I do not own Avatar.

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"Raava? That's a pretty name."

The spirit showed no outside reaction. "It is the name I have had since the dawn of time itself. Now, we must discuss your future."

Aang frowned. "My future?"

"Yes. To be more specific, your destiny."

"Um, what are you talking about?"

"As my vessel, you are now the Avatar. You are tasked with restoring balance to the world."

Aang's eyes widened. "What?! How am I supposed to do that?!"

"You must- find what is wrong. Then you can- then you will..."

Aang frowned. "Are you ok? You sound confused."

"I- am lost, I believe. I was gone for a long time. Something- something happened."

Aang frowned before his eyes widened. "Are you talking about the last Avatar? He was an Air Nomad too. But the monks said he was destroyed."

"Yes, I was one with the wind. That vessel was defeated. And I became lost."

"How are you back? The monks told me that the Avatar spirit was destroyed."

"I am light and order. I cannot be destroyed. And I must defeat... him."

Aang frowned. "Him? Do you mean the Fire Lord."

"He is as dangerous as he is powerful. He must not be left to run loose."

Aang had more questions. A lot more questions. But he would not be able to ask them, as the empty space around them began to fall apart.

"I believe our time is over. Until next time, Aang."

Aang recalled this conversation as he stood before the head monks. He had been called in to perform a demonstration.

A special one.

Gyatso walked to the center of the room. He placed a cup of water on the floor.

"Aang. Show them."

Nervous, Aang walked to the cup. He took a deep breath and performed Katara's waterbending move.

The water lifted itself from the cup in a snake-like manner. It stayed in the air so long as Aang willed it to.

"Incredible."

Aang dropped the water back into the cup. All that was left to do was wait for the monk's decision.

It was Monk Dothar who spoke first.

"You honor us with your presence, young Avatar."

He gave a slight bow. The other monks followed suit. Dothar then turned to Gyatso.

"Master Gyatso, it is time for the boy to commence his journey. He must now travel the world to master the other elements. Only then will the world know peace."

Aang's eyes widened in fear. Gyatso noticed this and stepped forward.

"With all due respect masters, I believe it was all of you who warned me against acting rashly."

"That was before we had confirmation. The Avatar lives again. We must not waste him."

Aang was concerned by what the monks were saying. Gyatso stepped forward to block him from them.

"I agree. An Avatar is our best chance at defeating the Fire Nation and ending the war. But we cannot force this on Aang. He is but a boy."

"A boy with the spirit of peace inside him," Monk Dathar stated. He then sighed. "Gyatso, I understand your concern for the boy. I do not wish for him to be troubled any more than you do. But the world cannot remain as it is. It needs a savior.

"I know this. But Aang is not a savior. He is but a boy."

"A boy wh must learn to be a savior, Monk Dothar stated. He then sighed. "Gyatso, there is no discussion on this matter. The new Avatar must be rained in the elements. He cannot stay here."

Aang eyes widened, and tears threatened to fall from them. He would need to leave?

"We can discuss travel plans at another meeting. For now, you and Aang may leave."

Gyatso gently took hold of Aang and led him outside. All the while, Aang's frustrations began to rise.

"I can't believe they want to do this to me!"

"Aang..."

"They want me to leave behind everything and everyone I love!"

"Aang!" Gyatso snapped, and Aang immediately quieted down. "I know that the situation is not ideal, but there is a way for you not to lose what you care about. For one, I am going with you."

Aang's eyes widened. "You will?"

"Yes. As the Avatar's Airbending master, it is within my power to request accompanying you in your quest to master the other elements. I will be with you every step of the way."

Aang felt a little better as Gyatso looked at him reassuringly. But there was still one thing bothering him.

"But what about Katara? And Sokka? Will, I ever see them again?"

Gyatso smiled at his student. He was glad that Aang's heart had not changed.

"Do not worry Aang. I believe I might be able to bring them with us."

Aang's eyes widened. "Really?! How?!"

Gyatso smirked. "Aang, did you truly believe that you were the only one knows how to be sneaky?"

One Week Ago

"Thank you for seeing me, Chieftess Kana."

"You don't have to call me Chieftess, Gyatso. I'm only in charge until Hakoda comes back. Now, what can I help you with?"

Both elders were inside Kanna's tent. Her two grandchildren were out hunting, and Aang was performing exercises back at the hidden temple. They could discuss it in private.

"Before I say anything, you should know that Aang has gone through a change recently."

Kanna snorted. "He's finally reached that age?"'

Gyatso recoiled. "What? No. Kanna, what I meant is..."

"Just know that he'll have to prove himself if he wants to be with my granddaughter."

"Kanna!" Gyatso said sternly. "That is now what this is about."

Kanna chuckled. "I know. It's just nice to have someone to mess with. My Grandson thinks he's funny. But he... well..."

"I have met him. You don't need to explain."

Gyatso composed himself. He had not been expecting the conversation to diverge that quickly.

"The reason I am here is that Aang and I will likely be leaving soon."

Kanna's eye perked. "Why would you leave? Isn't the world too dangerous for Airbenders?"

"It is dangerous, that is true. However, my pupil's spiritual training had begun recently. During his trials, it became evident that he has been chosen to partake in a spiritual journey. And as his master, I am meant to accompany him."

Technically all of that was true. Aang did begin spiritual training and now needed to go on a quest. The only details left out were merging with an ancient spirit and the need to master all four elements.

Kanna frowned. "I see. But why come to me with this?"

Gyatso strengthened himself. He would need to be careful with this next request.

"I was wondering if it would be possible for your granddaughter to accompany us?"

The room was silent. Despite the fact that they were already in the arctic, the temperature seemed to drop dramatically.

"Would you care to explain that again Gyatso?" Kanna spoke with steel. He would need to be cautious with how he approached this. He knew how strong family ties were in the Water Tribes. Any change to the dynamics was often met with trepidation.

"I m speaking in regards to Katara's waterbending. She has no teacher here, the Fire Nation has taken all of them away. If she were to come with us, she could finally learn to use her natural gifts."

"Did she speak to you about this?" Kanna asked. "Did she come to you with this idea? If that girl..."

"She did no such thing, I assure you," Gyatso spoke quickly. He did not wish to subject the poor girl to any torture her grandmother could whip up. He did not wish such a fate upon anyone. "I formed the idea myself. I understand the difficulties that come with being unable to freely express what you are. Being unable to bend properly must be having an effect on Katara. I merely wish to help her."

Kanna's face hardened in suspicion. She didn't fully believe him.

"Gyatso, I respect you. Unlike the rest fo the monks, I can hold a good conversation with you. So I must ask that you stop misleading me. Why do you really want to take my granddaughter?"

Gyatso sighed. He had a feeling this would not be easy.

"Before I say anything, you must promise that nothing we say will leave this room. You can speak of it to no one. Not even your family."

Kanna's eyes widened slightly. She had heard Gyatso be serious in the past, but this was the first time he had ever gone so far as to order her to do something. The situation might have more gravity than she had originally believed.

"What is it?"

"Aang did begin spiritual training. However, during his first meditation session, an incident occurred."

"An incident?"

Gyatso surveyed the area. He seemed to be making sure that no one was around to overhear them.

"He merged with a spirit."

Kanna's eyes widened. "How- how is that possible?"

"I am not too sure of that myself. And it's not the merging itself that bothers me. It is the spirit itself that worries me."

"Why? What spirit was it?"

Gyatso took in a deep breath. There was truly no way to be gentle about this.

"He has merged with the spirit Raava. The same spirit Avatar Wan merged with those countless millennia ago. Because of this, Aang has now become the new Avatar."

Kanna stared disbelievingly at Gyatso for several moments. Her mouth opened at certain points, but she could form no response.

"How- Are you certain of this?"

Gyatso nodded. "He returned to the temple one day after spending time with your granddaughter. When he returned, he imitated the movements Katara uses to waterbend. He was able to make the water move, Kanna. He could Waterbend. And he is still an Airbender."

Kanna tried shaking her head. What she was being told was impossible. But Gyatso was persistent.

"Only one person in all of history has been able to use more than one element. There is no doubt. Aang has become the Avatar. The cycle has been renewed."

Kanna fixed her gaze on Gyatso. "If this is true, then why do you want Katara to accompany him? If he is the Avatar, then danger will follow him at every turn. Why would you want my granddaughter to get involved in this?"

Gyatso sighed. "I'll admit, my reasons are selfish. Aang has gone through a dramatic change. One he did not ask for, and one he does not want. He may be the Avatar, but it is a burden he never sought. I felt that having your granddaughter, a friend of his, accompany him could... alleviate some of the pain he is feeling."

Gyatso bowed to Kanna. "I know I have no right to ask this of you. I have no right to ask you to let your family go. But I only ask out of concern for my student. Please."

Kanna said nothing as Gyatso remained with his head down. When she spoke, she did so in a soft voice.

"I have lived next to your people long enough to know that interfering in the plans of spirits is nothing more than an invitation for disaster. However, I must ask to meet the boy before a decision is made."

Now

"So Katara can come with us?"

Gyatso raised an eyebrow. "Have you been paying attention Aang? First, we must meet with her grandmother and gain her blessing. Only then can we say for certain."

The two skilled Airbenders glided over the tents of the Southern Tribe until they reached the home of the woman in charge. They descend and leach eft their staff outside. When they entered the igloo, Kanna was waiting for them.

"Ah, Aang. It's been a while since I've seen you last."

Aang smiled at the elder. "It's nice to see you as well, Chieftess Kanna."

Kanna frowns at Gyatso. "Have you been telling everyone to call me that? I told you, I'm not a chieftess."

Gyatso smirks. "No, but you must admit. It is a fitting title."

Kanna huffed. "No matter. The boy will call me Gran Gran like everyone else. Speaking of which, Aang."

The young boy snapped his attention to the village elder. He could tell by her eyes that this conversation was not going to be an easy one.

"Gyatso tells me you have become the Avatar. Is this true?"

Aang looked down sadly. "Yes. It's true Gran-Gran."

Kanna studied the boy for several moments. She tried to find a lie in his voice. She found none.

"I was afraid of this. I'm so sorry Aang. This is a burden no child your age should have to bear. I'm sorry it was placed on you."

"Um, thank you," Aang said softly. He didn't know any other way to respond to Kanna's statement. How do you react when someone says they're sorry for you?

"I have thought over the request that your master has bought to my attention. You wish for my granddaughter to accompany you."

Aang waited with bated breath as Kanna seemed to be making up her mind.

"I will be honest and clear. I do not want one of my only living relatives to leave her home."

Aang was about to crumble in sadness when Kanna held up her hand.

"However, despite my misgivings, I know better than to interfere with the flow of destiny. Gyatso made the point know to me that Katara needs a waterbending instructor. She is the last bender in our tribe, and she needs guidance if she is to continue an integral part of our people's culture and legacy. Katara needs to learn to control her gift. And she cannot do so here."

Aang brightened up. "So she can come with us?"

"NO!"

Suddenly, a part of the Igloos wall broke down. From the damage emerged. Katara, and Sokka on top of her.

Katara tried to put up an innocent smile. "Um, hi Gran-Gran. What are you three discussing?"

Kanna sighed while Gyatso and Aang tried not to chuckle. "How much did you two hear?"

It was Sokka who spoke up. "Something about bendy-magic, spirit hauntings, and outside travel. None of which Katara is getting involved in!"

"What?! You can't make that choice! I want to go!"

Aang tried to alleviate some of the tension. "Guys, there's no need to fight. We can just..."

"Oh no! Oh no, no, no, no! Don't start with all your weird Airbender tricks and sayings! You just want to convince Katara to leave forever!"

"Don't yell at him Sokka!"

"I'll yell at whoever I want! And you can't leave Katara! This is your tribe! Your family! We need to stick together!"

"And I'm not leaving forever. I just need to go and learn! There's no one to teach me waterbending here."

"Katara, do you know what will happen if you leave the tribe? If you go out there? You'll just end up...!"

"Enough! Both Of You!"

Everyone's attention turned to Kanna. Even Aang and Gyatso snapped their eyes to her.

"I don't want to say it, but Katara should go. She can't learn what she needs to know if she stays here. She needs to learn proper waterbending."

Sokka's eyes widened in alarm. "But Gran-Gran! Dad said..."

"I've made my decision Sokka. Katara can leave if she wishes to do so."

Sokka looked defeated at Gran-Gran's statement. His shoulders slumped as he looked down in disappointment.

"But if you are so insistent on keeping your sister safe, I suggest you start packing. I don't know how you will all be traveling, but you shouldn't go empty-handed."

Kanna's announcement was met with shock by everyone.

Katara was the first to speak. "Wait, Gran-Gran? You want him to come too?"

"But Gran-Gran, dad told me to take care of the tribe. I need to stay here to do that."

"Your father wanted you to protect you. The tribe will survive with me in charge. The Fire Nation hasn't bothered coming here ever since they took our last Waterbender. They have no reason to suspect us."

Kanna focused her eyes on Sokka.

"You must accompany the three of them on this journey. I can tell that your destiny is with them."

Gyatso was concerned. "Kanna, if I could-"

He was cut off when Kanna pulled him down to speak into his ear.

"If you insist on taking a part of my family, at least take the boy too. I don't I could handle his jokes on my own."

"Hey! I am hilarious!"

"See what I mean?" Gran-Gran turned to her grandchildren. "I will miss you both. Please, be careful."

Smiling, Katara hugged her grandmother. Despite not wanting to leave, Sokka decided to hug Gran-Gran as well.

Aang smiled at the sight. He also smiled knowing that his friends would be traveling with him. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

Gyatso, on the other hand, merely sighed. It seemed that he was going to have to chaperone three children across the world. It would likely take all his patience and practice to not lose his sanity on the way.

At least the journey would not be boring.

Earth Kingdom

"So this is the place."

Zuko, Iroh, and Toph pushed their Ostrich-Horses to the corner of the trees. They were finally here. After weeks of hiding, riding, and traveling, they had finally reached the swamp.

They now stood at its very edge.

Toph was the first to speak. "Well? What are we waiting for?"

Not another word was said as the trio rode into the Swamp. None of them certain of what the would find.

I intended to have this chapter out earlier, but there was a blackout where I live. There was no power or Internet for days. I'm just glad I was able to get this out to you guys.

The OG Gaang, along with Gyatso, are now ready to start moving. Either the next chapter or the one after will go over their travel plan. We'll be meeting an important character soon enough.

I'm probably going to write Sokka getting tortured a lot in these earlier chapters. He's still mostly unskilled and prejudiced, so I'm going to have to beat that out of him.

As you can see, things will be getting interesting here. Zuko's group (leaning towards Chaos Crew as a name, but I'm open to suggestions) will be entering the swamp now. That will be interesting to write.

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

Bye!