Chapter 23

Aang and Katara backed away from the door, taking battle stances Aang had taught. Katara was giving a ferocious glare that could have made Mai and Zuko cringe and shiver with fear. If looks could kill, these people would have been dead already. Aang was looking at them just as hard. If Katara's gaze could kill, then his would burn them to ashes.

"Wait! We're not here to fight; we want to talk!" It was Smellerbee. She and the others besides Jet were there, backing away from the two enraged teens with their hands up in a complacent gesture.

Katara scoffed without humor. "Talk?" she demanded, glaring at them. "You just want to talk? After everything you and your gang has done to us, you expect us to listen to you?! Not likely; not in this life, or the next!"

The gang was looking shocked by Katara's anger. They had actually flinched as her voice had gotten louder; now they hung their heads in shame, feet shuffling uncomfortably. Smellerbee took a deep breath before slowly looking them in the eyes. The two teens were surprised by the shame and guilt and sadness in her gaze. "Look. We can understand why you wouldn't trust us. You're right: we have done so much harm to you and everyone else. We could have killed you that day in the mall. We regret what we did. None of us asks for your forgiveness; but we do ask that you give us a chance to explain as much as we can. Please."

The two teenagers held their positions for what seemed like a long time, studying their enemies up close. Despite everything, they felt their hearts soften just a bit by the sincerity in their gazes. They looked at each other before Aang glanced up at the stairs, straining his ears for any telltale sign that his uncle was awake. But there was nothing, and he turned back to the group of teenagers who looked like they were bracing themselves. He took a breath and lowered his arms, mentally telling Katara to do the same but to remain on high alert. Then he crossed his arms and said, "We'll talk in the basement."

Once they had been situated in the pad, which had an extra queen bed, drawers with a mirror, wardrobe, hot tub, a ping pong and pool tables, and two couches, Smellerbee started telling the alert couple about the Black Mamba, which they had learned was the real name of the industry thanks to the girl's snooping.

They had been using cyanide to poison the company owners to keep their tracks covered. She also explained about Jet tricking them into thinking that they would be helping people because of these so called hirers; then told them how those people would be dead a few days after that. They had always thought there was something messed up about what they did, why Jet had been so secretive. He would always have this hard look about him, like he was planning something that was never good.

"Everyone who joined the gang had to have been damaged in some way," Smellerbee said. "Mostly from loss or abuse."

"What happened to you guys?" Katara asked, unable to hide the curiosity in her voice. If she were honest, she felt bad for these guys. Maybe if they knew a little more of their backrounds, maybe they could trust them sooner rather than later. And maybe this mess would end quicker so they can live peacefully.

Smellerbee swallowed uncomfortably before looking at her friends. They nodded, telling her silently that the two teens should know. She turned back to them. "Well, to start with; I was recruited before the others were. My parents died in a car crash with a drunk driver four years ago. Longshot; his parents died in a fire a few years ago. He came after me. Pipsqueak was next. His parents thought he was worthless because they thought he wasn't smart enough. Sneers lost his dad in a hit and run, and his mom disappeared shortly after that. We don't know what happened to her. The Duke, the youngest, was abused by his dad because the man was too stupid to see the kid's talent for inventing."

Aang and Katara looked shocked. The girl felt dizzy as realization struck like a hammer on a nail. "That's why he tried recruit me," she murmured, playing with her hair.

Smellerbbe nodded. "Because you lost your mom. Jet understood what that was like, so he got his dad to spare your family and you."

"But now he wants to take her out with the rest of us because she rejected him." It was the first time Aang spoke. His voice was a statement; not a question. Anger boiled under his skin and his jaw clenched. It was all adding up: the mystery of the poison, Jet's plan; everything was coming together like a horrible puzzle.

Smellerbee nodded. "Exactly. And now he's planning on-"

"Taking us out one by one," Katara realized. She remembered the video they had seen that day on Suki's computer. The plan to separate them.

Again she nodded, not that surprised. "Yeah. Listen; he plans on striking Toph first because of her blindness. But I know she's not completely blind. She can feel us with her feet, can sense our vibrations. Answer this: can she tell when people are lying?" The couple looked at each other before nodding warily. The girl didn't even looked surprised. "That's what I thought. But Jet doesn't believe it. He thinks it's just a joke. He plans on sending one of his top agents to get rid of her. They plan on poisoning everyone in your group."

Aang's and Katara's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" they both said.

"It's the truth! I swear it is. Look, the scientists have been working on a new poison that could kill in only a matter of minutes; even seconds. They were going to use a white and brown dog-"

"Appa," Aang said defensively, interrupting her.

Smellerbee looked at him in surprise. "You have him?" she asked curiously.

He nodded. "Me and Katara were walking home when a brown and white dog limped out of the bushes. I got to keep him. When I got home earlier last week, during night, I told him about a vet visit and he froze. I knew there was something wrong there."

Smellerbee looked sheepish. "Well, his escape was actually my fault." Her friends stared at her with hanging mouth besides Longshot. He knew why she did what she did. "I was one of the last to leave when we were done for the night, and I heard this whimpering from the kennels section of the building. I followed it, and saw a young dog, shaking in his cage. I had always had a soft spot for animals. The dog looked so scared, I felt like I couldn't leave him in there. And when he looked at me with those big pleading brown eyes, I knew I had to save him. So I opened the cage, tweaked the shackle off his ankle, and managed to get him to the trees outside. He had a slight limp. How was he when you found him?" she asked them.

Aang answered. "His ribs were poking out, so I'd say he hasn't eaten for at least a week. His limp was pronounced. I thought he had been hit by a car. But he must have been trying to get out of the shackle and ended up hurting himself instead. I guess the limp got worse the longer he had it."

The Duke looked sad. "I always wanted a dog," he said quietly. "But my parents thought I couldn't handle the responsibility yet."

Pipsqueak put his huge arm around the little guy. "Maybe you can get one after this is done." The Duke cheered up a bit and smiled at him.

Katara cleared her throat and everyone looked at her. "So, why are you telling us this? Why would you betray Jet?"

Smellerbee said, "Because we want to protect you and your families." She raised her hand when Katara was about to interrupt. "Please, Katara," she pleaded. "We really do. Jet lied to all of us. He's only told us so much, but we always thought there was something wrong. And these killings are bothering everyone. We want to stop, be normal like everyone else. And we know you want to be too. I'll even get you the poison so you can help shut that place down. But you have to trust us if this is going to work. If you don't, it'll make it easier for Jet to kill you."

The couple was shocked to the core. Their hearts beated faster as their minds whirled with thoughts, making them slightly dizzy. Trust them? They want to protect Aang and Katara along with their friends and families? What if this was a trick? Would these teenagers really betray their friend just to help them? Looking at their faces, the psychic couple suddenly knew with clarity that they do want to change their ways, and this was the first step in that direction.

Aang took a deep breath before asking, "What does Jet plan to do?"

The ex-gang members relaxed, though shock, mingled with relief, appeared on their faces. "You believe us?" Smellerbee asked.

Katara and Aang looked at each other turning back to the group. "Yes we do," Katara answered. Then frowned at them. "But let me make one thing abundantly cleared," she added in a quiet voice. "If we find out you lied to us, or do anything to endanger the people I care about, I won't hesitate to take you out." Aang nodded in agreement, staring the others down hard.

They all nodded and Smellerbee said, "Fair enough." Then she took a breath and began. "Well, like I said before, Jet plans to take Toph away first. When you guys leave the school, he's going to have one of his people mock her about her blindness, to get her to come after him. After school is when the crowds are thickest in the yard. After she chases him to the other side of the building, he grabs her and will slam a poison dart into her chest, in her heart. The poison would spread faster because the heart is a natural pump for the body. Then he'll leave quietly.

"After that, he'll go after Sokka and Suki. Two people will be there to take them out. Jet plans to intercept them after their date on Friday when they walk home. He knows about it because he has hidden speakers in all of the agents clothes, and he has people tracking you at school," she added when they were about ask. They stayed quiet as she continued. "After them comes Zuko and Mai. Those two are a bit tougher. Jet has a sniper, and he plans to shoot them when they are alone. He knows that when they spend a weekend together, they stay outside at night for a while stargazing, which I never thought they'd never do, to be honest." There were a few snorts and she half smiled before sobering along with everyone else. The air seemed to turn colder as everyone knew who would be next on the list.

"Jet saved you guys for last. I told him it would he impossible to separate you two, but he wouldn't listen to me. He knows that you guys are closer and stronger than most couples. And he said the only way to bring you down was to take away your assets; your friends, because he thinks if you can't protect them, then you can't protect yourselves. He said that you walk alone often, usually near the woods. He was going to bring a girl with him to scream for 'help'. When you ran in, far from the road, a net will be dropped on you from the trees, and instead of using poison darts, he was going to use a new gas the scientists have developed, so he can watch you die slowly."

Aang's hands started shaking again as the dream played once more in his mind: his friends lying dead and cold on the alleyway floor, Jet killing Katara last, watching as she dies in his arms. But the only differences was that they were going to be taken out when the others weren't around, and Jet plans on killing Aang and Katara slowly while together. He couldn't breathe, as if the poison was already in his lungs and bloodstream, sapping his strength until there was nothing left. Pulling Katara closer, who was pale now, he tried to calm himself; but the images wouldn't leave his head. He swallowed hard and stared at the group and managed to choke out, "What do we do?"

Smellerbee and her friends looked utterly serious as she said, "You have to stay together at all times, no matter what. No single dates, no wandering alone at night, or during the day for that matter. If your group stays together, you'll be safe." Then she turned to Katara. "But Jet still has a little hope that you'll change to his side. The only one he really wants dead is Aang."

"Why?" Katara asked, clutching his arm.

Aang lifted his head. "He wants revenge," he said, and looked at the grave faces. "I was the one who got his father in jail. He's trying to get to me by using the people I care about." As he said the words, the boy knew they were true. Why else would Jet be angry at him more than anyone else?

Smellerbee nodded. "Jet has hated you since that day. He even told me he wanted you dead. But as long as he can't reach any of you, things will be alright. And we can help by supplying the things you need, such as bullet and dart vests, information if the plans change, stuff like that."

"Wouldn't people wonder why we're wearing vests?" Katara asked.

She shook her head. "The vests are thin, like a regular shirt, but it's compacted more, so it won't allow any darts or bullets in. Their even comfortable to wear. You wouldn't even know you were wearing them until you changed clothes."

The couple thought that over, but something was bothering Katara. "There's something I don't understand though. If Jet wanted us dead, why didn't he strike sooner? Not that I'm complaining."

"Because he didn't have a plan then. He's known for his patience, and will wait out until the opportunities to strike presents themselves."

Then Aang asked the question he and Katara were dreading about. "When will he strike?"

Smellerbee cleared her throat and licked her dry lips before breathing deeply, letting it out on a sigh. "Tuesday," she said quietly.

Tuesday; two days away from now. The couple's eyes widened in shock and dismay. Katara clasped Aang's hand. "We have to warn the others!"

She was about to stand up, but Aang held her down and turned to the ex-gang with panicked eyes. "Isn't there any way you can delay him?"

The boys looked down as Smellerbee shook her head. "I already tried that. But when Jet's mind is locked on something, it's hard to unlock it. I tried to tell him to give you a least a week this morning at the meeting we had, but he said the sooner you're gone the better. I'm sorry."

Everyone sat in tense silence. Katara asked Aang 'What should we do? Can we trust them?' It was then that Appa padded down the stairs. They had left the door open in order to hear if Gyatso was up. The dog looked around, and his large intelligent brown eyes landed on Smellerbee. Since he was color blind, like most dogs, he must have recognized her scent, for he went over to her and licked her hand. She smiled as she patted his head and scratched his ears, making his tail wag.

Then the dog looked at Aang, and the boy read his emotions deep within. The message he was sending was clear: Appa trusted Smellerbee. Aang sighed through his nose; then looked at Katara and replied 'Appa trusts her, and Smellerbee trusts them. If Appa does, so do I.' Katara bit her lip, uncertain, and he added 'You don't have to trust them yet. Wait until they prove they can be trusted. Toph will be able to tell if they're lying.'

Katara thought for a moment before nodding reluctantly. 'I'll trust them when we can be sure they won't betray us too.'

Aang kissed her forehead before turning to see everyone around the dog, petting him and having fun. Appa was enjoying the attention, lying on his back as The Duke scratched his belly. The boy laughed. "Now I really do want a dog. Can you guys take me to that shelter later this week so I can get one?"

Sneers smiled at him. "I don't see why not," he replied before looking at his friends. "Is that okay with you guys?"

Pipsqueak shrugged, rubbing Appa's side as the dog rolled. "I'm not doing anything. Sure."

Longshot smiled and nodded and Smellerbee said, "Okay, kiddo. But we can only get him if you promise to take care of him." The Duke nodded enthusiastically.

Aang cleared his throat and the teenagers stopped scratching his dog as they went back to the matter at hand. Appa stood up and went over to his owner, placing his head on his thigh. "Me and Katara decided to give you a chance. But I'm not sure how the others will react. They probably won't be as understanding. You're going to have to really prove yourselves if you want our trust."

Smellerbee sighed. "Yeah, we know. That's why we wanted to talk to you first. You're practically the leaders, and we had hoped we could convince you first before the others. Katara, I agree about wanting to warn your friends; but we should do that tomorrow. It's late, and everyone will need their strength."

"When, then?" she asked.

"After school. If we discussed this during school, people could overhear what we're saying, and that's too risky. Jet has spies all over the place, and one of them would report back to him if they found out. Then he would know that we had switched sides."

Thinking about it, Aang could see how serious they were, and nodded. "Tomorrow then. We'll meet back here. Gyatso plans on staying at his clinic until midnight, working on a new healing method." Then he stood up and, looking at the clock on the wall, saw it was almost midnight. "But right now, you guys need to leave. Get some rest, and I'll let everyone know about the meeting tomorrow at lunch."

"What?!" Sokka exclaimed, standing up from their circle shaped table and causing people to stare at him like he was a lunatic. The Gaang was in the cafeteria, sitting in the farthest table they could get. Aang had texted everyone to get to the lunchroom during the early five minute releases their teachers give them. Normally they would do their own things for the five minutes they had to themselves, but Aang said it was an emergency that concerned everyone. He had just finished telling them about their meeting with the gang, and Sokka was, well, being Sokka.

Katara pulled him down, looked around, then hissed, "Keep your voice down. We don't want to attract the spies Smellerbee told us about."

"How can you believe them?" Sokka whispered/yelled. "They had tried to kill us, tried to take you away, and now you're buddies with them?! What's the matter with you?"

Katara rolled her eyes. "I never said we were friends. All I'm saying is that I believe them. But I won't trust them until I know they won't break their word. They want to protect us, Sokka," she added with a softer voice when he huffed. "Us and our families. Jet plans to kill all of us, including dad. At least hear them out first." Sokka clenched his teeth, but nodded, not liking the idea but wanting to know the truth anyway. She turned to Toph. "Would you be willing to test and see if they're lying, Toph?" she asked.

The blind girl shrugged. "Okay," she said simply.

"What do we do if they are lying? Fight them?" Zuko asked, almost hopefully.

Aang shook his head. "That won't be necessary," he stated. "They don't want to fight; they just want to talk and to have us trust them. I do already."

Sokka snorted in disbelief. "Why?" he said, frowning.

Aang looked into his eyes, his gray ords showing wisdom for someone so young. "Because Appa says they can be trusted."

Spluttering, Sokka replied, "Yeah right. How can a dog tell you that?"

"By reading his emotions," he said as if it were obvious. Then he explained how his parents had the ability to understand what an animal feels. Gyatso had it too, and the power was passed on to him when he was born. He found out about it when he only five years old after a wolf had been snagged by a rope.

*Flashback*

He and his parents were out camping in the wilderness. Gyatso had to stay home to care for the animals. The family had set up camp about two hours ago, and Aang wandered a little too far into the woods. His huge gray eyes sparkled as he looked above at the tall trees. It was two weeks before his Aunt died.

The little boy looked at the river where they get fresh water, and he heard a strange sound on his left. It was something between a growl and a whimper of pain. The five year old was very curious, and he wandered over to the bushes and peered out on the other side. There, with a rope around its ankle, was a brown and tan wolf with gold brown eyes. Aang gasped, and the animal looked at before growling.

Oddly enough, Aang could tell it wasn't angry; it was scared of being caught. The boy vaguely remembered his father telling him about a wolf sanctuary not very far from their campsite. This one must have escaped and got stuck trying to get away. Sometimes poachers would come here to hunt, and if they caught a wolf, they could make more money than ever. The wolf was to be captured because of its fur and meat. The thought made Aang sick, and suddenly felt the need to release this animal.

Being as quiet as possible, the boy walked cautiously toward it, and the wolf tried to back away, but yelped in pain that stopped its growl. That was when Aang noticed that the ankle was swollen and bleeding, and his heart went out for the unfortunate creature. He stopped walking and, looking into the wolf's wary gold eyes, said softly, "It's okay, boy." He could tell it was a boy; he just hadn't been sure how he knew until later.

The wolf tilted his head almost curiously, like he couldn't believe this strange boy was talking to him. Aang hadn't known how, but he could tell that the wolf was calming down a little, and he continued speaking. "Don't worry; you're safe. I'm not gonna hurt you." The whole time he stared into the animal's eyes, and the wolf could see that the boy doesn't mean any harm, and relaxed a little more.

Aang took that as a good sign and came closer. The wolf tensed a little but didn't growl, and then the boy was right in front him. The kid didn't show any fear, only worry and concern as he glanced at the ankle before looking into his eyes again. "Are you part of the wolf home?" the five year old curiously. A sadness showed in the brown/gold eyes, and Aang took that as a yes. Then he asked, "How did you escape?"

The wolf hesitated before he took a chance and used his nose to nudge the kid's hand up. Aang followed the movement until his palm touched the animal's forehead. The next thing he knew, a vision came to his mind. With a start, he realized he was looking into the wolf's mind. He was showing a memory.

The wolves were out of their sanctuary, two of them bounding around during their freedom. The brown wolf was playing with who seemed to be his brother. Two older wolves, presumably the younger wolves' parents, sat under a tree with their human trainers. They had leashes with collars attached on their belts. The male trainer whistled, and the young ones bounded to them.

They had just placed the third collar on and was about to put the last one on the brown wolf when a sudden flurry of gunshots could be heard. The wolves panicked, and the brown one without the collar turned around and bounded away, leaving his family and trainers behind, trying to call him back; but was too afraid to heed them.

Aang gasped and blinked, coming out of the animal's head while removing his hand to stare at the saddened wolf. Swallowing before he whispered, "Poachers. They were hunting. This is one of their traps." He looked around before looking at the animal again. He seemed hopeless, the poor thing, and Aang became determined. He knew what he had to do. Standing up he said, "I'll be back. I'm gonna get you out of there. Just hang on." He ran back the way he had come, glad that he was tall for his age to make him go fast. When he got to camp, there was no sign of his parents, probably in the tent resting; but there was a knife for carving wood. Aang's parents had told him to never mess with knives, but this was an emergency. If someone didn't help that wolf soon, he will be killed. So, with a pounding heart, he grasped the handle with care and walked quickly back to the trapped animal.

When he got back, the wolf noticed the knife and whimpered, thinking he was done for. It occured to Aang that he couldn't have been any older than two or three, practically a puppy. He lowered himself onto his knees and hands, careful of the blade. "Hey," he crooned and the dog brought his eyes up to the boy's, fear evident. They kept eye contact as he continued. "Don't be afraid. I'm just gonna cut the rope. Then I'm taking you back to camp to get your ankle fixed. Then we'll take you home, away from the poachers and back to your family. Would you like that? Do you wanna go home?"

The wolf relaxed at the word 'home', and Aang came slowly, keeping his eyes locked on the creature. When the boy got to the entrapped ankle, he examined it, seeing that there was a little space to slip the knife through. He took a deep breath and said, "Don't move." The wolf froze, and Aang, biting his lip, started cutting the rope.

It was long going. He had almost cut himself twice. The wolf was shaking a little, but he had done a good job of being still. At last, the bloody rope was off, and the wolf was limping away with Aang, feeling safe for the first time since he ran away.

*End of Flashback*

"I remember bringing him to my parents, who were surprised but pleased, even though they were a little mad about me taking a knife. We got the wolf fixed up, and brought him back to the sanctuary, where we learned his name was Kai. They wanted to pay us for bringing him back, but we didn't want their money. We were more than happy to help. That was when they told me about my ability."

His friends gaped at him, awestruck and baffled by what they learned about their friend. Then the ever skeptical Sokka scoffed. They stared at him and he said, "You're joking, right? There is absolutely no such thing as 'soul reading' or whatever you call it." When no one said anything, he turned to Toph and said, "Is he kidding? It's impossible to see into minds."

She shook her head as if coming out of a trance to answer him. "No, Sokka. He's serious; Aang's telling the truth." She used his real name; and when she does that, they know she's serious as well. Sokka's jaw dropped, and he and the others stared at Aang, who was looking at the table.

Then Katara said, "But you told me that you couldn't read their minds."

He looked at her. "I can't unless they allow me. It's their choice if they want you to know what's in their minds. Otherwise its only the emotions you can see, even if it's burried."

Katara hesitated before she asked, "Did Appa show you what had happened to him while he was in those kennels?"

He shook his head. "No. And after what Smellerbee told us, I don't blame him for wanting to keep the horrors to himself."

"And speaking of Smellerbee " Sokka said, "can we get back to the whole 'meeting' thing? All this mystic stuff is making my head hurt." There was a little laughter as Suki rubbed her boyfriend's back.

Aang shrugged. "Anyway, we're meeting back at my place, since Gyatso will be gone until midnight. They can explain everything after school. What do you say? Are you with us?"

The Gaang looked at one another, thinking this through. Then Toph shrugged. "I'm in. Anything to get the other Snakeheads off our backs."

"We're in too," Zuko said and Mai nodded.

Suki nodded as well and everyone looked at Sokka when he didn't say anything. "What about you, Sokka?"

He looked at his friends, then sat up with a sigh and wrapped his arm around his girlfriend. "Okay, I suppose there's no harm in it." Suki kissed his cheek gently and smiled at him, earning a loving squeeze back.

Aang took a deep breath, and stood up as the bell rang. "Okay, everyone's agreed. We meet the others in front of the building after school."

Everyone was sitting on the couches in the basement of Aang's home. The Gaang sat on the right couch with Toph on the floor, measuring the opposite gang's heartbeats. Other than the nervous heartbeats when sitting before your foes, nothing struck her as a lie.

When Sokka had seen the hot tub, he had rounded on Aang and demanded, "Why didn't you tell us you had one?"

Aang had shrugged and said, "I'm not a bragger." Sokka had scowled, which he had been doing a lot since the lunchroom meeting. They had met the gang in front of the building as planned, and had driven to Aang's place. Gyatso was gone of course, and Appa greeted everyone as they entered.

He was on the floor between the two groups, waiting for Smellerbee to finish their story. She told the other members what they knew; the plan, Jet's idea of separating them in order to kill them, how he was going to save Aang and Katara last, the cyanide that was used to poison the company owners, Jet's hope of turning Katara against them. She even told them about the lies and deception they were fed when they first joined and about their suspicions of the job. When she mentioned about Zuko and Mai stargazing in their spare time, the couple had blushed and said Zuko said, "Even we have our moments." Then he glared at them threateningly. "But if any of you tells anyone else about it, those Snakeheads are going to be the least of your worries." Everyone had shut up after that, knowing of the damage Zuko and Mai could do when provoked.

When she finished, Sokka turned to Toph and quietly asked, "Were they lying at all?"

The Blind Bandit shook her head. "Every word she spoke was the truth."

Sokka sighed, sitting back and gazing at the enemy turned good. "Okay, you're innocent." Then he glared at them. "But don't expect us to trust you quite yet. You have to prove you're on our side first."

Smellerbee nodded. "We know. But we're thankful that you're giving us a chance at least." Sokka shrugged, not saying anything more and she took a breath before saying, "Well, we told you we will help you in any way we can. And we brought the vests that will protect you. Pipsqueak, open the box."

He did so, and brought them out. They looked like normal shirts, but when the Gaang felt them, they could tell the shirts were sturdy, stronger. There were different sizes, and it wasn't long before each member had one. Then Smellerbee said, "Wear them every day until this whole mess is done. And next time we meet, my friends and I will have a sample of the poison and the notes that go with it." She stood up and her friends followed her lead. "But until then, stay together as much as you can. Because tomorrow is when things are going to get tougher for everyone. The world is counting on you."

That's right; Smellerbee and her gang have switched sides, and they were the ones who knocked. Aang and Katara went on high alert, but eventually started to trust them. And Zuko and Mai stargazing? Bet you didn't see that one coming. I just love surprising people. Anyway, the plan was revealed, and Smellerbee warned them to stay together if they were to survive this horror. And people thought readng mysteries were scary. They're even worse if you're actually living them. Does the Gaang have what it takes to survive this danger? Or will everything go up in flames?