Avatar - Conquering the Elements-Chapter 134. The Decision.

Aang. Earth Kingdom. A few days before the Solstice.

"We'll stop soon, Momo! Please, stop it!" Aang said to his lemur, who, driven by hunger, had started tugging at his ears and cheeks.

Chief Yuki of the Northern Water Tribe believed Aang's abilities were sufficient to learn a new element, so he ordered him to fly to Omashu to continue his training.

"Maybe Bumi is still alive?" Aang wondered, hoping to reunite with his old friend there.

Yuki had offered him some companions, but Aang declined. He wanted a moment to himself, to reflect and understand his own thoughts. He also longed to see how the world had changed over the past century. Honestly, he expected to find destruction and sorrow, but after visiting several villages, he was surprised. People lived peaceful, orderly lives, unaware of hardship. It felt as if the war had ended decades ago, not just a year.

In a way, this saddened him. If the world was doing so well, what was the Avatar even needed for? It seemed Yuki and Yue were confident about an impending confrontation with Vaatu. All he had to do was stay alive, so as not to harm Raava further.

Hearing Appa's roar, Aang looked down. Near a forest cleared to its roots, an old man waved at him. In the next second, Aang made a sharp turn and began descending.

"So, I wasn't mistaken... Who would've thought a flying bison with the Avatar on its back would fly right over me?" the elderly man greeted him, his bald head and long gray beard speaking volumes. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Koga, the elder of Senlin Village."

"Hello, and I'm pleased too," Aang bowed, his childhood upbringing preventing him from showing disrespect to age.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you?" the elder asked, his voice filled with hope for a positive answer.

"No, it's fine," Aang shook his head. "Is something wrong?" he soon realized the elder was troubled.

"Yes," the elder sighed. "A month ago, this was a dense, ancient forest, but some bandits, pretending to be decent people, arrived. They showed some paper and started cutting down the trees, claiming it was for the needs of the Earth Kingdom! There are no benders in the village, so we couldn't stop them!" He paused, calming down. "The truth is, my grandfather, one of the village founders, ensured this forest's protection. Now, for a week, every night, our protector, the forest spirit Hei Bai, takes one villager. Avatar, please help us!" He unexpectedly fell to his knees.

"Get up, no need to be so formal," Aang waved his hands, gently lifting the elder. "How can I ignore your problem? I'm the bridge between worlds and the Keeper of Harmony!" He patted his thin chest, though he wasn't entirely confident. Still, he couldn't show doubt to the elder.

"Look, there are still acorns here!" He pulled a handful of acorns from the loosened soil. "With time, the forest will regrow!"

It was clear earthbenders had worked here, as not even stumps or roots remained. It seemed the trees had been taken along with entire layers of soil.

"Yes, but how do we explain that to the spirit?"

"Trust me, I'll find a way!" Mastering the second element had given Aang confidence, especially one highly effective technique perfectly suited for this situation.

"Alright, then stay as our guest for now," the elder gestured for him to follow.

"If the logging was illegal... Did you achieve justice?" Aang asked.

"Those responsible for the crimes have faced the full force of the law," the elder brightened slightly. "King Lao and King Roku, may they rule us with their wise hands for many years!" He pressed his palms together, praying for his rulers. "Thanks to their rise to power, we common people can enjoy safety and full bellies every day!"

"King Roku—that's who Yuki sent me to," Aang thought, having heard many good things about him. Everyone spoke of his unmatched strength and mastery of earthbending.

Fifteen minutes later, they reached Senlin Village, nestled among towering trees. Enclosed by a stone wall, the village had only a couple dozen houses, some completely ruined.

For the next few hours until sunset, Aang spoke with the village head and elder. He learned every villager had seen the spirit at least once. It looked like a large, harmless panda. The spirit often helped people find healing herbs, mushrooms, and berries. Meeting Hei Bai was considered lucky, as it guaranteed finding something useful. According to the village head, a year ago, due to some accidents, part of the forest suffered, but the spirit wasn't as enraged.

"You can do this, Aang!" he encouraged himself, awaiting the angry spirit at the village entrance while the villagers hid in the head's house.

As soon as the sun stopped illuminating the land, tension filled the air. Down the path leading to the village, a massive black-and-white spirit appeared, breathing heavily. As tall as a three-story building, with a disproportionate body and four distinct arms...

"You don't really look like a panda..." Aang muttered, sensing the immense power within Hei Bai. "Hei Bai! I'm Aang, the Avatar! Please, listen to me!" he shouted. The spirit, completely ignoring the Avatar, continued toward the village.

"I'm here!" Aang jumped high, sending a weak air blast at the spirit. "I was just trying to get your attention!" He waved his hands, seeing the angry spirit gather energy in its mouth. In seconds, a thick energy beam, accompanied by a strong sound wave, was sent toward Aang.

Knowing negotiation with Hei Bai was impossible, Aang grew serious. He deflected the spirit's attack with his spinning staff. The speed and energy created a shield that deflected the beam to the right.

"You chose to attack me!" Aang protested as the spirit roared. The attack had destroyed many trees. All this time, Aang felt something was wrong. Deep in his soul, he resisted the state Hei Bai was in.

"Is he infected with dark energy?" Aang wondered. Yuki hadn't prepared him for nothing. His preparations weren't in vain. The focused Avatar began drawing water from wooden barrels at the village entrance.

"Remember the happiest moments," Aang tuned himself to the right frequency to perform a technique. Within seconds, water ribbons surrounded the spirit, gradually turning golden. Visibly, the spirit began to change. Soon, a perfectly ordinary panda lay on the ground, no longer radiating aggression.

At that moment, Aang realized help was needed not just for people... There was an entire world suffering!

"Decided! After training, I'm heading to the Spirit World!" Aang's eyes seemed to glow with determination. Another reason was his actions in saving the light spirit, which boosted Raava's energy within him.

"Hei Bai, please don't harm the villagers—they're innocent!" Aang remembered his main task. "They tried to prevent the tragedy! The villagers promise to help restore the forest!" At that moment, the doors of the head's house opened, and people cautiously emerged.

"That's right, we're ready to help!" the Village Head shouted, overcoming his fear.

"Yes!"

"This is our home too!" After the Head's words, the people began agreeing in unison.

"See, you're not alone!" Aang smiled, somehow understanding the spirit was indeed moved by the villagers' sincere words. In the next moment, all the missing villagers appeared beside the spirit.

"What's happening?" they looked around.

"I knew you weren't that bad," Aang joyfully told the spirit, seeing families reunite. Without a word, the spirit began retreating into the forest, leaving behind stalks of blooming bamboo.

"Avatar, without your help, we might not have seen another day! I thank you on behalf of all Senlin Village residents! Know that you're always welcome here," the Village Head declared solemnly, deeply embarrassing Aang. He still wasn't used to being a savior...

"It was my duty as the Avatar," he said awkwardly, feeling dozens of pairs of eyes expressing gratitude.

"When I grow up, I'll become the Avatar too!" a little girl bravely declared, drawing many smiles.

That night, he fell asleep with a satisfied smile, realizing he was still needed in this world. Plus, half the responsibility for preserving an entire nation rested on him. And honestly, some of Yue's words no longer provoked such strong resistance in him...

Ideally, Aang could have called for help from one of Yue's wives. Though he still strongly believed spirits were his favorites. They could quickly restore the forest to its original state. But looking ahead, the combined efforts of people and spirits could be the first step toward a new friendship. After all, nothing strengthens the bond between beings like a shared endeavor!

*

Earth Kingdom. Omashu.

"Hurry, before Roku gets here!" the former King, the respected Bumi, shouted excitedly. His face wore a happy, slightly mad smile, for today he'd met an old friend. Despite their hundred-year age difference, they acted like childhood friends who'd never parted.

Behind them stood tense postal workers, unable to disobey Bumi but unwilling to face the current King's wrath.

"Let the wind push us!" Aang shouted, giving a small push with his hands. Instantly, a strong wind slammed into their cart. Due to the high speed, the stone postal box began crumbling. Bumi had to fix their transport on the go, or they'd end up dragging their behinds for the next few hundred meters.

"Bumi, I'm glad you're still alive!" Aang yelled, his cheeks pulled back by the wind. His body truly felt an ethereal warmth. Bumi was likely the only friend still alive after his hundred-year sleep in ice.

"I'm glad I'm alive too!" Bumi laughed, a few tears blown away by the wind.

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The city's residents were happy to hear their former King's cheerful laughter. Perhaps this mad laughter would scare any outsider, but native Omashuans felt confident about the future because of it...

The next day, Aang darted across the arena like a saiga. As punishment for halting a postal line, the Avatar had to be a living target for Toph and Suki.

"Work those legs, Aang!" Bumi shouted from the stands, dipping his hand into a snack bucket.

"Why am I the only one punished?!" Aang protested the injustice.

"Hey! I slaved away for almost eighty-five years as King of Omashu! I've got special privileges here!" He waved something sausage-like.

"You heard him, Aang," King Roku nodded calmly. "Keep talking, and I'll join in..." The Avatar immediately shut his mouth, though he didn't forget to shoot Bumi his "angry" glares.