Fire and the Sickle • Zuko

I. i - A Land of Ice

MIZUKI KEPT HER EYES TRAINED on the horizon ahead. Her sailboat rocked gently on the Southern ocean waves. The crisp wind swirled around the girl as she adjusted the mainsail. It'd been eleven days since she started her journey to the Spirit Wild. She promised her father that she would meet with Ainu, the ancient spirit guide of the Odan people, so that she may gain the wisdom she needs to vanquish Fire Lord Ozai.

Although she guaranteed Asahi that she would do this, she felt that his faith was greatly misplaced. She knew that no matter how surprising her abilities were, the Fire Nation would never abdicate. For nearly a century, they have thrived on ruthless attacking so how could Mizuki believe that one girl could make a difference?

Her boat was merely fifty feet from a glacier when she felt a chilling sensation. It was alluring and calming at the same time. Mizuki knew that wherever she was in the South pole, it was the right place.

She lifted the stern of her sailboat and began mounting the rigid icy platform. Her breath became more steady with each step she took albeit the vast feeling of the barren iceberg. Mizuki found her way to the very center of the glacier: there were tall ice pillars that surrounded a circular center. On the center was a carved crescent moon shape. Mizuki bent down and glided her fingers gently over the intricately chiseled design.

She then sat down in the center and placed her fists together while slowing her breathing. Asahi believed that meditation was the only way to tether one's mind to the Spirit World. Mizuki deeply hoped for him to be right.

Gradually, the girl felt the ice beneath her disappearing. It felt as if she were moving into her conscience, nothing physical felt real.

"Who is it that sits here before me?" A voice questioned.

Mizuki immediately opened her eyes in awe. The figure in front her was ethereal, stunning really. They had long white hair that glowed from its purity, and shocking marine eyes. Their features seemed like they were carved from granite by the Gods themselves. Mizuki was speechless.

"I am Mizuki of Sakusei Ilsand. My father is Asahi and my mother is Yuri, daughter of Toru the Great" She replied with a curt bow. "I have come to learn your wisdom, Spirit Ainu, and receive your advice for ending the 100 years war, if you shall share."

The spirit said nothing as it deliberately watched the girl. Ainu rose from where they sat and held out a hand gently for Mizuki. She gratefully accepted, and placed her hand in theirs. Suddenly, the spirit placed its other hand on Mizuki's forehead. This action made her dizzy for a split moment and when she opened her eyes, she saw something massive in front of where the two stood. It was a large ice sphere that held a luminosity as the sun shone on its surface. There appeared to be a figure inside, along with another.

"I must admit that I am a little confused" Mizuki revealed sheepishly. Was she supposed to know what Ainu's purpose was for showing her this?

"Mizuki of Sakusei, this is your destiny" Ainu humored pointing to the sight.

Destiny?

"The world's destiny relies on the being inside here" The spirit added while walking closer. They placed their hand on the surface and closed their eyes. "Listen, you must never face the evil of this world alone. What lays in your fate is only achievable with the help of others."

Mizuki stepped closer to the ice sphere and examined it closely, furrowing her eyebrows in deep thought.

"It is your duty to help them on their journey as they restore balance to the world" Ainu spoke sternly as they walked away from the sphere. "Together, your journeys will involve meeting new travelers. There is one that is written in your fate which has the capability to do great good and great evil. Help them chose a virtuous path. It is fundamental in this world's recovery."

The girl nodded her head. Ainu walked up to her and placed their hand her forehead again which woke her up in the physical world.

Mizuki realized that she must find that ice sphere, and she must find it soon. Everyone's destiny depends on it.

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