I don't own Alta only my OC Raiden.

What's out here? Asks Sokka.

A lot actually. There's hundreds of little said Toph.

Aang turns around and silences Toph.

Shhh! I know you can see underground, but don't ruin the surprise. Just watch said Aang.

Heheheha, yeah said Aang.

I'm putting an orchestra together said Aang

Orchestra, huh? Well, la dee da said Sokka.

One after the other, a prairie dog emerges from a hole and each sings a note in descending order. They all descend back down their burrows as Momo leaps down the hole to the left. A moment later, his head emerges from the middle hole.

Aang plays more notes, and each time a different prairie dog emerges from one of the burrows and matches it. Katara laughs as she watches Momo chase after each prairie dog.

This is great and all, but don't we have more important things to worry about? We should be making plans said Sokka.

We did make plans. We're all picking mini-vacations said Toph.

There's no time for vacations said Sokka.

I'm learning the elements as fast as I can. I practice hard every day with Toph and Katara. I've been training my arrows off. Plus I still have to learn fire from Raiden.

Raiden can't you start teaching Aang now? Asks Sokka.

No Aang has master water and earth before I can teach him I don't want what happened with Jong Jong to happen again said Raiden.

Plus I could use a vacation myself said Raiden.

You were on an island for 5 years plus what the worst that could happen with Aang learning three elements at once said Sokka.

Ok 1 I was in exile and basically a prisoner on that island, 2 using just one element is very taxing on the body and 3 Aang could start a forest fire which could go into a town that could lead to loss of life said Raiden.

Ok waiting it is said Sokka.

And what's wrong with having a little fun in our downtime? Asks Katara.

Even if you do master all of the elements, then what? It's not like we have a map of the fire nation. Should we just head west until we reach the Fire Lord's house? Knock, knock! Hello, Fire Lord? Anybody home? Asks Sokka.

I don't think so said Sokka.

We need some intelligence if we're gonna win this war said Raiden.

Alright, we'll finish our vacations, and then we'll look for Sokka's intelligence said Katara.

Your turn, would you like to go on your mini-vacation? Asks Aang.

Katara leans towards the map and studies it, placing her hand on her chin.

How about the Misty Palms Oasis? That sounds refreshing said Katara.

Oh yeah, I've been there. It's a pristine natural ice spring, and I usually don't use the word pristine. It's one of nature's wonders said Aang.

Scene change to the Misty Palms Oasis,

Must have changed ownership since I was here said Aang.

One mango, please said a man.

I don't see anything wrong with having one of those fruity beverages while we plan our strategy said Sokka.

Excuse me said Sokka.

The man in white takes his drink and turns around, but then bumps into Aang, causing him to spill it onto Aang... Katara gasps as she witnesses the accident, Sokka stares at the man in white, and Aang looks down at his wet clothes.

No worries, I clean up easy said Aang.

Aang places his knuckles together in front of his chest and bends a gust of air around his body, drying his clothes and causing everyone else's clothes to be blown back. The man in white grabs the brim of his hat to keep it from being blown away and gasps at Aang with amazement.

You're a living relic said the man.

Thanks. I try said Aang.

An Air Nomad, right in front of me said the man.

Professor Zei, head of anthropology at Ba Sing Se University. Tell me, which of the Air temples do you hail from? Asks Zei.

The southern temple said Aang.

Oh, splendid! Now tell me, what was the primary agricultural product of your people? Said Zei.

Uh, are fruit pies an agricultural product? Asks Aang.

Oh, truly fascinating. That is one for the journal said Zei/

Katara, Raiden, Sokka, and Toph are all holding drinks and standing behind Aang and Zei.

Zei pulls a pen and notepad from his backpack and begins writing in it.

So, professor, you're obviously a well-traveled guy. Do you have a more current map? Ours seems to be a little dated said Sokka.

Certainly said Zei/

Sokka unrolls a map onto it. Toph is laying across two chairs, her legs crossed and sipping her fruit drink. Aang is now holding a drink of his own. Sokka takes a moment to examine the map.

What, no Fire Nation? Doesn't anybody have a good map of that place? Asks Sokka.

What did you expect Sokka the Fire Nation is the one behind this war there no just gonna print detailed step by step directions to the Fire nation royal palace on a map said Raiden.

You know how to get there, don't you? Asks Sokka.

Considering I once lived there yeah I do say Raiden.

If you knew why didn't you tell us? Asks Sokka.

Because I knew we weren't ready to go there said Raiden.

You've made a lot of trips into the desert said Katara.

All in vain, I'm afraid. I've found lost civilizations all over the Earth Kingdom, but I haven't managed to find the crown jewel... Wan Shi Tong's Library said Zei.

I heard of that place said Raiden.

It was an epicenter of knowledge through the world but then it was lost to the sands of the desert said Raiden.

You spent years walking through the desert to find some guy's library? Asks Toph.

This library is more valuable than gold, little is said to contain a vast collection of knowledge, and knowledge... is priceless said Zei.

Mm, sounds like good times.

Oh, it is said Zei.

According to legend, it was built by the great knowledge spirit, Wan Shi Tong, with the help of his foxy knowledge seekers said Raiden.

Oh, so this spirit has attractive assistants, huh? Sokka.

I think he means they look like actual foxes, Sokka said Katara,

You're both right. Handsome little Shi Tong and his knowledge seekers collected books from all over the world and put them on display for mankind to read so that we might better ourselves said Zei.

If this place has books from all over the world, do you think they've got info on the Fire Nation? Asks Sokka.

I wouldn't know, but if such a thing exists, it's in Wan Shi Tong's Library said Zei.

Then it's settled. Aang, I do believe it's my turn. I'd like to spend my vacation AT THE LIBRARY said Sokka.

Uh, hey? What about me? When do I get to pick? Asks Toph.

You gotta work here a little longer before you qualify for vacation time said Sokka.

Of course, there's the matter of finding it. I've made several trips into the Si Wong Desert, and almost died each time I'm afraid that desert's impossible to cross said Zei.

Professor, would you like to see our sky bison? Asks Sokka.

A sky bison? You actually have one? Asks Zei.

Sandbenders! Shoo! Away from the bison said Zei.

Tell me, sky bison. Are you the last of your breed? Said Zei/

Oh, delightful! I only wish I spoke his tongue said Zei.

Oh, the stories this beast could tell said Zei.

Shush, chatty monkey said Zei/

Wow, shouldn't be too hard to find a place like this out here said Aang.

Aw, does this place even exist? Asks Toph.

Some say it doesn't say Zei.

Shouldn't you have mentioned that before? Asks Toph.

There it is said Toph.

That's what it will sound like when one of you spots it said Toph.

It shouldn't be this hard to spot a giant ornate building from the air said Katara.

Down there. What's that? Asks Sokka.

Forget it. It's obviously not what we're looking for. The building in this drawing is enormous said Raiden.

What kind of animal is that? Asks Sokka.

I think that was one of the knowledge seekers said Zei.

Oh, we must be close to the library said Zei.

No, this is the said Raiden.

It's completely buried said Raiden.

The library is buried said Zei.

My life's ambition is now full of sand said Zei.

Well, time to start excavating said Zei.

Actually, that won't be necessary. The inside seems to be completely intact, and it's huge said Toph.

That fox went in through a window said Raiden.

I say we climb up there and give it a look said Sokka.

I say you guys go ahead without me said Toph.

You got something against libraries? Asks Katara.

I've held books before, and I gotta tell you, they don't exactly do it for me said Toph.

Oh, right. Sorry said Katara.

Let me know if they have something you can listen to said Toph.

Don't worry buddy. I'm not making you go underground ever again. You can stay out here with Toph said Aang.

What's up? Asks Toph.

Oh, it's breathtaking. The spirits spared no expense designing this place said Zei.

Look at those beautiful buttresses said Zei.

What's funny? Asks Zei.

Nothing. We just like architecture said Aang.

As do I said Zei.

My word said Zei/

The exquisite mosaic handiwork of this tile-rendered avian symbol...Eh, nice...owl said Zei.

I know you're back there said an owl

Hello! I'm Professor Zei, head of anthropology at Ba Sing Se University said Zei.

You should leave the way you came unless you want to become a stuffed head of anthropology said the owl.

Are you the spirit who brought this library to the physical world? Asks Raiden

Indeed, I am Wan Shi Tong, he who knows 10,000 things. And you are obviously humans, which by the way are no longer permitted in my study said Wan shi tong.

What do you have against humans? Asks Aang.

Hmm, humans only bother learning things to get the edge on other humans, like that firebender who came to this place a few years ago, looking to destroy his enemy said Wan shi tong.

So, who are you trying to destroy? Asks Wan shi tong.

What? Oh, no, no, no destroying, we're not into that said Sokka.

Then why have you come here? Asks Wan shi tong.

Um, knowledge, for, knowledge's sake said Sokka.

If you're going to lie to an all-knowing spirit being, you should at least put some effort into it said wan shi tong.

I'm not lying. I'm here with the Avatar, and he's the bridge between our worlds, he'll vouch for me said Sokka.

Uh, yeah, I'll vouch. We will not abuse the knowledge in your library, good spirit. You have my word said Aang.

Hmm, very well. I'll let you peruse my vast collection, on one condition. To prove your worth as scholars, you have to contribute some worthwhile knowledge said Wan shi tong.

Please accept this tome as a donation to your library said Zei.

First edition, very nice said wan shi tong.

I have an authentic waterbending scroll said Katara.

Oh... these illustrations are quite stylish said Wan shi tong

Spirit please accept this Firebending Scroll said Raiden.

Interesting dialect said Wan shi tong

But Raiden you promised Aang he could say Katara.

Don't worry I got another one said Raiden.

Uh, oh, I know! Ha said Aang.

I suppose that counts said Wan shi tong.

Oh, great spirit, check this out! Tada said Sokka.

It's a special knot! That counts as knowledge said Sokka.

You're not very bright, are you? Asks Wan shi tong.

Enjoy the library said Wan shi tong.

Bright enough to fool you said Sokka.

So, you like flyin'? Asks Toph.

Of course, I'm more comfortable on the ground, where I can see. Well, I don't see the way you do. I feel the vibration in the ground with my feet, but this sand is so loose and shifty, it makes everything look fuzzy said Toph.

Not that there's anything wrong with fuzzy said Toph.

Hey, look at these weird lion turtle things said Aang.

Eh, I've seen weirder said Sokka.

Aang, did you know in a past life, you were left-handed? Asks Katara.

I always knew I was special said Aang.

The darkest day in Fire Nation history. It's got a date at the top, but it doesn't say anything else said Sokka.

Sokka, where are you going? Asks Aang.

I want to know what happened to the Fire Nation on their darkest day. This could be promising. The information on the Fire Nation should be right up here.

Firebender said Raiden.

They destroyed everything having to do with the Fire Nation said Katara.

That's so unfair! Just when I think I'm one step ahead of the Fire Nation, it turns out they beat us here a long time ago said Sokka.

No they he said Raiden

What said Sokka.

Don't you remember what Zhao said at the north pole in the spirit Oasis said Raiden?

He was here years ago, so he probably burned everything so no one else who found this place would have intel on the Fire nation and it's probably why the spirit doesn't trust humans anymore said Raiden.

That does make sense said Katara.

I need to know what happened on the darkest day said Sokka.

Hello, little weird fox guy said Sokka.

Seems it's trying to assist you said Zei.

Um, sure, I'll guess I'll follow you said Sokka.

They follow the fox to a room.

This room is a true marvel. A mechanical wonder! It's a planetarium that shows the heavens moving said Zei.

Uh, this is beautiful, but, how is it helpful? Said Sokka.

Maybe these dials represent dates and times. Sokka, try entering that date from the parchment you took said Katara.

Shh! Katara! Not in front of the fox, he's with the owl said Sokka.

Wow, I gotta hand it to you Sokka. You picked the best mini-vacation, for sure.

Hey, wait, what happened to the sun? Asks Katara.

Great, you must have broken it said Aang.

It's not broken said Sokka.

Sokka: (voice-over) The sun is behind the moon, it's a solar eclipse! It's literally the darkest day in Fire Nation history. Now I get it! Something awful happened on that day, I don't know what, but I do know why.

Because Firebenders lose their bending during a solar eclipse said Raiden

What? Asks the kids.

Firebenders draw their power from the sun just like the waterbenders draw theirs from the moon so we lose our bending when the sun blocked said Raiden

That makes sense. I mean, think of what the lunar eclipse at the North Pole did to the waterbenders. This is huge said Katara.

We've got to get this information to the Earth King at Ba Sing Se. We'll wait for the next eclipse, then we'll invade the Fire Nation when they're totally helpless. The Fire Lord is goin' down said Sokka.

Mortals are so predictable. And such terrible liars said Wan shi tong.

Nice work Sokka said Raiden

You betrayed my trust. From the beginning you intended to misuse this knowledge for evil purposes said Wan shi tong.

You and your big mouth said Raiden.

You don't understand. If anyone's evil, it's the Fire Nation. You saw what they did to your library. They're destructive and dangerous no offense Raiden and We need this information said Sokka.

You think you're the first person to believe their war was justified? Countless others before you have come here, seeking weapons or weaknesses or battle strategies said Wan shi tong.

We had no choice. Please, we're just desperate to protect the people we love said Aang.

And now I'm going to protect what I love said Wan shi tong.

What are you doing? Asks Aang.

I'm taking my knowledge back. No one will ever abuse it again said Wan shi tong.

He's sinking the building! We've gotta get out of here now said Raiden.

I'm afraid I can't allow that. You already know too much said Wan shi tong.

The spirit lifts his head high into the air before screeching and lunging forward.

the group jumps out of the way. Wan Shi Tong hits the floor, causing it to crack. Wan Shi Tong chases after the group as they flee the planetarium.

Great knowledge spirit, I beg you. Do not destroy your vast collection of priceless tomes said Zei.

He hops and twists in the air, bending a vacuum between his hands. Cut to a shot of Zei being pulled back by the vacuum just before Wan Shi Tong attacks the spot where he stood. Zei yells as he is pulled back, causing him to drop all of his books. Cut to a shot of Zei sliding across the floor. Sokka and Raiden catch him.

We've gotta get back to the surface said Raiden.

Katara: (voice-over) Sokka, let's go!

But we still don't know when the next eclipse is gonna happen said Sokka.

Don't be stupid, we'll find out later said Katara.

No, we won't. If we leave this place we'll never get the information. Aang Raiden, come with me to the planetarium, I need cover said Sokka.

Sokka: (voice-over) Katara, take Momo and get out of here.

Go said Sokka.

Katara, Momo, and Zei run off screen as Wan Shi Tong screeches and chases after them.

Katara: (voice-over) Hurry, Sokka!

Scene changes to the three boys.

Why are we doing this? Asks Aang.

Because if this calendar can tell us about eclipses in the past, then maybe it can project when the next one will be said Sokka.

You can't possibly check every single date said Raiden.

I don't have to. We just have to check every date before Sozin's comet arrives, because after that... Well, try not to think about that said Sokka.

Come on, eclipse said Aang.

Sokka: (voice-over) That's it, the solar eclipse! It's just a few months away.

Got it. Now, let's get to Ba Sing Se said Sokka/

At least I'll have one specimen to add to my collection said Wan shi tong.

Wan Shi Tong: (voice-over) Your waterbending won't do you much good here. I've studied Northern Water Style, Southern Water Style, even Foggy Swamp Style.

That's called Sokka style. Learn it said Sokka.

Wait! Professor, let's go said Raiden

I'm not leaving. I can't. There's not another collection of knowledge like this on Earth. I could spend an eternity in here said Zei/

The rope begins swaying back and forth. Momo lets go of Katara and flies around them.

Wan Shi Tong swings the rope back and forth with his beak, trying to throw Sokka, Raiden. and Katara off it. Aang swoops down and Katara grabs the tail of the glider. Sokka wraps his arms around Katara's waist and Raiden grabs Sokka legs.

Wan Shi Tong whips the rope around. Wan Shi Tong flaps his wings and flies after them. Wan Shi Tong is seen flying behind them. The spirit begins to gain on Aang, Katara Raiden., Sokka and Momo. He tries to grab Raiden with his beak but misses when Raiden pulls his feet up.

Outside, Toph is still holding the spire. Aang, Katara, Raiden, Sokka, and Momo escape the library through the spire's window. Aang gracefully landing on the ground by bending the air. Katara, Raiden, and Sokka, land on the sand head first. The rope and Sokka's boomerang land next to Sokka. Aang looks left and right.

We got it. There's a solar eclipse coming said Sokka.

My dad's in trouble, now said Raiden.

Where's Appa? Asks Aang.