Chapter 1: Sozin's Comet

AN: Hey all, Vapor here! Finally ready to start another story, and this one is going to be a MASSIVE project. Welcome to Book 1 of a 3 Book Series. This is an AU retelling of ATLA, so I hope you enjoy! A couple of notes:

For those of you who were fans of The Aftermath, this is going to be a much darker story. While there will be some elements of fluff, the characters will be much more mature and the violence will be a lot more graphic. This is depicting a war, and unfortunately war is an extremely brutal thing. Because of this, the story will be rated T.

Yes, I know that Katara's family didn't exist during this time, but I researched and researched and I couldn't find any canon Water Tribe character from Aang's former past, so I decided to write her in. If people use their noggins, I'm sure they can figure out who Aang's teachers will be in this series :) Plus, as a fellow Kataang writer, how could I ever pass up on that opportunity!

Lastly, I plan on responding to all reviews in this story (which is different from the past!) So If you want to leave a review or a question, please feel free to write it down and I'll respond in the next chapter!

I hope you enjoy this story! We're about to embark on a grand adventure! Thank you to my friend BrisaLad for the story title!

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender

"One. Two. Three—throw!"

Two fruit pies soared through the air, aimed perfectly at the group of head monks. With a satisfying splat, they struck Monk Tashi and Monk Pasang, the sticky filling slowly sliding down their faces, emphasizing their stern frowns. Their obvious displeasure was drowned out by the shared laughter of a young boy and another elder monk.

"Great aim, Aang!" The older monk, Gyatso, chuckled, offering a high-five, which Aang eagerly accepted, their laughter echoing across the Southern Air Temple. They both hopped off the ledge, using their airbending to float gently down to the ground, making their way toward the now-glaring monks.

Monk Pasang, wiping the pie filling from his face, glared at Gyatso. "Monk Gyatso, we've made it clear. You and the Avatar are to be separated—you're a distraction to his training." He then turned to the young boy. "And you, Avatar Aang, should know better. You have a responsibility now. If you wish to serve the world as the Avatar, you cannot keep fooling around. The world depends on you."

Aang's face reddened with embarrassment as he stared at the ground, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry, Monk Pasang. It won't happen again."

But Gyatso wasn't so easily convinced. "Monk Pasang, Monk Tashi, please! It's the day of the Great Comet, a once-in-a-lifetime event! Avatar Aang will return to his training tomorrow. Let him enjoy the festival with the other airbenders." His calm eyes sparkled with a playful glint.

The monks exchanged a long, reluctant glance before Monk Tashi sighed, relenting. "Very well, Monk Gyatso. But remember, Avatar Aang has his duties tomorrow."

Aang bowed again, this time with a bit more energy. "Thank you, Monk Tashi. I'll behave, I promise." He turned and trudged away, feeling Gyatso's reassuring footsteps behind him. Once out of earshot, Aang spun around, frustration spilling over.

"Why do they want to separate us? It's not fair! They don't understand me like you do, Gyatso!" Aang's hands flew up in exasperation.

Gyatso placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Aang, we've talked about this. The monks believe war is on the horizon, and they want you prepared. It isn't fair to ask so much of you, but they believe the world needs the Avatar."

"But I never asked to be the Avatar! I'm just a kid—I can't stop a war!" Aang cried, turning toward the cliff that overlooked the Patola Mountain Range. Gyatso joined him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.

"You're stronger than you think, Aang. You're the youngest airbending master we've ever had, and if anyone can rise to the occasion, it's you. And remember, you don't have to face this alone. Like I told you when you thought about running away, no matter what the monks say, we'll never be separated. I'll always be by your side."

Aang's large gray eyes looked up at his mentor. "Why don't they get it? I learn more from you than from any of them. You're the only one who lets me be a kid." He sat down at the cliff's edge with a heavy sigh. "Ever since they told me I was the Avatar, everything's different. No one sees me as Aang anymore."

Gyatso's face softened as he gazed out at the mountains. "That's my deepest regret, Aang, telling you too soon. I'm sorry for that. I understand why you wanted to run away. But we must keep hope for the future. In time, people will see you as Aang again, just as you will grow into your role as the Avatar. Right now, just focus on being yourself—the rest will fall into place."

Aang followed his mentor's gaze, noticing the sky slowly turning red as the Great Comet approached. He took a deep breath, feeling a new surge of determination. "You're right, Gyatso. I'm going to find my friends and watch the comet from the airball field!"

Gyatso grinned. "Go on, Aang. I'll see you soon."

Aang unfolded his glider, ready to take off, but paused. He rushed back to Gyatso, throwing his arms around him in a quick, tight hug. Just as fast as the embrace came, it ended, and Aang was off, soaring into the sky in search of his friends.

Aang found the rest of the children already gathered at the airball field. An intense game was underway, with the ball darting between pegs as gusts of wind swirled through the arena. Children cheered loudly from the sidelines, their voices echoing across the field, while winged lemurs circled overhead, scouting for fruit. A couple of sky bison rested nearby, watching the energetic scene with tired, lazy eyes.

Excitement filled Aang as he landed among the crowd, eagerly joining the spectators. He hooted and cheered with the rest of the children as goals were scored. When the match ended, Aang was among the first to congratulate the winners, full of energy. As a new game began to form, Aang prepared to take his usual spot as goalie—until a voice stopped him.

"Aang, what are you doing?" Hatsu's voice broke through the chatter. Aang turned, confused.

"Hey, Hatsu! I was gonna play goalie. Unless you want to? That's fine too!" Aang smiled and started toward the field, but Hatsu placed a hand on his shoulder. Aang turned to find his friend frowning.

"Actually… we talked about it, and we think it's unfair for whichever team you're on," Hatsu said slowly, eyes avoiding Aang's. "You know, because… you're the Avatar."

Aang blinked, taken aback. "Hatsu, I'm still the same Aang I was before! Just because I'm the Avatar doesn't mean I'm any different. I haven't learned anything new, I swear!" He tried to keep his voice calm, but the hurt seeped through.

Hatsu shifted uncomfortably. "I'm sorry, Aang. We just think it'd be unfair if you played with us. I hope you understand." Without waiting for a response, Hatsu ran off to join the others, leaving Aang standing there, alone and bewildered.

A heavy weight settled in Aang's chest as he watched his friends on the field, his heart tangled with confusion and rejection. Wordlessly, he unfolded his glider and took to the sky, seeking the calm that only flying could give him.

In the air, Aang let the wind carry him, trying to make sense of it all. Ever since he had learned he was the Avatar, everything had changed. His friends were turning away from him, the monks treated him differently, and the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. He wasn't just Aang anymore. He was the Avatar—someone people looked to, someone with impossible expectations placed on him.

The monks had mentioned the threat of war on the horizon. The Council of Elders mistrusted the Fire Nation, especially with Fire Lord Sozin's recent actions. It felt impossible to Aang. War? The Fire Nation was one of his favorite places to visit. He had friends there, like Kuzon, and they'd always gotten into trouble together while the monks met with Sozin. Could Kuzon even still be his friend if he knew Aang was the Avatar?

His thoughts whirled as he landed near the sky bison pen, only to be knocked down by a familiar, playful force. Appa barreled into him, tumbling Aang onto his back before licking his face with slobbery affection. Laughter burst out of Aang, all his worries momentarily forgotten as he scratched Appa's thick fur. "Good to see you, Appa!" he giggled, nuzzling his loyal companion. No matter how much his world changed, at least he could always count on Appa, his oldest and best friend.

Aang excitedly bent a gust of wind beneath him, propelling himself up to Appa's saddle. Once settled, he grabbed the reins with a grin. "Yip yip!" With a burst of air, the two soared into the sky, heading toward Aang's favorite spot atop the Patola Mountain range. Appa flew with ease, eventually landing on a quiet ledge where the view of the Southern Air Temple was breathtaking under the deepening red glow of the sky.

The Great Comet was just beginning, and its beauty captivated Aang. He leaned back against Appa, watching the comet's glowing trail stretch across the heavens. Only a week ago, he'd been excitedly planning festivities with his friends for this moment. They'd talked about games, a grand feast, and even pulling pranks on the Head Monks. But now, he found himself sitting alone—left out, forgotten, and no longer a part of the world he knew.

Becoming the Avatar felt unfair. He was just on the brink of mastering the 36th level of airbending, which would have made him a true airbending master. But all of that changed when his destiny was revealed. Instead of advancing his airbending, the Council planned to send him to the South Pole for waterbending training—his life taking a turn he hadn't asked for.

A few days ago, the idea of running away seemed like the only way to escape this crushing responsibility. After overhearing the Council's plan to separate him from Gyatso, Aang had been heartbroken. He had eavesdropped on their meeting, and when he heard their decision, the thought of leaving the temple for good crossed his mind. He'd even written Gyatso a farewell letter, ready to flee into the stormy night. But in the last moments, Gyatso had barged into his room, promising he wouldn't let the separation happen. It was enough to keep Aang there, at least for now. Yet the doubts still lingered. Could Gyatso truly keep that promise? Could Aang bear the weight of being the Avatar, or should he run while he still could?

His thoughts were interrupted as something strange caught his eye at the temple's entrance. At first, it was just a flicker, but as he squinted, Aang was certain—there was fire. Confusion filled his mind. Why would there be firebenders at the Southern Air Temple? No Fire Nation visitors were scheduled to arrive for the comet.

"Let's go check this out, Appa," Aang said, hopping back into the saddle. "Yip yip!" Appa launched into the air once again, gliding down toward the temple. But as they drew closer, Aang's confusion deepened. There, marching up the mountain, was an entire battalion of firebenders, fully armored as if they were preparing for battle.

Aang's heart raced as he urged Appa to get closer. Before he could make sense of it all, a firebender spotted him. In an instant, a blast of fire shot toward them. Appa narrowly dodged the attack, veering to the side. Aang's eyes widened in shock. He had sparred with his friend Kuzon before, but this—this was different. The power behind the firebender's attack was stronger than anything Aang had ever seen.

Reality struck hard. The Fire Nation wasn't here for a visit. They were here to fight.

Aang landed hard at the entrance to the Southern Air Temple, his heart racing as he leapt off Appa's saddle and sprinted towards the Council of Elders, who were rushing to meet him. Monk Tashi got to him first, concern etched across his face. "Aang, what are you doing? Why aren't you with the other children?"

Still bent over, struggling to catch his breath, Aang gasped, "There's an army of firebenders coming up the mountain. One of them shot at me—it was the most powerful firebending I've ever seen!" His voice trembled as the memory of the attack resurfaced. He looked up, seeing fear carve deep lines into the monks' faces.

Monk Pasang's expression turned grim as he barked orders to Monk Tashi. "Evacuate everyone to their dormitories. Get all the Head Monks out here—now! We need to defend the temple." Tashi nodded sharply before darting off.

Aang turned to his mentor, Gyatso, panic rising in his chest. "What's happening?" he asked, his voice small but urgent. Gyatso's face softened, though sorrow weighed heavily in his eyes.

"We're under attack, Aang."

"What? Why? We haven't hurt anyone!" Aang's confusion quickly turned to dread.

"I don't know," Gyatso admitted, his voice heavy with resignation. "But you need to go. I can't risk losing you."

"No way, Gyatso!" Aang shot back, defiance burning in his eyes. "I'm the Avatar—it's my job to help. I'm not leaving you behind!" For the first time, he stood against his mentor, his resolve unshakable. They locked eyes, tension thick between them, until Gyatso exhaled deeply, relenting.

"Alright," Gyatso whispered, "but stay close. I need you to be safe." Before either could say more, a thunderous roar echoed as the Fire Nation breached the temple's entrance. The sky ignited with fire.

Without warning, torrents of flame came crashing toward them, the heat intense and suffocating. Aang felt his skin prickle as the air itself seemed to burn. The airbenders responded swiftly, creating gusts of wind to push back the flames, but it wasn't enough. They were being overwhelmed.

"Brothers! We're under attack!" Monk Pasang's voice thundered through the chaos, and the world descended into madness.

The firebenders broke their ranks, rushing forward with deadly intent. Aang barely had time to react as two firebenders closed in on him and Gyatso, launching powerful blasts of fire. Gyatso formed a shield of air to block the flames, but the force drove him back, nearly knocking him off his feet. Seizing the opportunity, Aang unleashed a fierce gust of wind, propelling it toward their attackers, knocking them off their feet.

But the firebenders recovered quickly. More flames hurtled toward them, forcing Aang and Gyatso to roll in opposite directions, separating them. Aang sprang to his feet, spinning his staff in a rapid circle, creating a vortex of wind. He unleashed it at one of the firebenders, sending him crashing into a nearby tree with a sickening thud.

Panting, Aang turned to see Gyatso had dispatched his opponent. But the scene around them was horrific—firebenders were everywhere, and flames consumed the temple grounds. Trees crackled and split as the blaze devoured them, and one of the buildings was now fully engulfed. Aang's eyes darted to Monk Tolen, surrounded by three firebenders. The elder monk staggered, losing his balance, and in an instant, three jets of flame converged on him.

A scream tore through the air, then—nothing. When the smoke parted, Aang froze. Monk Tolen's body lay charred and twisted, his skin blackened, his face unrecognizable. The stench of burning flesh filled the air, suffocating Aang as he stood, paralyzed by the gruesome sight.

Suddenly, a heavy force slammed into him, knocking him out of his stupor. Monk Pasang had tackled him to the ground, saving him from another blast of fire that narrowly missed. Aang twisted to look—four firebenders were advancing on them. Streams of fire blazed toward them, and Aang instinctively sliced through two of them with a sharp gust of wind. But the other two blasts hit their mark.

Aang heard a pained cry behind him. He spun around to find Monk Pasang, his face half-melted, skin blistering and dripping from the searing heat. The elder's eyes dimmed as life drained from him, his body crumpling to the ground in a heap of smoldering flesh and singed robes.

"No!" Aang screamed, his voice cracking. "MONK PASANG!" But there was no time to grieve. Another blast of fire rushed toward him, forcing Aang to dive out of the way. He leapt into the air, gathering all the strength he had left, and slammed his staff into the ground. A shockwave of wind exploded outward, knocking the firebenders off their feet.

Aang didn't wait. He launched himself into the sky, fleeing towards the dormitories, his heart pounding. As he ascended, more fire streaked past him, the heat scorching his skin. Sweat poured down his face, but he didn't stop.

He reached the dormitories just as Monk Tashi was ushering the last of the children inside. Aang landed beside him, breathless and frantic. "The Fire Nation—they're attacking. Monk Pasang and Monk Tolen—they're dead! You have to get the children on the sky bison and flee. They're killing everyone!"

Monk Tashi's face drained of color as Aang's words hit him like a blow. Tears welled in his eyes, spilling down his cheeks, and he stared at the Avatar with an expression of pure despair. "Very well, Aang," he said, voice quivering with the weight of the loss. "You go inside and help the children prepare to leave. I'll hold them off as long as I can."

Aang shook his head, tears streaming freely from his own eyes, raw from the trauma he had just witnessed. "No! Gyatso's still out there! I can't leave him to die!"

Monk Tashi's lips trembled as he silently shook his head. "Aang, if Monk Tolen and Monk Pasang have already fallen, there may not be much hope for any of us, even Gyatso. He would want you to be safe. Please, come inside with the others."

For a moment, Aang stood frozen, the war inside his mind tearing him apart. Then, he made his choice. He gripped his glider tight, his hands shaking. "I'm sorry, Monk Tashi. I can't just leave Gyatso behind knowing he's going to die. Please, get out of here as fast as you can." Without waiting for a response, Aang took off into the sky, the wind whipping his tears as he desperately searched for his mentor.

Flying over the battlefield, Aang's heart sank deeper with each passing second. The once serene grounds of the Southern Air Temple were now a graveyard—rows of bodies, mostly Air Nomads, lay twisted and broken, their flesh scorched and blackened. The stench of death and burning meat clogged his throat, and bile rose in his mouth. But he pushed on, his mind screaming Gyatso's name. He couldn't see him among the carnage, and the pit in his stomach deepened.

Then, in the distance, he heard the sounds of fighting, coming from down the mountain. Towards the Altar of Remembrance—Gyatso's favorite place to meditate. Aang didn't hesitate, nose-diving toward the sound of battle.

As he descended, his eyes locked on a group of six firebenders, advancing relentlessly on a lone monk. It was Gyatso. Aang's heart nearly stopped. His mentor, his protector, was being hunted.

Rage and fear exploded within him as Aang funneled all the air he could muster into his descent. He crashed into the middle of the firebenders, unleashing a massive gust of wind that blasted them in all directions. Two firebenders smashed into a nearby wall, crumpling lifelessly, while two more tumbled off the cliff's edge, their screams cut short by the brutal impact below. The last two were sent flying toward Gyatso, but his mentor deftly swiped them aside with an arc of air, slamming their bodies into the stone wall, leaving them motionless.

For a brief, fragile moment, the battle halted. Aang and Gyatso stared at each other, a lifetime of emotion exchanged in their gaze. Without thinking, Aang sprinted forward, throwing himself into Gyatso's open arms. He sobbed uncontrollably, shaking with the weight of all the horrors he had seen. Tears streamed down his cheeks and onto Gyatso's robes, but the older monk only held him tighter, his own tears mingling with Aang's.

Just as Aang began to speak, a sharp voice cut through the air. "DOWN THERE!" a Fire Nation commander barked, and Aang's heart dropped as he saw ten firebenders rushing around the mountain toward them. They had less than two minutes before they'd be surrounded.

Gyatso acted quickly, blowing hard into a bison whistle. Aang's eyes lit up with a flicker of hope. "Gyatso, that's brilliant! We can escape on your sky bison!"

But Gyatso's face darkened, and he shook his head. "No, Aang. I called Appa for you. You need to leave. The world will need you—you're the Avatar." Gyatso's voice cracked as he tried to stay strong for the boy.

Aang's face crumpled as the reality of Gyatso's words sank in. "Gyatso... no..." His voice broke, desperation flooding his entire being. "Please... come with me. I need you..."

The firebenders were getting closer now, their footsteps echoing ominously through the stone. Gyatso glanced toward the encroaching soldiers, then back at Aang. "I can't, Aang. My duty is to the temple. You've made me so proud, and you'll continue to make me proud. I'm doing this because I love you. Now, go."

Before Aang could protest, Gyatso placed something cold and small into his hand—the whistle—and with one final, anguished push of air, he hurled Aang off the cliff.

Aang's scream tore through the air as he plummeted toward the ground below, but just before he hit, Appa swooped beneath him, catching him in the saddle. "NOOO! GYATSOOO!" Aang's voice cracked, desperation flooding his entire body as Appa flew away from the temple, faster than he'd ever flown before.

Aang twisted in the saddle, his vision blurred with tears, straining to see the temple as it grew smaller and smaller in the distance. The last glimpse he caught was Gyatso, backing slowly into the Altar of Remembrance as the firebenders closed in around him, their flames illuminating the stone.

"APPA! PLEASE! TURN AROUND!" Aang screamed, pounding his fists into the saddle. "I NEED TO HELP HIM!"

Appa groaned, a low, sorrowful refusal, and Aang collapsed in defeat. He curled into himself, choking on sobs as the full weight of his helplessness crashed down on him. He was the Avatar—the most powerful being in the world—and yet he was powerless to save the one person who meant everything to him.

As he lay curled up in Appa's saddle, the whistle Gyatso had given him slipped from his trembling hand, clattering onto the saddle beside him. Aang didn't even notice. He buried his face in his arms, the world around him vanishing in a blur of grief as he wept for everything he had lost.

Ever since Aang had learned he was the Avatar, he had felt a deep sense of isolation, but now that loneliness had taken on a terrifying new meaning. It wasn't just a feeling anymore—it was his reality. He could only hope that Monk Tashi had managed to save the other children, but the one person he truly depended on, the one who treated him like Aang, not just the Avatar—Monk Gyatso—was gone. The man who had been his protector, his guide, his friend, was dead. So were the other Head Monks. Their lifeless bodies flashed through his mind, their faces twisted in agony, their skin charred from the flames. The sickening stench of burnt flesh still clung to his memory. All Aang could do was cry.

He had no idea how long he had been sobbing. Hours, maybe. The world around him blurred into numbness as Appa flew on. The air grew colder, but Aang didn't notice. He didn't register the change in environment or the biting chill of the South Pole as Appa descended. When they landed, Aang was still curled up in the middle of the saddle, eyes squeezed shut, sobbing as if it would somehow undo the horrors he had witnessed.

A small crowd began to gather around the Sky Bison, curious and wary, wondering why a bison had arrived in the dead of night. Appa, protective of his companion, kept his distance, letting out low, defensive grumbles to anyone who dared approach. It wasn't until the people convinced him they meant no harm that he carefully lowered himself to the ground.

"There's a boy in the saddle!" someone gasped, voice tinged with shock.

Aang was dimly aware of the people, but he didn't want to face them. He didn't want to face anyone. He kept himself curled tightly, sobs wracking his body, oblivious to the world around him. Then, through the fog of his grief, he heard a male voice shout, "Katara, what are you doing?"

A moment later, Aang felt the saddle shift as someone climbed up next to him. Warm arms wrapped around him, pulling him into an embrace. He blinked his swollen eyes open to find himself staring into the gentle, concerned face of a girl not much older than him. Her deep brown skin stood out against the icy white of her parka, her bright blue eyes filled with compassion. Hair loopies peeked out from beneath her hood, framing her face.

"What's wrong?" she asked softly, her voice kind but steady.

What was wrong? Everything. Aang's world had been torn apart in the span of a week. Everyone from his home was dead or missing. He had no idea where he was or who these people were, and yet none of that mattered because the only thing that kept replaying in his mind was the nightmare of the Southern Air Temple—the devastation, the bodies, the fire.

"They're dead," Aang choked out between sobs, his voice hoarse with despair. "THEY'RE ALL DEAD!"

With those words, the weight of everything crashed down on him, and his body, drained of all energy, gave out. He collapsed into the girl's arms, unconscious, his final tears soaking into the fur of her parka.