Disclaimer: I don't own The Avatar, or any of its characters. only ' the second' is mine.

This story picks up right after the end of season two, Crossroads of Destiny. It is basically my version of what happens next. As the season goes on I might add a little here and there or just make it a totally differnt take. Enjoy!

The Second

"So where do we go now? The entire Earth Kingdom is now under Fire Nation control!"

"Thank you Captain Obvious" muttered Katara. She knew he was right though. They really didn't have anywhere to go. Aang stirred suddenly and she rushed to his side. They had been in the air for hours and he had hardly moved since she used the Oasis water on him. That was the only time he had been conscious.

"….Guru…. Pathik………." Aang whispered then he was still once more.

Of course how could she be so stupid?

"Appa, I need you to get us to the Guru as fast as you can!" Appa roared back in response and shot forward quickly.

He had felt them coming from quite a ways off but when he saw Aang his spirit cried out. He rushed Aang to a room in the temple and began to gather herbs, tonics and a water basin for Katara so she could work beside him.

Even though the spirit water had brought him back, Aang was still in critical condition. The burns on and in his body were severe and some his battle wounds were on the verge of becoming infected. He and Katara worked quickly, but efficiently. They both knew if either of them lost it now it would be over.

What was just a few minutes seemed like hours to them. And in the emptiness of the temple, they began to lose hope.

"It was really bad" Toph whispered to Sokka

"I know" Sokka answered clutching Momo tightly. "I know". He had never felt so useless. Aang was lying just in the next room, broken and Sokka couldn't do anything about it. He struggled against the tears and the hopelessness, but when he looked up into the silent, oh ever silent, tears of Toph he lost it and gathered her close.

"He'll come through though," he whispered. "He has Katara and the Guru working on him, and us praying for him. He gonna pull through. He is the Avatar."

Exhausted they watched him breath evenly. Too tired to speak and too emotional for words, they staggered out of the room right into Sokka and Toph.

"I felt you coming" the latter said. "Here eat something"

Katara took the bread gratefully, and ate slowly.

"He is going to be okay. But he is going to need lots of rest."

"Well said Captain Obvious," teased Sokka lightly with a crooked smile. And Katara couldn't help smiling too.

Within the chamber Aang dreamed. He was at the temple, but 100 years ago. He saw so many airbenders, but they could not see him. Their faces were fallen, and they talked in hushed whispers.

"…just disappeared…."

"…then she just collapsed."

Aang caught bits and pieces. He knew they were partly talking of him, but who else? He wandered around, but felt drawn deeper and deeper into the temple. He peaked into a large room with many ancient benders gathered around a pillar of spirit energy. He looked up and say a girl. Her eyes suddenly opened.

I am here. Awaken me.

Ooooooooo! Yah for cliff hangers! find out who the second is on the next installment...review please!