Chapter 30: Accepting Burdens (1)

"I cannot believe I missed Avatar Kyoshi's presence!" Despite the wind passing through them, or more precisely, Appa flying through the air at a quicker speed, Suki's groan managed to reach the group well enough. She sat next to Nik, while gently placing the cushion on her left thigh, keeping it warm as it had been injured during the fight.

"Yeah, we all saw Aang turn into a woman," Sokka chuckled again as Aang's shoulder hung low even more.

"A woman who scared the sokk-out-of you!" Katara smiled and Suki looked at the woman with an impressed expression, "That's a good one. But tell me more. How was she like? We left too quickly and I couldn't even give a proper farewell to others..." Suki inquired with a curious expression.

It is as she said. The group didn't allow themselves to stay in the Kyoshi Island longer than needed once the Unagi retreated. There was still slight doubt that the Unagi may not agree but it was Sokka who swiftly jabbed, saying that it's the desires of the Island that drove the number of Elephant Koi Fish down. With the supplies gifted to the group, they left on Appa and Suki joined without Aang raising any problems. He was happy to have another companion.

"She said that I can't train in your techniques," Katara grumbled and Aang looked back.

"I think Avatar Kyoshi was right about that... I didn't want to say it because you're a little... scary," Aang breathed the last word meekly, his voice not even reaching the group behind.

"I didn't hear you," Katara spoke up.

"I mean to say that bending techniques follow a philosophy and a physical path. These two are needed and nobody should try it without a master."

"Fine, I'll just sit back and keep on pitching tents... No!" Katara snorted and Aang's lips twitched.

"What else?" Suki felt completely unbothered and questioned further.

"She asked me not to touch her sword again," Sokka shrugged.

"You-- what?" Suki flared and Sokka crossed his arms, "Hey, it's because of me bringing the sword that Aang would womanize."

"I didn't turn into a woman!" Aang finally scowled, "Avatar Kyoshi simply possessed me."

"About that..." Nik looked at the boy wonder, more confused about the Avatar than ever, "How did she do it? Did you call her?"

"No," Aang shook his head, "I feel that Kyoshi left me with an answer but it feels too vague. All I know is that being close to the possessions of the past Avatars can help me contact them... probably."

"Here's a thought... why didn't you take something from the Sanctuary then? You could always have Avatar Kyoshi appear if things take a dangerous turn." Sokka posed and everyone looked at him. Once again ignoring Sokka because he did get it somewhat right, she looked at Nik, "And you? Did Avatar Kyoshi say something to you? The villagers said that she was right in front of you."

"Er... she said that I did a good job saving you and can learn from you."

"She called him a warrior," Katara poured in, "Don't sell yourself short, Nik. You were praised by a full-fledged Avatar who returned from the dead!"

Nik shrugged. Kyoshi had stated that he possessed honor, something Nik didn't think twice about after the act itself. It's not like he would send himself to the jaws of a giant beast once again.

"Man... getting your honor praised even by an Avatar, hey Aang, say that I've got a warrior's honor!" Sokka looked at Aang and the boy looked back.

"You do?"

Sokka's expression turned bleak and Nik couldn't help but chuckle and question, "Is it even important? Honor, I mean."

As he said this, everyone looked at him. Even the chittering Momo seemed infected by the silence and the staring as he looked at him with round green eyes. Feeling a little weirded out, Nik couldn't help but question again, "Did I say something..."

"Strange? Very," Suki nodded and then posed a question, "Don't you feel the least bit honored that your actions were approved by the Avatar?"

"What's Kyoshi got to do with my actions?" Nik wondered, "I wouldn't have cared even if she didn't praise me. Kyoshi wasn't there when I picked you out of the water, right?"

Nik smiled as he looked at Suki who flinched and dodged his gaze. Brushing the strands of her hair behind her ear as unlike Katara, Suki had her neck-long auburn worn in a topknot and the remaining portion let loose behind her head. The blue-eyed girl then coughed and exclaimed, "A warrior without his or her personal expression of honor is simply an empty shell!"

"So it's unique to everyone?" Nik inquired. He was rightfully ignorant about the concept of honor but he was also unaware that he would ever willingly try to save someone in such a situation. So he might try and make the best of this discussion.

"It's hard to describe," Sokka spoke up, "Father used to say that it is his honor to fight in the war. But the other warriors said that it is their honor to serve my father since he was the Chieftain before me. I guess you're right. Until now, I didn't consider honor to be more than just a word."

He looked at Nik, his eyes flickering with envy, "But I would be so happy if the next Avatar I encounter doesn't say— don't touch my sword."

Smiling and changing the topic, Katara looked at Aang, "Aang, we should return to the Kyoshi Island after a while. Maybe then you would find Elephant Koi Fishes to ride."

Visibly roused by Katara's words, Aang nodded and grinned.

"Anyway, where are we going?" Suki looked down, seeing that they were getting close to the edge of the Earth Kingdom.

"To Omashu—"

"What?!" Suki instantly snapped, scaring the boy.

"Uh, I mean, you can't," Suki blushed, "The Kingdom of Omashu is controlled by Fire Nation now... going there is bound to be far more dangerous."

Aang deflated visibly once again.

"Do you have the updated map?" Sokka inquired and Suki nodded.

"I thought it would be useful."

Suki nodded and fumbled through her baggage before tying it back to the saddle and unfurled the scroll. Aang jumped back to land on Appa's back, too, and Suki began explaining, "Most of the important territories are already controlled by the Phoenix King and his control is kept by the fire nation soldier stationed in these locations alongside important nobles of the Fire Nation keeping a check to political power."

"There are no rebels?" Sokka inquired with a frown.

"Even if there were, I wouldn't know."

"What about the territories not controlled until now?" Nik pointed at the few dots in the map still green and brown.

"All these are filled with complicated situations that even the Fire Nation soldiers couldn't do anything about, making them retreat eventually. There are some rumors about ghosts and then there are a few villages simply too destitute to not garner any attention from the Phoenix King's forces. We can move through this route and eventually reach the northern end of the Earth Kingdom...

But what are you guys going to do about the Northern Water Tribe? It's also under the Phoenix King's colors."

Katara and Sokka shook their heads, indicating their own helplessness to the situation but since they decided to ride, they would need to find a solution eventually.

"Can I ask something... what's the location of prisoners taken during the war?"

Nik pursed his lips and looked at others.

"Why?" Sokka frowned.

Not answering him with words, Nik held the scroll as it disappeared and reappeared once again. As silence covered the space of the saddle aside from the sound of the whipped wind, Nik cleared his throat eventually, "I'm just saying. This ability is particularly useful in this situation."

'And will allow me to gain more AP.'

Everyone silently glanced at each other before Suki looked at the map and then frowned.

"The procession a few years ago wouldn't speak of the prisoners in detail. But I'd wager that many of these unmarked villages have their men taken as prisoners during the war and are now suffering for it. We can ask them for information," Suki's eyes revealed a glimmer, "And I'm already missing the ground under my feet."

*Graaghh*

Appa let out a growl as Aang smiled and patted Appa's back, "She wasn't talking about you Appa. You're the best, but Suki also missed the ground."

As Aang began focusing on the 'road' ahead, Sokka smiled at Nik, "I'm just asking this out of curiosity but can you also make... clothes disappear? Like, anybody's?"

Nik nodded calmly.

"Hmm," Sokka narrowed his eyes and let out a thoughtful hum. Katara snorted seeing this while Suki looked at Nik, once again giving an impression that she had something stuck in her mind but she would pull her gaze down towards the ocean once again.

Soon, everyone found their sweet spots to lean on and grew quiet, enjoying the ride and the wind as Aang, too, lied on his back with his arms crossed behind his head. Silently gazing at the clear sky, Aang recalled the cool and collected words before his consciousness was overcome by darkness— Just look deep and we will guide you.

Who?

Aang questioned again.

Who is supported to guide him?

But he slowly sat up and discreetly looked back. Gazing at Nik resting with this eyes closed, Aang once again lied down. There was another thing left in him by the same voice.

'An Avatar brings balance to the world and the people. He is here, bring balance to him, too.'

Aang only questioned one thing regarding this.

Where was Nik even supposed to be if not here?

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"Here, let me help," Nik offered as he raised both his arms, and Suki jumped down, easily falling into his arms as he set her down. Suki would have trouble walking for a few days but she needed assistance to climb down from Appa. The group looked around. They hadn't been traveling for more than 5 hours and the sun was beginning to set, leaving an amber glare through the horizon.

"According to the map, a village is nearby. We cannot reveal ourselves this time because I doubt it will be another Avatar settlement," Sokka exhorted and Aang nodded.

"As planned, Katara and I will go and check the village. You two will stay with Suki," Nik nodded as he slowly let go of Suki's hand to give her enough time to balance herself.

"We will set camp and wait for you two. And Nik, if possible, find a replacement for my spear," Sokka glared at Nik as he shrugged and walked away with Katara.

"There they go... I hope they have fun," Aang really wanted to join in and explore.

"Yeah, right," Suki snorted, leaving Sokka and Aang confused. The only response Sokka had was to twirl his index by his temple, indicating that Suki might have gone crazy.

Away from the group, Katara now observed Nik as they moved silently. The village was within their sights by now. Feeling Katara's gaze on him, Nik could only question, "Is something wrong with my clothes?"

A little jumpy after being caught rather easily, Katara hurriedly shook her head, "No, you just look different."

"That was the whole point in wearing clothes for men," Nik chuckled. He wore the same clothes as the residents of the Kyoshi Island: A fur-lined blue tunic with a blue bandanna covering his head.

"Yes, you look manly- I meant, it suits you," Katara groaned internally while quickly correcting herself as Nik smiled and accepted the praise before looking towards the village. The duo began walking once again as Katara pursed her lips. With every passing second, she would grow more frustrated and Nik sensed it again. After all, Katara had begun to huff purposely.

But the last thing Nik had in mind was Katara's thoughts. His mind itself was consumed by the recollection of the Avatar Kyoshi appearing and revealing a sense of power and presence; the thought of which would leave him with goosebumps. He was expected to kill that? Given that Nik never thought of actually harming a child but just the thought that the presentation of power would only be categorized as Rank 2 by the Transmigration Paradise left him speechless.

The Mission Ranks corresponded with the Authority Rank and Aang's strength was supposed to be 'that' much?

It simply left Nik wondering.

What about higher ranks?

Nik had made it a goal to take more initiative but how would he ever be capable of closing that much of a gap?

While self-doubt wrought in the mind of the recently acknowledged warrior, Katara suddenly held Nik by his shoulder and gestured him to remain quiet. The two, under Katara's lead, hid behind a tree as a young man with long brown hair and thicker facial hair, slightly unkempt and dust, walked by them unsuspectingly. Seeing that Katara must have found something odd about the youth, Nik observed the man only to fail in finding anything noteworthy.

"What is it?" Nik inquired as Katara replied equally softly, "He's completely covered in dust."

"Then he needs a bath," Nik looked at Katara strangely.

"No... he feels different. Look at his arms," she spoke again and Nik focused on the youth's hands. The first thing that came to his mind was power as the forearm definitely seemed to be made to go through tough training to reach that kind of state.

The youth soon left their vision and Nik shrugged. He didn't have better things to think about but he realized that diverting his limited brain capacity on a stranger was not worth the task. The duo soon reached the village and despite being surrounded by a lush forest, something Katara was experiencing for the first time herself, the village was again, 'dusty' at best. The cottages and huts could use reconstruction and there were a small portion of houses made of rocks as if put together like sleek tiles. But these structures could be counted by one hand.

There was no villager by the entrance to greet visitors. Indifference filled the expressions of the villagers and even more concerning was the general lack of younger individuals in the village.

The duo stopped by a stall selling rockmelons. But unlike a ripe and full rock melon that would drip with sweet sticky juice with each bite, the ones on the stall were merely a shriveled excuse for it.

"Yous a traveler? Come, enjoy two rockmelons. Only the price of one," An old lade attended the stall as she welcomed the duo with a crooked smile. Her muddy eyes remained on Nik for a few seconds before she swooned over him.

"Oh, yous a handsome laddie. Eat one on the house. Then come to the house."

She gestured Nik to take one of the wrinkled green balls as he silently judged that his 'bloodline' may work better on old women. But a simple recollection made him realize that he had been pretty much freeloading from the very beginning of his second life aside from working for Yuuko, and that, too, seemed to be a work provided out of grace.

"Thank you," Nik smiled and accepted the gesture with ease. Refusal came hard for him, especially with anything related to eating. 'No matter how it looks, it couldn't taste that bad, right?' He thought to himself.

"Could you perhaps tell us the name of the village?"

The old lady snorted a cackle, "Ooh, home is called home!"

"Where are all the villagers? And the children?"

Katara inquired and the lady shouted with surprising severity in her voice and eyes.

"What men? What children? We don't have any! Yous get out! Laddie, too! I bark leave!" She growled akin to a feral menace, the intensity of her glare making Katara step back while Nik looked around, finding no response to the situation as if they all were accustomed to the old woman's temperament and this wasn't her first crazy rodeo.

"And give my melon back!" She hissed, making Nik quickly place the shriveled husk back on the stall as the duo left.

"What's with her?" Katara huffed.

"Probably old age," He replied. It was a simple observation, really.

Rolling her eyes, Katara refuted with a snort, "My Gran-Gran never acted like this."

"It's probably because she had you and Sokka with her."

Only then did Katara realize something. The old woman did say there are no kids here.

"Let it go," one of the middle-aged men passing by the duo advised, "The men who left for the war never returned, and the children that were later born... all of them are taken away. It's not just us... everyone from the surrounding village is the same."

"Can you tell us where are the prisoners?" Katara inquired and the man waved his hand, disinclined to continue to conversation.

Nik and Katara tried their luck at many places but failed to find anything of value. All the villagers seemed particularly tight-lipped about the situation and they returned empty-handed.

"It's this bad?" Suki couldn't help but reveal a sorrowful look while Sokka who had been planning to poke for his spear remained quiet, too.

"And you said there was another man who walked past you two?" Sokka questioned and Katara answered with a nod.

Finally comparing that man to the villagers, even Nik had to say that he looked certainly different. None of the men in the village looked close to how strong that youth was who passed the two in the forest.

"There was no other clue about the children?" Aang inquired once again and Nik shook his head.

"One of them did say that all kids must go through reforms... but other than that, nothing," he added.

"And this is just a small village," Aang mumbled. The boy began to feel the pit in his stomach once more. Men were taken away. Children, too. Where? Why? And this was simply a small village in the vast Earth Kingdom.

As if sensing Aang's thoughts, Sokka smiled uncharacteristically.

"This sounds like a detective's job to me," He leaned back against the tree with a calm expression, "Don't worry. I will find out where the children are. You all focus on the prisoners. One thing is clear that the benders are kept in a prison where their element is inaccessible. So this should narrow your scope of search. And there's another fact that the procession was clear about.

To punish the factions who took part in the war, any prisoner caught is kept close to their home just to keep the population in check. After all, those imprisoned can be siblings, parents, or many other loved ones. So... a location that is close but away from land."

"The sea?" Nik looked at Sokka for confirmation and he grinned, snapping his fingers in tandem, "Bingo! I will go to the town tomorrow and try to find out some things. Meanwhile, you all will search for the prisoners and help them escape."

"But wouldn't that alert the Phoenix King?" Aang inquired with a worried expression.

Sokka looked at the boy and grunted, "Aang, I thought you wanted to help as many as you could."

Aang stopped speaking for a moment and he slowly held his head by his hands.

"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have said that. I... I need to poop!"

Aang stood up, walking away as he waved at Momo to stay. The group looked at each other once again and Suki couldn't help but sigh.

"It must be hard on him, too..." She whispered.

"Now I feel like a douche bag." Sokka clicked his tongue.

"I'll go—" Katara spoke up when Nik stood up, "No, you stay. I think I have more words of wisdom to offer in this situation."

"You?" Sokka looked dubious.

Keeping a casual smile on his face, Nik spoke with much ease, "I know a few things about being scared. Might as well share it."

"Be quick then," Suki smiled, "I still need to train you later."

"Right."

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