Himoko's POV
Katara smiled before making a startled sound along with Sokka. I swooped around, staring at the approaching old man adorning green robes, using a walking stick to get around. He walked up to Aang and I, staring at Aang in realization
"Hey, who are you?" Sokka asked him with narrowed eyes
"When I saw the flying bison, I thought it was impossible, but those markings... are you the Avatar child?" Aang turned towards me and I nodded. He nodded at the old man
"My village desperately needs your help." He told us, "Please, Avatar." Aang slowly nodded before the old man began to lead us to his village. Alea chittered, scurrying off of Appa's paws to hop into my arms. I readjusted her, kissing her head, receiving a small kiss from her in return.
It was late afternoon when we entered the village, only to see most of it either burned down or destroyed into rubble. I gulped nervously, holding Alea a little closer to my chest
"This is awful..." I commented in a small voice, staring at my surroundings. The old man glanced back at me, softly nodding. We entered a building at the edge of the village, seeing many of the villagers holding up in just this one building, either covered in blankets or handing out drinks
"This young person is the Avatar." Sokka held back a snort, Katara elbowing him in the stomach unknown to the two men standing in front of us, 'Not so young if you actually think about it...' I thought to myself
"So the rumors of your return are true." The Village Chief bowed in respect, "It is the greatest honor of a lifetime to be in your presence." Aang bows
"Nice to meet you too. So... is there something I can help you with?" Aang asked him. The Chief looked pained for a moment, not really knowing what to say
"I'm not sure..."
"Our village is in crisis, he's our only hope. For the last few days at sunset a spirit monster comes and attacks our village. He is Hei-Bai, the black and white spirit." 'Seriously, the black and white spirit? They couldn't... Oh I don't know, call him the Forest Spirit?'
"Why is it attacking you?" Sokka asked them suspiciously. The Chief moved past us, standing a the threshold of the doorway we just came in through. The sun was beginning to set
"We do not know, but each of the last three nights he has abducted one of our own. We are especially fearful because the winter solstice draws near."
"What happens then?" Katara asked
"As the solstice approaches, the natural world and the spirit world grow closer and closer until the line between them is blurred completely." The old man, who we have yet to learn the name of, explained to us
"Hei-Bai is already causing devastation and destruction. Once the solstice is here there is no telling what will happen."
"So, what do you want me to do exactly?" The 'Young' Avatar asked them
"Who better to resolve a crisis between our world and the spirit world than the Avatar himself? You are the great bridge between man and spirits."
"Right... that's me." Aang muttered, his confidence low, "Hey, 'great bridge guy', can I talk to you over here for a second?" Katara asked before walking to a nearby window, the two boys following after her. I shrugged, not wanting to be part of the decision making and instead turned towards the Village Chief
"Sorry to ask this, but was there another village that used to be around here? Where the forest fire was at?" I asked him
"Yes there was, but only a few houses, most of it was farmland."
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Sound Bender (Avatar: The Last Airbender) #Wattys2017
FanfictionPrincess Himoko of Omashu is the Great Grand-Daughter of King Bumi. Adopted Grand Daughter to be more clear. Her parents were the last air benders in existence, leaving her alone after a attack on them by the Fire Nation, leaving her all alone until...
