Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ Duty Versus Love ❯ Anil ( Chapter 17 )

LES: `Anil' was the very first possible Aang baby name I ever found, so it makes sense that it should be used for his first child. Also, it's one of the few that I think I can pronounce right.

 

Anil: A Hindi name that means “air, wind”.

 

Chapter XVII: Anil

 

Though it was nearing winter in the Fire Nation, it certainly didn't feel like it. Winter didn't exist in the Fire Nation because of the year-around heat at the equator.

Zuko sighed heavily. He had just spent the entire afternoon arguing with his wife. Mai always accompanied him on his travels to the other nations, but she always refused to travel with him to the Northern Water Tribe for the Winter Solstice Meeting. She couldn't stand the cold and the snow.

Their first year of marriage, she had put her foot down, and he was yet unable to sway her.

He sat on the throne, rubbing his temples. To think: at one time he would have given anything to see Mai fiery or passionate about anything. Now she was passionate about telling him that she wouldn't go to a frozen wasteland like the North Pole with him in a million years.

Zuko didn't notice one of his servants walk into the throne room. “Firelord Zuko?” Zuko looked around as the messenger bowed. “A message has arrived for you by messenger hawk. I believe it is from the Avatar.”

Zuko stood up. “It has been over nearly nine months since the meeting at Ba Sing Se. I believe I know what it's about.” Zuko took the message from the messenger. “As I guessed… a week ago, the Avatar's wife, Lady Katara, bore him a son. Go and spread the word. This is a great day for the whole world.” The messenger bowed and left.

Zuko glanced at the message in his hands. The first page was a formal announcement, but the second was a letter addressed to him personally. While the announcement was written with Aang's neat calligraphy, the letter was written in an untidy scrawl.

`Zuko, I'm a daddy!

It's a boy, and Katara and I decided to name him Anil in honor of his Air Nomad heritage. Hopefully, he'll be an Airbender and it will fit.

He takes a lot after me: black hair and grey eyes. (Oh, you never saw me with hair, did you?) His skin color is a mixture between mine and Katara's.

I'm still getting used to being a parent. I haven't gotten a good night's sleep in days. Neither has Katara or Toph. Toph keeps threatening to move back in with her parents. So we all know she's nearing the end of her rope, because we all know how she feels about her parents.

Speaking of children, Suki's pregnant now. What's taking you so long, Zuko? You were the first of the old gang to get married, but there's no Princes or Princesses on the way?

I'm shocked that we're not all knee-deep in yours and Mai's children by now, because we all know how much she loves you. After all, you are the only person I've ever seen make her smile.

So, how is Lady Nera doing? I feel strange asking, but she is carrying my child. I can't help but worry.

I have to go now. Anil's crying and Katara's asleep. I should go see what's wrong before he wakes her.

I'll see you at the Winter Solstice meeting, though Katara and Anil will have to stay behind at the Southern Air Temple this time. Katara's still recovering from giving birth and Anil's too small to travel.

Avatar Aang'

Zuko set down the letter, smiling. Aang was the father to what sounded like a beautiful son. This certainly was worthy of a celebration. As the descendant of an Avatar himself, Zuko knew how important Aang's children would be to the world. And their importance would double automatically if they were Airbenders.

Zuko wondered if it was too late to petition that the meeting place be changed from the Northern Water Tribe to the Southern Tribe. If the meeting was at the Southern Water Tribe, it would be easy for Zuko to stop at the Southern Air Temple to visit. But, as it was, his visit was probably going to have to wait until after the Winter Solstice.

He glanced up when someone entered the Throne Room; his wife, Mai.

“Zuko, what's going on?” Mai asked.

“We got a letter from the Southern Air Temple.” Zuko said. “Katara has given birth. Avatar Aang has a son.”

“Really? That is good news.” Mai said. “What did they name him?”

“Anil.” Zuko answered.

“What sort of name is that?”

Zuko shrugged. “It's probably an Air Nomad name. In his letter Aang mentioned that he hoped he would be an Airbender so that it would fit.”

“I suppose. Aang is the only Air Nomad we've ever met, and we're used to his name. So, we're having a celebration?”

“Aang is not just the Avatar to me, he's a friend.” Zuko said. “That birth of my friend's firstborn son is as good a reason to celebrate as any.”

“Mai sighed. “Very well.” She leaned forward and kissed him. “You know I hate parties. I only put up with them because I love you.” Zuko smiled at her, and they left the Throne Room to attend to overseeing the party preparations.

~~~~~~~~~~

At the Southern Air Temple, the party had finished, but now everyone's nerves were getting frayed. Only Aang and Katara seemed to be holding themselves together for the love of their son. But there was no denying one simple fact: Anil was surprisingly loud for such a small infant, and he could cry all night long.

Toph and Suki probably suffered the worse. Toph had always been sensitive to sounds and vibrations. She had saved them from midnight ambushed many times during their travels. But now, that sensitivity was working against her. A week after Anil's birth, she started yelling at Aang that he'd better shut his wailing brat up soon, or she would start chucking rocks at his head.

Suki was doing pretty poorly. She was six months pregnant with her own child and in a bad mood anyway. She knew that she would have to get used to the sleepless nights once she had her own child, but she was exhausted now, and wanted her rest. However, unlike Toph, Suki took her frustration out on Sokka.

Aang wouldn't lie. He felt dead on his feet. He hadn't gotten more than a few hours of sleep the last day. He hadn't had a quiet moment to meditate since his son was born, and he desperately missed the calm of mind that his silent contemplation brought him.

But, despite all that, he loved his newborn son unconditionally.

Anile was quiet now, and Katara was resting. But Aang forgave her for all the naps she took during the day. Katara had been the one who was strong during her pregnancy and childbirth. Now it was time for him to be the strong one.

He moved slowly through the open halls of the Temple, holding his son, and humming a soft Air Nomad song. He would have sung an Air Nomad lullaby, but he didn't know any. So he sang a different song.

“I hear a baby crying

A sad sound, a lonely sound.

I want to take him in my arms

And then I dry away all his tears.

I see a boy who's frightened.

A young boy with old eyes.

I long to say `You're welcome here

You can be happy now that you're warm'.

We're all a part of one world.

We all can share the same dreams.

And if you just reach out to me

Then you will find

Deep down inside

I'm just like you.”

“Aang?” A voice spoke. Aang looked around. It was Toph.

“Oh. Good afternoon, Toph.” Aang said quietly.

“Was that you singing?” Toph asked, sounding a little amazed.

Aang blushed. “Uh, yeah. I'm not very good, though.”

“Actually, it sounded really good to me.” Toph said. “Or were you using Airbending to cheat?”

“No.” Aang said. “I'm not very good at that aspect of Airbending. A real Air Nomad singer could sing so beautifully it could drive people to tears.” Aang said.

“Okay, so maybe your singing voice sucks compared to that, but most people alive have never heard an Air Nomad singer.” Toph said “Believe me, you sound great. So, what were you singing? It sounded too serious to be a lullaby.”

“I know. I don't know any Air Nomad lullabies.” Aang said. “It's an old Air Nomad song that I've always loved. I didn't discover why I liked it so much until I found out that I was the Avatar.”

“Why?”

“It's called `One World', and it's about looking past superficial differences and learning that everyone and everything at its core is the same.”

“I see, so as the Avatar, you'd like a song that spoke of a world unified.” Toph said.

“Exactly.” Aang said, gazing down at his son. “I want Anil to grow up in a world like the one I grew up in. Free of conflict and war.”

“Well, luckily for him, his dad happens to be the one person who can make that happen.” Toph said.

Aang sighed. “Toph, I know this is hard for you. I'll be travelling to the North Pole soon. Would you like me to… take you somewhere?”

Toph shook her head. “Are you suggesting I abandon you, Twinkletoes? I've stuck by you through worse. It'll take more than a loud baby to change that.”

“Are you sure?”

“Look, I'm sure, Twinkletoes. It's not like the kid is purposefully trying to keep us up all night.” Toph said. “So, how are you holding up, Dad? You and Katara are probably getting less sleep than the rest of us.”

“Actually, Katara is getting plenty of sleep. She's still recovering, so she's very tired. I'm the one not getting sleep. But I don't mind so much anymore. Anil is worth it.”

Toph smiled to herself. She knew thought they'd be able to find someone that Aang loved as much as he loved Katara. But, even now, Toph was getting all the physical cues she used to associate with Aang and Katara. One thing was for sure, Aang was overflowing with love for his son.

Aang continued to walk, and Toph joined him. After a few moments, Aang spoke again. “Are you sure you don't want me to take you somewhere? In three months, there will be two babies here at the Temple.”

“Remember how I said it would take more than one loud baby to send me away? Well, two might just do it. But I'll stick around `til then and I won't go far.” Toph said. “Face it, Twinkletoes. You'd be lost without me.”

Aang chuckled quietly. “I certainly would.” Together, they walked out onto a balcony where Appa was eating his breakfast. “Hey there, Appa.” The massive Sky Bison's big dark eyes fell on Aang and he gave the young Avatar an uncommonly excited greeting. “I know.” Aang responded. “I'm sorry that I couldn't visit you recently. I've been busy.”

Toph watched the exchange, wondering once again if Aang and Appa could understand each other. As far as she could tell, no physical cues were exchanged between the two. But, still, most of their conversations seemed to go beyond Aang reading his Bison's moods or Appa knowing a few commands. It was like they shared a spiritual connection that went beyond their barriers of language and species. It kind of reminded Toph of her relationship with the Badgermoles who taught her Earthbending.

Not many people still lived that remembered that these special animals: the Sky Bison, Dragons, and Badgermoles were the people's companions and familiars, but no longer. The Dragons and Sky Bison were nearly extinct, and most Badgermoles had become wild, retreating to their tunnels to avoid the fate of the Sky Bison and Dragons.

Appa bound forward, but Aang took a protective step back. His first and foremost instinct was to protect his son. Toph was ready to intervene on Aang's behalf when Appa slid to a halt before Aang. The massive Sky Bison sniffed the air and created a small gust of wind.

Aang couldn't be sure if it was because he felt the disturbance in the air or if the gust had simply been strong enough to wake him, but Anil awoke with a cry.

Appa's ears faced forward and focused on the child's cries. Aang smiled when he saw the understanding in Appa's eyes. The Sky Bison knew the importance of this child.

“Appa, this is my son, Anil. I'm a father now.” Aang said, presenting the child to the Bison.

Toph observed the scene with her Earthbending vision. Next to Appa's massive, fuzzy form; the newborn was tiny. And yet Appa moved with supreme gentleness, touched the newborn with the tip of his wet nose, and released a soft purr that caused the air to vibrate.

Toph's only knowledge about the Air Nomad culture came from Aang, either with questions or simple observation. She also knew that Aang was not a representative of his entire culture, but a small percentage of it. But she could tell that something deeply spiritual was going on between Aang, Appa, and Anil.

Finally, the air stopped vibrating as the infant touched Appa's wet nose and shrieked with amusement.

“Aang, what was all that about?” Toph asked.

Aang cradled his son against his chest, but it was clear that Anil was not finished playing with Appa, judging by how the child reached imploringly towards the Sky Bison. “Anil has received the blessing of the Spirit of the Air.” Aang said simply.

“The Air Spirit? Appa?” Toph asked in amazement.

Aang laughed. “No, Appa's not the Air Spirit. She resides in the Spirit World. But, according to Air Nomad mythology, the Sky Bison were one of the first creatures ever created, even before humans were created. They were created by the Air Spirit, and she gave them a piece of her power. The Sky Bison were called the Air Spirit's mortal representatives and were believed to carry out the Air Spirit's will on earth. That's why we sought out the Sky Bison to bestow blessings on our children.”

“Oh, so he's been blessed now? Does that mean he'll stop crying all the time?”

“Afraid not.”

“Damn it.” Toph complained.

Toph noticed Aang's shift in emotions immediately. It was hard not to notice someone shift from happy to sad in a matter of moments.

Aang was petting Appa's nose with his free hand, but he was sad… really sad while doing it. “What's up, Twinkletoes?” Toph asked.

“The Air Nomads are on their way to being saved.” Aang said pensively. “I have a son and many more children on the way. But there is no salvation for the Sky Bison, is there? Or the Dragons.”

“Oh.” Toph said as she realized what Aang was getting at.

“If there were more Sky Bison, Appa probably would have had a mate and plenty of offspring for himself by now.” Aang said. “I can save my culture, since I can reproduce with people from different cultures, but there is no suitable mate for Appa anywhere in the world. In this regard, he is more alone than I ever was.”

“Aang, you know that it's possible that there are still Sky Bison.” Toph said. “Everyone thinks that the Dragons are extinct, but you and Zuko found that there were still two living Dragons hiding from the world. Maybe the Sky Bison are doing the same thing.”

“Maybe.” Aang said, though his spirits hardly seemed to be lifted.

“Aang?” The two Benders looked around and saw Katara walking up the hallway towards them, wearing a loose-fitting gown. She was a little self-conscious about her post-baby body since only a few pounds of the weight she had gained when she was pregnant was due directly to the baby. Aang constantly assured her that she was beautiful, no matter what. He promised that when she recovered they would resume a light Waterbending routine. He was sure that she would have her body nearly back to normal in no time.

“Katara.” Aang responded, walking over to her and giving her a firm kiss. “Are you sure you're feeling good enough to walk around?”

“I'm fine, Aang.” Katara said, carefully taking their son from him. “Mommy's here now.” She whispered, kissing Anil's forehead. “Aang, you look terrible, and you have to leave tomorrow if you want to reach the North Pole on time. You should get some sleep.”

“Katara, I don't have to go.” Aang said. “No one would fault me for wanting to stay with my wife and newborn son.”

“The Spirits might.” Katara said. “The world comes first. I've known that since the day I fell in love with you, and I wouldn't have married you if I didn't accept it. Go. I'll have Sokka, Suki, and Toph to protect Anil and I. Besides, I am not helpless. I can defend myself and our son if it comes to that.”

Aang laughed. “I believe you.” He kissed her again. “I will leave tomorrow, and fly with all haste.”

Katara returned his kiss. “I know.”

 

LES: I think I'll skip over the Winter Solstice meeting. And I'll do a sad chapter that I've been sitting on for a while. Having recently lost my grandfather, I'm in the perfect state of mind to write a death chapter.