted wreckage. The deafening sounds of metal grinding against metal, followed by the horrifying cries of the helpless workers trapped inside, reverberated through his mind like a mournful tolling bell. With a heavy heart and a voice barely audible, Aang finally found the strength to utter the truth that weighed heavily upon him, his words laden with profound sadness and a tinge of anger. "Instead he... he took away their lives," he whispered, his voice cracking, as the weight of the tragedy settled upon his shoulders.
As Roku sat there, a heavy sigh escaped his lips, echoing with a profound sense of sadness. At that moment, he couldn't help but empathize with Aang's deep concern, for it resonated with his own haunting past. Aang's words served as an unsettling reminder of the fateful decision Roku once faced, one that involved his friend Sozin.
The weight of their friendship had led Roku to spare Sozin, a choice made in good faith, believing it would preserve their bond. Little did Roku know that a single act of mercy would set in motion a chain of events that would shape the very fabric of the world they knew. The war, now raging for a century, had ravaged countless lives and brought unimaginable suffering. The Air Nomads, a cherished and peaceful people, had been completely wiped out, leaving only their memory to haunt the remaining nations.
Roku's mind drifted back to the moment when the truth had unfolded before them all, Yangchen's expression etched with a mixture of shock, sorrow, and betrayal. The pain in her eyes cut deep into Roku's soul, for he understood that she could never fully forgive him. How could she? The weight of his decision had cost them everything they held dear. Yet, despite the heavy burden of guilt weighing on his heart, Roku couldn't bring himself to expect forgiveness from Yangchen. He knew that his actions had shattered the harmony they once shared, and he accepted the consequences that would forever haunt him.
Roku's voice pierced the air, reaching Aang's ears like a soft breeze carrying a message of hope. "Aang," he spoke, his words etching through the heavy atmosphere, causing Aang to lift his head with a mix of anticipation and curiosity painted across his face, hoping to find a glimmer of guidance in Roku's words. With a voice brimming with wisdom borne from his own trials and tribulations, Roku humbly admitted, "Aang, I won't pretend to know all the answers. I have made my own mistakes. Mistakes that I still carry."
His words hung in the air, carrying the weight of experience and the lessons learned from a life fully lived. Yet, amidst the intricate tapestry of his advice, Roku's words unfurled like delicate tendrils of enlightenment, gently caressing Aang's troubled heart. "My advice for you is to simply watch over Naruto." he offered his voice a soothing balm for Aang's troubled soul.
"Remember," Roku continued, his gaze filled with a profound understanding, "that he's still your friend, and you're both in the same side," Aang's countenance remained unsettled. Yet, even in his hesitance, he nodded in reluctant understanding, acknowledging the depth of Roku's guidance. Though he may not fully embrace Roku's words, he recognized the truth nestled within them.
Aang's eyes fixed on the spectacle unfolding before him. He witnessed as Roku's majestic figure morphed into a dazzling display of shimmering blue light. The luminous particles danced and twirled, creating a captivating ballet of tiny sparkles that seemed to possess a life of their own.
Aang's breath caught in his throat as he observed the ethereal dance, unable to tear his gaze away. Slowly, the mystical fragments converged, swirling with purpose and intention, until they coalesced into a singular focal point.
In that instant, Avatar Kyoshi emerged, her form taking shape before Aang's very eyes. For a brief moment, her silhouette shimmered with the same radiant blue light as if she were a celestial being transcending the mortal realm. But just as quickly as it had appeared, the celestial illumination faded away, leaving behind the tangible essence of Kyoshi's mortal form. Aang blinked, and there she stood, no different than the stories had described her.
With a deep breath to steady his nerves, Aang mustered up the courage to address her, his voice laced with respect and admiration. "Avatar Kyoshi," he began, his words tinged with a hint of awe, "it's good to finally meet you. I would really appreciate your help," Aang's uneasiness was evident, betraying his nervousness as he stood before the mighty Avatar. His hand instinctively reached up to rub the smooth surface of his bald head, a telltale sign of his anxious disposition. A faint, nervous chuckle escaped his lips as if attempting to ease the tension that hung in the air. However, as he glanced toward Kyoshi, he couldn't help but notice the unimpressed expression on her face, further intensifying his unease.
"Avatar Aang, I heard what you discussed with Roku; we all did, so I'm gonna ask. Why do you think my great-grandson is dangerous to us?" Kyoshi questioned, but more like demanding, while giving Aang a look as if to say that he better have a good reason.
"Naruto destroyed-" "The Drill, yes, we all heard you." Kyoshi interrupted before he could finish what she had already heard; she wasn't in the mood for him repeating the same crap; hearing it once already made her furious, let alone hearing it again.
"So you know what the problem is?" Aang questioned with an uncertain look.
"No, I don't. I don't see the problem. The only problem I see is you getting mad that not everyone follows the same rule book as you do," Kyoshi spoke indifferently; despite her personal opinions, she still respected the Air Nomads and the way they valued life. One of her parents had been an air nomad, after all.
The problem was when people like Aang seemed to not understand that not everyone looks at life like he does.
"Rule book! Avatar Kyoshi, he destroyed an entire drill full of people." Aang quickly defended himself with a slightly higher voice, looking slightly offended that she didn't seem to care at all what Naruto was doing.
"Those people were enemies. They were working on a vehicle that would make a hole in the Wall; who knows how many innocent people would have died if they had made it inside. They were enemies, is as simple as that; Naruto did nothing but his job. I would have done the same," Kyoshi spoke with a slightly irritated voice; it felt like talking to Roku all over again when he was alive, and now Aang seemed to be more similar to Roku than to Yangchen or even Kuruk.
Kyoshi could see Aang was more similar to Roku than to Yangchen. At least he didn't die to a Volcano, Kyoshi thought with irritation.
"Naruto didn't have to do that, all those people are dead, how long before he goes even further. His choice is always killing first and asking questions later," Aang reasoned; the frustration within Aang only grew with each passing moment, his attempts to maintain composure becoming increasingly arduous. Despite his best efforts, the advice from Kyoshi only served to amplify his mounting irritation.
"Avatar Aang, you seem to forget," she admonished, her tone laced with a mix of frustration and concern, "you seem to forget that this is a War, this is not some small fight, this is a war that has been going for a whole century. What do you think the Earth kingdom would have done to those same soldiers after the drill was stopped?" Her eyes bore into Aang's, imploring him to grasp the gravity of their situation. As the weight of Kyoshi's words settled upon the group, a heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the soft sigh that escaped Yangchen's lips. Her gaze shifted between Aang and Kyoshi, a flicker of understanding passing through her eyes.
Deep down, she knew that Kyoshi's argument held undeniable merit. Yangchen's heart ached for Aang, knowing the immense burden he carried as the Avatar, tasked with restoring balance to a world torn asunder. She hoped, with every ounce of her being, that Kyoshi would temper her words, for she understood the fragile nature of Aang's spirit.
Aang cautiously sealed his mouth shut, a flicker of unease dancing in his eyes. Deep down, he sensed an impending disappointment lurking within Kyoshi's response, and alas, his intuition proved to be spot-on.
"They would have been arrested by the Dai Lee, they would be questioned sharply, and then be disposed of," Her words flowed effortlessly, as though she were engaging in a conversation with a child. Yet, as the weight of her answer settled upon Aang's ears, he couldn't help but yearn for a touch of tact in her delivery.
As Aang rubbed the smooth surface of his bald head, his mind raced in search of the right words to break the uneasy silence that hung in the air. Desperation tinged his voice as he blurted out, "I wouldn't allow it!" The words slipped from his lips without a second thought, but as the weight of his impulsive response settled upon him, a sudden realization washed over him like a crashing wave. The room seemed to hold its breath as Kyoshi exchanged glances with the other Avatars present. Their piercing gazes bore into Aang's soul, but it was Kyoshi's eyes that burned with an intensity that could not be ignored, a silent challenge demanding explanation and accountability.
Kyoshi's words sliced through the air like a razor-sharp blade, riddled with suppressed anger that threatened to burst forth like a raging inferno. Her gaze locked onto Aang, intense and unwavering, as if daring him to challenge her. With every syllable she uttered, her voice grew louder, resonating with an accusing tone that clawed at the very core of his being. "You. Wouldn't. Allow it," she seethed, a mix of frustration and disappointment lacing her words.
Her eyes narrowed, revealing a simmering intensity that matched the fire within her soul. A question hung in the air, heavy with implications. "Are you saying you would have protected soldiers from the Fire Nation? Is that it?" Her voice rose like a crescendo of righteous indignation, daring anyone to challenge her unwavering resolve. The weight of her accusation hung in the air, a tangible reminder of the consequences of inaction.
"Gyatso and the air Nomads taught me that all life is precious, and I will always live by that," Aang defended his way of thinking with passion; as his impassioned words echoed through the air, Kyoshi's usually determined countenance seemed momentarily clouded with a tinge of disappointment, her eyes reflecting a subtle glimmer of sorrow. A gentle sigh, laced with weariness from a lifetime of witnessing the consequences of divergent beliefs, escaped her lips, accompanied by a slight shake of her head.
"It's clear that you didn't call us here to ask for advice. You called us because you want someone to agree with you. If you still want my advice, I will say it plain and simple. My grandson is right, he sees the war as it is, and you being against him for no good reason is not going to help your little group." Kyoshi said, sounding disappointed before her body turned into blue sparkles.
As a wave of weariness washed over him, Aang let out a heavy sigh, his body suddenly burdened with unexplained exhaustion. Perplexed by this sudden fatigue, he wearily lifted his head, only to find himself face-to-face with the ethereal figure of Avatar Kuruk.
"Avatar Kuruk. I need your wisdom," Aang addressed him, his voice carrying a subtle tone of longing and desperation, desperately seeking the wisdom and guidance that only a fellow Avatar could provide. Deep down, he yearned for a more fruitful interaction with Kuruk, as his previous encounters with Kyoshi had left him wanting.
"Avatar Aang, I heard what you discussed with Kyoshi, during my life I rarely fought other people, I spent my life hunting spirits," As Kuruk explained his life, a subtle shift occurred, catching Aang's perceptive gaze. The once serene countenance of Yangchen, the previous Avatar, gave way to an unexpected cocktail of sorrow and shame etched upon her visage. A pang of intrigue momentarily tugged at Aang's attention, but his unwavering focus swiftly returned to Kuruk's fascinating chronicle, eager to uncover the wisdom it held within.
"I understand what you're feeling, but you need to understand that you can't force your way of thinking into other people. Naruto is his own person, as is everyone else, they all have their own way of looking at things. Whether what Naruto did is right or wrong doesn't matter, what matters is that you need to see the difference between real danger, and danger to your way of thinking. Some might agree with you Aang, many will say that Naruto should have left those soldiers survive, that he should have given them the option to live, but those same soldiers weren't giving the Earth Nation people the option to live when they were going to break down the Wall. They all would be enslaved. Those that can earth bend would have been executed for simply being earth benders. Whatever or not those specific soldiers on the drill wanted that it doesn't matter, they were still working to cause that to happen, to have those people killed and enslaved." Kuruk stopped talking for a moment, leaving Aang a moment to think about what he just said; Aang looked very deep in thought, his right hand gripping the side of his bald head.
"In a War, the line between right and wrong doesn't exist anymore, the lie becomes the truth and the truth becomes lie. Those who win will choose what the truth was. All you can do is win. If you don't win, the people relying on you will face the consequences, that's what you should always remember. This is my advice to you, Avatar Aang. Remember what happens if you fail, because if you do fail, I doubt we will have another chance." Kuruk spoke firmly as his body turned into blue light before turning into sparkles.
As the ethereal form of Avatar Yangchen materialized right in front of his very eyes, her countenance bore an unmistakable blend of sorrow and solemnity. Gazing deeply into Aang's eyes, she seemed to convey a profound understanding that resonated within his being.
Summoning every ounce of courage, Aang mustered a feeble yet genuine smile, his heart brimming with both excitement and trepidation. This remarkable encounter marked his first interaction with an air nomad since the day he emerged from his iceberg.
"Avatar Yangchen, I need your wisdom," With a voice laced with a glimmer of hope, tinged with a hint of uncertainty, Aang addressed the venerable Avatar Yangchen, beseeching her for her invaluable wisdom. Deep down, he held onto the belief that she would align with his cause, that she would share his vision for the world. However, the words that escaped her lips shattered whatever remnants of hope he clung to, leaving him utterly crestfallen and disillusioned.
"Avatar Aang, I understand your desire to follow what the Air Nomads taught you, and that's admirable, but you need to understand that you're not just an air nomad. You're the Avatar, and it's your duty to stop this War, and do what is necessary, and ignore your personal feelings and needs. That is what an Avatar is, someone who tries their hardest to keep the balance," Yangchen said with a stoic look; as her words reverberated, Aang's eyes, once brimming with hope, dimmed as the weight of his calling settled upon his shoulders.
"But Gyatso," "Gyatso was a good man, but even he understood that sometimes you have no other choice, you might not remember well, but when you entered the room where Gyatso was lying dead, the room was full of corpses with Fire Nation uniforms, over fifty corpses. Do you think all those decided to just lay there, and died while sleeping?" Yangchen's piercing question hung in the air, causing Aang's eyes to widen in astonishment. He was on the verge of protesting, of vehemently denying her claim, but then, like a bolt of lightning, the truth struck him. The room had indeed been teeming with lifeless bodies, an undeniable testament to the grim reality that he had tried so desperately to forget.
"Avatar Aang, I appreciate that you're trying to live how the Air Nomads taught you, but remember that you're the last one. Your life is more important than your beliefs. If you die, then we won't have a second chance," Avatar Yangchen reminded him with a grave voice; in the midst of their conversation, Avatar Aang's gaze descended, fixating on his hands, elegantly resting upon his knees. His eyes were burdened with what Yangchen told him. With a subtle twitch of his lips, he conveyed a silent acknowledgment, revealing the intricate conflicts that warred within his soul.
With a heavy heart burdened by uncertainty, Aang found himself at a loss, his once confident spirit now subdued. As if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders, he lowered his head, his hands clenched tightly around his smooth, bare scalp, desperately seeking solace in the touch of his fingertips. In the depths of his despair, he grappled with a profound dilemma, unsure of where to turn for guidance. In his naivety, he had counted on Yangchen's unwavering support, convinced that she would stand by his side through thick and thin. However, to his dismay, even she had turned her back on him, leaving him adrift in a sea of isolation. The room fell into an eerie silence. Only the rhythmic cadence of his collective breaths broke the stillness, intermingling with muffled conversations drifting from the first floor below and the gentle caress of the wind outside, serving as a somber reminder that life continued to move forward, even in the midst of Aang's internal turmoil.
"Avatar Aang," a voice called; Aang lifted his head up to see Avatar Szeto sitting across him, where Yangchen had been sitting a minute ago.
"Avatar Szeto!" Aang said, a little surprised; he hadn't expected that Szeto would show himself.
"Avatar Aang, I understand what you're going through," He started, while stroking his pointy mustache.
"You do?" Aang questioned with hopeful eyes.
As Szeto's eyes met Aang's, he nodded, his response immediate and resolute. A pang of melancholy flickered across his face, and with a heavy sigh, he began to recount a tale from the depths of his past. "A long time ago I was forced to fight a good friend of mine." Szeto's voice trembled with sadness as he divulged the heart-wrenching truth. A single tear welled up, glimmering in his eyes, a testament to the profound sorrow etched upon his soul.
"Why?"
"During my life as the Avatar, I neglected the other nations. I only helped the fire nation thrive," Avatar Szeto explained with a look of sorrow, his eyes looking slightly downward; Aang couldn't help but wonder why he would do that.
"Because I helped only the fire nation, their technology advanced during my lifetime, surpassing the other nations, this is why now, the fire nation has better technology than all the other nations, because of me neglecting all the other nations." Avatar Szeto explained with a look of regret.
His voice rose with every word he uttered as he posed the poignant question, "Why? Why did you neglect the Other Nations?"
"My predecessor, Avatar Othello, he-" Szeto's voice trailed off, leaving the room engulfed in expectant silence. The weight of his words hung in the air as if daring him to continue. Yet, his hesitant gaze revealed a hidden turmoil, a hesitation to delve into the memories that haunted him, but Szeto knew he owed it to Aang. "He despised The Fire Nation. His hatred for them was something I have never seen," Szeto explained, his face looking stoic, hiding the fact that, in a way, he felt sorry for what happened to Avatar Othello when he was a baby.
Aang stood in stunned silence, his mouth agape, as he grappled with the unexpected revelation that an Avatar could harbor such intense animosity towards an entire nation. The weight of this revelation settled heavily upon his young shoulders, causing his heart to race and his mind to whirl with a torrent of questions. With a mixture of disbelief and urgency, he finally found his voice and posed the burning question that consumed his thoughts: "Why?"
"His story is not mine to tell, Avatar Aang. But, as I said he hated the Fire Nation. In the first ten years after he found out he was the Avatar, he simply neglected the Fire Nation, but-" Szeto stopped talking, his face paling slightly, knowing what had happened to him.
"Something happened, and his anger towards the fire nation turned into a inferno. After that day, Othello started making problems in the fire nation."
"Problems?" Aang questioned, not liking where this was going.
"Othello didn't rely on publicly being against the fire nation, he manipulated the fire lord and the earth lord. He started a small war between the two nations, while at the same time, Othello tried to convince The Water people to join in with the Earth Nation, he tried with the Air Nomads but they weren't interested on listening to him. His plan was to have an assassin attack the Water Princess, and blame it on the Fire Nation, forcing the Water People to join with the Earth Nation, and he would have succeeded-" Szeto stopped talking, closing his eyes, letting out a weary sigh, before opening his eyes, looking back at Aang.
"During my lifetime, I felt that it was my obligation to help the Fire Nation for what Othello had done to them, but by doing so, I neglected the other three nations. My advice to you, Aang, is to do what you think is the right thing to do." Avatar Szeto finished, his body turning into blue light before he disappeared as if he was never there.
Aang lay on the floor, on his back, looking up at the ceiling with too many things going through his head.
"Do what you believe is right," Aang murmured under his breath before standing up, deciding to join the others downstairs.
Comments
KillerSSGRed
I agree, that would be an interesting conversation.
Sinbad
You should have kyoshi inform naruto about that meeting so he can confront aang about it
Platyperry
Aang might just fuck around and lose an ally. Maybe not gain an enemy, but I can see his naivety causing further issues down the line that Naruto might not see as forgivable
Drinor
Glad you liked it
Drinor
Well, Szeto thought that would be the best advice, and sadly for Aang, that’s the only one he listened to.
GrouchyGritic
Great work
Anthony Rodriguez
"Do what you believe is right...". To say something that vague to someone with such a black & white outlook in the midst of war is a recipe for disaster. I get that Aang is still just a kid, but it doesn't take a genius to understand what the Avatars are trying to tell him. I fear there may come a point where Aang will spare the wrong opponent and it's going to cost him.😬
William Kwok
This honestly my favorite chapter so far! I remembered in canon the famous scene where Aang tried to talk to the previous avatar to justify his reluctance to kill the fire lord, this ain’t quite the same extreme but it’s clear Aang is trying to find anyone who is with his extreme no kill policy just the same!
Erinnyes
"Advice is what we ask for when we know the answer but wish it was something else." Aang canonically was extraordinarily narrow minded and mentally inflexible. I really thought the show writers made a mistake by not having him grow as a character and realize that some threats must not be put off, but must be put down.
