I do not own Avatar The Last Airbender.

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South Pole

"Gyatso. This news you bring us is impossible."

"I know it is hard to believe masters, but I speak no lie. What I am telling you is the absolute truth."

"But how? Monk Phali asked. "How was the boy able to bend water? Only the Avatar has ever been capable of such a feat, and the spirit of light was destroyed nearly a century ago."

Gyatso nodded. "I am aware of this. However, I am beginning to suspect that the destruction of the Avatar Spirit may not have been permanent."

All the elders looked to Gyatso in surprise.

"What do you mean?" Master Phali asked.

Gyatso pulled a scroll from his robes. "I have spent countless hours searching in our library. I have been trying to find a spirit that matches the description given to me by Aang. And I believe I may have found it."

Gyatso unfurled the scroll in his hand and presented it to the elders. On the scroll, there was an illustration of a blue and white spirit.

"Raava," Monk Phali breathed.

"Yes. The Avatar Spirit herself. She has returned. And she had joined with my pupil."

The room was silent while that information was processed. It was too much to accept immediately. It should have been impossible.

"Gyatso, who else knows about this?"

"Ony Aang and myself."

"Good. That makes this slightly easier." Head Monk Dothar held his head down in thought. Then he spoke.

"We have yet to confirm that the boy has indeed merged with the Avatar Spirit. We cannot afford to be rash."

"With all due respect Monk Dothar, how else would you describe his abilities?"

Master Dothar regarded Gyatso cooly. "Even if the boy has managed to become the Avatar, we cannot afford to risk his life. The last Avatar was of our people, and he was killed due to his lack of training. He was even around Aang's age. We must be cautious, as to avoid losing another Avatar."

Gyatso nodded. That made sense, it was a logical course of action. But that left one question.

"What shall we do then?"

"There are two things that must be done. First, we must conduct more tests. We have to be certain beyond any doubt that your pupil has become the Avatar. If he has indeed become the keeper of balance in this world, then he will need more training. He will have to master Airbending to a higher degree before he can move on to the other elements."

"And how would he learn them? Our ability to travel the world has been stifled for almost a hundred years."

We will deal with that problem when it arises Gyatso. For now, focus on your student. If he is indeed the Avatar, we must learn that. Soon."

Gyatso bowed to the elder monks. He then walked out of the room to conduct more research.

No one in the room was aware of the young boy was listening in from above the ceiling. He had some concerns about the things he heard.

Earth Kingdom

The first thing Zuko, Iroh, and Toph notice when they enter the village is that it is very poor. Most of the materials used to make it were old and rusting. And aside from the soldiers they had met at the town entrance, none of the people looked well-clothed, well-fed, or well-rested.

"Jeez, why is everyone here so glum?"

Toph's comment drew Zuko and Iroh back to reality.

"These people have felt the damaging effects of the war. Joy is not something they have in abundance."

"Really? They could at least try to have some fun."

"For some, moving on may be simple. But for most, that is not the case."

Something in Iroh's tone made Zuko feel... guilty. He didn't know why. He hadn't done anything to cause grief (he didn't think).

Maybe it had to do with the town. Iroh said that the war was the cause of its struggles. A war his family caused. Maybe that's why he felt bad.

"I think we can stop here. Let us see what is available."

Zuko pushes his Ostrich-Horse towards the small shop Iroh stopped at.

"Good Afternoon! I was wondering, how much can I buy with this money?"

Iroh held out two silver coins. The shopkeeper regarded them.

"If you were hoping to get food for yourself, your out of luck. The best I can give you is two bags of feed for the Ostrich-Horses."

"Thank you. That would be much appreciated."

As the shopkeeper handed Iroh the bags of feed, the soldiers walked back into town. They started playing a game on the other side of the street.

"Heads up Sparky. Someone's looking for trouble."

Zuko originally thought she was talking about the soldiers until he looked to the corner of the shop. Two kids were giggling with each other. One of them was holding an egg.

"Oh no."

One of the kids tossed the egg. It landed right on the leader's head.

Based on the growling, he took exception to that.

The kids ran away after that. Gow set his sights on the people closest to him.

Unfortunately, those people were ones on Ostrich-Horses.

"Are you strangers throwing eggs at us now? After we were kind enough to let you stay here?"

"Gracious no. We appreciate your hospitality far too much."

"Did you see who threw it?"

"I know I didn't see anyone," Toph said. Some of the guards chuckled.

"The egg had to have come from somewhere. Would any of you happen to have a guess?"

"Maybe a chicken flew over."

Zuko knew it was a bad idea to say that. But he didn't like the way the man was talking to him, his uncle, or Toph. He would've appreciated it if they weren't treated like threats just for being newcomers.

They were firebenders, but they weren't here to hurt anyone.

But it didn't look like Gow was going to care either way. He just glared at the three of them.

"Here's your feed," the shopkeeper interrupted. He placed the two large bags in front of Iroh.

"Thank you very much, my friend."

Iroh grabbed the two bags. Only to have them snatched from his arms by Gow and his men.

"Thanks for your contribution. The army appreciates your support."

"Hey! That's ours!"

"Yeah, give it back!"

"Lee! Luanshi! Enough. We did not come to cause trouble."

"Of course you didn't," Gow says while handing the feed to his men. "And I suggest you keep it that way for the duration of your stay. Folks here don't need any more problems from strangers."

With one warm pat on his hammer, Gow walks away.

"Uncle, give me one good reason why I and Toph shouldn't just go over and take our Ostrich-Horse feed back from them."

Iroh raised an eyebrow at the fact that he included Toph in his plan, but he answered.

"We did not come here to cause trouble nephew. The success of our travel requires secrecy. We can't be starting fights in random towns."

"Even in towns with pompous soldiers?"

"Yes, nephew. Even those."

The three of them simply stood in silence after that. It looked like coming to this town might have been a waste of time. It didn't seem like they would get much help here.

"You know, I think that's the first jerk I've ever met."

Both Iroh and Zuko turned to Toph.

"Wh-What?"

"A jerk. I think that Gow guy is the first proper one I've ever met."

Zuko could only form one response to that statement.

"How?"

"I've met spoiled brats before. My parents used to leave me with them. I've met cocksure people, a lot in fact. My parents love hanging out with them. But that Gow guy is the first authentic, bonafide jerk I have ever met."

Zuko's face stayed neutral. "Should we give him a medal?"

Toph snickered. "That'd be great. "Here you go, sir. You are my first jerk. Congratulations!" Not gonna lie, I'm tempted to make that medal out of dirt just to get a reaction from him."

"What's stopping you?"

"I can't write."

The sudden and blunt response manages to get a laugh out of Zuko. Toph soon joins in, leaving Iroh to smile at them both. It really is nice to see Zuko have a friend.

"You guys think we should go?"

Iroh ponders Toph's question.

"I don't think the townsfolk will be very welcoming if the guard is anything to go off of. And I don't believe we will find any work to make up for the lost money at this hour. I believe the cave we passed might be our best option."

Nodding, Zuko pressed his steed to follow Iroh. They were about to reach the exit of the town when a kid came up to them. It was the same kid who threw the egg.

"Hi, there. I'm Lee."

"Nice to meet you. Goodbye now."

"Later Lee."

"Niece. Nephew. Don't be rude now," Iroh chastised them both. "I apologize for them. Can we help you with something young man?"

"Actually, you already did. You didn't tell the soldiers I threw the egg. I would be in so much trouble if they knew it was me."

"Then why did you do it?"

"Cause they're jerks."

"That is true," Toph agreed."

"Hey, come with me! I can get you some food if you like!"

The trio would have declined. But their stomachs were making noises, so they decided to follow Lee.

"So this is my farm. Wait here while I get my parents."

The boy ran inside the house, leaving the three to sit on their steeds and look at the rest of the animals. There were pig-sheep, pig-cows, and even a pig-rooster. Until now, Zuko had thought that the last one was a myth.

"This is them! The guys that stood up to the soldiers."

The boy came out again. This time, he was accompanied by people who had to be his parents. His mother looked a bit like him (save for the messed up teeth), while father was a fuller man in green robes with a serious expression.

"I take it you three are new in town?" The father asked.

"Um..." Zuko was going to attempt to answer, but Iroh decided to save him.

"Yes, I and my niece and nephew have been traveling for quite some time. We hoped to find work and food while we were here, though we have not had much luck."

"You say you're looking for work?"

Iroh and Zuko nodded. Behind them, Toph grinned maniacally.

"If your niece is up for it, she could also help my wife in the house. We don't have much, but we can pay you all for some basic work."

Zuko wasn't sure if he was comfortable with this. These people already looked like they struggled to support themselves. It might not be fair to take money from them, even if they worked for it.

But it seemed Iroh did not have the same qualms.

"That would be very kind of you. We appreciate the offer."

The father nodded. "Sun's about to set. I can get you three a spot to sleep in the barn. Maybe get you a quick snack too. We can start work in the morning."

Zuko and Toph nodded while Iroh responded. "That would be wonderful."

"You awake Sparky?"

Zuko opened the eyes he had been trying to keep closed for a while now. He hoped to get enough sleep before the sun rose, and he with it.

Oh well.

"What is it Toph?"

"It's just- nevermind. Forget it."

"Toph, you just woke me up. I am not going to forget it. Just tell me."

She hesitated for a moment. "Do you ever- miss home?"

Zuko was surprised at her question. The truth was, he always missed home. He missed being in the Fire Nation, where his spirit felt at home.

But at the same time, he didn't want to go back to the Royal Palace. There were too many memories there for him to face. Granted, some were nice. Most weren't though. And then there were the people who were still living there.

He was not ready for that confrontation yet.

"Sometimes, yeah."

"It's... weird."

Zuko frowned. "What is?"

"Don't get me wrong Sparky, I'm happy to be here. Despite all the nearly starving and technically being homeless, this is more fun than I would have ever gotten at home. I guess I just feel... a little guilty."

"Guilty?"

"I left without telling them anything. I mean, I ran away before, but... They're probably really worried. I probably hurt them."

Zuko could only listen and contemplate the differences between his problem and Toph. Toph chose to leave her parents but was now having second thoughts. Zuko was forced from his home, and he wasn't sure he wanted to go back.

He couldn't tell that to Toph without having to explain other things, but he could try.

"You know you're not leaving them forever, right? Once all fo this is over, you can go back?"

"What is this, exactly? You two never told me what the end goal is."

"I need to learn all four elements."

"Is that it?"

"As far as I can tell, yes. There might be more I need to do, but I figured I would deal with it when I get there."

"So you're just winging all of this?"

"Basically."

Toph chuckled. "Alright. Tell you what, if you watch my back on all this, I'll watch yours. Deal?"

"It's better than having you throw rocks at me. Sure."

Toph then punched Zuko in the shoulder.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"It's how I show affection. Good night Sparky."

Zuko, who was still rubbing his sore arm, spoke through gritted teeth. "Good night."

The two of them went to sleep after that. Iroh was able to dream peacefully.

South Pole

"Aang."

"Monk Gyatso!"

Aang lost his concentration, and the water he had been playing with spilled all over his floor. He looked sheepishly to his master.

"H-Hi master. How can I help you?"

Gyatso raised an eyebrow but continued. "I have spoken with the elders. We made some decisions regarding your situation."

"Really?"

"Yes. You though I suppose you heard all about it from your hiding spot."

"Eep!" Aang nearly choked on air.

"I know that you like to sneak around Aang. Did you think I wouldn't feel you there?"

Aang looked down. "I'm sorry master. I just- I wanted to know what would happen to me."

"We are still in the process of figuring that out ourselves," Gyatso said. He then walked over and held his protege's shoulder. "Don't worry Aang. Whatever is chosen, I will do my best to help you. I promise."

"Thanks, I guess. Is it true though? Am I the Avatar now?"

Gyatso frowned. "It is too early to tell Aang. There are still many questions in need of answers. But I promise you will be the first to know."

"Ok," Aang silently responded while fiddling his thumbs. "Monk Gyatso?"

"Yes?"

"What happens if I am the Avatar?"

Gyatso's eyes widened. He hadn't truly considered the ramifications of his students being the vessel of light and order until the moment.

If Aang was the Avatar, he would obviously need to learn the other three elements. And that would come with his own issues.

The next element in the cycle would be water. The only waterbender nearby was Aang's friend, Katara. But she was untrained, in need of a teacher. The best solution would be to travel to the North Pole. But even that solution would need more solutions.

Next would be Earth. That one might not be as tricky as water. There were many rebels and soldiers fighting against the Fire Nation in the Earth Kingdom. It should not be too hard to find Aang an earthbending teacher within such a large landmass.

Finally, there was firebending. And that was a problem with no clear solution. The entirety of that nation would b taught to view outsiders as either inferior or as savage enemies. It would be very difficult to find a Firebending master willing to teach an Air Nomad.

Of course, he could try contacting his Pai Sho friends. But that would be a last resort.

Of course, the greatest hurdle would be what came after mastering the elements. If Aang was indeed the Avatar, he would be expected to face and defeat the Fire Lord. A feat no one had been capable of for nearly a century.

Of course, that all depended on whether or not Aang truly had become the Avatar. It was still possible that he had merged with an ocean spirit, and had, therefore, acquired Waterbending along with Airbending. And there will still other possibilities.

Even if Gyatso had his doubts.

So instead of voicing his concerns, Gyatso simply smiled at his boy.

"You need not worry about that Aang. The road will become clearer as we continue to walk."

Aang nodded. "Alright. I trust you Monk Gyatso.

"Good. Now, why don't you go to bed? It is late, and I would like for us to do some training tomorrow."

"Alright."

Aang slid into his bed, falling asleep surprisingly quickly.

"He must be more tired than I had expected," Gyatso thought as he lingered for a moment. He then closed the door as he left, allowing Aang to sleep in peace.

"I have been waiting for you."

Aang opened his eyes to realize he was standing in the sky. The little detail would have surprised him the most, if not for what was right in front of him.

It was a Spirit. It was blue and white, with a kite-like body and long tendrils coming out of it. It's "face" was adorned with markings Aang had never seen before, and it's entire body seemed to glow.

"What..? How..? Where am I?"

"Peace, young one. You are safe. We are in your dream."

The voice was feminine, it was calming. But it also had an old power behind it.

"My dream? How does that work? Wait, who are you?"

The spirit came closer, allowing Aang to see it more clearly.

"I know you're the spirit. The same one I saw in the spirit world. But who are you really?"

"It is good to finally meet you Aang."

"How do you know my name? And you didn't answer my question. Who are you?"

"My name is Raava. I will answer your questions Aang. We have quite a lot to discuss."

Aang has now officially met Raava. The next chapter will touch on the conversation. Though I wouldn't expect her to give him the full truth just yet.

Also, the next chapter will probably also be where we see Zuko fight with Earthbending for the first time. That should be fun.

I just want to let you guys know, I've figured out how this story will end. I don't think it's the way most of you would expect, but I look forward to getting there.

Anyway, please leave reviews, tell me what you guys think, and I will see you all next time.

Bye!