Zen
Aang found himself once again at the Southern Air Temple, his home. He had come full circle and was back to where this one-hundred-and-one-year adventure began. It was time for him to make peace with his people and help them find rest in the Spirit world. Aang carefully gathered all the bones of his friends, family, and masters scattered throughout the compound. He painstakingly took them to the top peak of the mountain his former home was built on and created a funeral pyre.
If he had been available when the attack first happened at this temple he would have given them a proper preparation to return to the cycle of life, but this time he would have to borrow from the traditions of the nation that destroyed his people in the first place. As Aang set the bones on fire, he looked down in his hand at the necklace of his beloved mentor and friend, Monk Gyatso. He knew how deeply he disappointed the older man and resolved that when he went to fulfill his obligation to the world, he would do it for him.
A strong breeze picked up on the mountain and sparks from the fire swirled in the pattern of the runes of his people as they carried on the wind. Aang understood that his people were entering the Spirit world in peace. Tears stained his face as he said his final goodbyes. He wiped his tears on his sleeve and took a deep breath. He allowed himself these last moments to prepare for his final mission.
Aang meticulously had one last shave and dressed in the formal robes of the Air Nomads he found in the temple. He put on the precious wooden carved necklace of his ancestor giving himself one last look in a mirror. It was time. Before he took off on Appa, Aang gave his best friend a gentle pat and fed him the last of the season's moon peaches he gathered. Appa groaned appreciatively.
"Appa, thank you for being the most consistent and faithful friend I've ever had. You've been with me through thick and thin and helped my friends when I couldn't. I hope to see you soon in the Spirit world with me. I love you." He said giving the beast one more pat before hopping on his head to lead him to what he couldn't say.
The Fire nation was in a frenzy. The news spread quickly that the Avatar surrendered himself to the Fire Lord on the very day of his coronation. The attendance tripled to see what would become of the Avatar and the rest of the world. The soon-to-be-crowned Phoenix King took it as a sign that the spirits were with him and even Agni himself was pleased and gave him a boon. Little did Fire Lord Ozai know, today Aang would make the ultimate sacrifice for his people and the world.