Yes! I finished this chapter! I hope you'll all love all the goodness I jam packed into this one! Enjoy!


Avatar Roku and Princess Yue stood side by side watching Aang from above.

The spirits were by no means all knowing. There was a lot they didn't know and still could learn. Both Roku and Yue had no idea about the surviving Air Benders nor the special environment their island had, but they were so overwhelmed with joy on Aang's behalf for having found it.

Roku's spirit, along with many others like Yue, were connected with Aang, Zuko, Sokka and the others, and therefore they could always sense where they were in the world below. It was in this manner they were able to share the moment. Although they remained unseen, like most spirits do, they stood and watched with much anticipation… through their side of the looking glass.

This day would be remembered.


Ch.49 Momo's Mystery

A heart pounding in a sea of faces…

Adrenalin coursing amidst an unnerving calm…

One man amongst thousands…

History being written...

…all were true for Aang as he stood atop his pillar. Everyone had finally settled down and no one spoke a word. There were so many people their masses seemed almost nothing but a colorful blur. How would they all hear him?

Taking one last deep breath, Aang decided the time was now and he knew what he needed to do. Instantly Aang went into the Avatar State with no warning to his audience.

Shocked murmurs echoed across the canyon. There were a lot of people who had missed Aang's dramatic entrance having been still inside their homes, the mountain, or in farm country.

Aang stood still in his sphere of air. Seeing no adverse reaction, Aang then pulled water, earth, and fire into his sphere like he had done earlier so there would be no doubt by anyone if he was the real deal or not.

Oohs and ahhs, weeping, smiles, and stunned silence spread across the islanders. It was the coolest thing they had ever seen.

Then, using the power of his voice in the Avatar State, Aang spoke so all could hear him.

"My name is Avatar Aang…" he spoke clearly. "And I'm here to tell you… the war is OVER!"

Aang threw up his fist with dramatic triumph and instantly everyone erupted in cheers! Teji and Toph both naturally jumped back due to their sensitive hearing from the deafening sound.

Aang descended back down and stood normally on his pillar once more as the cheers continued. It was the single biggest celebration the gang had ever seen. For them, the day they had won the war, they had been relatively isolated. Sokka, Suki and Toph had fought with just themselves. Zuko and Katara had fought together with no one else. Aang himself had even been in a more isolated battle with no other support. No, these men and women had fought alone on the day of the comet and had won, however none of them had ever received the overwhelming power of cheers that they were experiencing now. Not even in the after celebrations had they ever heard such joy.

It was a lot to take in, but Aang stood tall and strong.

It seemed the celebrating would never cease, therefore Aang entered back into the Avatar state which instantly had the effect he wanted. Everyone contained their excitement to hear what he had to say next!

Aang's eyes and tattoo's were glowing blue in a way that awed the people. Normally it wasn't wise to stay in the Avatar State due to the risk of permanent death to the Avatar cycle, however Aang knew his family had his back and secondly Aang wanted to be sure everyone could hear what he had to say.

"One hundred and four years ago I, along with my bison Appa, were caught in a storm and knocked into the sea."

Aang's voice easily carried and as a result everyone was at the edge of their seats in excitement. There was so much he wanted to tell them but he knew they all didn't know a thing so Aang literally had to start from the beginning.

"I was only twelve then and due to my inexperience with the Avatar State, we were frozen in ice to survive. There I remained frozen for 99 years." Aang knew that fact alone was going to be hard for some to believe. "I was then found and awoken by Katara and Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe," Aang pointed down to them.

Sokka grabbed his sister by the arm and pulled her forward with him. Sokka victoriously held his arms up high and soaked in the glory. Katara, who was completely imbaressed over her brother, meekly waved at the people.

"I didn't realize the passing of time," Aang continued. "I never knew about the war and couldn't even believe it until after visiting the Southern Air Temple. Only then did I realize that everyone I knew had long since died."

The air seemed still as Aang paused in remembrance.

"I learned I had one year left to master water, earth, and fire before Sozin's Comet would return. I traveled to the Northern Water Tribe and learned Water Bending; mastering it afterwards due to Katara's excellent teachings. From there I traveled through the Earth Kingdom and met Toph who taught me how to Earth Bend."

Toph took a step forward since that's what Sokka and Katara had done.

"All the while," Aang continued, "the Fire Nation's banished Prince Zuko sought my capture."

Murmurs erupted all around at the remembrance of the dreaded Prince Zuko who had upturned their world seven years ago. Not many had seen the kid in person, but all had talked about him months after his departure.

Zuko took a step forward and all at once everyone was talking. No one knew how to react seeing the Avatar with Zuko, the once teenager who violently tore through their town. No one had recognized him as anyone other than Lee, but now saw him for who he really was. His scared face took on a new image as those who had seen him before now made the connection to the large white bandage that had been on his face seven years ago. The clothes he was currently wearing hadn't seemed important until now.

Aang would have no disrespect. He knew Zuko better than most people ever would and wouldn't have his name dragged through the mud any more.

"SILENCE!" Aang's booming voice echoed off the stone walls in a commanding voice that held a bit more of Avatar Kyoshi then himself. All at once the islanders were quite. Aang's voice within the Avatar State was boarder line scary and was kind of out of character for him. It was in the very least intimidating. "Yes, I'm well aware of Zuko's past," Aang began again a little softer.

Zuko never flinched as he stood there for all to see.

"He hunted me and my friends, attacked many people, stole, lied and so much more for his father's as well as his own sake." Aang still couldn't stand Ozai. "Zuko eventually realized his father was wrong. We became allies and I mastered Fire Bending thanks to Zuko's teachings."

A few whispers could be heard but all quickly grew still.

"Fire Lord Ozai's plan was to wipe out the Earth Kingdom on the day of the comet just as his Grandfather Sozin had with the Air Benders."

Anger spread in a heartbeat. What kind of monster would seek the destruction of the world?

Aang didn't want them to wallow in it. "Therefore, on the day of the comet… my friends and I put an end to his plans! Zuko and Katara went to the Fire Nation to stop the evil Princess Azula from taking the thrown. Sokka, Toph and our ally Suki," who now stepped forward, "stopped the invading forces into the Earth Kingdom and I… I faced off with Fire Lord Ozai and defeated him once and for all!"

Cheers erupted all over again. It was just too much for them to contain. Aang's blue glow faded as he let everyone celebrate the greatest victory of all time once more. Zuko glanced up at Aang on his pillar with a look that clearly showed he was grateful. Aang slightly nodded back in understanding. They had a pretty complicated past.

Eventually everything died back down so Aang could speak once more. Entering back into the Avatar State, Aang finished what he had to say.

"A lot has happened within these past five years. Many things have changed. The war is truly over. Fire Lord Zuko has been reigning over the Fire Nation for the past four years with Fire Lady Mai."

Mai smirked and finally stepped forward and stood next to her love.

"We have all worked hard to repair what has been broken in our world. There is a lot of damage in every nation. Yet I stand before you now overjoyed because balance can finally be restored in the world." Aang couldn't help but be smiling now. "We have lived with you for one month because a wise man guided us to this place. We didn't know what was here and were told to keep who we were and the happenings of the world a secret from you all."

Some of the audience's eyes grew wide as they finally recognized who Aang had been.

"I'm sorry for the deception… it wasn't easy. But we all had a promise to keep. To say the least we were amazed to not only find living Air Benders but to also find Water, Earth, Air, and Fire Benders living together peacefully. Living with you all was one of the greatest gifts we have ever received. You all have no idea how much joy filled my heart see Air Bending… for five years I thought I was the only surviving Air Bender… the last of my people, but I'm getting sidetracked."

Reliving the past few weeks in his mind was too much for Aang to keep his thoughts straight and being in the Avatar State didn't help him either.

"I know you all must have tons of questions and we will all do our best to answer them. Teji, one of your own, can speak for us as well. He has become a part of our group during our stay here and we are more than happy to have him with us."

Teji was a bit surprised. He thought he was going to be left out on this one, but he took his queue and stepped in line with the others. It made him proud to be included and stand before his family and friends like this.

"The war is over," Aang repeated at last. "It's time to start a new chapter for this world… I hope you all will join me in writing it."

Aang then jumped down and dissolved his pillar to stand with his family. They all gave him a quick hug as yelling and cheering resounded again. It didn't take long, but the gang was soon swarmed with hundreds of people all with praises and never ending questions on their lips.

Momo and Suha huddled in the center of Appa's saddle as the masses descended around them.

Aang hadn't said anything, but the gang quickly figured it out. Their day belonged to the people. Moving off into separate directions, the gang spread out so more questions could be answered faster. The majority headed to Aang but Katara, Sokka, Suki, Zuko, Mai, Toph and even Teji were swarmed as well. Six hours later the gang was still talking to different people when the island's councilmen had mercy and decided to call it quits on their behalf.

"Avatar Aang," the head councilman called. "I believe you all have been generous with your time. I'm sure you are all hungry. Come, let us head back to the underground city were we can eat and speak to you directly."

Aang was more than thankful to have the offer. His voice was going horse as so many people all wanted to have a chance to talk to him.

"Sounds good. I accept your kind offer," Aang quickly agreed. "Hey guys," Aang called over to the others amidst the crowd. Most people had left already, however there were still a few hundred remaining. "We're done for the day," Aang said once he saw they were all looking his way. "The council has invited us over for dinner. Meet up there."

The gang nodded in understanding. Sokka gave the thumbs up.

"Momo," Aang called. Aang had to ignore the people around him or else he'd never leave. It was hard not to continue to answer their never ending questions. "Bring my glider!"

Momo twitched an ear then grabbed his glider that was stored on Appa's saddle. Iroh had picked it up after checking up on Houndy. Momo flew over and dropped it into Aang's hands easily. Katara had finally made her way back to Aang's side.

"Ready to go?" she asked.

"Definitely," Aang said exhausted.

Aang then spun open his glider over his head. Holding it behind him ready for takeoff, Katara grabbed onto the top side just as Aang launched himself into the sky; he'd leave Appa behind for the others.

Several other Air Benders with their gliders in hand took flight as well and merrily followed after Aang. It was so much fun for Aang to finally be flying with his people again. Momo happily swooped side to side around Katara without a care in the world. Katara was enjoying the ride as well. Then, as Aang flew over the southern tree line of the canyon, Momo stopped flying in loops and began sniffing the air. Suddenly Momo darted away from Aang and off to the right.

"Momo?" Aang called as he just caught a glimpse of him disappearing into the forest.

Immediately Aang banked a hard right and began weaving in and out of trees following his little furry friend. Likewise, all of the other Air Benders who had been happily following also banked and trailed after the Avatar to see what he was up to.

"Momo!" Aang called again. He was having a hard time keeping sights on the lemur. Then just as he caught up to him, Momo stopped his progress and began rapidly circling a large tree. Aang immediately landed with two dozen other Air Benders soon after. They all closed their gliders to look around.

"Momo, what's gotten in to you?" Aang asked as he watched Momo endlessly circle the tree. Soon Momo darted into the large canopy and leap from branch to branch with endless energy.

"I've never seen him like this," Katara marveled.

Looking up they both started to notice that there were dozens of other lemur in the tree. Its massive trunk also had a thin purple cord tied around it.

"What is this place?" Aang finally asked one of the Air Benders standing respectfully behind him.

One of the men stepped forward.

"Avatar Aang, my name is Kale and I am the head Master Lemur Trainer on the island," said the 48 year old bender. "This tree is one of our many Home Nesting trees."

"Home Nesting trees!" Aang said in disbelief.

Katara didn't know what that meant.

Kale then turned to look at all of the Air Benders who had chosen to follow the Avatar. "Is Kira here?" he asked.

"I'm here," a timid woman's voice called as Kira nudged past the others. She was short and stocky but she was cute as a button when she smiled with her chubby cheeks.

"This is your tree right?" Kale asked although he knew it was.

"Yes," she answered. She couldn't help but stare at the crazed lemur in bewilderment.

Katara asked the obvious question. "What's he doing?"

Everyone stared up at Momo. Usually tame lemurs were marked with a dye marker on their tail. It was a way for the locals to determine which were wild and which were trained. Aang didn't know anything about that custom.

"Avatar Aang, is that your lemur?" Kale's deep voice asked.

"Yes. That's Momo. I found him all alone in the Southern Air Temple right after my awakening… five years ago."

Kira's eyes went wide. "Are there other lemur in the world?" she asked just to be sure.

"Uh, no. Not that anyone's seen," Aang answered back.

Kira instantly spun around to her master Kale. "This is him!" she cried.

Kale's eye brow quirked up. He didn't catch her meaning.

Kira didn't care and sprinted up to her tree. Looking up she chirped and cooed to Momo. "Come here my little adventurous one…" she coaxed.

Instantly Momo darted down and into her arms. All of the other lemurs in the trees were going nuts now as well. Kira walked back to the Avatar with Momo in her arms and as calmly as she could muster she passed Momo back to his owner.

Aang and Katara couldn't believe it nor could Kale.

"This lemur is one of the guys I trained five years ago," Kira explained with the biggest smile on her face. "This is the tree he was born in."

Aang and Katara looked back up into the canopy with new eyes.

"These guys aren't given names until they have an owner but I always called him my little adventurous one." Kira teared up a little at the memory. Momo had been one of her favorites. "They aren't allowed to fly above the trees until they are one year old," she explained. "The night we took flight up into the sky for the first time, this guy here flew way too high for his own good and got caught in one of the high atmosphere air currents and was carried away."

"Of course!" Aang brought a hand to his head now he remembered. "The jet streams high above the temples was how we communicated with all of the traveling nomads! How could I forget about that?"

Katara kept quiet and figured she'd ask him about the details later.

"Well in any case," Kira added, "I'm glad he found you."

"Me too," Aang warmly agreed.

Kale was glad one of their biggest mysteries was finally solved. The past incident had been a small tragedy for the island's lemur trainers.

Momo left Aang's grasp once more to fly through the branches of his Home Tree one last time. Aang felt it was time to go and opened his glider once more. He was so happy that he now knew Momo's past when it had been something he never had imagined he'd learn. However, the sky would be turning dark in a few hours and there was more people he needed to talk to before the day was done.

"Ready to go Momo?" Aang asked.

Momo was happier than he ever had been. He was finally home. But sitting on a tree branch looking down at Aang he realized that he had been missing his master these past four weeks, although to a lemur who can't keep track of time, the separation had seemed nearly infinite. The decision was easy. Momo wanted to be with Aang more than anything else. He jumped from the branch and swooped back to Aang. Having seen other lemur again was enough for him to know that everything was okay within the scope of his little world.

Aang and Katara then took off once more. Aang flew above the trees with the other Air Benders following. For the group with him the flight alone was remarkable. Flying above the canopy during the day time felt amazing and freeing. Aang truly had set them free.

Arriving back to the mouth of the cave, Aang and Katara found the rest of the gang waiting for them.

"Geeze, what took you guys so long?" Toph asked.

"Ya," Sokka asked. "You both left before us!"

Aang grinned. "Momo wanted to check out something first."

"Momo?" Mai asked in deadpanned disbelief.

"Ya," Katara continued. "Momo took us to where he was born!"

"Turns out," Aang explained, "he got himself sucked up into an air jet stream high in the atmosphere which dumped him into the Patola Mountain range."

"Wow," Toph spoke up again. "You really do have the craziest adventures when you disappear," Toph joked.

Sokka and Suki laughed at Toph's choice of words. She had said the same thing when Aang had told them about how he learned to Energy Bend.

Aang laughed too.

Zuko, Mai, and Katara were left in the dark on this one and just shrugged. Teji just did his best to keep up with everyone's thought processes.

"So are we ready to go?" Zuko asked.

"Sure," Aang answered. "But where's Appa and Iroh?"

Suki answered. "Appa flew us here then some of the locals offered to take him over to the bison's stalls to meet the rest of the herd. We figured that was a great idea."

"As for my Uncle," Zuko continued. "You know how he is. He disappeared with the rest of the dispersing crowd. I figure he's with his contacts. He won't leave the island without us." Zuko was sure of that.

"Alright then," Aang said. "Let's go have some dinner with the councilmen. I don't know about you guys but I'm starving!"

"Yes!" Sokka desperately agreed. "Finally! Now let's go already!" Sokka grabbed the two closest people and began dragging them into the dark cave.

Suki rolled her eyes as she watched her boyfriend drag off Toph and Katara. "Some things never change."

Aang eagerly followed in with his closed glider. Momo went back to flying above Zuko's head as Suha eyed him from her perch on Zuko's shoulder.

The day wasn't over yet.


I decided to split this chapter in two. Hope I didn't confuse anyone! ;)