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

Chapter 34 - An Offer

An Offer

Not a Matter of Life or Death?

“Are you sure about this? It’s not going to hurt or anything, right?” Zuko whined.

I giggled, “No, it’s going to completely mess up your face!” I said teased.

“What?” His eyes widened.

“Oh, of course not! Seriously, Zuko! Relax! It’ll be done before you know it. Now lie down, while I take a seat and get a bowl of water,” I instructed.

We were in Zuko’s room where he felt the most comfortable. He was lying down on the couch by the window with his arms aligned be his sides. I got a bowl from the bathroom and poured some water into it. I placed the bowl on the small table next to the couch and pulled a stool over so that I was seated next to Zuko’s head. He turned to look at me.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Yes.”

“How does it work? How are you going to do this?”

“I don’t know how it works – we just heal. Now stop asking questions so that I can concentrate. You need to relax. Close your eyes.” He did as he was told.

Honestly, I didn’t know how I was going to do this. It’s not called a scar for nothing. If I wanted to have any success with this, I needed to take drastic actions. Also, the wound had occurred so many years ago – this scar was old. Older wounds are much harder to heal than fresh ones. There was only one way that I could think of that might work; the Spiritual State. If I enter the Spiritual State, the strength of my abilities will multiply up to ten-fold. If I can control it well enough, I might just be able to pull this off. But of course, this manoeuvre comes with its risks; it could end my life. I must be crazy.

But I shrugged it off, ignoring my fears. I’d make sure that I leave just enough energy to survive. I had to. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I continued to control my breathing, lifting the water slowly from the bowl. I opened my eyes and moved the water gently onto the left side of Zuko’s face. Feeling the energy of the water, I concentrated and began the healing process. I saw the water glow a bright blue. I didn’t recall ever seeing it so bright in my past healings. I was putting everything I had into it. I didn’t want to fail – not again.

I continued to monitor the condition of the scar. The water wasn’t really affecting it. I let out a quiet sigh. I still had one more option. But would I be able to enter the Spiritual State by will? Some recent experiences could’ve blocked some of my energy paths. The fact that I can’t firebend properly supports this possibility. What do I do now?

I decided to still try it. I had unblocked all my chakras before – I can do it again. In a matter of moments I had revisited every chakra, and all while still trying to heal Zuko. The same familiar force that once filled me returned. I should use it now while my energy was flowing freely. I concentrated on the water. I willed all my power into that glowing blob of liquid. I felt myself connect with the Spirit World and thrill of all its energy channelling through me.

At that moment, I knew I was in the Spiritual State. The environment around me seemed to disappear. I was only aware of the water in my control. The energy from the Spirit World seemed to pull towards me, and I funnelled all of it into the patch of water. The water glowed brighter than ever before and I felt almost invincible. But I was aware of the danger that wasn’t far away. I concentrated on my own body, monitoring my energy levels. My energy was around 80%. I continued to push on.

Suddenly, I had a vision. It flashed in front of my eyes like the last time. It was Aang! We had a mental connection through the Spiritual State. “Mi Li! What are you doing?” he asked. “I’m trying to heal Zuko’s scar,” I replied. “Why? And you’re not supposed to enter the Spiritual State unless you really have to!” “I know that, but I really wanted to help him out.” “No, Mi Li! This is stupid! Leave the Spiritual State, now!” “No, Aang! Not just yet. I’m going to keep going until I have just enough energy left.” “It won’t work. You have to stop now! Mi Li!” “Not yet!”

I pushed him away, ignoring his commands. I powered on, focusing all my energy into the water. I couldn’t see Zuko where he lay, but I could sense his face where the water contacted his skin. It was levelling out with every moment, but so was my energy. Now I had only 30% of my energy left, and I could feel my control slipping. But I held on… just a moment longer.

10% of my energy now remained. This was critical. I had to let go, NOW! I let the energy slowly slip away, being careful so that I didn’t receive a backlash. My normal vision returned and I once again felt like a powerless mortal. My hands shook as I tried to guide the water back into the bowl.

“It’s done,” I whispered to Zuko. I was surprised at my voice being so quiet. Maybe he didn’t hear me.

His eyes opened, blinking from the sunlight that shone through the open window. I gazed at his face, inspecting my handiwork. He stared at me curiously, before placing a hand on the left side of his face. He explored the area with his fingertips; his cheek and around his eye. He sat up disbelievingly, and smiled slightly.

All I could feel was a sense of accomplishment. But before I had time to dwell on my emotions, my chest became tight and I couldn’t breathe. Immediately my vision dissipated and my eyelids felt heavy. The world became as dark as death itself, and I lost all sense of existence.