We've reached what is technically the end of volume 1 of this book. Aka what the DVD collections call every 5 episodes. I'm going to take a break from this since I have a new job starting up within the week. I'll need some time to settle into that. When I finally get the chance to write again, I'll probably start with 1 or 2 chapters to my other story before getting back to this. Thanks to all who read!
P.S. I realize in the show Aang meets Roku in the Winter Solstice. Not the summer solstice. Let's just assume in this story he wakes up earlier in time for that.
"Don't take too long Ty lee. Father will want me back as soon as possible."
"Why would you be eager to get home?" Mai looked at the princess strangely. "Weren't you freaking out about not meeting up to his standards?"
"I…. nobody asked you Mai! Quit reading into things you don't understand!"
"Come on guys! Can't we leave all this fighting in the past? It's not good for your aura! Look around you! This is such a beautiful place! "
The village in which they stood had broken windows and people healing bloody wounds. Looking about, they could tell a few others had not been so lucky. At least 5 bodies lay still beside newly dug graves, which themselves had been dug in a field littered with rows of tombstones, apparently accumulated over the years.
"Yes, lovely. Nothing better for your skin than the stench of death." Mai scrunched her nose, whilst Azula looked around with hardly any expression at all.
"It's not usually this bad," Ty lee insisted. "I have no idea what happened. Merebeth! Merebeth, hello!"
A woman feeding her bandaged husband looked towards the sound of her name, and in shock ran over to embrace the bubbly girl.
"Ty lee! What a surprise! I had no idea you were coming! What brings you out this way?"
"Making friends with peasants," Azula shook her head. "I thought better of you Ty lee."
"Who- P- Princess Azula!?" The woman immediately fell to her knees, along with the rest of the village when they saw their guests.
"That's more like it woman. It's important to show respect to the defenders of this nation." She looked about again at the damage. "I must say Ty lee. I don't understand what draws you to this place. What a mess!"
"Our apologies princess," Merebeth insisted. "We have just lived through our annual summer solstice massacre."
"Oh! That's right! Remember, Azula? I asked if you could tell your dad about the town calling for help with a spirit or something?"
"Hmmm. No. Must have slipped my mind. Oh well. I have a whole nation to run. You can't expect me to keep track of every single civilian, can you?"
"No. No of course not, princess. In the end, aid was not needed. We managed to drive the foe off! Though as you can see, we paid a price for it."
"Drove off a spirit?" Azula's eyebrows raised. "A handful of untrained villagers? But I had heard spirits were powerful. How on earth did you manage it?"
"The Avatar did it!" Merebeth's girl shouted out excited.
Everything stopped. Merebeth and the other villagers looked at her with fear. Azula's guards looked at each other. Ty lee looked at Merebeth obviously confused. Azula herself calmly walked up to the little girl and kneeled down before her.
"Could you repeat that again, darling?"
"Grace!" Merebeth hissed. "What did we discuss?"
"But mommy! It was so cool. The Avatar saved us! Why should we be ashamed?"
Merebeth rose to her feet but Azula shot a blast of fire before her.
"Don't. Move." Her voice had suddenly become dangerous. "Guards. All weapons trained on her."
"Hey wait!" Merebeth' s husband rose to his feet shakily and took a step forward but was stopped when a dart struck the post next to him.
"Azula said don't move." Mai held another dart in hand, ready to launch.
"I'm sorry," Ty lee whispered to the woman. Merebeth nodded sadly.
"Now then little girl, no need to be afraid." Azula gave a sickly smile to the shaken girl. "Why don't you start from the beginning. Tell me about this Avatar…."
…
Frisk lay on her back staring up at the sky. It was noon now. Which meant they only had a few hours before the solstice ended.
Which should not concern them! They were supposed to be heading east towards the Water Tribe! She wanted out of this nation! She was tired of hiding.
She sighed voicelessly. She didn't like staying in one place for too long. That's how she earned the name Frisk. She hadn't realized how much she missed being on the road until she left Toriel-
She stopped thinking about that. No time. No time. Can't think about that now.
She instead thought about the Southern Air Temple, half submerged and floating in the sea. It still remained a sight of wonder to see the home of her ancestors, and her companion. And Airball had been fun. Until Aang tried-
Damn. Couldn't think about that either. She instead thought about being high. Well come to think of it, she hadn't done a lot of thinking then so her memory was fuzzy. But she did remember waking up, walking down to the village totally buzzed and finding out Aang had met the flower-
She gripped her forehead. No! No! No! Can't think about that either. Gah! Not a lot of happy memories in her recent life.
She thought she'd look back farther. Back to the days she could talk.
She smiled to herself as her mind wandered. She remembered running through the village square. She remembered the island.
Then of course she began to remember other things. She remembered being separated. She remembered the storm. She remembered being near death.
And then most of all she remembered Jet. His smile. His warmth and understanding. Having a home again. The blood-
She opened her eyes. This was not leading anywhere good. Maybe thinking was the problem. She had done too much thinking about their predicament and their future these last few days. The happiest she'd been being when she hadn't been thinking at all.
She looked towards the head of the bison to see the pilot still leading Appa west. He didn't appear aware of her. He was humming a song to himself. One she often heard from him. She wondered if it was form the Air Nation.
Well either way, it was keeping him distracted while she reached into the bag and-
"Don't bother." Aang said back to her.
She nearly fell off the bison in surprise. The Avatar looked back smiling with the bag of dog residue around his neck.
Frisk adopted puppy eyes and slowly crawled her way towards the dog remains.
"No."
She made a prayer motion with her hands.
"Sorry. I need you well and focused today. We need to get in, speak to Roku, then get out."
Frisk frowned confused, then made symbols with her hands.
"Uh…. Excuse me?"
She rolled her eyes then simply wrote down with her hands. "HOW ARE YOU GOING TO TALK TO HIM?"
"I really should learn how to speak like that. We can't always use paper. As for Roku…. I really don't know. I suppose he'll send another vision or something. Hopefully…."
He turned back towards piloting Appa. He looked up at the sun. He hoped they had enough time.
…
Not far behind them, Princess Azula also was staring at the sun. But unlike them, she was filled with hope and excitement rather than anxiety.
"Uh, Azula? Can we talk?"
"Of course, Ty lee! And might I start by thanking you for taking us to that decrepit village?"
"Right…. Azula I know you're excited, but was it necessary to treat them like that?"
"Nonsense! They should be thrilled to be treated as such by royalty! They'll look back on that someday and speak of it to their Grandchildren!"
"But… imagine the trauma! That poor little girl! Watching her mother forced on the ground like that! And right after they had to bury all those people!"
"Fear is the means to order Ty. I thought you would know that by now."
Ty lee merely stared at her a bit, saddened, but eventually sighed and moved off. Mai walked past her, looking at her with eyebrows raised.
"Wow. Ty saddened? Never thought I'd see the day."
Azula shrugged. "She'll be fine. She needs to learn not to associate with peasants."
"That's what this is about? Peasants?"
"No of course not. They had vital information to the future of the Fire Nation. The ends justify the means."
"And you believe them? You believe that the Avatar has really returned?"
Azula picked up on the traces of worry in her friend's voice. So of course, she had to rub it in.
"Sad Mai? That I'm about to do Zuko's job for him? That boy wonder won't get to come home? I say let it go. He's not worth it."
A subtle trace of anger manifested itself in Mai's eyes, but she kept her jaws shut.
"Don't get too overconfident. You couldn't master lightning. What makes you think you can take a man over a century old?"
That subtle anger now worked its way into Azula's eyes. She glared at Mai for stepping on her mood.
"I am the princess of the Fire Nation. Heir to the throne. Someday, the ruler of all. And I'm going to prove that. NOW."
Mai looked at her funnily, before smirking and walking away.
"Whatever you say princess. Sure, your dad, and his dad, and his dad all failed. But surely you can succeed because you've got pretty blue flames, right?"
Azula stared after her with narrowed eyes. How dare she get the last laugh? And to the fire princess of all people! The nerve of that girl! Why she should….
She took a few deep breaths. Relax. Relax. Control. Control is the key. Remember, who you are. Remember your purpose. She is nothing to you. Nothing.
Azula turned towards the sun, her mind focused on the task before her. The moment she had built up to all her life.
"I'll show you father. I'll show you and Zuko and everyone what I'm capable of. Just you wait."
…
Shoot, Frisk silently mouthed. She pointed in front of Aang.
"Yeah. I see it."
A blockade of ships lay on the sea before them. A formidable navy all with turrets trained on them.
Not great, Frisk said with her fingers.
"I don't know what you said, but I assume you don't like what we're seeing?"
Aang looked back again frowning.
"Maybe we could go around. It would take time, but it would be safer."
Frisk shook her head and pointed at the sun. There wasn't enough time.
"Shoot. Well," Aang looked forward with determination. "I survived these bastards before. No way they're going to get me now! Appa Yip-Yip!"
The bison growled in response and pressed on, ready to handle the fleet.
However, the ship's crew were not ready themselves. They were all splayed out on the deck, drowning in booze. Only one was sober enough.
"Captain! Captain, up there! In the sky!"
"Wuh? Oh, please soldier. You're seeing things. Come get some more cactus juice."
"Sir, I'm serious! It's flying overhead! There's two children on it!"
"Soldier, you've gained thirst from your time out here. I order you to quench your thirst!"
"But captain…"
"Drink captain juice! It'll quench ya! Nothing's quenchier! It's the quenchiest!"
Flying above the ships, the Airbenders were just as stunned as the sober crewmate below. They both looked at each other eyebrows raised.
"Maybe. Maybe they're with us! Maybe the fire nation is rebelling against the tyranny of the fire lord!"
Frisk looked at him with a are you kidding me look.
…
Merebeth sat down on a stump, her face fallen. She was on top of the hill where the Avatar had landed down a day ago. If someone had told her a day before the summer solstice that their annual tragedy would be fixed by a 12-year-old kid with a joke getup, she would have told them to jump off a cliff.
As it stood, they had been saved by such a kid. A kid who happened to be their nation's greatest enemy. And now the Nation's greatest warrior was on his trail.
That was good right? For the Nation, right? Right?
"How's it hanging razor face?"
"Gabe! I told you not to call me that anymore!"
"I can't help it when you have that look on your face. How you are holding up?"
"You mean from the princess? I don't know. I know the royals have our best interests at heart but…"
"She's crazy."
"Well… yes. She's crazy. And we just sent her after the kid who saved us."
"The same kid who threatens everything our nation has tried to do for the past century."
"So, they say…." Her voice trailed off.
"You know Grace…."
"Don't worry about it. I'm not mad at her."
"But she…"
"Don't worry. She's under 10! She didn't know any better."
She sighed. "I just hope she can recover from this. She's no stranger to trauma thanks to that damn spirit. But to have the heir to our Nation's throne…. I mean that could be our leader someday!"
"I know. It's scary." Gabe leaned closer. "But that's not what you're thinking about are you? You're thinking about the Avatar."
"Well… yes. I don't know why. I mean. We all know what he is. We're all told to do whatever is necessary to defend our nation, but…."
"But that was before he saved us." Her husband said knowingly. She nodded.
"Well, look at it this way. If he could take a flower, surely, he can survive a pampered little princess, right? She doesn't stand a chance."
She laughed at her husband's words.
"I can't believe I'm saying this. But I hope so."
…
Princess Azula stood with her hands folded, anger simmering under the surface, barely restrained by her self-control. She stood on the bow of the blockade's lead ship, staring down the drunk crew with the sole sober member relaying the events that had transpired a few hours before.
"So, a big white buffalo flew through here." She repeated emotionlessly.
"Y-yes princess."
"And what did you do when you saw this threat?"
"We uh... We tried to shoot it down of course, princess! Everything at our disposal! But it was too fast…"
The princess' face scrunched even more. "Why then did you not give pursuit? These are fine ships, with the best of the Fire Nation navy. Surely you did not simply let it leave so easily."
The crewmate gave a nervous smile, while looking about at the rest of the crew, sprawled out on the deck.
"Take it easy little lady." One of the shipmen smiled up groggily. "I'm sure the sandbenders who built this beauty know how to get around here."
Mai and Ty lee giggled while Azula turned towards the sober man, still mad.
"Princess, I assure you. We did everything we could. But we were caught unprepared. We've never faced anything like this."
The princess huffed and turned about.
"Well today's your lucky day soldier. Normally I'd have you all sent to the coal mines for this failure. But I have a job to do and no time for discipline. Much as it would please me."
"I… thank you princess! Thank you!"
"Quit groveling," she grimaced. "When your captain is sober, tell him he is on thin ice with the crown. And be sure to let him know he let the greatest enemy to the Fire Nation slip through his fingers."
"I… yes princess, as you command. The creature is flying- "
"I know where it's going. And it's flown its last. As has its master."
…
"That's it! That's where the dragon flew me! That's where Roku is waiting!"
Frisk had to try very hard not to roll her eyes. She knew things were going to be weird traveling with the Avatar, but still. Spirit dragons? Really?
The temple was where he said however. So that much he got right.
It stood on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. In the distance, the sun was already beginning to lower, signaling the approaching end of the Summer Solstice. They were running out of time.
Aang quickly landed Appa in a cave near the pathway to the temple. They jumped off and the bison rolled on his side, groaning.
"Thatta boy Appa! Thatta boy." Aang rubbed his friend's stomach. "You should be safe here. We'll go on and let you know when it's ok to come."
Frisk made movements with her hands saying, why would we bring him at all?
"Frisk, you know I have no idea what you said. I should really learn that language huh?
They left Appa in the cave and snuck up to the entrance. The massive doors loomed before them, threatening, daring them to enter.
I can't believe we're doing this, Frisk thought amusedly as they slipped inside.
The room inside was vast with doors leading off in every direction. Their steps echoed as unfortunately did Momo's barks.
"Momo! Keep it down! You promised to be quiet if we brought you!"
When did he ever promise that, thought Frisk. Then she turned back towards the entrance.
Aang, she tugged on his shoulders. He turned around and smiled.
A bunch of fire sages in red outfits with pointed hats stood in front of the entrance.
How did they get behind us, Frisk wondered? Aang by contrast simply walked forward smiling.
"Hey there! Are you the fire sages! We've been meaning to speak with you!"
"The fire sages answer only to the Avatar."
"Well you're in luck! I'm the Avatar."
"We know." At that pronouncement, the sages all shot a blast of fire at the last Airbenders.
"Hey! Didn't you hear? I'm the Avatar!"
I think they know Aang, Frisk tried to say with her hands before remembering that he didn't understand her. So, she just blasted the old geezers off their feet before grabbing her partner by the arms and taking off through the temple.
"Two airbenders?" One of the sages stared in shock. "I thought the Avatar was supposed to be the last!"
"Apparently Fire Lord Sozin missed a few. It matters not! Do not let them near the inner sanctum! We can't let them communicate with Avatar Roku!"
"You hear that Frisk? Inner Sanctum. That's where we need to go."
We don't even know where that is, Frisk thought. But she nodded and led the two onward running.
That said, they really had no idea where to go. They kept running back and forth, avoiding the sages and their flaming hands.
I think we're lost, she tried to say.
"Frisk, I think we're lost."
That's what I just said, thought Frisk. They weren't looking around however and ended up running into another sage. They assumed fighting positions, but the sage put his hands up in surrender.
"Wait! Wait please! I can take you to see Avatar Roku!"
The airbenders looked at each other and relaxed their stances but remained ready to attack if need be.
Why should we trust you, Frisk said with her hands before remembering he couldn't understand.
"Because I haven't attacked you yet, and you have no idea where you're going, right?"
Her eyes widened in shock. You understand me?
"Not often you can say that I assume? Now hurry! It's not like things can get worse right?"
They looked at each other and shrugged, following him through a hidden door just as they heard more sages running by.
"Wow, thanks for saving our butts! I'm Aang, and this is Frisk, and this dog…."
"I'm Shyu. Unfortunately, we don't have time for introductions. We must get you to the sanctum before the solstice passes. Your past life is waiting for you."
Aang shut up long enough to follow behind. Frisk was almost impressed. She could never get him to stop talking.
Of course, she couldn't do it forever, and further down the passage, out of earshot, he opened his mouth again.
"What's going on here, Shyu? When did the sages go nuts?"
"Long ago, after the genocide of your people, Fire Lord Sozin gave us an ultimatum. Told us to offer our allegiance to the Fire Lord, to the Nation above our commitment to the Avatar. My father knew our real purpose. Our commitment to the Avatar. And it cost him his life. I have remained here for all this time waiting for you, Avatar. And I must say you took your time."
Aang rubbed the back of his head in shame. "Yeah sorry about that. I kind of wound up in a bad spot."
Frisk patted the back of his back. You're here now.
"Frisk, I still can't understand you, you know." She nodded grinning.
…
Not far away, Princess Azula stood on the bow of her ship, also grinning. This was the most important task of her life. The real final test of her academic learnings. She grinned at the sweet thought of victory, the relish that her name would exist for all time, and the thought of poor Zuzu finding out his sister had beaten him again.
"Don't worry Zuzu. You may not become Firelord, but I'll find you a job close to home. Perhaps as the janitor."
"Azula! You sure look happy suddenly! Your aura is bright and glowing!"
"Why of course I'm happy Ty lee. Why wouldn't I be? I'm about to make the catch of the century. And just in time for the big barbeque that's going to set the world on fire!"
"Err, right. I guess I'm just a little surprised to see your mood change. I thought you were going to kill those blockade sailors!"
She shrugged. "They did me a favor actually. If they had caught the Avatar, they would get the glory and their name would go down in legend. Mere soldiers, capturing the mightiest man in the world? Unthinkable! The divine right to such an honor is something you're born with!"
"You mean kid," Mai walked out from behind.
"What?"
"The villagers said the Avatar was a kid. No older than you or I."
"Kid. Man. It makes no difference. The only question is how and when."
Mai rolled her eyes. "Just a day ago, you were moping because you couldn't get your lightning trick right. Now you're going to take on the master of all four elements?"
Azula's eyes took on an annoyed tone, but she continued to smile. "If I fail today Mai, I assure you it will not be because of me. It will be because of someone else here. And rest assured, there will be punishments for that. So just do as I tell you and everything will work itself out, mmk?"
Ty lee looked frightened suddenly, while Mai stared with her usual blank stare. "Whatever you say princess. Wouldn't want to ruin your big historical achievement, right?"
"That had better be sarcasm Mai."
"Princess Azula! The temple is in our sight!" The helmsman called down.
She pulled out her spyglass and stared through. Sure enough, the temple sat just above the water. And in it somewhere, her prize was probably waiting.
"Find us a place to dock captain! I want us on shore within half an hour!"
"Aye aye princess!"
The princess turned to her two "friends" with a task in mind.
"When we land, I want you to search the surroundings outside the temple. Look for a cave or anywhere they could hide a large animal. Those drunks said he flew on a buffalo. We can't let him use it to escape."
"So, we're on animal control while you get all the fun? You don't think we can fight? We went to the academy, same as you."
"Oh, I know Mai. And I don't doubt your physical prowess. It's just that... well."
"Well what?"
"Seeing me complete Zuko's job for him…. Thus, denying him his chance to return home…. I fear it would prove too traumatic for you to handle."
Mai's face contorted into anger, as it always did whenever her "friend" mentioned Zuko. It was to date, the only thing that could get under her skin like that.
Azula turned back towards the island grinning. Capturing the Avatar and making Mai display fury? Oh, this was a good day indeed.
…
"This way! Hurry! Up here!"
The fire sages followed the sound of their member up the stairs to the entrance of the inner sanctum. At the top, they found Shyu running frantic before the great door.
"Shyu! What's going on? Have you found the Avatar?"
"No! But I think I know where he is! Look at the holes!"
Five holes lay in the door. One for a Firebender each. 5 simultaneous fire blasts were required to open the door. Yet, soot appeared to lie in each.
"Soot! How is this possible?"
"I don't know! But the Avatar must have found a way in! I can't find him anywhere else! We have to get in before he contacts Avatar Roku!"
4 other sages complied and along with Shyu used their firebending to open the door… only to find nothing but a large statue of Avatar Roku.
"Nothing! He's not here! We've been tricked!"
"Got that right!" Everyone turned to their shock to find the Avatar swoop in from the rafters.
"Aack! He's getting in! Close the door! Close it!"
Fire has power, but not the speed of air. And before the door shut, he slipped in.
Shyu hid a smile as the door flashed and rejected further attempts to open.
"It's too late. Avatar Roku doesn't want us to get in."
From behind a pillar in the room, Frisk looked at the door with excitement and trepidation.
Up to you baldie, she thought. Don't screw it up. After all, Toriel died for you.
…
Aang stood in the inner sanctum, the door closed shut behind him and a great statue of Avatar Roku sitting before him.
"Avatar Roku! I heard your call! Or rather, your dragon. I'm here now! And I have questions!"
Nothing. The statue remained still.
Aang sighed. Of course, it wouldn't be that easy. Nothing was for him.
"Avatar Roku! I came a long way to speak to you! Since I woke up, I've survived an explosion, seen the destruction of my home, fought a flower, and been attacked by grumpy old men! I believe I've earned the right to an audience!"
Nothing. The statue remained still.
Aang's face turned red. He had come a long way in patience thanks to Gyatso, but part of the old him lurked beneath the surface.
"Well? Answer! Talk to me you old geezer! Why did your frigging dragon show me this place if you didn't want to talk? Did you forget to drink your tea this morning or what? Answer! Now! Or I swear to Raava, I'll show you what…."
At that moment, the light from outside passed over the statue's eyes, causing them to light up. A gust of wind surrounded the room and Aang. When it passed, he found himself in a surreal valley with mountains in the background and an elderly man with long flowing white hair smiling at him.
"It's good to see you at last Aang. You sure took your time."
Aang wanted to respond angrily to that but insulting a master Avatar with his current skill level seemed like a pretty stupid idea. So, he followed Gyatso's advice and took a deep breath.
"Avatar Roku, right? I got your message. Or rather your dragon."
"Yes, Fang showed you this place yes? And the visions of the comet?"
"The comet. Right. That big ball of fire?"
"Yes. A comet of great power that passes this planet every 100 years. The last time it came, was the day Firelord Sozin waged genocide on your people, and war on the world."
Aang's eyes widened, His hands shook in suppressed anger.
"Why? Why did Sozin chose then to slaughter my people? My family?"
"The comet influences Firebenders, enhancing their inner fire, and granting them incredible power for the short time it remains in the upper atmosphere. Sozin took advantage of this to launch an all-out attack on the Air Nomads 1 year after you disappeared. He sought to destroy you and the Air Nation in one fell swoop."
Aang's face took on a snarl. "Well he only half-succeeded. Wait. 1 year after I disappeared?"
"Yes."
Aang's eyes began to widen as a dawning realization set over him.
"So, I woke up 100 years later. The comet came 1 year later. So, it's been 99 years since the comet came 99 years ago."
Roku nodded sadly.
"So, it will come back…. 1 year from now?"
"Yes. At the end of next summer, Sozin' s comet will return. And the current ruler of the Fire Nation, Fire Lord Ozai Sozin' s grandson, will use it to end the war, and cause irreparable damage to the world. Balance will be upset beyond repair, beyond even the Avatar's ability to fix."
Aang's hands and knees shook. He had to steady himself to keep from falling over.
"So, I have to learn the 4 elements and end the war…in 1 year?"
Roku nodded again sadly.
"But… that's impossible! It took me twelve years to master Air! I can't learn the remaining three in 1 year! It's insane!"
Roku stepped forward and placed a hand on Aang's shoulder.
"Of course, you can. Because you've done it before. I know it seems overwhelming now, but I can see the strength within you. You have already lived through terrible trials at such a young age. You will live through this."
Aang looked up at his past life. "Will, will you help me?"
"I am a part of you. When you need to contact me, you will find a way. And in fact, I can help you now."
Images flashed in front of him. Of the sages standing out in front of the door, and of fire nation forces, moving into the temple. And leading them was a presence. A person of great power. He couldn't see this person's face, but he shuddered in fear.
"You see the threat. I can help you fight it. But only if you are ready."
Aang's eyes lit up. Suddenly, his fear was replaced with determination.
"You bet your ass I'm ready."
…
Appa was dreaming. Something many people did not think a bison was capable of. But bison were smarter than people gave them credit for. Appa could dream. Right now, he dreamed of Aang. His buddy. Specifically, how he used to be.
"Happy birthday Aang! Congratulations on your first anniversary with us!"
"I'd hardly call it happy Gyatso. Everyone still looks at me like a wild animal."
"Give them time. They are warming up to you however. I can see that, even if you can't."
"Sure. Keep telling yourself that. See whatever makes you live with yourself."
Gyatso sighed. The boy had come a long way. But he was still clinging to his stubbornness. HE had a lot of work ahead of him.
"Well, I've got something that may help you live with yourself. A friend that won't look at you like a wild animal."
"Oh please. What kind of friend would do that?"
Gyatso smiled. "An animal."
He pulled a small furry creature out from behind the curtain. The little thing made cute noises while squirming in his arms.
"What the hell is that? Another toy?"
"No. Sky bison."
"That's a sky bison? Thought they were bigger."
"This one's a baby. All Airbenders are granted one. You got here later than most, so you haven't had the chance."
Aang looked at the little furball who himself looked at Aang with big wide eyes, taking in the boy before him.
"You know. He is kind of…"
"Cute! So cute!"
Appa opened an eye to see two girls standing in front of him. One looking indifferent. The other excited.
"Ah don't worry big guy! We're not gonna hurt you!"
"Well," the indifferent girl held up a dart. "Not too much.
…
"Are you ready?"
"Yes princess. We're all ready."
"Good, and you're sure he's behind these doors?"
"Affirmative princess. The doors are sealed shut, but they can't stay closed forever. The solstice ends soon and Avatar Roku's presence on this world will soon fade."
Azula turned to her guards lined up behind her. "When those doors open, unleash all your fire power. Roast him alive!"
"Princess, you should know there is another Airbender loose in this temple. A young girl."
"We'll deal with her after. For now, focus on the Avatar. Everything else can wait. Today we make history!"
From behind a nearby pillar, Frisk looked with worry. Shyu returned the look, unable to do anything. Their situation was not good. It got even worse when the door started to glow and swing open.
"Ready!" Azula eyes gleamed. This was it!
No! Aang! Frisk screamed forgetting she couldn't speak. Momo barked.
"Fire!" The guards and sages all loosed their fire at once at the figure emerging from the room.
Azula's excited grin faded when she saw an old man with glowing eyes knock aside their fire with hardly any effort.
"Avatar Roku," Shyu said in awe.
"What? Those peasants said the Avatar was a little bald kid!"
"That's not him! That's a past life!"
"Screw it! Run! Run for your life!"
"No wait! Get back you cowards! I command it!"
They weren't listening however. Everyone ran as lava ran across the ground and a blast of wind knocked everyone back.
Frisk looked out from behind the pillar as everyone took off down the stairs. She grinned as the princess herself was literally dragged.
"Let go you cowards! I'll banish you all! I swear it!"
Frisk looked back at avatar Roku as he closed his eyes and faded to reveal Aang. She ran out and caught him before he fell over.
Wake up, she thought. Are you ok? Judging by the haunted look he gave her, he wasn't.
"We're in big trouble. Like big trouble."
Frisk gestured to the crumbling temple as if to say, well duh!
"Did Avatar Roku tell you what you needed to know?" Shyu ran over.
"Yeah, and it's not good. I- "
"No time. You must leave. This place is crumbling, and the Fire Nation has found your bison."
"What!? We have to help him!"
"No time. You must flee inland. Find somewhere to hide. But you must go now!"
"But Appa- "Aang's voice was cut off as the lead sage who had attacked them at the entrance stepped forward.
"Shyu! Helping the Avatar!? I knew you were weak! Just like your father!"
He blasted fire at Shyu who responded with an attack of his own and knocked him off his feet.
"Go Frisk! Get him out of here! Our future depends on him!"
"Wait Shyu! Come with us!"
"No Aang. I'll just slow you down. Go with the wind! Do your duty! Restore balance! Go!"
Frisk pulled Aang out to the window as Shyu defended them. As they looked out, they could see steam arise from the ground surrounding the temple. Looking out to sea, he could see a Fire Nation ship loaded with guards loading Appa on in chains.
Frisk grabbed his hand as he made a move to assist. She shook her head.
He looked back to the ship. He hated to admit it, but she was right. There were too many. And he couldn't feel Roku with him anymore. He clenched his fists and wiped the tears from his eyes. He opened his glider and told Frisk to grab onto the top. Momo would fly alongside them. They had planned this kind of formation in advance should a situation like this arise where Appa would be unavailable to them.
He opened his glider and took off west, heading inland, the thought of his friend being abandoned and the weight of the task that lay before him weighing him down.
…
The bison roared in anger, fighting against the ropes holding him down. Ty lee looked on with worry.
"Don't hurt him! He's just scared! It's not his fault who his master is!"
"But it is his master." Mai placed her hand on her friend's shoulder. "That's all that matters to Azula." She turned. "Besides, better him than us."
Azula stared at the Fire Sage Shyu down on his knees before her.
"You let the greatest threat to the Fire Nation escape. You must feel so proud."
"I am." He looked at her with defiance. "It was the Sage's duty to serve the Avatar. It is still our duty."
She smirked. "Well your duty for the rest of your life will be to mine coal. I heard about you Fire Sage Shyu. I would have thought you'd learned your lesson from your pathetic father's example."
His face took on a venomous look, but Azula merely gestured to the guards to take him away to the hold. She turned back to the horizon.
To her surprise, she could make out something flying away from the temple inland. She didn't have her spyglass, but she could make out two people.
"So much for your name going down in history, huh Azula? At least we had fun with the bison. Maybe Ty lee and I should be Fire Lord, hmm?"
"Don't think so yet, dear Mai. Ready the land tank and the steeds. We're going on a hunt."
She stared into the distance with the same grin she had on as they had approached land. And to think earlier this day she had been fretting over a silly test. And now she was about to bag herself the goddamn Avatar! The thought of her greatest triumph filled her with determination.