Author's Note: This is a chapter where I reveal some actual canon information that most people probably didn't know. See if you can spot it.
Chapter 4: Aang Meets Roku
That night, I had a vision in my dreams. I was in a patch of fog. A voice called my name. "Ammon," it called. Soon, Roku was standing in front of me. "Roku," I said. "Ammon, I feel it's time for Aang to meet me. I have vital information to give him," he said. "Yes, Roku, just say what I need to do," I answered. "You will see in time; this journey will not only train the Avatar, but it will also train you," Roku said. "Me, how can it train me and why," I asked. "Because no training I could give you could prepare you for you are facing my son," a voice behind me said. I turned, and there stood my father. "Dad." "Nothing I could have taught you would prepare you to guide the Avatar in a war like this. This journey will train you to be the greatest Headmaster our people have ever known. The Past Avatars cannot guide Aang to the proper teachers, nor can they help him communicate with them. That is where you, as the Headmaster, come in, my son. You must lead Aang across the bridge to speak with the past Avatars," my father said. "I will do all you and Roku ask, Father," I said. I awoke the next day, and Alex knew what had happened. We agreed to keep silent about the whole thing.
We soon came across a burnt-out part of the forest. Everyone was shocked by the very sight of it. "It's like a scar," Sokka commented. "It's more of a scar on my heart than anything else," I said. "What do you mean, Ammon?" Katara asked. "I know this place," I explained. "I battled the Fire Nation here several years ago. That's why they only burnt part of the forest. It lasted several days before we pushed the Fire Nation back. Even though we were victorious, the forest paid the price. There wasn't much I could do. I decided it could be a memory of why we fought the Fire Nation. I hoped that I'd never have to face it again." Tears poured from my eyes. I could barely stand it. Alex comforted me. When we landed, it was worse than I remembered. Aang took it very close to heart. "Why would anyone do this? How could I let this happen?" he asked. "Aang, you didn't let this happen. It has nothing to do with you," Katara said. "Yes, it does," Aang said. "It's the Avatar's job to protect nature, but I don't know how to do my job." "Aang, I'm the one who allowed this to happen. I allowed the forest to suffer in the battle. I allow myself to lose you for a hundred years. I blame myself for much of what's happened in the war. I misunderstood my place. I sometimes need to help you by acting on my own." I told him. "Besides, that's why we're going to the North Pole, to find you a teacher," Katara added. "Yeah, a waterbending teacher, but no one can teach me how to be the Avatar," Aang said sadly. "Wrong again, Aang, that's my job. The point is, I'm unsure of how to do that. Dad said he and the past Avatars would help me." I said. "And Monk Gyatso said Avatar Roku would help me, too," Aang said. "The Avatar before you, he died over a hundred years ago. How are you supposed to talk to him?" Sokka wondered. "As I said before, there's always a way for things that need to happen," I said.
However, that didn't seem to help Aang much at all. He just sat there, looking at the burnt-out area. Katara walked around and found the acorns that dotted the ground. I walked up to her. "That's another reason I left the forest as it was," I told her. "Only the forest can regrow itself, as I know it will." That gave Katara an idea. "Hey, Aang, ready to be cheered up?" she asked. "No," was Aang's reply. She threw an acorn at Aang anyway. "Hey, how's that supposed to cheer me up," Aang said, rubbing his head. Sokka laughed. "It cheered me up," he said. I threw an acorn at him. "Okay, I probably deserved that," he said. "These acorns are everywhere, Aang," Katara said. "That means the forest will grow back. Someday, each of these acorns will be a tall oak tree, and all the animals who lived here will return." As she said that, I saw Momo with a mouthful of acorns. "Thanks, Katara," Aang said. "Remember, Aang, nature always has a way to heal itself if given the time and chance," I told him. "Thanks, Ammon," he said.
Suddenly, an older man approached us. "Who are you?" Sokka demanded. "When I saw the flying bison, I thought it was impossible. But the Headmaster is here, and those markings," the old man said. "Are you the Avatar child?" We all nodded. "My village desperately needs your help." He led us to his village, which looked like a storm had hit. I suddenly felt a chill in the elements. Something was not right at all. We went inside the big building. There were several people inside the building. They looked as if they suffered a lot. The older man raised his voice to speak. "This young person is the Avatar, and the young man with him is the Headmaster," he said. A young man walked up to us. "So, the rumors of your return and the Headmaster finding you are true. It's the greatest honor of a lifetime to be in your presence," he said, bowing. "Nice to meet you, too," Aang said. "Likewise," I said, bowing in return. "So, is there something we can help you with?" Aang asked. "I'm not sure," the young man sighed, looking down. "Our village is in crisis; they're our only hope," the old man said, turning to us. "For the last few days at sunset, a spirit monster comes and attacks our village. He is Hei Bai, the black and white spirit." "HEI BAI," I said. "Yes, do you know him, Headmaster?" the old man asked. "Yes, I know all the world's spirits. Hei Bai is not a spirit to underestimate. He is the spirit of opposites, the spirit of yin and yang. When he is calm, he is like a gentle panda, but when he is angered, he becomes a monster." I said. "Why is he attacking you?" Sokka asked. "We do not know," the younger man said. "But each of the past three nights, he abducted one of our own. We're especially fearful because the Winter Solstice draws near." "What happens then?" Katara asked.
"When a solstice approaches, the line between the Mortal World and the Spirit World gets thinner and thinner until it's gone completely. Nature Masters use the opportunity to celebrate our ancestors and the spirits." I explained. The young man was still worried. "Hei Bai is already causing devastation and destruction. Once the solstice is here, there is no telling what he might be able to do." "So, what do you want us to do exactly?" Aang asked. "Who better to resolve a crisis between our world and the spirit world than the Avatar himself? You are the great bridge between man and spirit." the old man said. "Right, that's me," Aang said unsurely. "Hey, great bridge guy, can we talk to you over here for a second?" Katara asked. We both followed. She went to a window and looked out. She then turned to Aang. "Aang, you seem a little unsure about all this," she said. "Yeah, maybe it's because I don't know anything about the Spirit World," he responded. Katara and Sokka looked surprised. "Hey, I haven't had the chance to teach Aang about this yet," I said. "So, do you think you two can help these people," Katara asked. "We have to try, don't we? Maybe what we need to do will come to us," Aang said. "Maybe because Hei Bai knows me, I can talk with him," I said. "I believe you guys can do it," Katara said. "Yeah, we're all going to get eaten by a spirit monster," Sokka said. As the sun continued to set, Aang and I walked out to meet Hei Bai. I left Alex and my guards to look after everyone inside. "You think we'll be okay?" Aang asked. "We'll be fine, Aang. Hei Bai will listen to me," I said. "At least, I hope," I thought. "Hello spirit, this is the Avatar speaking," Aang said as we walked. The sun continued to drop behind the horizon. Then it was gone. "The sun's set. Where are you, Hei Bai?" Aang asked.
We reached the edge of the village. "Hei Bai, my old friend, it is I, the Head Nature Master. Come out and let us talk of this village," I called. At that moment, he appeared in front of us. He, indeed, was in his monster state. He was big and mean-looking. "Hei Bai, my friend, what's wrong?" I asked, reaching out my hand to him. However, he just roared right in our faces. Then he jumped over us and began to cause a ruckus. "Okay, brawling time," I said, and I hopped on Hei Bai. "Ammon, wait, we can talk this over," Aang shouted. I don't remember much of what happened after that. I do remember riding Hei Bai like a jockey. Then, the next thing I knew, Sokka was out wanting to help. Hei Bai threw me out into a building. I awoke with Alex splashing me with water. It was almost dawn. Alex informed me that Hei Bai took Sokka. Aang went after them and hadn't returned. I went to the front of the village and found Katara downhearted. The older man was trying to comfort her. "Your brother is in good hands. I would be shocked if the Avatar returned without him," he said. "Unless Hei Bai took him into the Spirit World," I said. "It's going to be okay, Katara." I sat by her with my hand on her shoulder. "I sense Aang will return soon." At that moment, Aang appeared, coming out of the forest. "Aang, at last, are you okay?" "Ammon, who are you talking to?" Katara asked. "Aang, he's right there. Can't you see him?" I asked, a little confused. Katara looked and shook her head. "I think you need some rest, Ammon. You may have a concussion," she said. She looked at me as if I was crazy. "Come, Katara, let Ammon be alone for a while," Alex said. He then gave me that look to say, "You're not crazy."
At that moment, I linked the clues together. As the sun rose, it became clear what the problem was. Aang was in the Spirit World. Because I had been in the Spirit World myself, I could see and hear Aang. Since we had some time alone, I could explain a few things. We sat down together to talk. I first explained how he was in the Spirit World and how I could still hear and see him. "Ammon, I failed; I lost Sokka," he said. "You tried your best Aang, besides I allow myself to be knocked out," I told him. "There is something you need to know about Hei Bai. He's not just the spirit of opposites. He's the spirit of the forest. I think he's mad at me for allowing his home to be burned down in the battle." "Great so now we know why he's going crazy, but how does that help?" Aang said. "How can I speak with Roku?" "You'll know in time" I said. Suddenly something was approaching from the forest. "Sokka" Aang said hopefully. Though it turned out to be the spirit of dragon. "That's definitely not Sokka," Aang said. He tried to fly off, but he couldn't. "Oh no, I can't airbend in the spirit world," Aang said. I held my ground. I knew who it was. It was Fang, Roku's animal guide. "Fang, my old friend" I said as I reached my hand to him. "Ammon, you know this dragon" Aang wondered. I nodded. Fang touched Aang with one of his whiskers. He showed a vision of Roku riding him. "This is Avatar Roku's animal guide, like Appa is for you and Fax is for me" I said. "Can he help me contact Roku?" Aang asked. Fang nodded. "I believe it was Roku who sent him," I told him. Fang wrapped his neck around Aang. "Get on, Aang, take good care of him, Fang," I said. "I'll be back Ammon," Aang said. "I'll be here, don't worry about Katara or the village Aang. I'll take good care of them," I said. "Take me to Roku," Aang commanded. I watched in worry as Fang flew off with Aang.
Alex, Katara, and my men approached me. "Ammon are you okay" Alex asked. "I'm fine, I'm just worried about Aang," I said. I turned to my guards. "Guards, search the forest, find me the Avatar." "Yes master" they said and off they went. "I'll ride out on Appa and join the search" Katara said. I nodded to her. She boarded Appa and joined my guards. "You just sent them on a wild goose chase, didn't you?" Alex said. "How do you know?" I asked. "You forget I can read your mind," he answered. I sighed. "Aang's in the Spirit World isn't he?" he said. "Yes, and Fang has taken him somewhere" I answered. "Well at least they can look for his body," Alex said. I knew they probably not find it, but I nodded anyway. I then walked off into the forest to mediate. I needed to think and be alone for a while. Suddenly I felt like I was surrounded by a presence I had nearly forgotten. "What troubles you, my son?" a voice asked. I saw my father standing in front of me. "Father, do you know where Fang has taken Aang?" I asked. "Yes, he is taking the Avatar to the temple of Avatar Roku in the Fire Nation," he said. "Ammon, Roku will give you two instructions as to what must be done. If you need help from me, I will be there to guide you. Remember those you once taught, those you know. Use that knowledge to guide the Avatar." "Thank you, Father," I said bowing. "I will see you soon my son," he said and vanished.
I walked back to the village after I collected an acorn. I knew if Aang let Hei Bai know the forest was going to grow back, he might release Sokka and the others. I paced around waiting for Aang to return. Katara, Appa, and my guards returned shortly after I did. "Any luck?" I asked. They all shook their heads. "We're sorry Ammon," Katara said. "It's alright Katara, Aang will return by sundown. I can sense it," I said. As the sun set and the sky became red, I began to doubt that. However, Aang returned to the Physical World. "Welcome back Aang," I said hugging him as he returned. I broke away from him and touched his forehead. I saw a vision of Aang going to the temple. I saw that on the solstice was time to speak with Roku. The last thing was a vision of something I wish I could forget. It was Sozin's Comet. I immediately broke from Aang in shock. "Ammon, what is it?" Aang asked concerned. "Nothing Aang," I lied. "You're back," Katara shouted hugged him. "Where's Sokka?" "I don't know" Aang said hanging his head. "We'll get him free tonight, I promise," I said handing Aang my acorn.
As night fell, we readied ourselves for Hei Bai to return. He did indeed come back. Aang made an airball to protect himself. I covered myself with earth. "Aang, Ammon, what are doing, run," I heard Katara shout. Hei Bai headed for the main building. Aang jumped over him and touched his forehead. He saw Hei Bai as the panda I knew. "You're the spirit of this forest. Just as Ammon said," Aang said. "You're upset and angry because your home was burned down" "Yes and he blames me for it" I said joining him. "When I saw the forest had burned, I was sad and upset, but my friends gave me hope that the forest would grow back," Aang said. He then pulled out the acorn I gave him and set it down. Hei Bai picked it up and turned around. He walked away and turned into his panda form. After he walked out the entrance of the village spirit baboo appeared. Everyone who was abducted were released. "Sokka," Katara ran up and hugged her brother. "What happened?" Sokka asked. "You were trapped in the Spirit World for 24 hours. How are you feeling?" she asked. "Like I seriously need to use the bathroom," Sokka said squirming away.
Later the leaders spoke with us. "Thank you both for all you have done" The young man said. "If only there was a way to repay for you." "You could give us some supplies and some money" Sokka said. "Sokka," Katara said hitting him. "What we need stuff" he said. "He's right Katara, we'll need to resupply sooner or later," I said. "It would be an honor to help you prepare for your journey," The young man said and walked off for the supplies. "I'm so proud of you Aang, you figure out what to do on your own," Katara said. "Well, I did have some help" he said gesturing to me. "I'm still proud of you too Aang. I merely gave you clues. You pieced them together and solved the problem," I said. "And there's something else" Aang said unsure of how to say it. "What is it?" Sokka wondered. "I need to talk to Roku, and I think I found a way to contact his spirit," Aang said. "That's great" Katara said. "Creepy but great," added Sokka. "There's a temple on a crested shaped island and if I go there and the solstice, I'll be able to speak with him" Aang continued. "But the solstice is tomorrow," Katara pointed out. "Yeah, and there's one more problem, the temple's in the Fire Nation," Aang said. Sokka and Katara looked worried. Frankly I was worried a little too.
Aang and I were up early the next morning. Appa wanted Katara and Sokka to join us. Though we both felt we had to go alone. I was going to have Alex and my guards watch them until we returned. Appa was being stubborn. He just wouldn't leave without Katara and Sokka. "Let's go Appa, come on boy," he said pulling on Appa's reigns. Appa just sat down and groaned. "Look I'm sorry but Katara and Sokka aren't coming to the Fire Nation with us. If they got hurt, I'd never forgive myself, so, get your big butt off the ground and let's go" he said pulling again. He pulled so hard the reigns recoiled and he fell down. "Looks like we're going to have to take Fax to the Fire Nation Aang," I said. I had Fax ready and raring to go. "Get on," I said. "Maybe Appa's big butt was trying to tell you guys something," Sokka said. Both of us looked back. We saw Katara, Sokka, Alex, my guards, and the people of the village staring back at us. "Please don't go Aang. The world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation, and neither can I," Katara pleaded. "Katara, I'm perfectly cable of watching over both of us," I told her. "Plus, I have to talk to Avatar Roku to find out what my vision means" Aang added. "I'm sure Ammon could tell you," Katara pointed out. "I could, but I can't. I had a vision in my dreams a few nights ago. Avatar Roku instructed me to help Aang meet him," I said. "Ammon, you still shouldn't go without us" Alex said. "Alex, it'll be easier if only me and Aang go. Less people will be in danger that way," I said. "You won't help anyone by getting yourself killed," he said. "We need to get to the Fire Temple before the sun sets on the solstice, that's today." Aang said. With that we started to head. But Alex, my guards, Katara, Sokka, and Appa got in front of us. "We're not letting you go to the Fire Nation guys," Katara said sternly. "At least, not without your friends, we've got your backs" Sokka said. "Also, we're all family here, and families travel together" Alex added. "We also stand with you Master," my captain of the guard said. Momo flew to Aang's arm, and Appa licked Sokka from behind. We all got on Appa and were ready. I kept Fax out and about in case I needed him. I had a feeling I might.
The young man gave us some supplies. "It's a long way to the crested island," he said. "I know we'll need to fly fast and high to reach it in time," I said. "Thanks for everything," Aang said. "Just go," the young man said. With that we took off. Appa flew as fast as he could. I watch the sun rise behind us. "Come on boy, we've got a long way to go, faster," Aang said. Appa picked up the pace. I could feel something was chasing us. I looked down and saw Zuko's ship behind us. "Oh rats," I said. "Aang we've got company," Katara said looking down. "Yeah, and it's gaining fast," Sokka added. "Stay calm once we reach Fire Nation waters. We'll lose him" I said. "How? Zuko is the prince of the Fire Nation," Sokka said. "Yes, but a banished one" I pointed out. Suddenly Zuko shot a Fireball at us. I jumped up and blasted a fire slice to send it back. It almost hit Zuko's ship as it splashed in the water. Its aroma however stuck with us. "We have to get out of Zuko's range before he shoots another hot stinker at us," Katara said. We were all holding our noses. "Can't Appa go faster," Sokka asked. "Yeah, but there's one problem," Aang said, pointing. Ahead of us was a horrible sight. A Fire Navy blockade was waiting for us. I could sense an old friend of was at command. A horrible Firebender named Commander Zhao. I had encountered him before. He was a jerk then too. "If we fly north, we can go around the Fire Nation ships and avoid the blockade. It's the only way," Aang said. "There's no time," Katara pointed out. "This is exactly why I didn't want you guys to come. It's too dangerous," Aang said. "And that's exactly why we're here," Katara said. I knew there was only one way. "Aang, use the clouds for cover. My guards and I will distract the blockade. They'll be too busy with us and Zuko. You'll be able get away clean." I said. "But Ammon, what about me" Alex asked. "I need you to look after the children, especially if I don't come out alive," I said. I didn't wait for an answer as there wasn't time. I jumped on Fax and lead my troops into a charge as they dived toward the blockade.
I headed straight for Zhao's personal ship. They shot fireballs everywhere. "Land on their ships and disable them," I ordered. Fax and I flew over Zhao's ship. I jumped down and gave his crew a surprise. "Well, well, well, if it's not my old friend, the Head Nature Master," Zhao said. "Nice to see you too, Zhao, I nearly laughed my face off when I heard you were made a commander," I mocked. That made Zhao furious. I was happy. Him being furious made him weaker, thus making me stronger. If there was one thing I knew about Zhao, it was that self-control meant nothing to him. He blasted fire at me. I jumped and threw some at him. Then I called the water to splash and freeze all on board. Zhao somehow escaped. When I landed, he launched another fire blast at me. I blocked it easily. I made a whirlwind and threw it at him. He jumped out of the way. But the whirlwind took its toll on the ship. The catapults were in pieces, and some were in the water. Then with Zhao's back to the water, I called it again and froze it around him. "You lost not only the battle Zhao, but the Avatar as well." I said. Zhao looked around. Sure enough, Appa was nowhere to be seen. Zhao soon caught on to my plan. "You distracted me so the Avatar could get away" he said. I nodded. "And I sense he's long gone from here by now." Zhao scowled at me. I smiled from ear to ear. "See you soon Zhao, and don't get in my way again. If you continue to hunt the Avatar, I will be waiting for you" I said. I whistled for Fax. He flew by and I jumped on him. I called my men to retreat from the blockade and follow me. They followed me, some flying on phoenixes, or by airbending. I followed my senses to guide us to Aang.
When we rejoined them, I learned things weren't so easy for them. True Zhao didn't know where they were, but the fireballs almost hit them in by missing us. However, we were all okay, so the mission was accomplished. We flew for a few more hours. The sun began to drop. As the sky got red, the island came into view. "There it is," Aang said happily. "The island where Roku's dragon took me." "It's still as beautiful as ever," I said. We landed on a hidden spot where Appa would be safe. "You did it, buddy. Nice flying," Aang told Appa. Appa rolled on his back like a cat wanting a tummy rub. Katara seemed willing to oblige. She petted his tummy while saying, "Aww you must be tired." "No, I'm good, refreshed and ready to fight some Firebenders" Sokka said. I silently laughed. "I was talking to Appa" Katara said. "Well, I was talking to Momo" Sokka lied. I turned to my men. "I want half of you to stay and guard Appa. The other half I want to come with us to the temple, there might be trouble" I said. Half my men volunteered to go with us. So off we hiked for the temple. We picked out the front doors. "No guards" Sokka said. "The Fire Nation must of abandoned the temple when Avatar Roku died." Katara pointed out. "It's almost sundown, we'd better hurry" Aang said blotting for the door. We all ran after him. I could sense time was running out. The sun was dropping and fast. When we got inside we were running down a long hall. Then we came into a large room. We tiptoed silently. Sokka suddenly stopped and I sense someone was behind us. "Wait, I think I heard something" Sokka said. We all turned around to see trouble. Five Firebenders were facing us. I knew who they were and it didn't help. "We are the Fire Sages, guardians of the Temple of The Avatar" the who spoke was the Great Sage. Aang didn't realize they were trouble. "Great I am the Avatar" he said stepping forward. "We know" the Great Sage said. He shot fire at us. Other sages joined him. I blocked some firebending. And Aang did the same with air. He then tripped them with an air sweep "We'll hold them off Aang, run for it" I told him. He didn't even hesitate. He blotted out with Katara, Sokka, and Momo right behind him. My men, Alex and I launched fire back the sages and tripped them with an earth rumble. Then we ran after the children.
Through an endless length of halls we found them. "Follow me" Aang said after we met up. "Do you know where you're going" Sokka asked. "Nope" Aang said as he turned around a corner. A second later he was back running the other way. "Wrong way" he said as he passed us. Then a Fire Sage appeared. Sokka ran with Momo on his back and Katara close behind. I knew that Fire Sage though. He was Shyu, a sage still loyal to the Avatar. "Come back" he said. "We need to show them you're friend somehow else" I told him. We ran after the children. We found them at a dead end. "It's okay, he's a friend" I said. "Ammon, Firebenders aren't our friends" Sokka said. Shyu walked up to Aang and went to his hands and knees. "I know why you're here Avatar" he said. "You do?" Aang asked. "Yes" he said getting back up. "You wish to speak to Avatar Roku. I can take you to him." "How" Aang asked. Shyu moved a lantern on the wall to reveal a hole underneath. He placed his hand over it and firebended. He reveal a door to a secret passage. "This way" he said. "I'd trust him if I were you guys" I said, and Alex and my men agreed. "Find him" we heard the Great Sage say. Shyu looked back. "Time is running out, quickly" he said. Aang and Katara nodded to each other. The children entered into the secret passage. Alex and my men after them. I went in behind Alex and Shyu behind me. He closed the door behind us. "Ammon, so who is this Fire Sage" Aang asked. "I am Shyu" he said. "He's a dear friend to me. He's been kind of my one of eyes and ears in the Fire Nation." I explained. We walked down some steps. "Avatar Roku once called this temple his home" Shyu explained. "He formed these secret passages out of the magma." "Did you know Avatar Roku?" Aang asked. "No, but my grandfather knew him" Shyu said. "His grandfather was Roku's firebending master" I added. Where we were looked like the inside of a volcano. And it was actually. The whole island was made from a volcano. And where the temple was built was one part of the volcano. "Many generations of Fire Sages guarded this temple long before me" Shyu continued. "We all have a strong spiritual connection to this place." "Is that how you know I was coming" Aang asked. "And I gave him a heads up" I said. "Also a few weeks ago, an amazing thing accorded. The eyes of Avatar Roku's statue, began to glow" Shyu explained. "That's when we were at the Air Temple" Katara said. "Avatar Roku's eyes were glowing there too." "And I'll bet every picture and statue of every Avatar around the world was glowing" I said. "At that moment we knew you had returned to the world" Shyu said. "I bet everyone knew it at that moment" I said.
Aang decided to change the subject. "So, if this is the Avatar's temple why did the sages attack me?" he asked. "Things have changed. In the past the sages were loyal only to the Avatar. When Roku died, the sages eagerly awaited for the next Avatar to return. But he never came." Shyu explained. "They were waiting for me" Aang said sadly. "Hey don't feel bad, you're only a hundred years late." Sokka said. "Not funny Sokka" I said. We stopped and Shyu turned to us. "They lost hope that the Avatar would ever return. When Firelord Sozin began the war, my grandfather and the other sages were force to follow him. I never wanted to serve the Firelord. When I learned you were coming, I knew I would have to betray the other sages" "Thank for helping me" Aang said. Shyu smiled. "You will have a place at Ama Se Shyu, when this over. You can be a teacher at the Firebending school" "Thank you Headmaster" he said. "We will follow these stairs to the sanctuary. Once you're inside wait for the light to hit Avatar Roku's statue, only then will you be able to speak with him." At the top of the stairs Shyu opened up a trap door. We climbed out to a pillared room. In front of us was the sanctuary doors. "Oh no" Shyu said. "Shyu what's wrong?" Aang asked. "The sanctuary doors, they're closed" Shyu explained. "Can't you open them up with firebending like you did that other door?" Katara asked. "No" Shyu replied. "Only a fully realized Avatar is powerful enough to open this door alone. Otherwise the sages must open the doors together with five simultaneous fire blasts."
We all thought for a moment. "What about Ammon" Alex said. "Me, but Alex I'm not as powerful as a fully realized Avatar" I protested. "But you're nearly as powerful. Maybe you could do it." he said. I thought about it for minute. Time was running out, I had to try. "Okay I'll do it. Everyone stand back, things are going to get hot." I said and readied myself. "The sages will hear the blasts, so as soon as the doors open you two rush in" Shyu said to Aang and me. When I was ready, I lifted myself in the air. I went into the Headmaster State and I fired. I launched fire into all five pipes. I held them for as long as I could. But the doors remained shut. I dropped to the floor exhausted. "See, I told you I might not be able to do it Alex" I said. "Maybe not alone, but maybe the rest of us can help you" he said. Then it hit me. If my men, Alex, Shyu and I work together. We'd be guaranteed to open it. I nodded to signal I'd be good for another go. My men lined up with Shyu and were ready to blast their fire. I gave the signal, and we each launched our fire. With our combined strength the doors began to swing open. "Aang let's go now" I said. Suddenly Zuko appeared and grabbed Aang. "The Avatar is coming with me" he said. "Oh no he's not. Men siege him" I commanded. Zuko had to let Aang go to fight. Just then the other Fire Sages appeared. "Stop them" I heard the Great Sage cry. "Aang come on" I called. I sent a giant fire blast to slow down the sages. The doors began to close but Aang and I got through just in time. Suddenly the doors were sealed shut by a white light. I guess Roku didn't want anyone disturbing us. "The light hits the statue and we talk to Roku. So why isn't anything happening" Aang said. "Patience Aang, the light must reach Roku's face" I said. He waited. "I don't know what I'm doing, all I know is airbending. Please Avatar Roku talk to us" Aang said. At that moment the light hit Roku's face. A swirl of fog surrounded us. When it cleared it looked like we were on the top of a high mountain. And there standing in front of us was Avatar Roku.
"It's good to see you Aang, and you too Ammon. What took you boys so long?" he said as he smiled at us. Both of us smiled back and bowing in the traditional way of the Fire Nation, with one hand in fist and the other flat just above it. After we rose back up, Roku laid out the vital information. "I have something very important to tell you boys. That is why I came to Ammon in his dreams. And why I sent my dragon to find Aang when he was in the Spirit World" Roku began. "Is it about that vision, the one of the comet?" Aang asked. "Not just any comet, but Sozin's Comet" I said. "Yes" Roku said to both of us. "What's Sozin's Comet, and what does it mean?" Aang asked. "One hundred years ago, Firelord Sozin use that comet to began the war. He and his firebending army harshed its incredible power and dealt a deadly first strike against the other nations" As Roku spoke a vision of the comet flying went past us. "So the comet made them stronger?" Aang asked. "Yes stronger than you could even image. They might have also ended the war right there. But the Nature Masters too harshed power from the comet and put the war at a stalemate." Roku said. "But without the Avatar that was the best we could do" I said. "But that happen a hundred years ago. What does the comet have to do with the war now?" Aang wondered. "Listen carefully" Roku said. Suddenly a vision of Ozai appeared. "Sozin's Comet will return by the end of this summer and Firelord Ozai will try to use its power to finish the war once and for all." I watch Ozai roar fire. "If he succeeds even the Avatar will not be able to restore balance to the world." "But Roku the Nature Masters can stop him like we did before" I pointed out. "But what if you don't, the battle will be devastating, and the Nature Masters could fall." Roku said he turned to Aang. "Aang you two must defeat the Firelord before the comet arrives" "But I haven't even started learning waterbending, not to mention earth and fire" Aang protested. "Mastering the elements takes years of discipline and practice. But if the world is to survive, you must do it by summer's end" Roku said. "What if I can master all the elements in time, what if I fail" Aang said. "I know you can do it Aang for you have done it before" Roku said. "And that's why Ammon is here. He will see you don't fail." "What if I can't. Roku I'm still new at this." I protested. "I know you can do it Ammon. For you are centuries old for a reason. You already know how to see the Avatar through for you have seen it done before. The Solstice is ending we must go our separate ways for now" Roku said. "But we won't be able to come back to the temple" Aang said. "What if I have questions how will I talk to you?" "Ammon will be able to answer some of your questions. And I am a part of the both of you. When you need to talk to me again. Ammon will know and you will find a way." Roku said.
He then showed us a vision that Zhao and his men awaited us at the temple and my men needed our help. "A great danger awaits you boys at the temple. I can help you face the threat but only if you are ready" Roku said. "I'm ready" Aang said. He was glowing in the Avatar State. "I'm ready too" I said glowing in the Headmaster State. "I will go out first and clear your path. I will order my men to assist us" As the doors opened I was ready. I saw my men and Alex lined up on my left side. Zhao and his men were on my right. "It's the Headmaster" one of my men said. "Blast him" Zhao ordered. "NO Ammon" Katara shouted. I had the fire circle around me that I was not harmed. I shot the fire back at them. Then Roku came up next to me. "Avatar Roku" Shyu said. He, Katara and Sokka were behind Alex and my men. "Alex get our friends to safety" I commanded. My voice echoed through the whole temple. "I and the Avatar will join you later." Roku then blasted Zhao, his men and the disloyal sages with fire. He then prepared to destroy the temple. "Avatar Roku is going to destroy the temple, we have to get out of here" Shyu said. "Not without Aang" Katara protested. "Go Katara, I will get Aang to safety. My orders are for you to get to safety." I told her. With that they all blotted out. Roku and I called the lava up to burn the temple. Zhao, his men, the sages, and even Zuko were soon gone.
At that moment the Solstice ended, and Roku withdrew from Aang. I came out of the Headmaster State as I landed next to him. He groaned. "Are you okay Aang" I asked. "Yeah where is everybody" Aang said. "Safe, now we must catch up with them" I said grabbing him. I ran right for a hole in the wall. I jumped out with Aang on my back. I release Fax and off we flew. We met up with everyone else soon. At the next Nature Master base, I had arrangements made for Shyu to taken to Ama Se and safety. And we were soon back on our way for the North Pole.