OKAY, HERE'S THE THIRD CHAPTER, SORRY FOR THE WAIT WHOEVER'S READING THIS. STILL WORKING ON KYOSHI, HOPEFULLY I'LL HAVE IT UP SOON
I'D REALLY LIKE IT IF SOMEONE WOULD REVIEW, IT'LL AT LEAST TELL ME THAT SOMEONE IS READING THIS. OH WELL. I DON'T OWN AVATAR THE LAST AIRBENDER
The sun rose late, breaking over the mountains in a halo of colours. Aang and Katara were busy packing Appa, and Zephyr was lying on her belly near the water's edge of the small lake they'd camped next to. "I'm just so excited." exclaimed Aang as he tightened Appa's reins. "The air temple is one of the most beautiful places in the world." he added, with a little superiority to his voice.
"Aang, a lot can change in a hundred years time." Katara said in a cautionary tone.
"Doesn't matter what's there, as long as we get there before lunch," Zephyr commented, "We ran out of food last night." she added, explaining her, seemingly, hurriedness to get there. "Sokka ate the last of it." she added, looking over at the still sleeping teen.
Aang walked over to him, "Come On, Sokka, Air Temple here we come." excitement obvious in his voice.
Sokka lazily opened one eye, observing Aang's eager face, Katara's sleepy one, and Zephyr's stoic one, and he closed it again grumbling, "Sleep now, Temple later." as he turned over.
Aang's face fell and he looked over to Zephyr who, sighing stood up and walking nonchalantly over to the two boys, fell flat, crossways, over top Sokka, squashing the air out of him, with the force of her fall.
Sokka sat bolt up, struggling to free his arms from his sleeping bag as he saw the petite girl sprawled over him, her head resting on her arms, which were crossed on the ground. "Good, your awake." Aang commented as he helped Zephyr up.
Sokka grumbled to himself as he untangled from his constrictive sleeping bag then packing it all up he walked sleepily up Appa's tail, settling down for a nap at the back of the Bison's saddle.
A few minutes later saw them soaring away from their previous camp, towards the swirling mist, that Aang assured the group held the Southern Air Temple.
Zuko stalked down the gangway, leading from his ship to the docks below them. They'd made port at a Fire Nation outpost, not far from where they'd last seen the Avatar, but far enough that the snow had been replaced with tree's and grass. "Make the repairs quickly." he ordered his crew as he left, "I don't want to spend more time here than I have to." he added to his Uncle, who'd followed him. "We need to get back on her trail as fast as possible." Zuko continued.
"You mean the Avatar?" Iroh questioned, noticing that his nephew had said 'Her,' rather than 'Him'. "You said, Her, Prince Zuko." Iroh explained, when his nephew stopped short, whirling around, probably to tell him off for mentioning the Avatar on these docks.
"I MEANT HIM!" thundered Zuko, though Iroh could see the traces of doubt that were left on Zuko's face. Shaking his head he continued, "And don't mention his name on these docks, once word gets out that he's alive, every fire bender in the country will be looking for him, and I don't want any one getting in the way." Zuko ranted.
"Getting in the way of what?" came an oily voice fro behind them.
Spinning around they saw a tall man sauntering up from one of the buildings more inland. He had an air of arrogance about him, as if he looked down on everyone else. "Captain Zhao," Zuko said, as if he somewhat expected someone like him to show up.
"It's Commander, now," Zhao informed them, seeming to grow half an inch taller at his words. "And General Iroh, great hero of the Fire Nation." he added, bowing his head to Iroh.
Iroh bowed back, "Retired General," he reminded Zhao, smiling.
"The Fire Lords son and brother are welcome in my harbour any time." he stated, "What brings you here?" looking at the damage on their boat.
"Well we ran into a little trouble." Iroh explained, gesturing to the badly damaged ship.
"That looks like an awful amount of damage," Zhao commented, "It must make a thrilling story." he added, smiling smugly.
"Yes, we, uh, UNCLE, tell Commander Zhao what happened." Zuko spluttered, slapping his Uncle on the shoulder.
Iroh started, then recovering his composure said in a grand voice, "You should have seen it. It was incredible," then leaning towards his nephew eh asked out of the corner of his mouth, "What did we crash, or something?"
"Yes," Zuko exclaimed, "Right into an Earth Kingdom ship." he looked sideways at Iroh.
Zhao's smile grew wider as he saw them bumbling over their story. "I simply must hear it," he stated, then walking closer to Zuko challenged, "Join me for a drink?"
Zuko looked at him a moment, anger flashing in his eyes then turning to walk away he said, "Sorry but we have to go."
Suddenly Iroh caught his arm and reprimanded, "ZUKO, show Commander Zhao your respect," then turning to Zhao he said in a calmer voice, "Yes we would love a drink, do you have any Jin Sang Tea."
/Zuko waited until they were out of earshot then throwing his hands down he trialed fire from them, growling his anger.
The Gaang were soaring over the clouds. Katara sat on Appa's head with Aang while Sokka was in the back, rummaging through his bags. Zephyr was leaning over the side of Appa's saddle, tracing pictures in the clouds. Sokka's stomach growled loudly, "Hey stomach, be quiet okay. I'm trying to find us some food." he admonished, still digging through his bag.
"Sokka, I don't think your stomach likes being told to be quiet." Zephyr commented, smiling to herself as she heard him grumbling about, 'Silly Girls.'
"HEY, who ate my blubbered seal jerky!" Sokka Abruptly exclaimed.
Zephyr stifled a laugh as Aang turned around, a confused expression on his face. "OH, that was food? Sorry Sokka, I used it to start the campfire last night."
"No wonder the flames smelled so good," Sokka drooled. Zephyr couldn't keep her laughter in any longer as she rolled about in Appa's saddle. "YOU, you knew about this, didn't you!" Sokka cried, pointing an offending finger at Zephyr.
"YUP." she wheezed out as she tried to catch her breath, her laugh having died down to giggles.
"WHY?" Sokka yelled, catching her by the shoulders, looking at her like she had just thrown Katara from the bison.
"Well," she began looking thoughtful, "I hate it." she finished looking steadily at Sokka's disbelieving face.
"You hate it?" he repeated, looking like his mind was shutting down.
"Yup," she continued, "Why do you think I always used to give you mine?" she questioned, smirking.
Sokka's reply was interrupted by Aang as he called out, "LOOK, we're almost there!" urging Appa to go faster. After Aang's outburst Zephyr and Sokka continued arguing about whether blubbered seal jerky was good or not, while Katara at the front just smiled at hearing her siblings fight. She knew that they never meant any harm by it.
"Aang?" Katara began, continuing when Aang looked up expectantly. "There's something you should know before we get there."
"What?" Aang queried happily. Still looking eagerly forward, searching the mist.
"Well, the Fire Nation is ruthless., They killed my mother, and they could've killed your people." she finished looking up to see Aangs reaction.
"But Zephyr is Fire Nation, and she isn't ruthless." Aang pointed out, turning to see the, unruthless, Zephyr shoving Sokka's face into Appa's fur. "Well to an extent." he muttered as Sokka came up gasping, surrendering the argument to Zephyr.
"And besides," Aang continued, "Just because no ones seen an Air Bender, doesn't mean they're extinct. They probably just went into hiding." he added. Katara opened her mouth to contradict but upon seeing Aang so happy closed it. She wouldn't be the one to wipe that look of joy off his face.
Appa unexpectedly began ascending rapidly, climbing over mountain tops. The abrupt lurch almost flung Zephyr off the saddle where she'd been standing. Sokka grabbed her and pulled her back down, and suddenly the mountains were behind them and before them, rising out of the thick carpet of fog was the Southern Air Temple. "We're home, Appa." Aang said quietly, "We're home."
"So Prince Zuko, how goes your search for the Avatar?" Zhao asked casually, but with a glint to his eye.
"We haven't found him yet." Zuko answered coldly, looking away.
Zhao responded with scorn, "Well did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago, along with the rest of the Air Benders." waving his hand dismissively. When Zuko didn't answer he looked more interested, "Unless you've found some evidence to the contrary." Zhao continued.
Zuko looked over, his expression hidden. "No." he answered, "It's like you said. The Avatar probably died a long time ago."
"Zuko, if you've had some news of the Avatar it's your duty to report it." Commander Zhao prompted. "If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you saw." he insisted.
Zuko got up, brushing past him he made for the door, "We're leaving." he stated, only to be barred by the two soldiers standing there.
"Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew like you told us and they confirmed that Prince Zuko had the Avatar in his custody but let him escape." an officer announced.
Zhao's expression grew more smug as he advanced on Zuko, "Now tell me. What exactly happened to your ship?" he said in Zukos ear.
Aang ran excitedly up the winding path that led up to the temple. Katara and Sokka walked behind him, and Zephyr a few paces behind them, her hand trailing along the vertical side of the mountain beside them. Sokka was grumbling. "So where can I get some food around here?" he called forward to Aang, who ignored him.
"You're one fo the first outsiders to ever see an Air Bender temple, and all you can think about is FOOD!" she exclaimed, putting her hands on her hips, in her famous Katara pose.
"I'm just a simple guy, with simple needs." Sokka protested, holding his growling stomach. Zephyr chuckled behind them.
"There's where me and my friends used to play Air Ball!" Aang announced, pointing to an arena filled with tall poles. "And over there is where the bison used to sleep." he added, directing his finger to a clearing near the edge of the cliff. Letting his hand drop he sighed and said in a confused voice, "I don't get it. This place used to be so full of life." gesturing around at the barren soil and piles of snow. Drooping his head he added in a quieter voice, "I can't believe how much things have changed."
Zephyr, catching up with the group looked at Katara and Sokka and seeing their helpless expressions said in a quiet voice, "So, Aang, how do you play the Air Ball game?" smiling when Aang spun around, his sadness erased.
Ten minutes later saw Sokka and Aang balancing on the poles as Aang whirled around a hollow ball. Beginning the game Aang threw the ball up into the air, a couple seconds later it came down again, only to have him kick it and send it flying. It bounced off poles at a psychopathic rate and hit Sokka through the goal post before he knew it was coming.
"Making him feel better is putting me in a world of hurt," Sokka whined as Katara came running forward. Zephyr was walking around the perimeter of the arena, being careful to keep an eye out. Seeing Sokka get blown off the playing field she laughed and ran over to them.
Sokka began getting up only to stop short, "Katara, look at this." he said, his voice low so that Aang or Zephyr wouldn't hear. There in the snow was a Fire Nation helmet.
"Fire Nation," Katara spat, looking vehemently at the dusty helmet.
"We should tell them." Sokka said looking up at her, still kneeling where he had landed.
Katara nodded, turning she called to them, "Hey, Zephyr, Aang, come here. We gotta show you something." she waved them over. Zephyr began walking a little faster, but not as fast as she could, Aang jumped off the pillars and ran, looping the ball around himself on a wind current.
Katara watched them for a second, Zephyr's happy face, Aangs laughter before turning, and with one swift movement she brought the overhanging snow down, on top of Sokka and the Helmet. "What did you want me to see?" Aang asked running, Zephyr not far behind him.
"Oh, just a new Water Bending move I learned." Katara stated, her hands behind her back.
"Nice," Aang commented as Zephyr nodded, "But enough practicing, we have a whole temple to see." and with that he turned away.
Climbing another path up to a courtyard, Zephyr and Aang ahead of them. "You can't protect them forever." Sokka commented, blocking Katara's way.
"I can for both of their sakes." Katara insisted, brushing past him.
"They're gonna find out sooner or later, and then, Aang will be crushed, and Zephyr will feel like it's her fault, like she always does when something like this happens." Sokka added, walking forward again. "You know how she gets, she feels responsible, and there's nothing either of us can say to make her feel different." he insisted.
Catching up with Aang and Zephyr they stopped before a statue. The old man sitting before them had a kind face, his eyes crinkled from laugh lines. "Everyone, this is Monk Gyatso." Aang introduced, "He taught me everything I know." he added, bowing to the statue. Lost in his memories he stood there for a minute or two, in which time Zephyr tripped and Sokka laughed only to be hit by a snowball.
Snapping out of his memories he walked away. "Hey, where are you going?" Katara called.
"The Air Temple Sanctuary," Aang answered, his eyes thoughtful, "There's someone I'm ready to meet."
The others shrugged and followed him. Arriving at the doors Katara pressed, "But Aang, no one could've survived in there for a hundred years." she gestured towards the door.
"It's not impossible." Zephyr stated walking up behind them.
"She's right, I mean, I survived in an iceberg for that long." Aang added. "Whoever's in there could help me figure out this Avatar thing!" Aang commented, his face hopeful.
"And whoever's in there could have a delicious medley of cured meats." Sokka added hungrily, rubbing his hands together. Running forward, his arms outstretched to push the doors open he banged into them at full speed, sliding down a bit. Standing back up he pushed and leaned against them, before looking up, "Don't suppose you have a key?"
"The key, Sokka is Air Bending." Aang answered as Zephyr grabbed Sokka and pulled him out of the way. Breathing deeply Aang sent two streams of air into two pipes that opened the door. The air whooshing through the pipes made an eerie sound.
Sliding inward with a creak the gargantuan doors came to a standstill, opening out into the darkness before them. "Hello?" Aang called before walking forward. Zephyr walked into it next, looking all around her. Sokka and Katara followed.
"So, a twelve year old boy bested you and your Fire Benders?" Captain Zhao commented, the words dripping with disgust.
Iroh looked on silently, sipping his tea, 'Zuko hadn't mentioned Zephyr,' he thought to himself. Still uncertain as to what his nephew felt about her, Iroh knew not to mention her to the likes of Zhao. "I underestimated him, but it won't happen again," Zuko assured Zhao in an insolent tone.
"No it won't," Zhao began, "Because you won't have a second chance." he said, facing a large map of the world.
"But Captain Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for three years now, and-" Zuko was cut off.
"AND FAILED!" Zhao yelled, swiping the air with fire to get his point across, "Hunting the Avatar is to important to leave in a teenagers hands." Zhao continued, walking towards Zuko, "He's mine now." he finished, standing before him.
Zuko roared as eh tried to leap at Zhao, but was held back by some soldiers. "Keep them here." was all Zhao responded with.
Raging at his captivity Zuko kicked over a small table beside him and Iroh that held a teapot. "More tea please." Iroh called, seemingly content with their capture.
The Gaang walked forward into the darkness. "Hey, Zephyr, care to make a light?" Aang called back, making Zephyr stop in her tracks.
"I-I-uh," she stuttered, shaking her head in the thin light that stretched from the open doors.
Katara glanced at Sokka, running over to Zephyr, hugged her. Pulling back from Zephyr's still form she said softly, "You don't have to if you don't want to." Shooting another glance at Sokka she walked over to Aang, "She's terrified of hurting someone with it, why do you think she never does it!" she whispered. Aang looked confused for a moment, Zephyr had done her best to keep the fact that she struggled with keeping her Fire Bending under control a secret, that except for those who already knew, she never told anyone.
"No, I`ll try to." Zephyr suddenly announced. Katara and Sokka glanced warily at each other, and Aang drew closer to them. Zephyr took a deep breath and holding out her hand focused on it. Pretty soon a small flame grew, dancing and leaping on her palm. `
Katara and Sokka were amazed, but looking at Zephyr`s face they saw it was strained with worry, 'She's terrified.' Was the thought running through their heads when suddenly the fire grew, lashing out. "NO!" Zephyr screamed and slamming her free hand down on the other one she smothered the fire. She stood there for a second, shaking, before running out of the Sanctuary at full speed.
The other's could only stare stupidly at each other, both amazed and terrified at the power they'd just witnessed. Katara began to run after Zephyr, but Sokka grabbed her shoulder, saying quietly, "I'll go." before running off, calling Zephyr's name.
Katara watched him for a couple of seconds then she turned back to Aang, who had his head hanging, shamefaced. Putting a hand on his shoulder he looked up. "I'm sorry," were the first words out of his mouth. "I shouldn't have asked her!" he cried next, not giving Katara a chance to reply, "I should've know that she wouldn't have had proper training! I should've known that she might've hurt others in the past with it! I should've-" but he was cut off in his rant by Katara shaking him slightly.
"Aang," she began gently, "It was Zephyr's decision to try it," she continued, her hands still on his shoulders. "You wouldn't have known that she has trouble with it. You shouldn't blame yourself for this." she finished, Aang nodded his face still full of shame.
"Now, why don't we finish exploring this creepy place." Katara queried, straightening up, her hands on her hips.
Zephyr ran as fast as she could, Fighting down tears, as she dashed through hallways. She could hear Sokka behind her as she ran, but she didn't stop, her only thought to get away. Though she knew that Sokka and Katara understood her, she couldn't get the faces of Tribe members out of her head. Whipping into a room she sank down next to the door, lost in her memories.
She was a little girl again, just having arrived a few months ago. She'd been living in the community tent, as no one had adopted her yet. Stuck in this frozen wasteland, she remembered the home of her childhood. It'd always been warm there. Deciding that the sun might make her feel better she pulled out her second hand parka that was too big for her and headed for the door.
Once outside she walked around camp, ignoring the suspicious glances that some adults threw her way. "Look, it's the Fire Nation girl." she heard one woman whisper to another.
"I can't believe that Hakoda let her stay," answered the other woman, making no effort to keep her voice quiet. "She would've been put right back on that boat and sent out into the ocean if I was in charge." the woman continued. Zephyr ignored them, walking past.
Suddenly a group of kids came running out from between the tents, their faces merry from laughter. They stopped when they saw Zephyr walking, then whispering to one another they casually walked towards her, all the while swapping glances between each other.
Zephyr saw them coming , but continued on. Breaking apart when she reached them they formed two lines through she which she walked. Reaching the middle they closed the ends and one kid stepped out in front of her, apparently the ring leader. "You don't belong here." he spat, pointing to her pale face and orange hair. Zephyr tried to walk around him but he jumped in her way again, pushing he down. "Why don't you go back to your stupid Fire Nation and learn to be a killer like the rest of them?" he sneered, the rest of the group laughing.
Zephyr tried to get back up but he pushed her back down again, shoving snow in her face. Zephyr couldn't breath and he kept on piling snow on her until finally she screamed, blasting fire out in a circle. The kids all had numerous burns but the boy who'd been closest had burns everywhere. He died a few weeks later, his injuries having become infected.
Suddenly Zephyr was started out of her haunting memories by an arm around her shoulder. Looking up she saw Sokka staring ahead, his face grim. She thought, 'Hakoda and Kya had been there. They took me in, and gave me a home. They didn't care what I was.' and she hugged Sokka, whispering, "Socks?"
Sokka smiled at the old nickname, "Yeah." he answered.
"Do you think I'm a monster?" she asked, not looking at him.
Sokka looked down at her, "No, Zephyr, no I don't." then hugging her tighter he continued, "Neither does Aang, or Kat."
"Promise." Zephyr asked, her face muffled in his coat.
"Promise." he answered.
Suddenly Sokka tensed up, "Socks?" Zephyr whispered, only to be cut off by Sokka's hand over he mouth. Out in the hallway they could hear some sort of footsteps. Holding their breath they waited until the footsteps faded away before sneaking out into the hall and racing towards the Sanctuary.
Meanwhile Aang and Katara had finished exploring most of the Sanctuary. It was full of statues. "Who are all these people?" Katara asked.
"I don't know," Aang answered, "But it feels like I know them somehow." he added, looking at the statues with renewed interest. "Hey look, this one's an Air Bender!" Aang cried, pointing to a statue excitedly.
"And this one's a Water Bender," Katara said, pointing to the one next to the Air Bender Aang had found. "Air, Water, Earth, Fire." Katara listed off, pointing to a statue further down the line each time. Gasping she cried, "It's the Avatar cycle. These are your past lives Aang!"
Aang walked further down the line of statues until he came to the last one. It was of a Fire Bender, he had a beard and a top knot, his wise face looked down on them, kind but with an equal measure of hardness. "Who's that?" Katara asked. When Aang didn't answer she looked more closely at him. It was almost as if he was in a trance, looking up into the statues face. Shaking him she cried, "Aang, Aang snap out of it."
"Huh," Aang mumbled, shaking his head. Looking back up to the statue, he watched it for a time.
"Who is that?" Katara queried, looking up at the statue curiously.
"Avatar Roku, the Avatar before me." he replied, almost mechanically, looking surprised at himself even as he spoke the words.
Just then Sokka and Zephyr arrived, out of breath. "You were a Fire Bender," Sokka cried, "No wonder I didn't trust you." Zephyr only laughed.
Aang walked up to Zephyr and looking her in the eyes opened his mouth to apologize but Zephyr hugged him before he could. "It's okay." she said.
"Suddenly they heard the sound the pipes made, only a little quieter. The colour drained from Sokka and Zephyr's faces and grabbing the other two they tugged them behind statues. "What, what is it?" Katara whispered, looking frantically between Zephyr and Sokka's tense faces.
"Fire Bender," whispered Sokka, "Nobody make a sound." he added, taking his club out.
"You're making a sound!" Katara hissed back, only to be shushed by Aang and Zephyr, who was hiding behind the statue beside them. Standing up Sokka waited a few seconds for the Fire Bender to come a little closer, but when he jumped out he froze, his expression confused. The others looked out and to their surprise was a lemur. He was a creamy white with a brown face. Wings were glimpsed hutting out of his arms, which ended in little hands.
"LEMUR!" Aang yelled, his face lighting up.
"Dinner," drooled Sokka.
"Don't listen to him, you're gonna be my new pet." Aang stated, smiling.
"Not if I get him first!" called Sokka dashing towards the lemur. Aang jumped over him, but the two of them suddenly running after it, spooked the lemur, and arching his back like a cat eh ran off, back down the hall. Sokka and Aang took off after it, with Zephyr not far behind, calling out that they should just leave the lemur alone. Katara was left in the Sanctuary, her head in her hands as she laughed.
Racing down the hall after the lemur, Zephyr soon caught up with the boys. Aang sped ahead of Sokka prompting Sokka to try to trip him with his club. But Aang jumped up, running along the wall he reached the balcony at the end of the hall, ahead of the other two, and leaped off, jumping down the rocks towards the courtyard below.
Zhao walked towards the heavily guarded tent, going through the tent flaps he turned to the occupants and stated, "My search party is ready, once I'm out to sea my guards will escort you back to your ship, and then you'll be free to go." he finished matter-of-factly.
Zuko and Iroh were sitting in chairs facing each other. "Why," Zuko spat, "Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?" looking up at Zhao.
Laughing Zhao chuckled, "Stop me, impossible." scorn dripping from his voice.
Zuko jumped up from his chair, "Don't underestimate me Zhao, I will find the avatar before you." he snarled.
Iroh stood up also, "Prince Zuko, that's enough." he cautioned.
"You can't compete with me," Zhao sneered, "I have hundreds of war ships under my command, and you," he continued, something close to amusement in his voice, "You're just a banished Prince. No home, no resources, even your own father doesn't want you."
"You're wrong," Zuko insisted, "When I capture the Avatar the Firelord will welcome me back with honour." desperation hidden in his voice.
"Do you really believe that?" Zhao asked incredulously, "If your father really wanted you, then he would've let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar." Zhao replied, sneering.
"You're wrong." Zuko persisted.
"You have the scar to prove it." Zhao softly replied, a morbid type of glee in his voice.
Zuko snarled, "MAYBE YOU'D LIKE ONE TO MATCH!" leaping forward until they were inches apart.
"What are you suggesting?" Zhao asked quietly, a smirk on his face, he knew perfectly well what Zuko was talking about.
"Agni Kai, sunset." Zuko responded lowering his voice too.
"Fine." was all Zhao answered before he walked out of the tent.
"Prince Zuko, do you remember what happened last time you duelled a master?" Iroh asked, concerned for his nephew.
"I will never forget." Zuko answered simply, reaching up to feel his scar.
The lemur landed on the frozen ground of the courtyard seconds before Aang, who leaped at the tiny animal. The lemur leaped away, into a ruinous old lean-to. Walking into it, pushing moth-eaten curtains aside he stepped into the first part, saying softly, "Don't worry little lemur, that mean hungry guy, won't bother you anymore." Not seeing it in the first part, he stepped through the next barrier of hole-ridden curtains, only to stop dead in his tracks.
Before him lay the bones of dozens of Fire Benders. "Fire Benders. Here." he said quietly, his worst fears coming true. Looking beyond the Fire Bender's he tensed even more, tears flooding his eyes, eh fell to his knees, staring at the bones of the man who he'd loved like a father. "Gyatso," he choked out, in between the tears.
Sokka ran into the tent, with Zephyr not far behind, "Hey Aang, did you find my dinner yet?" he asked smiling, before looking around he stopped, "Oh no."
Zephyr walked into the tent, smiling but took one look around her and turned and ran, her smile falling away. Sokka put his hand on Aang's shoulder, "Aang, I'm sorry." he began, only to jump back as Aang looked behind him, his eyes glowing.
Katara walked around the Sanctuary, stopping once more in front of Roku, she gasped as his eyes glowed, the same blue-white as Aangs had. Like a domino affect the rest of the statues following it began to glow, only on the eyes. Turning she ran from the Sanctuary, searching for the fastest way down to where they were.
All around the world, in places like the Sanctuary, statues, and pictures of the previous Avatars were glowing, and the whole world knew. The Avatar had returned.
Back down in the courtyard the air around Aang's feet began to swirl, as he was lifted up. "AANG, COME ON! SNAP OUT OF IT!" yelled Sokka over the wind. Suddenly the air blasted upwards, throwing Sokka away like a doll. He bashed into a wall before landing by some rocks.
Zephyr was three quarters of the way across the courtyard when she was caught by the blast. She was sent flying almost off the cliff. Staggering upright she looked back to see the lean to containing the bones gone, only jagged pieces of rock and plaster were left. "SOKKA!" she cried, trying in vain to move her petite body across the courtyard, finally taking shelter behind a large rock, as close as she could get.
Katara arrived in the square , struggling up behind Sokka she called to him over the wind, "WHAT HAPPENED?"
Sokka looked up answering, "HE FOUND OUT THAT FIRE BENDERS KILLED GYATSO!"
"OH NO." Katara replied, "IT"S HIS AVATAR STATE. HE MUST HAVE TRIGGERED IT." walking forward she called back, "I'M GONNA TRY AND CALM HIM DOWN!"
"WELL DO IT, BEFORE HE BLOWS US OFF THE MOUNTAIN!" Sokka answered, trying his hardest to keep his hold on the rock.
The sun was setting over the harbour as two figures kneeled. Iroh stood before Zuko, "Remember your basics, Zuko. They are your greatest weapon." Zuko didn't respond, but stood up and turned. Zhao on the other end of the courtyard stood also.
"It's a pity that your father isn't here to see me humiliate you." he mocked. "I guess your uncle will do."
At this Zuko began to shoot at him, sending fireball after fireball speeding towards Zhao. Zhao dodged them easily, then began his own attack. "BASICS, ZUKO!" called Iroh, "BREAK HIS ROOT."
Zhao began shooting fire at Zuko, not giving him time to think of dodging, Zuko eventually fell.
Looking up he gasped as Zhao jumped in front of him. Leaning back to deliver a finishing blow, Zuko acted quickly. Spinning he knocked Zhao's foot out form under him, landing on his own feet easily. Zhao stumbled backwards and Zuko pressed the attack. Shooting fire from his feet he inched Zhao backwards until he tripped.
Standing over him Zuko thought, 'I did it.' "Do It." Zhao growled, Zuko looked at him a second more, then blasted fire. Standing up straight, he looked at Zhao as he incredulously said, "That's it?"
"You're even more of a coward than I thought." he sneered.
"Next time you get in my way, I won't hold back." Zuko swore, then turning he walked away.
Zhao stood up, his back to Zuko then spinning around tried to blast fire at him, only to be stopped by Iroh. Pushing Zhao away, Iroh grabbed Zuko as he tried to rush forward, "NO ZUKO, do not taint your victory." he advised. Then turning back to Zhao shook his head. "So this is how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat." Looking at Zhao in disgust he continued, "Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honourable than you." taking Zuko's arm and turning him he added, "Thanks for the tea, it was delicious."
As they left the Arena Zuko looked at his uncle, gratitude in his eyes. "Did you really mean that Uncle?' he asked softly.
"Of course," Iroh beamed, "You know Jin Sang tea is my favourite."
Aang was levitating, the air swirling into a maelstrom. Zephyr was still trying to get closer, thinking only of her brother and sister. Sokka was trying to hold on as Katara attempted to calm Aang down. "Aang, I know you're upset. And I know how hard it is to lose the people you love." Katara called, "I went through the same thing when I lost my mom." Katara added, looking down. "Monk Gyatso and the other Air Benders may be gone, but you still have a family." she looked up to his glowing form. "Sokka, Zephyr, and I, we're your family now."
Slowly Aang lowered to the ground, the wind dissipating around them. Katara and Sokka walked forward, but Zephyr, seeing that they were safe, hurried away, scared to face Aang. Aang was her friend, but she was afraid that he would have the same look in his eyes that the family of that boy who died all those years ago had. Disgust, mixed with fear and hatred. It was a sickening mixture.
Walking up to Aang, Sokka assured, "We're not going to let anything happen to you, promise." he added. Then remembering Zephyr he slapped his head. "OH NO, Katara, Zephyr!" then he ran off.
"Aang, you have to help me fond her!" Katara almost yelled, looking panicked.
"She probably just hid, I'm sure she's fine." Aang said quietly.
Katara stopped short and looked at him. "Aang, she is not fine. When she was a kid, she killed a boy with her Fire Bending. It was accidental," Katara reassured Aang, "But it left her broken inside. She started feeling like everything the Fire Nation did was her fault. And the rest of the tribe did nothing to make her feel better. In fact they made her feel worse. Whenever she passed them the adults glared at her, and the kids were frightened of her. Her only friends were me and Sokka.
Then when my mom died she got so much worse. People started openly mocking her in the street, and she blamed herself for what happened. I blamed her. I blamed her that my mother was dead and she wasn't. then she fell into the ocean one day. No one did anything to help her, they just ignored her. I saw it happen. Dad saved her but she wouldn't tell anyone what happened. But I saw it. The family of the boy who died, they pushed her into the water. They kept kicking her back every time she tried to get back on land.
She blamed herself for the boys death so she didn't tell anyone. Now we think she might leave, she thinks she's dangerous but she isn't. she just needs to be taught to control it." Katara finished, she was now crying. Aang looked horrified, opening his glider he flew up into the air.
Zephyr was busy trying to get Appa to lift off when Aang found her. Jumping she cried, "I WASN'T STEALING HIM, I WASN'T!" staying as far away from Aang as possible. Aang walked towards her, his expression one of sorrow. "I'm sorry." Zephyr whispered. Looking up she repeated, "I'm Sorry."
"I know, it's okay. I don't blame you. Don't leave, please." Aang said quietly.
Zephyr opened and closed her mouth several times then looked down. Sokka suddenly came tearing down the path. "ZEPHYR!" he cried, "ZEPHYR, WAIT, DON'T GO!" he yelled. Reaching them he climbed up Appa and all but tackled Zephyr to the ground. "It wasn't your fault," he said fiercely, "Tell her Aang.' he demanded looking up at him with a warning in his eyes.
Aang knelt down and put a hand on Sokka and Zephyr's shoulder, "it wasn't your fault, and it still isn't. It'll never be your fault." he assured her.
Aang stood in front of Roku's statue, thoughtfully. Katara walked up to him, "Everything's packed," she announced, looking towards Sokka and Zephyr. Sokka had been keeping a very close eye on her, ever since she tried to leave. She was currently looking around at the statues in the strange way she had, like she was looking right through them, apparently fine, but inside she wasn't, Katara knew. "You ready to go?" she asked, turning back to Aang.
"How is Roku supposed to help me if I can't talk to him?" Aang asked, still looking at the ancient sculpture.
"You'll find a way.' Katara guaranteed, "I know you will." she added. Suddenly they heard that same noise they had when the lemur appeared. Turning they saw him sitting there, his arms full of fruits. Hopping over to Sokka and Zephyr he dropped them at their feet then scampered over to climb up Aang and sit on his shoulder. Sokka dropped to the floor and began ravenously digging in, while Zephyr laughed.
"Looks like you made a friend Sokka." Aang commented, stroking the lemurs fur.
"Can't talk, must ear." Sokka answered between mouthfuls.
"I think I'll call you Momo.' Aang said brightly.
Standing beside Appa, Katara, Sokka, and Zephyr off to the side, Aang thought about how much this place meant to him. "Well, we're the only things left of this place." he spoke, looking to Appa and Momo. "We gotta stick together." he added. Climbing onto Appa they flew away.