63Chapter 20: Southern Air Temple: Part 1 - Darkness Rises
In the throne room of the conquered Capital, the figure of the corrupted Avatar idly stood in silence gazing out into the blackened sky. A single source of light illuminated from the center of the room. A small candle... he was not alone. Kya warily accompanied him, his sudden demands to have her follow him had baffled her momentarily. Not for his rigorous personality to have things completed as he pleased... rather, his genuinely fierce and cold personality had leaked an unexpected sense of fear that left her worried. Though it was faint and unnoticeable to most, she certainly had caught onto it.
Her eyes stared into the back of his head wondering what conclusion could bring about this unusual behavior. "Why..." She thought.
The sound of footsteps approaching had flushed her thoughts away, and her pupils had refocused to the door that lead into the throne room. A soft knock was heard shortly before it opened, and in came Azula, Ozai, and Long Feng. Immediately, all of their eyes crossed paths with her own while a wave of confusion had too been a distinguishing feature. They wanted to say something, but didn't exactly know what. As quickly as their expressions came, it immediately left as their gazes fell unto the Avatar who had yet to acknowledge their presence. An eerie silence continued, one that grew even denser by the second. It was Long Feng who shattered its silence.
"Um... You summoned us, my lord?"
Taking a breath, Aang closed his eyes and exhaled before looking at the three.
"That is correct." Making his way to the throne, he seated himself onto the chair before addressing them all. "You three have been serving me for a few months now. Through those months, the vast majority of your confrontations had led to a well deserved success. Success that's been leading us to victory... to power... to influence - and in time - peace. Time and time again, I have tested your abilities both mentally and physically - against me, and our cause; and through that time you've managed to push pass your boundaries even further than what I anticipated. I understand that not all of us were destined to be here - as I pay part of this tribute to our fallen ally Hama, her mentality was unable to recover from the beasts I have unleashed within each of you. Though you two have proven otherwise. With this gift I have bestowed, comes a simple, solemn vow. You will have nothing! Your privilege - is the dirt. At that very moment, as you found yourself surrounded by nothing but utter darkness, only ambition guided you back to sanity..."
Standing up, Aang walked down the stairs. His steps ringing in their ears. Slowly pacing around the three, watching and observing their every movement. His eyes had shifted into a glow as he dug into each of their minds - searching and extracting certain memories. These peculiar memories reflected their most inner desires that had shaped them into the individuals they are today.
Ozai was brought back to the time when he was first crowned Fire Lord. Being given absolute control over the Fire Nation, he had set out to accomplish what neither his father nor grandfather was able to achieve. His desire to surpass all, and to achieve a sense of purpose that he believed to be destiny - had been unusually vacant in his heart. As this happened, he could clearly hear Aang's voice speaking around him as if he were the universe itself.
"Your freedom, will be defined by the wars you wage...'
Azula reflected upon her younger days where isolation had first began. Being a young and naïve child, she could not fathom the long term effects of her or others decisions to praise her higher than anyone else for her gifted affiliation with fire. Because of this, she neglected compassion to others - her brother most of all. The haunting image of her mother Ursa staring at her with disappointment had hurt her; and Zuko had too appeared with his back turned as he walked away, no longer wanting any connection between their kinship.
"Your birthright, leading to the losses you'll suffer..."
Long Feng felt a wave of humiliation fall upon him as he thought back to that day. He was suppose to rule Ba Sing Se while the Earth King sat oblivious to it all. But then she came, and she took it all away from him! Loyalty, Influence, Power! All of it was swiped from beneath his nose as she took it all for herself - leaving him to suffer imprisonment and torture from the corrupted guards.
"Your false entitlement bringing about endless agony you are forced to endure..."
The three were released from their thoughts, stumbling out of their memories. Their eyes trailed back to Aang who stood almost menacingly at them all. His eyes were void of any and all color; and with it, a sense of helplessness.
"And when darkness finds you - as it once did I... you will face it, alone."
Pure silence had reigned, its effect leading to an intoxicating and uncomfortable aroma. They could not comprehend what he was trying to say. It started out as a praise, and ended as a warning - but of what? Suddenly, a ghostly sound of whispers had filled the room, and the candle that was once lit had flickered out moments into the incomprehensible chant. A freezing chill had traveled down their spines causing them all to glance at each corner of the room - searching, believing that they were being watched.
"Yes, we are here... as requested."
Kya had overheard Aang mutter those words. He was speaking to someone - someone that was not physically present. If she didn't know any better, she would think he was a mad man - lost in his own lunacy of a cultist ideal, but this wasn't. Like Aang, she too could feel its presence. She may not be able to hear it, but it radiated an obscure and murky aura unlike any other. Soon, the whispers had stopped. Allowing them to recollect their thoughts and bearing. In the center, a portal in a mixture of red and black had slowly grown to stabilization. Its appearance had caused them to tense. For what? They did not know. Walking in front of the portal, Aang had addressed them all one more time - more sternly and serious than before.
"Now listen, you're about to step into an entirely new world. Whatever you see beyond this portal, just know that your loyalty will remain to no one but myself."
Turning around, he was the first to step through the portal. The three servants had glanced to Kya expecting her to follow in case she tried to run. With a sigh, she obliged with their silent expectations before stepping in front of the portal. Hesitating for a moment, she pressed through expecting to see Aangs familiar face on the other side. Shortly after, the final three had followed in pursuit, all of them carrying heavy stomachs.
In the sky, a single lone airship could be seen sailing across the endless sea of blue. Its destination remaining unknown to those who passed near or below it. Zuko and Toph stood alone on an isolated sector of the bridge. Their gaze remained fixated ahead where they hope to see solid ground where the Air Nation once occupied. It had been two days since their departure from the United Republic, and they were expected to make landfall within the next few hours. The two had been speaking to each other for awhile, their topic of interest being the Southern Air Temple along with an unknown duty to revisit its historic grounds.
"That's - hard to take in." Zuko sighed.
Up until now, Toph hadn't exactly explained in detail as to why she wanted to come to this place. He thought that their interest would be entirely different, and in a way it kind of was. The Southern Air Temple became the key between them both. For Toph, it was a landmark - For Zuko, a destination leading to an encounter he hadn't had since Kya was only fourteen years of age. They were here, as odd as it may seem.
"I know." She paused and leaned against the railing. "It's not everyday that a spirit forewarns you to uncover a crucial truth that would shape the future of our world. This - truth - it leads to a discovery revolving around him. It has to."
"Do you think the answers you seek remain at the destination we approach?"
Her words stressed in her vocals as she responded to Zukos curiosity. "I don't think... I know it's there." Her grip tightened around the railings, and in seconds her arms began to shake due to the stress that was built through her grip.
Zuko noticed this and couldn't help but feel confused. "Toph?" His body directed itself to face her. He could see it, their was something else she wanted to say - but she didn't know how to go about it as of yet. "There's something else... is there?"
"It's... It's nothing." She stated. "At least, it's nothing I'm so sure of yet. How about you? Why is the Southern Air Temple such an important place for you to revisit."
Taking a second to think, Zuko reached underneath his robes before pulling out a single piece of paper. "Before my uncle died, he left me a book. An autobiography he wanted me to read. He stated that there was information in there that would be of use to me. I didn't understand, and sometimes I still don't. But as I flipped through each page, mesmerizing each word, this folded up piece of paper was between one of the pages. At first, I didn't really think too much about it... until I read it."
Unfolding the piece of paper, he handed it to Toph. She took it after a moments pause, and with observant eyes, she spoke.
"You know I can't read right."
Remaining mute for a moment, Zuko sighed and took the paper back from her. "Right, oddly enough I seem to forget of your condition." Unfolding it, he began to speak the words written on the letter.
Zuko, my dearest nephew. I have been wandering within the lands of the Southern Air Nation for nearly two years now. Safe, and graciously in high spirits - yet, I now prepare for the worst. I have encountered a small cult of individuals who deem themselves Air Acolytes. Apparently, they claim to uphold the teachings of the extinct Air Nomads until their doubtful return. These kind and caring people have welcomed me with open arms - feeding, and sheltering me throughout the countless of moons that has soared across the sky. Despite their passive and peaceful traditions, they have warned me of dangers that the road to the Southern Air Temple has been overrun by what they believe to be demons and monsters, certainly not native to this land. What this could mean... I dread to guess the outcome of this. By now, I'm sure you have many questions as to why I am here. Truthfully, I cannot give you an answer, because I can't quite understand it either. The Order of the White Lotus, its origins was thought to originated back in the time of Avatar Kuruk. Its sole purpose destined to find and protect the current and future Avatars from corruption. But I have suspicions that this order may have originated thousands of years before that time ever existed. My sources are but rough guesses and faint leads, but they all relate to the Order in some shape or form. With a faint trail leading me to the Southern Air Nation, I set out with but a single purpose - to discover what I believe was once forgotten. The Acolytes here makes mention of a forgotten library laid buried within the floors of the Temple. A sanctum full of invaluable wisdom, rivaling that of the spirit Wan Shing Tong's vast collection of knowledge. With this information, I can only wonder what I will I find when I arrive there. Who will greet me? A host of eager and blood thirsty demons as I believe most strongly - or perhaps there would be nothing the silence of a forgotten civilization. The White Lotus hasn't had any members here ever since the extinction of the Air Nomads. Can we still claim this place as our own? Is our kind still welcomed here? Ah, I have grown wary of this, Zuko. All of these questions troubles me more than ever so. Not because I am tired, but because our struggles never seem to bring much good in this world. Today, I fear that I will leave this place with more questions than answers. Despite this uncertainty, I come to accept that this is who I've become so far. A man who is driven to seek clarity and wisdom left behind by those who came long before us. So that one day, I may better understand the purpose of our fight... and my place in it. Know this Zuko, should anything happen to me. Should these leads I follow end up killing me, or my ambition lead me astray. Do not seek retribution or revenge in my memory, but fight in order to uncover truth! So that in the end, our struggles would finally have purpose. My story is but that of many thousands... and the world will not suffer, if it ends too soon.
Folding the paper back up, Zuko tucked it back under his robes as he awaited Toph's response.
"So, there's more to that place after all." She hummed. "To think that everything we've come to know has been left unfulfilled. It's not unbelievable... but it is frustrating, realizing that we possibly haven't scratched the surface of the truth."
"You tell me..." He sighed. "If there's more to The Order my Uncle was apart of, then its safe to say that this might play a vital role as to what Aang may try to control."
"And if it isn't?"
"...Then, at least I'll learn something about my heritage."
"That's one way to put it."
Raising an eyebrow, Zuko confusingly glanced at Toph. "What do you mean?"
"What I'm saying is, maybe this doesn't relate to Aang at all. That perhaps, we need to start looking into something bigger than him, or anyone in that matter."
"Like an extraterrestrial being?"
"No! ... well, sort of, but no!"
"... do you know how ridiculous that sounds Toph?"
"Yes, I do. But nothings impossible. After all... we were fooled to believed he died."
"I'm just curious as to what made you think this way?"
"...It's complicated... but think about it, what if-"
Out of nowhere, the Captain of the airship interrupted the two, speaking abruptly in between Toph's speech.
"My Lord, we've spotted land."
Nodding at the Captain, Zuko and Toph glanced at each other for one final time until their attention directed them to the control portion of the bridge. They were right, a small spec of land had come into view. As predicted, the Air Nation was only minutes until landfall. What they didn't take into consideration was the sudden and abrupt drop in temperature. A whitish fog began to cloud their view, and with it came a chilly breeze that was not expected.
"W-Why's it so cold all of a sudden?" Toph shivered. "Did someone max out the A/C?"
As temperatures continue to plummet, the outer layer of the Airship began to grow an additional layer of ice - covering its figure from top to bottom in an icy crust.
"My Lord, temperatures are beginning to drop more than normal. It's freezing out there."
Crossing his arms, Zuko seemed to be in deep thought.
"Have we packed winter clothing?"
"Yes, we have. But not enough for everyone. Lord Zuko, it does not matter how much clothing we packed. Temperatures are dropping beyond natural. If this keeps up, regardless of how much warming layers we wear, we'll freeze in a matter of minutes out there."
"What are you saying, Captain?"
"I'm..." The Captain halted his words. "I'm... only speaking in the best interest of our crew, Fire Lord. I meant no disrespect."
Traveling further into the freezing fog, they were barely able to make out the terrain of land below them. The trees were covered in a thick powdered snow, almost making them look like miniature mountains. Seeing the unnatural state the land was in, Zuko was beginning to highly consider the Captains option in returning back to the United Republic. With this kind of weather, nothing should be alive out there.
"They're here."
Refocusing his attention, his gaze fell unto the woman who accompanied Toph on this journey, Pema.
"Look, there." She pointed ahead in the distance.
Many tried to catch glimpse of what she was looking at, but none were able to see passed the dense fog.
"Those branches, some have been tampered with just recently. I know it sounds odd, but the Acolytes are here... so far from the Temple too. Why?"
Toph approached alongside Pema. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am certain. Do you really think I'd set off on an important journey without knowing what I should be looking for? The Acolytes may be rare, but even they leave clues of how to track them if you're dedicated to be one."
The Captain stepped in once more. "Impossible, if there are any of these Acolytes you speak of, they should be frozen by now."
"Yes, you're right. But, not unless you have this." Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a glass vial that contained a red colored liquid. "Before I ended up in the United Republic, I searched for specific ingredients all across the world in order to make this potion. It's said if you drink this, you'll remain at body temperature for the next six to twelve hours regardless of the wearher, depending on the dose you intake. "
Humming lightly, Zuko pointed at the glass vial she held. "How did you know you'll be needing that?"
Giving a smug look, she looked almost proud of herself the way she confidently stood. "An Air Acolyte always comes prepared, even in the most unlikely scenarios."
"...Um, okay. I guess." Scratching his head, he wondered how much of these potions she currently possess. "Say, not to sound greedy and all, but do you have extra for some of us to use?"
"Yes, of course." Unstrapping the backpack she carried on her back, she set it down in front of her, unzipping its seal before digging her hands through the items she brought with her. Pulling out nearly a dozen extra, she handed them to the Fire Lord. "These are all I'm willing to spare, that brings my portion down to two more vials."
"Thank you, I really do appreciate your generosity."
"Don't mention it, you guys are helping me achieve my dream. I just hope they will accept me."
Nodding, Zuko inspected the vials he had. There was enough for only a few of them. Either twelve of them would use one vial, or perhaps more if the number of people accompanying them is subtracted. Regardless, he knew for certain that Toph, Mai, and he was surely going to be one of them. As for the rest, he would have to decide who would be staying in the ship and who's coming.
"My Lord, we're unable to clearly see ahead of us any longer. If this keeps up, we may run into something that'll knock us out of the sky. We have spotted a clearing large enough to land just below us. Shall we take it?"
"Yes." Setting the vials atop of a stable surface, he redirected his attention ahead. "Prepare to make landfall, we'll continue the rest of the journey on foot."
In the Spirit Realm, a dark and disturbing aura filled the air. All around, a haunted and gloomy sense of distraught could be felt endlessly on each corner of the afterlife. The Corrupted Avatar trailed down an faint pathway, headed to a destination that was unknown to all who accompanied him. Though they all feared his power, they stuck close as the sounds of screams echoed around them, filling them with worry, It was difficult to see more than thirty feet ahead of them, because what laid beyond that was a dense layer of fog that parted only when you've reached that specific distance. Because of this, a constant chill as if they were being watched brushed down their spine, and it never stopped.
Coming to an abrupt stop, Kya nearly ran into her predecessor from behind. The others had too stopped once noticing his idleness. The fog had began to clear, and before them manifested a tree that slowly exposed itself from the roots up. As expected, they had been taken by surprise by the sheer size of this tree. It was old, and historical. Of that they was sure. Unlike the other three, Kya was able to feel something else. Something that was not suppose to be there, and was meant to stay locked away. This effect was enough to trigger a fight or flight reaction out of her, but her fear of the sheer evil behind this aura kept her feet glued to the floor.
"My boy..."
The deep, and hollow voice echoed across the land. Glancing to those who came with her, their confusion was enough to let her know that they too could hear this voice.
"After so long... you've finally returned."
The distinct color of red had caught their eyes. Their gaze now directed to the hollow portion of the tree that was secluded from the rest of the world by a seal. This monstrosity had revealed itself in all its glory, but that wasn't the reason to bring about such disbelief within them. No, what caused such perplexity was because the man they served, the man that was believed to be the most manipulative, influential, and supreme figure of all - knelt before this being.
"What is thy bidding... my master."
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End of Chapter 20!
And that's a wrap! I do apologize for the wait, but I've honestly been rewriting previous chapters to better influence future chapters in this story. I just want to inform you all that with every re-update I do from here on out, on the bottom of each chapter I will put a date on when I re-updated this specific portion of the story. For example, on Chapter 6 in the very bottom I have implemented "Reupdated as of January 13th 2021"
Anyways, this chapter isn't as long as I'd hope for, and it's because I felt as if I postponed this chapter a little too long for my liking. I hope this somewhat keeps you guys interested in future chapters, as well as the overall ending that would come from all of this. If you have any questions or comments, please review them or sending me a direct PM. I'm more than willing to talk about this or any ideas you have of ATLA. Other than that, I hope you all have a great day, and I hope you had an amazing end of the year for 2020.
Ciao!
~TheLivingMyth