Disclaimer: I own it all every single bit of it police sirens looks outside emm… joking.

The high winds had died down.


"Yip, yip" Aang shouted to Appa.

Then, grabbing his glider, Aang jumped over the edge and flew back to Katara and Sokka.

"We lost most of the supplies. The sleeping bags are still here but we've lost the tent…"

"Finally! We've needed a new tent for AGES" moaned Sokka who was sprawled out like a giant cat.

"Well, how are we going to buy one, we lost the money as well"

"WHAT!" Sokka exploded to his feet "NO FOOD! NO SHELTER! NO MONEY!" Sokka screamed before fainting into a crumpled heap.

"Aang how long is it till this island" Katara asked seriously

"We'll be there in a few hours"


Zuko was on deck

"Damn Zhoa" Zuko sent a fist of flame into the air.

"Thinks, he's so good"

Sending a flame from his heel that probably would hit an unlucky little fishing boat some miles away

"One day I'm going to"

A huge pillar of fire erupted from Zuko like a caged bird set free that shot up into the sky.

The crew watched in disbelief. He'd been at it for hours and still had the energy to keep attacking the imaginary foe. He must REALLY hate the commander they collectively thought.

If only he could control his anger and use it in his bending the old general thought as he sipped his green tea.

"he is strong, one day he will rule us" wondered a crewmember to himself.

"Yes, but he is weak in the mind, he lacks wisdom" Iroh sighed "but I guess that will come with age.

"I spy with my little eye something beginning…with…C" Sokka said thoughtfully.

"Cloud" Katara grinned.

She's always good at this game. Hmmm must think of hard one. Hmmm ohh Sokka smiled as he glimpsed something on the horizon. "I…spy…with…my tweeny eye…something…. Beginning…with…S"

Katara rolled her eyes.

"Sun"

"No"

"Sea?"

"Nope" Sokka smirked

"Sand"

Smiling Sokka shook his head.

"Sack"

"Noooo"

"Sleeping bag?"

"No, give up Katara"

No, Katara thought the amount of times I've played this daft game I have ALWAYS won. Now lets see, aha!

"Sky?"

"No" Sokka was nearly killing himself. If he didn't Katara would.

"Clue. Is it in here or out there?" Katara asked pointing at a big fluff of a cloud.

"Outside. Do you give up?"

"Ahhh! I hate this stupid game"

"Then why did you suggest it"

Katara got up. The places to go and sulk on Appa were quite limited. Sitting on the other side of the basket-thing Katara continued her train of thought.

Katara gazed at the weaved bottom of the basket-thing.

It's outside so that rules out sack, supper, sausages, silk and sitting. I've already said sun sand and sea. Maybe it's not that simple. Sea what does a sea do: swish? Swirl?

"Sparkle?"

Sokka was getting bored now. The attention span of a two-year-old and the same temper as one.

"It's on the sparkle" Sokka clued.

Katara nearly threw herself off the flying bison's back. She peered out into the briny blue. Then she saw it an ugly black mark on the clear water. Like a blackhead on clear skin or a muddy paw print on you mum's white carpet.

"SHIP?"

"Wow! Finally that took AGES" Sokka said sarcastically

"AANG!" she shouted leaving Sokka to gloat about her inferior brain and how intelligent he was.

"What is it Katara?" Aang asked Katara as he smoothly landed.

"There is a Fire nation boat below us"

"Where?"

"There? Do you think they've seen us?

A pillar of ferocious whirling pillar of intense fire flew skyward. It was nowhere near Appa but they could feel it scorching their faces

"No" Aang grinned wiping his face; "They've definitely not seen us"

"How do you know" Sokka grunted.

"Cause 'that" pointing to the last of the hungry flames, "would have hit us"


((2 hours later)))

They had long lost sight of the fire nation ship to the horizon behind them.

"LOOK! Land! Shelter! FOOD!" Sokka roared with all the breath in his lungs.

The group looked down at the island below. It was a pattern of lush greens. From the dark green of the forest that covered most of the land, to the small light yellow-green of the tiny patched of farmland and clearings. A small purple hill shot up from the centre of the island. At the top stood a small stone temple. Its silver roof outshone the sun. "Loka" the forty-something was born on the island. She was an earth-bender of course.

"Aang don't get too arrogant while we're here, remember the last earth-bending village" Katara teased.

Ignoring Katara's remark referring to the incident in Kioshi. Aang patted Appa and urged him on.

"The wind's are still strong so hold on to something"

After what happened last time they clenched on to the side with their dear lives. Momo decided that it would be safer to stay near Sokka and resolved to climbing into Sokka's shirt. Sokka opened his mouth to complain and get rid of the ticklish thing that had set up camp half way down his back when Appa dived. Appa lurched down. The turbulence was like a giant earthquake in the sky. Shaking Appa and his disturbed passengers.

Sokka stumbled of Appa, fell to his knees and began kissing the pebbles on the shore.

"I'm never leaving the beautiful ground again. I don't care I'll swim back but you'll never get me back on Appa again."

Katara was still lying on Appa groaning about in flight sickness and needing a bag. Aang however was all for starting off. He had already gathered the remaining supplies and split them into three packs.

"Come on guys! Let's try and find a village or something! Hey, stop looking at me like that! OK you can sit they're for 2 seconds then we can explore! 1…2… right lets go!"

Grudgingly Sokka and Katara picked up their packs and began walking up the beach towards Aang. Appa grunted a farewell then took off, probably in search of some juicy ferns and a soothing, hot, natural spring.


(((3mins)))

The dirt path led into the forest. The twittering of many tiny birds, each announcing the Avatars return. Every little one had a different tune to sing from quick dances to the slow sad song of the Mourning bird. Katara peered into the dark forest occasionally catching site of a tiny red or green bird. She never saw the Mourning bird, thankfully. It is said that if a person sees The Mourning Bird then they or someone dear to them will die or be seriously injured.

A beautiful song sung by a little yellow bird was shattered by a low but near HOOWWWLLLL! The group bunched together.

"This place is supposed to be infested with wolves but they only attack trespassers."

"Aang, do we have permission to be here?"

Before Aang could open his mouth the group were encircled by a band of shadows. The shadows each gasped a spear directed at Aang's, Sokka's and Katara's throats, even Momo had been captured and been shoved into a bag. In the half-light they couldn't make out there attackers.

"We are His Majesty Lord Rigan's guards. State your name and your business." Shouted the biggest of the guards.

"I'm Aang the Avatar and these are my friends Katara and Sokka of the southern water tribe." Aang blurted out before Katara could shut him up.

The spears didn't move.

"Prove it," said a voice in the circle, handing Aang an apple.

Aang held the apple on an open palm, using an air current, he began spinning it faster and faster till it began to rise above their heads. It was flying fast now and was escaping through a hole in the canopy. Then Aang abruptly stopped the spinning and the whole party of people watched as it plummeted into Aang's hand. There was a stunned silence in the group. The spears were withdrawn from their original place…an inch from their necks.

"Follow me" the biggest guard said.

They marched in the formation of three guards at the front, then Aang with a guard at either side, then Sokka with two guards at either side and then Katara with two guards at either side. Two smaller guards, both slightly taller than Sokka, followed at the rear, probably of lower rank.

Eventually the patrol of guards emerged from the forest. Katara could finally see who they were. The guards each wore a black helmet that was outlined with silver. The helmet covered their heads but left their faces clear. All the guards had green feathers sticking out of their helmets apart from the one at the back who had a black raven feather. Their pale faces where decorated in forest green face paint, it seemed that every guard was different. Some were decorated with moons or stars or feathers, it seemed the only area that they could individualise was their faces. They wore thick, dark green cloaks that changed shades in the sunlight. The armour was also green so they could camouflage. The armour was also light and was easy to move in so they could move through the forest and swing from the trees with great speed. The guards were a mixture of male and female earth-benders; Katara could guess the gender from the facial hair.

The main settlement on the island was an old trading town called Serin. Serin had been a booming port before the war. The town was unique in that all non-bending civilians and the Chief lived inside the wall but every person possessing bending skill or magical healing skills had to live outside the wall. Partly to protect the people, partly because the new Chief wasn't a bender and disliked their amazing ability. All shops were outside the wall as well so the benders didn't starve.

The chief was formally known as Lord Rigan. Rigan was never supposed to rule the island. Rigan's brother Garth was a powerful Earth-bender. Garth was brave and strong but was too trusting in his brother, Garth died of "food poisoning" so the greedy, jealous, scum Rigan was next in line and took the thrown. He supposedly had help from a certain guard who got an amazingly high rank in the royal guards.

The first step Rigan had taken was to remove the gifted people who could use any form of bending, healing or potion making. Rigan claimed it was to protect the people from pirates. Next he would have them move into the forest. The only time benders were permitted to enter the walled town was when a visitor had arrived, this was decreasing.

Before Rigan visitors and traders called everyday, even during the war but now it was once a week or once a month. Rigan was dragging the island's economy down. From a thriving population of 2 thousand people and 900 earth-benders and gifted people the population had slumped to 500 people and 50 benders and about 20 gifted people. Every time a ship stopped people, normal and gifted, jumped on n an attempt to leave the damned island. Most of the benders had moved to the village of Rakuna. But some of the Earth-benders had to stay to help guard the port.

The group of guards escorted Aang, Katara and Sokka to the Wall. The Wall was a mixture of wood and stone. The wood was from a tree deep in the forest, which was completely fireproof but the stone had been there for thousands of years. For thousands of years the Wall had provided protection to all its citizens that lived inside it. They passed underneath the grey stone arch and into the streets. Aang, Katara and Sokka were chaperoned through the cobbled, windy; streets lined with packed white houses. Every street looked the same. Once they passed through a little dusty square with a dried up fountain in the centre and lined with weeping trees and stone benches.

Finally they reached a large marble gateway. The leader of the guards, a gigantic, brawny man with a short chestnut beard went up to one of the sentries and disappeared through the gateway. He returned several minutes later carrying a scroll.

"By order of His Majesty King Rigan, Lord over Siramiris. The Avatar and his company may stay at the house of Wolfchild. She may have the rest of the day of to make them comfortable. The rest of the guards will return to duty."

"I will obey my Kings orders" A voice from the back shouted.

The rest of the guards trooped off into the labyrinth of twisting streets leaving Aang, Katara and Sokka with the lone guard.

"Fellow me" the guard muttered, turned and marched off.

Aang, Katara and Sokka ran after the guard. The journey was unbelievably tiresome; Katara tried to make small talk. Asking if there was a market. The guard didn't seem bothered. Responding to questions with "yes", "no" or "on Monday". This was the guard with the black feather in his/her helmet and a scarf tied round his/her mouth. Making him/her indistinguishable.

Finally they reached the towering arch in the Wall. The giant metal portcullis was down, their escort signalled to the sentry at the top of the wall to open it. Finally they were out of the packed town.

They walked out; the guard removed her helmet and scarf.

"So, you're the new Avatar. It's an honour finally meeting you" She bowed slightly.

The girl was about two maybe three years older then Katara. She had long jet black, tied back with a green band, and paleish skin but she had darker pinky bits on her cheekbones. Her face was painted with curved triangles coming from the sides of her face, like giant teeth; she had green rings round her eyes. Her eyes were as green as the forest. They were a light fresh green now as she smiled at them. Little dimples appeared for a few seconds.

"Hi, I'm…" Katara started but was interrupted when Sokka pushed in front of her.

" I'm Sokka and this is my little sister Katara" Sokka announced.

Sokka's stomach rumbled

"And that's Sokka's stomach" Aang giggled

"You can call me Araic, only Mathos actually calls me Wolfchild since I'm not really a child anymore" She said with a quirky smile.

"You mean, you actually lived with wolves" Aang blurted out his jaw dropping.

"Yes I did for a while but I'd rather not talk about it." She said staring into the forest.

"Oh, I'm sorry we didn't mean to offend you." Katara apologised

"It's OK you didn't know," She said giving Katara a small smile. " You all must be tired and hungry. I'll take you to my house and you can explore the island tomorrow"

"Yes, I'm starving" No prizes for guessing who that was.

She led them back into the forest. They past a few clearings, with little houses in them while following the dark path. The birds were singing again. A little blue one was playing with Momo. Ducking a diving through trees then when Momo caught him, the tiny bird began to chase Momo. It occasionally succeeded in catching him. Rapidly the dark forest route opened up into a football pitch size clearing. They had arrived at Araic's home.

Araic's clearing was a cluster of three houses and small barn and some fields. The barn and two of the houses had been abandoned. But the fields contained wheat and oats grown by Araic. Araic's house was a cottage sheltered between two huge fruit trees.

"Did you build this house yourself?" Aang asked

"No, I think Meva's husband built it but I never knew him" Araic answered

"Who's Meva?" Sokka wondered.

"She's over there, pointing to a newly planted tree and the mound of dirt.

"Ohh. I'm sorry" Katara sympathised with her. "Me and Sokka we lost our mother to a fire nation raid."

"Meva wasn't my mum, my parent's died when I was five. Meva found me wandering the woods when I was six. She was like a grandmother to me. She was a healer, not a real bender" Araic said brushing away a tear.

They walked up to the little white cottage's door. There were some red flowers growing under the unglazed windows. There aroma was incredibly sweet, remindind Sokka how long it had been since he'd eaten.

Araic smiled suddenly " I'm just telling you to prepare yourselves"

"For what?" Sokka squeaked in a small voice

Araic opened the front door. As they peered into the darkness of the doorway, two emerald orbs glared back at them. The 'thing' in the darkness was coming closer and closer. A low growl erupted from the pit of its being. It launched itself out the door, like black bolt of lightning, knocking over Sokka and Katara. Then bounding over Aang. The thing then placing two paws on Araic's shoulders, the 'thing' gave her a huge lick in her face, wiping off some of her green-grey face paint.

"What is that THING" Sokka cried from his position on the floor in a muddy puddle.

"Oh sorry. She can get a bit excited when meeting new people. Here let me help you" She extended a helping hand down to Sokka and helped him up.

"What's she called?" Aang said as he tumbled around with the giant dog.

"Her name is Morri, She's a domesticated wolf pup. She's only a year old. Tomorrow, I'll teach you how to ride the big ones."

"You ride wolves" Aang, Sokka and Katara exclaimed in unison.

"Yeah, only me though, they trust me. They're basically like giant horses only with teeth…Do you want to see one?"

"Yeah!" Aang was nearly dying of excitement

Katara and Sokka were nearly dying of fear.

Araic stood besides the opening to the forest. She closed her eyes. The ground began to vibrate, slowly she raised her arms up, the ground was shaking violently now, Morri raised her muzzle to the sky and began to howl, then Araic let go of the howl building up in her. At that point she abruptly stopped, the ground returned to normal and the birds started singing again

A few seconds later

Cautiously approaching from the thick trees came the grey, shaggy but slinky form of the wolf. The only difference was that this wolf was the size of the cottage.

"This is Macha, Morri's mum. Morri was the runt of the litter so Macha gave her to me. Macha's probably twenty years old"

Morri ran up and began to play with the giant. It was like a whippet compared to a greyhound. Morri like was an exact copy only miniature and midnight black not the dusky grey that covered Macha.

"I'll see if you can ride her tomorrow. Come on in, you look starved." Araic invited them in.

The giant wolf slunk back into the forest barking a farewell to Morri.

Araic sat down plates of food. Cooked rabbit, fresh vegetables and fruit, fish, cheese and bread. Providing fresh orange juice for them to drink. It was not luxurious like the other places Aang had eaten but none of them cared they were all starving.

"So you've been travelling over the ocean on a six legged buffalo that can fly."

"Bison, Appa is one of the last flying bison's left in the whole world"

"Wow, you learn something new everyday" Araic laughed. " You all look tired . I'll show you your rooms"

Araic got up and showed them to their rooms. Sokka and Aang would be sleeping in the room with a window that looked out into the forest. After Sokka discovered a spider Araic agreed to close the shutters. The room was painted a turquoise-green, the beds were a bit lumpy but when Aang and Sokka got into them they fell asleep immediately.

"you'll be sleeping in Meva's old room" Araic said closing the white shutters.

The room was a light shade of lilac. There was a vase of purple flowers on a shelf. And a little rag doll beside it and neighbouring that was a little tattered painting. It showed a beautiful thin Earth-bender, her copper hair was tied back with a green ribbon. She had hypnotic emerald eyes that held Katara in a trance for a few seconds. Beside her was a fire warrior. He was dressed in his Fire Nation armour but was not wearing a helmet. He was young and his jet-black hair was tied onto a short ponytail. Holding onto each hand of her parents was a small girl, with jet-black hair like her father, emerald eyes like her mother. Her small dimpled face smiled out at Katara. Araic the Wolfchild, the child of both the Earth and Fire.

I can't believe it not one review! I feel so unloved!

A whippet is like a miniature grey hound.

"Araic" is pronounced (A-ray-ic)

Come on someone review it PLEASE!