Omashu

A young boy, no more than 4 years old, sat outside his house playing with small pebbles. This young boy was an earth bender. He had short jet black hair like his father and blue eyes like his mother. He wore simple, green clothing.

His family wasn't anything special, but they got by. His mother ran a decent clothing shop while his father owned a small dojo where he taught kids, older than him, how to Earth Bend.

This young boy's name is Barasu Yojo, but his parents, and few friends he'd made so far, just called him Bara. He glanced over at his father who seemed to be watching the street intently.

Bara didn't really know what his father was doing, but he could guess it had something to do with an incident that happened just a couple of weeks ago. Bara had been practicing his Earth Bending with the only material he could move. Pebbles.

Eventually, when he fired a pebble, he actually hit the wooden target with fire. The duration of the fire lasted no more than a few seconds, but that was more than enough time to hit the targets. His father had seen the whole thing.

Since then, Bara had been able to make sparks, at the request of his father, and could still move pebbles. This was mainly done in front of a lot of people including the King of Omashu.

People were saying that he was the Avatar while others said it was impossible. The cycle was supposed to go to the Water Tribes not the Earth Kingdoms after all. In fact, the next Avatar had already been found.

Bara was just confused. He was the Avatar, like those bed time stories his parents would tell him. Honestly it sounded both cool and frightening at the same time. When he was older, he'd get to travel and train in not only earth but other elements as well.

It also mean that it was his job to keep balance in the world. It was a lot to ask of a four year old even if he knew he wouldn't have to do that until he was older. In addition, his friends seemed to have abandon him.

All in all, Bara just didn't know what to think…

A Week Later…

Bara was busy practicing his aim with his pebbles, which had gotten quite good recently, when his father said, "Bara, can you come here for a moment?"

Bara stopped training and ran over to his father. His father was standing with a young man who wore and indigo-colored outfit with white details, a similarly colored cape and a lotus patterned mantle around the shoulders.

The man seemed intimidating, but that was quickly put to bed by a smile that he gave Bara.

He then knelt down before the boy. "Barasu…"

"You can call me Bara if you wish." Bara said.

The man chuckled before continuing. "Bara, my name is Yu, and I'm your father's best friend. Kind of like brothers at this point. Anyways, I hear that you are able to move the earth and shoot fire. Is this true?"

Bara nodded. "Would you like me to demonstrate it for you?"

The man patted Bara on the head. "I would."

Bara stepped away and moved his right arm up lifting a few pebbles from the ground. He then let the pebbles fall before creating a flame that lasted mere seconds.

Yu smiled, "That is very good Bara. Would you mind going over there while I speak with your father."

Bara nodded and decided to go back to training with the pebbles.

Yu happily laughed. "I have no idea what this means, but it appears as though the world now has two Avatar. Never in my wildest dreams could I have predicted something like this happening. I'm glad you contacted the order Torin."

Torin nodded, "I'm just glad you were able to convince them to let you come and take a look at my son. I'm also glad that you believe he's an Avatar. Makes it seem like I'm less crazy than I originally thought. Though I have to ask, what happens now?"

"You have no need to worry about old friend. Thisis actually a favorable outcome for your boy. The White Lotus, not believing that another Avatar could exist, has given me full reign on handling his training. They even signed officially documents.

Now the Water Bender, is going to be kept at a compound in the South Pole where she will be taught by the White Lotus members." He shook his head. "That's fine, but I always believed that the Avatar should travel.

Every Avatar has done so training and expanding there world views. Here's what I suggest. I'll send a letter confirming that this is in fact real and exercise my right to handle the boys training.

We'll start by finding masters to teach him. Of course, you will be allowed to help. I can handle Water Bending, but that will be for when were on the road which won't happen for 8 years.

In those 8 years, we'll come up with a proper training regimen so that Bara is well on his way to mastering not only Earth Bending, but also either Lava or Metal Bending. Maybe both. An Avatar is supposed to be the master of all elements after all.

In that time we'll take regular trips around the Earth Kingdom. Then once he turns 12, I'll take him to the Fire Nation while truly beginning to train him to Water Bend. In the Fire Nation, we'll see all that we can and continue his training.

I'm thinking three years there. Then we'll be on the move for two years. One year to visit the air temples, 8 months in the Northern Water Tribe, We'll finish out with 4 months in the Southern Water Tribe. I'll also find ways to begin his Spiritual training.

Then once he's seventeen, he'll train with with the other Avatar in Air Bending learning from Tenzin. He'll also help Bara with his spiritual training. Then I'm thinking that he finished out his travels with Republic City."

"It sounds good, but training isn't all you've planned is it?" Torin asked with a knowing look.

Yu smiled, "Of course. The Avatar does have an important role; however, they are human just like the rest of us. Not to mention, as his uncle, it's my duty to show him all the crazy fun we'd get into when I was younger."

"Looks like I better go and inform Tenka of your 'ideas'. She'll be both relieved and terrified to know what you've decided. Would you mind watching Bara?" Torin asked.

Yu nodded, "Not at all.."

Torin left and Yu turned his attention to Bara who was training hard. He noticed that the boy looked happy.

"I think this is a much better assignment then watching over an Avatar in one location." Yu thought happily.

Omashu, 8 years later…

Bara was now a young teen and had changed from Green pants, vest and shirt, to a exact copy except only red. Hey, he was an Earth Bender, so simple clothes were just more his style.

He was also wearing arm guards that contained metal wire inside. Bara was told that it was the same arm guards that the Republic Police Force used. He currently stood next to his uncle who who wore a shirt and pants that were colored like his robes.

In the 8 years since Bara was told he was the Avatar, he'd been hard at work learning all he could. He learned how to meditate and became an expert at Earth Bending and an adept at Metal Bending. He was never able to learn Lava Bending

He even got some training done with his fire and air. Though water was something he had difficulty grasping. Even still, his fire and air were only that of a novice. It wasn't all hard work.

He traveled all over the Earth Kingdom seeing the sights and having fun. Mostly it was his uncle, but occasionally his father would tag along. Today was the day that he'd finally leave fro the Fire Nation.

The mere thought of this excited him. He'd get to see more of the world, meet with the Fire Lord, who hoped was nothing like the Earth Queen, and begin his training with Fire Bending.

Though he didn't now who his teacher was going to be. All his uncle said was that he'd like him. If he were honest, a small part of him was sad that he'd be leaving his home and family.

At least they were there to see him off with pretty much everyone in Omashu. Yeah, they'd definitely embraced having an Avatar discovered here. Especially when said Avatar was found after they'd already found one in the Water Tribes.

Currently Bara stood before his parents.

"Bara, I'm so proud of you. Only 12 years old and you're well on your way to mastering Earth and Metal Bending. I just know that you'll master all the elements in no time." Torin stated to his son.

"He'll make a great a Avatar." Tenka added as she walked over to her son and hugged him. "I want you to stay safe and listen to your uncle." She looked at Yu before parting from her son with a smile.

"On second thought, only listen to him when he's training you. Other times, just follow your heart and head. I mean it wouldn't do for the Avatar to become corrupted."

Bara nodded and chuckled. "Don't worry mom. I know the correct time to listen to Uncle Yu." He then laughed. "After all, I wouldn't be a good Avatar if I did everything uncle asked of me."

Yu sighed, "I became a Water Bending Master and a Grand Master at the age 18. I train and advice one of two Avatars in the world, yet I get no respect."

Torin smiled and patted his best friend on the back. "Cheer up buddy."

Bara hugged his uncle. "I respect you uncle just not to much. Though I do love you."

Yu couldn't help but smile before parting from his nephew. "That's enough kid. Let's set out now."

Bara nodded before turning back to the city and shouting. "Omashu! I promise that I will become a Great Avatar! I will do my best to keep the world in Balance!"

Bara took his pack from his mom, turned, and ran from the city with a smile.

Yu sighed and shook his head. "I swear, that kid has to much energy."

Yu then followed after him.

Somewhere in the Earth Kingdom, About Two Weeks Later…

The pair had arrived at a lake, a few days ago, and decided to set up camp for a while to begin his true training in the art of Water Bending. It had been going about as well as when he tried with any other water source.

Just like every day since they arrived, Bara had been trying, for hours, to bend the the water, and like every other day, he fell to his butt. "Why is this so hard? I can bend earth, fire, and air, yet water evades me. Why? Shouldn't air have been the hardest?"

Yu, who was sitting nearby observing, said, "Not necessarily kid. History has shown that the Avatar has the hardest time bending the element that conflicts with their personality.

Frankly, If I had to use one word to describe you, it's be energy. You have a lot of it, and like to use that to your advantage when bending. That's not to say that you can't be calm, but it's not very fitting.

That's where your problem lies. You like the offensive approach and Fire, Earth, and even Air, to an extent, can be used in that way. Water is more versatile and about turning an opponent's energy against them.

It's likely that it'll just take time for you to get it. That's not uncommon. Again history has numerous cases of Avatar who took years to learn the element that they had the most trouble with.

That's the beauty of the time we live in. You have the time to learn these elements. You have years whereas Aang only had months. Don't go stressing out over this and enjoy the journey."

Bara fell to his back and sighed. "I'm not even sure if I am an Avatar. You and others have said it, yet history has never had more than one Avatar at a time. There's also the fact that the cycle was supposed to go to the Water Tribe.

That makes it even less likely that I could be an Avatar.. What if I'm just a fluke? A mistake? I mean it's probably more likely for someone to be born with three elements than for them to be a full fledged Avatar.

Even if I can bend water or enter the spirit world, that's nothing unless I can connect with my supposed past lives. Enter the Avatar State." He closed his eyes. "Does that mean all of this is pointless in the end?"

Yu said nothing as he got to his feet and walked over to the water. He then moved his arms causing water to float above his nephew. He then dropped the rater drenching his nephew.

Baara bolted to a sitting position and saw that his uncle was laughing. He shot out a metal cable wrapping it around his uncle's legs. He then moved the cable and sent Yu into the lake.

The Water Bending Master came to the surface laughing. Bara jumped into the lake and came to the surface laughing with his uncle. The two then spent some time dunking and splashing each other.

Hours Later…

The uncle and nephew pair sat with their legs in the water relaxing.

"Now, I want you to listen to me Bara, I don't know how it's happened, but you and that Water Bender, Korra, are both Avatars. That won't change no matter what anyone says." Yu said as he put his arm, lovingly, around his nephew.

A tear fell from Bara's eye. "Thank you uncle."

The two soon moved to the camp and ate dinner. They would then talk about various things weather it be what they've seen and experienced so far or any question that Bara may have had about anything in general.

1 Month Later, Coast of the Earth Kingdom…

Bara marveled at the large ship that had been sent to take him and his uncle to the Fire Nation.

Yu patted Bara's head. "It's quite the ship, right?"

"Yeah, I've read about the ships of the United Forces, but the pictures never did them any justice." Bara said,

"I'm glad you are impressed with this ship Avatar Bara." A man said as he approached the duo and bowed like a Fire Nation citizen would to a royal.

This man was young and had short black hair. He wore a red jacket over a white shirt with matching pants and red boots. On his hands he had brown gloves.

Bara went wide eyed and quickly returned the bow. "It is an honor to meet you General Iroho. Son of the current Fire Lord, grandson of Lord Zuko, and General of this army."

"So you know of me." Iroh stated.

Bara nodded, "Of course, my uncle thought it prevalent to teach me about all the royal families and prevalent people of the world. Said it might help me keep peace down the line."

"That is wise, but I should expect nothing less of Yu of the White Lotus" He turned to Yu. "It is good to see you again sir."

Yu waved him off. "Come on Iroh, we can drop the formalities between us." He held out his hand.

Iroh took it and smiled, "As you wish." He let go of Yu's hand and now addressed both of them. "If you two are ready, then we can immediately set sail for the Fire Nation.

Bara ran up the ramp shouting, "You don't have to say it twice."

"He's certainly excitable." Iroh said with a genuine smile.

Yu sighed and shook his head, "You have no idea. Honestly, I think we're going to be able to see the whole world well before he goes to Republic City." He smiled. "I am going enjoy seeing how he'll react to his Fire Bending Teacher."

Iroh smiled as well. "If this is any indication, then it'll likely to be a treat for him."

The two joined the young Avatar aboard the boat.

Fire Nation Capital: The Palace, Another Month Later…

Bara's been in the Fire Nation for a week now and he still couldn't get over how different the earth felt to him. He was soon snapped out of his thought as he, Yu, and Iroh walked through the gate leading to the Palace Grounds.

Bara looked at the young general, and the two smiled at each other. Over the course of the week, the two became good friends, and swapped stories of the things they'd done and seen. Needless to say, Bara never really found a story from Iroh to be boring.

There were Fire Nation Soldiers at various places, villas and gardens were all over the place, and the palace itself was magnificent. It may not have been as big as the one in Ba Sing Sa, but it was regal in its own sense.

The small group stopped part way as Izumi and Zuko met them. Izumi wore the robes of the fire lord with the Fire Lord's accessory in her long, gray hair. Zuko wore sleeveless, red robes, with a gray undershirt, and had white hair, from age, with a matching beard.

"White Lotus Grand Master Yu. It is a pleasure to meet once more. It is also a pleasure to make your acquaintance Avatar Bara." Izumi stated she bowed.

"So far she seems calmer and kinder than the Earth Queen." Bara thought as he bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you Fire Lord Izumi. Thank you for putting me and my uncle up for our time here in The Fire Nation. I am eager to meet my new master."

"Then look no further." Zuko stated as he now stood before the boy..

Bara's eyes went wide. "I'm going to be taught by the Lord Zuko." He smiled. "I guess it only makes sense. You taught my past life. This is the best day ever!"

Yu put his hand on his nephew's right shoulder. "That's right. Any time were not out traveling, Lord Zuko will train you. I also expect you to continue studying Earth and Metal Bending while we're here."

"We have such materials here for you to bend." Izumi added.

"My first act as your teacher is to tell you to take the rest of today off. We'll begin your training bright and early tomorrow as the sun rises." Zuko stated.

Bara nodded, "Sounds good."

"For tonight, we shall have a feast. After all, it's not every day that the Fire Nation gets to host the Avatar." Iroh stated.

"We'll be there. For now me and the kid are going to head to the villa and put our things away. It would also be a good idea to wash up." Yu stated as he took his nephew away.

The Following Morning…

Bara ran into the training hall and was gasping for breathe. "That was close. I was almost late. He looked up to find Zuko sipping tea.

"Good, you made it. Sit and have some tea with me." Zuko stated.

Bara was confused. "Master Zuko, I thought we were going to begin my training today."

Zuko nodded. "We are. The 1st step is to explain what Fire Bending is, and I've found that a good cup of tea is the best compliment to this first step."

Bara shrugged and joined the lord at the table. He grabbed the cup and downed the whole thing.

"This is good." Bara stated.

Zuko smiled at his antics and poured him a fresh cup that he immediately drank.

Zuko then began. "Fire Bending is different from the other three elements in that it's the only element one can bend from within themselves. It is an overpowering force that is tempered by the will of the bender.

Your emotions should be kept in check or you run the risk of burning that which you wish no harm to. It is powered by the sun, and we learned how to bend the firs from the dragons.

Though there is a legend, likely you've heard of it in your culture, that the lion turtles passed this ability onto people. Though even if that's true, I still think it was the dragons that taught us to master is. It is energy and it is life."

Bara nodded in understanding as he downed another cup of tea. Making it 6 cups of tea since he continued drinking through Zuko's words.

"Now, I believe we'll start with something simple." He produced a box full of leaves. "I'm going to hand you a leave and ignite it. Your job will be to contain the flame and keep the leave from burning. Once you can do that, we shall move onto something a little more challenging."

Bara jumped to his feet. "That's great Lord Zuko, but do you think I could go to the bathroom first? I think I drank to much tea."

Zuko chuckled. "Maybe next time you'll consider drinking it slower. Go ahead."

Bara dashed from the room. "Duly noted!"

Bara soon returned and got to work.

Palace Gates, 3 Years Later…

Bara had once again changed the color of his outfit and even changed the design a little. He now wore an orange shirt with a dull yellow vest. The vest had no sleeves and matched the shoes he now wore while his pants matched his shirt.

His body had changed a little to. It was more developed now. As for his training, His Earth Bending Improved somewhat, but it was his Metal Bending that took a great leap.

He was also approaching an experts understanding of fire and was adept with lightning. Bara, of course, traveled around the Fire Nation with his uncle. From time to time, Zuko would join them or Iroh whenever he came around.

He even managed to pick up other skills like tea making and some hand to hand combat. Though that was nowhere near as developed as his Fire Bending, but it was still a nice enough skill to pick up.

"Thank you for everything Fire Lord Izumi and Master Zuko." Bara gratefully stated as he bowed to the two of them.

Zuko returned the bow. "It was an honor to meet you Avatar Bara. If you ever get the chance, come visit me on The Ember Islands. We can have tea together."

"And, you are always welcome at the palace as well." Izumi added.

Bara smiled and ran down the road. "See you!"

Yu ran after his nephew. "Bara, hold on! You have no idea how we're even getting to air temples!"

Zuko smiled before turning to his daughter, "I should be going as well. It has been awhile since I've set foot on the Ember Islands after all."

Izumi nodded, "It was nice having you around. Make sure you come and visit."

Zuko nodded. "Of course."

Sky's Around the Southern Air Temple, A Week Later…

Bara saw the spire and then the rest of the temple. Again, the pictures in the books didn't justify the genuine article.

Yu walked over to stand beside his nephew. "Bara, welcome to the birthplace of Avatar Aang, and our first stop on our tour of the Air Temples."

Avatar Chamber

The pair had followed a group of Air Acolytes into the chamber containing the statues of all the past Avatar. Bara quickly looked at every statue staring from Aang and moving backwards.

Eventually he stopped before the 1st statue which looked odd in comparison to the rest of the statues. It was a statue of a man surrounded by what appeared to be an odd looking spirit.

"Hey Uncle Yu, what Avatar is this!?" Bara shouted getting his uncle to come over.

Yu looked at the statue and said, "It is the 1st statue, so I can only assume that this is the 1st Avatar. As for who he was, that is for you to find out. Not all Avatars are remembered forever, and the only things left of them are either legends or statues.

In some cases, there may even be paintings of them somewhere in the world. Either way, connecting with your past lives will surely lead you to the answer that you seek."

Bara looked at the statue before glancing at the ones down the line. His gaze then turned back to this statue. "The 1st Avatar…" Bara turned to his Uncle. "Uncle, do you think I could spend today in here before I get back to training."

Yu nodded. "Sure kid. Take all the time you need."

Bara spent the rest of the day in that room looking at every statue multiple times until he eventually stopped in between the 1st and 2nd statues. He looked at both carefully and soon passed out in between the two of them.

Some Time Later…

Yu walked over to his nephew with a blanket and pillow in hand. He then lifted Bara's head and placed the pillow under him before covering him with the blanket. Bara had been shivering, but he became relaxed now that he was warmer.

Yu smiled and walked away. "Sleep well Bara."

Northern Water Tribe, About 1 Year 8 Months Later…

Bara was now relatively tall and currently wore a long sleeved, blue version of what he'd previously worn before. His bending has taken great strides and he'd finally mastered his Earth Bending with his Metal both being around Expert.

Fire came next somewhere around expert. Air followed being around Novice since he had yet to train with this Tenzin person Yu spoke of. Water was at the bottom end of beginner since he could only lift about a thin disks worth of water.

In addition, he was actually able to enter the spirit world, but he only stayed for a few seconds every time he entered. He currently sat in a chair with a glider sitting beside him. He was actually decent with it.

He was currently pouring over the various scrolls he'd managed to acquire over the years. Bara was mainly focusing on the Water Bending scrolls trying to figure out how to effectively bend it.

Then his Uncle entered the house they'd been using. "Alright Bara, it's settled. Tomorrow we set out for the Southern Water Tribe."

Bara put his scroll down and smiled. "I can't wait! Do you think I'll get to meet my fellow Avatar?"

"That's actually our first stop, and where we'll be staying while down there; however, me and you will still travel around and see what they have to offer. Of course, you'll also be meeting my master, Katara.

You'll eventually meet Tenzin, as well, as some more of his family, once he comes down to visit. Though, that won't be for about four months or maybe longer depending on Korra's progress." Yu replied.

Bara nodded, packed his scrolls away, and grabbed his glider. "I think I should get to bed then, but first have you received any news from my family?"

"You're mothers been hard at work with her clothing store, and has opened a location in Republic City. Your father has been hard at work as well. He's finished his training with the White Lotus, and is currently with your mother." Yu stated.

Bara smiled. "So they made it to Republic City before me." He yawned. "I'll have to look them up whenever I go there. For now I'm hitting the hay."

Bara climbed the stairs to his room and Yu smiled. "You're becoming quite the man Bara. Maybe its about time you do head to Republic City. They sure could use an Avatar."

Bara landed on his bed and immediately passed out. He couldn't wait to meet his fellow Avatar and wondered what type of person she was.