Approaching the hallow graves of Monk Gyatso and his companion, I glanced at Monk Gyatso, who was right beside his opened grave.
"Are you ready, Monk Pasang?" Asked Aang softly as he glanced at Pasang, who nodded while gesturing to the large crowd behind him.
"Yes. Everyone from the three other Air Temples has arrived; we're ready to start on your count. However, I suggest a little speech on Brother Gyatso's behalf… He is more than deserving one." Replied Pasang lightly as he glanced at the large crowd of Air Nomads before looking at Aang, who slightly frowned at his words.
"... I prepared no speech, Monk Pasang." "That's fine. A speech is the most memorable when spoken directly from the heart." Remarked Aang and Pasang, respectively, as the latter faintly smiled while gently patting the former's back, causing him to sigh.
"You're being rather pushy, Monk Pasang… You didn't already inform everyone I would give a speech." Said Aang with a faint frown as he glanced at the large crowd before suspiciously narrowing his eyes at Pasang, who awkwardly coughed.
"... You're the only one fit to give the speech." Said Pasang softly as he averted his gaze from Aang, who sighed deeply while rubbing his temples.
"Haa, unbelievable, Monk Pasang." Muttered Aang softly as he begrudgingly nodded in agreement.
"Fine, I'll do it… Not like I've got much of a choice now." Added Aang lightly as he folded his arms while eyeing Pasang, who smiled and sighed in relief.
"Haa, that could've been embarrassing." Said Pasang softly as he patted his chest while walking to join the large crowd, causing Aang to lightly shake his head in annoyance.
I stayed with Monk Gyatso for another minute, mostly inwardly grumbling at Monk Pasang before shaking my head as I approached the large crowd.
Since everyone was speaking amongst themselves, none noticed me except for the children, who all earned a wave from me as I took a deep breath before thrusting my palm forward, surging a massive gust of wind into the large crowd, instantly garnering their attention as they attempted to resist the surging wind, though my strength has grown tremendously, and none of them were capable of resisting, even the Elders were unable to stop their feet from sliding against the ground.
Of course, I had held back; otherwise, I would've sent them flying off the mountain. However, unlike the Air Nomads, the Flying Bison seemed to love every second of this as they effortlessly rode my wind, though eventually, I stopped and lowered my hand, causing the wind to die down as I cleared my throat, ignoring everyone's look of confusion.
"We've gathered here today to put one of the kindest, loving, and most respected Air Nomads and Elders to eternal sleep, Monk Gyatso." Stated Aang softly, yet even so, his voice echoed throughout the mountain, reaching everyone's ears.
Thanks to sounding bending, even though I'm speaking softly, I'm able to project my voice to the point everyone is able to clearly hear me, and this was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to what I was able to do now.
"Monk Gyatso, to many, was a kind and loving Elder, one who takes time out of his day to teach those eager to learn and maybe partake in a prank or two." Said Aang softly as his words caused many to nod while a few even faintly smirked at his words, having been on the receiving end of his pranks.
"However, he was also a master air bender and, at one point, was considered the most skilled air nomad alive, and I've had first had experience." Added Aang softly while the Elders all nodded with faint smiles while a few chuckled in amusement.
"Yet, while he looked up to and respected, he was also loved. Monk Gyatso was like a father to me; he taught me nearly everything I know today, and I would credit next to all of my achievements to him." Remarked Aang solemnly as he slightly lowered his head, causing the older generation to sadly nod while the younger generation looked surprised.
"Um, I'd like to keep this short so afterward, we can enjoy what Monk Gyatso had brought with his life rather than mull over his death." Said Aang lightly with a slightly awkward smile, prompting everyone to nod while their gaze shifted towards the two graves.
Inwardly sighing in relief as I didn't have anything else to say since someone had only told me two minutes in advance, I cleared my throat and approached Monk Gyatso's coffin. With a raise of my hand, I lifted the coffin with a vortex before moving it over the grave and slowly lowering him into it.
Although my earth-bending skills were lackluster, I was skilled enough to fill the grave with dirt as I stomped my foot, causing the grave to swiftly close.
Once that was finished, I clasped my hands and deeply bowed; I stayed in that same position for at least a minute before finally standing upright as I moved onto his companion. There are usually multiple for this part, but with me here, it wasn't needed; raising my hand, a much larger vortex appeared underneath the cloth-covered Flying Bison, lifting him off the ground and into his massive grave, which I also closed using earth bending.
Just like with Monk Gyatso, I clasped my hand and deeply bowed; even Appa bowed, though, from his drowsy look, he must've just now awakened.
"Sleep well, you two." Muttered Aang softly as he raised his head while faintly smiling, only to wipe his eyes while backing away, allowing everyone else to pay their respects.
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"Aang–" Asked Jun, though he was promptly interrupted before he could finish speaking.
"No, Monk Jun. I will not budge on this. I will not become an Elder. I have already decided on what my future will be, and you're privy to such information." Stated Aang firmly as he eyed Jun, who lowered his head while deeply sighing.
"But Aang, with two of the five spots being empty, someone must fill them." Said Hitsugaya softly as he looked at Aang, who shook his head with a calm expression while sipping tea.
"I understand, Monk Hitsugaya, but that is not my fault. I refused your request two years ago, and I will refuse your request now. I know the Invasion thinned our numbers, but there are still enough qualified Air Nomads to fill those roles. Ask them instead." Stated Aang solemnly as he glanced at Hitsugaya, who sighed before glancing at Pasang, who wryly smiled.
"We've already asked them, but they have refused. None will take the spot of Elder until you do, Aang. We're stuck between a rock and a hard place, Aang; there isn't much to be done." Said Pasang lightly as he glanced at Aang while gesturing to the many air nomads, hoping it would change his mind.
"I'm sorry to hear your troubles, but speaking to me will not help you. I will leave the Southern Air Temple in one month. That is final, Monks. Whether you can accept this is not my problem." Stated Aang sternly, his words causing Pasang to deeply sigh as he, Jun, and Hitsugaya nodded before turning around.
"I told you talking to him wouldn't work, Jun." "Well, we had to try something. Three Elders is too little." "Haa, I barely even managed to say his name." Said Hitsugaya, Pasang, and Jun, respectively, as they slowly walked away from Aang, who was leaning against the sleeping Appa.
While peacefully sipping tea, I watched as everyone paid their respects to Monk Gyatso, though my peace was bound to be interrupted when you're arguably the most popular Air Nomad.
"You're leaving, Monk Aang?" Asked Silura softly as he and several other children approached Aang, who raised an eyebrow before nodding.
"Yes." "Can you stay? You're our favorite teacher, Monk Aang!" Said Aang and Cha-cha, respectively, as the latter enthusiastically stepped forward while every other child nodded in agreement.
"I appreciate your words, Cha-cha, but I can't stay here forever. I wish to learn the three other bending styles. I also plan to help a good friend resist the Fire Nation in the Earth Kingdom. I'm sorry, but I must go; as the Avatar, my life can't be bound to one place." Replied Aang with a small smile as he leaned forward and rubbed Cha-cha's head, only to softly shake his own while leaning backward.
"When are you leaving, Monk Aang?" Asked Silura sadly as he looked at Aang, who raised a finger, causing the children to tilt their heads in confusion.
"In one month, I will leave." Replied Aang as he slowly stood up and stretched.
"However, since my class is here, I might as well teach, right? Come, get in line." Added Aang with a faint smirk as he clapped his hands, prompting the numerous children to quickly get in line.
As I taught these children from where I last left off, several other children from the other three Temples joined, though I didn't mind and filled them in on what I was teaching. However, I seemed to underestimate the popularity of this class because eventually, before I realized it, nearly everyone was silently sitting down and listening to me speak.