Next chapter out! Have fun!
Book One: Water
Chapter 8: Meeting Avatar Roku
Aang and Appa are at the village gate and Aang is trying to pull Appa's reins but to no avail as Appa just stands still.
"Let's go, Appa! Come on, boy!" Aang said still pulling Appa's reins but Appa groans as he's still not moving. "Look, I'm sorry, but the others aren't coming to the Fire Nation with us. If they get hurt, I'll never forgive myself. So get your big butt off the ground and let's go!" Aang said as he keeps pulling Appa's reins but Appa is still not moving and when Aang keeps pulling hard he falls to the ground and he has a disappointed look on his face.
"I think his big butt is trying to tell you something." A voice said which sounded like Gray and Aang sees Gray, Lucy, Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Erza, Wendy, and the villagers standing behind Appa.
"Please don't go, Aang. The world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation. Neither can I." Katara said sadly.
"But I have to talk to Avatar Roku to find out what my vision means. I need to get to the Fire Temple before the sun sets on the solstice and that's today!" Aang said as he jumps on Appa's back and he looks back at his friends but they get in front of Appa.
"We're not letting you go to the Fire Nation, Aang." Sokka said.
"At least not without your friends." Lucy said smiling.
"We got your back!" Natsu said grinning.
"Aye!" Happy said and Momo jumps on Aang's arm and chitters happily while Appa licks Sokka's head.
"EWWWWWW!" Sokka whined as everyone gets on Appa and the village chief walks to Appa.
"You have a long journey to the Crescent Island, Avatar. You must fly fast to have a chance of making it before sundown. Good luck." The village chief said handing Aang parcel.
"Thank you for your..." Aang was cut off by the village chief.
"Go!" The village chief said pointing urgently and Aang makes Appa fly off from the village.
Later on the village chief walks over to the door and opens it going outside but then he sees Zuko, Aiko, Iroh, and Flannery.
"Having trouble sleeping?" Zuko asked as he pushes the village chief back into the house. "Seen the Avatar and the Celestial Mage lately?" Zuko asked.
Appa is flying through the clouds in the sky and everyone is on his saddle while Aang is on his head and Wendy looks at the sky to see the sun rising.
"The sun is rising." Wendy said.
"C'mon, boy! We've got a long way to go! Faster!" Aang said and Appa grunts in response and starts to fly a little faster.
Zuko, Iroh, Aiko, and Flannery are on the ship deck and the ship is racing through the water.
"Sailing into Fire Nation waters! Of all the foolish things you have done in your sixteen years, Prince Zuko, this is the most foolish." Iroh said flabbergasted.
"I have no choice." Zuko said looking through his spyglass.
"Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you?!" Aiko asked angrily.
"What if you're caught?" Flannery asked concerned.
"I'm chasing the Avatar and the Celestial Mage. My father will understand why I'm returning home." Zuko said.
"You give him too much credit. My brother is not the understanding type." Iroh said.
Zuko keeps looking at the sky through his spyglass and searches the sky and he finds Appa flying.
"There they are! Helmsman, full steam ahead!" Zuko ordered.
As Appa keeps flying through the sky but then Lucy, Erza, Katara, and Sokka see Zuko's ship gaining up on them.
"Aang, we got trouble!" Erza said.
"Big trouble!" Sokka said.
"And it's gaining fast!" Happy said.
On the bowls of Zuko's ship a catapult rises from below onto the deck of the ship and the catapult is loaded with a steaming and smoldering projectile and Aiko fans herself while Iroh and Flannery both look disgusted.
"Really, Prince Zuko. Couldn't you just shoot them down with something more fragrant?" Iroh asked.
Zuko bends his fire to ignite the projectile and then he raises his hand.
"On my mark...FIRE!" Zuko shouted and a Fire soldier cuts the catapult's rope sending the fiery projectile into the air.
As Appa is still flying through the sky Gray sees something behind them and it's the fireball Zuko launched.
"Fireball!" Gray yelled.
"I got this!" Aang said as he pulls Appa's reins hard making him swerve just in time and the fireball misses them.
"We need to get out of Zuko's range before he shoots another stinker at us." Katara said.
"Can't you make Appa fly any faster?" Natsu asked.
"I can, but there's another problem." Aang said pointing at something on the ocean that looks like a double line of Fire Nation war ships stretching to the horizon and one of the war ships is lined with trebuchets.
As Zuko's ship is still going after Appa Zuko and Aiko both look at the double lined war ships and they're both in shock.
"A blockade!" Zuko and Aiko said at the same time.
"Technically, you're still in Earth Kingdom waters. Turn back now and they won't arrest you." Iroh said earning a glare from Zuko.
Aang looks at the line of war ships and although he's shocked he has an idea.
"If we fly north, we can get around the Fire Nation ships and avoid the blockade. It's the only way." Aang said.
"There's no time." Katara said.
"This is why I didn't want you guys to come. It's too dangerous." Aang said.
"And that's why we're here!" Lucy said.
"Let's run this blockade!" Erza said.
"Appa, yip yip!" Aang ordered and Appa groans in a positive response and starts flying swiftly and Zuko sees this.
"They're not turning around." Zuko said.
"Prince Zuko, if the Fire Nation captures you, there is nothing I can do." Iroh said.
"Father is right. Please don't follow the Avatar and the Celestial Mage." Flannery said and Zuko bows his head.
"I'm sorry, Unlce, Aiko, Flannery." Zuko said and turns to the helmsman. "Helmsman, run the blockade!" Zuko commanded.
"Idiot." Aiko grumbled.
On one of the Fire Nation war ships someone is looking through a spyglass and sees Appa and then Zuko's ship and it's Zhao who is seeing them and at his side is a woman red hair, gold eyes, and is wearing Fire Nation uniform also watching.
"The Avatar, the Celestial Mage, and the banished prince. Must be my lucky day." Zhao said.
"Banished prince? That must be Zuko." The woman said to herself.
"Commander Zhao, what are your orders?" One of the Fire soldiers asked.
"Shoot the bison down." Zhao ordered.
"But, Commander, there's a Fire Navy ship out there. One of our own. What if it's hit?" The woman asked.
"So be it, Shasta. It belongs to a traitor." Zhao said.
"But..." The woman named Shasta was cut off by Zhao.
"Even if that traitor is actually your relative, he's now an enemy and we must eliminate enemies and traitors." Zhao said and he turns to a Fire soldier. "Ignite!" Zhao commanded and the Fire soldier ignites the trebuchet with his fire and the other Fire soldiers ignite other trebuchets on other ships. "Launch!" Zhao commanded and fireballs from all war ships in the blockade start flying to the air at the same time.
Zuko, Iroh, Aiko, and Flannery see the barrage of fireballs approaching their ship and while Appa is still flying the gang see fireballs coming at the bison and they scream at the fireballs flying towards them but Appa swerves and dips and dives to avoid the fireballs while Aang holds his hands tightly on Appa's reins to try and help Appa avoid the fireballs but then a fireball grazes Appa's back making him growl in pain but Natsu starts the eating the fire to get rid of it.
"Appa, are you okay?" Aang asked and Appa groans to respond his master.
Fireballs are flying towards Zuko's ship and everyone on the deck try to keep their balances as the ship is rocking by waves created by the fireballs that hit the water and another fireball lands close to the ship and creates a wave that breaks across the deck and another fireball hits the back part of the ship.
"Prince Zuko, the engines are damaged! We need to stop and make repairs!" The engine master called to Zuko.
"Do not stop this ship!" Zuko ordered.
On Zhao's ship more trebuchets are prepared behind him.
"Commander, I'd advise you to leave Zuko's ship and just shoot the bison down." Shasta said.
"I'm afraid that can't happen. If the ship gets hit, I couldn't care less." Zhao said. "Launch!" Zhao commanded and the fleet shoot multiple fireballs into the air.
Appa is bursting through the clouds while avoiding the fireballs and Aang is helping him avoid them but in front of Appa are twelve fireballs shot through the clouds but Appa swerves to dodge one on his left and the gang scream as Appa keeps swerving and then Appa dives to avoid the fireballs while they surround him but he flies past them and more fireballs continue to be shot through the sky and two fireballs collide and explode in front of Appa but he rears up to avoid the explosion but as he bucks Wendy is thrown off his back and Lucy and Katara try to reach out for her but she falls and disappears into the clouds.
"WENDY!" Aang and Carla shouted at the same time and Aang pulls on Appa' reins harder to make him dive.
Appa is diving at Wendy who is still falling and when Appa get beneath Wendy who is still falling but Lucy reaches out her hand to catch her and when their hands clasp Appa hits the water with each of his six legs and he ascends back into the sky while Lucy gets Wendy back on the saddle but then a large pink fish throws itself from the ocean and hits Sokka in the face making him scream and fall backwards while the fish bounces off his face and is caught by Happy and a chittering Momo and Appa while is still close to the surface of the water the Fire Navy fleet shoot more fireballs at the bison but he swerves back and forth as the fireballs land into the ocean with Aang's help and Appa is flying headfirst closer to the Fire Navy blockade line and a loaded trebuchet is prepared on Zhao's deck and he raises his arm.
"Ready...FIRE!" Zhao shouted as a single fireball is shot at Appa.
Lucy sees the fireball approaching them and with a determined look on her face she leaps off of Appa and gets into a collision course with the fireball and Lucy grunts and unleashes a gust of wind at the center of the fireball knocking it back into the water creating a wave of water but it knocks Lucy back but Appa flies just in time and she is thrown onto the bison's shoulders and Natsu and Katara grab Lucy's arms to steady her and Appa flies through the Fire Navy blockade successfully and Aang raises his left fist in the air triumphantly.
"We made it!" Aang declared and everyone has shocked and amazed looks on their faces.
"We got into the Fire Nation? Great." Sokka said in utter disbelief.
Zhao watches the bison flying away from the blockade and a Fire soldier approaches him.
"Sir, where do you think the Avatar and the Celestial Mage are headed?" The Fire soldier asked.
"I'm not sure." Zhao said and Shasta sees Zuko's ship coming their way.
"But I think Zuko will know. If you want to know where the Avatar and Celestial Mage are going, you'll leave Zuko's ship alone, let them pass, and follow them." Shasta said and Zhao thinks this over.
Zuko's ship is getting closer to the Fire Navy blockade but the ships of the blockade move towards each other to bar his way.
"We're on a collision course!" Iroh said.
"We can make it!" Zuko said.
While Zhao is still thinking this over a large group of Fire soldiers are behind Zhao and Shasta.
"Sir, the boarding party is ready to apprehend Prince Zuko." The Fire soldier said.
"Wait. Cut the engines and let them pass." Zhao said.
"Sir?" The Fire soldier asked.
"Listen to him." Shasta said.
Zuko's ship slides through the blockade and Zuko and Zhao look at each other with disdain while Iroh, Aiko, and Flannery look at Shasta and she does the same and as the ship passes Iroh looks back at the blockade with a pensive look and he strokes his beard unsure as to why Zhao would let them pass but Aiko probably knew why he did.
Appa is still flying through the Fire Nation skies and he grunts tiredly as his tail starts to droop and his legs slacken while the gang relax on Appa's back while Aang falls asleep and Momo is sleeping on his head but then Aang lifts his head up and he points at something.
"There it is! The island Roku's dragon took me!" Aang said still pointing at the crescent island which still has the volcano with the temple on top of it.
Appa flies towards the crescent island and then lands near the temple and Aang pats his head.
"You did a good job flying, buddy." Aang said and Appa groans and rolls onto his side tired and Lucy and Katara walk to him and start rubbing his tummy while Sokka and Gray stretch.
"Oh, poor bison. You must be so tired." Lucy said still rubbing Appa's stomach.
"Nope. I'm good, refreshed, and ready to fight some Firebenders." Sokka said as he stretches and jogs in place.
"I was talking to Appa, stupid." Lucy said irritated making Sokka stop jogging.
"Well...I was talking to Happy." Sokka replied.
"Sorry. I didn't hear what you said. You know, trying to ignore you and all." Happy said making Sokka have an irritated look.
"Smart-mouthed cat." Sokka mumbled.
The gang start walking up the steep path leading to the Fire Temple while looking left and right ready for any attack and they get close to the Fire Temple and they crouch behind a low wall in front of the temple.
"I don't see any guards here." Erza said.
"Talk about lazy." Gray said.
"The Fire Nation must have abandoned this temple when Avatar Roku died." Katara said.
"Uh, guys, it's almost sundown." Wendy said.
"She's right." Carla said.
"We need to hurry." Aang said as he leaps over the low wall and the others follow him.
The gang run into the temple and enter it and while inside they walk cautiously through the center of the temple but then Katara stops.
"Wait...I think I heard something." Katara said and they turn around to see a group of five elderly men wearing red robes.
"We are the Fire Sages. Guardians of Avatar Roku." One of the Fire Sages said.
"Great! I'm the Avatar." Aang said.
"We know." The Fire Sage said as he and the other Fire Sages get into Firebending stances and they shoot fires at Aang.
The fires go at Aang but Natsu quickly eat the fires shocking the Fire Sages allowing Lucy to attack the Fire Sages with her whip and she turns to the others.
"I'll hold them off! Run!" Lucy said as they do what she said.
Lucy turns back at the Fire Sages and she makes a determined face and she bends a burst of air at the feet of the Fire Sages knocking them down to the floor face first and Lucy runs back to join the others.
"If the Avatar contacts Roku, there's no telling how powerful the boy will become. Split up and find him!" The Fire Sage said and they move to different locations.
Aang, Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray, Erza, and Wendy are running through the temple and when they approach the corner they see Lucy running towards them and they stop so they won't run into her and she keeps running.
"Follow me!" Lucy said.
"Do you know where you're going?" Katara asked.
"Nope!" Lucy said as she disappears around the corner.
Aang, Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray, Erza, and Wendy follow Lucy but then they see Lucy running back around the corner and a Fire Sage is running after her.
"Wrong way!" Lucy said still running and the others run with her from the Fire Sage that's chasing them.
"Come back!" The Fire Sage said.
The gang run around corner after corner trying to lose pursuit but as they keep running they see a corridor which turns out to be a dead end making them stop and have no other place to go to and they turn to face the Fire Sage that's still chasing them.
"I don't want to fight you. I am Shyu and I am a friend." The Fire Sage named Shyu said but the gang get into battle positions.
"Firebenders aren't our friends!" Sokka said but Shyu kneels and bows to Aang.
"I know why you're here, Avatar." Shyu said.
"You do?" Aang asked.
"Yes. You wish to speak to Avatar Roku. I can take you to him." Shyu said.
"How?" Lucy asked.
Shyu reaches towards a wall and turns on a light fixture which turns out to be a lever and behind the lever is a small hole in the wall and Shyu shoots fire through the hole and the fire frames one of panels in the wall and the panels slide back and to the right revealing a secret passage and a long staircase is carved into a rock of the mountain disappearing into the dark below.
"This way!" Shyu pointing at the secret passage but the gang still look with distrust.
"Find them!" One of the Fire Sages said from behind Shyu who looks back nervously and turns back to the gang.
"Time is running out. Quickly!" Shyu said and gang look at each other and then nod at each other in agreement and they all go into the opening to the secret passage and Shyu follows them while touching a lever and closes the door behind them.
Meanwhile Zuko's damaged ship is sailing through the water and the back of the ship is billowing dark black smoke and Zuko clenches on a bar.
"What's he up to? Why didn't Zhao arrest me?" Zuko asked.
"Because Shasta was probably the one to tell Zhao not to stop us. She also must have suggested Zhao to follow you since she knows you'll go after the Avatar and the Celestial Mage." Iroh said.
"That means Zhao is going to follow us now." Aiko said.
"If Zhao wants to follow our trail of smoke, then that's what we'll do." Zuko said with a determined face.
Meanwhile Aang, Lucy, Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray, Erza, Wendy, and Shyu walk down the stairs and go into a vast and cavernous system of tunnels and as they keep walking through the tunnels they see live magma from the volcano to their right.
"Avatar Roku once called this temple his home. He formed these secret passages out of magma." Shyu said.
"Did you know Avatar Roku?" Lucy asked.
"No, but my grandfather did. Many generations of Fire Sages guarded this temple long before me. We all have a very spiritual connection to this place." Shyu explained.
"Is that how you knew I was coming?" Aang asked.
"A few weeks ago, an amazing thing occurred. The statue of Avatar Roku. It's eyes...began to glow." Shyu said.
"That's what happened at the Southern Air Temple. A statue of Avatar Roku's eyes were glowing there as well." Katara said.
"At the moment, we knew the Avatar has returned to this world." Shyu said.
"I have a question in mind. If this is an Avatar temple, then why did those Fire Sages attack Aang?" Gray asked.
"Things have changed. In the past, the Sages were only loyal to the Avatar. When Roku died, the Sages eagerly awaited for the next Avatar to return, but he never came." Shyu explained and Aang leans against the tunnel wall.
"They were waiting for me." Aang said sadly.
"Hey, don't feel bad. You were only a hundred years late." Sokka said but Erza punches his head hard again.
"Do you EVER shut your big mouth?!" Erza asked annoyed with Sokka again and Sokka rubs his head. "What happened then?" Erza asked.
"The Sages lost hope that the Avatar would return. When Fire Lord Sozin began the war, my grandfather and the other Fire Sages were forced to follow him. I never wanted to serve the Fire Lord. When I learned you were coming, I had to betray the Sages." Shyu said and Aang bows to him.
"Thank you for helping me." Aang said and Shyu smiles warmly.
Everyone then starts climbing up what looks like spiral steps in the tunnel.
"We'll follow these stairs to the sanctuary. Once you're inside, wait for the light to hit Avatar Roku's statue. Only then you will be able to speak with him." Shyu said as they continue to climb up the spiral stairs until Shyu walks up the final steps into the temple and the others follow him into what looks like a very dark room and they go to the doors with five lion heads to the sanctuary but Shyu gasps. "NO!" Shyu yelled.
"Shyu, what's wrong?" Aang asked.
"The sanctuary doors. They're closed." Shyu said.
"Can't you open them with Firebending? Like you opened that other door?" Katara asked.
"No. Only a fully realized Avatar is powerful enough to open this door alone. Otherwise, the Sages must open the doors together with five simultaneous fire blasts." Shyu said.
"Wait. Natsu, do you think you can use your Fire Magic to open that door?" Lucy asked.
"It's worth a shot." Natsu said as he shoots his fireballs at the lions heads but nothing happened. "You gotta be joking." Natsu said.
"That didn't work? But you did five fire blasts simultaneously!" Lucy said.
"Way to go, Flamerbrain." Gray said.
"Shut up." Natsu replied. "I thought I could use my Fire Magic to open this thing. Guess it actually requires five actual Firebending blasts to open it." Natsu said.
"Wait. I think I have an idea on this." Sokka said.
Meanwhile Zuko's ship is still pouring smoke out of the damaged rear engine and on the back of the ship Zuko's men open the back hatch of the ship revealing a smaller vessel being lowered into the ocean and Zuko is on it.
"Uncle, keep going north. Zhao will follow the smoke trail while I use it as cover." Zuko said as Iroh grunts and shakes his head in disapproval.
As the smaller ship safely lands on the water and disappears into the smoke Zhao watches this through a spyglass and all he could see is black smoke from the damaged ship and Zhao lowers his spyglass.
Meanwhile Aang, Lucy, Katara, Natsu, Gray, Erza, Wendy, and Shyu stand in front of the doors to the Fire Temple Sanctuary while Sokka is kneeling on the floor filling small sacks.
"This is a little trick I picked up from my father. I seal the lamp oil inside an animal skin casing and then Shyu lights the oil soaked twine and ta-da! Fake Firebending." Sokka said.
"You've really outdone yourself this time, Sokka." Lucy said.
"This might actually work." Shyu said.
"This better work." Erza said.
Sokka stuffs the animal skin sacks into the mouths of the five lion heads and Sokka runs away from the doors and he joins the others behind nearest columns for protection from the blast.
"The Sages will hear the explosion so as soon as they go off, you rush in." Shyu said.
"It's almost sunset. Are you ready?" Wendy asked.
"You bet." Aang said.
Shyu sends a small stream of fire past the five lion heads igniting the twines and Shyu joins the gang behind the columns and Sokka crouches and holds tightly onto Erza's skirt who punches him to make him let go and then the small bombs go off and smoke fills the chamber and Aang runs to the door and pulls on the handles but the door will not budge.
"They're still locked." Aang said.
"It didn't work." Shyu said.
Everyone is still standing in front of the sanctuary doors and Aang is angrily throwing air blasts at the door.
"Why won't it open?!" Aang asked as he keeps shooting air blasts but Katara places her hand on his shoulder.
"Aang, stop it. There's nothing else we can do." Katara said.
"I'm sorry I put you guys through all this for nothing." Aang said.
"It's not your fault, Aang. Sokka's plan simply failed." Lucy said.
Sokka walks over to the door and places his finger through the soot while Momo crawls over the lion heads.
"I don't get it. The blast looked as strong as any Firebending I've seen." Sokka said.
"Sokka! You're a genius!" Katara said.
"Wait. How is Sokka a genius? His plan didn't even work." Natsu said.
"Aye." Happy said.
"C'mon, Natsu. Let her dream." Sokka said.
"It's true Sokka's plan didn't work, but it looks like it did." Katara said.
"Is the definition of 'genius' different in this world?" Gray asked.
Later on Shyu leads the four other Fire Sages to the sanctuary doors.
"Hurry! The Avatar has entered the sanctuary!" Shyu said.
"How did he get in?" The Fire Sage asked.
"I don't know, but look at the scorch marks down there." Shyu said pointing at the space between the door and the floor and it shows a shadow of two feet.
"He's inside! Open the doors before he contacts Avatar Roku!" The Fire Sage commanded.
Unknowing to the Fire Sages Aang is behind a dragon's tail ready to run when the time is right and the Fire Sages assume their Firebending stances and they shoot five fire blasts at the same time into the five lion heads and as the fire blasts work their way through a lock the doors begin to open slowly showing a blinding light and as it starts to dissipate the Fire Sages see only Momo inside the sanctuary.
"It's the Avatar's lemur! He must have crawled through the pipes! We've been tricked!" The Fire Sage said and Momo leaps at the Fire Sage knocking him down.
Lucy, Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Happy, and Carla jump from behind the columns and grab the three nearest Fire Sages and Shyu grabs the last one and all of them are subdued.
"Now, Aang!" Shyu said but he's not coming out.
"Aang! Now's your chance!" Lucy said but still nothing.
"What's taking him?" Gray asked.
Just then Zuko appears from behind the column and he has Aang with him while holding Aang's arms behind his back.
"The Avatar is coming with me and same thing for you, Celestial Mage!" Zuko said.
The Fire Sages then tie up Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray, Erza, Wendy, and Shyu in chains near the columns while Momo, Happy, and Carla fly away to the ceiling while Lucy manages to escape from the Fire Sages but Zuko grabs her as well.
"Close the doors quickly!" Zuko ordered as he takes Aang and Lucy with him to the opened floor that leads to Roku's secret tunnels.
Aang and Lucy look back over their shoulders at their friends who are still tied up against the columns and when Zuko reaches to the opening Aang makes several moves and knocks Zuko off balance allowing Lucy to kick Zuko down the stairs and they both turn around quickly and as Zuko is tumbling down the stairs Aang makes a run for the door of the sanctuary which are beginning to close.
"Go!" Lucy said.
Aang jumps into the air to avoid fire attacks from the Fire Sages and he does some turns in mid-air and then Aang uses the two Fire Sages' head as stepping stones to make his way to the door and he sails through the door as they are closing and he got in just as the door shut completely.
"He made it!" Katara said.
"Awesome!" Natsu said.
"Good. Now hopefully he can talk to Avatar Roku." Lucy said.
Aang is now in the sanctuary and he sees a blast of light coming from behind the sanctuary doors and Aang crouches on the floor in front of Avatar Roku's statue and the setting sunlight comes through a window at the top of the sanctuary making a reddish light and it moves slowly to the statue.
"The light hits the statue and I talk to Roku. So why isn't anything happening?" Aang asked.
At the door entrance Zuko and the four Fire Sages assume Firebending stances and they shoot five fire blasts simultaneously at the door but this time the lock doesn't respond making Zuko irritated.
"Why isn't this working? Why is it still sealed shut?!" Zuko demanded.
"It must have been the light. Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside." The Fire Sage said.
Inside the sanctuary Aang is standing in the center of the sanctuary facing Roku's statue and the light from the window is now on Roku's chest.
"Why isn't this happening? I don't know what I'm doing! All I know is Airbending! Please, Avatar Roku, talk to me!" Aang said.
The sunlight moves up to Roku's face and when the light hits the statue's eyes they start to glow and the sanctuary is filled with white smoke but as it clears Aang is now standing face to face with Avatar Roku himself and they're both standing on a mountain range.
"It's good to see you, Aang. What took you so long?" Roku asked smiling and Aang is both shocked and amazed and Aang bows to him.
Back at the door entrance Shyu is kneeling on the floor facing Zuko while the four Fire Sages are behind him and Shyu's arms are tied behind his back.
"Why did you help the Avatar?" Zuko asked.
"Because it was once the Sages' duty. It's all our duty." Shyu answered and then a hand clapping can be heard.
Zuko turns to see Zhao behind him and at his side is Shasta and Fire soldiers are with them both.
"What a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm sure the Fire Lord will understand when you explain why you betrayed him." Zhao said.
"Commander Zhao!" The Fire Sage said as he and the other three bow.
"Shasta." Zuko said.
"Hello, Zuko." Shasta said.
"Ah, yes. Prince Zuko. It was a noble effort, but your little smoke screen didn't work. Two traitors in one day. The Fire Lord will be pleased." Zhao said.
"Commander, you should let Zuko go. He's not our concern." Shasta said.
"Don't fret, Shasta. He'll live." Zhao said as Fire soldiers grab Zuko and he struggles.
"You're too late, Zhao! The Avatar's inside and the doors are closed." Zuko said.
"No matter. Sooner or later, he'll have to come out." Zhao said as he turns to see Lucy and he walks up to her. "Well, well. So you're the Celestial Mage of the prophecy? It is an honor to meet you at last." Zhao said.
"I'm not flattered to meet you at all. I'm rather disgusted just looking at your face." Lucy said.
"Such insolent talk from a little girl. That doesn't matter. Once the Avatar comes out, both of you will be mine and I'll deliver you both to the Fire Lord." Zhao said.
"Over my dead body! You couldn't capture me if you tried!" Lucy said.
"Very well then. Let's see what you can do, Celestial Mage." Zhao said.
"Just you watch! Luce will kick your butt!" Natsu said.
"You're gonna regret choosing to fight her!" Gray said.
"Commander, don't underestimate her. She doesn't look strong, but I think she can hold her own." Shasta warned.
"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure she'll provide an excellent challenge for me." Zhao said.
"Time to let out the big guy." Lucy said as she takes out her Zodiac Celestial Key. "Open the Gate of the Ox! CHOU!" Lucy called and an ox with red fur, blue horns, and wearing purple armor appears.
"So that's a Celestial Spirit?" Zhao asked.
"That's right! His name is Chou and he's strong enough to beat you!" Lucy said.
"How may I be of assistance, Miss Lucy?" Chou asked.
"Crack this creep's skull wide open!" Lucy said.
"With pleasure!" Chou said crackling his knuckles.
"I'm not scared of some talking ox! Neither of you will have your way with me!" Zhao said as he bends his flames at Chou but they both dodge the fire attack.
"Chou!" Lucy said.
"Got it!" Chou said as he charges at Zhao and throws a huge punch at Zhao and gets him despite Zhao dodging the attack.
"Is that all you can make it do?" Zhao asked as he bends two flames at Lucy but Chou grabs her to avoid the attack.
"Chou, throw me to that maniac!" Lucy said.
"As you wish!" Chou said as he throws Lucy at Zhao.
"What is she up to?" Zhao asked and Lucy delivers a powerful drill kick at Zhao's stomach knocking him back. "That's it! Enough playing!" Zhao said as he throws fireballs at Lucy who dodges and multi kicks at Zhao and then delivers two spin punches but Zhao backs off.
Zhao then bends more fire at Lucy but she backs off and allows Chou to charge at Zhao and he headbutts Zhao with his horns knocking him to the ground and Chou tries to punch at the ground to where Zhao is but he rolls out of the way and throws flames from his feet but Chou blocks the flames and tries to punch again but Zhao moves and tries to strike back but Chou grabs Zhao and starts slamming him to the ground multiple times then throws him into the air and then Lucy runs to Chou and he throws Lucy into the air as well and she delivers a powerful spin kick at Zhao sending him back to the ground but Zhao throws a barrage of fireballs at Lucy who dodges and drill kicks at Zhao's legs knocking him down again but Zhao gets up and unleashes a fire blast but Lucy attacks with her whip but Zhao backs off and tries to unleash another flame attack but Chou delivers a powerful elbow attack at Zhao's back sending him flying at Lucy and then Lucy unleashes a powerful gust of wind sending Zhao flying back at the four Fire Sages.
"You wretched girl! You can Airbend as well?!" Zhao demanded.
"How I learn it is none of your business." Lucy said.
"Enough! I grow weary of this! Time I teach you some respect and suffering will be your teacher!" Zhao yelled as he unleashes a flame whip and attacks Lucy with it but Lucy counters with her own whip.
"Now Chou!" Lucy said.
"Got it!" Chou said as he charges at Zhao.
"No!" Zhao said as he unleashes a powerful fire blast at Chou.
"Idiot." Lucy said.
Chou goes through Zhao's fire attack and throws one punch at Zhao's face and another punch at his gut sending him into the air and Chou jumps up and grabs Zhao and places his back at the back of Chou's neck and they both come back down to the ground while delivering a powerful drop and throws Zhao to the ground but Zhao lets out a roar of rage and unleashes two fire blasts but Lucy unleashes two small whirlwinds at Zhao knocking him back and then Lucy grabs him with her whip and throws him into the air and she jumps after him and she delivers three air punches and ends the attack with a somersault kick at Zhao's head sending him crashing into the ground.
"Alright Luce!" Natsu cheered.
"Wow...she's almost as strong as you are, Erza." Gray said.
"And you said girls can't fight?" Katara asked Sokka.
"Hey, I don't say that anymore." Sokka said.
"Good job, Chou. Thanks for your help." Lucy said.
"I was happy to be of service." Chou said.
"You may return and rest up." Lucy said.
"Yes, ma'am. See you again when you call me." Chou said as he disappears.
"Sir, are you alright?" A Fire soldier asked.
"Get off me! I'm fine!" Zhao yelled as he gets up.
"I told you not to take her lightly." Shasta said.
"So you've learned how to fight with those Spirits at your side, but you can't depend on them all the time." Zhao said.
"That might be true, but I can handle you on my own." Lucy said. "I always believed I was the weakest member of my team...no, the whole guild and I thought couldn't do anything by myself and always depend on my friends to help me or save my butt, but I don't believe that anymore. I'm proud of being who I am and I'll believe in myself to be strong enough to protect this world from scum like you." Lucy said. "This fight is over." She added as she walks back to her friends. "Aang, I hoe you're willing to talk to Roku now." Lucy said in her mind.
During Lucy's fight with Zhao Aang is still with Roku at the mountain range.
"I have something very important to tell you, Aang. That is why when you were in the spirit world, I sent my dragon to find you." Roku said.
"Is it about my vision? The one about the comet?" Aang asked.
"Yes." Roku answered.
"What does it mean?" Aang asked and then the mountain range turns into a starry night sky and they see a comet slowly crossing the sky.
"One hundred years ago, Fire Lord Sozin used that comet to begin the war. He and his Firebending army harnessed its incredible power and dealt with a deadly first strike against the other nations." Roku explained as the comet is still crossing the sky until they return to the mountain range and the comet disappears.
"So the comet made them stronger?" Aang asked.
"Yes. Stronger than you could even imagined." Roku said.
"But that happened a hundred years ago. What does the comet have to do with the war now?" Aang asked.
"Listen carefully. Sozin's comet will return by the end of the summer and Fire Lord Ozai will use its power to finish the war once and for all. If he succeeds, even the Avatar won't be able to restore balance to the world. Aang, you and your friend Lucy Heartfilia the Celestial Mage must defeat Fire Lord Ozai before the comet arrives." Roku said.
"But I haven't even started learning Waterbending yet, not to mention earth and fire. And I'm still teaching Lucy Airbending, but she hasn't learned Waterbending or the third element she wants to learn." Aang said.
"Mastering the elements takes years of discipline and practice, but if the world is to survive, then you must do it by summer's end." Roku said and Aang has an expression of both worry and fear.
Back at the entrance, Zhao and his soldiers stand in front of the door and assume their Firebending stances.
"When the doors open, unleash all your fire power." Zhao commanded.
"How's Aang gonna make it outta this?" Natsu asked.
"How're WE supposed to make it outta this?" Sokka asked.
"Aang, please survive this." Lucy said with a worried expression.
Aang is still on the mountain range with Roku.
"But, Roku, what if I can't master all the elements in time? What if I fail? What if Lucy dies because of me?" Aang asked.
"I know you can do it, Aang. You have done it before. The solstice is ending. We must go on our separate ways...for now." Roku said.
"But I won't be able to come back to the temple. What if I have more questions? How will I talk to you?" Aang asked.
"I am a part of you. If you need to talk to me again, you will find a way." Roku said as he closes his eyes and a vision shows Zhao's ships surrounding the temple and another vision shows Zhao and his troops in battle positions waiting outside the sanctuary doors. "A great danger awaits you at the temple. I can help you face this threat, but only if you are ready." Roku said as Aang's arrows and eyes are glowing.
"I'm ready." Aang said.
Smoke starts to swirl faster and faster around Aang and Roku and the door of the sanctuary shows a blinding light coming from the inside of the sanctuary and Zhao and his troops are silhouetted against the light and smoke billows out of the entryway from the bottom of the door to where the Fire Sages are standing and they look at the floor with shock and fear while Shasta knows what's going to happen and the light from the sanctuary continues to grow and everyone turn their heads away from the light to shield their eyes including Zuko and Zhao and his troops approach the door which it begins to open slowly and Zhao and his troops get ready to attack.
"Ready..." Zhao said as the sanctuary door keeps opening until it's fully open and the light fades showing two glowing eyes in the darkness of the sanctuary as smoke continues to emanate from the sanctuary and Zhao assumes his Firebending stance. "FIRE!" Zhao yelled.
"Aang! No!" Katara said.
Zhao shoots his fire blast into the sanctuary but nothing happens and then Zhao and his troops concentrate their fire power at the sanctuary entrance but the fireballs are not going into the sanctuary but are being held at the door and are manipulated into a gigantic ball of swirling fire and it slowly begins to open and at the heart of the fireball reveals eyes glowing and it's Avatar Roku making Zhao shocked but Shasta isn't surprised at all.
"What the...?" Gray asked.
"No way!" Sokka said.
"Who's that?" Wendy asked.
"Avatar Roku!" Shyu said.
"So that's Avatar Roku." Erza said.
"He looks exactly like that statue back at the Southern Air Temple." Lucy said.
Avatar Roku draws the fireball back towards himself and shoots it out of the room knocking Zhao and his soldiers to the floor and the heat of the blast melts the chains of Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Shyu, and Zuko who escapes quickly and Roku's blast has breached the temple walls outside the Fire Temple and Roku's body starts glowing and he turns to face the cowering Fire Sages who run for their lives in fright.
"Avatar Roku is going to destroy the temple!" Shyu said.
"We need to get out of here!" Sokka said.
"Not without Aang!" Katara said.
Roku is still standing in the doorway to the sanctuary and he raises his arm and brings it down to the floor of the temple and the force of his attack rends the floor causing molten lava to rise to the surface and Roku lifts his hand up to pull the magma up from deep within the volcano making the volatile lava spurt and rise and a wall of magma shoots up through the entire temple structure and the lava explodes out of the very top of the temple and Shasta starts running down the stairs and Zhao and his men follow her while the gang crouch behind columns for protection and Roku lowers his hands, takes a deep breath, and pushes it down and while this is happening the sunlight moves up the statue of his face and the eyes of the statue aren't glowing anymore because of the setting sun of the solstice and the smoke that was created are being suck towards him and he's covered by the smoke swirling around him until it dissipates and it shows Aang standing in the entryway and his eyes are still glowing but he closes his eyes and he falls to the ground but Lucy and Katara quickly catch him.
"We got you." Lucy said.
"Thanks, but where's Shyu?" Aang asked.
"We don't know." Katara said.
"He probably found another way out." Erza said.
"We need to get outta here." Gray said.
"Right." Sokka said.
Molten lava is being poured down the sides of the volcano and smoke is billowing from the bottom of the temple and the temple starts to sink but the gang go down the stairs that will lead them out of the temple while lava has reached all but the top few steps and they realize they are trapped and Lucy sees a column falling behind them making the gang gasp and they run towards a whole in wall created by Roku's blast and they see that the temple is being sunk by the volcano making them dismayed and they gasp again but then they see Momo, Happy, Carla, and Appa flying at full speed towards the temple and everyone slides down from one of the peaks of the temple to Appa's back and he starts to fly away as the temple sinks further and Lucy, Katara, Sokka, Natsu, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Momo, Happy, and Carla are on Appa's back while Aang is on his head while his arms have a bundle of scrolls and Momo jumps on his lap chittering away and Momo is wearing a hat of one of the Fire Sages was wearing.
Zhao, Shasta, and Zhao's men are back on Zhao's ship and they see the Fire Temple exploding and then Zhao turns to see Appa flying off and he has an angry look on his face.
"No prince, no Avatar, and no Celestial Mage! Apparently, the only thing I do have...is five traitors!" Zhao said turning to the Fire Sages.
"But, Commander, only Shyu helped the Avatar." The Fire Sage said.
"Save your stories for the Fire Lord. As far as I'm concerned, you're all guilty! Take them to the prison hold!" Zhao commanded.
As Appa is flying through the sky Zuko watches the bison fly off with his spyglass and he lowers his spyglass as his ship is sailing away from the destroyed Fire Temple.
It's now nighttime and Appa is still flying while surrounded by clouds and while Appa is flying towards the moon the gang are silhouetted against the moon's light and Aang is drawn apart from his friends with a downcast look and he hangs his head down from what he learned and Katara walks over to him and sits next to him and then Lucy joins them and then Natsu and then Sokka and then Gray and then Erza and then Wendy and then Momo and then Happy and then Carla and then Katara hugs him while Lucy rubs Aang's head in comfort while Momo chitters and rests on Aang's lap and then Appa growls lovingly while the moon's light grows brighter and brighter.
Chapter 8 is finished. Hope you enjoyed this one. Chapter Nine will be worked on. I'll be leaving now and I'll see you guys in that chapter. Bye and take care until then.
