Summary: This story starts out on an ordinary day, all relaxed and whatnot. But before you know it, Appa and Momo are kid-napped by a bunch of carnies! While trying to escape, they uncover a sinister plot that could spell doom…FOR EVEYONE! Now, all hope lies on the furry backs of Appa and Momo, as they struggle to save the world from a terrible evil…

The Legend of the Four Beasts

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar or any of the related characters and titles (even though I really, really, wish I did). I don't even own Tanzo and the rest, I just made them up.

Chapter One: Kidnapped!

Long ago there lived the Almighty beast Omighta Anima, who was said to be more powerful than even the Avatar. Born of hate and ruled by none, the creature wreaked havoc, until at last he was put to rest, never to be awoken. Or, at least that's what was thought…

"Momo! Momo, where are you?" Aang looked around the campsite, searching for his pet.

"Aang, we should get going," Katara placed her hand on his shoulder, "We need to get to the marketplace before it closes."

Aang looked at his feet, dejected.

"Where could he have gone?"

Sokka groaned, "Oh, I'm sure he's fine. He probably went to get something to eat. Now let's go already!"

"Okay," the young Avatar turned to the group's biggest member, Appa, and said, "Stay here buddy. You can watch out for him, and see if he comes back."

He reached a hand up to stroke the arrow on his bison's head. Appa grunted. The beast gently head-butted his friend, as if urging him on.

"I'm going," Aang laughed, "I'm going! See you later, Appa."

"Come on, Aang, hurry up," groaned Sokka impatiently.

The three kids started down the trail to the local village to pick-up supplies for their trip. Appa watched them go, lying on his side. He yawned. It was hard work, flying Aang around everywhere. But as Aang's guide animal, it was his job to protect the young Avatar. Just not at that moment. It was time for his afternoon nap.

He was just closing his eyes when Momo the lemur stormed down the path, chirring and squeaking. To a human it would have been just that, but to Appa it was much more.

Much more annoying.

"Appa, Aang!" squealed the small creature, "Come quick! Hurry, hurry, come see it! There's a band of pet-napper's in the forest, I just saw them." Momo waved his hands above his head dramatically.

Appa sighed. Momo was known to overreact. This was probably just another one of his wild stories.

"Tell me what happened," Appa said, uninterested.

"Well, I was searching for leechy nuts," Momo began, "when all of a sudden I heard this tremendous racket. So I went to see what it was, and BOOM!" Momo jumped up and down, "I was right in the midst of a group of pet-nappers. They had all these poor animals locked up in cages. And one of the humans tried to grab me! I ran back here as fast as I could. Hey, where's Aang?" The little lemur's ears perked up as it realized Aang wasn't anywhere in sight.

"They went to the marketplace," Appa said.

"With-without me?" Momo looked hurt. Aang never went anywhere without him.

Appa lolled from one side to the other, trying to get comfortable.

"You weren't here, so they left," the bison lay his head down and looked his friend in the eye, "but you could've gone if you hadn't been off visiting zoos."

Momo's ears sank.

"Now, I've got some serious sleeping to get done," Appa declared, "and I'd appreciate it if you'd keep it down."

"Yeah," Momo sighed, "sure thing."

A minute later the slow, heavy breaths coming from the bison signified that he was asleep. Momo climbed up his fur and settled down on his side. The two animals slept soundly, unaware of the peril hidden in the bushes.

"Sir, it looks like a flying bison," the voice was a hushed whisper.

Two figures were crouched in the grass, watching the creatures closely.

"What's that one up top there?" asked the slighter of the two. His finer clothes and the way he addressed his companion suggested he was in charge.

"It looks like a lemur, sir."

The officer stroked his chin thoughtfully, and contemplated aloud, "A bison and a lemur. I thought they were extinct, but obviously not so. After all these years of searching… those two would make an excellent attraction, don't you agree Tanzo?"

"Indeed, sir," Tanzo agreed, "but look at the bison. He's wearing a saddle. These two are owned by someone, most likely an Air Nomad."

"Unlikely. The Air Nomads died out years ago. Whoever they're owned by, they won't have them for much longer," he smiled manically, "Besides, we've waited for too long to pass up an opportunity like this. Fate has granted us a gift, Tanzo. Now, go round up the men."

Well, that's the end of chapter one. I know it's a little boring, but I promise it will get better. Please review, and tell me if I'm doing anything wrong. I'll post the next chapter in a few days.