The Second Avatar

Chapter 11: Blackouts

The healer's examination wrapped up, and Yoan sat on the edge of his cot, his mind racing with questions and doubts. The tension in the room lingered long after the healer left, and he could feel Kezin's eyes on him. Just then, the door swung open, and Renji entered, a stern expression etched on his face.

"Yoan," Renji said, his voice steady but filled with an undercurrent of accusation. "We need to talk."

Yoan braced himself, sensing that the conversation was heading in an unwanted direction. "About what?" he asked cautiously.

Renji glanced briefly at Kezin before focusing on Yoan. "The north wall of the temple. It was blown up during the bandit attack. You were there. Some of the elders are beginning to wonder if you had a part in it."

Yoan's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? How could you even think that? I would never endanger the temple or the villagers!"

Renji stepped closer, his expression unyielding. "But you were unconscious, right there in the Great Hall. It's suspicious, Yoan. It's all too convenient. You can't expect us not to question your involvement."

Yogan, who had been listening quietly, felt his heart race with anger. He stood up, fists clenched. "This is ridiculous! Yoan would never do something like that. He's my friend!"

"Friendship doesn't excuse betrayal," Renji shot back, his tone sharp.

"Enough!" Yogan shouted, his voice echoing in the small space. "Yoan is not a traitor! He risked his life for this temple. We all did. You need to stop making accusations without any proof!"

Kezin stepped forward, feigning innocence. "I'm just saying we should consider all angles. The bandits came for a reason, and now we're left picking up the pieces."

"Or maybe you should consider the possibility that we have spies among us," Yogan countered, his gaze burning into Renji's. "I can't believe you'd even entertain the idea that Yoan had anything to do with this."

Renji's expression hardened, but he did not reply. The silence that followed was thick with tension, and Yoan felt a wave of frustration wash over him. Why was he being accused of something so heinous? The thought of being viewed as a traitor gnawed at him, but he refused to back down.

"Let's just focus on figuring out what the bandits wanted instead of turning on each other," Yogan urged, his voice steady. "If there are spies in the temple, that's a far bigger issue than anything else we can discuss right now."

Renji's eyes narrowed, but he eventually relented. "Fine. But we'll keep an eye on you, Yoan. For everyone's sake." With that, he turned and left the room, leaving the tension hanging heavy in the air.

Kezin lingered for a moment longer, a satisfied smirk on his face before following Renji out. Once they were gone, Yoan let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

"Are you okay?" Yogan asked, placing a reassuring hand on Yoan's shoulder.

"I—I think so," Yoan replied, his voice trembling. "But I'm worried. They're going to think I'm involved in something I didn't do, and I can't remember anything from that night."

Yogan's brow furrowed with concern. "We'll figure it out. I promise. Just keep your head up."

---

As Yogan stepped outside, the sun was beginning to dip low in the sky, casting long shadows across the village. He felt a gnawing unease settle within him. If there were spies in their midst, who could he trust? His thoughts turned to Monk Nara—she had always been a steady presence, a source of wisdom amidst the chaos.

Seeking comfort, Yogan made his way toward her, the sun dipping lower as he approached the edge of the village where Nara often meditated. There she was, standing with her back turned, gazing at the horizon. The serene look on her face brought him a sense of calm, but he still felt the weight of his worries pressing down.

"Monk Nara," he called softly, approaching her.

She turned to face him, her expression shifting from peaceful contemplation to concern as she noticed the tension in his posture. "Yogan," she greeted warmly. "What troubles you?"

Yogan hesitated, then took a deep breath. "It's Yoan. He's been accused of being involved in the bandit attack. They think he blew up the north wall."

Monk Nara's brow furrowed as she listened. "That's a serious accusation. Do you believe he would do such a thing?"

"Absolutely not," Yogan insisted vehemently. "He's my friend, and he wouldn't endanger the village like that. But the way Renji spoke—there's a suspicion in the air, and I can't shake the feeling that there are spies among us."

Nara studied him for a moment, her eyes thoughtful. "You must remain vigilant. The truth often hides in the shadows, but you must trust your instincts, Yogan. They will guide you."

Yogan nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and worry. "I had this strange dream about a swamp again, and Wan was there. I can't help but feel there's a connection to everything happening right now."

"Wan…" Nara murmured, her expression shifting to one of nostalgia. "He was a great man and a beloved spirit. His presence has a way of reminding us of our purpose. What did you see?"

Yogan hesitated, trying to articulate the feeling. "It felt so real. We laughed together. It was a moment of pure joy, but now it feels distant and confusing. I'm worried about everything, and I want to be stronger. I want to protect the people I care about."

Nara placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Then you must step up your training. If you wish to be the protector you aspire to be, you cannot let your fears hold you back."

Determination washed over Yogan, and he nodded. "I will. I want to train with you, to learn everything I can."

"Very well," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "We'll begin in the morning. Be ready."

---

The next morning dawned bright and clear, the sun casting a golden hue over the temple as Yogan awoke with a renewed sense of purpose. He dressed quickly, anticipation thrumming in his veins as he made his way to the training area.

Monk Nara was already there, stretching gracefully as she prepared for the day ahead. The training ground was a serene space, surrounded by ancient trees and the sound of a bubbling brook nearby.

"Good morning, Yogan," Nara greeted as he approached. "Are you ready for your first lesson?"

"Yes," he replied, his heart pounding with excitement and anxiety.

"Today, we'll focus on the fundamentals of airbending," Nara explained. "But first, I need to see where you stand. Show me what you can do."

Yogan took a deep breath, trying to recall the techniques he had learned but struggled to conjure even a small gust of wind. He concentrated hard, attempting to summon the air around him, but his efforts were met with only a slight breeze.

Nara observed him with a patient expression, her gaze unwavering. "Focus, Yogan. Feel the air as an extension of yourself. It's not just about bending; it's about connection. You must be one with it."

He nodded, closing his eyes and visualizing the air currents swirling around him. This time, he felt a flicker of energy, and with a surge of determination, he pushed his hands forward, willing the air to respond.

A gust erupted from his palms, sending a few scattered leaves swirling into the air. But it quickly dissipated, and Yogan stumbled slightly, winded from the effort.

"Not bad for a first try," Nara encouraged, though her eyes showed she sensed the struggle within him. "But you need to build your stamina. Airbending requires not only skill but also inner strength. Let's keep going."

They trained for hours, with Nara guiding him through various techniques. She demonstrated graceful movements, each one fluid and precise, while Yogan mimicked her actions, often with clumsy results. He felt clumsy and frustrated as he stumbled through the exercises, falling more than he stood, each misstep echoing the uncertainty in his heart.

"Again," Nara urged gently, helping him to his feet. "Keep your center of gravity low. Your movements should flow like water."

"I'm trying," Yogan panted, wiping the sweat from his brow. "It's just so hard! I feel like I'm fighting against the wind instead of working with it."

"Every master was once a beginner, Yogan," she reminded him, a spark of encouragement in her voice. "The more you struggle, the stronger you become. You have to believe in yourself."

Taking her words to heart, Yogan squared his shoulders and focused again. This time, he channeled the emotions swirling within him—his fear for Yoan, the weight of the village's safety, the desire to prove himself. As he exhaled, he felt the air shift around him, gathering in response.

With a newfound sense of determination, he thrust his hands outwards, calling on the energy around him. A strong gust erupted, lifting him slightly off the ground, and he could feel the exhilaration surging through him.

***

The afternoon sun hung high in the sky as Yogan finally began to feel a rhythm in his training. The energy of the wind responded to his commands, and with each successful movement, his confidence grew. Just as he prepared for another round, the sound of hurried footsteps broke through his concentration.

"Yogan!" Kaiya's voice rang out, breathless as she sprinted toward him, her face flushed with urgency.

"Is something wrong?" Yogan asked, concern flooding his voice as he halted mid-movement.

"It's Renji and Yoan!" she exclaimed, panic evident in her wide eyes. "They're about to fight in the middle of town! You have to come!"

Yogan's heart sank, the earlier satisfaction of his training replaced by dread. "I'm sorry, Nara," he said quickly, turning to the monk, "but I have to go help my friend." Without waiting for a response, he bolted past Kaiya, urgency propelling him forward.

---

Monk Nara watched him run off, a sense of unease settling in her chest. She thought back to the words Yogan had spoken the previous day—about his dreams of Wan and the chaotic events unfolding around the temple. It felt as if the world was shifting beneath her feet, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something darker was at play.

Vaatu, the spirit of darkness, had been a constant presence in her thoughts lately. Could he be behind the strange occurrences plaguing their village? She stared out toward the horizon, pondering the myriad of events that had disrupted the peace of the temple and the surrounding lands.

As she stood in contemplation, a flicker of movement caught her eye. A figure lurked at a distance, partially concealed by the trees, watching her intently. Nara squinted, trying to discern the figure's intentions, but before she could approach, the stranger turned and walked away, muttering a single word: "Interesting."

---

Meanwhile, the town square was in chaos. Villagers gathered, their voices rising in alarm as tensions escalated between Renji and Yoan. Yogan and Kaiya arrived just in time to see Yoan standing defiantly before Renji, anger radiating from both.

"Yoan, don't do this!" Yogan shouted as he rushed into the fray, pushing his way through the crowd. "You don't have to fight!"

"I have to defend my honor!" Yoan replied, his fists clenched at his sides, his gaze unwavering. "I won't let them accuse me of something I didn't do!"

Renji stood firm, arms crossed, an imposing figure. "You have to answer for your actions, Yoan. You were seen with the bandit leaders. How do we know you weren't in league with them?"

Yogan's heart raced. "Renji, you're making a mistake! Yoan would never knowingly betray the temple or the village!"

Renji narrowed his eyes. "How convenient, Yoan. You disappear just before the north wall blows up, and suddenly you're found unconscious in the Great Hall. You can't expect anyone not to be suspicious."

Yoan's expression shifted from defiance to confusion, his brow furrowing deeply. "I don't even remember any of that!" he exclaimed, desperation creeping into his voice.

"That's a convenient excuse," Renji snapped, his tone unyielding. "You're making it sound like you're innocent."

"I would never willingly endanger anyone!" Yoan pleaded, dropping to his knees. "I might have done so without my knowledge, but I would never hurt the village!"

The crowd gasped at the confession, the tension in the air thickening. Yogan stepped forward, desperation rising in him. "What does that mean, Yoan?"

"I don't know if I'm guilty or innocent," Yoan whispered, tears glistening in his eyes. "I can't remember anything!"

At that moment, the town chief and the temple elders arrived, their expressions grim. The chief, a stout man with a weathered face, surveyed the scene with authority. "What's going on here?" he demanded.

"Yoan has been accused of treachery!" Renji declared, pointing an accusatory finger at his comrade. "We need to know where he stands!"

Before anyone could respond, a tall figure pushed through the crowd, revealing himself to be Kuno—the man Yogan had found washed up on the shore weeks ago. "I know what's happening," Kuno said, his voice steady yet urgent. "It's the same thing that happened in my hometown. We began having blackouts—people losing memories."

"Blackouts?" Yogan asked, confusion etched on his face. "What do you mean?"

"We thought it was just a local issue," Kuno continued, his gaze serious. "But now I realize someone among the bandits has the ability to hypnotize. They could have done the same to Yoan."

The crowd murmured, uncertainty rippling through them. "How can we fix this?" Yogan implored, turning to Kuno. "Is there a way to help him remember?"

"Yes," Kuno replied, his voice unwavering. "We used a special set of herbs back home that helped retrieve lost memories. If we can find them, we can help Yoan."

Yogan turned to the chief and the elders, desperation coloring his tone. "Please, don't punish Renji for something Yoan didn't even know he was doing! We will find this herb and bring it back to retrieve his memories!"

The chief nodded thoughtfully, and the elders murmured among themselves before one of them stepped forward. "This is the best course of action. We'll give you time to find the herbs and see if they can restore Yoan's memory."

Kuno chimed in, "The herbs grow in the fields surrounding my home. We can get to them quickly if we leave now."

"Then let's go," Yogan said, determination burning in his chest. "We'll find the herbs and uncover the truth."

With the agreement made, Yogan felt a spark of hope amid the turmoil. He knew they would do everything they could to clear Yoan's name and restore peace to the temple and village, but the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty. Who could they trust, and what dark secrets lay hidden within the shadows? The journey was just beginning.

***---***

The flickering flames of the fire cast long shadows over the group listening to the tale: Korra, Bolin, Mako, Asami, Tenzin, and his children. They had been enraptured by the mysterious woman's story, but now, Korra raised her hand, her expression puzzled.

"Hold on," she interrupted, her voice cutting through the quiet night. "Why are we hearing about some guy who got hypnotized? I thought this was supposed to help me reconnect with the past Avatars."

Bolin nodded, leaning forward, his eyebrows drawn together. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. What's all this got to do with restoring Korra's connection to her past lives? I mean, the guy doesn't even remember anything."

Mako, sitting with his arms crossed, glanced at Korra with a similar look of skepticism. Asami, who had been following quietly, tilted her head in curiosity but remained silent, waiting for an explanation.

The mysterious woman, seated across from them, smiled softly, her eyes glowing faintly in the firelight. Her calm demeanor was unshaken by the interruption. "You're right to wonder," she began, her voice measured, "but understand this: the story of the second Avatar, Yogan, is one that has never been equaled. No one has ever come close to his legacy. To regain your connection with him, Korra, you must first understand who he was, what shaped him, and the forces that surrounded him."

Tenzin, who had been quietly absorbing the story, finally spoke up. "So you're saying that in order for Korra to restore her connection, she has to understand the full scope of Yogan's life?"

The mysterious woman nodded, her eyes serious now. "Exactly. Yogan's path wasn't a simple one. There were battles fought not just in the physical realm but in the mind and spirit. Hypnosis, betrayal, uncertainty—all of these were pieces of a greater struggle. What you're hearing now is just the beginning, a part of a larger story that shaped Yogan into the Avatar he became."

Korra frowned, but there was a glint of understanding in her eyes. "So you're saying I need to understand all of this—every part of his life—if I want to reconnect with him?"

"Yes," the woman replied. "If you hope to restore your connection to the past Avatars, you must first understand the legacy they left behind, especially Yogan's. A few key figures in his life have already been introduced—Renji, Kezin, Yoan, Monk Nara—and they will all play significant roles in what's to come."

As the woman's words settled over the group, the fire crackled softly, casting flickering light on their faces. The air felt heavier now, as if the weight of Yogan's story pressed down on them, an unfinished chapter waiting to be fully revealed.