Disclaimer: I Do Not own Avatar: The Last Air-Bender or it's Associated Properties.

After the Gaang liberated the Earth-bender prison they continued on their journey to the North Pole. They were currently flying on Appa as he soared through the sky doing their own thing.

Aang was leaning against Appa's saddle kicking his leg as he Air-bent out of boredom, Sokka was steering Appa, Katara was laying on her stomach as she looked over Appa's saddle at the clouds, Dijin however, was having the worst time ever and that was due to one reason and that one reason being...

"Do we have to be on this flying death trap! Can't we just walk on the solid ground like normal people!" He shouted as he hung on to Appa's saddle for dear life.

That one reason being Dijin was afraid of heights.

Sokka looked back at him saying "No. Don't you realize how much longer it would take if we walked?" Sokka then smirked as he mocked Dijin saying "Besides aren't you a badass Lava-bender? Why should a little flying scare you?"

Dijin just glared at Sokka and said "Sokka. You better hope we never have to land on solid ground."

Sokka instantly shut up and looked nervous as he said "You know I was kidding right?"

Dijin just ignored him making Sokka all the more nervous.

Katara ignoring the two's exchange spoke up saying "These clouds look so soft, don't they? Like you could just jump down and you'd land in a big, soft, cottony heap."

Sokka sarcastically told her "Why don't you give it a try?"

Katara glared at her brother also saying sarcastically "Your hilarious."

Aang just jumped up excitedly saying "I'll try it."

Dijin confused asked "Try what?"

Aang then grabbed his glider and jumped off of Appa and into the clouds with Dijin screaming "Are you crazy!"

Aang then opened his glider after passing through the cloud as he Air-bent himself back onto Appa's saddle with his clothes all damp.

Aang shook himself like a dog and said "Turns out, clouds are made of water."

He then Air-bent the rest of the water off when suddenly Sokka spoke up saying "Guy's you'd better come see this."

The others went to stand behind Sokka while Dijin crawled over, Katara then spoke saying "What is that?"

Down below them was a giant green forest but right in the middle was a giant black patch that was miles wide.

Sokka blown away by the devastation said "It looks like a scar."

Dijin after fighting the Fire Nation on more than one occasion could recognize their handy-work when he saw it. Dijin then spoke saying "Fire Nation. And judging by the burn radius they were trying to burn some resistance fighters out of hiding and sending a message."

Aang seeing the destruction said "Sokka take us down there I want to see the extent of the damage."

Sokka nodded his head as he told Appa "Yip, yip."

xxLine Breakxx

The Gaang had landed in the center of the "scar" and they were surrounded by burnt tree stumps and ashen covered ground.

Dijin looked around at the destruction and could only shake his head seeing this more than once before defending Earth Kingdom villages from Fire Nation raids.

Sokka also seeing the devastation said "Listen, it's so quiet. There's no life anywhere."

Aang just looked at the forest in despair starting to comprehend the impact his absence has had.

Katara seeing Aang in this state asked "Aang, are you ok?"

Sokka then growled out "Damn the Fire Nation! Look at what they've done. They have no res-"

he was cut off by Dijin who said "Shh."

Sokka indigent at being shushed said "What? I can't be angry?"

Dijin then grabbed Sokka's head and forced him to look at Aang making Sokka instantly shut up.

Aang had fallen to his knees in despair with his back to them. He was running his hands through the ash filled dirt while saying "Why would anyone do this? How could I let this happen?"

Katara trying to cheer him up said "Aang you didn't let this happen. You were trapped in an iceberg for 100 years. This has nothing to do with you."

Aang closed his eyes as he said solemnly "Yes, it does. It's the Avatar's job to protect nature, but I don't know how to do my job."

Katara spoke up saying "That's why we are going to the North Pole, to find you a teacher."

Aang just looked at her from behind and said "Yeah, a Water-bending teacher but no one can teach me how to be the Avatar."

Dijin knowing a little bit about the Avatar due to certain wise old dragon said "Couldn't you speak to one of your past lives for advice?"

Aang looked unsure as he said "I don't know. Monk Gyatsu said that Avatar Roku would help me but I don't even know where to begin with on how to talk to him, let alone any other one of my past lives."

Sokka curious at what they were talking about asked "Wait. How could Aang talk to Avatar Roku, he died over 100 years ago."

Dijin looked at Sokka like he was stupid and said "Every Avatar has the ability to talk to a past life they've had, meaning Aang can essentially talk to every Avatar that has ever existed."

Sokka's jaw hit the floor never knowing that bit of information while Katara shook her head at her brother's ignorance.

After Aang said a quick prayer for the animals and the forest Katara walked up to him and said "Hey Aang, are you ready to be cheered up?"

Aang just childishly said "No."

which Katara replied by throwing an acorn at Aang's head making him say "Ow! Hey, how is that cheering me up?"

Sokka laughed and pointed at Aang saying "That cheered me up."

Dijin who was sitting next to Sokka said "Hey Sokka."

Sokka replied with "What?"

Dijin then smirked at him evilly saying "We're on solid ground."

Sokka getting a look of terror couldn't react in time as Dijin slammed his fist into ground creating a rock pillar as he then launched Sokka into the air.

Sokka screamed in terror as his scream faded the higher he went.

Katara smiled at Dijin grateful to him for checking her brother's attitude as Sokka fell back to the ground in a heap saying "Ok...I deserved that."

Katara then looked back at Aang who was staring at the acorn as she said "These acorns are everywhere, Aang. That means the forest will grow back. Every one of these will be a tall oak tree one day, and all the birds and animals will come back." Katara then grabbed Aang's hand and placed the acorn inside it as he looked at her hand then at her as he smiled and said "Thanks, Katara."

Suddenly Dijin said "Someone's coming! Over there!" Making Katara gasp and look towards the direction Dijin was referring to.

However, the group calmed down somewhat seeing it was just an old man with a cane. He wore green and brown robes, he had a bald head, he wore simple sandals on his feet, and he had a long white beard.

Sokka still on guard asked "Hey, who are you?"

The old man ignored Sokka and looked at Aang saying "As soon as I saw the Flying Bison, I thought it was impossible, but those markings on your head... Are you the Avatar, child?"

Aang unsure to reveal his identity looked at Katara and Dijin who both nodded their heads yes. Aang then looked at the old man nodding his head as the old man brightened up with hope in his eyes.

The man then spoke pleadingly saying "My village is in desperate need of your help Avatar."

The Gaang looked at each other before Aang stepped forward with a determined gaze and said "Take us there."

xxLine Breakxx

The old man led them on a 20-minute hike before they came across his village and the Gaang was surprised at the destruction.

Houses were half collapsed, buildings had scorch marks from fires, and it appeared their food stores had all been but depleted.

The old man led them to the only intact building in the village which appeared to be the chief's house. Once they were inside, they saw the house was jam-packed with people.

The old man then introduced Aang saying "This young person is the Avatar."

A man wearing blue and white robes with a blue officials hat then approached them who they assumed was the chief, as he said with a respectful bow "So the rumors of your return are true. It is the greatest honor of a lifetime to be in your presence."

Aang bowed back saying "Nice to meet you, too." After a brief pause Aang said "So, is there something I can help you with?"

The chief looked to the side unsteady as he said "I'm not sure."

The old man chose then to speak up saying desperately "Our village is in crisis. You're our only hope Avatar. For the last few days at sunset, A spirit monster comes and attacks our village. His name is Hei Bai, The black and white spirit."

Dijin knowing a spirit wouldn't attack without reason asked "Why is it attacking you? Did you anger it?"

The chief waved his hands in dismissal at Dijin's implication saying "No. Of course not! We have done nothing to anger it. We honestly don't know why it is attacking us." The chief then went to look out the door towards the forest as he said "But each of the last 3 nights he has abducted one of own. We are especially fearful because the Winter Solstice draws near."

Katara curious as to why they would be afraid asked "What happens then?"

Dijin spoke then saying "The Winter Solstice is the time of year when the Natural World and the Spirit World grow so close together that the line between the two no longer exists. Which means that the spirit could grow even more powerful and fully crossover to the natural world causing untold destruction."

The chief looked at Dijin and said "You are very wise for one so young."

Dijin just smiled saying "I had good teachers."

The chief curious asked "And who taught you so much about the spirits if I may ask?"

Dijin just smiled fondly remembering his time learning of the Spirit World as he said "A very good tea maker."

The chief nodded his head in acceptance at the answer.

Aang realizing the implication of the situation asked "What do you want me to do exactly?"

The old man just said "Who better to solve a crisis between our world and the spirit world than the Avatar himself. You are the bridge between man and spirits."

Aang uncomfortable with all this confidence thrown his way said awkwardly "Right. That's me." Aang then looked out towards the forest noticing the sun was starting to set.

Katara then leaned next to him saying "Hey, great bridge guy. Can I talk to you over here for a second?" Katara then led him over to a window to talk.

Dijin seeing Aang's unsure look followed after them with Sokka in tow and as they approached, they heard Katara say "Aang, you seem a little unsure about all this."

Dijin and Sokka then stood next to Katara as Aang turned away slightly saying "Yeah. That might be because I don't know anything at all about the Spirit world."

The trio looked at each other awkwardly while he then turned to look at them fully as he exclaimed quietly "It's not like there's someone to teach me this stuff."

Katara not liking his answer asked him "So, can you help these people?"

Aang looked unsure but said "I have to try, Don't I? Maybe whatever I do will just... come to me."

Dijin then leaned to Aang's level as he said "Aang if there's one thing I've learned about spirits it's that they never do something without a reason. If you can find out what that reason is you might be able to save these people."

Aang nodded his head saying "Thanks Dijin. I appreciate it."

Katara smiled at Aang saying "I know you can do it, Aang."

Sokka just smiled and said sarcastically "Yeah... we're all gonna get eaten by a giant spirit monster."

Dijin instantly punched Sokka in the stomach for that comment saying "Read the room!"

Sokka just grunted in pain holding his stomach and wheezing out "Your right...I deserved... that too."

When the sun was finally about to set Aang could be seen standing in the middle of the village while everyone else stayed in the chief's house watching.

Aang started to call out to the spirit saying "Hello? Spirit? Can you hear me? This is the Avatar speaking. I'm here to try to help stuff."

Back in the chief's house Sokka looked at Aang through a window saying "This isn't right. We can't sit here while Aang risks his life against a spirit."

Dijin stood next to Sokka as he said wisely "Aang is the Avatar, he must learn how to deal with the spirits in his own way."

Sokka just grit his teeth still not liking the situation as he said "He still shouldn't do this alone."

Just then the sun had finally set sending a dark blanket over the village. Aang seeing it was finally dark said "The sun has set. Where are you, Hei Bai? Well, Spirit, Uh, I hereby ask you to please leave this village in peace." Aang then twirled his staff and slammed it into the ground.

After a few seconds he said "Ok. Well, I guess that's settled then." Aang then started to head back to the chief's house but unknown to him a giant black and white creature was coming from the forest.

It stood a good three stories tall, Its lower body was bipedal and jet black, it had a black and white spotted upper body with two sets of arms one small set being on its chest while it had two larger arms the size of a house on the rest of its body, its head was angular like a reptile, it had a set of four eyes, and a mouth full of razor sharp fangs.

Aang still unaware of the deadly spirit behind him walked calmly to the chiefs house a blank look on his face. Suddenly Aang stopped after feeling something breathe on his neck and turned around.

Aang looked at the giant creature in awe and slight terror as he said "You must be the Hei Bai spirit. My name is-"

The creature cut him off as it roared in Aang's face and a stream of blue light left its mouth causing his clothes to billow out. The creature then charged ahead into the village completely ignoring Aang.

Aang still trying to get its attention shouted "My name is Aang. I'm the Avatar, And I would like to help. Hey wait up!" Aang then began to chase the beast trying to reason with it as it teleported and destroyed the surrounding buildings.

Building after building was being destroyed as Aang chased the beast fumbling around not really sure what to do.

The chief seeing the destruction said "The Avatar's methods are... how do I put it? Um... Unusual."

Sokka seeing this was going nowhere said "It doesn't seem to be interested in what he's saying." Sokka then looked at the group saying "Maybe we should go help him."

Dijin spoke up again saying "No. We can't interfere, Aang has to learn about the spirit world. Its a harsh lesson but it will ultimately benefit everyone."

Katara spoke up next agreeing with Dijin saying "Aang will figure out the right thing to do, Sokka."

Back with Aang the spirit was still destroying the village as he chased it while shouting "Please, would you stop destroying things and listen." he then Air-bent himself onto the rooftops shouting "I'm just trying to do my job as spirit bridge."

The beast ignored Aang having its back to him as it destroyed a house.

Aang just continued to shout saying "Excuse me. Would you please turn around?" Aang fed up with being ignored slammed his foot down and shouted "I command you to turn around Now!"

The spirit did not like being ordered around so it smacked Aang away launching him through a house.

Sokka having seen enough said "That's it. He needs help." he then ran to the door and outside with Dijin trying to stop him shouting "Sokka no! You're just going to get yourself killed!"

However, once Dijin made it to the door Katara screamed "Look out!" She then grabbed Dijin from behind and pulled him away from the doors.

Just then a huge chunk of wood and debris landed right where Dijin once was stopping him from going after Sokka.

Dijin looked back at Katara and said "Thank you."

Katara smiled saying "Don't mention it." They then both quickly got up and looked out the nearest window to see what was happening.

Sokka had ran out into the middle of the street Shouting "Hei Bai. Over here." he then threw his Boomerang club to get the spirits attention away from Aang.

Aang looked at Sokka as he said "Sokka go back!"

Sokka just ran and stood next to him while catching his boomerang and saying "We'll fight him together Aang."

Aang looked at Sokka saying "I don't want to fight him un-"

he was cut off as the spirit knocked him away again and then grabbed Sokka in its small arms on its chest.

Aang seeing his friend in trouble opened his glider and gave chase screaming "Sokka!"

Over at the chief's house Katara had started to break down and cry after seeing her brother get taken and Dijin could be seen hugging her as she cried into his chest while he looked on at the forest while thinking "This just got a lot more complicated."

xxLine Breakxx

The next morning Dijin was able to Earth-bend the debris away from the house's entrance as he began to help the villagers fix any damage he could. Katara meanwhile stood at the entrance to the village looking for any sign of Aang or her brother. After Dijin was done helping he went to stand next to Katara.

Once he was next to her, he asked "Any sign of them?"

Katara just shook her head with closed eyes before looking back at the forest and saying "I just don't understand. Where could they have gone."

Dijin having a rough Idea said "One of the most important things I was taught about spirits and the Avatar, was that the Avatar is the bridge between both the living and the spirit world. Which also means just as Aang walks freely in our world he can walk just as freely in theirs."

Katara looked at him slightly shocked before looking at the forest again as she said "Are you saying... Aang is in the Spirit world?"

Dijin replied with "I can't be certain but it is a very high possibility."

Katara looked on in worry with Dijin staying by her side so she wasn't alone. They stayed at the village entrance all day with the villagers bringing them some tea as they waited for Aang's return.

A little while later the sun was beginning to set as Dijin and Katara were still waiting for Aang and Sokka.

The chief walked up to them saying "You two had best come back inside Hei Bai should be returning soon."

Katara with tears started to walk away Dijin following her when suddenly the chief exclaimed "The Avatar! He's returned!"

Dijin and Katara quickly turned around and sure enough there was Aang in all his Avatar glory.

Aang walked up to them and was looking a little depressed before Katara ran up to him and hugged him saying "Your back!" she then looked around and said questioningly "Where's Sokka?"

Aang bowed his head at the two saying "I'm not sure."

Just as he said that the sun had set and once again darkness had taken over.

Dijin quickly grabbed Katara saying "Come on we gotta get inside, this is no place for us!"

As he dragged her away, she shouted "What about Aang!"

Dijin just had a determined gaze as he said "He's the Avatar, if he can't stop Hei Bai then no one can." Once he finished talking, he got them both in the house and the doors were slammed shut afterwards.

Aang was once again standing in the middle of the village awaiting Hei Bai. After some time went by it seemed he wasn't going to show so Aang started to walk away depressed until Hei Bai burst through a destroyed house catching Aang off guard. He then pushed his hands out, Air-bending an Air-shield to block the incoming debris.

Katara not wanting to lose anyone else shouted at Aang "Aang just forget about the spirit, run!"

Hei Bai hearing her instantly teleported to the chief's house and started to attack. Aang realizing his friends were in trouble only had one idea come to mind.

He Air-bent himself high into the air so he could land on Hei Bai's forehead. He then placed his palm against it as he looked into Hei Bai's mind and found out why the spirit was angry.

Hei Bai was the guardian of the forest and the Fire Nation burnt it to the ground. The spirit however, deemed all humans guilty for on one hand doing the deed and then on the other hand for allowing it to happen.

Aang then released his connection and said "You're the Guardian Spirit of this forest. Now I understand. You're upset and angry because your home was burned down. When I saw the forest the same way, I was sad and upset too, but my friend gave me hope that the forest would grow back." Aang then held up an acorn in his palm at the spirit before placing it on the ground in front of it.

Hei Bai grabbed the acorn and looked at it before turning around and transforming back to his original form which was a panda bear.

Once Hei Bai entered the forest Bamboo stalks suddenly grew out of the ground, and all the people Hei Bai abducted came stumbling out of the plants including Sokka.

Katara seeing her brother alive and well ran outside and gave him a fierce hug screaming "Sokka your back!"

Sokka with a clueless look on his face asked "What happened?"

Dijin answered saying "You were in the Spirit World for 24 hours buddy."

Sokka just looked at them like they were crazy and said "Riiiight. So anyway, can anyone point me to the little warriors room?"

Katara and Dijin pointed in the same direction as Sokka said "Thank you, thank you, thank you." as he then ran off.

After Sokka came back the Gaang started to pack up and getting ready to leave since Hei Bai was pacified.

The chief walked up to them saying "Thank you Avatar. If only there were a way to repay you for what you've done."

Sokka without shame said "You could give us some supplies and some money."

Dijin smacked the back of Sokka's head saying "Shut up Sokka! These people have been through enough. They need money and supplies for themselves let alone us!"

The chief waved Dijin off saying "No, No. it's really no trouble, after everything you and the Avatar have done it's the least we can do to help you on your journey."

Katara held Aang's shoulders as she said "I'm so proud of you Aang."

Dijin spoke next saying "I knew you would figure it out on your own. Tell me how was the spirit world?"

Aang looked at them and said "Actually, speaking of the Spirit World I had a little help. While I was there I was told that I need to talk to Avatar Roku, And I think I found a way to contact his spirit."

Katara smiled wide saying "That's great!"

Aang looked at them as he said "There's a temple on a crescent island, and if I go there on the solstice, I'll be able to speak with him."

Katara with a look of worry said "But the Solstice is tomorrow."

Aang looked down regretting having to say this part next "Yeah, and there's a bigger a problem. The island is in the Fire Nation."

Everyone looked at Aang in shock but then Sokka summed up their situation in two words "We're Fucked!"

In which Dijin immediately punched Sokka in the stomach.

xxLine Breakxx

It was early the next morning of the wrecked village and Aang was currently trying to sneak away with Appa and avoid bringing the others with him. Aang was pulling on Appa's reigns while Appa pulled back refusing to leave without his new friends.

Aang frustratingly said to the bison "Let's go, Appa! Come on, boy."

Aang seeing Appa wasn't going to move stopped pulling for a second as he pet the Sky Bison's forehead and said "Look I'm sorry but Katara, Sokka, and Dijin aren't coming to the Fire Nation with us. If they got hurt, I'd never forgive myself."

Aang then started pulling on Appa's reigns again even harder shouting "So get your big butt off the ground and let's go!"

Appa then stubbornly sat down a large thud being made as Aang sighed in frustration.

Dijin suddenly spoke up from behind him saying "I think his big butt is trying to tell you something."

Aang quickly turned around surprised seeing his friends and the chief standing there.

Katara spoke next saying "Please don't go, Aang. The world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation. And neither can I."

Aang looked away remembering the vision Avatar Roku's Dragon gave him as he looked at the group saying "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!" Aang then Air-bent himself onto Appa's head and grabbed his reigns.

Before Appa could move a step forward though Dijin raised his arms up and Earth-bent a wall in front of Appa, while he and the others stood in front of the Bison as Katara stubbornly said "We're not letting you go into the Fire Nation, Aang."

Dijin then smirked saying "Not alone at least. You can't get rid of us that easy. We got your back Aang no matter what happens"

Aang looked shocked while Appa roared in happiness as he let the other three on board.

The chief approached them handing Aang a bag of food as he said "You'll have to fly fast to have any chance of making it before sundown. Good luck."

Aang nodded his head as he told Appa "Yip, yip."

While Dijin held onto the saddle saying "Oh spirit's not again."

Appa then took off to the sky taking the Gaang straight to the Fire Nation country.

xxLine Breakxx

The sun was rising as the Gaang flew above the clouds towards the Fire Nation. Aang being on a time-crunch shouted at Appa "Come on, boy. We've got a long way to go. Faster!" he then cracked Appa's reigns giving him the signal to increase his speed.

Appa roared in understanding before flapping his large flat tail and going faster.

Down below them the exiled Fire Nation prince, Zuko and His Uncle former General Iroh Were currently on their personal boat chasing the Avatar and his friends.

Prince Zuko was a young man being about eighteen years old, he had his head shaved save for a long black high ponytail, he had amber eyes, he had a terrible scar from a burn that covered the left side of his face and eye, he wore red and black armor that had streamlined shoulder pads and covers his whole upper body, he wore a black long-sleeve robe that went to his waist under the armor, he had on red wrist gauntlets that went to his forearm, he wore loose-fitting red pants, and he wore red boots with curved toes.

Standing a few feet behind Zuko was his Uncle and Fire-bending teacher Iroh, also known as "The Dragon of The West"

He was an elderly man being in his late fifties but that was no reason to think he was a weak old man. Iroh had long grey hair that went down to his shoulder blades, the top of his head was bald save for a grey top-knot with a gold ornament, he had gold eyes the shined with wisdom, he had grey mutton chops and a long, grey, pointed goatee, like his nephew he wore red and black armor but only on his chest and shoulders, under his armor he wore a grey battle Kimono covering a large round belly, he wore grey hakama pants, and on his feet, he wore red boots with a slightly curved toes.

The exiled prince was looking through a telescope as he spotted Appa flying while his Uncle was trying to give him some of his wise advice.

Iroh stared at his nephew's back as he said "Sailing into Fire Nation waters. Of all the foolish things you've done in your eighteen years Prince Zuko, this is the most foolish." Iroh threw his hands out to emphasize his point

his nephew however, stubbornly replied "I have no choice, Uncle."

Iroh still trying to reason with his stubborn nephew said "Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you?" he then looked at Zuko with fatherly concern as he said "What if you get caught?"

Zuko turned around to face his Uncle as he said "I'm chasing the Avatar. My father will understand why I'm coming home."

Iroh shook his head at his nephew's naivete as he said "You give him far too much credit. My younger brother is not the understanding type."

Zuko ignored his Uncle as he found The Avatar again and shouted "Helmsman, full steam ahead."

Up in the air Katara saw the familiar ship and shouted "Aang, we've got trouble."

Sokka seeing that they were bringing out a trebuchet yelled "Aww man, and their bringing out their catapult thingy!"

Dijin knowing what they were talking about tried to get up and said "Sokka! Katara! Grab my legs and don't let me fall!"

Sokka confused asked "Why shou-"

Dijin cut him off shouting "Just do it!" Sokka instantly shut up and grabbed Dijin's left leg while Katara grabbed his right.

Just then Zuko's ship fired a flaming boulder at Appa. Dijin glared at the incoming rock before placing his right arm at his side with his fingers splayed open and as soon as the rock was close enough Dijin made a chop motion with his arm bending the boulder in half as its two halves fell into the ocean below.

Dijin then shouted at Aang from behind saying "Keep flying Aang I've got this!"

Aang nodded his head as he told Appa "Yip, Yip!"

Down below Zuko was growling at what he witnessed through the telescope while Iroh rubbed his chin in thought saying "It appears the Avatar has added an Earth-bender to his party."

Zuko just growled and shouted "Reload the trebuchet!"

Iroh once again shook his head at his nephew's stubbornness.

Above the clouds Aang suddenly shouted at his friends "Guy's we have a bigger problem."

Sokka and Katara let go of Dijin who instantly dropped to a crawl as he went to look at what Aang was talking about.

Down below in front of them was a massive Fire Nation Naval blockade with all of their trebuchets at the ready.

Dijin Hardened his gaze seeing the blockade before he stood up and let his robe hang at his waist leaving him in his sleeveless shirt.

Katara looking at him stand up on Appa on his own made her wonder what he was going to do as she asked "Dijin what are doing?"

He ignored her as he told Aang "Aang fly straight ahead to the Temple and no matter what is thrown at us don't dodge, weave, or turn just keep going straight to the Temple."

Sokka looked at him as if he was crazy and shouted "Are you nuts! You're asking Aang to be a sitting turtle-duck!"

Dijin just stood steady standing behind Aang as he looked at him saying "Trust me, Aang."

Aang looked at Dijin and remembered what Bumi told him about Dijin being a trusted ally. He then looked at Dijin with a determined Gaze as he said "I trust you." Aang then had Appa fly straight ahead towards the Temple and the blockade.

Sokka and Katara started to freak out in the back of saddle with Sokka yelling "Aang, I don't really think this is a good Idea!"

Katara holding onto her brother said "I never really agree with Sokka but I'm kinda with him on this one!"

Just when she finished talking the ships fired a multitude of flaming boulders at Appa causing the two to scream in terror.

Aang just kept Appa straight like Dijin said as he suddenly took a horse stance and then rotated his arms and fists in a circle as he then thrusted them out, all the boulders that were fired responded to his command being thrown back at the Fire Nation ships. But Dijin wasn't done he then made a chopping motion with his arms cutting the boulders in half and sending them at more ships. Then with a final touch he splayed his fingers out turning all the flaming rocks into lava melting and burning Fire Nation troops and ships alike.

Katara and Sokka looked at Dijin in awe on how he just destroyed a number of Fire Nation ships in one attack without moving from his spot behind Aang.

Sokka then spoke up saying "Did I forget to mention how awesome it is we have a Lava-bender on the team?"

Katara just nodded her head as the other ships tried to attack but they were so out of range Appa easily got ahead of them and then found a place to safely land by the Temple.

None of them knowing that the display of Lava-bending Dijin did, pissed off a certain Fire Nation Admiral who vowed to find out who it was that destroyed his blockade.

xxLine Breakxx

Once the Gaang landed Dijin instantly ran over to some rocks and vomited from the stress of having to face his fear. Once he finished, he wiped his mouth and put his robe back on saying "Oh spirit's! I thought I was going to die!"

Aang pet Appa glad he didn't have to avoid any fireballs as he smiled at Dijin saying "Well, thanks to you, we didn't die and Appa is safe so that's good news."

They all shared a quick laugh before they got their supplies ready, then they began to walk up the path to the Temple. Once they were close enough, they hid behind a statue as Sokka said "I don't see any guards."

Katara spoke up saying "The Fire Nation must have abandoned the Temple when Avatar Roku died."

Aang seeing the position of the sun Impatiently said "It's almost sundown we'd better hurry." He then took off and headed for the front gates the others following suit.

They slowly crept their way inside as Sokka suddenly stopped them saying "Wait. I think I heard something."

Then sure enough in a hallway behind them was a group of five old men wearing red robes with flame designs, as they glared at the group.

The one in front who appeared to be their leader said "We are the Fire Sages, guardians of the Temple of the Avatar."

Aang thinking they were there to help stepped forward arms wide saying "Great. I am the Avatar."

The Fire Sage leader just glared at him as he said "We know."

Then four out of five of them punched their arms forward and sent streams of fire at the group.

Dijin quickly slammed his fists together and Earth-bending the sides of the temple into a rock-wall to block the flames as he shouted "Run!"

The group took off running as one of the Fire Sages Bent Lightning to destroy the Earth-wall.

Sokka seeing the destruction yelled "Wait! Fire-benders can bend Lightning?!"

As they were running Dijin said "It's an advanced technique only select few Fire-benders can do."

Sokka just grumbled out "Well, isn't that just great now we have to deal with Fire and Lightning." They turned around a corner and were met by one of the sage's.

Dijin quickly reacted by clenching his fists and throwing them to the side bending the wall so it blocked the sage from advancing.

Aang then shouted "Wrong way!"

They quickly turned around and ran away However, a few seconds later the sound of lightning destroying earth was heard as the Sage from before shouted "Wait! Please, come back!"

Aang then shouted "This way!" He then led them down a hallway that became a dead-end and they were about to turn around when the sage showed up.

Dijin slammed his arm into the wall creating a rock gauntlet as Katara readied her water and Aang held his staff up.

The sage seeing, they were about to fight quickly held his hands up in the surrender motion saying pleadingly "I don't want to fight you. I am a friend."

They looked at the Sage closely but the only noticeable things about him were that he wore a sleeveless red robe with flame designs on it, he wore a pointed red hat, he had black eyes, he had no hair save for a soul patch on his chin, and on his feet were curled slippers.

Sokka held his club up saying "Fire-benders aren't our friends."

The sage then showed absolute submission by getting on his hands and knees and bowing so low he was practically kissing the floor.

The sage raised his head saying "I know why you're here, Avatar."

Aang lowered his stance the others doing the same as he said "You do?"

The sage realizing he was being trusted stood up saying "Yes. You wish to speak to Avatar Roku. I can take you to him."

Aang a little skeptic asked "How?"

The Fire Sage just grabbed a nearby lantern and twisted it revealing a hidden pathway. He then waved them inside saying "This way." Suddenly the other sages could be heard coming from down the hallway as the "good sage" said "Time is running out! Quickly!"

Aang looked at the others as they all nodded and then went into the secret path followed by the sage.

xxLine Breakxx

The Fire Sage began leading the Gaang through a network of underground tunnels that had molten lava surrounding them on both sides of the path. As they walked the Fire Sage explained the route they were on saying "Avatar Roku once called this Temple his home. He formed these secret passages out of the magma."

Aang curious asked the sage "Did you know Avatar Roku?"

The sage answered "No, but my grandfather knew him. My name is Shyu, many generations of Fire Sages have guarded this Temple before me. We all have a strong spiritual connection to this place."

Aang again curious asked "Is that how you guys knew I was coming?"

The sage answered with "A few weeks ago, an amazing thing happened. The statue of Avatar Roku... Its eyes began to glow."

Katara remembering that day said "That's when we were in the Southern Air Temple. Avatar Roku's eyes glowed then, too."

The sage nodded his head saying "At that moment, we knew you had returned to the world."

Aang starting to understand what was going on said "If this is The Avatar's Temple, why did the other sages attack us?"

The sage looked down disappointedly as he said "Things have changed. In the past, the sages were loyal only to the Avatar. When Roku died, the sages eagerly awaited the next Avatar's arrival but you never came."

Aang realizing his absence has once again caused irreparable damage said "They were waiting for me. And I never showed up."

Aang then looked down sadly as the sage stopped at a staircase then turned to face them as he spoke again saying "They lost hope that the Avatar would ever return. When Fire Lord Sozen started the war, my grandfather and the other sages were forced to follow his orders." he then closed his eyes and looked to the side in shame as he said "I never wanted to serve the Fire Lord. When I learned you were coming, I knew I would have to betray the sages, my home, even the Fire Lord himself just so the Avatar could fulfill his destiny."

Aang bowed to sage saying "Thank you for helping me and for your sacrifice."

The sage smiled at them before turning around and saying "These stairs we'll lead us to the sanctuary. Once your inside, wait for the light to hit Avatar Roku's statue. Only then will you be able to speak to him." He then began to climb the stairs the others following him.

xxLine Breakxx

A few minutes later a section of the floor on the top of the tower opened up revealing the sage and the Gaang.

The sage came out first followed by the others as they walked past a line of pillars over to a large gold and red ornate door that had five dragon heads about to breath fire on it.

The sage gasped in shock as he ran to the door saying "No!"

Aang from behind him asked "Shyu, what's wrong?"

Shyu then said in a dejected tone "The sanctuary doors... they're closed."

Katara simply asked "Can't you open them with Fire-bending?"

Shyu shook his head saying "No. Only a fully realized Avatar has the power to single handedly open these doors. Otherwise, the five Fire Sages must open it using five simultaneous blasts."

Sokka getting an idea said "Five fire blasts, huh?" he then smirked saying "I think I can help you with that."

They all looked at him curious before he said "Trust me, just follow my lead." he then started to explain while bringing out five skin sacks and a waterskin of lamp oil. "This is a trick I picked up from my father. I seal the lamp oil inside an animal skin casing. Shyu lights the oil-soaked twine, and Ta-da fake Fire-bending."

Sokka then filled the skins with oil as Katara smiled at her brother saying "Again, one of your better idea's bro."

Shyu looked at the animal skins with a hopeful look as he said "This might just work."

Sokka then placed the animal skins full of oil in the mouths of the dragons on the door.

Once he was finished Shyu said "The sages will hear the explosion, so as soon as they go off, you rush in."

Dijin spoke up next saying "I'll guard the entry way and stop any Fire-benders from getting through."

Katara then said "It's almost sunset you ready?"

Aang nodded his head saying "Yeah."

Sokka then stepped back saying "Okay, light it up."

Shyu then thrusted two fingers forward, quickly Fire-bending a small stream of fire to light the fuses. He then quickly ran behind a pillar with the others.

A second later the oil exploded causing them to shield their eyes before Aang ran to the door and pulled with all his might but the doors wouldn't budge.

Aang looked at the others and said "They're still locked!"

Shyu looked down in despair as he said "It didn't work."

Aang then began to attack the doors with Air-bending, punching his fists left and right while screaming between each attack "Why... won't... they... open!"

Katara grabbed Aang saying "Aang stop! That's not going to help matters. There's nothing else we can do."

Aang looked down depressed saying "I'm sorry I put you guys through all this for nothing."

Sokka was analyzing the damage on the doors and said "I don't get it. That looked as strong as any Fire-bending blast I've seen."

Dijin and Katara both had light bulbs go off in their heads as they said at the same time "Sokka you're a genius!"

Aang confused by the two asked "Wait, hold on. Why is Sokka a genius? His plan didn't even work."

Katara then went to the doors and pointed at the scorch marks on them saying "Because Sokka's plan looks like it worked."

Aang still confused said "okay... so, what?"

Dijin answered saying "She means it looks like you got inside the chamber, so all we have to do is have Shyu get the other sages, he tells them your inside and we cast a shadow under the door, then the Fire Sages in their panic to get you 'out' unconsciously open the door for you to rush right in."

Aang smiled wide saying "That is genius."

The group then found some hiding spots after squeezing Momo through an air-vent, while Shyu went to get the Fire Sages and feed them the false story.

A few minutes later Shyu came screaming down the hallway saying "Come quickly! The Avatar has entered the sanctuary!"

one of the other Fire sages asked "How did he get in?"

Shyu shook his head saying "I don't know but look at the scorch marks and there!" He pointed at the dragon heads then at a shadow under the doors.

The other Fire Sage said "It's true! He's inside! The Avatar must not speak with Roku! Prepare to open the doors!"

The sages plus Shyu took their positions and sent five simultaneous Fire blasts into the door. Soon the dragon head lock began to twist and turn becoming an emblem of an open flame as the two doors opened slowly.

Aang watching the doors open hardened his gaze as he looked to his friends who nodded their heads at him. Once the doors were fully open the Fire Sages looked down and saw the shadow they saw was actually Momo.

The Leading Fire sage then shouted "We've been fooled! The Avatar isn't here!"

Shyu quickly grabbed the offending Fire Sage and bent his arm backwards, Dijin came out of hiding and slammed his hands flat on the floor Earth-bending the ground under two of the sages trapping them in Earth up to their necks, Katara used her water to freeze the last fire sage as Sokka yelled "Go Aang! Now's your chance!"

However, Aang didn't move instead Prince Zuko came out holding Aang Hostage as he said "The Avatar's coming with me."

Dijin knowing their window was almost up and also knowing who the prince was could only close his eyes for a second before he opened them with a hardened gaze as he suddenly made a chopping motion with his right arm sending a stream of Lava at Zuko blocking the staircase and him from taking Aang anywhere.

Zuko stared at the lava stream next to him in shock as he still held onto the Avatar while thinking "What kind of bending is that?!" Before he could mull it over longer, he had to quickly let go of the Avatar less his head be cut off by a lava buzzsaw.

Aang quickly dove for the doors which were closing automatically. Aang looked back at Dijin who let his robe fall to his waist as he got ready to fight Zuko with a battalion of soldiers showing up.

He almost stopped until Dijin shouted "Go Aang! I got this!" he then crossed his arms Earth-bending a wall and throwing it at the incoming soldiers, while shouting "I am the Right Hand of Omashu! I will not fall so easily Avatar. Go!"

Aang just turned away with eyes closed in regret as he Air-bent himself through the doors just as they closed.

Dijin seeing Aang was safe behind the doors looked at Zuko then took an Earth-bending stance saying "Out of respect for your Uncle I won't kill you prince Zuko." He then nodded at the soldiers behind him while saying "Them not so much."

Zuko while staring at the unique bender thought to himself "How does this bender know Uncle? Better yet how does Uncle know such a unique bender?"

Dijin then shouted at the Water Tribe siblings saying "You two stay behind me I don't want you in the crossfire!"

Katara slightly put off said "But we can fight too!"

Dijin without looking back said "Do you want to get hit by molten rock?"

Katara realizing what he meant backed down somewhat but still wanted to say something until Sokka grabbed her shoulder saying "Let him handle this one sis. This is why he came with us, to help protect Aang."

Katara still not liking it just nodded her head but stood at the ready just in case.

The soldiers chose then to attack, three of them stepping forward and throwing their fists out, blasting streams of fire at the same time.

Dijin crossed his arms bending a Rock-wall to block the flames before splaying his hands out turning it into lava and thrusting his hands forward throwing the magma at the Fire-benders.

They screamed in terror as the lava covered them turning them into grotesque stone statues. To add insult to injury Dijin then clenched his fists bending the hardened lava statues shattering them. Then he punched his fists forward throwing the debris at the remaining soldiers.

The Fire-benders tried burning the rocks but due to the earth being made out of magma it only made the rocks hot as the Fire-benders were then pelted by hot lava rock that was once their comrades.

Dijin not giving them anytime to recover made a small chop motion sending three pillars out of the wall launching a group of soldiers out of the Temple window and to their deaths. He then curled his body inwards before quickly spreading his arms and slamming his feet down. The ground then crumbled and fell away from under the Fire-benders causing a group of them to fall to their deaths.

The remaining soldiers after witnessing Dijin's Lava-bending and his skill as an Earth-bender all turned tail and ran while Zuko stayed there unsure of what to do.

Until suddenly a slow clapping was heard Causing Dijin and Zuko to look at the previously blocked staircase.

As the clapping continued a Fire Nation commander came up the stairs before placing his hands behind his back saying "Impressive. Most Impressive I must say. It's not every day I get to see a Lava-bender in action."

Dijin looked at the commander and he wore a standard Fire Nation Commander uniform, the armor being black and red with streamlined shoulder pads, he wore a red robe that wrapped around his left shoulder like a toga, red armored wrist guards, red loose-fitting pants, and red curved boots, He had brown hair that was beginning to grey, it was tied into a bun and top-knot with a flame hair ornament, and he had mutton chops on the side of his face with no beard or mustache.

Dijin got into another stance as he spoke next saying "Come any closer and you'll see it personally."

The commander then laughed saying "How rude of me I haven't introduced myself, my name is Admiral Zhao and today... I'm your executioner."

He then snapped his fingers and a small army of Fire-benders burst into the room.

Dijin quickly raised his forearms multiple times Earth-bending some small boulders as he then started punching and kicking them at any Fire-bender he saw.

Zuko knowing he was outnumbered chose to do the smart thing and retreated to fight another day.

Dijin then took a horse stance and slammed his right foot down while spreading his arms out. The floor then erupted into spikes impaling several soldiers before a group of five Fire-benders came up in sync and Fire-bended a large wave of fire at Dijin.

Dijin raised his palms up with the back of his hands facing outwards, Earth-bending an Earth-tent over himself forming a shield but the combination of the fire blasts was so hot it actually started melting the rock so he quickly stomped the ground sending a shockwave throughout the floor making the Fire-benders loose balance as he threw his hands forward sending the remains of his shield at them turning it into lava at the last second.

The Fire benders screamed in agony as their bodies melted under the extreme heat.

Suddenly Zhao shouted so Dijin could hear "Stand down Lava-bender or the Water Tribe members die!"

Dijin stopped fighting and saw Katara and Sokka captured by soldiers with fire held at their faces.

Dijin realizing there had been too many Fire-benders for him to have kept track of the siblings grit his teeth before getting on his knees and placing his hands behind his head.

Zhao smirked at Dijin's submission saying "I'll admit, when you destroyed my blockade, I thought you might be trouble but you Earth-benders do know when you're beaten don't you?"

Dijin was about to retaliate until a random soldier hit him with a club to the head knocking him out.

Zhao frowned looking at the destruction the Earth-bender caused, dead soldiers and debris laying everywhere. He then pointed to a pillar in front him saying "Chain the Lava-bender with the Water Tribe members. They can watch as we kill the Avatar." Zhao then glared at the doors and said "And as soon as the boy leaves that room all of you unleash your full fire power."

Katara, Sokka, and Dijin were then chained up as Zhao had all his men stand by the door prepared to strike as he stood in front them with an evil smirk.

Soon the doors began to slowly open and Zhao's smirk grew wider until it turned into a look of pure terror.

Over with Katara she was able to elbow Dijin in the stomach yelling "Dijin wake up!"

Dijin quickly woke up looking around and then he saw something he would never forget.

Zhao and the Fire-benders had unleashed a giant wave of fire into the sanctuary room but In front of Zhao and the Fire-benders was Avatar Roku in the flesh as he waved his arms in a circle dispersing the wave.

Suddenly, Roku spoke to the Fire-benders in voice that sounded as if thousands of people were talking at once.

"BE GONE!" Roku yelled as he then released a torrent of elemental power using all four elements at the Fire-benders and killing any who dared stand in his way.

He first started with Earth, He raised his forearms up and thrusted them out creating pillars and making the floor collapse as soldiers were then sent falling to their deaths or crushed by debris.

Roku then waved his hands in front of himself and bent his wrists forward creating ice spikes from the water in the air as he then sent the weapons at the soldiers killing dozens of them.

He then rotated his arms around his body creating a ring of air that he sent in all directions destroying everything in its path.

He then made a long chopping motion opening sections of the floor before finally holding his hands out making the magma surrounding the Temple rise up from the cracked sections and start to destroy the structure. Roku then began to use his bending on the Temple itself destroying everything in his path.

Shyu ran over and unchained the group while saying urgently "We have to leave! Avatar Roku is going to destroy the Temple!"

Katara stood her ground saying "We can't leave without Aang!"

Suddenly magma was about to engulf them until Dijin jumped forward thrusting his hands out bending it away yelling "Stay behind me! I'll hold it off for as long as I can!"

He then waved his arms back and forth continuing to bend the lava away from the group as Zhao and his remaining soldiers fled in fear while Roku continued his rampage.

When the sun had finally set Avatar Roku finally disappeared revealing Aang in his place.

Dijin then bent them a path to Aang as Katara ran forward and grabbed him before saying "We have to get out of here!"

Dijin yelled "Hang on!" he then raised his hands up bending a stone slab out of the ground they were standing on before also bending an opening out of the side of the Temple and then he started to bend the magma around them creating a wave that launched them out the opening.

They all screamed in terror as Dijin Earth-bent a ramp out the remains of the Temple which they slid down at a fast pace before Appa flew down creating a soft and furry airbag for them.

They didn't have time to relax though as the magma from the temple was beginning to head in their direction.

The Gaang plus Shyu climbed onto Appa who quickly took off once everyone was onboard.

As the Gaang flew away from the destroyed Temple Katara held onto an unconscious Aang in her arms caringly as he rested from being possessed by Avatar Roku.

Dijin was looking at Aang in a whole new light as he thought "So, this is what King Bumi meant when he had me come along, to think the Avatar had such power at his disposal. but the question that remains now is... Who is Admiral Zhao?"