Melodies On The Breeze

by ArchangelArrow

"Since Beginning-less time darkness thrives in the void, but always yields to purifying light. To find balance outside, we must have balance within. Air is the element of freedom. This teaches us acceptance. Let your emotions flow, like Air." When two Water Tribe Siblings Sokka and Katara found the Avatar frozen in ice, he wasn't alone. Aang isn't the last Airbender after all.

11. Winter Solstice Part 2

Book One:

Water

Chapter Eight:

Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice, Part Two)

It was the middle of the night, and all of the occupants in the village were fast asleep and dreaming peaceful, most likely for the first time in a few days.

There wasn't much to hear really, other than the usual nighttime noises, such as crickets and the sounds of the people breathing in the air, and perhaps a slight breeze and a call of a night owl every once and a while.

Well and the well-known voice of a young boy, coming from outside. I knew the voice instantly and woke within seconds of hearing it.

"Let's go Appa, come on boy," I heard Appa groan as I woke the two siblings beside me and went outside "Look I'm sorry but Katara, Sokka and Mina aren't coming to the Fire Nation with us. If they got hurt I'd never forgive myself."

I sighed and shook my head. I understood Aang's reasoning, truly I did, but that did not make me any less angry with him for trying to sneak away in the middle of the night either.

"Now get your big butt off the ground and let's go!" I watched as Aang tried, and failed, to get Appa to move, only ending up being pulled to the ground as the reins snapped back.

Finally, I'd had enough "And just where do y-you think you are g-going?"

Sokka huffed and spoke up "And I think his big butt is trying to tell you something."

"Please don't go Aang," Katara pleaded "The world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation. Neither can I."

"And I can't l-loose y-you either," I stated, arms crossed

I watched as Aang frowned and I sighed in exasperation at the well-known look on my best friend's face "But I have to talk to Avatar Roku to find out what my vision means. I need to get to the Fire Temple before the sun sets on the solstice. That's today," he bent himself into the air and up onto Appa neck to take hold of the reins.

Katara and Sokka ran out in front of the furry bison and halted Aang's attempted to leave. I just walked forward and then stopped to glare up at the boy with narrowed eyes filled with determination and annoyance. There was no way on this earth I'd allow him to do this alone.

"We're not letting you go alone to the Fire Nation Aang," Katara stated

Then I was amused to see Sokka smirk "At least not without your friends. We got your back."

"I made a promise to our m-mentor I would w-watch out for you. I don't break my p-promises." I told him as I gave a smile.

Appa licked Sokka up the length of his body covering him in slobber and spit, and I shuddered in sympathy for the waterbender boy. I'd been there and done that.

"It's a long journey to the Crescent Island," the headman came forward a pack in hand "You'll have to fly fast in order to have any chance of making it before sundown. Good luck."

"Thank you for your-"

"Go!"

And at the headman's insistence, Appa took off into the sky.

0o0

Later, when the four kids had left on their journey, and all was quiet again, the headman tried to return to bed. But he had no such luck, for he was slightly worried for the Avatar and his friends, and hoped they would make their destination in time.

He got up to get a drink of water and rubbed at his temples as he sighed at his heavy thought.

"Having trouble sleeping?" the voice startled, and before he could do no more than gasp, he was shoved backwards through his door and landed hard upon his floor.

A young man, dressed in black and red armour stood before him, and the look on his face was not a happy not pleasant one.

"Seen the Avatar lately?"

0o0

The sun was starting to rise now, and we had been flying for most of the night. I knew Appa was getting a little tired, heck we all were tired, but we couldn't afford to stop, not now.

"Come on boy, we've got a long way to go," Aang encouraged his animal guide "Faster."

Thankfully Appa managed to pick up some more speed. I shared an uneasy look with Sokka and knew he was thinking the same I was.

This was going to be a very close call.

0o0

Down below, unbeknownst to the four in the sky, a grey Fire Nation ship was following them.

On deck, the banished prince was staring through a telescope looking for the Avatar and his companions riding that animal. His uncle stood behind him, and the prince ignored the lecture that was soon forthcoming.

"Sailing into Fire Nation waters," his uncle said, "Of all the foolish things you've done in your sixteen years Prince Zuko, this is the most foolish."

"I have no choice uncle."

"Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you? What if you're caught?"

"I'm chasing the Avatar. My father will understand why I'm returning home."

Uncle Iroh did not look convinced at that "You give him too much credit. My brother is not the understanding type."

Prince Zuko ignored that and turned back to look through the telescope. He scanned the skies above, and finally caught a glimpse of what he was looking for "There they are. Helmsman, full steam ahead!"

He was going to capture the Avatar this time.

0o0

I should have known that our good luck in being unnoticed so far wouldn't last. I hung over the back of the saddle, in the middle of Katara and Sokka, and gazed down at the ugly little ship down below. I could see the tell-tale red Fire Nation flag from here.

"Aang we got trouble!" Katara said

"Yeah, and it's gaining fast!" Sokka spoke up, voice high with dread

I noticed movement down on the deck. Something rose from the cargo hold, a machine of some sort. Even from hear I could tell it smelled horrible, just by the look of one older man's face on deck.

There was a bright golden fire and I finally figured out what it was. It was a catapult, and the flames had been the Fire Prince lighting it. I cursed in my head and swung around to face Aang.

"They've got a c-catapult, and it's aimed right at us!"

Just as I spoke I heard a high-pitched WHOOSH and Katara shouted "Fire Ball!"

"I'm on it!"

He swerved Appa to the right, and the fireball flew right past us. I was right, it smelled absolutely horrid. The three of us covered our mouths and noses to try and block the stench of it.

"We have to get out of Zuko's range before he shoots another hot stinker at us!"

"Can't you make Appa got any faster?" Sokka asked and I would have smacked across the arm for that stupid comment

"Yeah, but there's just one little problem."

I gasped at the sight before us "A blockade."

0o0

Down below on the ship, Prince Zuko echoed Mina's words though he didn't know it. Uncle Iroh stroked his small goatee and said to his rash nephew

"Technically you are still in Earth Kingdom waters. Turn back now and they cannot arrest you."

It was good advice. Advice Zuko didn't listen to.

0o0

Great, this was just great, I thought sarcastically as we stared at the long line of bigger more impressive Fire Navy ships in the waters below. Things could never just go their way for once, could it?

"If we fly north we can go around the Fire Nation ships and avoid the blockade. It's the only way."

I shook my head even as Katara disagreed "There's no time."

"We'd n-never make it to the island in time," I said

I watched as Aang frowned as he glanced at us sat behind "This is exactly why I didn't want you to come. It's too dangerous."

"So it would be l-less dangerous if we weren't h-here?" I asked rhetorically sarcastic "No, it w-wouldn't be, it would still be j-just as dangerous."

"And that's exactly why we're here."

"Let's run this blockade," Sokka said blue eyes narrowed with determination

I shook my head. What was it with boys and their need to be excited over dangerous and reckless things and situations? I could have sworn Sokka was actually enjoying all of this; I reminded myself to smack him later for it.

"Appa, yip yip."

We took off.

0o0

"He's not turning around." Zuko pointed out to his uncle

"Please Prince Zuko, if the Fire Nation catches you there is nothing I can do. Do not follow the Avatar."

"I'm sorry, uncle," he said, then turned and shouted to his crew "Run the blockade!"

0o0

"The Avatar and the banished prince. This must be my lucky day."

"Commander Zhao, what are your orders?"

The Commander glared at the approaching targets "Shoot the bison down Captain."

"But there's a Fire Navy ship out there sir. One of our own, what if it's hit?"

"So be it," the man said, not very remorseful in the slightest "It belongs to a traitor. Ignite!" he commanded, "Launch!"

And soon fireballs were sent flying into the sky.

0o0

"There are at least five c-catapults to a ship," I said, analyzing the vessels. I watched as fire streamed up and down all of the decks "And they're, igniting t-them!"

The fireballs come hurtling towards us, at thirty of them at once. I felt no shame in screaming, as Aang hauled on Appa's reins, swerving us left and right, and up and down to avoid being hit by them.

Two of the fireballs collided in the air and smoke covered us. I'd grabbed the two Water Tribe siblings and yelled for them to duck. Thankfully we managed not to inhale of the stuff. I heard Appa growl and jolted up. His fur was smouldering with little flames.

We put them out, as Aang asked "Appa, are you ok?" he got a groaning rumble in response.

We ascended higher into the air, to use the height and clouds as cover. That's when I heard a BANG from below.

That didn't sound good.

0o0

"Prince Zuko, the engines are damaged; we need to stop and make repairs."

The prince huffed and turned away "Do not stop this ship."

0o0

I peeked a glance and saw the Fire Prince's ship was on fire. One of the fireballs must have hit. It looked like the engines had been the recipient of the destruction. Even from this height, I could tell the prince wasn't happy.

I heard that tell-tale whistling in the air "They're f-firing!"

I barely got the words out before more flaming projectiles shoot through the clouds and headed right for us. We dodged and ducked and swerved so much I got dizzy from it. Two fireballs collided again and we went right through the ash and smoke and flame.

I heard Katara screaming, and Sokka shouting. I turned from where I had been gripping the saddle for dear life and saw Sokka being thrown out. "Sokka!" I heard Aang yell.

I acted out of instinct. I lunged forward, grabbed the reins from Aang's hand. I hauled on them, turned Appa around, and made him dive as fast and as hard as possible.

We got below him as he fell, and I shouted out for someone to grab him. I heard a grunt and groan and glanced back to see Katara had grabbed her brother's hand and pulled him back into the saddle.

"H-Hold on!"

I was in control of flying us out of harm's way now. More flaming balls of death- as I had dubbed them- rained down on us. We were no longer hidden by the clouds. We were within touching distance of the sea, so therefore we were an easier target.

"Aang they're l-launching again!" I shouted as one fireball was hurtled at us "Use y-your airbending!"

Aang leapt up and struck out his foot and a tight whistling stream of air bellowed out. The fireball disintegrated before it could hit us. I reached out and grabbed Aang before he could fall, and flicked the reins for Appa to speed up.

We soared past the blockade, and I sighed in relief.

"We made it!" Aang shouted in triumph.

Sokka and Katara were not so pleased "We got into the Fire Nation," the older, Water Tribe boy said "Great."

I could tell by his tone, he didn't think it was great at all. I agreed with him.

0o0

"We're on a collision course." Uncle Iroh said to his nephew

""We can make it!" Zuko replied. He was too close to give up now.

The prince was surprised when the two ships they were about to be crushed by stopped as the engines were cut. He stared up at a familiar dark/grey-haired man who stood upon a higher level.

Both Zuko and his uncle felt there was something fishy going on. They didn't like it one bit.

0o0

We had been flying non-stop for hours. On and on and on we flew, Appa staying at a fast pace throughout the entire time.

Everyone was tired now. The adrenaline from the make-shift dodge ball game with flaming fireballs having eventually crashed to a stop, and we crashed along with it. Sokka had fallen asleep long ago. Katara and I had tried our best to stay awake, to keep an eye out for the island, but even the Water Tribe girl succumbed to sleep.

I could feel my eyelids flutter, heavy as rocks. Open, close, open, close, open. A never-ending cycle of me almost falling asleep and then jolting myself out of it.

For a while, after we escape near-death, I thought about the Fire Prince's ship.

I felt a very, very, slight- and I mean slight- concern for the people on board that ship. They hadn't sunk, which meant the hull hadn't been damaged but still people could have been hurt. I hoped no one was too seriously injured.

For a while, I felt annoyance towards myself for even caring for a single second. Prince Zuko was hunting us; he was trying to capture us, Aang mostly but us as well for we were helping him. He had threatened the Southern Water Tribe village, innocent women and children.

I shouldn't care if his crew was all right, I shouldn't! And yet I did.

It was in my very blood and bones to care. I was an Airbender; peace and kindness were my very way of life. I was taught to cherish every life and moment, and it seemed that my way life extended to even Fire Nation soldiers and their crazy prince who was intent on hunting us down.

"There it is!" Aang's shout jolted me from my deep thoughts "The Island where Roku's dragon took me."

The island was big and on fire. I shouldn't be impressed that the Fire Nation had the courage to build a temple here, and have their own monks live there and right next to an active volcano.

And unfortunately, impressed I was.

0o0

We landed quickly and quietly and hid Appa well out of sight as best as we could. He was flying bison the size of a small house, he was easy to spot, but we managed well enough.

"You did it, buddy," Aang was congratulating his companion "Nice flying."

Appa rumbled a groan and rolled onto his back, mouth open and tongue hanging out. The poor thing was more than likely exhausted from flying at his fastest speed of hours on end, not to mention the impromptu dodge ball game with the fireballs.

"Aww, you must be tired." Katara crooned at him

"No, I'm good. Refreshed and ready to fight some firebenders." Sokka cheered from behind us

"I was talking to Appa," Katara stated her left hand on her hip and a disgruntled expression on her tanned face.

"Well, I was talking to Momo and Raiu." Sokka retorted back at her, to make himself look a little foolish.

I hid a giggle behind my hand, but Sokka caught me in the act. He looked surprised for a moment; as if he couldn't believe someone found him funny. Then he smirked, and I rolled my eyes at him.

Momo and Raiu merely chirped in the background.

0o0

"I don't see any guards," Sokka stated as we hid behind a low wall to check the place out.

"The Fire Nation must have abandoned the temple after Avatar Roku died." Katara reasoned.

I frowned. Something didn't feel right to me. Something about this place was...off. Maybe Katara was right and the monks and guards abandoned the temple when Roku died a hundred and twelve years ago.

Yet my instincts were telling me, screaming at me, that something wasn't right. Aang told us to hurry since it was nearly sundown, and he and Katara took off for the main entrance.

Sokka took a hold of my hand and pulled me up over the wall and we took off on the other two's heels. I was as fast as Aang was, and I could run even faster when I used my bending to speed myself up, so I didn't need help to keep up. But I still didn't let go of Sokka's hand despite that.

We ran in, and then slowed down to a sneaking pace when we came to the main room that over a half dozen corridors split away from it.

I stopped, frozen when my ears caught a sound in the air. I closed my eyes, and focused, letting everything fade away as I tapped into my own energy and listened. There, a footstep. I tugged on Sokka's hand, and he stopped.

I didn't need to open my mouth when he frowned, hearing the noise as well "Wait, I think I heard something."

I whirled around and saw five men standing behind us.

They were dressed in red robes, with black belts. On their feet were red pointed shoes, and on their heads were red hats with three-pointed golden flames on the top of them. They looked quite grim, and I cursed myself for not listening to my instincts earlier. Clearly, the temple hadn't been abandoned.

"We are the Fire Sages," the one stood in the middle and slightly in front said. I guessed him to the leader "Guardians of the Temple of the Avatar."

Aang stepped forward "Great, I am the Avatar."

Something about the air changed. It suddenly felt heavy and charged with energy. The air only changed like that, when benders tapped into their energy when they were about to use their bending.

"We know." the main Fire Sage said.

Then he shot a blast of flames right at us.

0o0

Three streams of fire came flying at us. Aang took the left, and I took the right. We twirled our hands and blew the flames to the sides, away from Katara and Sokka and ourselves. Then together we took care of the third blast.

"I'll hold them off, run!" Aang shouted at us.

I would have protested, told him I was staying to help, but Sokka grabbed my arm and pulled me away. I tried to struggle, to break free. I couldn't leave Aang alone, to fight alone, but Sokka was having none of it.

I looked back as Aang dropped into a crouch and swung a leg out and around, letting out a strong air blast at the Fire Sages feet. They were blasted backwards and off the ground, landing on their fronts. Aang was then close on our heels.

I then heard the Fire Sages behind us "If the Avatar contacts Roku there's no telling how powerful the boy will become. Split up and find him."

I picked up my pace, and Sokka let me go and stopped pulling me along after him, knowing that Aang was right behind us and that he wasn't in danger and therefore I wouldn't need to turn around and go back to help.

We ran as fast as we could, and Aang skidded out of corridor in front "Follow me."

"Do you know where you're going?" Sokka asked as both I and Aang turned the corner up ahead

"Nope," Aang said, and then we instantly skidded back around the corner and back down the other corridor "Wrong way!"

"T-Turn around!" I shouted

Katara and Sokka followed quickly as we ran in a different direction, and I heard a voice calling us, telling us to come back. Needless to say, we did no such thing.

Once again, our luck ran out. We hit a dead end and came to a sudden stop. The man came behind us and blocked our only escape. I cursed in my head at the sheer unfairness of it all.

"I don't want to fight you," he said with a hand outstretched "I am a friend."

I was in front of the other three. I was the oldest out of all four of us. Aang was twelve, Sokka had turned fifteen and Katara had turned fourteen a few weeks before they had found us in the ice in the South Pole.

I was the oldest; therefore it was my job to look out for the younger three. Aang had been my best, and my only, friend since we were little. He was the little brother I had never had. I had promised our mentor Monk Gyasto to look after him.

Now, Katara and Sokka were a part of that promise.

Sure Sokka and I were the same age but I would be turning sixteen before him, and therefore it was my job to watch out for him too. Even though he ended up looking out for me most times. It was probably because I was a girl who was much shorter and smaller than him, and he felt the need to watch out for me as he did Katara.

Katara was like the younger sister I had always wanted. Ok, so she acted more motherly and mature than me sometimes, especially when she fussed, but in some ways, she didn't. I would make sure she was tucked in at night, so she didn't get cold, I would remind her, and the other two, to eat breakfast, and once she allowed me to help her with her hair.

The two Water Tribe siblings had become as dear and close to my heart as Aang had so long ago, and I vowed the moment I realized this, that I would protect them just as fiercely as if they were my own brother and sister.

That was why I was in front of them, hands at the ready to unleash some serious airbending.

"Firebenders aren't our friends." Sokka stated, grim and determined.

The man then shocked me and the others by prostrating himself at our feet.

"I know why you're here Avatar."

"You do?" Aang questioned and both he and I lowered our hands

"Yes. You wish to speak with Avatar Roku. I can take you to him."

Naturally, we were all sceptical at this. So far, since Aang and I had woken from the ice, all we had seen of firebenders showed that they weren't for peace and friendship. Yet here was this Fire Sage, offering just that.

"How?" Aang asked. He had always been very curious.

The man pushed a torch on the wall next to him aside and revealed a small rectangle hole. He pushed what I figured was a blast of fire into it, and a part of the wall travelled backwards and aside out of the way revealing an entrance into a secret passageway with descending stairs.

"This way," He said. We hesitated. Voices were heard, and the man's turned to us desperately "Time is running out. Quickly."

We looked to each other, and shared nods, and walked into the passage. The man shut the door behind us.

0o0

Not pleased. The understatement of the century. No, Prince Zuko was more than simply not pleased. He was downright furious.

"What's he up to uncle? Why didn't Commander Zhao arrest me?"

"Because he wants to follow you. He knows you'll lead him to the prize you're both after. The Avatar."

Zuko's eyes were narrowed with annoyance "If Zhao wants to follow our trail of smoke, then that's exactly what I'll let him do."

He had a plan.

0o0

"Avatar Roku once called this temple his home. He formed these secret passages out of the magma."

The Fire Sage, Shyu had led us down the long stairs and was telling all he knew about Avatar Roku and the temple itself as he did. I had read many books and scrolls about many different things, but it wonderful to hear an actual account from someone who experienced the things I wanted to know.

"Did you know Avatar Roku?" Aang questioned him

"No, but my grandfather knew him. Many generations of Fire Sages guarded this temple long before me. We all have a strong spiritual connection to this place."

"Is that how you knew I was coming?"

I smiled at the curiosity Aang was known for raising its head. He never could resist asking questions.

"A few weeks ago an amazing thing occurred. The statue of Avatar Roku, its eyes began to glow."

"That's when we were at the Air Temple. Avatar Roku's eyes were glowing there too." Katara said.

"At that moment we knew you had returned to the world," Shyu stated.

I was extremely confused. This temple was like a home to Avatar Roku, or so Shyu said the Avatar thought it as so. If that was the case, and the Sages guarded this temple, then why were the men trying to hunt us down? It made no sense.

"If this is the Avatar's temple then why did the Sages attack me?" Aang asked. A good question and one I wanted an answer to.

"Things have changed. In the past, the Sages were only loyal to the Avatar. When Roku died, the Sages eagerly awaited the next Avatar's return. But he never came."

I sighed. That answers that. Aang and I had been frozen in ice for a hundred years. One century was a long time to wait for someone. I didn't blame the Sages for giving up, for letting go of the hope that the new Avatar would return.

"They were waiting for me." Aang breathed out, steadying himself against the cavern wall.

"Hey don't feel bad; you're only a hundred years late." I smacked Sokka hard for that comment and gave a good glower.

"They lost hope the Avatar would ever return. When Fire Lord Sozin began the war, my grandfather and the other Sages were forced to follow him. I never wanted to serve the Fire Lord. When I learned you were coming I knew I'd have to betray the other Sages."

"Thank you for helping me."

Shyu smiled and then we continued on our way "We'll follow these stairs to the sanctuary. Once you're inside, wait for the light to hit Avatar Roku's statue. Only then will you be able to speak with him."

We came to a stop at the top of a long winding set of stairs, and Shyu pushed the lid that closed the exit up and back, and we followed him out.

I took the time to notice the room we were in. It was large and well-spaced. The walls were black with little red lanterns spaced along the walls. There were pillars with marble grey dragons twisted about them.

In front of us was a large door of steel. It had a three-pronged flame also made of steel, the tips being gold. There were five openings in the steel, and I figured it was like the entrance to the sanctuary in the Air Temple and needed bending to open it.

The massive, impressive door was shut.

Shyu gasped "No," Aang asked what was wrong "The Sanctuary doors, they're closed."

"Can't you just open them with firebending? Like how you opened that other door?" Katara asked.

I shook my head and answered before the Sage could "N-No. Only a fully r-realized Avatar who has m-mastered all of the e-elements would be p-powerful enough to open it alone. Otherwise, the f-five Sages must have to d-do it together. F-five fire blasts, one for each opening."

Shyu looked impressed with my knowledge, while the others ranged from impressed to slight surprise to disbelief.

"Five fire blasts huh?" I looked to Sokka, and his expression cleared from deep thinking to understand "I think I can help you out."

I looked to the doors and hoped whatever harebrained scheme he came up with, worked.

0o0

"Uncle, keep heading north. Zhao will follow the smoke trail while I will it as a cover."

As the small steel boat lowered into the water, General Iroh gave a hum of disagreement at his nephew's words but said nothing. Zuko was determined, and wouldn't give in, nor listen to his uncle's advice so easily.

The little ship with the prince then disappeared into the smoke.

0o0

This was insane. Absolutely one-hundred per cent crazy.

Sokka had been at work for quite a bit and was now showing us his brilliant plan to get the doors open without using actual firebending. I was sceptical. The door was designed to be opened by firebending, and therefore they would only open to firebending.

A firebender can control the temperature, the strength, of his or her flame, and I had a feeling the doors needed a certain amount of power and heat behind the flames to open. This, what Sokka was suggesting would more than likely not work.

He was pouring lamp oil into animal-skin casings. He was currently sealing the fifth and last little miniature bomb. He said this was a trick he had picked up from his father. It was a neat trick, really, but it still wouldn't work on the doors.

"Shyu lights the oil-soaked twine and ta-da! Fake firebending."

"You've really outdone yourself this time Sokka," Katara stated, hands on hips impressed.

"This might actually work."

I resisted the urge to snort. Fake bending. Now I've seen everything.

0o0

"The Sages will hear the explosion so as soon as they go off, you rush in."

Everything was set and ready to go, all that needed doing for Shyu to light the twine and set off the bombs.

"It's almost sunset, are you ready?"

Aang nodded to the younger girl "Definitely."

I had Raiu in my arms, while Momo was in Katara's. We were all taking cover behind the pillars now. Katara was standing, and Sokka kneeled at her feet. Aang was crouched low and I was huddled on the floor, my back to the pillars and my face buried in Raiu's white fur.

BANG!

Aang rushed through the left-over smoke and tugged on the doors. He shouted back at us, in desperation that the doors were still locked. I rose to my feet and heard Shyu beside me sigh.

"It didn't work." the Fire Sage stated.

Despair rang through the air, as Aang sunk to his knees.

0o0

Aang was frustrated. Very frustrated, considering the abuse he was giving the doors, as he sent airblast after airblast at it, punctuated with one word at a time

"Why. Won't. It. Open?!"

Katara told him to stop, that there was nothing he could do. I agreed with her. Fake bending wouldn't open the doors, only real bending would, and only Aang once he was a fully realized Avatar could open them alone.

"I don't get it. That blast looked as strong as any firebending I've seen." Sokka inspected the doors, with his arms crossed.

I sighed "Fake firebending c-can't be altered to a specific t-temperature or strength or length of t-time. The explosion m-must either have b-been not hot enough, to w-weak or not l-long enough in l-length. The d-door was designed for real firebending, not f-fake. The only thing this d-did was to make a big m-mess that l-looks like firebending"

The others looked at me with dropped and slack jaws. Sokka was blinking at me with those blue eyes of his, and I swore I could see the awe in them.

Katara suddenly smiled "Sokka, Mina, you're genius'.

Aang was sceptical "How is Sokka a genius? The plan didn't even work."

I was a little smug at the fact that my best friend didn't question my intelligence. Sokka huffed with crossed arms and smirked: "Come on Aang let her dream."

"You're right, Sokka's plan didn't work. But as Mina just said, it looks like it did." Katara stated smugly.

I was quicker than the others at seeing where her line of thinking was going. I gasped and smiled. Oh, that girl was smart.

"Did the definition of genius change on the last hundred years?"

Sokka let out a noise of indignation. I just laughed.

0o0

"Come quickly, the Avatar has entered the sanctuary." Shyu was quite the actor. Another asked how Aang got in and Shyu shrugged "I don't know. But look at the scorch marks, and down there."

A shadow showed itself from underneath the door. The Sages believed Shyu's words then.

"He's inside! Open the doors immediately, before he contacts Avatar Roku."

I glared at the four other Sages. If Avatar Roku were here to see this, and what the Fire Sages were doing and who they pledged loyalty too, I had the feeling the man would not be pleased in the slightest.

The Sages used their bending, and the golden flames spun and tilted sideways out of the way, and then the door opened with a creek, and the light came flooding into the main room.

And there was Momo, sitting on the sanctuary floor.

"It's the Avatar's lemur. He must have crawled through the pipes. We've been tricked!"

With a small cat-like yowl Momo and Raiu launched themselves at the head Sage. Katara and Sokka took one sage each, lifting the red shawl on their necks above their heads and holding them there. Shyu twisted the last Sage's arm up and held him still.

"Now Aang!"

"Aang now's your chance!" Katara yelled.

Zuko stepped out from behind a pillar and in his hands was Aang. I was on the floor, lying crumbled at the firebender's feet.

"The Avatar's coming with me."

0o0

The Sages got loose and turned the tables on their captures.

Now Katara, Sokka and Shyu were held restrained "Close the doors, quickly." then Zuko dragged Aang away.

Mina was hauled to her feet, and chained to a pillar on her own, while Shyu, Katara and Sokka were chained together on the one next to her. They watched as Aang disappeared down the steps out of the sanctuary.

Aang frowned and managed to get out of Prince Zuko's grip, using his airbending to blast the teenager down the stairs. He took off back into the main room, determined to help his friends, but Katara told to him to go for the doors.

He leapt into the air, pushed off one Sage's head, leapt off another, and flew through the doors just as they shut and locked with a BANG.

"He made it," Katara said, smiling.

A bright blue/white light filled the room.

He was inside the sanctuary; the light was now right on top of Roku, touching his chest where the statue's marble hands held a flame.

"The light touches the statue and I talk to Roku. So why isn't anything happening?"

0o0

I felt like I had been run over by a herd of mouse-lions. My head was aching, and if it weren't for the chains holding me upright to the pillar I was tied to, I would have been on the floor in a heap.

That firebending prince had done a good number on me, when he had snuck up behind me and Aang, and shoved my face first into a pillar and more than likely concussing me.

I felt smug and took a vindictive satisfaction in the fact that the doors to the sanctuary wouldn't open, no matter how many times prince Zuko and the Sages shot flames into the holes.

"Why isn't it working, its sealed shut." the firebender did not look happy.

"It must have been the light. Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside."

I felt even smugger at that. I was sorely tempted to stick out my tongue. So I did, smiling all the while. Sokka noticed.

I smiled even wider when he snorted and gave me smirk.

0o0

"Why isn't anything happening? I don't know what I'm doing, all I know is airbending. Please, Avatar Roku talk to me!"

The beam of light from the setting sun slowly moved upwards and touched the statue's face. The eyes glowed, and suddenly a swirling tunnel of mist surrounded Aang. Then he was no longer in the sanctuary and there was an older man standing before him.

"It's good to see you Aang. What took you so long?" the man smiled, eyes twinkling

Aang realized who it was. And bowed in respect.

0o0

"Why did you help the Avatar?" prince Zuko demanded.

I was frowning at the scarred boy, as he had Shyu on his knees before him, questioning him, questions about his actions.

"Because it was once the Sages' duty. It is still our duty." I smiled. Maybe not all firebenders were bad after all.

There was clapping then, startling them. It echoed around the chamber, bouncing off the walls. I looked around to the left and swore in my head. There were six firebending soldiers and one other man, who must be their Commander. Brilliant, more firebenders to deal with, I thought.

"What a moving and heartfelt performance," The leader of the group said, "I'm certain the Fire Lord would understand when you explain why you betrayed him."

The old Sage bowed in respect "Commander Zhao."

At least now I knew his name. A name to go with that ugly face "And Prince Zuko, it was a noble effort, but your little smokescreen didn't work," Zuko didn't look happy at that "Two traitors in one day, the Fire Lord will be pleased."

A soldier came up and restrained the scarred boy, and he glared at Zhao before him "You're too late Zhao! The Avatar's inside and the doors are sealed."

The man, Zhao smirked, and I wanted nothing more than to smack that look off of the man's face.

"No matter. Sooner or later, he has to come out."

Katara, Sokka and I traded looks of dread. This wasn't going to end well.

0o0

Meanwhile, in another place, perhaps another world entirely, Aang was talking with his previous life, Avatar Roku. The two stood before another, one a natural born firebender and the other a natural born Airbender.

"I have something important to tell you Aang. That is why, when you were in the spirit world I sent my dragon to find you."

"Is it about that vision? The one of the comet?"

"Yes," Roku answered him gravely. Aang asked what the vision meant "One hundred years ago Fire Lord Sozin used that comet to begin the war. He and his firebending army harnessed its incredible power, and dealt a deadly first strike against the other nations."

"So the comet made them stronger?"

"Yes. Stronger than you could even imagine."

"But that happened a hundred years ago, what does the comet have to do with the war now?" Aang questioned, confused.

"Listen carefully. Sozin's comet will return by the end of the summer, and Fire Lord Ozai will use its power to finish the war once and for all. If he succeeds not even the Avatar will be able to restore balance to the world. Aang you must defeat the Fire Lord before the comet arrives."

"But I haven't even started learning waterbending, not to mention earth and fire."

Roku nodded "Mastering the elements takes years of discipline and practice, but if the world is to survive you must do it by summers end."

Aang felt his very eyes go wide in shock and trepidation.

0o0

I struggled against the chains around me, trying over and over to get free, even if it was just a hand.

Commander Zhao had his soldiers and the Sages lined in front of the doors and was ordering them to unleash all of their firepower as soon as the doors opened. Aang wouldn't know that when the doors opened there was a group of firebenders waiting to burn him to ash.

I struggled even harder when I heard Katara say "How is Aang going to make it out of this?"

"How are we going to make it out of this?" Sokka replied with.

If I had had a hand free I would have smacked him for that comment.

I twisted and turned on the spot, working to pick the knot on the rope that was binding my wrists together.

"Would you stop that?!" the person next to me hissed.

I looked up and gave him a good glare, a look that clearly said 'this is your fault, you're the one who led them here', then I returned to trying to get free.

"Struggling is futile. You won't escape," I looked up to see Zhao in front of me "The Fire Lord will be very pleased, not only when I bring him his traitor son and the Avatar," Zuko growled from beside me "But an actual Airbender as well."

I glared and he chuckled "Oh come now don't be shy. I'll tell you this; if you come along quietly, and tell me everything you know about the Avatar, I'll make sure you'll be rewarded tremendously. So, what do you say my dear?"

I glared, and then spat right in his eye "Bite me." Zhao looked furious but I wasn't finished "I'd rather die than tell you anything," then I smirked, "Or better yet, I'd first gauge my own eyes out with a spoon and eat them so I no longer have to look at your ugly mug."

Zuko was laughing from beside me. Actually laughing. I was surprised. I don't know what I was expecting, sinister, creepy villainous laughter for one, not highly amused and normal. His laugh suited him, loud but not booming, low but not rough. I found myself smiling.

Then that smile was wiped off my face. Literally. SMACK! My head was wrenched to the side, and the sudden lance of pain on my face was unexpected. Zuko stopped laughing then.

Zhao had hit me. Backhanded me right across the lower half of my face. I could taste blood and felt it trickle down the corner of my lip. He'd split my lip. My whole face felt hot, and my right cheek began to throb.

"Didn't your father ever teach you it's dishonourable to hit a woman Zhao?" Prince Zuko spat out.

I had pressed my throbbing cheek into Zuko's shoulder, resting my head there. There was a gap in his armour, so my cheek met skin instead of cold sharp metal. I suddenly caught the scent of- unsurprisingly- fire and then leather and sea air. Surprisingly it was a pleasant mix of scents.

Zhao must have hit me harder than I previously thought if I thought anything about Prince Zuko was pleasant. The Commander said something to the younger firebender and then stalked off. I heard Zuko huff in return.

I ignored them both and simply kept my eyes closed.

0o0

"What if I can't master all the elements in time, what if I fail?!"

"I know you can do it Aang," Roku replied, with an encouraging smile "For you have done it before. The solstice is ending; we must go our separate ways. For now."

"But I won't be able to come back to the temple, what if I have questions? How will I talk to you?"

"I am a part of you when you need to talk to me again. You will find a way." He closed his eyes and began to show Aang a vision of the present "A great danger waits at the temple. I can help you face the threat but only if you are ready."

Aang's arrow tattoos began to glow that blue/white light, and as his eyes opened he spoke, his voice overlapped with a hundred other voices.

"I'm ready."

0o0

The doors were opening, mist and blue/white light pouring out from the widening gap. It was so bright, all of those in the room, turned away and closed their eyes, until the light faded.

I turned back to the doorway and struggled against the chains, desperate to get free, to stop what was about to happen.

"Ready," Zhao ordered.

I struggled harder, as Katara called out. It was hopeless, but I couldn't just stand and do nothing "Aang! Aang, look out!"

"Fire!"

The flames shot forward and engulfed the figure standing in the doorway. I was sure I screamed. The fire twirled and spun in the air, and then...it lifted away, and I got a good look at the figure.

An old man, with long white hair and beard, with a topknot, held with a golden flame piece, and wearing deep red robes. He was controlling the fire, and his eyes...his eyes were glowing.

"It's Avatar Roku," I uttered.

The Avatar brought the flames in and then shot them out towards the soldiers and Zhao who stood slack-jawed at the sight of the long-dead avatar. The flames melted the chains holding us to the pillars, and finally, I was loose. The rest were knocked off their feet.

Prince Zuko took off, running out of the temple and down the steps. I only took a second to watch him making his escape before I rushed to Katara and Sokka's sides.

Avatar Roku turned his gaze to the Fire Sages, eyes glowing and facial expression filled with righteous fury. The Sages and the soldiers took to their heels and ran for their lives, neither willing nor brave enough to face the Avatar's wrath.

"Avatar Roku is going to destroy the temple; we have to get out of here," Shyu begged us.

Both Katara and I refused "Not without Aang."

The entire place was shaking, dust reigned from the ceiling and there was a big hole in the side of the temple, where it had been blast away in the first attack. Molten lave spouted from the floor cutting off, any escape out the door, and blowing the temple's roof off.

Katara and I were huddled on our knees, with Sokka's arms around us, trying to shield us from any harm. Katara's eyes were closed, whereas mine were fixed on the raging Avatar before me.

Suddenly, it all stopped.

I got to my feet and came out from behind the pillar we had been hiding behind. The light on the golden statue behind the man was rising, and once it stopped touching the statue, Roku disappeared in a furl of mist and in his place was Aang.

I rushed forward as Aang collapsed, Sokka and Katara behind me "I've got you, it's ok."

"We've got your back," Sokka added

"Thanks. Where's Shyu?"

"I don't know," Katara said

The temple was collapsing, pillars were falling, and the staircase out was now lava. A pillar fell and we ducked out of the way. There was no way out.

"Look!" I shouted.

It was Momo and Raiu, and they had brought Appa. I let out a sigh of relief. We jumped out of the hole in the wall, slid down the sloped tiled roof, and landed right into Appa's saddle. We had made it, just in time.

I watched as we flew away, as the temple finally collapsed.

0o0

The Commander was furious. Absolutely furious as he watched the flying bison fly away with his prize.

"No Prince, no Avatar, and no Airbender. Apparently, the only thing I do have is five traitors."

"But Commander, only Shyu helped the Avatar." The Head Sage said.

"Save your stories for the Fire Lord. As far as I'm concerned you are all guilty! Take them to the prison hold!"

He turned away, as he issued his order.

0o0

He had managed to escape. He was lucky. Zuko was extremely lucky.

He gazed through his telescope as he watched as the Avatar and his three companions flew off and away out of sight over the horizon.

The Prince caught a glimpse of brown hair and a small form dressed in orange and frowned. The girl had him confused. He wouldn't admit to it, not now, not ever more than likely, but she had impressed him, with her courage at standing up to Zhao.

She had made him laugh in a way he hadn't laughed in years. He shook his head and brushed away his thoughts of her. She wasn't worth thinking of.

He turned his gaze from the sky, and towards his ship.

0o0

We flew on into the night, not a word said between us.

Aang was upset after he had told us everything he and Roku had discussed while he had been in the sanctuary. He had told how he needed to master all of the elements by summer's end, in order to stop the Fire Lord from using Sozin's comet to take over all the nations.

Katara got up, and wrapped her arms around Aang, pulling him close, offering comfort. I held Aang's hands in mine, squeezing them resting my cheek against his forehead. Sokka put one hand on Aang's shoulder, and one on mine. I reached up with one hand and rested it over Sokka's. Raiu lay curled around my neck, and Momo on Aang's free shoulder.

We took comfort in each other as we flew on into the night.

0o0