—Vantian, show me my progress.
A screen appeared before his closed eyes, projected directly onto his visual cortex by the mental chip implanted in his brain. It was one of the implant's most useful functions: the ability to visualize internal data without needing to open his eyes or divert attention from his surroundings.
Spiritual energy: 36.4.
Elementalization — Flesh stage: 7.72%.
· Fire: 2.03%
· Water: 1.91%
· Air: 1.78%
· Earth: 2.0%
Noah had planned to divide his cells' elemental load capacity into twenty percent for each of the four elements. This would mean that, once the respective ratio for each element was completed, he would achieve eighty percent cellular elementalization.
As for why limit himself to eighty percent when he could go further... the answer was simple. He had plans for the remaining twenty percent. Plans that would allow him to increase his cells' elemental load to a level far beyond before ascending to rank two.
Noah opened his eyes and observed the horizon. The clouds stretched as far as the eye could see, white and fluffy, illuminated by an orange sun beginning its slow descent.
—Well, Nawaki —Aang scratched the back of his neck, still not quite used to his new pupil's strange name—, let's continue then. You still have a lot to learn about airbending.
—Of course, Master.
---
The afternoon sun bathed Republic City's central square in a warm, golden light that reflected off the windows of the newly constructed buildings. Hundreds of people crowded before the main platform, a polished stone stage adorned with flower garlands and colorful banners waving in the breeze. The murmur of the crowd was a constant hum, punctuated by the laughter of children darting between adults' legs and the occasional cry of street vendors offering snacks.
On the platform, a young woman with brown hair pulled into a braid that fell over her shoulder addressed the crowd. She couldn't have been more than twenty, but her bearing was that of someone accustomed to authority. She wore a blue tunic with silver embroidery on the cuffs and collar, and a leather waterskin hung from her shoulder. Her eyes swept over the sea of faces before her with a mixture of solemnity and warmth.
—For too long, the four nations remained separated and hostile toward one another, and we all suffered for it —her voice rang clear in the silence that had fallen around her—. But here, on this ancient ground, we have created a space where all people are welcome. Benders and non-benders, working together in peace to build the future. Though there are still those who wish to divide us, we will remain united.
—As a representative of the council, it is an honor for me to be here today celebrating Republic City's anniversary and the inauguration of the Tower of Unity, a symbol for all people.
With a fluid gesture of her hand, Katara uncorked the waterskin hanging from her shoulder. The stopper popped with a soft sound, and she moved both hands in a circular pattern, similar to tai chi movements. The water burst from the waterskin like a living serpent, forming a perfect sphere that floated before her palms. Sunlight passed through it, breaking into tiny rainbows.
Katara tensed her right arm and launched the sphere with a quick motion. The water transformed into a sharp blade that cut through the air and cleanly severed the ropes holding the banners atop the tower behind her. Four banners unfurled with a snap: the emblems of the four elements.
The banners began to wave in the wind, their colors shining against the clear sky.
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
—Look! It's the Avatar!
A small girl, no more than six years old, pointed toward the sky with an outstretched finger. Her little voice was lost in the clamor, but heads began to turn one by one, following the direction of her finger.
There, silhouetted against the setting sun, Appa appeared. The flying bison descended slowly over the crowd, his enormous shadow gliding above the attendees' heads. His six legs moved lazily through the air, and his white fur reflected the orange light of dusk. People instinctively made way as the creature approached the platform.
On his back, Momo was perched on Nawaki's head, his small claws tangled in the boy's white hair as he played with it. As soon as he saw Katara, the lemur let out a sharp squeak and leaped from the bison's back, flying into the young woman's arms.
—Ha, ha! Momo, I missed you, old friend!
Katara caught him against her chest and stroked him behind the ears. The lemur purred, rubbing his head against her hand. Then, without letting him go, Katara approached Appa and placed her free palm on his enormous snout. The bison closed his eyes and let out a deep, satisfied grunt.
Aang watched the scene from the bison's back, and a warm smile spread across his bruised face. He slid down Appa's side and jumped onto the platform.
He didn't even have time to greet her before Katara wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tightly, then planted a kiss on his lips.
—Ugh! —Aang groaned in pain against her lips.
Katara pulled back immediately, her blue eyes scanning the monk's face with concern. She had just noticed his bruised face.
—You're hurt.
—It's a long story —Aang replied, managing a tired smile—. More importantly…
He gestured with his head toward Appa's back, where Nawaki was still sitting in a lotus position, watching the scene.
Noah jumped down from the bison's back. He landed on the platform without a sound, cushioning his fall with a gentle controlled air current that stirred a small spiral of dust at his feet.
Katara's eyes widened. Her expression shifted from concern to astonishment in an instant.
—This is…
—Well… —Aang scratched his cheek, just below the cut—. I told you it's a long story.
He stepped toward Nawaki and placed a hand on his head, gently ruffling his white hair.
—This is Nawaki, my new pupil. And as you can see, he is also an airbender.
Katara fell silent. Her eyes went from the white-haired boy to Aang, and from Aang back to the boy.
—An airbender… after a hundred years? —she murmured, as if she couldn't quite believe it—. I thought Aang was the last one.
Noah bowed his head humbly, placing his hands together before his chest in a gesture of respect.
—I still have much to learn.
Aang smiled proudly, his hand still on his pupil's head.
—But he has talent. Much more than he himself believes.
—We can talk about all that later —Katara said, her tone leaving no room for argument—. You both need rest… and you —she jabbed a finger at Aang's chest— need to have those wounds healed.
Aang let out a tired laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
—Yes… I think this time I can't argue with that.