It was a serene night as the moon smiled upon on the two children as they rolled down a valley and into a crystal swimming pool with jeweled fish. Laughing as they splashed water onto each other. Holding hands they fell on to a carpet of soft grass as well as bed flowers that were a cross between orchid and a lily.
"You are so much fun! I wish I could lie here beside you forever and just gaze at the stars." sighed happily the girl with the amber eyes as a loose strand of red hair fell over her eyes.
Aang moved the hair out of the angelic face and said, "You are more wonderful than a thousand dreams. I never felt this way before. But it strange we only can see each other in the light of a beautiful vision. Tell me who are you?"
Before she could speak another voice pierced the tranquility of the dream world like a red-hot iron tip war spear. "Aang! Aang wake up!" cried a worried feminine voice.
"NO! Not now! Who are youuuuuuu…" he cried out as he woke up with the bright light of the daybreak in eyes. Breathing hard he felt his friend Katara take his hand and wipe the sweat off his face.
"Everything all right Aang?" she said as she wiped off the cold sweat off the arrow that resided on his baldhead. This was happening more often lately on their journey and it worried her. "Did you have a nightmare or something?"
Before he could answer her question Sokka spoke up. He was up front holding the reins and steering Appa on north wind.
"Oh I won't worry about Aang, Katara he finally maturing. Which is good considering he about a century overdo but hey better late than never I say. Though I'm not surprise it took so long for him to have his first one." He said with a gleam in his eye.
"What are you talking about, Sokka? Your making Katara and Momo more confused than me. What do you mean "my first one" asked the child Avatar in with a bewildered look on his face.
"I mean judging from your pants and the sounds you were making last night I put money on all my seal jerky that you just had your first "wet dream" last night am I right? I had mine when I was 14 so you getting one now are very likely.
"I still don't get you Sokka. Katara could you put in plain words?" asked Aang
She leaned over to his left ear and whispers to him with looks of horror-struck crossed his appearance. Now he really wished he stayed in that iceberg!
"Well I did dream of a girl. But we weren't doing anything like that We were playing. But she had the most stunning eyes and attractive smile! Its like I know her the same way I knew Avatar Roku." he said as his look met the sunrise radiance.
The salt air gently graced their faces as the only sounds were of the gulls higher than them and whales and dolphins underneath. It was a peaceful morning.
Katara tried practicing some water bending while Sokka check the map to see if they were on the precise route.
"Aang? Come lets practice together we have a long way to go. Aang are you in there?" she asked sweetly as she shook him
"Ahh!" he said as he soared 20 feet in the sky and come back to on top of Momo. "Oh sorry Momo" as he sat up and picked him up and petted him.
The small lemur crossed his arms and turned his head away from his boy. Only when Aang gave him an apple did he purr and take a break on top the youngster baldhead.
Katara laugh quietly at the folly around her. "I'm sorry Aang I just thought you might want to practice. We're still weeks away from the North Pole and this place you insisted on going too is at least on the way. What did you call it again?" she asked with child like curiosity
A small smile formed on his face as his minded drifted back to his home at the Air Temple. To a time before it had all destroyed. Back when Monk Gyasto was still alive and full of fun and laughs.
The sun was shinning on the grounds of the serenely of the Air Temple. Lemurs were playing joyful in the in the peach trees. The bison were munching greedily on the tender sage meadow. Laughter was heard everywhere.
Everyone was watching a young boy play a game of air ball by himself. One monk with beads around his neck was laughing to himself amused at his apprentice frolics. As much as this was enjoyable he need to speak to the boy about his responibitly and reveal a place to be he must eventful go to. Clapping his hands he said "Alright that enough play for now time to get to work. Aang, come with me. AANG now!" said the wise old monk looking into the boy's lively gray eyes.
" But Monk Gyasto I want to play!" said the child.
"Aang there is a time and a place for fun. But we must take the time to be serious and uphold our responsibly too. So come my young pupil" smiled Gyasto
Sighing he came over and followed the old monk to an indoor garden.
"Aang I have a story to tell you and I want your full attention." Said Monk Gyasto
"Ok what the story? Does it have anything to do with me being the Avatar? Or that individual you said would help guide me in my journey as the Avatar?" inquire the child who been chosen to be the Master of the elements.
"Yes Aang this story is about the Avatar. Or rather his spirit"
"My Avatar's spirit?" asked the boy whose face was fixed with a look of perplexity
"Countless millenniums ago when the Earth was new and things were just beginning, and people just start to learn to bend the elements there was disorder and chaos. The first Avatar brought harmony and balance in the world. Helped start the four nations and teach others. When the Avatar felt his time drawling near he decided to leave behind a lasting mark so people be remind of how things that are different can come together to work and form balance and harmony. He went to a spot that is equal apart from all the nations and created a star shaped island sanctuary where everyone was free to learn and live in peace. To the north point of the island is the Temple of the Avatar. Where they're a book where each Avatar has written some and left their handprint under a mural of themselves. In the center of the temple are the four stones of the elements. These stones hold the essences of the element and they decide who will born to which nation and if they be a bender or not.
In the center of the island is an arena where people gather for sports. Games and duels that involve bending the Avatar is the only one who can host the Championship of Benders. When all four nations get together and compete in the Avatar Tournament. (Think of it like the Olympics games)
The Island itself is that of unearthly exquisiteness. When you have spoken with your Guide you must head to the Isle. You'll find something there that will help you in your duty as the Avatar, Aang. Do you understand, Aang?" asked Gyasto as he finishes the story.
"I understand Gyasto. But still have many question." He said as a sapphire and amethyst butterfly land on his head.
"You may ask a question my young pupil." The old one replied
Sighing Aang asked his question. "Can we have some of your fantastic cake please?"
"Sure Aang. Even the Avatar is allowed to be spoiled once and a while."
"Monk Gyasto how I miss you." He whispered to himself sadly.
"Aang?" said Katara as she vibrate him lightly
"Oh sorry Katara. I was just recalling the time I first learned of this island. We should reach it by tomorrow morning before dawn if we go full speed ahead. Why don't you make us something to eat? I'll take over for Sokka so he can sleep. Steering a 24000 pound bison can't be trouble-free on a empty stomach and no catnaps." He replied as he took over for Sokka who went over to the basket-saddle and went right to sleep.
Katara began to cut the apples and moon peaches in the equal slices and divide some cake. Her blue eyes looked up at the small boy and she wonder if he was ok. So much had happen to him in such a short time. And she was very concerned with the fact he might not be being very open with his feelings on the recent events that had come to pass.
He had been frozen in an iceberg for 100 years. Became the target of the Fire Nation. Found his home destroyed. Learning he had only till next summer to master the four elements or he won't be able to save the world. And he was just a kid! A child. A kid that didn't deserver such a burden on his shoulders.
Though all the eye could see for miles was water, the only thing Aang saw was that sweet smile and attractive yellowish-brown eyes. He tilted his head to the side, and sighed as a smile crept across his face. What was the matter with him he wondered?
"Sokka. Sokka wake up!" said Katara
"Come on Katara! I could do with forty winks! We're still half a day away from this isle! Be considering of others! What is it that can't wait?"
"I'm worried about Aang. I don't know he hasn't been the same since that full moon last week. Its like he's lost in a whole other world. I think he was having more than a wet dream." She said with a worried look in her eyes.
Sokka looked at her at yawned and said as he scratched himself. "You are worried over nothing. Now I'm going to go to sleep and I don't want to be woken up till dinner ok? Good night, Katara!"
Soon sleep overpowered Katara and she too fell asleep as the salty sea gentle grazed hers and her older brother faces. But her face was still etched with concern for her friend.
"Guys wake up! We have arrived!" shouted Aang as he pointed into the distances and island appeared in the light of the morning light.
The island was in the shape of a five-pointed star. Surrounding the outside the island was a huge wall made out of stone figures of past Avatars. To the east the bay was filled with a grand ships catching various seafood. To the west was large cliff looming over the wall were jagged sharp rocks laid below. In the south were fields upon fields of rolling green with loads of crops and orchards of fruit trees. To the north lay a temple and the center had a grand city. They landed next to the southern gate and walk to the gold doors. A man stopped them with long platinum hair in a single braid. He had fair skin and palest blue eyes. He wore techno color clothes and crystal pendent and gold band crown on his head. He had no weapons but create a giant fissure in front of them.
"Halt who comes to such sacred ground? What the reason for your being?" asked the man sternly
Aang stepped forward and bowed. "My name is Aang, I'm the Avatar and these are my friends. We wish to stay one week and see if there anything I that will help me in my quest to restore balance to the planet." He said in a solemn voice. The crystal pendent glowed and the fissures closed.
"Welcome Avatar Aang. We have been expecting you for a long time. A very long time. I'm Captain of the Guardians of the Isle of the Avatar, Cornelius. You and your friends are welcomed as honored guest. Your bison may sleep in the moors. There is an inn about 35 yards away from the square. My wife and daughter work there. They shall accommodate your needs. Please proceed. And Avatar thank you for finally coming." Said Cornelius as he opens the door.
Once inside they saw the true grandeur of the isle. The buildings were made of white marble with adoring jewels. Trees and flowers were everywhere and there was laughter and music. Everyone was wearing fine brightly colored clothes. It was like no place they ever been. The most peculiar things were that everyone was a bender of some kind. Water, Fire and Earth. But no Air. Aang hope that maybe there was one more Airbender vanished quickly.
Reaching the squire they went to a beautiful fountain and began to fill their canteens. "This is a truly beautiful place. People from so many different backgrounds living and working together in harmony is just wonderful. I love it. Can you believe we spotted this place at dawn and it's already after noon?" sigh Katara as she bended the water in the fountain a bit.
"Yeah it great here. Boy is I hungry! Do you see that inn that Cornelius was talking about?" asked Sokka
They then heard a playful giggle behind them as some mud was thrown onto the back of their heads. They brushed it off disgusted and turned to face their attackers.
"Hey" shouted Sokka as he ready his boomerang
"Sorry about that I just thought I get your attention. I'm Cornelia you met my father at the gate. Come with me I'll show to the inn." said a 14-year-old girl with long platinum pigtails in a pink and gold dress. Like everyone else on the isle she wore a circle band crown on her head and a crystal pendent.
Smiling at Aang she said blissfully "My grandma knew Avatar Roku. He was the last Avatar to come here. That was the last time the Tournament was held. He let her, sit next to him in overseer box. She never spoke a word till he came helped out of the mud and gave her some food. She said, "Thank you, Avatar Roku you are most kind," and he said, "Your welcome Zephyr" She became a temple guardian after that. I'm training to be one when I'm not busy helping Mother at the inn. Here we are! Come inside."
It was beautiful four-story building. It was light orange with lilac roof covered in ivy and had the most sweetest smelling flowers and large silver maple trees. Out in the garden was a statute of angels and a fountain and with both an aquarium and aviary.
"Hello, Mother? I've brought an important guest. Hmm. Maybe she is in the kitchen. Follow me," as they wondered through the lovely rooms that felt so nice and loving. This place was like a dream come true.
Sokka nose and stomach led him right to the kitchen. Something mouth watering was inside. He ran right inside and startles two young boys. They had the same chin length brunet hair and gray eyes and wore purple tunics and wide toed sandals.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to surprise you guys. I just had to know what that smell was. It smells great."
"We can't talk sir, we are busy making dinner." said the one on the right who was putting covered trays on a cart.
"Our boss doesn't like it when we don't do our work. Beside your not supposed to be back here. Now go my brother must get these pastries done as well as finish filling the dessert cart. Now shoo!" said the other one as he set some trays on the bottom.
"You water boy come here! You wait outside in the dinning room, which are three doors to your left. I'm sorry he bothered you Remus, Romulus! Have you seen my Mom?" Asked Cornelia evenly
"She was cooking the smoked salmon and getting the crustacean done. We tell her you looking for you. Bye." Said the twins as they used fire bending to heat up the oven behind them.
They waited in the dinning room at a glass table. They notice that they were pictures of famous scene of history and there were symbols and bust everywhere.
Aang just started out the window looking at the temple. He seemed to be lost again in thoughts. It was a race against the clock. He knew air bending and a little water bending but could he truly master all the elements in time before the Comet came? He was only a child! Could he really do it?"
"Aang! Aang!" said Katara voice though clouds that fogged his mind.
"Uh?" breaking his glance at his the window at facing Katara
"Sorry Katara you where saying?" he chuckled embarrassed a bit
"I want you attention, Avatar Aang. I like you to meet my mother Nerine. She is the most talented water bender on the island." gestured Cornelia to a young woman
The women was 5'7 with three lengthy platinum braids and wore a mauve and azure dress.
"Welcome Avatar Aang. I hope your visit to the Isle is one to remember. Snapping her fingers the goblets were filled and food was served. After the first course a trio of girls in short white dresses with lengthy crimped yellowish-brown tresses with blossom wreathes and honey colored eyes. They each began to dance while bender one element and they were singing a song.
Call my name and I'll be there
There are days when those gray skies make you blue
Each forward step you take, you fall back by two
You've been hit by some hard knocks
You just can't stand feeling like Alice felt in Wonderland Let me be the one to lend a hand
Chorus
Call my name and I'll be there
There's nothing like the laughter that we share
Whenever you need someone or a shoulder to lean on Call my name and I'll be there
And when life going your way Just like a breeze It's a kite flying kind of day Above the trees together we'll be making memories
Repeat Chorus
As this world turn us around we hang on to what we've found A treasure we both need I will go that extra mile To give you back that certain smile That you given me. I'll answer every time and anywhere
Repeat Chorus
Call my name and I'll be there
Call my name and I'll be there
Call my name
Call my name I'll be there
End of song
"That was a very lovely and energetic song! You people sure have a peaceful and dreamlike life here. Its like the war hasn't affect you." Remarked Aang as he bit into his peach
"Well you should get some sleep young Avatar. My daughter will take you to the temple tomorrow. Sokka you can help with some household tasks and I will help Katara with some water bending training. Now off to bed." Smiled Nerine as she used some bending to extinguish the artificial lights.
They climbed up the stairs and come up a tower. There were two doors on each side of the door to the tower. "Katara your on the left, Sokka on the right and Aang your room is on the top of the tower. See you in the morning.
Cornelia went to the first floor to say good night to her mother and father when a knock came at the door. Glancing at the moon dial clock it was very late who be here at a quarter to midnight?
The knocking becomes more rampant and louder.
"Ok I'm coming hold your horses! Be patient! Yes?" opening the door and three shadowy figures appeared. It took only night orb to light to grace them in its enchanting light. They were two men in armor. One old and worn but still had much fire left in him. He seemed relaxed and seemed just to want to take a nice hot bath. The other was 16 with a hideous scar coving his right eye. He looked like he lived a thousand years of bitterness. It was shocking to see so much negativity that you feel the taste of such hate in your mouth. It was like looking at him and seeing a dark aura light like a candle. Holding his hand was a pretty little girl about 12. She looked really tired and hungry but also very spirited.
"Hello welcome to The Avatar 's Inn. How may we be of serves?" asked Cornelia nervously
"My family and I require a place to stay for a few nights. We are looking for someone and we think he and some of friends may of come here. So do you have something vacant?" asked the one with the scar. He seemed most impatient and agitated.
"Yes we have some rooms open in the back. Come follow me." She lead them to the end of the hall and pointed to the last door on the right. "Here we are the Red Room. I'll go get you some food and see how you are doing." She hurried to meet her parents in their bedroom.
"Mother, Father! You'll never believe who in the inn right now!" she said out of breath
"Dear child! You look like a ghost!" cried her mother.
"Yes who could come here that would scary you so bad, sweetheart? Was it the Fire Lord?" asked her father gently as he gave her some water.
Sipping the cold water she shook her head. "Close its Prince Zuko and his uncle General Iroh the Dragon of the West. And some little girl. She was quite sweet looking."
Her parents looked at her and then at each other with cold fear in their eyes. Even if they lived on a sacred isle and the war had not come to them because the spirit of the Avatar and the power of the Four Element Stones protected them, didn't mean that they didn't hear what was going on out in rest of the world. They got tons of news form the travel that came in and every day.
"We will have to keep Avatar Aang safe from them while he stays here. He must be kept safe or we all shall face destruction!" Whisper Nerine in a horse tone of voice full of alarm.
Cornelia hurried back to the Red Room and gave them a late night dinner. Zuko was just tucking the girl into bed. He handed a doll and then he ran his right hand down her face and was singing softly to her soon she was sleeping soundly.
"Thank you for the food. Good night my lady." Said Iroh kindly as he took the tray and close the door. "You certainly act much nicer when your sister is around Prince Zuko. Maybe we should forget the Avatar for a while and enjoy the island pleasure. A little down time never hurt anyone. You should really have some more fun." He said to his nephew as he bit into the roasted pheasant dribbled in hot sauce.
"Uncle! I can't have fun or a vacation. Not while the Avatar is still out there. He is the key to me regaining my honor and going home. Father will only let me return if I catch him. I want to go home that where I belong. And I want to be with Zara. I promised her I always be there for her no matter what. She is truly the only family I've beside you. I'm her hero and I can't fail her! I failed her once and the cost was dear. I swore to Mother that I won't let her down again. So the only way I can come home and be with her forever is if I get the Avatar. So no I will never give up my hunt for the Avatar I shall capture him and all will be made right and that a promise I intend to keep!" he said with clenched fists and a determine look on his face.
Zara meanwhile was dreaming that she was walking along a beach on a foggy day. The cool blue-green water felt good on her sore bare feet. She walked further till a light broke through the fog and the shape of a boy appeared. Running to him she instantly embraced him in a hug.
The pair just played in the sand and chased gulls all day. And just as the moon was raising and they cuddled together next to the fire they had built they both woke.
"Come Avatar we must go to the Temple! Hurry or we not make it before dawn. Hurry now." Said Cornelia as she got him up. It was still dark out side She lead him out a secret passage and to the stone steps of the temple.
Yawning he asked the girl "Why do we have to get to the temple before dawn? What so important?"
"Transition states that you must be in the temple inner sanctuary with the Elements Stones in solitary mediation form dawn till dusk in order to gain wisdom and insight that you will need in your quest. Once inside you will not come out till the sunsets so come we only have a half hour till dawn.
Reaching the temple he gasped when he saw the walls were covered with murals of all who had come before him. Leading down a corridor they a locked door with giant crystal in the center.
"How do we get in?" asked Aang for he didn't see anyway to use bending to open the door.
"Say you name Avatar Aang. And the door will open" replied the girl next to him
He walked forward and knelt and said, "I have come at last, my name is Aang and I'm the Avatar"
The door slowly crept open and he held back. Taking a deep breath he stepped forward. The doors shut with a bang and locked.
Under a spotlight in a gold circle with a blue velvet cushion was five smooth crystals the size of peach. Each a different color, blue, red, green, and white. But the one in the center was silver and like the rest was glowing. He could tell that they were alive and sentient. Beside the pestle were they lay was silk creamy cushion. Taken a seat he began to mediate.
Back at the inn Katara was learning the secret to water bending from Nerine. Her power over water bending was as beautiful and skilled as artist with paint and brush.
"Listen to me child. The key to bending of any kind is just to relax and unite the mind, with body and the soul. First clear your mind of all distraction, let only peaceful and soothing thoughts be present. Next breath out all of your body stress and relax your body. Finally put all you heart and soul into feel it as extension of yourself. Then use your imaging and creative to bend like my aquatic arrows or water shield. Come up with a move all your own. Try now." She instructed.
Katara imaged in her mind eye a dragon made of water and when she open her eyes there in front of was the Aqua Dragon!" "Oh My God! I did it! I really did it!" getting a gleam in her eyes she direct the dragon at her brother who was sweeping and screamed when he saw what was behind him.
"Not humorous Katara!" he screeches after being soaked to the skin.
Nearing the end of the day Zuko was frustrated that he not found the Avatar. He had brought Zara a dress as a late birthday gift and was heading back to the inn in disgust.
"Err! We been here a whole day and he hasn't shown up! But he got to be here he has to be! Zara come on we must get back to the inn! I know he close by I can feel it! Zara! Zara? Zara!" he said as he spotted her heading up the path to the cliff. "Zara, come we must get going!"
"Zuko! I wish to see the sunset. You know that dawn and dusk are my favorite times of the day. Come let's go to cliff and watch the sunset like we used to do!" she pleaded with him as tugged at his hand.
"Zara we can't be doing such foolish things! You go watch the sunset but I'm going to the inn. As soon as it's over come back. Be safe my sister." He said as he kissed her forehead gently
Smiling she ran up to the cliff and began to make a crown of white flowers. She sat down and watches the sunset. She smiled as memories she almost forgotten came back. After her moment of peace end she turns to leave when out nowhere a gust of cold wind came at her. She tried blocking it but it force her back and she tripped over a root and plummet over the side of the cliff screaming.
She banged her head against the cliff side a lost concussions just as a streak of red and yellow flew next to her. Then everything went black.
"Katara! Sokka! Help me! I need help!" Aang cried as he came running up the stairs. "Aang what wrong?" asked Katara
"Where the fire?" asked Sokka
Then they both saw the girl in Aang arms and helped carry her up to his room. Sokka ran to the kitchen to get food and Katara stitch up the cut on her forehead.
"What happen Aang?" Katara finally asked
"I had just finish my vision quest and I want to fly back to the inn. I was soaring over the island when I heard a scream she had fallen off the cliff and I was barely able to save her in time. I mean…" he stop taking and got a dazed look in his eyes.
"I've got the food. Aang, Katara! Wow what with Aang?" inquire Sokka
"I don't know." come back with Katara shaking her head.
Crying in a crunched up shape was Zara in a void of darkness and all of sudden a light appeared and Aang came to her and held out his hand. "Come with me into the light. Don't be afraid everything is going to be all right I promise. Trust me!" He said in the most soothing voice.
Taking his hand she followed into the light and they both woke up and said in union. "I know you. Your in my dream."
Shaking her head she touched her forehead and saw blood. "What happened? Where am I? And who are you?" she inquiry
"You fell of a cliff and I saved you. You're at the inn and I'm Aang and that Katara and Sokka. Who are you?" asked Aang patient
"I'm Zara. I'm visiting my brother and uncle for a while. Thank you for saving my life. I'm so grateful… Where my Avatar! Where is he?" She suddenly exclaimed
"Avatar? Your after the Avatar?" asked Aang nervously
"My doll! I call him my Avatar Doll because he made up all four nations." She explained
"Oh THAT Avatar I thought you meant me. Here you go!" said Aang as hand her doll
"Thank you. So you are Avatar. I thought you were just another story my mom used to tell me. She gave me this doll the day I was born. Sighing "She was very good with her hands. She could make anything. She was kind, caring and very generous. Her love was like the sunlight on you she was ray of hope in our lives. I miss her a lot." She smiled at Aang
"What happen to her?" asked Sokka
"She died when I was four. This necklace and doll are all I've left of her." She replied quietly
"We know what it like to lose someone you love. We lost our mother," said Katara
"I'm sorry too." She responded
She had notice that her glove had come loss and when Aang notices this he tried to help her. "Your glove loose and look like some swelling we better check."
"No don't touch! No Ahh!" she cried as the glove came off.
They all gave an involuntary gasp. Her right hand was not flesh and bone it was dark red crystal!
"What happen to your hand?" asked Aang tenderly holding her hand and stroke it.
"When I was four, I was playing with my doll and watching my brother practice his fire bending skills. Mom was talking to some people. In the other room was a party going on to celebrate the victory for then Lt. Zhao who would presently arise to rank of Commander one day. He was living it up drinking an alcoholic beverage knows as Magma Blaze which is one of the strongest alcohols there is. There were some people late for the party and the knock me over with out stopping to apologize. They kicked Avatar into the party. I went into get him and he had been kicked under Zhao feet. I crawled under the table and got him but as I turn to leave I bumped my head on the table spilling food and drinks on to him. He then viciously grabbed me by my right hand and screamed I'd had dishonored him in his moment of glory. And I was to be punishment. He then burns my hand. I was screaming so loudly that my brother came rushing in and got me out. But my hand had been burned so badly that it had to be amputated. While that was going on my brother challenge Zhao to an anngka or fire duel. He lost and received a lasting mark of shame. But that was not the end of it. I went to see him and he been beaten by Father for his frailer to protect me. That was the night he promised to always be there for me and never let anything happen to me. Shortly after that Mother died. I wear this glove out of guilt." She finished telling her sad story
Katara and Sokka couldn't believe that this could happen to anyone. But they left and Aang and Zara spent the whole night talking to each other.
When morning finally came Aang woke to find Zara had left. Wondering if she was ok. He woke his friends and they search the village. Un be notice to them Zuko was hot on his trail after seeing him rush off from the inn.
"We got to find her guys. Let check one more time and Ahh!" cried Aang as a fireball comes out nowhere and pinned him to the wall. "Aang! Hold on Ahh!" cried Katara as she and Sokka were capture.
"Katara! Sokka!"
"Your friends are fine for now. Only if you corrupted will they remain that way. So Avatar here ends our little chase. Come with me or they shall die before your eyes!" Cried Zuko as point a fiery fist at them.
Before Aang could respond. A ton of mud fell on Zuko. "Who dare defile me with mud!" he cried angrily
"We did. As the sacred guardians of this Isle we order you to cease and let the Avatar and his friends go." Shouted Cornelius
Instead of obeying he sent a massive fire wave at them and knocking them out.
"Now in less you want to wind up like them I suggest you all stay out of this. Now Avatar. Do I have to destroy the whole island or will you come willing?" He said as he closed in on Aang
"NO! I will not come! Not let my friends go!" he cried
"Sorry not the right answer. Now you shall burn. Firing a blast of fire at him. Aang braced himself for the end. It never came. Just as the fire was inches from his skin he heard someone cry out "Soul of the Phoenix! "
"HUH?" cried Katara and Sokka "Wow what is seventh heaven name is that!" call out Katara in amassment
"What every it is its is stunning! And its protecting Aang!" observed Sokka as his wrist were held tighter.
A large bird of fire was keeping Zuko 's flames at bay final it beat its mighty wings and the flames were extinguished. The Phoenix gave one more cry before withering away and in its place was Zara with arms spread wide in front of Aang and a look of determination on her face.
Zuko's face seemed to take on a look of shock and angry. "Zara? How dare you define me! Get out the way so I may capture the Avatar and we can go home."
"NO! I will not move! Zuko please, listen to me. There something you must know. You must let him go this time. You owe him!" she said with tears welling up in her eyes.
"Why is Zuko even listening to her? She should be dead where she stands for getting in his way!" hissed Sokka
"I don't understand it myself but lets hope she can get us out of this jam or we're dead!" hissed Katara back at him
"Zara, where is your loyalty? You have always wanted me to come home. And you know that wish shall never come true as long as he remains free why do you think I let him go? And what to you mean I owe him?" asked Zuko
"My loyalty is to you as always. That will be as true as the day is long. I do wish you to come home. But you are honor bound to him. And to me. You promise you do anything for me than do this one thing and let him and his friends go. I know that honor is the most important thing to you beside me and I'm asking you to honor my wish. So let him go." Said Zara, as she looked straight into his eyes making them softer a tad bit.
"What is your reason for letting him go?" asked the scared teenager to the child
The child smiled at the teenager and said in a quite voice but echoed through the entire isle. "He saved my life, my brother. You owe him a life debt. His friends took care of me even thought I'm of the Fire Nation. Don't let his good deed be in vain. Let Aang go this once. Please my brother. It is the honorable thing to do." She said sweetly as a gentle wind blew around them.
A shock look crossed Aang, Katara and Sokka face. Zara was Prince Zuko sister! This was unbelievable!"
Zuko screamed once and then stared hard into Aang 's eyes and demanded, "Is this true Avatar? Did you save my sister life?"
"Yes I did. She fell off the cliff and I saved her. I didn't know she was your sister and even if I had I would still have saved her." Aang said nervously as sweat pored down his face.
Zuko took three steps forward and bowed. "Thank you, Avatar, for saving Zara life. I grant you daytime to get away from here before we begin the chase again. But this only because you saved my sister life. Next time Avatar you are mine. Come! We are going back to the ship. Zara coming?" he inquire
"In a moment, Zuko. I needed to do one more thing. Walking up to Aang she said, "You are very lucky. Now go. I spared your life once but that is the end of this friendship. The Fire Nation Princess can't be a friend with Avatar. But I would like to give you give you a gift so you will always remember for who I'm right now as your friend and not your enemy for who I'm destiny to become." She sweetly whispers in his ear.
Then she leaned in and he held her close and to the amazement to everyone around him or her. They start a long passionate kiss.
Even though it only lasted a moment it felt like an entity. When they broke off she ran away with tears in her eyes. When she boards the ship again she removed her dress and put on some armor. Her goodness melted away and only twisted angry and hate was iced over.
"Come, brother! Lets get the Avatar! Together it will be our moment of glory," she laughed wickedly
Above in the sky as the night fell and a heavy fog rolled in Aang stared out in space and touched his lips.
Sokka and Katara looked at each other and knew they had to ask the dread question.
"Aang are you going to be ok?" asked Katara as placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Katara, Sokka I'm not ok. But I'm also in love. I love Zara and that will never change. I don't understand these emotions and I don't know what to do." He said as they drift into the night.
What did the future hold?
