Yin And Yang: Book 1.07

Yin and Yang: Book 1.07

Balance is a key aspect in the world, so why shouldn’t the Avatar have an opposite?

In a world where Raava and Vaatu merge with humans, the Avatar and the Daimon try to keep the peace between the four nations.

Aang and Hua are the current incarnations, but wake up 100 years in the future.

How will these two learn all four elements in one year and defeat the Fire Lord?

Book 1.07: Winter Solstice, Part 1

I used Bing AI Creator to show you how Hua and Lixue could look in the Avatar-style.

Check out my DeviantArt, Wattpad Or Tumblr to see them. ^^

Hua

Lixue

Water. 

Earth. 

Fire. 

Air. 

Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. 

Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. 

Only the Avatar and Daimon, masters of all four elements, could stop them, but when the world needed them most, they vanished. 

A hundred years passed, and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar and Daimon, an airbender named Aang and an earthbender named Hua. 

And although his airbending and her earthbending skills are great they have a lot to learn before they’re ready to save anyone. 

But I believe Aang and Hua can save the world.

Serenly Appa was flying over a forest, while his passengers enjoyed the warm rays of the sun on their skin.

Aang was sitting lazily atop his bisons heads a little twig in his mouth, Katara and Hua lay on their stomaches, looking at the clouds and Sokka was carving something out of wood.

Jaiyi and Momo were snuggled up together, enjoying a nice nap.

Yes, this was travelling at its finest.

No, grumpy Fire Nation Prince after them.

Just them and the endless sky.

"Those clouds look so soft, don't they?", mussed Katra dreamly. "Like you could just jump down and you'd land in a big, soft, cottony heap?"

Hua let out an agreeing hmm, trying to find forms in the clouds.

"Maybe you should give it a try.", joked Sokka sarcastic to his sister.

Both girls looked annoyed at Sokka, and Katara answered back also sarcastic: "You're hilarious."

 "I'll try it!", yelled Aang excitedly.

Surprised and curious his friends looked at how the Avatar with his staff jumped down from Appa's head towards the clouds. 

Katara, Hua and Sokka popped their heads over the rim of the saddle, looking down in the direction Aang went.

The Avatar vanishes in a cloud.

Katara looks somewhat worried, Hua has an eyebrow raised, while Sokka gazes wide-eyed at the point where Aang vanished. 

When he leans over to search the sky, Aang comes back up from behind them on his glider. 

The siblings and Hua turn around as they hear the snapping noise of Aang's glider being closed, and they watch how the airbender plops down on the saddle, his legs spread apart and a big smile on his face. 

He was dripping wet.

"Turns out, clouds are made of water.", tells them Aang happily, before he breaths in deeply and slams his balled, right fist against his stretched left hand, creating an expanding air ball around him in the process, drying himself off. 

As Aang leans back to rest on both his hands, he contently looks at Momo and Jaiyi, whose furs got all fluffed by Aang's airbending.

"Cute.", chirps Hua to the two animals.

The Kyuubi yips offended, she wasn't cute, she was a force of nature, while Momo chitters away shy.

It's then that Katara calls for their attention, all look where she is pointing.

The Daimon feels sick to her stomach as she sees the black land before them.

It was like a huge ugly scar in the forest.

They let Appa land so they could examine it better.

Aang and Hua look devasted at the destruction before them, neither hearing Katara and Sokka talk.

The Avatar and Daimon have to fight tears.

Who would do this?

Why would they do this?

What was the reason for this senseless act of violence against nature?

How many trees and animals died?

Hua is the first who falls to her knees, gripping the burned earth between her palms.

It's like she hears the earth scream, the cries of the trees, the pleas of the animals.

Tears fall from her green eyes, wetting the ground before her.

Aang was right beside her on his knees.

He knows that as Daimon, she feels the negative emotions of this place more strongly than he does. However, that doesn't mean he doesn't feel and understands. 

Carefully, he puts his hand beside her to comfort her and himself, letting her know that he understands what she feels and that he is there for her.

This little skin contact was like a balm for Hua's anguished soul. Aang was the only one who truly understood what was going through her head because the same thoughts were in his.

"Why would anyone do this?", speaks Hua their thoughts aloud. "How could we let this happen?"

"Hua, you didn't let this happen. Neither Aang. It has nothing to do with you.", tries Katara to comfort them.

However, Aang and Hua shake their heads.

"Yes, it does. It's the Avatar's and Daimon's job to protect nature. But neither of us knows how to do our job.", tells Aang.

The Daimon wipes away her tears, nodding in agreement.

"That's why we're going to the North Pole.", reminded them Katara. "To find you guys a teacher."

"Yes, a waterbending teacher.", huffed Hua. "But there's no one who can teach me how to be the Daimon and Aang to be the Avatar. Monk Gyatso said that Daimon Lixue and Avatar Roku would help us."

"The Avatar and Daimon before you? They died over a hundred years ago; how are you supposed to talk to them?", wonders Sokka.

"We don't know.", chorused the current Avatar and Daimon together.

This was more than a big mess, it was a complicated chaos!

Momo snuggled up on Aang's lap, while Jaiyi licked Hua's cheek, they felt that their master's needed comfort.

They pet their animal companions in thanks, but it doesn't help them from feeling bad.

If they hadn't run away so long ago, maybe all this didn't need to happen?

They are at fault for what the world is going through.

Katara notes how the two children were sinking and sinking deeper into their desperation.

She needed something to help them.

So she looked around, till she found something.

The waterbender calls out to them asking if they are ready to get cheered up.

They disagree and get for that each an acorn smacked against their heads.

Naturally, Hua asks her best friend offended how this should cheer them up?! This was the opposite of it.

Of course, Sokka finds it funny, but he gets an acorn to the head too. He admits he deserved it.

With a smile, Katara kneels down beside Hua and Aang and shows them her hand full of acorns.

She tells them how any acorn here will one day be a big tree, so the forest will return to its former glory. Making all animals return.

The waterbend gives each child an acorn.

Thoughtful the Avatar and Daimon look at the acorns in their hands. 

Katara was right. 

One day it would be again a forest full of life.

They shouldn't lose hope.

The Avatar and Daimon thank their friend, who gives them a smile. Her smile fell as she saw a man approaching.

"Hey, who are you?", ask him Sokka distrustful.

"When I saw the flying bison and the Kyuubi, I thought it was impossible! But, those markings ... are you the Avatar and the Daimon, children?", ask the man in a desperate tone.

Aang and Hua look to Katara, who nods. 

They nod.

"My village desperately needs your help!"

The man's name was Kay-fon and he led them urgently to Senlin Village. They arrived at sunset and saw that the village had suffered some damage. 

It was clear that the village had been partially destroyed, but who was responsible for it? 

Kay-fon led them to the central building where the villagers had gathered, and the village elder stepped forward to greet them.

"So, the rumours of your return are true! It is the greatest honour of a lifetime to be in your presences."

Hua and Aang bowed in greeting.

"Nice to meet you too!", says Aang.

"How can we be of assistance?", adds Hua.

The village elder seemed unsure, but Kay-fon reminded him that the Avatar and Daimon were their only hope. He explains to them how for a few days by sunset a spirit monster attacked the village.

It was Hei Bai, the black and white spirit.

Sokka wants to know if they have an idea, why Hei Bai is attacking them.

"We do not know, but each of the last three nights, he has abducted one of our own.", explains the village elder. "We are especially fearful because the winter solstice draws near."

"What happens then?", wonders Katara.

It's Kay-fon who answers: "As the solstice approaches, the natural world and the Spirit World grow closer and closer until the line between them is blurred completely."

"Hei Bai is already causing devastation and destruction. Once the solstice is here, there's no telling what will happen.", tells the village elder fearful.

Rightfully Aang and Hua want to know what they should do. They never have handle spirits.

Kay-fon just says since Avatar and Daimon are together the great bridge between man and spirits they can surely handle the problem.

Side-eyeing each other Aang and Hua wonder how to explain they have no idea what to do..

Thankfully Katara grasped them by the hands to talk with them over a window.

"Hua, Aang, you seem a little unsure about all of this."

"We have zero ideas what to do, Katara.", admins Hua, while Aang nods along. "There was and is none who could us teach this Spirit World Mambo-Jumbo!"

"What do you plan on doing?", ask Katara her best friend.

"I don't know, something. Aang help me here!"

"Erm...Maybe whatever we have to do will just ... come to us?"

"Really reassuring.", sasses Sokka.

Katara hits his side with her elbow for that. Her brother whines a bit and looks at her in betrayal.

"I think you can do it, Hua and Aang.", gives them Katara a kind and reassuring smile.

Sokka has the same face and agrees.

A short pause and then he declared: "We're all going to get eaten by a spirit monster."

Again Katara elbow meets his side.

***

Sunset approaches fast.

Unsure Aang and Hua walk out of the central building, looking around the small village.

"Hello, Spirit? Can you hear me?", calls Aang out. "This is the Avatar speaking and the Daimon is here too. We're here to try to help stuff."

"Yes, would you like to tell us your problem with this village? I'm sure we can resolve this without violence.", adds Hua, scratching her head.

They feel both so clueless.

Were they doing the right thing?

The sun sets and night falls.

"The sun has set. Where are you, Hei Bai?", wonders Aang.

He looks at Hua, who shrugs.

They mumbled to each other what they should now do and say, till they agreed on something.

"Spirit Hei Bai, as Daimon and Avatar, we hereby ask you to please leave this village in peace.", calls Hua out in the night.

No answer.

Aang spins his staff and sticks it down, in apparent authority, while Hua stands as straight as she can, trying to look authority.

They wait a few seconds, then look at each other.

"Think it worked?", mumbles Aang.

"Seems like it.", mumbles Hua back. "Let's go back to the central building."

Together they walk away. 

Behind them, however, the Hei Bai fades into the real world. 

He walks right behind Aang and Hua, who sense him and turn around.

Damn, the spirit looks like something out of a nightmare!

Hua has to gulp down in fear, while Aang tries to speak to Hei Bai.

The spirit doesn't even let him finish and releases a burst of energy at them.

Hai Bai moves past them, starting to wreak havoc, smashing buildings and destroying a tower with energy.

Dumbfound the Avatar and Daimon look at this before they move towards Hei Bai.

"Mister Hei Bai, spirit, please let's talk!", begs Hua. "I'm sure we can resolve this without property destruction!"

"Please, would you stop destroying things and listen? We are trying to do our job as a spirit bridge! Excuse me, would you please turn around?", ask him Aang.

They get ignored by the spirit, who just happily destroys another building.

"Okay that's it!", growls Hua. With the help of her earthbending, she positions herself between Hei Bai and the next house on his must-destroy-anything list.

"Stop!", shouts Hua loud as Aang joins her on her platform.

He raises his staff and she gets into a bending stance.

"We command you to stop!", yell the Avatar and Daimon together.

For a second Hua swerves Hei Bai just deadpans at them in utter boredom, before he hits them and sends them flying to the roof of another building.

They land in a heap.

Autsch this hurts!

That's when Sokka joins them, attacking Hei Bai with his boomerang.

It doesn't even scratch the spirit.

Hua and Aang call out to Sokka to leave, but the older boy tells them they will fight together against the spirit.

Before anyone can say anything Hei Bai grips Sokka in one of his hands and races out of the village.

"Sokka!", shout Aang and Hua together in fear and worry for their friend.

Fast Aang opens his glider, holding a hand out to Hua. She understands and wraps her amr around his shoulder, while his goes around her hips. Their free hands grip each a side of the glider.

Together they push the glider off the ground and fly after Hei Bai and his prisoner.

Flying together on a glider wasn't new to Aang and Hua. 

When Aang was little Monk Gyatsu took him with him and Gyatsu took Hua often on a flight too.

Just, they two together have never done it.

It was way too much physical contact for them since they couldn't stand each other.

However now that they had a sort of truce and also a friend to rescue they flawlessly flow the glider together.

Strangely it was like they had done this a 1000 times. They needed no words from the other to know what do to.

Maybe they have done this kind of partner flight in a lot of their former lives.

It was an explanation.

Whatever, they had more important things do to than wonder, how they could fly together without problems.

They needed to rescue Sokka!

"Aang! Hua! Over here! Help!", shouted the older boy for them.

"Hang on, Sokka!", called Aang back.

"We are here!", added Hua.

Hua pulls out one of her hands, trying to free Sokka. 

Sokka grunts, trying to reach her. 

However, before she can grab him, the spirit fades away, taking Sokka with it. 

Suprised Hua and Aang shout and fall in front of a bear-like statue, getting knocked out.

A while later Avatar and Daimon awake with a groan.

They look around for Hei Bai and Sokka, but sadly they are nowhere to be seen.

"We failed.", states Aang disappointed in them.

Hua signs loudly and rubs her face.

She can't cry right now.

"Aang, let's go back. Staying here will not help anyone.", reminds the Daimon.

Well, he can't disagree with that.

Defeat the two children and try to fly the glider together, but nothing.

Huh?

What was going on?

That's when the sun finally rises behind them and they see they have turned blue!

Astonished Hua looks at her blue ghostly hands, while Aang shouts they are in the spirit world.

Yeah, this does make sense.

"What are we supposed to do?", wonders Aang. "Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue, how can we talk to you?"

Hua stops looking at her hands and shouts to the sky too: "Please if you hear us, help us Lixue and Roku!"

Out of nowhere, they hear the cry of a bird followed by a loud huff.

Surprised they turned in that direction and saw a phoenix and dragon flying towards them!

If they weren't in the spirit world they would wonder how this was possible.

Phoenixes and dragons were extinct!

"That's definitely not Sokka.", says Aang and tries to get Hua to run away with him, but she shakes his hand off. "Hua, what?"

"Aang, they seem familiar.", she tells him. "Don't you feel it too?"

The phoenix and dragon land before them.

When she was little her mother told her that once phoenixes came in all sizes, this one was big enough to carry at least two people on his back.

"You two don't know where Sokka is, do you?", ask them Hua.

She knows she can trust these two sacred animals.

The phoenix touches his forehead with hers, while the dragon reaches out with a whisker to Aang's forehead.

Both see different but similar things. A beautiful elderly water tribe woman flying on the back of the phoenix and an elder fire nation man on the back of the dragon.

They know these people!

"You're Avatar Roku's animal guide!"

"And you are Daimon Lixue one!"

"Just like Appa and Jaiyi are for us!", the humans choruse together.

"We need to save our friend and we don't know how!", explains Aang. "Is there some way for us to talk to Roku and Lixue?" 

Fang, the dragon and Qinyan, the phoenix understand them and lower themselves so they can be riding.

Hua gets on Qinyan and Aang on Fang.

Together with their passengers, they fly to the only place, where the current Avatar and Daimon can talk to their predecessors.

Qinyan and Fang take them to a temple on an unknown crescent-shaped island. 

They fly into the temple and toward the roof.

"Hey, what are you doing?", screams Aang worried at Fang.

"Aang calm down, we are spirits, I highly doubt walls are a problem now!", reminds Hua.

And she was right as they flew right through the roof and into a mysterious room.

The interior was a beautiful mix of Fire Nation and Water Tribe, reflecting the perfect harmony which could exist between the two elements and nations.

Within is a celestial calendar and there are statues of Roku and Lixue holding hands.

Confused Aang and Hua dismount the sacred animals.

"I don't understand, this is just a statue of Roku and Lixue.", tells Aang Fang and Qinyan.

Both animals again reach for the children showing them a vision of a coment.

"Is that what Lixue and Roku want to talk to us about? A comet? When can we talk to them?", asks Hua.

She has a bad feeling about this comet.

Fang moves his head, allowing a light beam to appear. This is just to the right of Roku and Lixue's statue. 

With another feeler press and a forehead touch, the current Avatar and Daimon see a vision of the sun setting and rising repeatedly, and the light closing in on Roku and Lixue.

"It's a calendar, and the light will reach Roku and Lixue on the solstice! So, that's when we'll be able to speak them?", wants Aang to know if they understood right.

The dragon breathes an apparent yes, while the phoenix chirps in agreement.

Aang and Hua tell the mythical beings that they can't wait that long and need to save Sokka now.

Understanding this the sacred beasts let the kids mount them again and fly with them away from the temple.

They bring them to the bear statue from before.

Aang and Hua see their bodies in meditation on top of the bear statue, as Fang and Qinyan fly through the statue and the Avatar and Daimon are back in their bodies.

"Okay, now that was some trip.", groans Hua, holding her head.

She feels a bit dizzy.

The Avatar agrees with her and both decide to fly back to Senlin Village.

It's nearly night, so that means Hei Bai will appear soon.

Maybe now they can stop him and get somehow Sokka back.

Katara stands outside the center building and notices their return. They land and Katara runs up to them.

"You're back!", relieved she hugs the younger ones. "Where's Sokka?"

"I'm not sure ...", admins Aang.

***

The evening gives way to night.

Hua and Aang await at the entrance for the Hei Bai. 

After some time, they give up and return to the center building. 

Just as they exit, however, the spirit appears to their left. 

Aang throws up an air shield and Hua an earth wall to stop its attack.

Worried Katara shouts for them to run away, but calm Aang and Hua touch Hei Bai's head, seeing a panda lurking behind the nightmarish form.

Now they understand.

Hei Bai is the spirit of this forest and is angry because of its distraction. They tell him, they understand, and they feel the same, but Katara has given them hope again that the forest will regrow.

Aang shows Hei Bai an acorn and leaves it at his feet. 

The spirit picks it up and reverts to the panda form. 

He walks away peacefully. 

As Hei Bai exits, a series of bamboo branches grow, and three villagers and Sokka emerge from it.

Katara runs to her brother and embraces him, while other villagers embrace their loved ones.

"What happened?", wonders Sokka confused.

"You were trapped in the Spirit World for 24 hours!", explains his sister. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I seriously need to use the bathroom!"

Sokka waddles away, displaying a nauseated look. She gives him an unsure gaze.

The village elder thanked Aang and Hua for their assistance and asked how they could repay them. 

Upon returning from his bathroom break, Sokka suggested that they could use more supplies and money. 

Katara scolded him, but Sokka reminded her that they really needed these resources. 

The village elder had no issue with their request and felt honoured to help them on their journey.

"I'm so proud of you, Hua and Aang.", smiles Katara at them like a proud mom. "You figured out what to do, all on your own."

"We had actually some help.", corrects Hua.

Aang nods in agreement.

"And there's something else."

"What is it?", asks Sokka.

"We need to talk to Roku and Lixue and I think we found a way to contact their spirits."

"That's great!", states Katara happy.

Her best friend and Aang had really struggled to find a way to talk to their predecessors.

"Creepy, but great.", can't Sokka help himself but add.

He may have been in the Spirit World or whatever, however this whole Avatar-Daimon Mambo-Jumbo was not his thing.

"There's a temple on a crescent-shaped island and if we go there on the solstice, Hua and I will be able to speak with them.", explains Aang.

"But the solstice is tomorrow!", reminds Katara.

"That's right, but there is a bigger problem. The island is in the Fire Nation!", tells them Hua.

The siblings grow fearful, while the Avatar and Daimon just seem determined.

Whatever may be, they needed to go there by any means!

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Back from Hiatus

It seems like I got my inspiration back and I'm here with a new story.

It's an Avatar the Last Airbender one, which will feature the beauty that is Zutara, personal growth for everyone and a badass OC.

So give Yin and Yang a chance ^^

Comments are my lifeblood, I need moooorrrrrrreeeee :D

Yin and Yang: Book 1.03

Balance is a key aspect in the world, so why shouldn’t the Avatar have an opposite?

In a world where Raava and Vaatu merge with humans, the Avatar and the Daimon try to keep the peace between the four nations.

Aang and Hua are the current incarnations, but wake up 100 years in the future.

How will these two learn all four elements in one year and defeat the Fire Lord?

Book 1.03: The Southern Air Temple

Water. 

Earth. 

Fire. 

Air. 

Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. 

Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar and Daimon, masters of all four elements, could stop them, but when the world needed them most, they vanished. 

A hundred years passed, and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar and Daimon, an airbender named Aang and an earthbender named Hua. 

And although his airbending and her earthbending skills are great they have a lot to learn before they’re ready to save anyone. 

But I believe Aang and Hua can save the world.

A few days had passed since Aang and Hua were broken free from the iceberg, which had been their prison for 100 of years.

Together with the water tribe siblings Katara and Sokka the Avatar and Daimon had begun their journey to master all four elements to end the long war the Fire Nation had started.

The first main goal was to reach the North Pole to find a waterbend master.

However, it didn’t mean they couldn’t make some stops.

Aang and Hua had been gone from the world for so long, anything had changed, they needed to see and learn how to move in this new world.

Also, they had important things to check.

So their first stop was the Southern Air Temple, Aang's birthplace, to look for other airbenders and maybe find out what had happened.

The quartetett one flying bison and a Kyuubi had camped yesterday on this tiny piece of island and were making anything ready for their journey to their destination for today.

Hua had a bad feeling in her stomach, as she helped Katara put their luggage in Appa's saddle.

She remembered with clarity how Gran-Gran, Katara and Sokka's grandma, had told them how no one had seen airbenders for 100 years.

She knew it was nearly impossible to meet up again with old friends and mentors, like Monk Gyatso, they were for sure dead, but Kanna's information and its implication, worried Hua.

Deep down she had a feeling if airbenders were still around, they wouldn’t be open about it and the other possibility…how Aang and her (even if she was only a quarter airbender) were the only airbenders left gave her a bitter taste in her mouth.

Other than Aang who was so sure to find his old home full of living airbenders, Hua had a strong feeling they would only find one thing there.

Death.

The black-haired girl shuddered.

It felt like yesterday as Monk Gyatso explained to her some only Daimon-related quirks.

Her Daimon spirit was born out of chaos and darkness, it meant she had a kind of radar for darker things more than Aang as Avatar, who flourished in order and light.

Destruction, pain, and even death gave her a thrill but also made her feel sick.

When she heard how no airbender had been seen for 100 years, a voice inside her said: they are dead.

Call it instinct or her weird Daimon Darkness-Radar, she knew it was true.

Hua had tried to warn Aang, to not get his hopes up, but sadly he didn’t listen to her.

He was too optimistic.

Typical Avatar.

“Wait 'til you see it, Katara!”, Hua heard Aang talk, returning her from her dark thoughts. “The Air Temple is one of the most beautiful places in the world!”

“Aang, I know you're excited, but it's been a hundred years since you've been home.”, reminds him Katara cautiously.

The waterbender looked at Hua, who gave her a tiny nod. 

Other than her counterpart, Hua didn't get her hopes up.

"That's why I'm so excited!", told Aang giddy.

"It's just that ... a lot can change in all that time."

"Katara is right Aang.", agreed Hua. "I have a really bad feeling about this. You shouldn't get your hopes up."

This made Aang roll his eyes and jump down from Appa's head.

"You and your bad feelings. You need to be more optimistic.", tutted Aang, which angered the Daimon.

She was not a little child!

"It would help you to be more realistic, Mr. Avatar. You can't live with your head in the clouds all the time!"

"I'm an airbender, it's in my nature."

"Yeah, that's your excuse for anything!"

"Children!", got Katara between them. 

She had a tired and annoyed look on her face. 

No wonder, since she and Sokka joined them, she had to stop the Avatar and Daimon regular from arguing.

"Not this early in the morning, please."

"Sorry, Katara.", they chorused together.

How synchronic they could be, when they didn't want to smash heads with each other, would astonish Katara forever.

Since neither Aang nor Hua wanted to give Katara any grief, they decided to drop the matter, for now.

Hua called for Jaiyi, who had been playing with the waves.

While her Kyuubi joined her and Katara on the saddle, Aang got Sokka out of his sleeping back, pretending there was a prickle snake in it.

They were ready now!

***

Serenly Appa was flying through the Patola Mountain range.

It's a great day for flying, musses Hua, as she sits beside Sokka and Katara on Appa's saddle, having Jaiyi in her lap.

Her nine-tails currently getting pats from her and Katara, as Sokka's stomach growls loudly.

The three females look at him in a deadpan.

Really?

He was hungry again?

They had breakfast about an hour and a half ago.

How was this possible?

"Hey, stomach? Be quiet, all right? I'm trying to find us some food.", grips Sokka with one hand his growling stomach and with the other reaches for their food bag.

His tongue out of his mouth full of anticipation, as he starts to go through it. 

He looks surprised for a moment, but quickly turns the bag upside down to pour the contents into his hand. 

Only a few crumbs land on his glove.

"Hey!", the water tribe warrior shouts, pointing an accusing finger in the direction of his companions. " Who ate all of my blubbered seal jerky?!"

"Oh. That was food? I used it to start the campfire last night. Sorry.", tells him Aang happily.

Hua makes a facepalm, Jaiyi just deadpans more and Katara can only shake her head.

Meanwhile Sokka nearly cries and whines about why the flames smelled so good last night.

"The Patola Mountain range! We're almost there!", announces Aang with excitement.

Katara and Hua look at each other, silently agreeing and they crawl towards Aang.

"Aang, we need to talk.", begins Hua.

"About what?"

"About the airbenders."

"What about 'em?"

"Well, we just want you to be prepared for what you might see. The Fire Nation is ruthless.", tells him Katara. Sadly her hand goes to her chocker. "They killed my mother, and they could have done the same to your people."

In compassion the earthbender wraps an arm around Katara's shoulder, giving her a squeeze.

The older girl had told her this a few days ago, when they had bathed in a hot spring together, enjoying some time away from the males. Both had cried together for their dead family and comforted the other.

Still, Hua would always comfort Katara when she needed to, like Katara did with her.

However, this does not have the wished effect on Aang, because he just cheerfully says how the airbender probably escaped and how you can reach only one of the temples with a flying bison and he doubts the Fire Nation had.

So no worries.

For that Hua flicks the back of his head.

"Hey! What was that for?!"

"You are an unsensible brat, you know that?", hisses Hua. "Katara tells you her mother was killed and not even some condolences from you! What a great friend you are."

This makes Aang blush in embarrassment.

"Katara I-"

"Aang, Hua, it's okay, don't start to argue again, alright?"

"But-?"

Suddenly Jaiyi lets out a warning yip, as Appa starts to climb higher and higher the mountain. The only one who isn't screaming in surprise and tightly holding onto the saddle is Aang since he sits on Appa's head and holds the reins tightly.

After a few seconds, they break the cloud and there is it...the Southern Air Temple in its glory.

"Aang, it's amazing!", shouts Katara.

"Ha, I forgot the bumpy ride, but for this visual it's all worth it!", musses Hua, still holding Jaiyi tightly to her chest, as the nine-tails make an agreening sound.

"We're home, buddy! We're home.", says Aang with happy tears in his eyes to Appa.

A while later Appa lands them on one of the landing platforms of the temple and the humans with Jaiyi make their way towards it.

Of course, Aang was in the lead, Hua and Jaiyi behind him, making Katara and Sokka take up the rear.

With only a half ear Hua hears how Sokka wants food and Katara scolds him for it, reminding him how they are the first outsiders at the temple.

Since they touched down, the Daimon feels sick to the stomach. 

It's like she can taste the decay in the air.

Hearing screams of pain and plaids of mercy.

This is a graveyard and nothing more.

How she feels bad to think this about the temple.

Her point is only proven when Aang tells the others where he played airball with his friends, where the bison slept and trails off to admit how everything changed and only weed is remaining.

They quickly approach Aang. 

To lift his spirits Sokka plays with him airball and gets absulty demolished.

At least the Avatar is again in a good mood.

But poor Sokka who landed hard in the snow.

Hua has Jaiyi in her arms, looking at how Aang lets the airball twirl in his hands, wondering when she will be apply to do this, as Katara calls for them.

The younger ones walk towards them, only to see how Katara buries Sokka with snow.

"What's up?", ask Hua confused.

"Uh ... Just a new waterbending move I learned."

"Nice one! But enough practising.", exclaims Aang. "We have a whole temple to see!"

The airbender walks away and Hua follows after a second.

She has a feeling about what Katara and Sokka found and wants them to see, Hua tastes and feels it in the air, but maybe, just for a few minutes more, she can lie to herself.

Even if it was for a short time, the Southern Air Temple had been her home, it's already breaking her heart to see it so empty.

Hah, she is such a hypocrite!

Telling Aang he needs to face the truth when she is here trying to ignore it.

Jaiyi licks her cheek, trying to lift her spirits. In thanks, she gives her a kiss on the head.

For a few more minutes she will be just a girl, who returns home, then she will face the truth, she promises herself.

They reach the courtyard where Monk  Gyatso statue stands. 

"Hey guys!", Aang calls back to the water tribe siblings. "I want you to meet somebody!"

"Who's that?", asked Sokka.

"Monk Gyatso.", answers Hua, a tear slipping down her eye. "When I was brought to the Southern Air Temple he became my guardian. He was already Aang teacher and mentor, so I was his charge also."

"He was also the greatest airbender in the world and taught me anything I know.", adds Aang.

Together Aang and Hua bow before the monk both loved like a father/grandfather, remembering times long ago…

***

Hua is swinging all alone on a swing in a beautiful courtyard of the Southern Air Temple. She can see some bison calves eating grass and a few flying lemurs are sitting on the tree, where the swing is tied.

Her heart is heavy, but she refuses to cry.

“Of course, you are here.”, she hears the gentle voice of Monk Gyatso behind. “You want to tell what happened, Hua?”

She turns her head to the monk, stopping her swinging.

“Aang is an idiot and nothing more. I can’t believe he is supposed to be my other half.”, she grumbles.

Monk Gyatso frowns, stepping beside her. 

He pats her gently on the head.

It helps a little to feel better.

“Talk with me Hua, what happened?”

“I don't even remember anymore, we always are at each other throats for stupid things.", she admits quietly. "The Avatar and the Daimon are supposed to be a team, but Aang and I hate each other guts. It makes me feel like a failure. I'm more and more sure that the monks and the earth priests were wrong about us."

"Now, Hua, the only thing that they did wrong was telling you both your destiny and making you meet now and not at sixteen. But we can't concern ourselves with what was. We must act on what is.", Gyatso tells her calmy.

"I try, but I'm not really good at this. Will I be ever ready? Can Aang and I become friends or are we doomed to hate each other?"

"Your questions will be answered when you're old enough to enter the air temple sanctuary. Inside, you will meet someone who will guide you on your journey. Normally you would be brought to an Earth Temple Sanctuary, but the elders and our priests had to mix up anything.", was the last thing the monk huffed irritated.

A little smile forms on Hua's lips.

"I hope you are right because if not, I will bury Aang alive."

This makes both of them laugh.

"Give it time, little flower.", reassured her Gyatso. "You both were always friends in any of your lifetimes. You will find a common ground."

"Well, if you say so."

"Now, how about a hug? I can see that you need one.", smiles Gyatso grandfatherly at her.

The young girl grins and falls in the comforting embrace of the monk, who was more like a grandfather, than a teacher to her.

***

Aang and Hua are still bowing before the statue of their shared guardian, as Katara puts a hand on each of their shoulder. On the floor between them is Jaiyi, who snuggles the Avatar and Daimon to her best abilities.

"You must miss him.", says Katara in understanding to her two friends.

They confirm and start walking.

"Where are you going?"

"The air temple sanctuary.", begins Aang and Hua ends the sentence with:  "There's someone we are ready to meet."

Aang and Hua enter the hallway, Jaiyi following after them. 

Katara looks questioningly at Sokka, who just shrugs. 

They both start walking after the Avatar and Diamon.

The round symbol of intertwined air currents, the national symbol of the Air Nomads is largely embedded in the floor, surrounded by two square shapes that form some sort of sun together.

The quartet and nine-tailed fox have reached the entrance of the air temple sanctuary. 

The door supports a combination of metal-coloured pipes and three, blue, rolled-up, pipes that are similar looking and arranged like the symbol for airbending. 

The large wooden door is framed by the branches of an old tree standing on the left of it and the hallway is illuminated by sunlight that falls through little, round windows.

"But Aang, Hua no one could have survived in there for a hundred years.", protested Katara sceptically.

"It's not impossible. We survived in the iceberg for that long.", reminds Aang.

"Good point."

"Whoever is in there, will help us to become a fully realized Daimon and Avatar.", explains Hua.

Eagerly Sokka steps forward, with a hungry look in his eyes.

"And whoever's in there might have a medley of delicious cured meats!"

Full of anticipation and longing, Sokka charges at the door, but it will not budge and he simply smacks into it, head first. 

Hua, Katara and Jaiyi try not to laugh, but tiny giggles escape them.

The water tribe warrior quickly turns around and puts his back on it, trying to push the giant door open. 

When the door does not move, he sighs, slides down to the floor, disappointed, and rests against it.

"I don't suppose you have a key?", he ask towards Aang and Hua.

"The key, Sokka, is airbending.", simply states Aang.

Aang gets in position as he takes a deep breath. 

He spreads his arms and thrusts them forward, sending an air current into both of the tubes on the door. 

The air follows the path of the right air current as it travels through the pipe. The wind makes one of the blue curled tubes turn around. 

When it does, the tube changes colors to purple and the wind blows out like a horn. 

The process is repeated for the other two blue tubes as well. 

When the three blue tubes have turned and become purple, the door unlocks and it slowly starts to open.

Light penetrates the dark room. 

The doors sway open.

"Hello?", calls Aang into the room. Slowly stepping in. "Anyone home?"

The others follow behind him.

Inside the room there are a large amount of statues of people, lined up in a circular pattern.

It's always two statues beside each other, nearly every one of them holds hands, but there are a few who just stand beside each other.

"Statues? That's it? Where's the meat?", groans Sokka in disappointment.

"Who are all these people?", wonders Katara.

Aang and Hua look pensive at the statues around them.

"I'm not sure. But it feels like I know them somehow. ", states Aang.

The Dsimon nods.

"I have the same feeling, hey look!", she points at a female statue. "This one is an earthbender."

"That one's beside the earthbender is an airbender.", says Aang.

"And this one's a waterbender, who holds hands with a firebender. Never thought I would see that.", musses Katara before she realizes. "They're lined up in a pattern: air and earth, water and fire, earth and air, and fire and water!"

"These are the Avatar and Daimon Cycles!", shout Aang and Hua together.

"Of course. They're Avatars and Daimons. All these people are your past lives, Aang and Hua."

"Wow! There are so many!", exclaims Aang.

"They go till the highest point of the room!", notes Hua. "I wonder why some hold hands and others not."

Katara lets out a hum, then snaps her fingers.

"I bet the ones who are holding hands were couples and the ones who don't were friends."

"Huh...makes sense.", mumbled Aang, looking like he bite into a lemon. 

He feels deep down that Katara is right.

He so does not like this!

Hua is right behind him making a yucky sound, stating: "I can't believe we were that often a couple! I can see maybe ten or so who were only friends."

However, both start to follow along the circle, looking at the statues.

Meanwhile Sokka of course doesn't believe this reincarnation bullshit and Katara has to make clear how every Avatar and Daimon after they die gets reincarnation in the next nation in their cycle.

Transfixed the Avatar and Diamon stand before the last two statues in the room.

A male Fire Nation Avatar holding hands with a female Water Tribe Daimon.

It's strange, but Hua has a feeling the beautiful aged elderly lady statue is calling for her.

Like she had met an old, dear friend, the presence is calm and comforting.

She hears the whisper of crashing waves, the soft and cold touch of snow ...

"Aang! Hua! Snap out of it!"

Abruptly Hua and Aang get shaken from their daze by a worried Katara.

"Huh?", both chorused intelligently.

"Who are they?", wants Katara to know.

"That's Avatar Roku, the Avatar before me."

"And she is Daimon Lixue, my predecessor."

Sokka joins them jokily stating: "Aang was a firebender? No wonder I didn't trust you when we first met."

"I think I heard about Lixue.", mubles Katara. "Just I can't remember all about her."

"She was from the Southern Water Tribe, no wonder you heard about her.", explains Hua.

"You were one of our tribesmen? Really?", say Sokka in disbelief. "Way to return back home and lead firebenders to us."

"Sokka!"

"What Katara?!"

"You know what I mean! Don't play dumb!"

Her brother just gave Katara a big grin. 

The waterbender huffs, before she notices something.

"There's no writing. How do you know their names?"

Automatically the current Avatar and Daimon look at each other and shrug their shoulders.

"We just know.", they chorus.

"You two just couldn't get any weirder.", bemoans Sokka with crossed arms.

All this Avatar/Daimon mumbo-jumbo was so not his thing. 

He liked a scientific explanation for the world.

The quartet and Jaiyi startle and stare with big eyes in front of them when they hear something. 

They turn around. 

A blue light on the floor comes in through the door. A long-eared shadow of another being that is approaching moves over it. 

Hua hides with Jaiyi behind the statue of Lixue, as the others scatter to a hiding place.

She sees Sokka, who is holding his club ready for everything

The shadow is creeping closer. 

"Firebender.", whisper Sokka. "Nobody makes a sound."

"You're making a sound!", grumbles Katara irritated.

For that, all shush her, even Jaiyi!

The shadow has reached the bases of the statues and reveals a small figure standing in the doorway; it chitters.

Eh, what?

Confused Hua and Jaiyi look around their statue, like Aang and Katara, while Sokka has still his club raised, but doesn't use it.

Before them sits a flying lemur.

The animal moves his large ear and blinks at them.

"Lemur!", shouts Aang excitedly.

"Dinner!", shouts Sokka hungrily.

"Don't listen to him. You're going to be my new pet."

"Not if I get him first!"

Sokka stretches his hand while he excitedly lunges himself at the animal from behind the statue. 

Aang runs up at the lemur as well. 

The lemur arcs his back in fright, his ears, hair and tail standing upright as the snatching hands of the boys draw closer. It startles, quickly turns around and makes a break for it. 

The water tribe boy misses the animal and falls down, while Aang nimbly avoids tripping as well by using Sokka's head as a stepping stone. Quickly Sokka gets up and runs behind Aang and the lemur as they exit the sanctuary.

Now only the girls and the kyuubi remain.

Katara and Hua find each other eyes.

"Boys.", they both exclaim tired, as Jaiyi makes an agreeing sound.

"I'm not running after them.", makes Katara clear and steps to Hua and Jaiyi.

"Me neither. Shall we look around more, maybe we find something interesting."

"Sure."

So the girls and Jaiyi look around the room and the statues. 

Only a few minutes pass, and as the girls and Jaiyi stand again before Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue Roku's eyes begin to shine!

"What the?!", shouts Hua surprised.

They look around the room and see how all Avatar statues light up.

"Spirits, this isn't good!"

"Hua, we need to find Aang!"

Immediately Hua lets Jaiyi down and the floor and commands: "Girl, find Aang, fast!"

The kyuubi doesn't need to be told and follow Aang's smell.

Behind her Hua and Katara follow her through the whole temple, as they see a large tornado.

"That must be Aang!", yells the Daimon.

Soon they reach the tornado that Aang has become and Sokka who is holding on to a rock.

"What happened?", yells Katra over the wind, trying to not get blown away.

"He found out firebenders killed Gyatso!", explains Sokka.

"Oh no! It's his Avatar Spirit. He must have triggered it! I'm going to try and calm him down!"

However, she can't even make a step forward as Hua's hand stops her.

"Hua, what?!"

Whatever Katara wants to say, she forgets it the moment she looks back at Hua.

The Daimon's eyes are shining in a burning orange as she speaks with a thousand voices: "Stay down. It's too dangerous. I will calm my other half."

So Hua has entered Daimon State, it was maybe better if she talked to Aang. 

Sokka thinks the same and grips his sister and Jaiyi, holding them protective to his side.

"Well, do it! Before he blows us off the mountain!"

From the Daimon comes only a nod, as she makes her way over to the enraged Avatar.

With ease, she bends away the currents and flying debris.

When she reaches finally Aang she takes his hands in hers.

The Avatar looks full of anger and pain to the Daimon.

"My Yin, don't lose yourself in the pain. I know how you feel. I loved Gyatso and the other airbenders too. They became my family far from home. Your pain is mine. You are not alone. You have me, I will always be by your side!"

"Always, my Yang?", asks the Avatar also with a thousand voices in one.

"Till the last star in the universe dies out. This is our eternal promise."

"I remember."

"We have a family. Katara and Sokka are our family. The loved ones we lost, get reborn in new loved ones."

Finally, the winds calm down and the Avatar descends back to Earth. The two half embrace each other tight and kneel down on the ground.

Slowly their eyes return back to normal, however, they don't let go of each other.

Right now, only their other half can understand their pain and anguish.

The water tribe siblings and Jaiyi join them.

Katara embraces the two young children like a loving mother, while Jaiyi licks their cheeks and Sokka puts each a hand on their shoulder.

"You both are not alone, me and Sokka are your family now.", reassured Katara.

"Katara and I aren't going to let anything happen to you two. Promise.", swerves Sokka.

"I'm sorry.", sniffles Aang.

"It's okay. Don't worry.", mumbles Hua back, rubbing his back in comfort.

"It wasn't your fault.", adds Katara.

"But you girls were right. And if the firebenders found this temple, that means they found the other ones, too. I really am the last airbender."

"Don't forget me.", reminds him Hua gently. "I'm just a quarter airbender, but it still counts."

A little wet laugh escapes Aang and he buries his head deeper into the Daimon shoulder.

For now, the storm was over.

***

They, Aang and Hua, are back again in the sanctuary, looking one last time at Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue.

Katara joins them, saying: "Everything's packed. Are you two ready to go?"

"How are Roku and Lixue supposed to help us if we can't talk to them?", wonders Aang.

"No idea.", admins Hua, picking up Jaiyi, and cuddling her to her chest.

"Maybe you'll find a way.", stays Katara optimistic.

They glance at each other when they hear something behind them. 

Turning around they see the flying lemur standing on its back legs in the middle of the doorway. 

The animal reaches Sokka's feet and drops the load he is carrying: a variety of fruits. 

The lemur quickly dashes away as Sokka sits down and starts to stuff his face with the fruit, taking large bites of two different pieces of fruit. 

Amused Hua, Jaiyi, Aang and Katara smile at Sokka.

"Looks like you made a new friend Sokka!", tell him Aang smiling.

"Can't talk! Must eat!"

The flying lemur climbs onto Aang and hides behind his head, his tail curled around Aang's neck. 

Seems like someone wants to go with them.

The group makes their way back to Appa, with their new lemur friend.

Aang has a hand on Appa, while the lemur is sitting on his arm, as they look back at the Southern Air Temple in the distance.

"You, me and Appa; we're all that's left of this place. We have to stick together.", tells them Aang, before he turns to the others. "Katara, Sokka, Hua and Jaiyi say hello to the newest member of our family."

"What are you going to name him?", asked Katara curious.

Sokka is about to take another bite of the peach he is eating when the lemur jumps to him, stealing the fruit and returning to Aang.

He starts to nibble it with gusto.

Well, this gives Aang an idea for a name.

"Momo!"

Sokka still stands there, mouth open and hand in front of his mouth, ready to take a bite, however, he has no peach anymore. 

The others start to laugh upon seeing Sokka's expression.

After that, they mount Appa and fly away from the Southern Air Temple.

Dusk is settling as Aang looks with Momo at how his old home become tinier and tinier.

In silence, Hua with Jaiyi joins them.

The girl pats his shoulder, giving him a little smile, which he returns.

And so the Avatar and Daimon look together at how the Southern Air Temple vanishes behind clouds.

A silent sentinel of a chapter in their lives.

Previous

Next

Yin and Yang: Book 1.08

Balance is a key aspect in the world, so why shouldn’t the Avatar have an opposite?

In a world where Raava and Vaatu merge with humans, the Avatar and the Daimon try to keep the peace between the four nations.

Aang and Hua are the current incarnations, but wake up 100 years in the future.

How will these two learn all four elements in one year and defeat the Fire Lord?

I couldn’t wait to post Part 2 of Winter Solstice so here you go!

Enjoy and please comment, please, please, please!

Book 1.08: Winter Solstice, Part 2

Water. 

Earth. 

Fire. 

Air. 

Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. 

Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. 

Only the Avatar and Daimon, masters of all four elements, could stop them, but when the world needed them most, they vanished. 

A hundred years passed, and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar and Daimon, an airbender named Aang and an earthbender named Hua. 

And although his airbending and her earthbending skills are great they have a lot to learn before they’re ready to save anyone. 

But I believe Aang and Hua can save the world.

In the early morning hours in Senlin Village, you could see four figures trying to leave the village.

Well, it was two humans, Aang and Hua with Appa, the flying bison and Jaiyi, the kyuubi, trying their best to get their animal companions moving.

“Let's go, Appa! Come on, boy!”, whisper-shouted Aang, pulling the reins.

“Jaiyi, be a good girl, shrink!”, begged Hua, trying to get her ninetails to turn into her fox cub form and not stay in her big fighting form. Like this, she couldn’t fit on Appa’s saddle.

Nonetheless, none of the two animals listen to their masters. 

They refused to obey since they didn’t like to leave people behind.

This realized the two children at the same time.

“Look, I'm sorry, but Katara and Sokka aren't coming to the Fire Nation with us.”, told Aang sadly.

Hua frowned, giving Appa and Jaiyi a pet.

“We don’t like it either, but if anything happened to them, we would never forgive ourselves.”

“So get your big butt off the ground, Appa!”

“And you Jaiyi shrink!”

“And then let’s go!”, chorused the Avatar and Daimon together.

This earned them unimpressed looks from Appa and Jaiyi. Both sit down on their butts, refusing to move.

“Thanks for nothing your useless fluff balls.”, groaned Hua.

Why did they have to be so stubborn?!

Suddenly Sokka called out to them, his voice full of sass: “I think the useless fluff balls are trying to tell ya something.”

Surprised and startled Hua and Aang turned towards the right to reveal a collection of Senlin villagers, with Katara and Sokka standing in the front.

“Please don't go, Hua and Aang. The world can't afford to lose you two to the Fire Nation. Neither can I.”, plead Katara desperate to them.

These two were her rays of hope. 

Hope was the only thing which had kept Katara going on for years in the cold lonely nights when she missed her mother and worried for her father.

Now the world had a chance for peace if Hua and Aang ended the war and the waterbender would be damned if she let anything happen to them!

Guilty Hua and Aang look at Katara before they look at each other. 

They see the vision of the comet Fang and Qinyan showed them clearly before their eyes.

Neither of them wanted to hurt their precious people, especially Katara, however…

“But we have to talk to Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue to find out what our vision means!”, argued Aang back.

“We need to get to the Fire Temple before the sun sets on the solstice. That's today!”, added Hua.

Aang airbends himself atop Appa's head, while Hua earthbend herself on the saddle.

If Jaiyi wouldn’t come, she wouldn’t force her anymore, but she needed to go.

As Appa stands up, Jaiyi, Katara and Sokka run to stand before the bison, preventing him from moving any further.

“We're not letting you two go into the Fire Nation, Hua and Aang.”, scolded Katara.

“At least, not without your friends.”, told them Sokka grinning. “We got your back.”

Jaiyi yips in agreement.

Aang and Hua can clearly see how their friends won’t take no for an answer, that’s why they tried to leave in secret in the first place.

“This will probably be the most dangerous thing we ever did!”, reminded them Hua.

However, the water tribe siblings just grinned, saying danger was their second name.

This made the Avatar and Daimon laugh.

Well, if their friends were so stubborn, they would probably follow them somehow.

Better they stayed together then.

So Hua earthbended the water tribe siblings and Jaiyi, who finally was in her fox cub form, to Appa's saddle, while Momo made himself cosy on Aang's shoulder.

The Senlin Village leader hands Aang some supplies reminding them how long their trip to Crescent Island was and wishes them good luck in their quest.

Aang wants to thank him for their hospitality and help, but the man just yells for them to go, go, go!

And that’s what they do.

Appa soars up into the sky, next destination: Crescent Island!

***

Daylight has come. 

The flying bison flies over the ocean, while his passengers all watch the ocean fearfully.

“Come on, boy, we've got a long way to go. Faster!”, encourages Aang his bison.

Appa lets out a growl and does as Aang said.

Katara, Hua and Jaiyi huddle together, to comfort each other, but Hua can’t stop herself from letting out her thoughts: “Oh spirits, this is so bad. If a Fire Nations ship sees us we will get roasted nicely!”

“Hey, I’m the pessimist here.”, says Sokka, petting her head to calm her down. “Don’t steal my job.”

A nervous laugh escapes Hua.

Katara kisses her cheek, normally Hua would blush up a storm, but her nerves prevent her from doing so.

“It will be okay. We will manage.”, reassured Katara.

It’s like the universe wants to prove her wrong since Hua sees how a Fire Nation ship is now on their tail.

“What about that?!”, she shouts.

“Aang. We've got trouble!”, calls Katara back to him.

She tried her hardest not to freak out since Hua needed her, yet it was difficult.

“Yeah! And it's gaining, fast!”, adds Sokka.

The next minutes in their lifes were nerve-wracking for Team Avatar-Daimon.

Not only did Prince Zuko shoot stinky fireballs at them, also a barricade was before them and attacking them too.

Aang had trouble manoeuvre Appa around all the flying fireballs.

At one point the passengers had to put out small embers from Appa fur.

It was pure and utter chaos!

Their wild ride ends finally when Aang airbends forward off of Appa's head. He uses a powerful airbending kick, and the flaming boulder, which was coming towards them, explodes in a large smoky blast. 

The Avatar falls back to Appa's head, Katara, Hua and Sokka grabbing him. 

Now Appa soars safely over the blockade, passing them.

“We made it!”, celebrates Aang.

Meanwhile, the Daimon and water tribe siblings look onward in horror.

They were really in the Fire Nation.

Oh Spirits!

At least the rest of their flight was calm.

And boring.

For hours and hours, they flow over the ocean.

Hua was sure if people could die of boredom, they all would be dead right now.

She lays like a starfish on the saddle, Sokka and Katara copy her, while Jaiyi has fallen asleep on her stomach.

Aang and Momo were slouched on Appa's head and the poor bison seemed to get more tired every second.

“Aang, are we there yet?”, calls Hua out to him.

“No, not now.”

A few seconds pass.

“How about now?”

“No, still no Crescent Island in sight.”

Again a few seconds pass.

“Now?”

“No, Hua.”

She lets out a huff and dramatically drapes an arm over her eyes.

“That’s how I’m going to die….from utter boredom. What a way to go.”, mumbled Hua, but everyone heard her. Agreeing groans from all around. That’s when she realizes something important. “Wait if I die now I get reincarnated into the Fire Nation!”

“Yeah, don’t do that.”, deadpans Sokka at her.

“You got it boss.”, she answered jokily back.

At least it made Katara and Aang snort.

Silence again comes over the group.

Somehow she must have fallen asleep because the next thing she knew it was sunset and Aang shouted: “There it is! The island where Roku's dragon took me.”

Finally!

Appa lands at the base of a stone bridge leading up to the island's mountain. 

The bridge ends at an elegant, multi-story Fire Temple mixed with Water Tribe decorations. 

Lava is flowing beneath the bridge and the air is thick with steam. 

Aang stands by Appa's head, and Katara and Hua stand at the bison's side. 

Sokka is stretching further away.

Aang praises Appa for getting them all safely there, while Katara and Hua rub his belly.

Katara cooes at Appa how he must be tired, strangely Sokka thinks she was talking to him and tells her he was ready to beat up some firebenders.

When her realizes with whom his sister was talking, Sokka lies and says he was talking to Momo.

The lemur critters in confusion.

Since the temple was way too small for Appa, he would wait for them and Team Avatar-Daimon with Momo and Jaiyi made their way over to it.

Soon they stand before the temple and hide behind a wall. You could never be too careful.

Better look for hostile firebenders.

“I don't see any guards.”, whispered Sokka.

“The Fire Nation must have abandoned the temple when Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue died.”, was Katara's guess.

“Let’s get inside, it’s almost sundown.”, murmured Hua.

Aang nodded.

“Yes, we better hurry!”

The group leaps over the wall and charges for the front door. After they are inside the temple they tip-toed through an enormous chamber with fire and water-decor columns.

“Wait.”, stops Sokka the group. “I think I heard something.”

Turning around, they see five men standing in the hallway dressed in red, with a blue sash around their waists and tall hats.

“We are the Fire Sages.”, announced the Sage in the middle, the Great Fire Sage. “Guardians of the temple of the Avatar and Daimon.”

“Great! I am the Avatar and she here is the Daimon!”

“We know.”

Without a warning, the sages attack them with fire blasts!

What?!

What was going on?!

Thankful Aang can reflect the fiery attack with his airbending. He yells at his friends to run, he would hold them off.

They didn’t need to be told twice.

So they run around the temple hallways in the hope of losing the Fire Sages, Aang joins back up with them and then they reach a dead-end.

Awesome!

A Fire Sage was coming towards them.

Even better.

“I don't want to fight you! I am a friend.”, promised the Fire Sage.

Angry Sokka tells him that firebenders aren’t their friends.

Jaiyi jumps forward to protect them, growing into an adult fox. Her hackles are raised and her nine tails wander around aggressively.

Aang and Hua stand beside her, getting into bending stances.

The Fire Sages wanted them, not Katara and Sokka, they would protect their friends!

This Fire Sage steps toward the Avatar and Daimon, before dropping to his knees and pressing his palms to the floor in submission. 

This startles the children and Jaiyi.

“I know why you're here, Avatar and Daimon.”

“You do?”, chorus Aang and Hua together in disbelief.

“Yes.” The Fire Sage rises from the floor to stand again. “You wish to speak to Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue. I can take you to them.”

Sceptically Aang asks how.

In answer, the Fire Sage slides back a lamplight on the wall. He places his palm on the wall and focuses firebending into this location to open a secret passage.

“This way.”

That’s when they hear the Great Fire Sage hollering to the others to find them and their ally Fire Sage begs them to hurry inside the secret passage.

Hua and Aang exchange a look with one another, asserting each other's belief to trust this firebender.

Well, they don’t have really a choice, do they?

They enter first, Jaiyi and Momo right behind them, then Katara and Sokka and lastly the Fire Sage who closes the secret passage.

They are now in a cave, lava flowing down under them and follow the Fire Sage who tells him his name, Shyu.

“Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue once called this temple their home. Together they formed these secret passages out of the magma.”, explained Shyu to the group as they made their way through the caverns.

“Did you know them?”, asks Aang curious.

“No. But my grandfather knew them. Many generations of Fire Sages guarded this temple long before me. We all have a strong spiritual connection to this place.”

“Is that how you knew we were coming?”

“A few weeks ago, an amazing thing occurred. The statue of Avatar Roku; its eyes began to glow! Then moments later the eyes of Daimon Lixue.”

Katara reminds them how Roku's eyes had glowed too, when they were in the Southern Air Temple as Aang had entered Avatar State. Then Hua got into Daimon State to calm him down, it was only logical that the Daimon Statues light up just like the Avatar’s.

Shyu agreed and said that’s how they knew how Aang and Hua had returned.

“I just don’t get it.”, began Hua. “If you Sages are devoted to this temple and to the Avatar and Daimon, then why did the others attack us?”

“Things have changed. In the past, the sages were loyal only to the Avatar and Daimon. When Roku and Lixue died, the sages eagerly awaited for the next Avatar and Daimon to return. But they never came.”

Immediately the old feelings of guilt arose in Aang and Hua.

They had let down people again.

Sokka mocked them humorously that they only were 100 years too late.

For that, he got twin scowls and Jaiyi who growled at him.

Shyu continues to explain how the Sage lost hope that the Avatar and Daimon would return. Then when Fire Lord Sozin began the war, they were forced to follow him.

“I never wanted to serve the Fire Lord.”, confessed Shyu. “When I learned you two were coming, I knew I would have to betray the other sages.”

“Thank you for helping us.”, chirps Aang happily, while Hua bows in gratitude. “We won’t forget this.”

The Fire Sage smiles at them, leading the group to a set of stairs. Following them they would reach the sanctuary and when the light reached the statues of Roku and Lixue they could talk to them.

Shyu slides back a secret tile and they climb into the outer sanctuary. 

Massive columns with dragon and phoenix statues atop them line the room. 

An immense door is before them with a device holding five open-mouthed dragons, over them a phoenix with spread wings and waves artfully encircled them.

“No!”, gasped Shyu.

“Shyu, what's wrong?”, asks Aang.

“The sanctuary doors, they're closed!”

“Can't you just open them with firebending?”, wonders Katara. “Like you opened that other door?”

“No. Only a fully realized Avatar or Daimon is powerful enough to open this door alone. Otherwise, the sages must open this door together, with five simultaneous fire blasts.”

Unsure what to do now, they all looked around.

There had to be another way!

That’s when Sokka had an idea.

It’s a trick he had learned from his dad.

They need to seal the lamp oil inside five animal skin casings, Shyu lights the oil-soaked twine and ta-da! 

Fake firebending!

Katara and Hua are impressed with Sokka and Shyu agrees that it might actually work.

The children, Sokka with Jaiyi and Katara with Momo, hide behind the columns, as Shyu gets ready to light the twine.

He reminds the Avatar and Daimon how the other Sage would hear the explosion, so they had to hurry and enter the sanctuary.

“It's almost sunset.”, notes Katara. “Are you two ready?”

“Definitely.”, reassured Aang.

“Ready as I ever will be!”, vowed Hua.

Shyu thrusts his finger forward, sending a small flare racing across the door to light all five bags at once. 

He hurries to take cover. 

There is an intense explosion, producing a lot of smoke. Aang and Hua burst forward and ran for the door. 

The Avatar and Daimon strain to open the door, which has not budged by an inch.

“They're still locked!”, they shout disappointed.

The water tribe teen was right with them, as all stepped from their columns.

Pissed off Aang airbends currents at the door, hollering: “Why, won't, it, open?!”

“Aang, calm down!”, demanded Hua, holding his shoulders. “Airbending at it won’t work. Seems like we came here for nothing.”

A groan leaves the Avatar’s mouth.

“I don't get it. That firebending looked as strong as any firebending I've seen.”, thought Sokka aloud.

Suddenly Katara declared him a genius.

All were more than confused.

Smiling Katara told them it didn’t work but it looked like it!

Now she had a plan.

A few minutes later the other Fire Sages reached the sanctuary where Shyu was waiting for them.

He tells them that somehow the Avatar and Daimon entered it, pointing even at two shadows you can see from the crack in the door.

Immediately the Great Fire Sage commands his fellow Sages to open the door, they couldn’t risk the current Avatar and Daimon contacting Roku and Lixue.

Hua and Aang slide into position behind nearby columns as the five sages firebend the door locks open. 

As the door opens, a sooty Momo and Jaiyi are revealed sitting on the floor. 

Jaiyi shakes herself free from the soot, while Momo sneezes, blowing the soot off himself.

“It's the Avatar's lemur and the Daimon’s Kyuubi. They must have crawled through the pipes! We've been tricked!”, shouts the Great Fire Sage, but too late.

The kyuubi turns big enough to sit on him and Momo leaps atop the Great Fire Sage's head and clings to his hat. Katara charged forward, pulling a nearby sage's tunic over his head to blind him. 

Sokka grabs the lower skirt of a sage's outfit, lifting it completely over his body to cover his face.

Shyu grabs the last free sage and hauls him into his grip, pinning him.

“Now, Aang! Hua!”, shouted Shyu.

A moment of silence.

Now Katara calls for them to hurry.

But to the shook of Aang and Hua's friends and allies, Prince Zuko comes forth from behind a column.

He somehow manages to pin with one arm each of Hua and Aang's arms behind their backs.

“The Avatar and Daimon are coming with me!”

More he can’t say, because Jaiyi turns into her fighting Kyuubi form and knocks with all her tails the enemy sages down.

Then she tackles Zuko to the ground, growling in his face.

So she freed Hua and Aang, who didn’t waste time and raced into the sanctuary.

Everyone looks away as the door seals with a blinding flash of white and orange light. 

Inside, Aang and Hua stand around and look up at the tall statues of Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue. 

A beam of red sunlight enters the room and strikes a glistening red jewel held by the statues.

Both children look confused around.

“And now?”, asked Hua.

“I don’t know.”, admins Aang. “The light hits the statues and we talk to Roku and Lixue.”

“But nothing is happening!”

“Please Avatar Roku and Diamon Lixue talk to us!”, beg Aang and Hua together.

Roku's statue turns red and Lixue’s blue as sunlight engulfs them. 

His eyes glow white and hers orange.

Smoke fills the room. 

When the white smoke dissipated Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue walked up to them arm in arm.

They aren’t any more in the sanctuary but on a mountaintop with clouds around them.

“Welcome Hua and Aang.”, greets them Lixue with a kind smile. “It’s wonderful to meet you finally.”

She is a beautiful aged lady and looks younger than Roku, even if they are the same age. Her clothes are in the classic blue of the Water Tribe with some red accents for the Fire Nation.

“What took you so long?”, adds Roku also with a smile.

He wears typical Fire Nation clothes, but a necklace made out of a shark tooth, clearly Water Tribe, hangs from his throat.

It was nice to see how this married couple integrated the nation of their spouse in their clothing.

Respectfully the current Avatar and Daimon place a fist into a palm, bowing their head to the Avatar and Daimon before them.

“We have something very important to tell you, Aang and Hua.”, begins Roku. “That is why, when you were in the Spirit World, we sent my dragon and Lixue phoenix to find you.”

“Is it about that vision we had? The one of the comet?”, guesses Aang.

“Yes indeed, young Avatar.”, confirmed Lixue.

“What does it mean?”, wanted Hua to know.

Roku explains to the young ones: “One hundred years ago, Fire Lord Sozin used that comet to begin the War. He and his firebending army harnessed its incredible power and dealt a deadly first strike against the other nations.”

“The Air Nomads.”, mumbled Hua and Daimon Lixue nodded.

“So the comet made them stronger?”, summarized Aang.

Avatar Roku confirmed it, even saying it made them stronger than they could imagine.

“But that happened a hundred years ago. What does the comet have to do with the War now?”

Now Lixue took over to explain: “Listen carefully, young ones. Sozin's Comet will return by the end of this summer, and Fire Lord Ozai will use its power to finish the War, once and for all. If he succeeds, even the Avatar and Daimon won't be able to restore balance to the world. Hua and Aang. You must defeat the Fire Lord before the comet arrives.”

That they were shocked was the understatement of the century.

They panic!

“But, but, Lixue I may have started learning airbending, but I don’t make the progress I should, because I should learn fire first! How should I get down water too like this?!”

“Yeah, and I haven't even started learning waterbending! Not to mention earth and fire!”

“Mastering the elements takes years of discipline and practice.”, told them Roku calmly. “But if the world is to survive, you two must do it by summer's end.”

“What if we can't master all the elements in time? What if we fail?”, argues Aang back with Hua rapidly nodding along.

“We have faith in you Hua and Aang because you two mastered it already once and you can do it again.”, reassured Lixue.

This makes the children smile.

“The solstice is ending.”, declares Roku. “We must go our separate ways, for now.”

“But we won't be able to come back to the temple. What if we have questions? How will we talk to you two?”, asked Aang and Hua as one.

Roku and Lixue answer them together: “We are a part of you. When you need to talk to us again, you will find a way.”

The late Avatar and Daimon closed their eyes, showing the current ones what was going on outside the sanctuary.

Firebender, ready to burn them to crisp.

“A great danger awaits you two at the temple. We can help you face the threat. But only if you are ready.”

Hua and Aang who had also closed their eyes open them together.

His a brightly white and his arrows in the same light and hers in a burning orange.

“We are ready!”

The people outside saw how the door glowed bright white-orange once again. 

Smoke streams come through into the room. 

The door unlocks itself, beginning to open. 

As it opens, a blinding white and orange light forces all present to look away.

Admiral Zhao commands his man to attack, while Katara cries out to her friends terrified.

The wall of fire amasses, circling its new hosts as Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue, eyes aglow, are revealed behind the flames, untouched.

In perfect harmony, Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue draw the circling fire together in one motion. 

They send it forward in one powerful wave that sears the room, blasting the offenders off their feet and melting the chains binding Katara, Sokka, Shyu, Jaiyi and Zuko with precision. 

Daimon Lixue and Avatar Roku, turn their glowing glare upon the offending sages. 

The sages panic, all turning to run from their wrath.

“Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue are going to destroy the temple! We have to get out of here!”, implores Shyu the water tribe siblings.

“Not without Hua and Aang!”, countered Katara.

Never would she leave her friends!

Roku and Lixue kneel into a forward strike, melting the floor with a molten firebending trail. 

They steadily lift a hand each, causing the stream of lava below to erupt into maddened explosions. 

The lava soars through the temple, tearing it apart. 

Katara and Sokka huddle together, arm-in-arm, behind a column. 

The destruction ceases momentarily as Roku and Lixue lower their hands, exhaling soundly. 

The solstice's beam of sunlight leaves their statues; their eyes no longer glow. 

As this happens all smoke in the room draws in upon Avatar Roku and Daimon Lixue, their forms disappearing to leaving behind a weary Aang and Hua.

Both fall to their knee, however, Katara catches Aang and Sokka catches Hua before their faces meet the floor.

“We got your backs.”, tells them Sokka.

“Thanks. Where's Shyu?”, wonder the Avatar and Daimon together.

“I don't know.”, admins Katara.

Jaiyi licks Hua's cheek and then Aang’’s before she yips urgently.

They need to leave!

Hua, Aang, Katara and Sokka stare in horror upon seeing the stairwell leading to the exit filled with lava. 

They quickly turn to the only exit; the hole in the wall Roku and Lixue had created. 

There is no escaping, as they are on the top level of the temple.

All four humans gasp and the Kyuubi yips in surprise as they notice Appa and Momo swiftly closing in. 

They run out of the temple, leaping into Appa's saddle.

Time to leave the Fire Nation!

***

The full moon shines down on them, as Aang and Hua, who are sitting side by side on Appa's saddle, look both in desperation at nothing in particular.

What Roku and Lixue told them…

How could they do it?

They were just two dumb kids. 

Two dumb kids who had to save the world before the end of the summer.

At least…they wouldn’t have to do it alone.

Like if they agreed on, their hands find the one of the other and they squeeze.

They needed some reassurance.

That they really weren’t alone in this whole mess.

That their other half would walk the same path as them.

For the first time, both were thankful that they had each other.

How the burden of saving the world in less than a year could change your perspective on things.

Katara and Sokka looked at each other worried for their young friends.

They kneel down behind them and Katara puts a hand on a shoulder each.

Whatever the young Avatar and Daimon had learned, which troubled them so much, the water tribe siblings would support and help them.

Previous

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Winter Break 2023

Hello, my loves! After long thinking and reflection, I decided to take a break from writing. I noted that again I don't find joy in my writing and I need a break to get it back, I suppose. Also, I want to enjoy Christmas Time and New Year without worrying about writing. So I'm going on Winter Break to regain inspiration and force. I will be back with writing in February 2024. I hope this gives me enough time to get my passion for writing back. I only have a favour to ask you, please, PLEASE, give my other fanfictions a chance. Please, I can't see anymore how Isekai'd as Chloe gets all the attention and my other writings get ignored. With this, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! If something changes, check out my Tumblr for info! Cheers!

Maiden of the Moon

What if Kokushibo had a pupil, whom he taught the original Moon Breathing before he deserted the Demon Slayer Corps?

Mochizuki Yua was born only for these reasons: To become a Hashira and make her family a respected one in the Demon Slayer Corps.

But if you only live for the expectations of others, who are YOU truly?

What will it take to find yourself?

A long, hard journey awaits.

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

Chapter 16: Hashira

Yua’s heart was beating so fast, that she felt it in her whole body. 

Nervous sweat was forming on her forehead, and her hands felt clammy, as she sat in perfect seiza before Oyakata-Sama.

The head of the Demon Slayer Corps just gave her a gentle smile.

It did calm her down a bit.

“My child.”, began he in his soothing voice. “Since you have become part of the Corps you have been an incredible swordsman. Bringing honour to the corps and your family. I heard what outstanding progress you even made these last months. You may be even stronger than dear Noritaka.”

The young woman bowed in thanks to Oyakata-Sama.

“You honour me, Master. It did what was right. Protect humanity and the people who are dear to me from the Demon Treat.”

“You did outstanding well. I fear we would have lost Kyoujurou if it wasn’t for you. Mochizuki Yua, your strength and determination are admirable. So it’s my great honour to raise you to the Rank of Hashira. The second Moon Hashira we ever had. Do you accept this honour and the duties it comes with?”

For a second Yua closed her eyes. 

This was it.

This is what she had worked on her whole life.

First only to make her Grandfather proud and accept her, however, she had started to think for herself.

Thanks to Tanjiro and all the friends she had made.

There was only one answer.

***

Tired Yua opened the door of the Butterfly Mansion.

The whole Mugen Train Mission had been a whole week ago and she may not have any heavy wounds, but she had still had strained herself.

The neck of an Upper Moon was hard!

She was happy to be back at the Butterfly Mansion to get cures and rehabilitation training. She would need it.

“It’s really quiet.”, she noted out loud.

Normally at dinner time, you would hear Inosuke and Rengoku shouting over each other for food/how delicious the food was and Aoi-San chastising them.

Not even Shinobu-Sama's laughter could be heard.

Confused she took off her white-silvery booths and walked to the Dining Room.

Why was it dark in there?

“Hello anyone there?”, she called into it.

Then suddenly the lights flicked on and you could hear loud shouts of Congratulations from every corner.

Astonished Yua looked at the people inside the dining room.

Ema and her friends were holding up a banner with Welcome New Hashira. Aoi, Kanao and a woman with pink-green hair had sparklers in their hands. Shinobu-Sama and the Water Hashira were applauding, while Tanjiro, Rengoku, Inosuke and Zenitsu were throwing confetti into the air. Nezuko was waving around with two little flags with her face on it.

“What the?!”, Yua couldn’t help but shout and laugh at the same time.

“We already heard the news!”, called Shinobu-Sama over, as Yua was stormed by the little girls and Nezuko in a hug. “This is a little party for our newest Hashira!”

“Oh my Tsukuyomi you guys are crazy!”

“You deserved it, young Mochizuki!”, laughed Rengoku.

The little girls chorused a big yeah.

Yua laughed, hugged them and then Nezuko took her hand.

Her sister-in-law dragged her into the room.

In one instant she found herself in the embrace of the unknown pink-green-haired woman.

“Aww, it’s so great to meet you, Yua-Chan!”, cooed the woman. “I’m Kanroji Mitsuri or just Mitsuri the Love Hashira! I heard only good things from Shinobu-Chan and Kyoujurou-Senpai about you! I hope we can be good friends!”

Kanroji Mitsuri made her title Love Hashira all honour, Yua could see it in her pink and red Aura how sincere and loving she was.

She hugged her back.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Mitsuri-Chan. I would love to be your friend.”

A little happy Kyaah came out of Mitsuri and she hugged her tighter.

After they let go of each other Shinobu with the Water Hashira stood before her.

The Water Hashira made a little bow in her direction.

He introduced himself as Tomioka Giyuu and gave her his congratulations.

She returned the bow, hoping they would work well together as Hashira.

Then Aoi with Kanao hugged her, Kanao managed even to congratulate her all alone without throwing her coin, which made Yua proud of her.

Rengoku, with his now eyepatch, ruffled her hair and told her he couldn't wait to work with her.

Finally, she reached Tanjiro and the guys.

In the loving arms of her boyfriend, Yua felt at home.

Tanjiro chastely kissed her cheek, telling her how proud of her was and he knew she would become a Hashira.

Nearly anyone in the room awed at them.

Zenitsu and Inosuke gave their congratulations too and finally, they all could sit down to celebrate.

Shinobu-Sama told her to drop the Sama. The Insect Hashira told her the other Hashira couldn’t come, but they sent their congratulations too and would surely meet her in the next few days.

Yua accepted it, what else could she do, Aoi served the food.

The dinner party was filled with laughter and joy. Yua couldn't believe how lucky she was to have such wonderful friends and colleagues. 

She had always been a bit of a loner, but since meeting Tanjiro and his friends, she had found a sense of belonging that she had never experienced before. 

As they ate and talked, the grey-eyed girl felt herself relaxing for the first time in a week. 

The mission on the Mugen Train had been incredibly intense, and she had pushed herself to her limits to protect her friends. But now, surrounded by people who cared about her, she could finally let go of some of that tension.

After dinner, they all gathered in the courtyard to watch fireworks. 

Mitsuri had brought them as a surprise for Yua's promotion, and they were absolutely beautiful. 

As they exploded overhead, Yua felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. 

She was so grateful for everything that had led her to this moment - for her family’s teachings (Besides her Grandfather with his toxins), for Tanjiro's kindness and support, and for all the friends she had made along the way.

As the night wore on and everyone started to drift off to home and/or to bed, Yua found herself walking hand-in-hand with Tanjiro through the gardens behind the mansion. They stopped by a koi pond and watched as the fish swam lazily through the water.

"I'm so proud of you," Tanjiro said softly, breaking their comfortable silence.

Yua smiled down at him. "Thank you."

"You know," he continued after a moment. "I never really believed in fate or destiny or anything like that before I met you."

The girl raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"But now," he went on, "I can't help but feel like we were meant to find each other. Like our paths were always leading us here."

“You know what made me accept being a Hashira? It was the dream I had on the Mugen Train.”, she confessed.

Surprised Tanjiro looked up at her, leaning his head on her shoulder.

“Really?”

She nodded.

“I dreamed of a world where no one in my family had to be a Demon Slayer anymore. All were so happy living their dreams. You and Nezuko were there too, your family also living the best life. I wasn’t sure what I would do, but I know I wanted to be at your side and find out who I am.” 

“You were in my dream too.”, he confessed also. “You and your father had left the Mochizuki to live a simple life. You seemed so happy just to live normal.”

Grinning she kissed his temple.

“This sounds nice, but what I wanted to say is this. All my life I was told I had to become a Hashira to clean the Mochizuki name from the sins of our ancestors. I didn’t believe in the Demon Slayer Cause, because for me it just was a task I had to finish. Now after I saw what a world without demons could be...Now that’s my dream. To kill every last demon so that my family can be free and live their life how they want. To be free myself and choose the path I want to walk in life. That we all are free from them and can live simple but good lives!”

She felt how Tanjiro lay a hand on her cheek, so he could turn her head down to kiss her lips.

They shared a soft, tender kiss.

“This sounds wonderful, dearest.”, told her Tanjiro. “Besides making Nezuko human again, I want this too.”

“So we walk this way together?”

 “Of course!”

Laughing their lips found each other again.

The star twinkled and the moon shone softly down on them.

They continued to walk, hand-in-hand, through the gardens, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. 

As they strolled along, Yua couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. She had achieved her dream of becoming a Hashira, and she was surrounded by people who loved and cared for her. 

It was a feeling she never wanted to let go of. 

As they neared the end of the garden path, Tanjiro stopped and turned to face her. "Yua," he said softly, taking both her hands in his. "I know we've been through a lot together already, but I want you to know that I'm here for you no matter what happens." 

She looked down at him with a pretty smile on her red lips. 

"I know," she whispered. "And I'm here for you too." 

He smiled at her and leaned in for another kiss, this one more passionate than the last. They stayed like that for a few moments before breaking apart and continuing on their way.

As they walked back towards the mansion, Yua felt more confident than ever before. She knew that there would be challenges ahead as a Hashira, but she also knew that with Tanjiro by her side, anything was possible.

Together they would fight to rid the world of demons and create a better future for all those they held dear.

As they walked into the warm glow of the Butterfly Mansion's lights, Yua knew that this was where she belonged - among friends and family who loved and supported her every step of the way.

***

Dear Father,

I’m terribly sorry that I couldn’t write sooner or come home.

The family probably heard how I was raised in Hashira four months ago.

I bet grandfather is gleeful, but I took the position not for him, but for us all.

That one day no Mochizuki has to take a Katana in his hand and fight demons.

With the help of my love and friends, we will rid this world of demons!

I promise you this.

Since I’m a Hashira now, I get the toughest missions in the Corps.

Sometimes alone, sometimes with other Hashira’s.

I found good friends in them like the Love Hashira Kanroji Mitsuri and others who are a special breed like Shinazugawa Sanemi. That guy has no eyebrows, it freaks me a bit out.

But mostly I get along with my Hashira colleagues.

I always return back to the Butterfly Mansion for cures and rehabilitation training, before going back out on missions.

Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke are also back in action.

When we all are back together we train like crazy.

The boys are getting stronger with every day.

I’m proud of them.

Kyoujurou-Senpai has returned home to be with his brother and teach himself swordsmanship with one eye.

It will take a while before he can fight demons again, however, I’m sure he will manage.

The day Tanjiro visited him to search for more clues about the Hinokami Kagura Dance had been something.

Your future son-in-law headbutted the ex-Flame Hashira, Kyoujurou-Senpai's father because he had talked bad about his children.

At least we learned a little more about the Hinokami Kagura, who apparently is Sun-Breathing the first-ever breathing technique from which all others come.

Did you know this?

It’s so crazy to think about it.

Anyway, I hope at home all is good.

When I can manage I will come back with Tanjiro to visit you all.

I miss you all so much.

Besides Grandfather, but you know this.

I will wait for an answer with a hopeful heart.

With Love, your daughter 

***

Frowning Yua stared at the letter she had written. 

It seemed so little, however, she couldn’t tell more about her missions.

Being a Hashira include also being secretive.

Kaguya beside her on the desk cawed.

“You are right my princess.”, mussed Yua, giving the bird pats. “More I can’t do, it’s a wonder that I’m able to write finally a letter. So, off you go.”

She gave her trusted crow the letter and Kaguya flew towards the Mochizuki Estate.

Signing Yua leaned on the chair she was sitting on.

She was as only one from their little group back in the Butterfly Mansion.

The midnight blue-haired beauty hadn’t seen her boyfriend in a good three days, she formally ached for him.

Blushing she scratched a cheek of her.

They were now together for a good six months...Yua felt that she was ready to go the next big step with Tanjiro...they already started to get more handsy with each other...should she talk with him about this matter when he returned?

That’s when she heard a loud ruckus coming from outside the Mansion.

“What the?”, she grasped her Katana and ran out of the room.

As she came nearer the ruckus, she felt familiar Aura’s.

“Tengen?”, she mumbled confused. “What is he doing here, where are his wives?”

Also, she noted happily that Tanjiro and Nezuko were back, as Zenitsu and Inosuke.

“What is going on!”, she shouted as she finally was outside.

The picture before her was priceless.

Ema and her friends hissed at Tengen's pervert. Aoi seemed ready to murder someone, Kanao was unsure but standing protective before the other Butterfly Mansion girls.

Her boyfriend and her two male friends had drawn their Katana at Tengen, while the former Shinobi just deadpanned at them.

“Oh Yua, it’s you.”, greeted her Tengen. “I actually want to have you with me on this mission with these three unflashy guys.”

“What mission and where are you wives?”, she asked back confused.

“The number one spot in Japan that’s dripping with lust and desire, a super-flashy place… the Entertainment District where demons reside.”

Why did Yua get the feeling that it would be a really hard mission?

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