I don't own avatar the last Airbender only my OC Raiden


Today's the day! Can you believe it? After all, that time searching for a teacher, I'm finally starting earthbending! And this place... i-it's perfect! Don't you think, Sokka? Said Aang.

Sokka rolls over, giving Aang an angry look. He moans.

Oh, you're still sleeping, huh? Asks Aang.

Sokka moans again and rolls back over.

Sorry! Said Aang.

The ground begins to shake and Aang takes a step 's rock tent suddenly explodes, revealing Toph standing with a fist in the air.

Good morning, earthbending student! Said Toph.

Cut back to Aang. Toph walks up to him and he bows slightly.

Good morning, sifu Toph said Aang.

Katara rouses from her sleeping bag.

Hey... you never call me sifu Katara said Katara.

Aang scratches behind his head nervously.

Well, if you think I should say Aang.

Sorry, Snoozles. We'll do our earthbending as quietly as we can say Toph.

Toph kicks the ground and cracks travel toward Sokka. a large spire of rock shoots up underneath Sokka. Sokka screams as he's launched into the air He hits the ground with a thud, then gets up and bounces toward Aang and Toph, grumbling angrily.

So what move are you going to teach me first? Rockalanche? The trembler?Oh! Maybe I can learn to make a whirlpool out of land! Said Aang.

He holds his arms up and spins around.

Toph slaps a hand on his chest to stop him.

Let's start with "move a rock" said Toph.

Sounds good! Sounds good! Said Aang.


Aang and Toph each stand in front of a boulder. Katara and Raiden watch from a rock outcropping nearby.

The key to earthbending is your stance said Toph.

She lowers herself and widens the distance between her feet. Aang tries to imitate her.

You've got to be steady and strong. Rock is a stubborn element said Toph.

She shoves Aang, causing him to stumble to the side.

If you're going to move it, you've got to be like a rock yourself.

Like a rock. Got it said Aang.

Good. Now the actual motion of this one is pretty simple said Toph.

She lunges forward and punches, causing the boulder to shoot off into the distance, slamming into the side of the canyon.

Okay, you ready to give it a try? Asks Toph.

Aang takes up a similar stance.

I'm ready said Aang.

Rock beats Airbender said Sokka.


Uncle said Zuko.

You were unconscious. Azula did this to you said Zuko.

It was a surprise attack said Zuko.

Somehow, that's not so surprising said Iroh.

He grunts in pain as he moves to lean up against the wall. Zuko picks up a steaming cup and hands it to Iroh.

I hope I made it the way you like it said Zuko.

Iroh takes a sip from the cup and his eyes widen. He lets out a cry of disgust but manages to mask it.

Mmm, good said Iroh.

He takes another drink and grunts.

That was very, uh... bracing said Iroh.

Zuko hands him another cup and he tosses it out the window when his nephew isn't looking.

So, uncle, I've been thinking. It's only a matter of time before I run into Azula again. I'm going to need to know more advanced firebending if I want to stand a chance against her. I know what you're going to say: she's my sister and I should be trying to get along with her said Zuko.

No, she's crazy and she needs to go down. It's time to resume your training said Iroh


Aang's group. Katara and Toph are standing next to the boulder Aang tried to move. Aang walks up, a hand behind his head.

I don't understand what went wrong. He did it exactly the way you did say Katara.

Maybe there's another way. What if I came at the boulder from a different angle? Said Aang.

Toph grabs him by the collar and he turns around.

No, that's the problem. You've got to stop thinking like an Airbender. There's no different angle, no clever solution, no trickity trick that's going to move that rock. You've got to face it head-on. And when I say head on, I mean like this said Toph.

Whoa said Aang.

Raiden whistles

I've been training Aang for a while now. He really responds well to positive teaching experience. Lots of encouragement and praise. Kind words. If he's doing something wrong,

maybe a gentle nudge in the right direction said Katara.

Thanks, Katara. A gentle nudge. I'll try that said Toph.

Keep your knees high, twinkletoes said Toph.

Rocklike said Toph.

Rocklike! Said Toph.

Aang doesn't budge, a look of determination on his face. Toph rises on her own pillar of rock and nods in approval. Aang gives her a huge grin.


Scene changes to Raiden and Sokka.

You're awfully cute, but unfortunately for you, you're made of meat. Just a bit closer...said Sokka.

You're not gonna said Raiden

Sokka yells as he jumps down toward the baby moose lion. He misses and lands in a crevice.

Sokka brings back his sword to strike it.

Gotcha! You are a lucky little meat creature said Sokka.

Raiden facepalms


Scene changes to Zuko and Iroh.

Lightning is a pure expression of firebending, without aggression. It is not fueled by rage or emotion the way other firebending is. Some call lightning the cold-blooded fire. It is precise and deadly, like Azula. To perform the technique requires peace of mind said Iroh.

I see. That's why we're drinking tea: To calm the mind said Zuko.

Oh yeah, good point! I mean, yes said Iroh.

Zuko and Iroh stand on the edge of a hill overlooking the valley with a walled, abandoned city at the bottom.

There is energy all around us. The energy is both yin and yang; positive energy and negative a select few firebenders can separate these energies. This creates an imbalance. The energy wants to restore balance and in a moment the positive and negative energy come crashing back together. You provide release and guidance, creating lightning said Iroh.

Iroh holds out a hand, signaling for Zuko to step back. He holds his right hand to his side and with two fingers extended begins to create lightning by rotating his arm in a circular motion around his body. He mimics the motion with his left arm.

Cut to Zuko, who looks impressed. Cut back to Iroh. He brings his two hands together and then lunges forward with his right hand extended and shoots lightning into the distance.

I'm ready to try it! Said Zuko.

Remember, once you separate the energy, you do not command it. You are simply its humble guide. Breathe first said Iroh.

Zuko breathes in and closes his eyes. He then begins to mimic the motions that Iroh performed, except that he does not create traces of lightning. He shouts and shoves his right hand forward, but it merely causes a fiery explosion that shoves him backward. He falls on his back next to Iroh. Iroh shakes his head slightly.


Back at Aang's earthbending training. Aang, Toph, and Katara stand in the middle of the canyon. Toph walks in front of Aang as she speaks.

This time we're going to try something a little different. Instead of moving a rock, you're going to stop a rock said Toph.

Get in your horse stance! Said Toph.

Aang widens his stance.

I'm going to roll that boulder down at you. If you have the attitude of an earthbender, you'll stay in your stance and stop the this said Toph.

Sorry, Toph, but are you sure this is really the best way to teach Aang earthbending? Asks Katara.

I'm glad you said something. Actually, there is a better way he'll really have to sense the vibrations of the boulder to stop it. Thank you, Katara said Toph.

She gives Katara a thumbs-up.

Yeah, thanks Katara! Said Aang.

Heh said Katara.


Scene change to Toph standing at the top of the hill with Aang at the bottom. She shoves the rock forward and it begins to roll down the slope. Aang looks worried and afraid as it rolls toward him. Katara covers her mouth with her hands, a worried look on her face.

The boulder continues to roll down the hill toward Aang. Cut to Aang, a frantic look on his face. Cut to Toph She has her arms crossed. Cut to Katara, who still covers her face with her hands. Momo cowers down on her head. Cut back to Aang, who jumps over the boulder as it almost hits him. The boulder rolls passed Katara and slams into the side of the canyon. Aang lands on the ground. She runs up to Aang as he removes the blindfold, glaring at him disapprovingly.

I guess I just panicked. I don't know what to say said Aang.

There's nothing to say. You blew it. You had a perfect stance and perfect form but when it came right down to it you didn't have the guts said Toph.

She gives Aang a light punch to the chest that knocks him down. He sits at her feet with his legs crossed.

I know. I'm sorry said Aang.

Toph leans down, looking right into his face.

Yeah, you are sorry. If you're not tough enough to stop the rock, then you could at least give it the pleasure of smushing you instead of jumping out of the way like a jelly-boned wimp! Now, do you have what it takes to face that rock like an earthbender said Toph?

No. I don't think I do say Aang.

Aang, it's no big deal. You'll take a break and try earthbending again when you're ready. Besides, you still have a lot of waterbending to work on, okay? Said Katara.

Yeah... that sounds good said Aang.

Yeah, whatever, go splash around until you feel better said Toph.


Scene change to Zuko and Iroh.

Why can't I do it? Said Zuko.

Instead of lightning, it keeps exploding in my face! Like everything always does! Said Zuko.

Iroh gets up from his spot and walks over to Zuko. Zuko stands up.

I was afraid this might happen said Iroh.

You will not be able to master lightning until you have dealt with the turmoil inside you said Iroh.

Zuko turns to him, an angry look on his face.

What turmoil? Asks Zuko.

Zuko, you must let go of your feelings of shame if you want your anger to go away said Iroh.

But I don't feel any shame at all! I'm as proud as ever said Zuko

Prince Zuko, pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame said Iroh.

Well... my life has been nothing but humbling lately said Zuko.

I have another idea. I will teach you a firebending move that even Azula doesn't know, because I made it up myself said Iroh.


Scene changes to Raiden and Sokka.

Sokka is in the hole and Raiden is now sharpening his swords with a rock.

You probably think I deserve this, don't you? Asks Sokka.

Look, I'm sorry I hunted you, but that's just the natural order of things! Big things eat smaller things, nothing personal. But this time it didn't work out that way said Sokka.

I admit it. You're cute. Okay, you've convinced me. If I get out of this alive, it's a comically correct vegetarian existence for me. No meat. Even though meat is so tasty said Sokka.

A bug flies on from the left and begins to buzz around Sokka's face. Sokka makes a groaning noise as he struggles to swat it away with his trapped hands. The bug lands on his head, and Sokka grunts in defeat. Sokka perks up suddenly and the bug flies away. the baby mooselion running toward them with an apple in its mouth. It stops and rolls the apple toward Sokka.

Hey, it looks like my karma is already paying off said Sokka.

That's okay! I got it said Sokka.

Sokka struggles to reach into his backpack and then tosses his boomerang at the apple. It falls down next to it.

Now come back, boomerang said Sokka.

Raiden a little help said Sokka.


Scene changes to Katara and Aang in a pond.

You know this block you're having is only temporary, right? Asks

I don't want to talk about it said Aang.

You do know that's the problem, don't you? If you face this issue instead of avoiding it said Kata

I know I know I know I know, I get it, alright! I need to face it head-on, like a rock. But I just can't do it! I don't know why I can't, but I can't.

Aang, if fire and water are opposites, then what's the opposite of air? Said Katara.

I guess its earth said Aang.

That's why it's so hard for you to get this. You're working with your natural opposite. But you'll figure it out. I know you will. Think fast! Said Katara.

Who looks up in surprise before causing a wave of water to shoot up and slice the reed in half. The two halves sail harmlessly by him.

Excellent. You have the reflexes of a waterbending master said Katara.

Thanks, Katara. Sifu Katara said Aang.


Scene changes to Zuko and Iroh.

Fire is the element of power. The people of the Fire Nation have desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want. Earth is the element of substance. The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring. Air is the element of freedom. The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns and found peace and freedom. Also, they apparently had pretty good senses of humor! Water is the element of change. The people of the Water Tribe are capable of adapting to many things. They have a deep sense of community and love that holds them together through anything said Iroh.

Why are you telling me these things? Asks Zuko.

It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If we take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations will help you become whole said Iroh.

All this four elements talk is sounding like Avatar stuff said Zuko.

It is the combination of the four elements in one person that makes the Avatar so powerful. But, it can make you more powerful too. You see, the technique I am about to teach you is one I learned by studying the waterbenders said Iroh.


Scene changes to Aang.

Aang! I found these nuts in your bag. I figured you wouldn't mind. And besides, even if you did, you're too much of a pushover to do anything about it said Toph.

As a matter of fact, I don't mind. I'm happy to share anything I have said Aang.

You know, I'm really glad you feel that way because I also have this great new nutcracker said Toph.

Actually, I'd prefer if you didn't That's an antique, handcrafted by the monks said Aang

It's not the only delicate instrument around here said Toph.

Hey Aang, have you seen said Katara.

Meditating here said Aang.

It's important. It's almost sundown and Sokka and Raiden aren't back yet. I think we should search for them

We'll find them faster if we split up.


Nice Sokka we've wasted a whole day said Raiden

Okay, karma person or thing, whoever's in charge of this stuff, if I can just get out of this situation alive, I will give up meat and sarcasm. Okay? OW! Said Sokka.

That's all I got! It's pretty much my whole identity! Sokka, the meat and sarcasm guy said Sokka.

But I'm willing to be Sokka the veggies and straight talk fellow! ...Deal? Said Sokka.

Aang! Thank goodness! Have you got any meat? Said Sokka.

Raiden facepalms

Sokka! Raiden! Are you guys okay? Asks Aang.

Other than wasting the day with Sokka stuck in a hole we're fine said Raiden.

Aang tries to pull Sokka out.

Aang I already tried that said Raiden.

Stop, stop! You're going to pull my fingers off and I don't think the rest of me is coming said Sokka.

Hmm... I bet I can airbend you out of here said Aang.

Seriously, Aang, I know you're new at it, but I could use a little earthbending here. How about it? Said Sokka.

I can't. I can't do it said Aang.

If you can't earthbend me out of here, go get Toph said Sokka.

Raiden can't help me out because he has the wrong elements said Sokka.

You do realize I can still either burn you alive or drown you said Raiden.

I can't do that either said Aang.

You can't? Why not? Asks Sokka.

It would just be really... uncomfortable said Aang.

Uncomfortable? Well, I wouldn't want to make you feel uncomfortable said Sokka.

Thanks, Sokka. This whole earthbending thing really has me confused. There's so much pressure. Everyone expects me to get it right away. It puts me in a really awkward position said Aang.

Awkward position... I think I know the feeling said Sokka.

If I try, I fail. But if I don't try, I'm never going to get it. I feel like I'm caught between a rock and a hard place said Aang.

Hmm. How about that said Sokka.

Aang, this is my friend Foo Foo Cuddlypoops. Foo Foo Cuddlypoops, Aang said Sokka.

Aww, what a cute name for a little baby sabertooth mooselion cub said Aang.

Really? He looks nothing like a sabertooth mooselion said Sokka.

It's hard to tell before their giant teeth and horns grow in. Whatcha doin' out here, little guy? Did you lose your mama? Said Aang.


Scene changes to Zuko and Iroh.

Zuko and Iroh practicing waterbending moves

Waterbenders deal with the flow of energy. A waterbender lets their defense become their offense, turning their opponent's' energy against them. I learned a way to do this with lightning said Iroh.

You can teach me to redirect lightning? Said Zuko.

If you let the energy in your own body flow, the lightning will follow it. You must create a pathway from your fingertips up your arm to your shoulder and down into your stomach. The stomach is the source of energy in your body. It is called the sea of chi. Only in my case, it is more like a vast ocean. You direct it up again and out the other stomach detour is critical. You must not let the lightning pass through your heart or the damage could be deadly. You may wish to try a physical motion to get a feel for the pathway flow. Like this. Now, are you focusing your energy Can you feel your own chi flowing in, down, up, and out? Said Iroh.

I think so said Zuko.

Come on. You've got to feel the flow said Iroh.

Excellent! You've got it said Iroh.

Zuko bows slightly, putting his hands together.

Great! I'm ready to try it with real lightning said Zuko.

What, are you crazy? Lightning is very dangerous said Iroh.

I thought that was the point you teaching me how to protect myself from it said Zuko

But I'm not going to shoot lightning at you! If you are lucky, you will never have to use this technique at all said Iroh.

Well, if you won't help me, I'll find my own lightning said Zuko.


Scene change to the three boys.

Hey, there... we found your cub said Aang.

Aang put the cub down said Raiden.

See? We have no problem with you! We're friendly said Aang.

Aang, this is bad! You gotta get me outta here! Said Sokka.

mooselion roars and then begins to charge.

Sokka cries out

mooselion charges. Aang airbends the stampeding creature over his head, and it barely passes over Sokka's head before hitting the ground and spinning around. The mooselion roars loudly and Sokka looks up at Aang with a scared look on his face.

This is really bad! Please, Aang said Sokka.

You have to earthbend him out, there's no other way said Raiden.

Aang stomps down, does an uppercut move, and then aims both hands toward the sky, but Sokka doesn't budge. Aang gives him a nervous grin and then turns back to the mooselion. It scrapes its paw against the ground and prepares to charge again.

Oh no! Whoo-hoo! Look at me said Aang.

He begins to dance and flail about, trying to get the mooselion's attention. The mooselion, however, turns its attention back to Sokka and begins to charge. Aang leaps off the rock and shoots a gust of air at the mooselion that blows it away from Sokka. It lands and spins around again. Cut to Aang with Sokka visible over his shoulder.

Please don't leave me again said Sokka.

I won't said Aang.

The mooselion charges toward Aang. He waits for it, taking up a stance and preparing to use his airbending on it. Cut back to the mooselion charges. It nears him and he shoves his hands forward, blowing the mooselion backwards with a strong gust of air. The mooselion hits the ground, glances at Aang, and then walks off into the bushes.

When the dust clears, Aang is still standing in his stance. Toph is revealed to be sitting on a rock in the background. She begins to clap slowly. Aang turns to her. She is sitting cross-legged on a rock, clapping slowly with her eyes closed. Cut to Aang, Raiden and Sokka.

What are you doing here? Asks Sokka.

Just enjoying the show said Toph.

You were there the whole time? Asks Raiden.

Pretty much said Toph.

Why didn't you do something? Sokka and Raiden were in trouble! I was in trouble! You could've gotten him out and helped us get away said Aang.

I guess it just didn't occur to me said Toph.

Enough! I want my staff back said Aang.

He takes the staff from Toph. She stands up and jumps off the rock, standing in front of Aang.

Do it now said Toph.

What? Said Aang.

Earthbend, twinkletoes. You just stood your ground against a crazy beast, and even more impressive, you stood your ground against me. You've got the stuff said Toph.

But said Aang.

DO IT said Toph and Raiden.

Aang glances at her with confusion, then stomps down and shoves his fist forward, causing a large rock to shoot off and crash into a ridge.

You did it said Raiden.

You're an earthbender said Toph.

I can't believe it said Aang.

Aww, this is really a wonderful, touching moment. So, could you get me out of her so I can give you all a big, snuggly hug? Said Sokka.

No problem, Sokka said Aang.

Actually, you should probably let me do that. You're still a little new to this. You might accidentally crush him said Toph.

Yeah, no crushing, please said Sokka.

Toph walks up to Sokka and lifts her left foot, then stomps down. Sokka pops out of the hole and Toph grabs his hair, dragging him out as she walks away.

later in the night. Aang and Raiden have an arm wrapped around Sokka to help him walk and Toph walks next to them with Aang's staff.

You found them said Katara.

She runs up to Sokka and gives him a hug. Aang, Raiden and Toph watch.

The whole time that I was in that hole, not knowing if I would live or die, it makes a man think about what's really important. I realized said Sokka/

Hey, Katara, look what I can do said Aang.

Katara's gaze turns to Aang as he shoves his arms forward, causing a large rock formation to break in half.

You did it! I knew you would! (She glances at Toph.) You tried the positive reinforcement, didn't you said Katara.

Yep. It worked wonders said Toph.

Appa roars and Aang runs up to him.

Appa! Appa! I can earthbend now! The key is being completely rooted! Physically and mentally unmovable said Aang.

Appa licks Aang and he flies forward onto his face. Sokka and Raiden laugh and Aang joins them.