Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender is created by Michael DiMartino & Brian Konzieko and owned by Nickelodeon.
Based on "The Western Air Temple" originally by Elizabeth Welch Ehasz & Tim Hedrick.
AN: Western would not fit in the title.
"Previously on Avatar, Sokka led the invasion but failed. Zuko faced his father during the eclipse," said Avatar Roku.
The young group flew over the ocean to the mountains. They landed and continued walking on foot with their heads down.
"This is humiliating," said Katara.
"Do you mean getting thoroughly spanked by the Fire Nation," Sokka asked as Katara turned her head toward him, and he continued, "or having to walk all the way to the Western Air Temple?"
"Both," Katara replied as she looked at Sokka.
"Sorry guys, but Appa," said Aang as he stretched his hand out and affectionately scratched the area under Appa's eye, "gets tired carrying all these people."
"I wonder how the rest of the troops are," said Teo.
"They're probably on their way to a prison. Seems like my dad just got out, now he's going back in," said Haru.
"I miss Pipsqueak," said The Duke.
"I miss not having blisters on my feet," said Sokka.
Toph stomped her foot on the ground. Toph made a relieved expression on her face.
"Hey, we're here. I can feel it," said Toph.
The group stopped near the edge of a cliff.
"Uh, I think your feet need their eyes checked," said Katara.
"No," said Aang. He continued, "she's right." Sokka looked up at Aang, stunned. "We are here."
Sokka looked around and brought up both his arms to show that he couldn't see anything. The group stood above the cliff.
"Wow, it's amazing," said Toph. She felt a multi-tiered structure of an upside down pagoda. Then she could feel more upside down pagodas of the Western Air Temple with a couple of statues fixed into the cliffs.
Zuko dropped a rope down one of the pagodas. Then he slowly slid down the rope with his hands. Zuko turned around. He looked a large statue of a female airbender and stared at it. He continued to make his descent. Zuko stopped in front of three statues and swung himself on the rope. He gained momentum with each arc. After the fourth swing he jumped off and landed on the ground by balancing himself with a hand on the floor. He straightened up and looks around. He remembered the first time he came to the Western Air Temple. It was a week after his banishment. Zuko thought he should check the Air Temples first and that he would regain his honor by capturing the Avatar. He remembered how his uncle tried to look out for him and he lashed out. Zuko closed his eyes. He groaned and rubbed his nose bridge with his fingers.
Zuko heard Appa growl, but decided to wait until Aang, Sokka, or Toph had a chance to tell the others that Zuko was coming. He hid behind the pillar.
The group stood in front of an hour glass shaped fountain. Teo and The Duke looked up in wonder.
"It's so different from the Northern Air Temple. I wonder if there are any secret rooms," said Teo.
Haru moved forward and waved a hand to beckon the others to join him, "Let's go check it out."
The Duke and Teo enthusiastically followed. Aang ran after them but was stopped by Katara who blocked him with his staff.
"You guys go..." Katara said. Aang caught his glider and Katara laid a hand on his shoulder. "I think we need to talk about some things."
Haru and The Duke help Teo onto the bridge. As Haru sat Teo's wheelchair down, Teo wheeled off rapidly.
"I'll race you, Duke," said Haru.
" told you, it's "The Duke." " The Duke replied annoyed.
Haru and The Duke ran after Teo.
"Why can't I go?" Aang asked disappointed.
"We need to decide what we're gonna do now. And since you're the Avatar, maybe you should be a part of this," Katara replied seriously.
Aang leaned his staff against a flat, slightly broken down stone bench and sat down and crossed his arms grouchily. "Fair enough. So, what's the new plan?"
The rest of them sat on stone benches except for Toph who sat on a rather tall stone column.
"Well, if you ask me, the new plan is the old plan. You just need to master all four elements, and confront the Fire Lord before the comet comes," Sokka replied.
"Do you think Zuko made it here? We haven't seen him yet," Aang said.
"Zuko? I thought he was in the Fire Nation," Katara replied
"We met him during the invasion," said Aang. "He was suppose to join us here."
"He's here," said Toph.
He came out from behind the pillar.
"Hello, Zuko here," said Zuko.
"I think Toph just established that," said Sokka.
"Right," said Zuko. "I found out important information."
"Azula always lies," said Aang.
"While that's true, that's not-"
"Look, I'm not sure I trust you after all," said Aang.
"He's telling the truth," said Toph. "I think we should give him a chance."
"But he left," said Katara.
"Yeah, to get information on the Fire Nation," said Sokka.
"Plus, he could teach you firebending," Toph said to Aang.
Katara narrowed her eyes at Zuko. "You haven't told them have you?"
"I just got here," said Zuko.
"Well, start talking," said Katara.
"Well, I'm sure you already know, Azula knew you survived," said Zuko as he looked at Aang. "She gave me the credit because of that. She also gave my father the idea to end the Earth Kingdom by burning it to the ground."
"I think that will be a little hard to do. The Earth King knows about the war," said Sokka.
"They're going to attack during the comet, when firebenders have the power of a hundred suns," said Zuko.
"If what you said is true, this isn't good," said Aang.
"He's being honest," said Toph.
"Are you going to tell them?" Katara asked.
"I've been having trouble bending," said Zuko.
To Be Continued...