Freedom

Chapter 67: The Winds of the Temple

The wind felt different in the western air temple. One could guess that might be expected, hanging upside down from a cliffside over a large ravine. But the air felt quiet, still even for it being a airbending temple. Although, every once in a while a gust of wind would sweep through, practically strong enough to knock everyone off their feet.

Except for Aang of course, who marveled at the wind in his face and looked around at the others confused as they clung to the pillars to avoid getting blown off into the ravine.

The main space of the temple was open to the cliffside, which was just a dark abyss with fog hiding the depths below. From the main level, they could just make out the other side of the ravine, the greenery just rearing its head from across the dreary fog.

Inside the temple felt almost... normal. The intricate hallways only reminded Aang of a life he had since left behind. He could still picture himself flying over the ravine in his glider or running through the hallways, only to be scolded by the monks moments later. It felt oddly comforting in a way, even though the temple was a simple shell of the liveliness it used to be.

It didn't take long for the others to gather the lay of the land. The rooms closest to main space were self explanatory, far more bedrooms than they could ever occupy, a kitchen that seemed to have mostly fallen apart over the years, bathrooms that seemed mostly in working order.

Katara was the one to want to stay on the main terrace, at least until they could have a plan moving forward. If they ended up staying put for a while, there would be plenty of time to explore the endless hallways. She was grateful that for once it seemed her brother was on her side.

But still, it was Aang who flew around on his glider, through the spires and pillars along the ceiling, which was intricately painted and carved, impressively standing the test of time. He insisted on showing the others around the temple, even as Katara yelled back to him.

It wasn't until her annoyance was audibly evident that Katara yelled up to him, "Aang!" She yelled out his name, cupping her hands around her mouth to magnify the noise, "Can we talk about a plan now?"

But Aang refused to listen, feigning deaf he replied, "What? The wind is too loud in my ears. Check out this loop!"

Teo, Haru, and the Duke all cheered him on, not understanding the graveness of their situation. Katara didn't blame them; in a way, she envied their naivety and youthfulness. They didn't know what it was like to have the fate of their world rested on their shoulders. It was oddly comforting that that could still exist.

But the glimmer of hope didn't diminish Katara's frustrations, because Aang did know better. He knew the longer they prolonged this discussion, the bigger chance they had of ending up with their backs against a wall and nowhere to turn. It was, once again, his own childishness poking through the surface. Katara knew that well, and she wasn't quite sure how to handle it.

That may, of course, have a small something to do with before the invasion...

But she also knew that now was not the time to consider what had happened... and what it meant; to herself and to Aang because unfortunately it wasn't one and the same she feared.

Katara huffed and crossed her arms, watching the light blue glider sore above her, almost mockingly. Sokka glanced between the glider and his sister, sensing the frustration coming off in waves from her. He looked up, and yelled to the voyage, "Aang, I really think we should talk about our plans for the future!"

Again, the avatar shrugged off the statement, "Okay! We can do that while I show you the giant Pai Sho table!" He dismissed as he made another, impressive however irritating given the context, loop with his glider, "Oh, you guys are gonna love the all-day echo chamber!"