Balance | Old Version

Chapter 45 (The Avatar State)

Elua's POV.

It had been a few days since the battle in the Northern Water Tribe, but I was still very weak from what had happened to the moon spirit. We had been on a boat for a day or two, we were about to leave but Pakku had a few things for us before we set off on our own.
"Katara, I want you to have this," Pakku says as he holds up a small Water Tribe necklace "This amulet contains water from the Spirit Oasis. The water has unique properties. Don't lose it," He tells Katara as he hands it over to and she gives him a smile.

"Thank you, Master Pakku," Katara says as she embraces him and then jumps onto Appa's back.
"Aang, these scrolls will help you master waterbending," Pakku says as he hands Aang a small wooden box with many scrolls inside. "But remember, they're no substitute for a real master," He says as he smiles over to Katara, Aang bows to him in respect and then follows Katara.
"Elua, I hope that you will enjoy these," Pakku says as he hands me a box full of herbs and teas.
"Thank you, Master Pakku," I say with a grateful smile as Sokka helps me stand.

"Sokka," Oakku begins to say. "Take care, son," He says as he pats Sokka's arm, giving him nothing. Sokka's expression becomes dejected, I give him a small smile as we walk over to Appa. Katara holds her hand out to me as she and Sokka help me aborad.
"Fly straight to the Earth Kingdom base to the east of here," Pakku informs us. "General Fong will provide you with an escort to Omashu. There you'll be safe to begin your earthbending training with King Bumi," He tells Aang and I, we nod.
"Appa, yip yip!" Aang says and we take off.

"Say hi to Gran-Gran for me!"

Later that day.

"There it is!" Sokka says, pointing to the Earth Kingdom base as we fly over it and land in front of a few men and hope off the flying bison.
"Welcome Avatar Aang and Nadir Elua! I am General Fong," A man says as he walks over to us smiling. "And welcome to all of you, great heroes! Appa, Momo, brave Sokka, the mighty Katara," General Fong says.
"'Mighty Katara'? I like it," Katara says smiling. General Fong leads us into a building, we walk down a hall for a few minutes and then into a war meeting room.

"Avatar Aang, we were all amazed at the stories of how you single-handedly wiped out an entire Fire Navy fleet at the North Pole," General Fong says as he sits in front of us. "I can't imagine what it feels like to wield such devastating power. It's an awesome responsibility," He states.
"I try not to think about it too much," Aang says calmly.
"Avatar...you're ready to face the Fire Lord now," Fong tells Aang, we all look at him shocked.
"Excuse me?" I say in surprise.
"Avatar Aang is ready to fight the Fire Lord," Fong repeats.
"What?!" Aang shouts. "No, I'm not!" He states.

"Aang still needs to master all four elements," Katara tries to tell him.
"Why? With the kind of power he possesses power enough to destroy hundreds of battleships in a matter on a minute, he could defeat the Fire Lord now!" Fong exclaims as he stands up.
"But, sir, the thing is Aang can only do those things when he's in the Avatar State," Sokka states.
"See, it's this special state where-" I try to explain, but I am interrupted.
"I'm well aware. Your eyes and tattoos glow and you're able to summon unbelievable power," Fong states.

"Without you, we'd be slaughtered before we even reach their shores. But with you leading the way as the ultimate weapon, we could cut a swath right through to the heart of the Fire Nation," Fong says as he points at the map, drawing a line with his finger from the Earth Kingdom to the Fire Nation.
"Right...but I don't know how to get in or out of the Avatar state, much less what to do once I'm there," Aang says uncertainly.
"So, it's decided then. I'll help you figure out how to get into the Avatar state, and then you'll face your destiny," Fong tells Aang. We all look at him confused, we all share glances, unsure what to do now.

"No, nothing's decided," I tell him firmly. "We already have a plan. Aang's pursuing his destiny, HIS way," I state, trying to make it very clear.
"Well, while you take your time learning the elements, the war goes on," Fong says with a small glare. "May I show you something?" He asks Aang as they both walk over to a circular window.
"That's the infirmary, and those soldiers are the lucky ones," Fong says as he points down. "They came back. Every day the Fire Nation takes lives. People are dying, Aang! You could end it, now!" He tells him, but Aang still seems unsure.

"Think about it."