Book One: Water
Chapter 3: The Southern Air Temple
The chapter begins with Aang's group waking up near the shore and everyone wishes to know where they'll head first. But among the audience, The Clone Soldiers weren't present as they were dismissed under Crest's orders.
Aang: Wait 'til you see it, Katara! The Air Temple is one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Katara: Aang, I know you're excited, but it's been a hundred years since you've been home.
Aang: That's why I'm so excited!
Katara: It's just that ... a lot can change in all that time.
Aang: I know, but I need to see it for myself.
"For a kid who's been missing for 100 years. He's clearly quite the optimist if he's planning on visiting his home," Ahsoka remarked,
"Better to think on the positive side of life than the negative, I supposed," Kenobi remarked,
Aang: Wake up, Sokka! Air Temple, here we come!
Sokka: Uggh! Sleep now. Temple later.
With Sokka being sleepy, the audience notices Aang picking up a stick and proceeding to prank the Water Tribe Boy.
Aang: Sokka! Wake up! There's a prickle snake in your sleeping bag!
Sokka: Ahh! Get it off! Get it off! Ahh!
Aang: Great! You're awake! Let's go!
Most of the audience laughed with the Avatar while the rest just sighed in dismissal of Aang's childish antics. But what comes next is the scene changing to a harbor docked with large Fire Nation Vessels and Zuko and Iroh walking down from their ship.
Zuko: Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail.
Iroh: You mean the Avatar?
Zuko: Don't mention his name on these docks! Once word gets out that he's alive, every firebender will be out looking for him, and I don't want anyone getting in the way!
A Voice: Getting in the way of what, Prince Zuko?
As the audience was met with what appeared to be a Fire Nation Officer, some of the Jedi couldn't help but feel a bit of disdain as his posture and personality resembled that of officers they didn't approve of.
Zuko: Captain Zhao.
Zhao: It's commander now. And *turns to Iroh* General Iroh. Great hero of our nation.
Iroh: Retired general.
"General? Zuko's uncle is a Former General?" Ki-Adi Mundi remarked with surprise,
"And a great hero of the Fire Nation," Aayla added, "That's high praise, even for an enemy nation,"
Zhao: The Fire Lord's brother and son are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?
Iroh: Our ship is being repaired
Zhao: That's quite a bit of damage
Zuko: Yes. You wouldn't believe what happened... Uncle! Tell Commander Zhao what happened.
Iroh: Yes. I will do that. It was incredible! What? Did we crash or something?
Most of the audience couldn't help but snicker or laugh at Iroh's oblivious nature to back Zuko in his lie. It was something they didn't expect from a retired war general, not even those who showed no emotion to the scene.
"He's quite the character, isn't he, Master?" Ahsoka questioned,
"He certainly is, way better than most officers we've been with. No offense though," Anakin admitted while the last part was directed to his peers,
"Patience, Everyone. Much more to be seen, Iroh has," Yoda advised,
"Iroh aside, I'm certain that Zhao here isn't convinced by what the Prince is saying," Obi-wan remarked,
Zuko: Yes! Right into... An Earth Kingdom Ship!
Zhao: Really? You must regale me with all of the thrilling details. Join me for a drink?
Zuko: Sorry, but we have to go.
Iroh: Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect. *turns to Zhao* We would be honored to join you. Do you have any ginseng tea? It's my favorite.
"Ginseng Tea?" Padme remarked,
"One of the world's notable teas," Crest revealed, creates a table, tea cups, and pot with freshly brewed tea. He poured each cup full and handled to the audience with telekinesis, "Do be careful, it's quite hot to the tongue,"
They heeded his advice and took occasional sips. They'd notice a bitter taste with this brew, but find it quite bearable as they finished their respective cups. Then Crest takes them away via telekinesis, "What do you all think?"
"A bit bitter compared to the other brands in our world. But unique for our taste," Obi-wan remarked,
"If that is the case, perhaps something sweet can be used," Crest suggested, and what appeared in his hand was a small pot containing honey, measuring the appropriate amount of tea left in their cups, and applying said measurement to the cups.
As soon as they took a sip at it, they approved its sweet taste as Kit Fisto voiced everyone's opinion, "Quite the improvement,"
"Ginseng Tea is more than just tea though. Ginseng is also used for its medical properties to improve one's immune system and fight off stress and disease," Crest explained, "That's all I can tell you, but know that Ginseng isn't found in any planet of your galaxy,"
With that in mind, they continue with today's screening as it returns to Aang's group. However, few would get accustomed to understanding the General's tastes in tea.
Sokka: Hey, stomach? Be quiet, all right? I'm trying to find us some food. Hey! Who ate all of my blubbered seal jerky?!
Aang: Oh. That was food? I used it to start the campfire last night. Sorry.
Sokka: You what?! No wonder the flames smelled so good.
Aang: The Patola Mountain range! We're almost there!
Katara: Aang, before we get to the temple, I want to talk to you about the Airbenders.
Aang: What about 'em?
The audience grew worried about Aang's reactions should he return to his home temple. Considering what they know from the previous episodes, Aang may be the last airbender in this world.
Katara: Well, I just want you to be prepared for what you might see. The Fire Nation is ruthless. They killed my mother, and they could have done the same to your people.
Aang: Just because no one has seen an airbender, doesn't mean the Fire Nation killed them all. They probably escaped!
Katara: I know it's hard to accept.
Aang: You don't understand, Katara. The only way to get to an Airbender temple is on a flying bison, and I doubt the Fire Nation has any flying bison! Right, Appa?
Appa: *grunts loudly*
"Maybe he's right," Padme stated, "If the Fire Nation hasn't caught them all, maybe they all went into hiding,"
"But even if they do, it wouldn't be the same people he's known from the last century he was gone," Windu casually clarified, "And these Airbenders would certainly keep their powers secret than expose them to the world,"
Though it sounded harsh, it's the truth considering how long Aang was inside of that iceberg. They only hope that the Avatar knows how to cope with loss...
But as they watched the screen, they were soon met with what appeared to be a large temple and almost everyone marveled at such a sight.
"That's the Southern Air Temple? It may even be larger than the Jedi Temple," Luminara specified,
"And with that much space, I bet they've trained a lot of Airbenders back in the day," Ki-Adi-Mundi said,
"Or perhaps the structure serves as a large training testing," Kit Fisto assumed, "Given their affinity to flow with the wind, such a size is quite favorable for the Air Nomads,"
Aang: There it is. The Southern Air Temple.
Katara: Aang, it's amazing!
Aang: We're home, buddy! We're home.
As marveled as they are to Aang's home, the scene changes to a Fire Nation harbor, and then the scene shifts to a tent where the Fire Nation Prince is having tea with Zhao at Iroh's request.
Zhao: ... And by the year's end, the Earth Kingdom capital will be under our rule. The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war.
Zuko: If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool!
Zhao: Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue. So, how is your search for the Avatar going?
Iroh: Eh.. My fault, entirely.
Aside from Iroh's clumsy banter, a few of the Jedi couldn't help but frown at Zhao's tone. For there is something they don't approve of in Zhao...
Zuko: We haven't found him yet.
Zhao: Did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago. Along with the rest of the airbenders. Unless you have found some evidence that the Avatar is alive?
Zuko: No. Nothing.
Zhao: Prince Zuko, the Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war. If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you found.
"He's onto him," Ahsoka remarked, "But why would Zuko lie?"
"He probably wants the Avatar captured himself," Plo Koon said,
Zuko: I haven't found anything. It's like you said. The Avatar probably died a long time ago. *stands* Come on, Uncle, we're going. *Blocked by Zhao's soldiers*
Zhao's Soldier: Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape.
Zhao: Now remind me, how, exactly, was your ship damaged? *Zuko's eyes closed as he lowered his head*
"He certainly caught on to Zuko's motives. Though something tells me that these two aren't on good terms with each other," Ahsoka remarked,
"And with such underhanded tactics and an arrogant posture. It's safe to say that he's no different to a few Officers of the Confederacy," Kenobi remarked,
"Maybe better than Grievous, I imagine?" Anakin joked,
"I wouldn't give Zhao such standards since he only appeared. Let's just watch the rest of the episode, then we'll see the difference between them," Kenobi declared, and most of the audience agreed with them,
That's when they're met with the next scene, which is the Southern Air Temple and Aang's gang.
Sokka: So where do I get something to eat? *clutching onto his stomach*
Katara: You're lucky enough to be one of the first outsiders to ever visit an Airbender temple, and all you can think about is food.
Sokka: I'm just a simple guy, with simple needs.
Aang: So that's where my friends and I would play airball, and over there is where the bison would sleep, and ... *sighs*
Katara: What's wrong?
Aang: This place used to be full of monks, lemurs, and bison. Now there's just a bunch of weeds. I can't believe how much things have changed.
The audience empathizes with Aang's sadness since he's been gone for a hundred years and everything he once knew and loved is either gone or has long passed since he was in the iceberg.
However, the one who expressed this more than anyone would be Anakin, seeing that he and Aang are a bit alike in the situation. In his home planet of Tatooine, time had passed since he was made a Padawan and trained in the ways of the Jedi.
When he returned home, hoping that he'd find his mother again. She was bought from Watto, married to Cliegg, and died after she was kidnapped by Tusken Raiders. What interrupted him from his thoughts was the hand of the woman sitting next to her, Padme...
Anakin smiled just as she smiled, then the two turned back to the screen. Though the Chosen One still worries for Aang should he learn the fates of the Air Nomads...
Sokka: So uh, this airball game. How do you play?
As soon as the scene shows Sokka standing on a pole and guarding a goal. The audience bore witness to the Air Nomads' game called 'Air Ball'. Though Aang was an Airbender and Sokka was not, the former painfully dominated the latter on the playing field and sent him off the pole down to the snowy ground while Aang scored a goal.
"My word, what an interesting concept. Aside from Sokka's blunders," Shaak Ti commented, then turned to Crest, "Is this part of the Air Nomad's culture?"
"One of many, Master Shaak Ti," Crest stated, "And the sport isn't exclusive in the Southern Air Temple. The North, West, and East Temples have their courts of Airball and there have been records of a fierce rivalry between the West and East Temples. Even the nuns of the Temples would go so far as to taunt each other even when they aren't playing the sport together,"
"Quite an unusual tradition for monks? Don't you think?" Luminara said,
"That's because the traditions of the Air Nomads are foreign to you Jedi," Crest stated, "All you ever do is study the ways of the Force or whatnot, mediate until the sun or moon comes down, and hone your skills with your lightsabers. You've never once thought of having a single recreational activity since such things are how you call it... Distractions to the charge you've all signed up from when you were Younglings,"
A few of the serious Jedi, sans Yoda, couldn't help but frown at Crest's description, while the rest just stared with a raised eyebrow. The way he spoke about their Order felt insulting, but they returned to the screen to see something beneath the snow.
Something they clearly recognized from the first few episodes.
"A Fire Nation Helmet, within temple grounds," Mundi recognized,
Some agreed with Sokka on informing Aang of this, while others felt against it. They'd soon learn that Katara too, was against it as she bent the snow to bury the helmet and Sokka with it just as she called for Aang.
Aang: What is it?
Katara: Uh ... Just a new water-bending move I learned.
Aang: we have a whole temple to see!
Sokka: You know, you can't protect him forever.
"As much as I hate to say it, Sokka is right. One way or another, Aang will learn the truth on his own eventually," Kenobi said,
"I agree, and how he handles it is concerning," Kit Fisto added,
"We'll only know if we continue to watch," Plo Koon clarified,
The others felt the same and watched with worry as the following conversation occurred as the group went further into the temple.
Sokka: Katara, firebenders were here. You can't pretend they weren't.
Katara: I can for Aang's sake. If he finds out that the Fire Nation invaded his home, he'll be devastated.
Aang: Hey guys! *turning around and pointing at a statue* I want you to meet somebody!
Sokka: Who's that?
Aang: Monk Gyatso! The greatest airbender in the world. He taught me everything I know.
While Aang bows at the statue, everyone present can't help but feel a measure of wisdom that this monk may possess in life. But they would see more of this monk as the scene changes to a flashback from Aang's past.
Monk Gyatso: But the true secret, is in the gooey center.
Aang: Hmm...
"Are those... Cakes?" Padme inquired,
"They are indeed," Crest said, "One of the Air Nomads known delicacies,"
"It certainly looks different than any cuisine I've seen," Satine remarked, and everyone shared her opinion. Then they all watched with interest in the ongoing conversation.
Monk Gyatso: My ancient cake-making technique isn't the only thing on your mind, is it, Aang?
Aang: This whole Avatar thing, m-maybe the monks made a mistake.
Monk Gyatso: The only mistake they made was telling you before you turned sixteen, but we can't concern ourselves with what was. We must act on what is.
Aang: But Gyatso? How do I know if I'm ready for this?
Monk Gyatso: Your questions will be answered when you're old enough to enter the air temple sanctuary. Inside, you will meet someone who will guide you on your journey.
Aang: Who is it?
Monk Gyatso: When you are ready, he will reveal himself to you. *Aang groans with irritation*
"They were going to tell him when he turned sixteen? Why wait instead of telling and training him now?" Shaak Ti inquired with her hand on her chin,
"Perhaps they have their reasons," Dupa said, "These Air Nomads don't particularly hold any rule that resembles the Jedi Code,"
"What I'm curious about is who will reveal themselves to guide Aang," Kit Fisto said,
Monk Gyatso: Now, are you going to help me with these cakes, or not?
Aang: All right.
Under Monk Gyatso's count, they witnessed an air-bending move where they created a ball of whirling winds and launched it toward a row of fruit cakes. These would fly high in the air, then the scene goes to a group of four meditating monks.
That's where they learned that the lesson was more of a childish antic as the pies hit the four monks and what followed were small monkey-like creatures feasting on the bits of cake from the monks' faces.
Just as Aang and Monk Gyatso laughed, so did most of the audience and the more serious crowd remained quiet, frowned upon Gyatso's intentions, and Mace Windu pinched the bridge of his nose as he had no words to say in the matter.
Even Yoda enjoyed the duo's antic, "Such fun, they do. Truly Teacher and Student,"
"But their childish antics aside, I'm quite intrigued by how they conjured that ball of air. The way they motioned their arms was so fluid that it almost looks like the Force Push of a different angle," Luminara remarked,
"It's worth the try, but not to the extent where we throw cakes over Jedi Masters's heads," Kenobi remarked, as humorous as the scene looked,
Monk Gyatso: Your aim has improved greatly, *carcasses Aang's head* my young pupil.
The scene soon changed back to the present where Aang stands before Monk Gyatso's statue and a downcast look appears on the young Avatar's face.
Something that Kenobi and Anakin felt as it reminded them of Master Qui-Gon's passing. Though they've gotten over it, they still keep the former Jedi Master in their hearts and memories.
Katara: You must miss him.
Aang: Yeah.
Katara: Where are you going?
Aang: The air temple sanctuary. There's someone I'm ready to meet.
The audience, mostly the Jedi, became curious about who this person might be. Though Aang had been gone for a hundred years, they wondered who it might be in a figurative sense.
They were soon treated with a scene where there's a door supporting a combination of metal pipes and three, blue rolled up, pipes that are similar looking and arrangedKa like the symbol for airbending.
Katara: But Aang, no one could have survived in there for a hundred years.
Aang: It's not impossible. *open arms* I survived in the iceberg for that long.
Katara: Good point
Aang: Katara, whoever's in there might help figure out this Avatar thing!
Sokka: And whoever's in there might have a medley of delicious cured meats!
Sokka's comment aside, the audience watched as the Water Tribe Boy went to the doors and tried to force them open. When they wouldn't budge, Aang revealed that the key to opening the door is through airbending when answering Sokka's question.
They soon knew how the mechanism worked as Aang sent an air current through the tubes. The first blue curled tubes would turn and blow in a tune, followed by the one next to it, and finally last one below after a single pipe is connected and blows in a higher tone.
The middle pipe then turns on its open, and the doors are opened for the group.
"What a creative concept of theirs," Riyo Chuchi said,
"And the fact that it takes an Airbender to open them. Makes it secure for potential outsiders," Cham Syndulla said,
But before they know what lies behind the door, the scene briefly changes to Zuko's situation...
Zhao: So a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your fire benders. You're more pathetic than I thought.
Zuko: I underestimated him once, but it will not happen again!
Zhao: No, it will not. Because you won't have a second chance.
Zuko: Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years, and I -
Zhao: And you failed! *spreading flames in an arc from his arm* Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now.
Almost everyone frowned upon Zhao's demeanor towards the Prince. A few Jedi Knights even compared Zhao to a few arrogant and condescending people they've had to work with. But they would save their complaints for later.
They would witness one of Zuko's tempers as he kicked the table in two along with the tea set. As well Iroh was calm as he asked for more tea.
Then the scene changes back to the Southern Air Temple, but the audience is introduced to what is inside the room. A large amount of statues of people are lined up in a circular pattern.
"A room full of statues?" Anakin remarked, "Why would an air temple store such things,"
"Maybe there's more meaning to it than simple storage," Ahsoka presumed, "Look at how they're lined up, don't you think it's intentional rather than decorative,"
"And it looks like we're about to find out who they are," Plo Koon said,
Katara: Who are all these people?
Aang: I'm not sure. But it feels like I know them somehow. Look! *points to a statute* That one's an airbender.
Katara: And this one's a water bender *looks to the right and back to the left* They're lined up in a pattern: Air, Water, Earth, and Fire.
Aang: That's the Avatar Cycle.
Katara: Of course. They're Avatars. All these people are your past lives, Aang.
Aang: Wow! There are so many!
"There has been more than one Avatar in this world?" Aayla bafflingly said just as everyone turned to Crest for answers,
"Correct," Crest revealed, "And just as Katara said in this scene, when the Avatar dies they reincarnate in a cycle of the four elements. It's not as old as the Force but it's been going on for almost ten thousand years. Nine thousand, eight hundred and twenty-nine to be exact,"
Though it sounds true given the Jedi's knowledge of the force, it still baffles them that this world has a cycle of Avatars maintaining the balance of the world. It even feels preferable than having a Chosen One, even Anakin seems to agree with that thought.
But they would return to the screen after Aang dazed in front of a statue of an elderly man.
Katara: Aang! Snap out of it!
Aang: Huh?
Katara: Who is that?
Aang: That's Avatar Roku, the Avatar before me.
Sokka: You were a firebender? No wonder I didn't trust you when we first met.
Katara: There's no writing. How do you know his name?
Aang: I'm not sure. I just know it somehow.
Sokka: You just couldn't get any weirder.
The audience couldn't help but agree with Sokka's comment. Just as his sister said, the statue didn't have any writing yet Aang seemed to recognize his predecessor.
"Perhaps this is one of many mysteries of the Avatar cycle," Mundi assumed, "To recognize one of his past lives even at his age, it's not a mere coincidence,"
"Much to learn, we have," Yoda said, intrigued to learn more about the Avatar cycle,
But not a moment later, they were met with an ominous sound and watched the group hide behind the statues for what may be a threat to them. Moments later, they saw a long-eared shadow of another being that was approaching from the blue light.
Sokka: Firebender. Nobody makes a sound.
Katara: You're making a sound!
Aang and Sokka: Shhhh!
Sokka: *raises his club* That firebender won't know what hit him.
The suspense of this looming threat was causing some tension, but when Sokka appeared from behind the statue and Aang and Katara peeked from behind their statues, they were met with what appeared to be a lone monkey-like creature that they saw from Aang's flashback.
Aang: *excitedly* Lemur!
Sokka: *drooling* Dinner!
Aang: Don't listen to him. You're going to be my new pet.
Sokka: Not if I get him first!
What follows is Aang and Sokka get their hands on the lemur, startling it and making a run for the open door and through a hall. Sokka tries to trip Aang with his club, but the latter is too quick to fall for it and starts running on the walls sideways and sends an airball straight at Sokka, toppling the water tribe into the ground.
"He's certainly excited for such a creature," Bail Organa remarked,
"Are those one of the native creatures of the Air Nomads?" Riyo Chuchi inquired,
"They are. They're known as the Winged Lemur," Crest revealed, on cue with the lemur jumping off the balcony and revealing its wings, "One of the Air Nomads Native Animals, and they're known to be pets or companions for young and old Air Nomads,"
With that information in mind, they all gasped when Aang willingly jumped off the balcony after the lemur. But they felt no worry since an Airbender would find no difficulty in stopping their fall.
But the scene soon changed to the Fire Nation Harbor where Zhao soon enters the tent where Zuko and Iroh are currently held up.
Zhao: My search party is ready. Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship, and *closes in on Zuko's face as the latter angrily looks down* you'll be free to go.
Zuko: Why? Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?
Zhao: *amused laughter* You? Stop me? Impossible.
Zuko: *angrily stands up* Don't underestimate me, Zhao! I will capture the Avatar before you!
Iroh: *stands up sternly* Prince Zuko, that's enough.
Zhao: You can't compete with me. I have hundreds of warships under my command and you? You're just a banished prince. No home, no allies. Your own father doesn't even want you.
Zuko: You're wrong! Once I deliver the Avatar to my father, he will welcome me home with honor, and restore my rightful place on the throne!
Zhao: If your father really wanted you home, he would have let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar. But in his eyes, you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation.
Zuko: That's not true.
Zhao: You have the scar to prove it.
Zuko: *jolts right into Zhao's face* Maybe you'd like one to match!
Zhao: Is that a challenge?
Zuko: An Agni Kai. At sunset.
Zhao: Very well. It's a shame your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you. *Turns around* I guess your uncle will do.
Iroh: Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened last time you dueled a master?
Zuko: I will never forget.
"Agni Kai?" Ahsoka parroted, and turned to Crest, "What's that?"
"C-3PO can answer that question for you," Crest said,
All eyes soon turned to the protocol droid, and C3PO processed this request. When he discovered the details of Agni Kai, he had to express his opinion of it at first, "My, what a barbaric practice!"
"What is it, 3PO?" Padme questioned,
"Based upon the data Sir Crest has provided, Agni Kai is a centuries-old tradition where two Fire Benders engage in a fire duel. All duels are done at sunset and one may prevail with honor while the other is burnt," C3PO revealed, "Or in this case, when one has fallen to the other,"
"This tradition of theirs feels way too familiar, doesn't it, Master?" Anakin questioned with distaste,
"Indeed it does," Kenobi followed, and so did everyone in the Jedi Order,
It primarily resembled the ways of the Sith, specifically their Rule of Two. But unlike their rule, this was a national tradition and there's no telling the number of victims that partook in such traditions. Zuko is one of them, and the burn scar on his left face is proof of such barbarity.
The scene then changes back to Aang still in pursuit of the Winged Lemur. Though it escaped from his grasp, Aang was persistent and followed it inside some ripped drapes that formed a tent.
Aang: Hey! Come back! *goes inside the tent* Come on out, little lemur! That hungry guy won't bother you anymore. *gasped after he went further* Firebenders? They were here?
Everyone held their breath upon Aang discovering the Firebenders' corpses within Temple Grounds. But what's truly heartbreaking was the skeletal remains of Air Nomad with a recognizable necklace from before.
Aang: Gyatso... *falls to his knees after a mournful sigh*
"Poor Aang..." Padme sympathized with a hand over her mouth,
"To find his master dead at the hands of Fire Benders a hundred years later. This will not be easy for him," Plo Koon remarked,
Anakin and Kenobi could only share their condolences for the Last Airbender and hope for the best for Aang. The same goes for the other Jedi and Clones present as they remember their comrades who had fallen in the battle.
Sokka: Hey, Aang! You find my dinner yet? *approached the sobbing Aang* Aang, I wasn't really going to eat the lemur, okay? *discovers Gyatso's remains* Oh man... *hand placed on Aang's shoulder* Come on, Aang. Everything will be all right. Let's get out of here.
But before that could be done, Aang's tattoos began to glow and so did his eyes. Causing the audience to feel worried about Aang's unbounded powers. What comes next is the scene where Katara remains at the sanctuary of previous avatars but witnesses a glow in Roku's eyes as well as all other statues.
"They're all glowing," Caleb remarked,
"And it's not just in the temple either," Depa followed as there were other places affected by Aang's influence. There were five paintings of Avatars hidden in a mountain temple in the Earth Kingdom, a water temple's roof glows in one of the Water Tribe Poles, and finally a temple located on an island in the Fire Nation.
Fire Sage: Send word to the Fire Lord immediately! The Avatar has returned!
"This won't be good for all the nations," Kit Fisto remarked in an unusual tone,
"Why is that, Master Fisto?" Ahsoka inquired,
"Though everyone in this world knows that the Avatar is supposed to be the one who maintains the balance of the Four Nations. Aang had been gone for over a century," Kit Fisto explained, "Now that everyone knows that he's returned, The Fire Nation will do whatever they can to thwart his interference and win the war against the other nations,"
"And with Aang being a child who knows nothing of the other elements besides his own. He is at a disadvantage," Mace Windu added,
"Let's not talk about that now, look what's happening now," Luminara said in distress as Aang unleashed his bending like a hurricane, and debris was catapulted high into the air. Even Sokka wasn't spared as he was blown away by the force of his winds.
"Such power... Especially when they're fueled with strong emotions" Mundi remarked, "He has much to learn after his grief had passed,"
Katara: What happened?
Sokka: He found out firebenders killed Gyatso!
Katara: Oh no! It's his Avatar Spirit! He must have triggered it! I'm going to try and calm him down!
Sokka: Well, do it! Before he blows us off the mountain!
As much as the audience wants to see how it ends, they are treated with another scene where the fire duel would commence. Zhao and Zuko were bare-chested and bare-footed and wore a cape over their shoulders.
Some opposed this practice, but they could only remain silent in their seats as this duel was about to commence.
Iroh: Remember your fire-bending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons.
Zuko: I refuse to let him win. *Stands as the cape drops from his shoulders*
Zhao: This will be over quickly *Stands much like Zuko as his cape drops from his shoulders*
What comes next is a guard ringing a large gong, then suspense music followed as two Fire Benders face off in a fire duel. The audience watched with eager eyes on who would prevail, and some preferred Zuko over Zhao.
After both assumed their fire-bending stance and long stare-downs, the audience witnesses Zuko being the first to strike and Zhao maintaining a strong and composed defense as the latter avoids and blocks the Prince's fire blasts without any effort.
"Fierce, Zuko's fire bending. But shows no restrain, they are," Yoda remarked,
"And since he didn't listen to Iroh's previous lesson, Zuko is already winded in his offense while Zhao remains strong," Shaak Ti remarked,
Iroh: Basics, Zuko! Break his root!
But after Iroh's shout, the audience bore witness to Zhao going on the full offensive and each fire blast made it difficult for the Prince to defend against. Eventually, the latter was knocked off of his feet and slid against the ground.
As Zuko looks up, he sees Zhao jump at his fist and goes in for the final blow. But that's when the Prince turns the tables on the Commander by rolling out of the way, swirling his feet around, and swiping Zhao's feet while he gets back up to his feet.
"Such a phenomenal recovery! Along with his strike against the Commander," Aayla praised,
"All that's left is for Zuko to secure his victory," Plo Koon said, as he and the audience witnessed Zuko going for Zhao's feet, causing the latter to wobble back as he is caught unbalanced.
"Much like Aang, Zuko has a strong and wise Firebending teacher," Luminara stated,
After a few repeated attacks, Zhao was now rolling on the ground and Zuko ran up to the fallen commander with an outstretched arm, prepared to deliver the final blow.
Zhao: Do it!
Zuko did just that, and everyone flinched upon his actions. But they were soon surprised when the Prince didn't land the blow on Zhao, just the ground a few meters next to his head. He would rather spare his opponent than finish them.
Zhao: That's it? Your father raised a coward.
Zuko: Next time you get in my way, I promise, I won't hold back.
"Huh, perhaps there is still some good in him," Ahsoka remarked with a smirk,
"Though their fire duel is supposed to end with one burnt the victor, this is by far a more preferable outcome," C3P0 remarked, and R2 agreed as well,
"Mercy isn't cowardice, 3P0," Anakin remarked,
However, the audiences were soon treated with Zhao pulling a fast one on Zuko while his back turned. But Iroh went in between them, canceled Zhao's fireblast, and pushed him away a few meters.
"Attacking someone while their back is turned. Quite disgraceful for a Commander," Mundi rebuked while shaking his head in disapproval, and the other Jedi expressed the same opinion.
Crest wanted to clarify that the Jedi aren't fair themselves considering the number of acts they've committed in the Clone Wars. But he would keep it to himself since he considered it inappropriate on every occasion.
Iroh: No, Prince Zuko! Do not taint your victory *holds Zuko back, then turns to Zhao* So this how the great Commander Zhao acts in defeat? Disgraceful... Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you. Thanks again for the tea, it was delicious.
"Well spoken, General Iroh," Kenobi praised as he applauded with his words,
"And to think that this man is a former general and war hero of the Fire Nation. What made him feel so wise and humble today," Padme questioned,
"I'm sure that if we keep watching, we'll learn more of Iroh's path to wisdom," Chuchi declared, "We may even learn something from it as well,"
"Indeed," Yoda agreed as he nodded his head,
Zuko: Did you really mean that, Uncle?
Iroh: Of course. I told you ginseng tea is my favorite.
"In case you're all wondering what he means, The taste for Ginseng Tea is earthy, slightly sweet, and with a hint of bitterness," Crest clarified, "If you put it in with his opinion with his nephew,"
"I get the bitter part, but we haven't seen anything sweet about the Prince," Ahsoka remarked,
"You'll know as you go about the series," Crest stated,
She and everyone agreed to Crest's decision, then the next scene appears with Aang still in his Avatar State.
Katara: Aang! I know you're upset and I know how hard it is to lose the people you love. I went through the same thing when I lost my mom. Monk Gyatso and the other airbenders may be gone, but you still have a family. Sokka and I! We're your family now!
"It would seem her words have gotten through to him," Plo Koon said as Aang descended from the air, though his glow remained even as he stood,
Sokka: Katara and I aren't going to let anything happen to you. Promise.
Aang: *the glow fades then collapses in Katara's arms* I'm sorry
Katara: It's okay. It wasn't your fault.
Aang: But you were right. And if the firebenders found this temple, that means they found the other ones, too. I really am the last airbender.
"It truly is a tragedy, knowing that Aang is the last of his people and civilization," Satine empathized,
"The path ahead will be difficult. But with Aang's friends, I'm sure he'll learn to cope with his loss and press onward," Padme assured,
"Loss, only time will mend it," Yoda added, "Friends will cope with his loss, it will,"
The scene soon changed with Aang standing before Roku's statue and the following conversation ensues...
Katara: Everything's packed. You ready to go?
Aang: How is Roku supposed to help me if I can't talk to him?
Katara: Maybe you'll find a way.
"How does an Avatar's predecessor guide him in his journey?" Caleb inquired,
"Considering how Aang's Avatar Spirit affects these statues, and those of the other Nations. I assume that he's connected to him much like the Force would," Depa assumed, "How it's done in this world is still a mystery,"
But before they would see the group leave, the same noise occurs and the audience witnessed the Winged Lemur appear with a bunch of food in its arms. But instead of keeping it to itself, it rushed towards Sokka and laid it by his feet which the Water Tribe boy gluttonously feast upon.
"Looks like Sokka has made a quick friend with that lemur," Ahsoka remarked and R2 agreed,
"And when you look at it more closely, it kinda looks cute, to be honest," Padme remarked,
Aang: You, me, and Appa; we're all that's left of this place. We have to stick together. Katara, Sokka, say hello to the newest member of our family.
Katara: What are you going to name him?
Aang: *lemur jumps off of his shoulder, steals the peach from Sokka's hand, and hops back onto his shoulder* Momo.
Just as Aang and Katara laughed, so did most of the audience. But then they felt a bit emotional by the next scene where Aang watched his former home disappear behind the clouds. Then the chapter ends after the view of the temple is obscured by the clouds.
"Guess that's the end of that Chapter, and we've learned something besides the fall of the Air Nomads," Ki-Mundi remarked,
"How the temples appear to be, The Avatar Cycle, and one of the Fire Nation's traditions, as barbaric as it appears to be," Shaak Ti listed, "But that last one did show an interesting side of Zuko,"
"Banished, he may be. Honourable he is, Not Zhao," Yoda summarized, "More to learn, From Iroh's wisdom,"
"And who knows, we might even learn about Zuko's sweet side as we go by," Anakin jokingly said, which caused some laughter among his closest friends,
"Feel free to inform the others of what you've watched today, or help yourselves with my books regarding the Air Nomad's history. I will be out handling a few things, but refrain from studying anything outside the Air Nomads, I wouldn't want you being spoiled about the other nations. Once I return, we will proceed with the next screening," Crest declared, and vanished from his seat,
The audience then left their seats to do as he said; Tell Rex and other present Clones and some wished to study more about the Air Nomads...
That is it for this chapter, and I'm really sorry about the long wait. Know that I wasn't discouraged by the recent reviews, I was busy with the other stories like my other Fanfics and the Original Stories I was working on last month.
And before you all go, I want to remind you all that you're still allowed to assist with working on these chapters. I am bound to make mistakes here and there, and I'm not totally accurate with the Star Wars Characters since I'm not a full-on fan of the series. I watched the movies (Not including the Rey Skywalker Saga) and the first few seasons of The Clone Wars but that's just it.
Still, I will continue to work on this series and even add a few more to the audience. But only those of Star Wars Clone Wars, and No Villains since I don't want any of those among the audience. Say what you will, my decision stands.
That is all, and I will see you all in the next chapter!
(P.S.: This React Fic is excluded from Mass Updates)