Avatar The Last Airbender: Water and Fire [ON HOLD]

Chapter 19 - A Disciple

A Disciple

Half the Power, Half the Duties

Everything became bright around me, and my eyes hurt as they attempted to adjust to the intense light. I looked around, and to my surprise, I wasn't at the camp. Aang sat cross-legged across from me. As he opened his eyes and saw me, an exuberant grin lit up his face. "Cool! You made it, Mi Li! You're in the Spirit World!" he exclaimed excitedly. I couldn't help feeling thrilled as well, and I smiled delightedly. We stood up and looked around. Then Aang fixed his attention on a mountain in the distance, "There - that's where we need to go to speak to Avatar Roku," Aang informed me, pointing towards the summit of the mountain.

I looked into the distance, "Will it be hard to get there?" I asked, giving Aang an unsure glance. He chuckled, "Of course not! Look, here comes Hei Bai! It looks like he's here to help us," Aang said, pointing to a huge panda, ambling towards us. I stood, staring at it in amazement. "Is that Hei Bai, the spirit?" I asked in wonder. Aang gave the huge panda a friendly pat on the head, "Yep, it sure is. This is the Spirit World - there are many more spirits around," he said before climbing onto Hei Bai's fury back. The enormous panda waddled cautiously towards me, looking me straight in the eye.

I stood, unsure how to behave. "It's alright, Hei Bai. This is Mi Li; she's my friend," Aang told the panda. Hei Bai immediately came to ease, and gave me a gentle nudge with his head. I giggled at the touch of his warm and thick fur, before Aang offered a hand to help me climb aboard. It was comfortable, sitting astride on Hei Bai's back, even as he leaped and ran towards the summit of the mountain. As we travelled, I caught sight of other geological features of the Spirit World. But vast areas were hidden under a sea of clouds. The only landmarks that stood out above the fog were hills, mountains, floating boulders and trees.

Soon we were at the base of the mountain, and as we climbed, I caught sight of more spirits. A giant wolf stalked between some mountains in the distance, and other normal-sized creatures such as birds and baboons, dwelled in the treetops above us. The environment felt peaceful and lively, despite the fact that nothing was actually alive in the Spirit World. Suddenly, I thought about my parents. Would they be here in the Spirit World? Is this where I can find them? But my thoughts were interrupted when Hei Bai came to a halt, at the summit of the mountain.

"Ok, we're here now," Aang called out, as he dismounted. I carefully slid off Hei Bai's silky back, and landed lightly on my feet. Aang led the way towards the middle of the summit, where a huge circular platform was situated. I followed slowly, looking back towards Hei Bai. The huge panda just nudged me forward encouragingly, and sat down to indicate that he would wait for us. I nodded in understanding, and paced myself to catch up to Aang.

Aang stepped onto the huge platform, and I followed. I looked down to inspect the carvings on the paved surface, and was amazed at the fine detail. Aang walked towards the centre of the circle, but halted abruptly in front of a much smaller, circular platform. It was raised so that it was slightly higher, than the ground Aang and I stood on. I looked at Aang for answers, but he remained silent and gazed straight ahead. So, I followed his gaze towards the central platform. To my amazement, Avatar Roku appeared before my eyes. I stood astonished.

"Hello, Aang," Avatar Roku said, with his gaze on Aang. Aang bowed respectfully, "Avatar Roku," he addressed. Then Roku's gazed turned to me! "Welcome, Mi Li. I'm glad to finally meet you," he said with a small smile on his face. My eyes widened, "Avatar Roku!" I gasped, and bowed with respect. He chuckled softly, "Rise,' he commanded. Aang and I rose together, and gave him our full attention. He began, "I know why you are here. I have been watching you both this entire time," he said emotionlessly.

"And I will tell you now, Mi Li, that I have the answers to your most crucial questions. You may ask away," he said, gesturing with his hand for me to begin. I looked towards Aang, and he nodded for me to start. I turned my gaze back to Avatar Roku, "Why is it, that I have the ability to control more than one element, even though I am not the Avatar?" I asked in a clear voice. Avatar Roku nodded, "You've begun with the right question. It is in fact, probably the most important one of all," he said, in an impressed tone.