Brawl 1 Water: Chapter 3 The Southern Air Temple And Hive Matrix

The next day, Aang and the others woke up, but Sokka, were going to the Southern Air Temple. Aang was excited and said to everyone. "Wait till you see it, guys. The Air Temple is one of the most beautiful places in the world."

"Aang, I know you're excited, but it's been a hundred years since you've been home." Katara said and Aang said to her. "That's why I'm excited!" Hoshi then said to him. "What she means, Aang, is that a lot can change. Especially over a hundred years."

"I know, but I need to see it for myself." Aang said getting off Appa. Saida then said to him. "Just don't get your hopes high Aang."

"Wake up, Sokka. Air Temple here we come!" Aang said, waking Sokka up. Sokka said to him, a little cranky. "Sleep now. Temple Later."

"You can sleep on the way." Miguel said and Eenoch said. "Yeah, wake up." Sokka didn't care and went back to sleep. Aang then got an idea. He grabbed two sticks and gave one to Miguel. Miguel got the idea and helped Aang. Aang and Miguel started to move the sticks around Sokka's sleeping bag and Aang said to him. "Sokka, wake up! There's two Prickle Snakes in your sleeping bag!"

"Aah! Get it off! Get it off!" Sokka said think there really was a snake. He got up and started to jump up and down trying to get out of the sleeping bag. He then fell down and realized that Aang and Miguel had just tricked him. Pyravian then said as everyone laughed. "Well, that's what you get for being lazy."

"Yeah, maybe next time you will wake up when we tell you." Centipod said as everyone got onto Appa. Miles away on a Fire Nation port, Zuko's ship had just pulled in for repairs. Thanks to the damages Aang did when he redirected Zuko, Iroh, and Alex's giant fireball attack. Right now, Zuko, Iroh and Alex, who was wearing a Firebender mask, were getting off the ship and Zuko gave the orders. "Uncle, I want the repairs made as quickly as possible. And Alex, don't even think about taking off that mask."

"Why? Are you worried about me?"

"No. Explaining you and your Bakugan will take time. I don't want to stay too long and risk losing his trail."

"You mean the Avatar?" Iroh said and Zuko stopped and said to him. "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."

"Get in the way of what? Prince Zuko." A new man's voice said. Zuko, Iroh, and Alex looked ahead of them and saw a man with sideburns and had a scarf around his Fire Nation Armor. Alex didn't know him, but he could tell that he was a high ranking officer. Zuko then said to the man. "Captain Zhao."

"It's commander now. And General Iroh, great hero of our nation." Zhao said, bowing his head. Alex did know his Master was a General or a hero. Iroh then said to Zhao. "Retired General."

"And who is this?"

"Alex, Iroh Firebending student." Alex said, bowing to Zhao. "The Fire Lord's brother and son are welcome guests anytime. What brings you to my harbor?"

"Our ship is being repaired." Iroh said as he pointed to the damage to Zuko's ship. Zhao looked at the damage and said. "That's quite a bit of damage."

"Yes. You wouldn't believe what happened. Alex, tell Commander Zhao what happened." Zuko said to Alex, who gave Zuko a look, but it didn't work with the mask on. Alex then said to Zhao. "We were ambush by Water Tribe Soldiers. We were able to fight them off with minimum effort, but they still damaged our ship in ambush."

"Really? You must regale me with all the thrilling details. Join me for a drink?" Zhao said and Alex could feel something dark coming from him. Zuko said to Zhao. "Sorry, but we have to go."

"Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect. We would be honored to join you. Do you have any Ginseng Tea? It's my favorite." Iroh said as he and Zhao went to the command tent. While Alex was on guard, Zuko was starting to get mad. In the air Sokka was looking around the supplies for some food. Miguel said to him. "Sokka what are you doing?"

"I'm trying to find my Blubbered Seal Jerky?" Sokka said, taking out a bag. He opened it and saw all of his jerky was gone. Sokka said to everyone. "Hey! Who ate all my Blubbered Seal Jerky?"

"Oh. That was food? I used it to start the campfire last night. Sorry." Aang said to Sokka and Sokka said. "You what? Aww. No wonder the flames smelled so good."

"Sokka, humans can survive without food for a while. Besides, you can find food after we see the Air Temple." Pyravian said, flying next to Sokka. Sokka then said to her. "Said's creature that doesn't need to eat."

"Now that is rude." Eenoch said as they all flew away from Sokka. Soon they reached a mountain range and Aang said. "The Potola Mountain range! We're almost there!"

"Aang, before we get to the temple, I want to talk to you about the Airbenders." Katara said to Aang. "What about them?"

"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."

"Just because no one has seen an Airbender doesn't mean the Fire Nation killed them all. They probably escaped."

"I know it's hard to accept."

"You don't understand Katara. The only way to get to an Airbender temple is on a Flying Bison, and I doubt the Fi`re Nation has any Flying Bison. Right, Appa?" Aang said to Appa and Appa growled. Hoshi then said to him. "They could have found a way, Aang, so please don't have high expectations."

"But it is a fact Hoshi, just look at the Temple." Aang said pointing at the temple. The temple was on top of one of the mountains and had no path down. It also had a lot of area. Aang then said to everyone. "There it is, the Southern Air Temple."

"Aang, it's amazing!" Katara said and everyone agreed with her. Aang was happy to see his home and he said to Appa. "We're home, Buddy. We're home."

"And by year's end, the Earth Kingdom Capital will be under our rule. The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war." Zhao said in the Command Tent. Iroh was looking at some Fire Nation spears. Zuko was sitting down and Alex was standing next to him as they listened to Zhao. Zuko then said to Zhao. "If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool."

"Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue." Zhao said, taking a seat. Alex then said to him. "Zuko does have a point, sir. Earth Kingdom Soldier will fight back to take their capital back. Plus you don't have control over the Water Tribe's."

"The Water Tribe's are nothing more than savage people. We can destroy them easily."

"Careful, Commander Zhao, overestimating yourself and underestimating your opponent will prove to be a fatal mistake."

"I see why you are Iroh student, you both speak such nonsense." Zhao said to Alex before he said to Zuko. "So, how's your search for the Avatar going?" The spears Iroh was looking at fell down. Iroh said to them. "Uh… my fault entirely."

"Here let me help." Alex said as he put the spear up. Zuko then said to Zhao. "We haven't found him yet."

"Did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago along with the rest of the Airbenders. Unless you find some evidence that the Avatar is alive."

"No. Nothing."

"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."

"I haven't found anything. It's like you said, the Avatar probably died a long time ago. Come on, Uncle, Alex. We're going." Zuko said as he started to leave, but five of Zhao's guards entered the room. One and two stopped him and a third one said to Zhao as a four and five one grabbed Alex. "Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody. And not only let him escape, but four Hex's had things they had never seen before and Iroh student is one of them."

"Now remind me, how exactly was your ship damaged?" Zhao said to Zuko. Alex then said. "This is bad."

"This is amazing." Hoshi said, looking at the Air Temple. Aang was happy to be home. Katara, Sadia, Miguel, Hoshi and their Bakugan were looking around in wonder. Sokka was only thinking of his stomach. "So where do I get something to eat?"

"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?" Katara said to her brother. "I'm just a simple guy with simple needs."

"Doesn't that mean he is a simpleton?" Eenoch said and Miguel said. "That's right Eenoch." They meet up with Aang and he said, pointing to the area's around the Temple. "So that's where my friends and I would play Airball, and over there is where the Bison would sleep. And…" Aang then stopped talking and signed. Katara then said to him. "What's wrong?"

"This place used to be full of monks and Lemurs and Bison. Now there's just a bunch of weeds."

"I'm sorry you have to see your home like this." Hoshi said as he and the others got closer to Aang. Aang then said. "I can't believe how much things have changed."

"So, uh, this Airball game, how do you play?" Sokka said as he and Aang played a game. The game was simple, both players would stand on wooden pillars and were trying to get the ball in the opponents goal. However it was made for Airbenders, so Sokka was getting his butt kicked, very hard. After Aang scored another point, Sokka fell off the pillars and said. "Making him feel better is putting me in a world of hurt."

"Sokka, what's that?" Saida said, pointing ahead of Sokka. Sokka looked ahead and saw something covered in snow. Sokka cleared it away and saw an old Fire Nation Helmet. Sokka then said to them. "Guys, check this out."

"Fire Nation." Katara said and Miguel said. "We have to tell Aang."

"Agreed. Aang, there's something you need to see." Hoshi said to Aang and he ran over to them. Katara then decided to bury the helmet and Sokka in snow. So Aang didn't see the helmet. He then said to them. "What is it?"

"Uh… just a new Waterbending move I learned." Katara said not letting Aang know about the helmet. "Nice one. But enough practice. We have a whole temple to see."

"You know, you can't protect him forever." Sokka said as Katara started to walk after Aang. Everyone ran after they got up to Katara and Aang, Miguel said to her. "Katara, Firebenders were here. You can't pretend they weren't."

"I can for Aang's sake." Katara said walking away. Saida joined her and said. "Katara, I understand your just trying to protecting Aang, but this is something we have to tell him."

"We can't. If he finds out that the Fire Nation invaded his home, he'll be devastated."

"Yeah, but the longer we don't tell him, the more it will hurt him in the future." Hoshi said as they all joined Aang in front of an Airbender statue, who had a mustache, an arrow tattoo's like Aang. "Hey, guys! I want you to meet somebody."

"Who's that?" Sokka said to Aang. "Monk Gyatso, the greatest Airbender in the world. He taught me everything I know." In the past, Aang was sitting on the ledge of a balcony, while Gyatso was making cakes and talking to Aang. "But the true secret is in the gooey center." Past Aang wasn't listening to Gyatso. Gyatso then put the cake down on the balcony with some more cake and said to past Aang. "My ancient cake making technique isn't the only thing on your mind, is it, Aang?"

"This whole Avatar thing, maybe the Monks made a mistake."

"The only mistake they made was telling you before you turned 16. But we can't concern ourselves with what was. We must act on what is." Gyatso said as he pointed to the temple, but it was full of people and Bison. Past Aang then to Gyatso. "But, Gyatso, how do I know if I'm ready for this?"

"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."

"Who is it?"

"When you are ready, he will reveal himself to you. Now, are you going to help me with these cakes or not?" Gyatso said to past Aang and he agreed to help Gyatso. Together they made air current and sent all of the cakes flying. They land onto some Monks doing some meditation. Soon monkeys with arm wings picked at the cakes, Gyatso said to past Aang. "Your aim has improved greatly, my young pupil." Back in the present, Katara said to Aang. "You must miss him."

"Yeah." Aang said as he started to walk into the temple. Hoshi then said to him. "Where are you going Aang?"

"The Air Temple Sanctuary. There's someone I'm ready to meet." Aang said and they all followed him. Soon they reached a door with tubes and three circles. Katara soon said to Aang. "But, Aang, no one could have survived there for a hundred years."

"It's not impossible. I survived in the iceberg for that long."

"Good point."

"Katara, whoever's in there might help me figure out this Avatar thing."

"But that was a miracle Aang." Saida said to them. Miguel then said. "You don't know that Saida. He or she could have, if he or she ate right."

"Like having delicious cured meats." Sokka said, running to the door. He thought it was open, but it was locked. So he hit the door hard. Sokka then said to Aang. "I don't suppose you have a key."

"The key, Sokka, is Airbending." Aang said as he blew Airbending into the tubs. Soon the tubes put them into the three circles and music started to sound. The door opened and Aang walked inside and the other followed him. At the Fire Nation port Zhao said to Zuko. "So a 12 year old boy and three Hex's bested you and your Firebenders. And you even use a Hex to help you. You're more pathetic than I thought."

"I underestimated him, the other Hex's and their Bakugan once, but it will not happen again."

"No, it will not, because you won't have a second chance."

"Commander Zhao, I've been hunting the Avatar for two years, and I-"

"And you failed. Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now." Zhao said before Zuko jumped up. He was going to attack Zhao, but two of the guards stopped him. Zhao then said to the guards. "Keep them here and get a ship ready to transports this Hex to the Camp." Zuko and Alex then kicked the table and Iroh said to the last guard. "More tea, please."

"What's with all of the statues?" Miguel said because the inside of the Sanctuary was full of statues, but no two statues were alike and they all had clothes from the Four Nations. Sokka was more hungry than curious. Hoshi said to Aang. "Aang do you know who all these people are?"

"No, but it feels like I do know them somehow. Look! That one's an Airbender!" Aang said, pointing to a statue of an Airbender. Katara then said pointing to a statue of a Waterbender. "And this one's a Waterebender."

"This one must be an Earthbender." Miguel said, pointing to a statue of an Earthbender. Saida then said. "And this one looks like a Firebender, minus the armor." Hoshi said, pointing to a statue of a FIrebender. Katara then said to them. "They're lined up in a pattern. Air, Water, Earth, and Fire."

"That's the Avatar Cycle."

"Of course. They're Avatars. All these people are your past lives, Aang." Katara said as he looked around at his legacy. Sokka then said to Katara. "Past Lives. Katara you can't believe that stuff."

"It's true. When the Avatar dies, he's reincarnated into the next nation in the cycle." Katara said as Aang was looking at the statue in the middle of the room. It was a Firebender and Aang was hypnotized by him. Katara then said to Aang, snapping him out of it. "Aang, snap out of it."

"Huh?"

"You ok? You were looking at that guy and froze up." Miguel said and Hoshi said.

"Yeah, do you know this guy?"

"This is Avatar Roku, the Avatar before me."

"You were a Firebender? No wonder I didn't rust you when we first met." Sokka said and then Centipod said to him. "Yeah, that's the reason you didn't trust him. Now Aang I don't see a name plate, so how do you know his name?"

"I'm not sure. I just know it somehow."

"You just couldn't get any weirder." Sokka said to Aang. Miguel was going to say something, but stopped when they heard footsteps. They took cover behind some of the Avatar Statues, Sokka said. "Firebender. Nobody makes a sound."

"You're making a sound." Katara said and they shused her. Hoshi then signaled Sadia, Miguel and his Bakugan to check it out. Centipod, Pryavian and Eenoch looked at the door and sighed in relief. Pryavian then said to them. "It's not a Firebender."

"Yeah it is a monkey." Centipod said as they got out of their hiding spot and saw a monkey for the flash back. Hoshi then said to the others. "What's that?"

"Lemur!" Aang said happy to see it. Sokka then said as his stomach growled. "Dinner."

"Don't listen to him. You're gonna be my new pet."

"Not if I get him first!" Sokka said as he and Aang went after it. "Uh! Katara, you stay here. Miguel, Saida, you two and I will get those guys." Hoshi said as they ran after Aang and Sokka. The race between Aang and Sokka, Sokka was losing. Thanks to Aang Airbending he was faster than Sokka, Sokka tried to trip Aang up, but Aang just started to run on the walls. Aang then used his Airbending to tip Sokka up and it worked. Soon the Lemur jumped off a balcony and flew away. Aang followed it and Sokka caught up to him. He said looking at Aang. "Hey! No Fair!" At the Fire Nation port, Zhao had returned to the tent with Zuko, Alex and Iroh. He said to them. "My search party is ready. As is the ship to take this Hex to the Camp. Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you back to your ship, and you will be free to go. Expect your Hex, who will go to the camp, just like all of the other people with Hex's Eyes."

"Why? Are you worried I'm going to try and stop you?" Zuko said and Zhao laughed. He then said to Zuko. "You… stop me? Impossible."

"Don't underestimate me, Zhao. I will capture the Avatar before you."

"Prince Zuko, that's enough." Iroh said, getting up. Zhao then said to him. "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."

"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."

"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."

"That's not true."

"You're traveling around with a Hex and the scar to prove it."

"Aah! Maybe you'd like one to match!"

"Is that a challenge?"

"An Agni Kai at sunset and when I win, I'm taking Alex back and you're not allowed to touch him."

"Very well. But if you lose, then you share the same fate as the Hex." Zhao then started to leave, but said one last thing. "It's a shame your father won't be here. To watch me humiliate you. I guess your uncle will do."

"Prince Zuko, have you forgotten what happened the last time you dueled a master?" Iroh said to Zuko. "I will never forget." Zuko said, full of anger. Alex wanted to ask what Iroh and Zuko meant, but he knew now was not the time to ask. He also wanted to know what an Agni Kai was, but soon he would have his answer. At the Air Temple, they found Sokka, but not Aang. As they went outside, Aang was still following the Lemur, trying to catch it. And soon he followed it into an old building covered in roots from versus plants. He then said to the Lemur. "Hey! Come back! Come on out, Little Lemur. That hungry guy won't bother you anymore." Then Aang found the bones of Firebenders and Airbenders. It was a nasty surprise for him, but the worst of it all was the skeleton of Monk Gyatso in the middle of the pile. The other found Aang and Sokka then said to Aang. "Hey, Aang, have you found my dinner yet?"

"Sokka." Miguel said, pointing to Aang crying. Sokka then said to him. "Aang, I wasn't really gonna eat the Lemur, ok?"

"No, Sokka. Look." Hoshi said, pointing to Gyatso. All of them were shocked and sad to see Gyatso. Sokka then said to Aang. "Come on, Aang. Everything will be alright. Let's get out of here." Aang then started to glow. And he was the only thing that started to glow. All of the eyes on each of the Avatar Status in Air Temple Sanctuary started to glow too. Katara ran to find Aang. And all of the temples that are connected to the Avatar around the world started to glow too. This told the world the Avatar had returned. Back with Aang, he made an orb of air around him and started to fly into the air. Sokka then said to him. "Aang, come on! Snap out of it!"

"Sokka get down!" Hoshi said as Aang's winds got too stronger and not only pushed his friends back, but also destroyed the building. Katara finally joined them and said to them. "What happened?"

"He found out Firebenders killed Gyatso." Sokka said and then Hoshi said. "And then he did the same thing he did back on Zuko's ship."

"Oh, no. It's his Avatar Spirit." Katara said and Sadia said. "Avatar Spirit?"

"I don't know what it is, but it is a power boost."

"Then let's stop him guys. Bakugan-" Hoshi said and they were going to roll out their Bakugan to stop Aang, but then the Hive Matrix appeared and pillars of light appeared out of them. When the light hit them, they're Bakugan grew and electricity went through them all of them. Katara then said to Sokka. "I'm gonna try and calm him down, You get an eye on them."

"Well, do it, before he blows us off the mountain!" Sokka said as the wind got stronger. As Katara got closer and closer to Aang, Zuko was about to start his Agni Kai, which Alex learned was a fire duel against Zhao. Alex just didn't know why they had to be shirtless for the duel. Before the match, Iroh said to Zuko. "Remember your Firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons."

"I refuse to let him win." Zuko said, turning to Zhao, who wasn't worried about the fight. The fight started and Zuko was the first to strike by launching fireballs. Zhao dodged and blocked Zuko's attacks. Zuko tried to add fire kicks to make a difference, but it wasn't working. Alex then yelled at Zuko. "Zuko, stop wasting your energy on wild attacks!" Zuko didn't listen to him and still attacked Zhao. Iroh then said. "Basics, Zuko. Break his root." Now Zhao was on the attack and Zuko was on the defense. Zuko blocked his attacks, but he was still knocked down. Zhao was going to fire and blast Zuko in the face, but he got too close to Zuko and this gave him the chance to turn this fight around. Zuko dodged the blast and tripped Zhao up. Zuko then kept Zhao on his toes and pushed him back. Soon Zhao was knocked down and Zuko was going to give Zhao a scare like his, but he stopped himself and Zhao said to him. "That's it? Your father raised a coward."

"Next time you get in my way, I promise, I won't hold back." Zuko said as he walked away. As the guards let Alex go. Zhao was mad that Zuko beat him. He then attacked Zuko in the back, but unfortunately for him, Iroh blocked it. He then pushed Zhao back and stopped Zuko from attacking him. "No, Prince Zuko. Do not taint your victory."

"Can I punch him instead?" Alex said, raising his right fist. "No, that would also taint Zuko victory." Iroh said and Alex was a little sad. Iroh then said to Zhao as they started to leave. "So this is how the Great Commander Zhao acts in defeat? Disgraceful. Even in exile and persecution, my nephew and student are more honorable than you. Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious."

"Did you really mean that, Uncle?" Zuko said and then Alex said. "Yeah, did you Master Iroh?"

"Of course. I told you Ginseng Tea is my favorite." Iroh said as they made their way to their ship. But on the ship, the Hive Matrix appeared and Alex stepped on a Pyrus Core. He and Ryerazu then felt the same thing that happened to the Brawler's with Aang. Speaking of Aang, Katara was talking to him, hoping to calm him down. "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. We all are your family now." That calmed him down. Sokka then said to him as the wind stopped and they got closer. "We aren't gonna let anything happen to you. Promise"

"Yeah, we got your back, Aang." Hoshi said as the glowing stopped. He then said to them. "I'm sorry."

"It's ok. It wasn't your fault." Katara said to him. "But you guys were right. And if Firebenders found this temple. That means they found the others, too. I really am the last Airbender." Aang said before he got up. He then walked until he stepped on a Ventus Core. "Ow." Aang said as electricity went through his body and stopped in his right hand. Aang opened his right hand and in it was a green ball. Aang then said to Hoshi. "Is this a Bakugan?"

"Yes, just roll him or her out?"

"Why?"

"That's how you wake them up. Also say "Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!" When you roll him or her out.

"Ok. Bakugan Brawl! Bakugan Stand!" Aang said, rolling out his Bakugan. It opened into a green chinese dragon with yellow eyes and lines. It then turned to Aang and said in a female voice. "I am Phaedrus, what is your partner?" (Phaedrus 600)

"I'm Aang."

"We'll it's nice to meet you and it's so good to fly around in Sanjiarushijie again." Phaedrus said flying around. Saida then said. "Sanjiarushijie?"

"It means Three Join Worlds. It is what we call the planet."

"Why?"

"Cause you have The Human Realm where humans come from, The Spirit Realm where spirits come from, and The Bakugan Realm where Bakugan come from. I would love to tell you more, but I can't remember any more than that for some reasion. Sorry." Phaedrus said, turning back into ball form. As they started to pack, Aang was in the Avatar Statue Room and soon they all met up with him and Phaedrus, who was in Ball Form. Katara said to Aang. "Everything's packed."

"Are you two ready to go?" Hoshi said to Aang. He then said to them. "How is Roku supposed to help me if I can't talk to him?"

"Maybe you'll find a way." Katara said as the Lemur returned and gave Sokka some food and ran to Aang. Just before they left, Aang, Appa and the Lemur looked at the Air Temple one last time, knowing that they were all that was left of the Air Nomads. He then said to them. "Guys, say hello to the newest member of our family."

"What are you gonna name him?" Katara said as the Lumer took the fruit Sokka was eating. "Momo." Aang said before they laughed. As they all left the Air Temple behind them. Aang felt regret for leaving his people in their hour of need and it was going to haunt him for the rest of his life.