The Second Avatar

Chapter 6: Shadows in the Morning

The wooden staircase creaked softly beneath Yogan's bare feet as he descended into the dimly lit tavern. The morning sun was only just beginning to pierce through the gaps in the shutters, bathing the Golden Lotus in muted streaks of gold. The smell of simmering porridge and freshly baked bread filled the air, but Yogan barely noticed.

His mind was elsewhere, his thoughts a tangle of worry and unanswered questions. Nara's absence gnawed at him. She was meticulous, disciplined, and rarely acted without explanation. If she had decided to leave the room, she would have told him—or at least left some sign. The silence she left behind felt... unnatural.

At the bar, Jian Lu, already at work, his broad shoulders hunched as he polished a brass mug with deliberate strokes. The tavern was nearly empty at this hour, save for a few bleary-eyed travelers nursing steaming mugs of tea. Yogan's footsteps drew Jian Lu's attention, and the innkeeper straightened with a practiced smile.

"In a hurry, lad," Jian Lu greeted, his voice hearty but tinged with curiosity. "Everything alright?"

"Not exactly," Yogan replied, his tone clipped. He approached the bar, leaning one hand on the counter as his dark eyes searched Jian Lu's face. "I need to ask you something. Did you see Nara leave this morning?"

Jian Lu blinked, his smile faltering for a moment before he frowned thoughtfully. "Your silver-haired lady? No, can't say I did. Last I saw, she was with you yesterday."

"She didn't come downstairs at all?" Yogan pressed, his brows furrowing.

The innkeeper shook his head, setting the mug aside. "Not that I noticed. But the morning rush hasn't started yet. If she slipped out early, I might've missed her."

Yogan's fingers tightened against the polished wood of the counter, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. Nara wasn't the type to "slip out." She moved with purpose, always, and if she had left, someone would have noticed.

"Are you sure?" he asked again, his voice quieter but insistent.

Jian Lu studied him for a moment, then sighed, his expression softening. "I'm sure, lad. If she left, she didn't come past me." He leaned on the counter, lowering his voice. "Is something wrong? She seems like a capable woman. Surely she can handle herself."

Yogan nodded absently, his thoughts racing. He wanted to believe that. He needed to believe that. But something didn't sit right.

"Where could she have gone?" he murmured under his breath, his gaze drifting to the tavern's front door.

"Who're you talking about?"

The small voice broke through his thoughts, and Yogan turned to see two identical faces peering up at him from a nearby table. The twins, Kail and Riko, sat with their legs swinging beneath their chairs, their wide eyes filled with curiosity.

Yogan hesitated for a moment before answering. "Monk Nara," he said, his tone softening. "She's my master. The strongest airbender on the planet."

The twins' expressions shifted instantly—impressed and awestruck. Kail leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "The strongest? Like, stronger than you?"

Yogan allowed himself a faint smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Far stronger than me. She's been my mentor for years. There's no one else like her."

Riko tilted his head, frowning. "If she's that strong, should you really be worried about her? I mean, wouldn't she just... beat up anyone who tried to mess with her?"

Yogan's smile faded, and a shadow crossed his face. He glanced toward the door again, his gaze distant. "Strength isn't everything," he said quietly. "There's more than one way to win a fight."

The twins exchanged a confused look. Riko opened his mouth to ask something else, but Kail nudged him with an elbow, silencing him.

"What do you mean by that?" Kail asked, his voice hesitant but curious.

Yogan didn't answer immediately. He folded his arms, his fingers brushing the edge of his sash as he considered his words. The memory of Nara's teachings came to him, her calm voice echoing in his mind.

"Sometimes," Yogan said slowly, "it's not about how strong you are, but how clever. How far you're willing to go to get what you want. Even the strongest person can fall if they're outmaneuvered."

Kail frowned, his brows furrowing as he tried to make sense of the idea. Riko, meanwhile, looked unconvinced. "But she's an airbender, right? No one could outmaneuver her."

Yogan glanced at the boy, his jaw tightening. He wanted to believe that was true, but the nagging doubt in his mind wouldn't let him rest.

"That's what I'm worried about," Yogan admitted quietly, almost to himself.

The twins fell silent, their youthful exuberance dampened by the seriousness in his voice. Yogan turned back to the bar, his thoughts churning. If Nara had left the tavern, she must have had a reason. But what reason could be important enough to leave without telling him?

And, more importantly, was she still safe?

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken fears. Somewhere beyond the walls of the Golden Lotus, Yogan knew, answers waited. But whether those answers would bring relief or dread, he couldn't yet say.

He leaned against the bar, exhaling deeply as he allowed a flicker of calm to settle over him. She's safe, he told himself. She has to be.

There were very few in the world who could match Monk Nara's skill, let alone surpass it. For as long as he had known her, she had always been a force of nature—an embodiment of everything an airbender should aspire to become. Her power wasn't just a rumor whispered among travelers or a title granted by monks. It was fact, etched into the annals of history, rivaling even the legendary Monk Kaijo.

Monk Kaijo, the teacher of the great warrior Wan, had been regarded as a paragon of airbending wisdom and strength. He had taught the first Avatar the ways of air—its philosophies, techniques, and spiritual essence. Yet Nara, despite her youth compared to Kaijo's legacy, was regarded as stronger, more precise, and infinitely more creative in her craft.

Yogan's mind wandered to the stories he had heard long before becoming her student. Tales of Nara stopping an avalanche with nothing more than a single, concentrated breath. Of her once bending the very air within a raging fire, snuffing it out entirely in a single graceful motion. And of her duel with a waterbending master from a northern tribe, where her spiraling winds had outmaneuvered even the swiftest, deadliest torrents of water.

He clenched his fist, allowing himself a small sense of relief. She would not fall easily, not to anyone. If she had left the room, it was for a reason. Perhaps she had noticed something he hadn't—something that could lead them closer to Kezin. Besides, there had been no signs of struggle upstairs. Her departure was deliberate, not forced.

Yet one thing nagged at him, no matter how much he tried to ignore it: her airbender robes had still been in the room. It meant she had left in her night robes—far from suitable for travel or combat. That detail prickled at his thoughts, but he forced himself to brush it aside. He had to trust in her judgment, in her strength.

Worrying will do nothing, he thought, squaring his shoulders. The best thing I can do is stay ready.

With renewed focus, he straightened and turned toward the twins. Kail and Riko had been quietly watching him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

"I'm going to train," Yogan announced. "It's the most productive thing I can do right now. If she returns while I'm busy, Jian Lu can call for me."

The twins exchanged a glance, and Kail was the first to speak. "Can we come with you?"

Yogan tilted his head, studying them. "Do you two practice bending?"

Kail shook his head. "No, but I want to. I think airbending is amazing. Maybe if I watch, I can learn something!"

Riko rolled his eyes. "Speak for yourself. I'm not interested in bending. I just want to see what kind of stuff you do. You know, different styles, like what the bandits use."

Yogan chuckled softly. "Airbending is nothing like the techniques of bandits," he said, though his tone lacked condescension. "It's not about brute force or selfish gains. It's about balance, connection, and freedom."

"Yeah, yeah," Riko said with a shrug. "I'm still curious."

Kail nudged his brother. "You're just afraid to admit it looks cool."

Riko ignored him, turning back to Yogan. "So, can we come or not?"

Yogan regarded them for a moment before nodding. "If you're serious, fine. But I'll warn you—training isn't just about watching. It's about discipline and effort. If you're coming with me, you're committing to that, at least for today."

The twins exchanged another glance. Kail nodded enthusiastically, while Riko gave a halfhearted shrug.

"All right," Yogan said. "We'll head to the fields south of town. It's quiet and open—perfect for airbending practice."

---

The walk to the fields took just over ten minutes. The dirt road wound lazily through the outskirts of the town, bordered by tall grasses and scattered wildflowers swaying gently in the morning breeze. The town's sounds faded behind them, replaced by the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds.

The open fields were vast and inviting, stretching toward the horizon in every direction. The land was slightly uneven, with gentle hills rising and falling like frozen waves. Patches of wildflowers dotted the grass, their vibrant colors a striking contrast against the earthy greens and browns of the terrain.

"This is the place," Yogan said, stopping at the crest of a small hill. The twins stood beside him, gazing at the expanse with wide eyes.

"What now?" Kail asked eagerly.

Yogan took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he centered himself. The air around him felt cool and light, brushing against his skin like a familiar companion. "Now," he said, exhaling slowly, "I train."

He stepped forward, positioning himself in the center of the hill. His movements were fluid as he shifted into a balanced stance, his feet planted firmly yet lightly on the ground.

The first exercise was simple in appearance but demanding in practice. Yogan began by creating a small vortex of air in his palm, spinning it faster and faster until it was a visible blur. He then released it into the air, guiding it in a smooth, spiraling motion around his body. The vortex circled him like a living thing, its path fluid and precise as he controlled it with subtle movements of his hands and fingers.

Kail's eyes widened. "Whoa! How do you do that?"

"Control and focus," Yogan replied, his voice calm. "Airbending is about feeling the flow of energy and guiding it, not forcing it."

The second exercise was more dynamic. Yogan leapt into the air, using bursts of wind to propel himself higher than any normal jump could achieve. As he descended, he twisted his body gracefully, creating a spiraling gust that kicked up the grass around him in a perfect circle.

"That's so cool!" Kail exclaimed, clapping his hands.

"Is that supposed to be useful in a fight?" Riko asked skeptically.

"It's not just about fighting," Yogan said, landing lightly on his feet. "It's about understanding how to move with the air. If you can master that, everything else becomes easier."

The third exercise pushed Yogan to his limits. He positioned himself in the center of a stronger breeze, closing his eyes as he bent the air around him into a shifting dome. The dome pulsed with every exhale, its shape warping and reforming as Yogan guided the currents. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but his focus remained unbroken.

The twins watched in silence, their earlier chatter replaced by awe. For the first time, even Riko seemed genuinely impressed.

As the dome dissipated and Yogan straightened, his breathing steady but heavy, Kail couldn't hold back his excitement. "Can you teach me that?"

Yogan smiled faintly, wiping his brow. "Not today. For now, just watch and learn."

Riko crossed his arms, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You know," he said, his tone more serious than usual, "if airbending's all about balance and flow, maybe it is cooler than I thought."

Yogan chuckled softly, turning back to the open fields. "It's more than cool," he said. "It's a way of life."

And with that, he began another round of exercises, his movements blending seamlessly with the wind as the twins watched, their earlier skepticism replaced by quiet admiration.

Yogan stood still for a moment, the cool breeze brushing against his skin as the twins watched in silence. The fields stretched out before him, peaceful and serene, a stark contrast to the storm brewing within him. He had saved this exercise for last—a move that required precision and focus, a culmination of every principle Nara had ever taught him.

With a deep breath, he extended his arms outward, palms open, and began to shift them in wide, circular motions. The air around him responded instantly, gathering in spiraling currents that circled his body like a protective shell. His movements were deliberate, almost meditative, as he let his energy flow freely, guiding the air into a larger and larger vortex.

The currents grew stronger, tugging at the grass and wildflowers in the field, flattening them to the ground. The vortex expanded steadily, rising from his feet to above his head, forming an enormous cyclone that swirled with both grace and latent power. It was calm yet imposing—a testament to the balance at the heart of airbending.

Kail and Riko watched with wide eyes, their earlier excitement tempered by the sheer scale of what Yogan was creating.

"What's it for?" Riko asked, his voice almost lost in the wind.

"Defense," Yogan answered without breaking his rhythm. "Or attack. It can protect against anything that comes too close… or it can sweep it all away."

His movements were steady, almost hypnotic, as he poured more energy into the cyclone. The vortex pulsed with life, each rotation creating a resonant hum that vibrated through the air. For a moment, Yogan felt at peace, the storm a reflection of his inner strength and control.

But as his arms swung in a slow, deliberate arc, a flicker of memory surfaced, unbidden and sharp.

~~~

The battlefield had been chaos. The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the devastation below. Yogan remembered the taste of blood in his mouth, the ache in his limbs, and the sheer, overwhelming presence of his opponents.

Renji's movements had been impossibly fast, his airbending an unrelenting torrent of wind and fury. Every strike was precise, every blast of air aimed to corner and overwhelm. Yogan had barely been able to dodge, his airbending woefully inadequate against his brother's raw aggression.

And then there was Kezin.

The man moved with a terrifying calm, his every step calculated, his strikes devastatingly efficient. Where Renji was rage and chaos, Kezin was a cold, unyielding force—a master strategist who had dissected Yogan's every move before he'd even made it.

Yogan had been outmatched, outclassed, and utterly helpless. He had fought with everything he had, but it wasn't enough. The memory of Kezin's mocking words echoed in his mind:

"Is this all the great vessel of Raava is capable of? Pathetic."

The pang of humiliation and despair surged through Yogan, a sharp knife cutting through the tranquility of the present.

~~~

His arms faltered for a moment, the vortex wobbling as his concentration slipped. But instead of fading, the memory ignited something deep within him—an anger, a desperation, a need to prove himself.

I won't be weak again, he thought, his jaw tightening. Never again.

With a sudden burst of energy, Yogan's movements intensified. His arms swung faster, his steps quickened, and the cyclone grew larger, darker, more turbulent. The calm, controlled vortex transformed into a raging storm, the winds howling as they tore across the field.

"Yogan?" Kail called out, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

But Yogan didn't hear him. The memories of his failure pressed down on him, fueling his frustration. He saw Renji's sneering face, Kezin's cold, calculating eyes. The feelings of inadequacy and helplessness surged within him, and his emotions spilled into his bending.

The storm spiraled out of control.

The air around Yogan crackled with energy as his eyes began to glow—a brilliant white light that signaled what would later be known as the Avatar State. His movements became wild and frenzied, no longer guided by focus but by raw emotion. The winds around him roared, tearing up the grass and flowers, uprooting shrubs and small trees.

Kail and Riko screamed as the ground shook beneath their feet. The calm field they had stood in moments ago was now a maelstrom of destruction.

"Run!" Riko shouted, grabbing his brother's arm and pulling him back.

The twins scrambled away, their hearts pounding in terror as Yogan's storm raged on.

Yogan was barely aware of what was happening. His body moved on its own, the Avatar State amplifying his power far beyond what he could control. The storm grew fiercer, its winds strong enough to bend fully grown trees parallel to the ground. Leaves and branches were ripped away, pulled into the vortex that now reached high into the sky, a towering column of raw airbending might.

The memories continued to haunt him. He saw himself falling to his knees before Renji, the heat of his brother's gaze searing through him. He felt the crushing weight of Kezin's presence, the humiliation of being so utterly powerless.

"Not again," Yogan muttered, his voice trembling. "Never again."

The vortex surged outward, tearing through the nearby forest. Trees were uprooted, their roots snapping like brittle twigs as they were sucked into the raging winds. The ground itself seemed to tremble, the air charged with the raw energy of the Avatar State.

As the destruction unfolded, a distant part of Yogan's mind screamed for him to stop. He could feel the strain in his body, the pain of overexertion, but the Avatar State wouldn't release him. It was as if his emotions had taken on a life of their own, pushing him to unleash every ounce of his power.

But amidst the chaos, a flicker of clarity emerged.

A memory—not of failure, but of Nara.

Her voice, calm and steady, echoed in his mind: "Control is strength, Yogan. Without it, even the mightiest wind becomes a meaningless storm."

The words struck him like a splash of cold water, cutting through the haze of anger and insecurity. Yogan's glowing eyes dimmed slightly as he focused on the present, on the destruction he was causing.

The storm began to falter, the winds losing their ferocity as Yogan wrestled control back from the Avatar State. His breathing was ragged, his limbs trembling as he dropped to his knees.

The field was unrecognizable. Trees lay scattered like broken toys, the ground torn apart by the force of the storm. The once-peaceful landscape had been transformed into a scene of devastation.

Yogan stared at his hands, his chest heaving. The power he had unleashed was beyond anything he had ever imagined—and it terrified him.

From the edge of the field, Kail and Riko peeked out from behind a fallen tree, their faces pale with fear. They didn't speak, too stunned by what they had witnessed.

Yogan closed his eyes, the weight of his actions settling over him like a heavy cloak. For all his strength, he still couldn't escape his own insecurities.

And for the first time, he truly understood the danger of losing control.

The silence that followed was deafening. Yogan knelt on the battered earth, his chest heaving as the remnants of the storm he had unleashed settled into stillness. The air was thick with dust and the faint scent of uprooted grass, the once-vibrant field now a scene of devastation. Trees lay scattered like broken toys, their roots jutting out of the torn soil, and a sense of unease hung heavy in the air.

From the corner of his eye, Yogan caught movement. The twins, Kail and Riko, cautiously emerged from behind a fallen tree, their faces pale but wide-eyed with something other than fear. Their footsteps crunched softly against the splintered wood as they approached him, their earlier terror now replaced by awe.

Yogan lowered his gaze, his voice trembling as he spoke. "I'm sorry." He couldn't meet their eyes. "You shouldn't have had to see that. I… I lost control."

To his surprise, Kail stepped forward, his expression lighting up with excitement rather than anger. "Lost control? That was amazing!"

Yogan blinked, looking up at the boy. "What?"

Riko nodded, his earlier skepticism forgotten. "Are you kidding? You just tore up a whole forest like it was nothing! I didn't even know airbenders could do that. You're probably the strongest airbender ever!"

Yogan stared at them, momentarily stunned. He had expected anger or fear, not admiration. "I'm not the strongest," he said quietly, shaking his head. "Not yet."

"Not yet?" Kail exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief. "If this isn't the strongest, then what is? You're like… like a storm made human!"

Riko crossed his arms, smirking. "Yeah, you're stronger than any bandit we've ever heard of, that's for sure. And maybe stronger than Monk Nara!"

Yogan couldn't help it—he laughed. It was a soft, disbelieving sound at first, but it grew louder, warmer. He sat back on his heels, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand as a small smile tugged at his lips.

For the first time, he allowed himself to see what the twins saw. To them, he wasn't just an airbender struggling with his insecurities—he was a force of nature, capable of extraordinary things. He remembered how he had once looked up to Wan, the legendary warrior who had united humans and spirits. He had idolized Wan's feats, his strength, his fearlessness.

And now, he realized, someone could look up to him in the same way.

The thought filled him with a quiet sense of pride, and his smile grew wider. Perhaps this is part of what it means to be her vessel, he thought. To inspire others. To show them what is possible, even in the face of doubt.

He glanced at the twins, their youthful excitement a stark contrast to the turmoil he had felt just moments ago. "Thank you," he said, his voice steady but soft. "I'm glad you think I'm… awesome. But I still have a long way to go."

"You don't have to go that far," Kail said earnestly. "You're already amazing!"

Riko shrugged, but even he couldn't hide his grin. "Yeah, yeah. Just try not to destroy another forest next time, okay?"

Yogan chuckled, shaking his head. "I'll do my best."

He stood, brushing the dust from his robes. The field was quiet now, the only sounds the faint rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. The destruction he had caused was sobering, but the twins' words had given him a new perspective. He wasn't just the vessel of Raava, the spirit of light and peace. He was Yogan, someone with the potential to become the strongest in any bending discipline—not just airbending, but all of them.

"Let's head back to the inn," Yogan said, gesturing toward the path that led to the town. "Maybe Nara's returned by now."

The twins nodded, and together they began walking, their earlier fear replaced by a renewed sense of camaraderie. Yogan felt a faint pang of gratitude for their presence. They had reminded him of something important—not just his strength, but his role as a guide and inspiration to those around him.

---

As they made their way back toward the town, the shadows in the forest shifted. A figure emerged from the untouched edge of the woods, cloaked in black robes that obscured nearly every feature. The figure moved with deliberate slowness, their presence unnervingly still as they watched Yogan and the twins disappear down the path.

The air around them seemed to darken, and a low, growling voice broke the silence. "The successor to Wan is reckless."

The figure tilted their head slightly, as if in thought, before adding, "Then again… Wan himself was reckless."

With a slow, deliberate motion, the figure reached up and pulled back their hood, revealing a face that Yogan might have recognized. Old Man Rakama stood in the shadows, his sharp, piercing eyes glinting with something unreadable.

He watched the group for a moment longer before a small, cryptic smile crept across his lips. "Let's see if he can grow into his destiny."

With that, Rakama stepped back into the darkness of the forest, vanishing as though he had never been there.

[A/N: Can't wait to see what happens next? Get exclusive early access on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels. If you enjoyed this chapter and want to see more, don't forget to drop a power stone! Your support helps this story reach more readers!]