A deep sigh was released as Aang buried his face into Appas warm and shaggy fur. He could feel hot tears forming in his eyes, and forcefully fought them back. He remembered the day that they told him that he was to be the next Avatar, he never wanted to be. Everyone looked at him with envy, wishing they could be so famous and loved as he would one day. But they didnt understand. His life was torn away from him, thrust into a world that he was not old enough to handle. Running away, his choice, led him to being thrown 100 years later.

Now he had nothing. His old home, friends, and family were gone. All of the other airbenders killed. Aang missed his people terribly, and he felt so alone. Like a green apple in a bushel of red ones. Why couldn't he just be a normal kid! Why couldn't he just have fun and be with those he loved! Aang clenched his fists in frustration. This was no life anyone should envy. The fire nation was constantly on his tail, trying to capture him and chain him to a wall for the rest of his life. Everyday he had to live in hiding until he could master the elements. Pressure to save the world, and he was only a small child. Aang wanted to run away from his responsibilities, let someone else be the avatar. See how much they like the training,fighting,pain,worry,power.

"What does the world want from me Appa? I'm just a kid."

Aang closed his eyes and tried to picture the air temple as it used to be. His memory was so fuzzy, that it was too difficult. He ground his teeth together, furious at the world. Suddenly, a nearby scream made Aang raise his head abruptly. Katara He thought,snapping back to his senses. He pulled sharply on the reigns and Appa quickly flew back to the camp.

His eyes widened as he saw Katara struggling to get out of her sleeping bag while Sokka pulled out his boomerang. In front of them stood a massive creature, at least Appas size. It had a long muzzle, filled with razor sharp teeth. It eyes were merely narrowed slits, and its ears barley visible. The creature's body was black with a silver streak running along the side of it and down its tail. The paws were enormous, each armed with four dangerous claws. Aang recognized it as a Greebler, but what was it doing here? They were in the earth kingdom, and Greeblers were native to the Fire Nation lands.

Appa flew faster, barreling into the giant beast and sending them both into the forest. Trees creaked and fell under the weight of the giant animals, dirt flying everywhere. Aang hoped off Appa as the Greebler threw the bison off him. A hideous snarl erupted from its mug as it approached the camp once more. Appa grunted, to stunned to move. Quickly, Aang airbended himself into the air, then using his staff sent a powerful blow at the Greebler. It struck the giant monster and sent him tumbling back into the woods, but he was soon on his feet again. Aang pulled into his airbender stance as the monster charged him, but suddenly stopped as a water whip struck its face. Aang turned to see Katara with their water canteen, waterbending at the Greebler. It changed course, running after the tribe girl instead. Aang swiftly shot another blow of air at it, but this time the monster was ready. It halted, slowly turning to look at Aang. Malicious eyes glared with hatred as he recognized Aang to be the one that was the threat. It charged him once more, teeth glowing a deathly white as Aang screamed and tried to jump out of the way. The Greebler lowered its head, bashing into the young Avatar and sending him flying into a nearby tree. Aang slowly slid down to the bottom, momentarily out cold.

"Come on Sokka,Run!"

Katara cried, hoping to lead the monster away from Aang. She grabbed her brothers armed and began pulling him the other way into the forest. A mighty roar thundered through her ears as the Greebler ran after them. Katara and Sokka ran as fast as they could, but soon began skidding desperately to stop. Finally their motion halted as they overlooked the massive cliff edge that they stood on. The trees below looked like tiny dots, and the wide river a small blue line. Katara screamed as the monster burst out of the forest, eyeing them hungrily. She began waterbending, trying desperately to fight it.

Aang finally came to as Momo chattered nosily at him. He groaned in pain as he slowly rose, then shook his head.Katara and Sokka! In his rush to save them, he forgot his staff and ran into the woods. His eyes nearly bulged out of his head as he saw Katara fighting against the Greebler. She and Sokka stood, their backs to the cliff drop. The monster moved forward, forcing them to step back. Sokkas heel rested on nothing but air as he tried to regain his balance. Aang didn't even have time to shout as the monster ran forward, as fast as it could. It barreled into the two siblings,but couldn't stop in time. Suddenly, all three of them flew over the cliffs edge and plummeted below.

Aang ran over, his face twisted in horror. He began to pull out his glider and dive after them, until he realized that he didn't have it. A few seconds past, then the earth rumbled as a cloud of dust formed below, where Katara,Sokka,and the Greebler fell. There was no way they could have survived. Aang threw back his head, crying out in anguish and fury. His tattoos began to glow, followed by his eyes. Screaming with rage, a whirlwind wrapped itself around him, rising him into the air. Looking around, he saw nothing to blame for the deaths of his friends. He needed to vent his fury. Suddenly, a huge wave of earth and fire blazed through the forest, destroying everything in its path. Looking on, the tornado suddenly began to fade away as it lowered the Avatar to the ground. He fell in a heap and began sobbing uncontrollably. He closed his eyes, not even having the energy to cry anymore. He just lay there, wishing he were dead.

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"Prince Zuko, why don't you come and enjoy a nice cup of tea." Iroh said as he closed his eyes, sighing happily and taking a sip of the tea.

"I don't want tea,I want the avatar." Zuko hissed, eyes narrowing. He looked upon the island that they were nearing, supposedly the place where the trio would stop next.

"Yes,I know."Iroh said, trying to sound disappointed that Zuko would not join him. He knew that his nephew wouldn't, but still it would have been nice. Following Zukos gaze, he saw the approaching land mass. They would be arriving at the island any minute now.

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"What was that?" Zuko demanded as they began to unboard. The trees around him were taken by the massive display of power shocked him. It must be the Avatar. Zuko lead his men into the forest, towards the heart of the explosion. Fists were held in tight balls of anticipation as they neared the end. His soldiers spread out so that they could surround the avatar. This time he wouldn't escape. Slowly they marched on, footsteps unheard. An evil smirk overtook Zukos face as he saw Aang laying on the ground. Yes, he's weak. He must be tired from that power wave Zuko thought. His men began to walk forwards to apprehend Aang, but Zuko put out his hand to stop them. He walked towards Aang, who simply watched him, not bothering to get up.

"I finally have you Avatar, you're coming with me."

Aang just stared at him, his eyes seemed dull and lifless. Without Katara in it, the world didn't seem like saving anymore. They were all he had left… she was his everything. Sitting up, he turned his head away from Zuko, sadly speaking;

"I dont even care anymore. Katara and Sokka are gone."

Zuko gave the avatar a quizzical look, raising his eyebrows. Yet he marched towards him, kneeling behind the boy and uncoiling his rope. As the prince grabbed Aangs arms to tie them together, the avatar made no move. Quickly he knotted them as tight as he could, ensuring that Aang could not break loose. Once done, he motioned his men forward. They grabbed Aang and stood him up before forcing him to walk forward. Zuko looked over at Aang, still confused. So the boy's companions were gone? Did that mean they were dead? Zuko was pleased at Aangs easy surrender, now he could restore his honor.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Avatars face remained downcast, his eyes closed in unbearable emotional pain. He could feel the cold metal beneath him as they boarded the ship, and once again when his arms where shackled to a wall in his prison. Aang slouched down and sat on the floor, burying his face in his arms and crying. Hearing footsteps, he looked up to see Iroh. The old man was sitting cross-legged in front of Aang, a sympathetic look on his face.

"Tell me young Avatar, why did you surrender yourself so easily?" He questioned.

Aang sighed, turning his head away.

"My friends, their gone. A greeble killed them."

Iroh drew back in shock. A greeble? In the Earth Kingdom? It was unbelievable, but it was the only explanation he had. Iroh said nothing, just placed his hand on the young boys shoulder. He truly felt sorry for the boy.

"Why should I even bother fighting? Whats left to fight for? My home,my friends,my family, my people. Their all gone. Everyone says that I turned my back on the world, but it turned its back on me"

Aang said, finally finishing and once more burying his head in his arms. Iroh sighed deeply, such pain the boy was in. He slowly stood and walked out, leaving Aang alone in the dark chamber.