Book one:
Water
Chapter Three:
The Southern Air Temple.
Lightning flashed, as bright and blinding as a sudden light in a dark room. Thunder roared and rolled overhead, as angry and fierce as a mother sabertooth moose lion. The sky was as grey as smoke and covered any sunshine that may have appeared.
As the rain beat down as hard as rocks, I clung tightly to my seat. All I could hear was the wind howling and screaming in my ears. I had never felt so terrified. "Aang! Aang!"
The lightning and thunder drowned me out, covering up my frightened calls to my best friend. I tried to crawl forward, to get closer. I slipped and almost was torn out of the saddle by the wind.
Appa growled in fear himself, as we headed straight for the crashing ocean below us. I heard Aang screaming along with me as we fell. The water came upon us faster than I'd expected.
In a blink, the dark roiling ocean was right in front of my eyes. I could see every detail. I screamed once more "Aang!"
My scream was lost in the wind, the lightning flashed and then...
"Aang!"
I jolted fully upright, calling out for my best friend, gasping and sobbing for breath. I inhaled deeply and finally after a few moments, managed to calm down. I had had a nightmare. I brushed my hair out my eyes and glanced around.
The sun wasn't quite up yet, but the sky was lightening into the soft pink and lavender and gold of early dawn. I heard a snore and turned to see that the others were still asleep. Aang laid out content on his back, Katara curled on her side, and Sokka flopped out on his stomach.
I smiled, and thought that it was nice that some people could dream so peacefully; I saw Aang turn over, stretch and then sit up and yawn, and amended the thought. Looks like the peaceful dreaming was over.
I got to my feet and neatly and tightly rolled up my own blanket. I brushed my hair, and braided the front locks in a crown braid- my usual hairstyle- putting the rest in a bun, and brushed my teeth.
Katara was awake, and together she and I packed camp and put everything on Appa's saddle. The sun had risen over the rocky hilly cliffs now, and the golden orb reflected and shimmered on the surface of the lake.
"Wait till you see it Katara. The Air Temple is one of the most beautiful places in the world." I smiled at Aang's words.
"Aang I know you're excited but, it's been a hundred years since you and Mina have been home," Katara said
Aang smiled as he continued to adjust and tighten the reins around Appa's horns "That's why I'm so excited."
I turned around after having put out the campfire and noticed Katara's expression. She looked sad and very serious. Not to mention solemn. I frowned. I felt like there was something going on. Something neither Aang nor I understood fully.
"It's just that, a lot can change in all that time."
Aang grinned, finishing with adjusting the reins, and hopped down off of Appa's head "I know. But I need to see for myself."
Katara said no more and turned away to tie down the supplies in the saddle. I floated up, using my airbending, into the saddle alongside her, and helped her. She smiled a thank you, and I smiled back.
A snore from the ground distracted me, and I noticed Sokka was still asleep. Katara rolled her eyes at the sight of her brother still sleeping. I rolled my own, and said "S-Slacker." Katara looked surprised, but then laughed.
"Wake up Sokka. Air Temple, here we come." Aang exclaimed
Sokka groaned, and turned over onto his right side, pulling his sleeping bag hood over his head more, to block out any noise. "Sleep now. Temple later." he went right back to sleeping and snoring.
I noticed the mischievous look on Aang's face, and the tricky expression in his eyes, and then the cheeky grin. I shook my head, and said in aside to Katara "H-Here we g-go." She looked confused but said nothing
"Sokka wake up! There's a prickle snake in your sleeping bag!" Aang trailed the stick he had grabbed, up and down the length of the sleeping bag, making it as if there was a snake.
Sokka was up and screaming in a blink of an eye. Aang just stood back, with his hands behind him, patient as ever. Sokka jumped forward- still in his sleeping bag- shouting at the top of his lungs "Ahh! Get it off! Get it off!" he fell flat on his face
Both Katara and I laughed at the sight. "Great you're awake. Let's go."
I laughed again, at Aang's innocent tone.
0o0
In a harbour somewhere, a small light grey ship came to dock. The ship looked tiny, insignificant, compared to all the newer, bigger, more impressive ships around it. Two figures walked down off the lowered ramp.
"Uncle I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't wanna stay too long and risk losing his trail." The young scarred teen ordered as they continued to walk.
"You mean the avatar." the older grey-haired man stated lowly
The teen immediately turned back, glaring, fist clenched "Don't mention his name on these docks. Once word gets out that he's alive every firebender will be out looking for him, and I don't want anyone getting in the way."
"Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?"
Both Prince Zuko and his uncle turned with wide startled eyes for a moment at the interruption. A man in his late thirties maybe early forties walked up. He had light brown hair done the traditional topknot, and sideburns that went down the length of his face, He wore red and dark brown armour, and his brown eyes watched them closely
"Captain Zhao." Prince Zuko greeted, annoyed with his arms crossed
"It's Commander now," the man corrected smugly. Commander Zhao bowed slightly at the scarred teen's uncle "And General Iroh, great hero of our nation."
The older man, General Iroh smiled and shook his head, and bowed in greeting back "Retired General."
Commander Zhao looked down at them with narrowed eyes and lowered thick eyebrows, his arms folded behind his back. "The Fire Lord's brother and son are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbour?"
General gestured to the ship he and Prince Zuko had just left. The damage done was easy to see. The metal on the side was crinkled, like a crumpled piece of paper, and there were scorch marks and holes ripped out from the body
"Our ship is being repaired."
Commander Zhao looked away from the ship to the two standing before him "That's quite a bit of damage."
Prince Zuko looked apprehensive and befuddled and spoke up "Yeees, you wouldn't believe what happened. Uncle," the older man went wide-eyed "Tell Commander Zhao what happened."
"Yes, I will do that." General said, trying to think of a good excuse "It was incredible," he then said in aside to his nephew "What? Did we crash or something?"
Prince Zuko looked to the sky, and said, playing along with the bad lie "Yes! Right into, an Earth Kingdom ship."
Commander Zhao's serious blank expression said that he wasn't buying it "Really? You must regale me with all the thrilling details. Join me for a drink." the last wasn't a question, but more of an order
"Sorry but we have to go." the prince went to walk away, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him
"Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect," General Iroh dropped his hand and turned to the Commander "We would be honoured to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favourite."
The two older men walked off, leaving the Prince behind for a moment. Prince Zuko growled furious and annoyed deep in his throat, fists clenched.
He threw his hands down, fire flaring out for a moment, as he stalked behind the two older men.
0o0
We were flying at a good pace and had been for most of the early morning. Katara and Aang were up front, the latter holding the reins, smoky grey eyes wide with excitement. Sokka and I were in the back, in the saddle.
The mountains sailed by, the clouds white and soft looking. It was like a fluffy blanket spread across the sky below us. The wind blew back my hair, and in a routine habitual gesture, I brushed back the loose curls behind my ears.
It was lovely up here. The wind whispered on my skin, and in my ears. I closed my eyes, and just took it all in. the familiar scent of mountain air; lush trees and breeze blossoms filled the air. There was only one place in the world with that scent.
I was broken out of my thoughts, by a low rumbling growl. I opened my eyes, to see Sokka scowling, and his hand clenching around his parka where his stomach was "Hey stomach, be quiet all right, I'm trying to find us some food."
I watched the Water Tribe go through the bags, and tipped one upside down. A few crumbs landed on his hand "Hey! Who ate all my blubbered seal jerky?"
"Oh. That was food? I used it to start to campfire last night. Sorry."
I wrinkled my nose. That was what that horrible grey stuff was? Food? It smelled awful, and looked it too, to me. Sokka just looked indignant "You what!" he let out a groaning sigh of despair "No wonder the flames smelled so good."
Appa pulled up, and a familiar grouping of rocky mountains came into view from behind the clouds. I gasped and straightened in my seat. I crawled forward and leaned over the front arch of the saddle "The Patola Mountain Range! We're almost there!"
"Aang. Before we get to the temple I wanna talk to you about the airbenders."
My excitement and happiness at being so close to the Southern Air Temple dimmed as I noticed the serious tone in Katara's voice. "What about them?" Aang asked her.
"Well..." she looked over at Aang deeply "I just want you to be prepared for what you might see," she turned her gaze away, sad "The Fire Nation is ruthless. They killed my mother," she turned back "They could have done the same to your people."
I bit my lip and looked away. I didn't like what I was hearing. Katara's words were starting to frighten me a little. I doubted that she would say such things if she didn't truly mean or believe them and that scared me more than anything else.
"Just because no one has seen an Airbender doesn't mean the Fire Nation killed them all," Aang said, "They probably escaped."
I turned back to see Katara place a hand on Aang's shoulder "I know it's hard to accept."
Aang smiled, and it helped the ease the fright a little "You don't understand Katara, the only way to get to an Airbender temple is on a flying bison. And I doubt the Fire Nation has any flying bison. Right, Appa?"
Appa groaned an assent in agreement. Aang snapped the reins, and I tightened my grip on the front saddle arch next to Sokka, knowing what was coming next "Yip Yip!"
Appa picked up speed, ascending faster and higher into the air up the mountain. Sokka and Katara were clinging for dear life, not used to the speed or the heavy wind that came with it. Aang was sat focused, reins in hand, and I just leaned further forward, eyes scanning for that familiar sight I was looking for.
And suddenly...there it was.
The familiar beautiful sight of the Southern Air Temple. I beamed, looking at the place. There were three small towers to the right, on the side of the mountain. A winding path went upwards and dissected into other smaller paths.
One path led to the small tower, on a higher level than the lower three on the right. One led to another tower on the left and the airball courts. A third went to the main buildings and courtyard where training went on. And the last path went all the way to the top, to the tallest, largest tower there.
"There it is. The Southern Air Temple." I looked down at Aang's respectful awed tone.
"Aang it's amazing!" Katara exclaimed.
I was pleased to see, that both the Water Tribe siblings were in awe and wonderment over the temple. Their dark blue eyes wide and excited smiles on their faces.
"We're home buddy, we're home." Aang looked to me and smiled, grey eyes alive and dancing with happiness and excitement. I was sure I looked the same way.
I glanced back to the air temple, and smiled fondly "Home."
We were all finally home.
0o0
Inside the main tent, in a Fire Nation harbour, an arrogant Commander by the name of Zhao was giving what he must have thought as an impressive speech. The man stood with his arms behind him, back facing the room, as he gazed at a world map.
"And by years end, the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule," he turned back to his two guests "The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war."
Prince Zuko was sat in one of the only two chairs, hands clamped down on the armrests, as he listened to Commander Zhao talk. His uncle perused the room, inspecting a rack of spears along the left wall.
"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool." The prince spat out his response.
The Commander smirked at him as he sat down "Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue. So," he leaned in closer "How is your search for the Avatar going?"
There was an almighty crash, as General Iroh knocked over the spears "Uh my fault entirely."
He smiled and backed away a little, as he apologized. The Commander just shrugged it off, turning his attention back to the prince. "We haven't found him yet."
The Commander did not look surprised at the reply he received "Did you really expect to," he stated, "The Avatar died a hundred years ago, along with the rest of the airbenders."
At the Commanders words, Prince Zuko suddenly had a momentary flashback, something he was only just remembering... of when he was in the South Pole...
"Ha! That's from the Water Tribe!"
He glared up at the Water Tribe boy that had knocked him off the ship. He looked up through the gap in the ship's railing, where a plank where be lowered for higher ground and saw...
A girl. A young girl, a little younger than him, maybe his own age. She wore the same shade of orange and yellow clothes that the Avatar had, only in reverse and more girly, and had the light blue arrow on her forehead-which was mostly covered by her hair.
He didn't really see much in the way of her physical appearance from where he clung to the anchor, but he could make out the same slightly pale skin tone that was a shade darker than his, and the exact same colour of the Avatar's skin. She also had a slim build, and was quite short- she only came to the middle of the Water Tribe boy's arm.
He saw her give a small amused smile.
Commander Zhao saw the look on the prince's face, and immediately became suspicious "Unless you've found some evidence that the Avatar is alive."
Prince Zuko narrowed his eyes, then looked away "No. Nothing."
The Commander stood to his feet. "Prince Zuko. The Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war. If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you've found."
The prince refused to meet his eyes "I haven't found anything. It's like you said the avatar probably died a long time ago," the prince stood and started to walk out "Come on uncle, we're going."
He was stopped when the two men by the door lowered their spears, crossed in front of him baring his way. A third officer stepped forward "Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape."
The prince closed his eyes, shoulders slumping a little in resignation. "Now, remind me," the Commander walked forward, and stopped a few from him. "How exactly was your ship damaged?"
Prince Zuko only clenched his fists, knowing there would be no easy way out of this.
0o0
"So where do I get something to eat?"
Sokka's complaining comment drew me out of my thoughts and shattered the peaceful quiet atmosphere of the air temple. Aang had run on ahead, and I walked alongside with Katara and Sokka, on the older boy's left. Katara looked annoyed with him, and I was a little too.
"You're lucky enough to be one of the first outsiders to ever visit an Airbender temple, and all you can think about is food?"
"I'm just a simple guy, with simple needs."
Aang had stopped on the little outcropping on the path, and we came up behind him. He was smiling, and pointed out certain places to the two siblings "So that's where my friends and I would play airball,"
He pointed out the familiar court of towering poles and the two goal posts at either end. Then he pointed out a small building with many entryways and doorways that were big enough to fit Appa in "And that's where the bison would sleep and-" he suddenly sighed
"What's wrong?" Katara asked
I could tell by the set of his shoulders that Aang was starting to get a little upset. "This place used to be filled with monks, and lemurs and bison. Now there's just a bunch of weeds," his shoulders slumped "I can't believe how much things have changed."
I looked around, and pushing aside the happy feelings of coming home, took in the temple as it was. The whole place was barren of any greenery or vegetation. The buildings looked a little worn and cracked. And there were weeds. Everywhere.
I sighed too, suddenly sad for the state of the temple. It had never looked so desolate, so forlorn or so empty. Sokka and Katara shared looks, and the older boy stepped forward, coming up with a smile "So uh, this airball game, how do ya play?"
I just knew this wasn't going to end well for Sokka.
0o0
I stood on top of the poles at Sokka's end, stance ready and waiting. I was excited. I hadn't played this game in so long. Aang stood, the ball twirling in place, hovering above his hand, as he used his bending.
Aang spun the ball down his slanted shoulders, pulled it around to the front of his body and then threw it into the air. He kicked it, his bending making the movement stronger, and the ball went flying.
It bounced off the poles, zigzagging this way and that. I smiled, and jumped up, spun in the air, and sent it back at Aang. I was on Sokka's team since he wasn't an Airbender, and it wasn't really fair.
Aang laughed, grabbed the ball, and shot it forward again. I leapt across the poles and tried to catch it, but I glanced up at Sokka and felt myself lose focus at what I saw. The Water Tribe boy had taken off his parka, and I noticed what he was wearing underneath.
He wore a dark blue tunic with lighter blue bands on the collar and waist that went to mid-thigh in length with short sleeves, with a dark navy blue undershirt that came down to his wrists in length, with the same shade of gloves that came over his knuckles and his thumb and first two fingers, with white wrappings on top from wrist to elbow.
He had on knee-high, sturdy brown boots up to his knees.
During my daze, my foot slipped and I lost my balance for a second, causing the ball to zoom past me.
It crashed into Sokka's middle, sending him soaring through the spinning goal post right into the snow. Aang laughed, "Aang seven! Sokka zero!"
I shook my head at him, and floated down off the poles, knowing the game was over. Sokka climbed out the snow, groaning. I was still studying the Water Tribe boy. He looked different, without his heavy fur coat. But not a bad different. "Making him feel better is putting me in a world of hurt."
He crawled forward, seeming to be interested in something, but my attention was caught by Aang laughing and goofing off behind me. "Katara, check this out." I heard Katara go over to her brother.
"Fire Nation." I heard Katara state, serious and a little mad.
"We should tell them."
I frowned at that and turned to see what it was that had gotten their interest, and what they were talking about. "Aang, Mina. There's something you need to see."
Aang was jogging over, playing with the ball in his hands making it hover from one hand to another. I was already quite close, and stepped even closer, to look at what Katara wanted to show us. "Ok," Aang called
I only caught a glimpse of the colours, black, red and white, before Katara lifted her hands, swooped them down, causing the snow to collapse on Sokka's head. "What is it?" Aang asked when he came to a stop
Katara fiddled with her hands behind her back, and she smiled wanly at Aang. I noticed the way she looked nervous "Uh, just a new waterbending move I learned." She finally replied
Aang didn't seem to notice that something was wrong, that there was something fishy going on, and he just smiled, ball tucked under his arm "Nice one. But enough practising. We have a whole temple to see."
He turned and started to walk away. I watched as Sokka wiped off the snow, and said: "You know, you can't protect them forever."
Katara's face fell as her brother's words and walked away after Aang. I frowned, having caught Sokka's words, and came up to him to ask him what he had meant. But the look on both his and Katara's faces stopped me. I had a feeling that if I asked, I wouldn't like the answer.
0o0
We were now in the southern courtyard, where the fountain sat just outside the entrance to the main tower. Aang ran on ahead, smiling, eager to see the rest of our home, and I followed after him.
Or at least I had been until I noticed Katara and Sokka had stopped under the arch at the top of the steps. Sokka had his arms crossed, and I could see from where I was that he was tense all over. It made me curious, the way the two were acting, and I stopped.
"Katara, firebenders were here. You can't pretend they weren't."
I felt my eyes go wide. What? Firebenders were here? How? I had seen no evidence to prove that what the two siblings were discussing were true.
"I can for Aang and Mina's sake. If they find out the Fire Nation invaded their home, they'll be devastated."
I blinked, still reeling. Could it be possible? Could the Fire Nation really have found some way of getting to the temple, and invaded it? Surely not. As Aang had said earlier, the only way to get to an air temple was to fly on a flying bison, and airbenders were the only ones who used and knew how to fly the bison.
It was...not possible. Katara and Sokka were mistaken. Or I had misheard them completely.
"Hey guys, I want you to meet somebody."
I turned and immediately smiled at the sight. Aang was stood in front of a beautifully, elegantly and expertly hand-carved wooden statue. It was a little worn, after so much time, and dusted with the snow that had fallen, but it was still as I remembered.
"Who's that?" Sokka asked
Aang turned back to the statue, but I could see the happy, fond look on his face and in his eyes. "Monk Gyasto. The greatest Airbender in the world," he turned around, and gestured to the statue with his left hand "He taught me and Mina, everything we know."
Aang and I, without having to think, instantly bowed in sync to the statue. The statue that was of our mentor, our guardian. And I knew that Aang was remembering just as I was...
"...that is our history. Our ancestors saw how the bison flew through the air and learned from them, and how to accomplish it themselves. Air is the element of freedom, and that is why we find peace within it."
I sighed, gazing out at the south court, watching as the bison flew through the air, and the boys played below us in the airball court. I could hear my mentor speaking, but I wasn't really listening.
"I sense there is something else on your mind other than your history lesson young one."
I sighed again and spun around in my seat on top of the wall to face my mentor. I fiddled with my loose curls and looked down at my hands. "T-The boys, they d-don't…"
I couldn't say any more. There was laughter and I turned around again. There. Playing a game of airball was Aang. For a seven-year-old, he was quite advanced for his age and was an expert player. His grey eyes were alight, as he dodged and kicked the ball, scoring a goal. The boys on his team cheered.
"Ahhh I see." I heard him hum in thought
I frowned, and my fists clenched without my asking them to "They h-hate m-me. E-Even after f-four y-years, they h-hate m-me. Because I-I'm a g-girl."
I felt tears at the backs of my eyes. I felt myself being turned around, and hands held my shoulders. A gentle finger lifted my chin and I was now looking into my mentor's kind caring eyes.
"They do not hate you. They are simply not used to this new way of being. For as long as our history has been, boys and girls have been separated. Give them more time."
I sniffed, and said in a soft shaking voice "I j-just f-feel like I-I'm l-lost Abba." I only ever called him that, when I was truly upset.
He smiled "The things that we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end," Then there was laughter and Aang called up to them, smiling and waving "If not always in the way we expect," He smiled cheekily "Now are you going to play a game of Pai-Sho with me, or not?"
I smiled and hugged him, and he chuckled. "T-Thank you Abba." He simply ran a hand down my hair.
"You must miss him." I came out of the memory and saw that Katara had come up to us and placed a hand on Aang's shoulder.
Aang sighed, silently, and his eyes were glazed over still lost in his own memory "Yeah." he walked away, going up the steps, Katara's hand falling off of his shoulder.
"Where're you going?"
Aang came to a stop on the last step, turning to look over his shoulder at us all "The air temple sanctuary. There's someone I'm ready to meet." he walked inside.
I knew what was in the sanctuary because I had been allowed to enter when I had gotten my master tattoos at age twelve, the same age that Aang was now and had earned his. Only masters were allowed inside, and Monk Gyasto had been the one to take me.
I heard Katara follow after Aang, but I didn't move. I looked up at the statue of my mentor, at the familiar open face and kind eyes. I heard Katara's words echo in my head you must miss him. And I did miss him.
I sighed and then jumped a little when a hand came down on my shoulder. I looked up to see Sokka had been the one to stay with me. He gave me a sympathetic look and gestured with a jerk of his head in the direction the other two had gone.
"Come on. We'd better catch up to them." I simply nodded and allowed him to lead me up the steps, his hand still on my shoulder.
I gave one last look at the statue and turned away.
0o0
"But Aang, no one could have survived in there for a hundred years"
Katara's voice echoed slightly around. We had entered the hallway and came upon a large brown wooden door. There was a series of intertwining pipes and tubes, with three blue shells, in the shape of spirals in the centre of the construction.
We had reached the air temple sanctuary doors. "It's not impossible," Aang replied, "Mina and I survived in the iceberg for that long."
Katara put a finger to her chin, expression thoughtful as she hummed in agreement "Good point."
Aang was smiling; eyes alight with excitement and hope. I smiled a little at the sight "Katara whoever's in there might help me figure out this Avatar thing." The smile vanished again.
I heard Sokka speak up- something about food again- but hardly listened. Aang was expecting to find someone behind the door, but I knew exactly what he would find, and it wouldn't be a person to help him figure out how to be the Avatar. I just hoped he wouldn't be too disappointed.
I heard grunting and a boom and looked to see Sokka was trying to force open the doors. I shook my head. That wasn't how this type of door worked. "I don't suppose you have a key?" He asked Aang
The twelve-year-old smiled knowingly "The key, Sokka, is airbending."
The two Water Tribe siblings got out of the way, as Aang and I prepared to open the door. We both took deep slow breaths of air in, lifted our arms up and to the side, to be level with our shoulders. Then we stepped forward with our right legs and pushed our hands out.
Air came blasting out, Aang's shot went into the right end of the tube, and mine went into the left one. The blue spiral on the right hummed out and spun round to its other side, which was a dark purple. The same happened with the left, and then the last spiral, the one in the middle.
The level in the middle lifted, there was a click and a squeak, and then the heavy wooden door creaked open, to reveal the darkness beyond it. The thudding of the doors coming to a stop echoed in the room beyond.
"Hello?" Aang called as he stepped forward "Anyone home?" the leftover air we had bent lifted up in his clothes as he walked in.
We all followed the younger Airbender into the dark.
0o0
"So a twelve-year-old bested you and your firebenders. You're more pathetic than I thought." Commander Zhao was pacing, as his two guests sat in the chairs. Two guards stood behind the prince.
"I underestimated him once but it will not happen again." the prince spat, displeased and angry.
"No it will not," the Commander growled out. It seemed the older wasn't pleased either "Because you won't have a second chance."
Prince Zuko leaned forward in his seat, in disbelief, shock and protest "Commander Zhao I have been hunting the Avatar for years and, I-"
He was cut off as fierce fire came slicing towards him, bent by the Commander as he whipped around, angry at the young prince's words. "And you failed!" he stalked forward "Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now," he smirked, "And the Airbender girl."
Zuko erupted right out of his seat; face clenched into a furious scowl, and let out a growl of anger. The two guards who had stood behind his chair grabbed his arms and twisted them behind his back, effectively stopping him from going anywhere.
"Keep them here." the Commander walked away.
In a temper, the prince kicked out his right leg, upending the table which had a tea set, sitting on it. Everything on the table went crashing to the floor, smashing to little pieces. Even the table was snapped in half by the force of the kick.
"More tea please." General Iroh asked
0o0
I smiled, as we entered the sanctuary, gazing at a familiar sight I had seen once before. All around the room were statues. The light spilling in from the door illuminated them, lighting the place up.
There was an airbending spiral design on the floor, the end swooping up the ramp that led to the higher levels that were there. The statues were lined along the spiral, each as impressive as the next one. I followed the others as they walked into the middle of the room.
"Statues? That's it?" I turned and noticed Sokka had stopped before one of the stone figures, hands on his head in despair, then gesturing outwards "Where's the meat?"
I shook my head, and ignored him, coming to a stop beside Katara. Both she and Aang was gazing up at the statues that they were in front of them, confusion and curiosity on their faces "Who are all these people?" the younger girl asked
"I'm not sure, but it feels like I know them somehow," Suddenly he pointed, eyes wide "Look! That one's an Airbender."
Their gazes travelled over to the statue next to the one Aang had pointed out "And this one's a waterbender," Katara stated "They're lined up in a pattern. Air, water, earth and fire." she gestured to the statues she pointed out
"That's the Avatar cycle," Aang said
Katara grinned, understanding in her blue eyes and on her tanned face "Of course. They're Avatars."
I smiled, and spoke up "All t-these p-people are y-your past l-lives Aang." they turned to me, surprised and startled at my words.
Then Aang grinned, awe and wonder-filled his expression, and made his dark grey eyes go wide "Wow there are so many." he gazed at all the stone figures around them.
I left him and went to find a certain statue that I was desperate to lay my eyes on again. I walked away from the middle and started up the sweeping ramp going only a few feet along the line of Avatar statues.
I didn't even need to look; my feet automatically came to stop where I had wanted to go. My heart knew what it was searching for, and like a string attached, it pulled me to the spot I had now stopped at.
"Past lives? Katara you really believe in that stuff?" I heard Sokka's voice bounce back to me, but I didn't look. My gaze was locked onto the sight in front of me.
"It's true. When the Avatar dies he's reincarnated into the next nation in the cycle." I heard Katara reply back "Aang snap out of it!" I just knew without looking that Aang had gotten into a trance similar to mine "Who is that?"
"That's Avatar Roku. The Avatar before me." I heard Aang say, now back to reality.
After that I lost focus on their conversation, the last thing I actually heard, was Sokka saying how it was no wonder he didn't trust Aang before since he had been a firebender. Everything then faded away.
I smiled, and bowed the statue in front of me, then got caught up in staring at it.
It was a simple thing. A smooth carved stone figure of a girl. The girl was a couple of years older than me and had a kind caring expression. Her hair was long and slightly wavy, going down to her waist, the front locks tied back behind her head.
She wore a simple sweeping dress down to her feet, with another piece of cloth on top, starting at her right shoulder, and swooping across to her left side, at her hip. She had on two necklaces. One was the wooden Airbender necklace with air spiral. Above that, around her neck was a choker with a pendant with a wave design.
She was quite pretty. With her angular cheekbones, and smiling lips, and kind eyes. She had that slim, agile build that all airbenders had, and I saw she had the mastery tattoos on the backs of her hands and forehead.
"Mina? Hey Mina! Hello? Snap out of it already!" My shoulders were shaken and I came out of my engrossed thoughts.
I blinked, and shook my head, trying to the clear the fuzziness out of it, and turned to see who had followed me up the ramp. Sokka had been the one to shake my shoulders, but standing just behind him were Katara and Aang.
"Are you ok Mina?" Aang asked, head tilted in confusion.
I nodded in assent "Uh huh. I'm f-fine. Sorry."
Sokka gave me an unamused, raised eyebrow kind of look, and together all four of us walked back down to stand in front of Avatar Roku's statue. Katara put a gentle hand on my arm "What happened? Who was that statue of?"
I gave a small smile and explained "That w-was Avatar Amina. The a-Airbender Avatar b-before Avatar Yangchen. I was n-named after her." I got wide-eyed looks for that.
"You two just couldn't get any weirder," Sokka said, arms crossed, eyebrows drawn down in annoyance.
There was a sudden noise from behind us, and we all stiffened like the hundreds of statues around us. We whipped around to look at the entrance to the sanctuary, and then Katara dragged Aang over to an earthbender statue to hide.
I was frozen, and Sokka startled me when he took my hand and pulled me to hide behind a firebender statue. He had out his club spear, held steady in his hands. The footsteps of whoever had come to the sanctuary drew closer.
"Firebender. Nobody, make a sound." Sokka whispered across to his sister and Aang, in warning.
I saw Katara frown, eyebrows scrunched together, and she leaned forward slightly around Aang "You're making a sound!" she loudly whispered back.
Aang and Sokka put their pointer fingers to their lips, and shushed her, in sync. If we weren't in so much danger and trouble, I might have laughed at the sight. As it was, we were in trouble, and this was no time for jokes.
I pressed back against the statue as if to sink myself into the very stone. I could feel my heart pounding so fast, I was sure it would burst right out my chest. I bit my lip, and held back a small frightened whimper, and closed my eyes tight.
I felt a glove-covered hand cover mine, and my eyes sprung open. I didn't realize I was clenching my hands so tightly or shaking so much until Sokka put his hand over mine. He gave a reassuring smile and mouthed the words 'It'll be ok'
I nodded, swallowed, and clung to his hand, almost burying my face into his shoulder. He squeezed back for a moment, then went back to concentrating on the intruder. Sokka left go of my hand, and got to one knee, club spear held ready.
I noticed Katara holding onto Aang's arm, either to hold him still or herself, I wasn't sure. The footsteps came to a stop just inside, a few feet away from us. "That firebender won't know what hit him," Sokka whispered
He stood to his feet, and I reached out my hand and touched his arm, which was the highest I could reach crouching on the ground. He looked down at me, and I whispered up to him "B-Be careful."
He nodded, and brought his club spear up, about to charge. He burst out from behind the statue, and then...he stopped. Confused the rest of us peeked out from behind our statues and saw the reason why Sokka hadn't attacked.
It was a flying lemur. A cute little animal that was indigenous to the Patola Mountain Range. It blinked its wide green eyes at us, ears lowering, as it sat on its hunches onto the floor. Aang was ecstatic "Lemur!" He exclaimed.
"Dinner," Sokka replied back.
The little creature stood tall, eyes even wider with alarm. "Don't listen to him," Aang said "You're gonna be my new pet." he gave Sokka a disapproving look
"Not if I get him first." both boys jumped out, lunging for the lemur.
It hissed at them. Sokka tripped, and Aang rushed ahead, Sokka right behind him. Katara and I just stood, dumbfounded at the sight. "Wait come back!" Aang yelled
"I wanna eat you!" Sokka shouted
Then, the poor lemur and both excited boys rushed out of the sanctuary and disappeared.
0o0
Sokka and Aang were neck and neck in the hallway, as they chased after the furry creature. For a moment Sokka was ahead, and then Aang used his bending to his advantage and raced into first place.
Sokka swung his club spear at Aang's feet, to slow him down, to trip him up. Aang simply jumped over it and ended up running across the wall. There was a big grin on his face, as he laughed.
He hopped down and sent an airball spinning towards the older boy. Sokka tried to get out of the way but was too slow. He was sent tumbling to the floor, onto his stomach. His parka hood fell over his eyes.
The lemur came to a brief stop onto the balcony at the end of the hallways, then took off again with a chirp of fright. Aang looked back over his shoulder for Sokka, then continued running. He leapt off the balcony, after the now gliding lemur, laughing as he hopped down, using his bending, onto the rocks.
"Hey, no fair!" Sokka shouted down to him, back up at the balcony.
Aang was too busy gazing ahead at the lemur a big beaming grin on his face, as he soared through the air, down towards the ground.
0o0
I watched both boys disappear into the outside hallway. I saw Katara shake her head in exasperation, and smiled. She rolled her eyes "Boys." She scoffed out loud.
I giggled, and nodded in agreement when she turned her attention to me "B-Boys." I scoffed too.
She laughed and then continued to walk around the sanctuary. I had already seen this place and what it contained so many times, I knew the stories that went along with the statues better than I did my own reflection.
I brushed back some loose curls from my face and said "I'm g-going to l-look a-around. S-See if I can...can find the boys."
Katara smiled, and waved, and then went right back to gazing intently at the Avatar statues. I waved, then took off myself.
0o0
Back in a Fire Nation harbour some few miles away, Commander Zhao went towards the tent, guarded by two sentries, where his 'guests' were being kept. He pushed aside the tent flaps
"My search party is ready," he announced, "Once I'm out to at sea my guards will escort you back to your ship, and you'll be free to go."
Prince Zuko scowled, his eyes narrowed "Why? Are you worried I'm gonna try and stop you?" he demanded in an angry tone
Commander Zhao laughed, then after a moment, turned back to the sullen prince "You? Stop me? Impossible."
Prince Zuko was on his feet in an instant, annoyed, and insulted "Don't underestimate me, Zhao. I will capture the Avatar before you."
General Iroh got to his feet as well and attempted to calm down his nephew, and the heavy tension in the air "Prince Zuko, that's enough." he warned in a gruff exclamation.
"You can't compete with me," the Commander boasted "I have hundreds of warships under my command. And you?" here the older man turned mocking "You're just a banished prince, no home, no allies. Your own father doesn't even want you."
That was entirely the wrong thing to say "You're wrong," Zuko snapped back "Once I deliver the Avatar to my father, he will welcome me home with honour, and restore my rightful place on the throne."
"If your father really wanted you home, he would've let you return by now. Avatar or no Avatar," the Commander replied, brown eyes filled with arrogance and superiority "But in his eyes, you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation."
Zuko's eyes narrowed even further, and his eyebrows were drawn down almost covering his eyes in his anger "That's not true."
"You have the scar to prove it."
That was the last straw. Zuko lunged forward and stood face to face with Commander Zhao "Maybe you'd like one to match." he threatened.
"Is that a challenge?" Commander Zhao, not truly believing this teenage boy would have the guts to challenge him
He was wrong "An Agni Kai. At sunset." Zuko answered, stating time.
Both men glared at each other, fists clenched, postures stiff with tension and hatred for the one standing opposite them. "Very well," the Commander stepped back and straightened first "It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle will do."
Zuko straightened himself, as Zhao turned and walked away. General Iroh sighed, "Prince Zuko. Have you forgotten what happened last time you duelled a master?"
The hard stone like anger on his face stated that he indeed remembered: "I will never forget."
0o0
Back at the air temple, a certain twelve-year-old boy was chasing a flying lemur around the grounds and courtyards. The creature came to stop on the ground, and Aang jumped arms outstretched. He missed.
The lemur scampered away, into the meditation pavilion, and Aang followed at a walk "Hey come back!" he pushed aside the curtains there and went inside "Come on out little lemur. That hungry guy won't bother you anymore."
He pulled aside the second set of curtains, glancing into the room beyond for the furry little creature he had been chasing. He gasped and froze to the spot. "Firebenders?" He whispered in a disbelieved, confused tone "They were here?"
All around, littered on the ground, were the remains, the skeletons of Fire Nation soldiers; Aang could tell by the red and black clothing and armour that most still wore. There was ice, and snow in some parts, covering what remained.
Aang couldn't believe his eyes. Then, his gaze travelled further in. He spotted something that wasn't wearing Fire Nation red or black. He pushed back the curtain more, and walked in a little more, to get a closer look.
His gaze noticed the yellow-orange robes...and then zeroed in on the wooden necklace with the air symbol carved into it. Aang would know that necklace anywhere. Mina had made it with her own two hands.
"Gyasto." He stated, eyes watering, falling to his knees as the crushing weight of grief and sadness and despair washed over him.
0o0
I was walking around the Southern Courtyard and heard Aang's joyful laughter close by. I smiled, and hurried to the little balcony and leaned out, searching. There I saw Aang dart into the meditation pavilion.
I called out, and raised my hand in a wave, to gain his attention "Aang!" he either didn't hear or was to focused on what he was doing.
For a long while, I watched the meditation pavilion, waiting for Aang to come back out. When he didn't, another long few minutes passing, worry started to sink in. Then, I saw the blue-clothed form of Sokka, following Aang into the pavilion.
I frowned. Something was definitely wrong.
0o0
"Hey Aang, you find my dinner yet?" Sokka asked as he burst into the room, the curtain pulled aside, a smile on his face.
He noticed Aang on his knees on the floor, head in hands, form almost bent over. He frowned, then walked in, and stood behind the younger boy. He heard Aang's quiets sobs and realized the kid was crying.
"Aang I wasn't really gonna eat the lemur, ok," he said, low and sincere, trying to make the younger boy feel better. He gave a smile at his joke, then noticed the sight around him. "Oh man."
There, his sapphire eyes locked onto the yellow-robed clothed form, and the wooden carved necklace and Sokka knew. He knew why Aang was suddenly so upset. "Come on Aang, everything will be all right," he put a hand on Aang's shoulder "Let's get outta here."
Suddenly, Aang's arrows and eyes started to glow white, and his whole body went stiff. Sokka drew back with a gasp.
0o0
In the sanctuary, Katara had made a full rotation through the statues and had come back to the middle, where Avatar Roku's statue was. Suddenly the stone eyes of the statue started to glow. They glowed a colour that Katara had seen only once before.
She drew back, eyes wide, and dread and fear poured over her. All around the room, the eyes of all the Avatar statues started to glow as well "Aang."
She turned and rushed from the room.
0o0
Somewhere in the Earth Kingdom, in a rocky mountain range, was a simple Earth Kingdom temple. Inside was a guardian of the temple, sat in the main room, legs crossed, and eyes closed in meditation.
He was startled. He was sat in front of a mosaic, a mosaic of five earth-born Avatars from centuries ago. Their eyes lit up, with a glow.
0o0
In the icy tundra of the North Pole, was another simple temple. On its roof was an ice crystal. Two of the people who guarded the temple stood outside and watched with wide eyes and surprise.
The crystal had begun to glow bright and blue like a falling star.
0o0
In the Fire Nation, on a crescent-shaped island, the same thing was occurring. A high-rise Fire temple, placed right by a still active volcano, was experiencing the same phenomenon as the rest of the sacred temples in the world.
In the top room, where a shrine was located, a pure pinkish glow was emanating from it, almost blinding the Fire Sage as he backed out, and gave an order to another "Send word to the Fire Lord immediately. The Avatar has returned."
The other Fire sage gasped, as the glow continued to brightly shine on.
0o0
The wind picked up. It started as a gentle, simple breeze, then fully turned into a forceful raging tornado. It swirled around the young boy with blue arrow tattoo's that glowed brightly as day.
"Aang!" Sokka yelled, shielding his eyes from the wind and flying bits of debris and pebbles "Come on snap out of it!"
He was knocked flying off his feet with a yell, as the wind burst into a powerful wave. It blew the roof of the building with a crash.
0o0
I was startled and knocked to my knees by the powerful echoing BOOM that sounded all around me, shaking the very earth. I got back to my feet and saw the roof of the meditation pavilion blow sky high into the air, into pieces and rubble.
I felt my eyes go wide at the sight. There, right in the centre was s whirling vortex of spinning raging air, a practical tornado.
I knew what it was. "No. Aang."
I was rushing from the balcony and towards the meditation pavilion as fast as I could go.
0o0
Sokka yelped and shouted as he was sent flying backwards, and managed to catch himself on a rock that he shot past. The wind howled as Aang stood in the centre of the swirling tornado, eyes and tattoo's glowing.
Sokka pulled himself up, and shielded his eyes as Katara joined him, fighting against the wind "What happened?" she shouted over the howling air, worried and afraid
"He found out Firebenders killed Gyasto." Sokka started, narrowing his eyes against the dust.
"Oh no," Katara turned back to gaze at the sight of the air-consumed Airbender "It's his Avatar spirit. He must have triggered it," she glanced at her brother "I'm gonna try and calm him down."
Sokka nodded, as she started to take step after step towards Aang "Well do it!" Sokka shouted, fighting to maintain his grip of the rock in front him as the wind pushed him back "Before he blows us off the mountain!"
Katara went to take another step but was stopped, by a hand on her elbow, halting her.
"I'll calm him down."
Katara's eyes went wide "Mina?"
0o0
I had raced as fast as possible towards the meditation pavilion, hard on Katara's heels. I caught what she and her brother said between one another, and felt myself go reeling. Firebenders...Gyasto... Gyasto dead, killed...But I pushed it aside. I'd deal with later. Right now Aang was more important.
"Well do it, before he blows us off the mountain!" Sokka's shout broke me from my thoughts.
Katara took a few steps forward, but I reached out and stopped her. I wasn't about to let the younger girl put herself in danger. It was my job, my duty, as Aang's best friend- and practically his sister- to care for him, and to calm him down.
Katara jerked to a stop, and whipped around to stare at me with wide blue eyes "I'll calm him down." I spoke with confidence, determination. And for once I didn't stutter.
I didn't wait for Katara, or Sokka to try and stop me. I let Katara's elbow go, and waded my way through the howling winds towards Aang. I shielded my eyes, my face from the flying debris and rubble and dust.
I stumbled, and steadied myself with a hand onto the ground, before continuing forward again. The force and power of the tornado increased, and Aang started to rise from the ground into the very air.
I was sent soaring backwards onto my back, with a scream "Aang!"
0o0
It was sunset, the sun turning pure orange golden molten red, the clouds splayed across the sky. In a harbour, in a combatant arena, were two men, about to face off against one another.
Both kneeled with one knee of the ground, with a cape about their shoulders, focused and deep in thought before the battle began.
"Remember your firebending basics Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons." General Iroh, Zuko's uncle reminded him with a serious tone.
"I refuse to let him win," Zuko replied as he stood to his feet, the cape falling off his shoulders.
His uncle stood behind him, with arms folded, eyes intent and focused on what was about to occur in front of him. Commander Zhao stood to his feet also, frowning, glaring at the young scarred teen "This will be over quickly."
The gong sounded, and both took starting stances.
Zuko made the first move. He spun his hands around anti-clockwise in the air in front him, creating the fire around his fists. He shot with his left hand, with a growl, right towards Zhao.
The Commander dodged easily, once, twice, three and finally four times. He scowled the lines deepening around his eyes and eyebrows, mouth turned sour. He crossed his arms, and blocked the next fire blast, dissipating it.
Zuko was breathing heavily at the exertion. Then he swung his leg around in a spinning kick, and Zhao again went on the defensive; he pushed back the fire, misdirected another stream, and then dodged another fire kick from the prince.
He smirked, then made his move. He crouched to the ground, hands clasped together like an Air Nomad would when bowing and sent a fire stream flying, flashing across the very ground, at Zuko's feet.
He straightened and was furious that Zuko was still standing. "Basics Zuko! Break his root!" His uncle shouted from the sidelines.
Fire came Zuko's way, and he put his hands, then pushed them back batting aside the flames, he did this three times...before the fourth sent him skidding across the ground, landing to a halt on his back.
Zhao leapt, a battle cry emitting from his mouth, fist outstretched, ready to give the final blow. He shot...and Zuko spun on his hands, swinging his legs, and knocking Zhao's feet right out from under him.
Zuko landed firmly on his feet with a smirk. He sent a wave of fire with his foot towards Zhao, causing the older man to stumble back. Zuko kept him off balance this way, once, twice, three four times.
Zhao hurtled towards the ground, hard, and rolled to a stop. Zuko stood above him, fist held out, ready to give the final shot that would end the fight. "Do it!" Commander Zhao barked, wanting the suspense over with.
Zuko shot...then lowered his hands, and straightened, deeming the battle over.
"That's it?" there was smoking scorch mark in the dirt, but Zhao was unmarked and untouched "Your father raised a coward."
Zuko just gave a frown, hands at his sides "Next time you get in my way I promise... I won't hold back." He turned, battle done, and dismissed Zhao, to leave.
Zhao stood to his feet, furious, enraged...he spun then shot fire at the turned prince's back with his right foot.
A hand reached out, untouched through the flames, and grabbed the Commander's foot. General stood between his nephew and the Commander, expression stern and unamused. He pushed the Commander's foot back, and Zhao again, skidded to a stop on the ground, on his back.
The General then reached out, without even having to think, and stopped his nephew from charging forward in his anger "No Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory," For once, Zuko listened and drew back "So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat. Disgraceful."
General Iroh scolded and insulted the Commander, as Zhao continued to lay sprawled on his back, looking up at the two in front of him "Even in exile, my nephew is more honourable than you," then he gave a smile which really wasn't "Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious."
Then he and Prince Zuko turned away and walked out.
"Did you really mean that uncle?" Zuko asked the man beside him, in a rare tone of almost politeness.
The General smirked and turned from serious to silly in a matter of seconds "Of course. I told you Gin-Seng tea is my favourite."
At that, Zuko gave a small very rare smile at the joke, as they continued towards their ship.
0o0
"Aang!" I had gotten back to my feet and stood in the middle of chaos. Katara and Sokka clung to the rocks around them, to stop themselves from being sent backwards by the wind. I took another few steps forward, towards the hovering form of my best friend
"Aang I know you're upset. I know because I feel the same way. I know how hard, how devastating it is to lose people you love," I called up to him, and hoped, prayed, with everything I had, Aang could hear me "I went through the same thing when I lost my parents,"
I turned away at that, collecting myself, after admitting something that painful, out loud, right in front of Katara and Sokka. I inhaled and continued "Abba and the other airbenders may be gone, but you still have me. You still have me, Aang!"
"I know how you feel too Aang! I went through the same thing when I lost my mom. But you do still have a family!" I heard Katara shout from behind, trying to help me calm Aang down "Sokka, Mina and I, we're your family now"
I strode forward, and if Aang had been lower, closer, I could have reached out and grabbed a hand of him. "Katara's right. We're your family Aang," I gave a watery smile "I'll be your family Aang. And nothing will ever change that."
He started to lower, hovering closer to the ground. The wind decreased in strength, and I no longer had to shield my eyes. The wind sphere around Aang disappeared, as did the tornado. He came to a stop on his feet, everything still and quiet again.
"Katara, Mina and I aren't gonna let anything happen to you. Promise." Sokka said as all three of us got closer, standing right by his side.
Katara reached out, and took his hand...and Aang's arrows and eyes finally stopped glowing, and turned back to normal. He collapsed into Katara's arms, exhausted "I'm sorry." he said, hoarse and low.
"It's ok," Katara reassured him "It wasn't your fault."
Aang lifted his head, eyes dim and sad "But you were right. And if firebenders found this temple, that means they found the other ones too," he said, and Katara turned her head to look at him.
Aang looked up at me for a split second before lowering his head and closing his eyes "We really are the last airbenders."
Katara hugged him close, both of them on their knees, and Sokka placed his hand on Aang's shoulder.
I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. The last Airbenders. We were the last airbenders left in the entire world. Was this how Katara felt in the South Pole? Did she feel this lonely, this alone and lost, knowing she was the last, the only, waterbender left in the Southern Water Tribe?
She must have. But I bet she didn't feel this lost and empty and in despair, knowing she was the last waterbender, ever. At least Katara knew there were others, other waterbenders in the North Pole. Aang and I weren't so lucky.
We were truly on our own now.
I felt a hand take mine and knew without looking who it belonged to. I bit my lower lip, to stop from sobbing out. Arms wrapped around me and pulled me in. I wasn't normally content to be embraced or hugged by people. I felt trapped, caged.
But I didn't fight this time. I simply buried my face into the warm, furry parka, and clung to the fabric with white knuckles hands for dear life. My shoulders started to shake, up and down, fiercely. I finally caved and cried.
I don't how long it went on like that; me crying my heart out, and Sokka holding me, reassuring me. I don't know how long he stood with his arms around me, rubbing my back, and shushing me. And I didn't care.
I was just grateful that Sokka was there.
0o0
"Everything's packed," Katara said as she stood behind Aang, as he stared up at Avatar Roku's statue. "You ready to go?"
"How is Roku supposed to help me if I can't talk to him?" Aang asked
"Maybe you'll find a way." Katara encouraged, hopeful.
They both turned at a sound and noticed that the little flying lemur they'd found earlier was stood there in the sanctuary doorway. It hopped across to where Sokka stood and scattered some different types of fruit and nuts at his feet.
"Looks like you made a new friend Sokka," Aang said, smiling
Sokka was too busy stuffing his mouth with the fruit and berries and nuts he sat on down on the ground to eat "Can't talk, must eat." then he continued to do so.
The lemur clambered up Aang's legs up to his head, and hung there, tail wrapped around his neck. "Hey, little guy." He greeted the chirping creature.
0o0
I was finishing packing up our supplies and things, while the others were still in the temple. I had said my own goodbyes to the place, and I needed to get my mind off of my spiralling thoughts for now.
I finished securing down our packs on Appa's saddle and heard a faint purring. I whipped around at the noise, and sitting there in the saddle, was another one of the flying lemurs. It was a cute little thing, with big brown eyes. It had a white splash over its eye.
It chirped at me, and climbed up my outstretched hand, to lay across my neck. I laughed, and gently scratched under its chin "Hello there. Aren't you a-a cutie," it purred at me and I laughed. "I should give you a... a name, shouldn't I?" it chirped, almost as if in agreement.
I frowned in thought and then...I knew the perfect name.
0o0
"You, me, Appa and Mina. We're all that's left of this place," Aang said, to the two creatures beside him. "We have to stick together."
They had left the temple now and stood to stare up at it. The lemur was on Aang's right shoulder, and Appa stood beside him. There was a loud chirping, followed by laughter. Another lemur came out of nowhere and flew right over Aang's head.
He laughed "Whoa!" the lemur circled, and then came to land on certain Airbender girl's shoulders.
0o0
I laughed and scratched under my lemur's chin, the little creature stretching out his neck, purring with content as I did. "Who's this?" Aang asked me.
I smiled, and said "Aang, m-meet Raiu."
Aang laughed, and then turned to the other two of our group "Katara, Sokka," both Water Tribe siblings turned at Aang's call, and we walked towards them, to show them the two lemurs "Say hello to the newest members of our family."
"What are you gonna name them?" Katara asked a bag of berries in her hand.
Aang's lemur reached out, and snatched the peach that was in Sokka's hands, and began to eat it. Aang laughed again, "Momo."
Katara burst out laughing herself at Sokka's stunned and dismayed expression at having his snack taken away out his hands. I chuckled too, and spoke up "And t-this is Raiu." Raiu chirped his assent.
The three of us continued to laugh, and Sokka smiled.
0o0
I was holding Appa's reins, and steering him, as we finally floated away from the Southern Air Temple. I glanced behind me and noticed Aang. He was leaning out at the back, eyes intent on the temple, Momo at his side.
I sighed, and dropped the reins, and came to Aang's side. We said nothing to each other, both of us with our eyes and gazes on our home.
The sun had set now, and the clouds were a dark plum colour mused in with the light lavender and midnight blue. The wind had picked up to a gentle breeze and ruffled and flipped our clothes about.
I looked down at the younger boy, and took his hand in mine, and squeezed. It was to let him know he wasn't alone, that I was there. Raiu appeared, and climbed up onto my shoulders, and wrapped himself around me, warm and soft, like a scarf.
My heart pounded a steady rhythm, pounded the words that I couldn't say, couldn't find my voice to speak. Goodbye. Goodbye. Goodbye.
Eventually, the Southern Air Temple, our home, disappeared behind the clouds.
0o0
Name Meanings
Mina- Faithful sky
Raiu- thunderstorm