Chapter 101 - Chapter 103 (1/2)
Young Aang's two-year training program had come to its end. Dragon had not attempted to make the boy a future god of the world. That was not his goal, so he just helped the boy stabilize his foundation in martial arts and air bending.
Dragon, Aang and Gyatso were standing on his mountain like any other day. But today everything was a little different, and the feeling among the group was not the same either.
Aang was sad and depressed, while Gyatso was somewhere in between anxious and happy. Aang was mostly depressed about Orlando not staying here.
”Dragon I want to thank you for the last two years. It has been very fun and exciting. And I am sure Aang feels the same way.” Gyatso cupped his hands and bowed.
”It's no problem. It was highly useful for me to stay here. And I want to thank you, Gyatso, for being such a good friend. And now when I leave I have to ask that you continue to be a good boy and take care of Aang for me.”
Dragon bowed as well and gave a cheeky wink to Aang. He didn't like drawn out goodbyes so he picked up his bag that was the only thing he would bring with him.
”Make sure to come back someday. And please do it before I kick the bucket.” Gyatso laughed and waved at Dragon when he jumped up on Orlando's back. Aang was standing beside Gyatso and waving goodbye to Orlando.
Dragon sat down and made himself comfortable on Orlando's back. Not even a bed could compare to the comfortable feeling his fur gave. That was probably why Aang had begged Dragon to leave Orlando behind.
”Goodbye for now, and say bye to the others for me.” Dragon waved and Orlando pushed off the ground with incredible force. His massive body shot up in the air like it was launched from a cannon.
”Do you think he'll come back someday?” Aang looked at Gyatso with sadness in his eyes.
”I am sure Dragon will never forget you.”
”No! I was talking about Orlando?” Aang's words made Gyatso let out a hearty laugh.
”Well, I would say that their journey will probably take them around these parts someday in the future.” Gyatso looked out over the horizon with a gaze that almost made it seem like he pierced the boundary of time and was looking at the uncertain future.
Aang didn't say anything more, so he and Gyatso stood there in silence while the eagle's body was getting smaller and smaller in the distance.
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Dragon and Orlando were travelling south towards the closest landmass to them. And that was the southern water tribe. It was a well-developed sister nation to the northern water tribe. It was a thriving nation, but still not up to the standards of the northern water tribe.
Orlando could fly for weeks without rest if he wanted to. And because this ocean that surrounded all the nations was enormous it would take a while for the two of them to reach the borders of the water tribe.
During the two years stay with Gyatso and Aang, Dragon learned a great many things.