Aang woke up with a start, and needed a few seconds to realize someone had just pulled him up to his feet. It was a teenage girl, dressed in red and black.
"Who…who are you?" Aang asked surprised, scared, and sleepy.
"The question is; Who are you?" the stranger answered.
"I am…" Aang stumbled and tried to think up a name.
"Stumbling, I see? You certainly don't belong here. Your're an imposter and must be dealt with immediately." She crossed her arms, ready for combat.
"I don't want to cause any trouble." Aang said.
"Are you from the Fire Nation?"
"No."
"Then I have no intention of fighting you."
"Are you a Firebender by any chance."
"Yes, I certainly am one. I consider myself to have much skill, if you don't mind me being modest. But now that you've asked your questions, I want to ask one of my own. Who are you?"
Aang thought for a few seconds before responding. He knew that this was his chance to get a teacher. He knew that there were only a couple of weeks until the end of summer. He had to act now, or peace would never come.
"I am… the Avatar." Aang said shyly.
"The Avatar!" the stranger cried. "How do I know that you are the Avatar? Prove yourself!"
Aang looked around for something to bend. He saw that the girl had a canteen on her belt. He encased it in an air sphere, and brought it over in from of him. The girl looked at him as he did, mouth open. He then grabbed it and opened it. He held the canteen out and waved his hand, as the water levitated out of the canteen. He then moved his hand down, and the water once again entered the canteen. Next, still holding it, he stomped once and a block off earth lifted up, making a table on which he laid the canteen.
"There you go!" Aang said, bowing. "Air, water, and earth."
"Avatar, I am showered with dishonor, as I ever questioned you. I am so sorry. Accept this Firebender's apologies."
"There's nothing to be worried about. It doesn't matter."
"So you are really the last Airbender. I have heard much about you. I bet you are the greatest Firebender on Earth. My skills will not even come close to yours."
"Thanks for the compliment, but there's one little problem." Aang added.
"And what may that be."
"I have a favor to ask of you."
"Anything for the great Avatar!" the girl said, bowing.
"Well the truth is, I have not master Firebending yet. And I was wondering if you could teach me."
The stranger's eyes filled with tears, "I will be more than honored to."
She bowed again, and out from the sky, the black and red bird landed on her shoulder.
"I don't know what to say. I have never had an opportunity like this one."
"Thanks." Aang blushed.
"For this gift, the least I can do is introduce myself better. My name is Keiko. I am shadowed in misfortune, but finally I have found redemption. I, myself have not done much that would need punishing, but I am thought dead, for reasons which are hard to understand even for myself."
"What do you mean, and really why are you here, away from everyone else."
"I don't want to remember, but I will tell you everything later. Right now, it looks like you need some food. Have you come here alone, or do you have any friends?"
"Sokka and Katara, my two friends, are looking for food on the other mountainside."
"Go get them and meet me in between the mountains." Keiko said, pointing to the gap with smoke, which Sokka had shown Aang and Katara.
"Then, it's settled." Aang said.
"Yes, Avatar. Anything you want, but I must tell you, if you could please not tell anyone of my exsistence."
"I won't. Oh, and you can call me Aang."
"Then goodbye, Aang." She said, bowing.