Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender
Finally, the top! Li pulled his foot over the last stone. His chest heaved.
Why am I wearing all this armor!?
"Because it is too heavy to lug around." His own voice sounded strange to him. He sat down with a long sigh. If he didn't get water soon, he would pass out. At least now he could rest. It would take Azula's army longer than it took him to climb that mountain, especially staying in formation and carrying more stuff than he was. But that didn't mean he could stop moving for too long. Princess Azula of the Fire Nation was ruthless. Nothing would stop her from capturing her fugitive brother for long.
Not even all the squirrels in this forest, he thought, remembering the number of the small furry animals he had come across. There must be water around here somewhere. They have to live off more than nuts and pinecones from those Bear-Pine trees. Maybe over this ridge?
Li stood up. First, to take off all this armor. He removed his breastplate, shoulder pads, and all other outer armor. Frowning, he noticed they were covered in dust. Old habits die hard. Taking his sleeve, he rubbed off the layer of dust and dirt. Even the bird poop. The sun rained down and made it all shine. He felt much better now that he wasn't wearing it all. Of course, now his sleeve was all dirty. Must find some water soon to clean this thing. Picking everything up, he turned and started walking to the edge of the ridge. Maybe something promising would be on the other side...
Li gasped. The mountain was really a big crater! And in it, a giant lake! All tiredness forgotten, he started running down to the expanse of water. When he reached the shore, he dropped his armor, pulled down his hair from the red ribbon holding it up, and stripped off his shirts and pants. With a giant grin he dived into the water. It felt so good! He started gulping in mouthfuls. Then he resurfaced, coughing and sputtering. He swam back to shallow water and relaxed. He could allow himself a little relaxing time.
Aang groaned to himself. Flying was so much better than walking. At least he would reach the top in a few minutes. He could see it from where he was. And it was easier to talk to the squirrels on the ground than in the air. Whatever had made that glare had been on the ground too.
Just then, a squirrel darted across his path. "Hey little guy, do you know where I could find some water?"
The squirrel kept running up to the ridge. Aang couldn't resist giving chase. It took his mind off his thirst. Dust rose everywhere as they ran. Suddenly the ground levelled out. Aang stopped running. Panting, he looked around him. Yes, he had reached the top. The shiny thing must be around here somewhere. Maybe over the other side? Aang crept to the edge of the ridge. It could be an enemy, whatever it was. Then he felt a breeze playing across his face and over his once clean-shaven head. He didn't like to think about it, but a fine layer of stubble had grown in. If he kept this up, his arrow would be covered in...hair!
Focus! Find whatever that thing was. Decide if it was an enemy or a friend. Aang was surprised to find a giant lake over the other side. The mountain must really be a giant crater. A glare caught his eye. That was what had blinded him, contributing to the crash. But the thing wasn't moving. Unperturbed, Aang walked down to it. When he saw what it was, his heart sank. That armor belonged to his old enemy, Prince Zuko!