The Sea of Ice (Sun and Moon Book 2)

Chapter 20 - Night and Day

"To WHAT? I already did that!" Aang was suddenly indignant--he'd thought he was through with all the saving the world stuff! Now all he had to do was bring balance, right? He glared at them, his original awe fading as he noticed the lines around their eyes and the firmness of their mouths.

They were just people, worried about something. And they thought he could help. Well, they could go ask someone else! They weren't a part of the four nations, so he didn't have to keep THEM balanced. He turned to leave, but the woman's voice stopped him.

"Avatar Aang, I understand that you think our troubles have nothing to do with you. But this concerns not just Araden, it also concerns your world. If something is not done, Night and Day will destroy the very fabric of our worlds. Its edges are already fraying--do not tell me you haven't noticed the unrest in the Spirit World."

Aang kept silent, because she was right. He had noticed. But Roku had told him it was nothing major, just a little glitch in the tranquility. It happened every once in awhile, that was all. Aang clenched his fists.

"We would tell you a story, Young Avatar." This from Water, his voice deep and rich and solemn. "All we ask is that you listen."

Aang sighed. "I guess I can do that."

Nodding, Light began. "In the beginning, there were six. Raava and Vaatu, the spirits of Light and Darkness, who constantly battled for the fate of the world. Erin and Skaavi, the spirits of Earth and Sky, who battled for control of those who lived on the surface, the humans. And Agni and La, the spirits of the Sun and Moon, who lived in harmony with each other. Agni and La kept the peace, working together to stop Erin and Skaavi and Raava and Vaatu from destroying the worlds."

Fire took up the tale then, his voice rough and resonant. "Agni and La loved each other dearly, though they were very different. Agni was bright and full of fire, always searching for new things and new horizons."

"La, though, was his opposite." Aang's eyes shot to Water, who had begun speaking. "She was constant and smooth, her light gentle and her touch one of healing. They were a perfect team, able to cancel each other out, forever struggling against each other. In their struggles, they smoothed the world, found each perfect solution. It was they who commissioned the lion-turtles to keep the humans out of harm's way, and they who helped Raava capture Vaatu, during the first Harmonic Convergence."

"Then," Earth spoke then, in a deep rumbling tone that made Aang's shoulder's relax slightly. "Agni and La had a daughter, whom they loved very much. They called her Aurora, and she became the bond between the worlds. It was Aurora who brought peace between Erin and Skaavi, Aurora who bridged the gap between the Spirit and Human worlds. Aurora who first taught the Keepers of Air about the spirits, and lived in harmony with them."

"But darkness intruded." This from Air, his voice light, yet heavy with sadness. "Vaatu escaped from Raava's hold--another dark spirit tricked her into releasing him. Agni, La, and Aurora rushed to help Raava recapture him, but were separated. In the end, Vaatu was once again under Raava's control, but Aurora had been killed in the fighting. The two worlds mourned her loss--but Agni and La were angry. Each blamed the other for their daughter's death, and they fought bitterly for many years. They destroyed all they and Aurora had worked for; once again humans and spirits were at odds, and the lion-turtles sheltered humanity once more. Now it was Erin and Skaavi who tried to keep the peace, but their worlds were constantly in danger from Raava and Vaatu's fighting. They had no time to help the spirits of Moon and Sun."

"And so," Light spoke again, her voice filled with deep, aching pain. "Agni and La destroyed the world. Night and Day were created, separating the spirits forever. For many thousands of years, the world was in a very dark place. It was only when Wan, the first Avatar, bound to Raava and locked Vaatu away forever, that the world began to change for the better. But we believe that Agni and La have been reborn, and they are fighting their battle again. The world cannot suffer such a dark age again. It will be destroyed for good this time."

"Reborn? Well, that's easy. All we have to do is stop them from hating each other. You don't need me for that." Aang frowned at them. He didn't understand. Light smiled sadly.

"We cannot. You see, they have already begun the cycle. Aurora is already born, and though not through her death, their hatred has already begun."

"Who? Who are they?" Aang looked at them all, curious and worried and a little afraid. If they were right, then whoever these people were could destroy the world. He had to stop them!

The Elders kept silent, until, finally, Light stood from her dais and walked down, put her hand on Aang's shoulder.

"Aang..."

Aang got a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Who? Who are they?!"

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I'm so evil... the next few chapters are already written.. *hint hint* so get to commenting! XD