(BOOM! Surprise chapter! I decided to make the Winter Solstice two-parter a one part. I hope you like.)

Soooooo, lot of stuff has happened. After we left Kyoshi Island, we made one last pit stop at the Earth Kingdom City of Omashu. We went on a crazy ride on the delivery system and.... It. Was. Crazy. But fun. We got in trouble and was brought before the King. He was crazy, though. He actually had me, Katara, and Sokka almost get encased in gem as he put Aang through different trials. But it turns out, they were to prepare Aang and that the king was actually Aang's old friend, Bumi. So that was surprising. Especially since the guy was ripped for an old man. And apparently, the gems were actually rock candy. Delicious, might I add. He was old and crazy, but a genius. "Looks like someone finally understands my methods. I like her. Good job finding this one, Aang." I remember Bumi saying after I complimented him.

After that, we stopped for a rest but then encountered a boy named Haru. He was an earthbender and we followed him to his village, but learned from his mother that earthbending was forbidden and Fire soldiers were being big jerks about it. But when Haru saved an old man, that rat sold him out and he was sent off to a prison where his father and the rest of the earthbenders of the village were sent to. So, in short, Katara felt guilty and wanted to help him. There was a plan where we would make it look like she could earthbend and she was taken prisoner. We then arrived at the prison and it was made of metal while being far from the mainland. We ended up causing a prison riot with the help of coal that was in the place. The people regained their hope and we busted out. But Katara lost her mother's necklace. She was distraught and I did the best I could to comfort her.

But now, we were all standing in an area of a forest that was burned. Sokka commented how it was like a scar and that reminded me of Zuko. It has been a while since we have encountered him but I push that to the back of my mind as I look around. Frowning at the destruction and rub the jade stone of my bracelet. It comforts me when I feel sad. "Listen. It's so quiet. There's no life anywhere." Sokka comments. "Aang, are you okay?" I look over at Aang after Katara said that. "Fire Nation! The hose evil savages make me sick. They have no respect for-Mmph!" I walked over and covered Sokka's mouth to get him stop talking. He gives me a glare but I nod my head in Aang's direction. He looks over and I feel him cam down. Aang falls onto his knees and I remove my hand from Sokka as I walk over to Aang.

I stand next to him then lower myself to sit on my knees. I look to see that he has a guilty face and I rub his back gently to try and comfort him. He then gathers some of the dirt in his hands. "Why would anyone do this?" He asks. I frown in sympathy as I look around at all the damage. I inhale deeply, "Honestly, I don't know." I remove my hand from his back as I hold it and look down at my bracelet. "A display of power? Superiority? Who knows?" I said, but then I see something in the dirt. Something shiny. I dig it up and find a small, but pretty crystalline yellow gemstone. I smile as I pick it up and show it to Aang. "But in the ashes, beauty can be born." I tell him. He looks at it and I see his expression shift as he looks at the pretty gem.

But he frowns sadly again as he looks away. "But still, how could I have let this happened?" He says, then raises his arm as the dirt falls onto the ground. "Aang, you didn't let this happen. It was nothing to do with you." I hear Katara say. "Yes, it does. It's the Avatar's job to protect nature, but I don't know how to do my job." Aang slumps as he crosses his legs and holds his head in his hands. I safely stash the gem in my pouch then put it away as I crosses my legs to sit more comfortably and place a hand on Aang's shoulder to try and comfort him. "That's why we're going to the North Pole-To find you a teacher." Katara says to Aang. "Yeah. A waterbending teacher. But there's no one who can teach me to be the Avatar. Monk Gyatso said that Avatar Roku would help me." Aang replies.

"The Avatar before you?" Seriously, Sokka? I mentally roll my eyes at his forgetfulness. "He died over a hundred years ago." He adds. "Yeah, duh. But Aang is connected to him in spirit. He just hasn't made the connection yet." I point out. "And I don't know how to connect to him." I look at Aang and frown. He sounds so hopeless. But then Momo hops onto his lap and purrs to make him feel better. I remove my hand as Aang pets Momo. I look at the ground as I contemplate on what to do.

Zuko's P.O.V.

Okay, when I went to get my Uncle Iroh, this is not what I was expecting. "Uncle?" He was in a hot spring. No. Focus. "We need to move on. We're closing in on the Avatar's trail, and I don't want to lose him." I tell him. "You look tired, Prince Zuko. Why don't you join me in these hot springs and soak away your troubles?" Really? "My troubles cannot be soaked away. It's time to go!" I tell him. "You should take your teacher's advice and relax a little. The temperature's just right. I heated it myself." He hears it up and more steam appears. Oh, for crying out loud.

I wave away the steam. "Enough. We need to leave now. Get out of the water!" I order. "Very well." Wait... I turn away and hold my hand up as I close my eyes. I do NOT want to see my uncle like THAT. "On second thought, why don't you take another few minutes? But be back at the ship in half an hour, or I'm leaving without you." I said then walk away. Okay. There is still time. But if he wouldn't return, then something would happen. I don't know where I would be without my uncle.

(Y/N)'s P.O.V.

I sigh. Okay, I don't know how to get Aang to connect with Roku. "Hey, Aang. Are you ready to be cheered up?" I look back at Katara as she did that. "No." Then she tossed something at Aang. "Ow!" I wince at that. Then I grab what hit him and bring it up to my face as I see that it is an acorn. An acorn? An acorn! "Hey, how is that cheering me up?" Aang asks. "Cheered me up. Ow!" I smirk as Sokka yelped in pain. Perfect shot. "Yeah, I probably deserved that." You did, Sokka. You did. Katara then walks up and kneels down as she holds her hand out to Aang. "These acorns are everywhere, Aang. That means the forest will grow back. Every one of these will be a tall oak tree someday, and all the birds and animals that lived here will come back." She says, placing an acorn in Aang's hand and closing his fingers around it.

"Thanks, Katara." Aang says to her then he faces me, a smile on his face. "And thanks, (Y/N)." I smile back at him and pat his head. But then Katara gasps and I look at her to see that she was looking elsewhere. I follow her gaze and see an old man with a can walk up to us. I stand up and walk over to meet up with the stranger. "Hey, who are you?" I hear Sokka ask right as I stopped. "Indeed, who are you? Are you friend or foe?" I question him. "I do not wish to cause harm. When I saw the flying bison, I thought it was impossible, but those markings..." He looks pass me and I realize why he's here. I walk him over to Aang, still a little cautious about his intentions. "Are you the Avatar, child?" He asks Aang. Aang looks back at Katara. She nods her head and Aang faces the man again, nodding his head. "My village desperately needs your help." I drop my guard as I hear the tone of his voice.

We then follow the man to his village, only to find some houses wrecked. We entered the building at the end of the village and see a lot of people. "This young person is the Avatar." The old man announces. "So the rumors of your return are true. It is the greatest honor of a lifetime to be in your presence." I middle-aged man approaches and bows to Aang. Must be the leader. "Nice to meet you, too." Aang greets.

It was quiet for a moment. "So, is there something I can help you with?" Aang asks. "Im not sure." Seriously? We came all this way because you need help. "Our village is in crisis. He's our only hope." The old man tells the leader. The leader then nods his head. "For the last few days at sunset, a spirit monster comes and attacks out village. He is Hei Bai, the Black and White Spirit." The old man explains. I look back and see that the sun is getting lower. It will soon be twilight. "Why is it attacking you?" I hear Sokka ask. I turn back around to look at the men. "We do not know. But each of the last 3 nights, he has abducted one of our own." The leader says as he walks pass us and places a hand on one of the doors to the building. "We are especially fearful because the Winter Solstice draws near." He tells us.

"What happens then?" Katara asks. "As the solstice approaches, the Natural World and the Spirit World grow closer and closer, until the line between them is blurred completely." The old man explains. Whoa. "Hei Bai is already causing devastation and destruction. Once the solstice is here, there is no telling what will happen." The leader says, sounding scared. "So what do you want me to do exactly?" Aang asks. "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 spirts." The old man explains. "Oh. That's why you asked for Aang's help." I state out loud. "Right. That's me." Aang says, though he sounded doubtful.

"Hey, Great Bridge Guy. Can I talk to you over here for a second?" Katara says as she and Aang walk off to have a private conversation. I cross my arms as I think. Aang is still learning about how to be the Avatar, and yet there is so much and not a lot of time. I feel it in my gut that he is going to agree in helping the village because of how awful he felt when he saw the destruction of the forest. He thinks it will make up for it. Even if only a little. I look out to see the sunset. I take a deep breath.

Then exhale slowly as I look out a window as Aang was outside. I tune out everything as I focus on Aang. The sun had finally set and the sky had becomes twilight. Aang then did this pose and asked Hei Bai to leave the village alone, even twirling his staff and slamming it in front of him. He then turns around and walks back to us but then a something appears and my eyes widen. Uh-oh. I didn't hear what everyone was saying as I focused on Aang and Hei Bai. It roared at Aang and an eerie glow projected from its mouth. Okay, they're not in a listening mood. It walks past Aang and I equip my knife as it starts to approach us, but not without destroying a building. It then teleports over to another and wrecks it.

It continues its rampage as Aang follows it. I move a little to avoid some of the rubble sent our way. "Maybe we should help him." I blink, close my eyes and shake my head. I open my eyes as I hear people again. "No. Only the Avatar stands a chance against the Hei Bai." The old man says. "Aang will figure out the right thing to do, Sokka." Katara says. But Hei Bai continues to wreck the village. "I think he might need some support." I comment. "I command you turn around now!" They did. Then send Aang back. That ticked me off. "That's it. He needs help." Right there with you, Sokka. "Sokka! (Y/N)! Wait!" I ignore Katara as Sokka opens the doors and we rushed out.

We stop as we see Hei Bai stand over Aang. "Hei Bai. Over here!" Sokka tosses his boomerang and it bounces off Hei Bai. I charge forward, life out. "Sokka! (Y/N)! Go back!" I ignore Aang as I then stab my knife into Hei Bai. I look up at as he faces me. Okay.... Maybe not my best moment.

Third Person P.O.V.

Hei Bai raised an arm then smacks (Y/N) away. (Y/N)!" Aang and Sokka call out to her. She ended up crashing into a building. "You're going to pay for that!" Hei Bai pays no mind to Sokka's words and instead snatches him up then runs out of the village. And gasps but then becomes serious as he grabs his staff and opens the fans to fly after Hei Bai. Katara follows but then stops as she could only watch. "Sokka!" She calls out. She then looks back at the people of the village then looks down in shame. But then she gasps loudly as she turns around and goes into the building (Y/N) was launched into. "(Y/N)!" Katara got on her knees as she grabs and removes some rubble off of the unconscious woman.

Katara places two fingers on (Y/N)'s neck then sighs in relief as she feels a pulse. "Please help! She's hurt!" Katara calls out and some people rush in and help carry the woman. Her (H/C) hair is down as it sways from the movement, it having came undone when Hei Bai smacked her. She sleeps with a peaceful expression on her face. However, no one was aware that as Aang had failed to save Sokka but ended up going into a meditation and project his spirit. (Y/N) was also having a spiritual experience herself.

(Y/N)'s P.O.V.

Oooooooowwwwwww. Man, that spirit packed a punch. I hold a hand to my head as I use my other lift myself up into a sitting position. I have in my head but when I open my eyes, they widen at what I am seeing. I was in a beautiful grotto and with bright light shining down. I then stand up as I look around. "Aang? Katara? Sokka?" I call out. But I don't hear anyone reply back. I then take a step in a random direction but then I see two figures appear. I walk closer and I see that it is man and woman.

They faced away from me and I note that the man had short black hair and the woman had long (H/C) hair that rescued the middle part of her back. It was like mine. I walk closer to them but right as I reach out to them, they vanish. "Huh? Wait. Come back!" I call out. I look around to try and find them again. But I couldn't. I growl, "Great! Just great. I try to help my friend and I end up getting knocked out and now, I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE I AM!!!!" I bellow. I pant from my outburst then breathe deeply and close my eyes as I rub my temples. I then hear a chuckle. "You are quite the feisty one." I snap open my eyes and turn around, only to freeze at who I see.

It can't be.... Before me was none other than Avatar Roku. (Surprise!) But... how? How am I even seeing him? Let alone meeting him?!? I then realize I'm staring at him like an idiot and I shake my head. I bow to him as I hold my fist in front of me in respect. "Now, child, no need for that. Rise." I breathe deeply as I do so and look up at Roku. I swallow some spit before speaking, "How? How am I talking to you?" I ask him. "I mean, if anything, Aang is the one you should be talking to. He already has a lot on his shoulders and you are taking to me?!?" I point at myself for emphasis. Roku chuckles then smiles at me, "I came here to tell you something important. I had sent my companion to help Aang with what he needs to do to connect with me. I had come to you for this may be our only meeting and you must know of something very important." He tells me.

I calm down little and lower my hands. "Know what?" I ask him. He looks at me with a stern face but soft eyes, "That no matter your heritage, no matter what your ancestors have done, their actions do not define you. You decide who you are and what you want to be. You live your own life." He says then disappears and I hold my arm out to him.

Third Person P.O.V.

(Y/N) awakens as she sits up and a woman, who was looking after her, gasps from her sudden wake. (Y/N) then gets up as she grabs her knife and walks over out the doors. She sees the people outside and she sees Sokka. She smiles as she walks over to them. "I hope I'm not interrupting." She says and everyone looks at her in surprise. "(Y/N)!" The group cheer as (Y/N) walks over. Aang and Katara give her a hug and Sokka joins in. They then separate after as they then stand before the leader, who smiled at the touching scene. "Thank you, Avatar. If only there were a way to repay you for what you've done." The leader thanks.

"You could give us some supplies and some money." Sokka says. "Sokka." Katara scolds him. "What? We need stuff." Sokka defends. "He's not wrong." (Y/N) adds. "It would be an honor to help you prepare for your journey." The leader bows. He then walks off to do help organize preparations for the group. "I'm so proud of you, Aang. You figured out what to do it all on your own." Katara says, smiling at Aang. "Actually, I did have a little help." Aang admits. But then becomes serious. "And there's something else." Aang says. A memory of a comet flashes in his mind.

"What is it?" Sokka asks him. "I need to talk to Roku, and I think I found a way to contact his spirit." Aang explains. "That's great. How?" (Y/N) asks him. "There's a temple on a crescent-shaped island, and if I go there on the solstice, I'll be able to speak with him." Aang explains. "But the solstice is tomorrow." Katara informs. "Yeah, and there's one more problem. The island is in the Fire Nation." Aang says. Katara and Sokka's eyes widen at that. (Y/N) holds a hand to her face as she groans. "And here I thought it sounded too easy." She says sarcastically.

(Y/N)'s P.O.V.

So, while I was unconscious, Aang found out that Hei Bai is the spirit of the forest that was burned down. Aang was able to calm the spirit, whose true form is actually a giant panda, by giving them the acorn Katara gave him. Sokka and the people taken were freed and after learning about how we need to go into the Fire Nation to get Aang to contact Roku, he's trying to leave with Appa. Without Katara, Sokka and I. Yeah. Like that's gonna happen.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Katara asks me. Honestly, I ache all over. But I'm not letting that stop me. I finish putting up my hair then answer her "You'd be surprised how some sleep can help a lot." Me being in the Spirit World, it was the only logical answer, and meeting Roku was a lot and I still wondered who those people were. But that is not important right now. We then approach Aang as he tries to get Appa to go, but the big guy was sitting down and not moving. "So get your big butt off the ground and let's go!" Aang tries again but ends up falling onto the ground.

"I think his big butt is trying to tell you something." Sokka says. "Please don't go, Aang. The world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation. Neither can I." Katara tries to reason with him. Aang looks away with a frown and I walk over and bend down as I place my hands on his shoulders. He gives me his attention. "Listen. Even if you are the Avatar, you still have a lot to learn. And we are going to help you wether you like it or not." I state, giving him a stern stare. He looks away then stands up and I almost fell onto my back but was able to balance myself and stand up, "But I have to talk to Avatar Roku to find out what my vision means. I need to get to the Fire Temple before the sun sets on the solstice. That's today!" Aang states, then hops onto Appa. He looks back then Appa walks forward.

I get in front of Appa and he stops. "Do you really want to leave us behind?" I ask him as I pet his head. He growls. "Yeah, that's what I thought." I replied. "We're not letting you go into the Fire Nation, Aang." I look back as Katara an Sokka stand in front of us. "At least not without your friends. We got your back." Sokka states as he crosses his arms with a smirk. I then step aside as Appa gives a big lick to Sokka. I cover my mouth to keep myself from bursting out laughing. "It's a long journey to the crescent island. You'll have to fly fast to have any chance of making it before sundown. Good luck." The leader says, giving Aang some supplies. "Thank you for your-" "Go!" Already in the saddle. Appa takes off and we are now dead set on making it to the Fire Temple.

We covered a lot of distance and the sun was now rising as we cross the sea. "Come on, boy. We've got a long way to go. Faster!" Aang says. Appa grunts but flies faster. "He's doing the best he can, Aang. We all know how important it is for you to talk to Roku." I tell him. I then switched with Katara, because she is better at handling a distressed Aang, as I move to sit at the back of the saddle. I look down, though the clouds made it difficult for o see a little. But then I see something. A black dot. Nope.... No, that's Zuko's ship. ZUKO'S SHIP?!?

Zuko's P.O.V.

"There they are." I find the Avatar's bison in the clouds as they fly towards the Fire Nation. After my uncle was kidnapped by some earthbenders, I saw the bison and immediately followed after it. But the Avatar is heading towards the Fire Nation. It has been 3 years since I was banished, but my father would understand why I would return. "Helmsman, full steam ahead." I order. He's not getting away this time. I look through the telescope again, but then I see her. Focus! The Avatar is more important.

Third Person P.O.V.

"Guys, trouble!" (Y/N) exclaims, upon seeing the ship increase in speed. "Yeah, and it's gaining fast!" Sokka adds. The a catapult is lifted up onto the deck. One soldier pours a flammable liquid onto a rock that was loaded and ready to be sent flying while one stands ready with a sword to launch it. Iroh stands next to Zuko as he uses a fan to blow away the smell of the liquid. "Really, Prince Zuko, couldn't you shoot them down with something more fragrant?" Iroh asks. Zuko only grunts as he shot fire and light the rock on fire. He raised his hand, "On my mark. Fire!" He orders, the soldier with the sword swings down the weapon and cuts the rope, sending the rock flying at Appa. "Incoming!" "Fire Ball!" (Y/N) and Katara exclaim.

"I'm on it!" Aang pulls the reins and turned Appa in time, the fire ball flying pass them. "We have to get out of Zuko's range before he shoots another hot sticker at us!" Katara stares as she and the others try to block out the stench from the fire ball. "Can't you make Appa go any faster?" Sokka asks. "Yeah, but there's just one little problem." Aang says as he and the group look ahead. (Y/N)'s eyes widen then her expression shifts into a bored one. "Of course."

"A blockade." Zuko says, his eyes yes widening at the ships patrolling the border of the Fire Nation. "Technically, you are still in Earth Kingdom waters. Turn back now and they cannot arrest you." Iroh tells Zuko as she strokes his beard. Zuko only gives him a glare.

"If we fly north, we can go around the Fire Nation ships and avoid the blockade. It's the only way." Aang says, looking back at the others. "There's no time!" Katara counters. "This is exactly why I didn't want you to come it's too dangerous!" Aang states. But then leans forward as his eyes widen in surprise as (Y/N) gets in his face. "Dangerous or too dangerous, you weren't leaving without us no matter what. And we are going to charge through that blockade in a somewhat straight line because we are on a time limit." She states firmly then gets back in the saddle. "(Y/N)'s right. You are not facing this alone." Katara tells Aang. "Let's run this blockade." Sokka says. "And with that, FULL BISON AHEAD!" (Y/N) bellows. "Appa, Yip Yip!" Aang commands. Appa grunts as he flies even faster.

"He's not turning around." Zuko says as he watches them. "Please, Prince Zuko. If the Fire Nation captures you, there is nothing I can do. Do not follow the Avatar." Iroh begs Zuko. But the scarred prince looks away from him as he bows his head and close his eyes. "I'm sorry, Uncle." He apologizes to Iroh. "Run the blockade!" He orders.

"The Avatar..." A man says on one of the ships in the blockade. He looks through a telescope as he sees Appa then to find Zuko's ship charging towards the blockade. "And the Banished Prince. This must be my lucky day." The man says. He is a middle-aged man with having side-burns. "Command Zhao, what are your orders?" A soldier asks the man, now known as Zhao. "Shoot the bison down, captain." He orders. "But there's a Fire Navy ship out there, sir. One of our own." The captain points out. "What if it's hit?" He asks. "So be it. It belongs to a traitor." Zhao responds., not noticing the captain taking a step back. "Ignite!" Zhao orders. A soldier lights a rock on fire and others do as well. "Launch!" Zhao orders.

Numerous fire balls are launched. The group yell in distress. Appa maneuvers to avoid getting hit, Aang doing the best he can to dodge. One explodes and Appa flies through it, some patches of his fur catching fire. He growls in discomfort. (Y/N), Katara, Sokka and Momo pat them down to put the fires out. "Appa, are you okay?" Aang asks his friend. Appa grunts in response and Aang pulls on the reins to command Appa to go up into the clouds. The fire balls land around Zuko's ship and one landed close and caused water to splash onto the deck. But they then got hit at the back, a fire breaking out. "Prince Zuko, the engines are damaged! We need to stop and make repairs." One repair says to Zuko. "Do not stop this ship." Zuko orders, turning around to face ahead.

"Launch!" Zhao commands, and more fire balls are sent flying. As they break through the clouds, fire balls emerged in front of the group. They scream as they all hold on for fear life. Two collide and cause an explosion and Appa grunts in distress and Sokka lost his grip as he sent flying back, but (Y/N) grabs his ankle and pulls him back into the saddle. But then Appa dodged another fire ball and (Y/N) lost her balance as she falls off Appa and disappears in the clouds. "(Y/N)!" Aang shouts as he makes Appa dive. (Y/N) feels her heart beat incredibly fast as she watches with wide eyes as she sees the water get closer. But Appa then appears under her, Katara and Sokka and hold onto the saddle as they extend their arms out for her to grab. She grabs onto them and she is saved.

More fire balls are launched and Zappa continues to evade them. As the ships get closer, Zhao hold his arm up to some soldiers as a single fire ball is lit. "Ready." Two ships form a barrier as Appa charges ahead. "Fire!" He orders. The fire ball launches. But Aang jumps off Appa and kicks his foot out to blow a heavy wind at the fire ball. Extinguishing it and smashing it from the center. Aang then realizes his situation and flails a little until he lands back on Appa, Katara and Sokka holding onto to him as Appa flies past the ships. (Y/N) looks back and as her face then breaks into a small smile. She takes calming breathes to steady her heart rate. "We made it!" Aang cheers. "We got into the Fire Nation. Great." Sokka says, sounding nervous as he and Katara have looks of disbelief on their faces. "But we lived." (Y/N) says, sighing in relief.

(Y/N)'s P.O.V.

We did it. We actually did it. I rest on my back as I try to keep myself from passing out. But it was fun free-falling. We fly for a long while. "There it is!" I get up and move to be at the front of the saddle. My eyes widen in amazement at the island. "The island where Roku's dragon took me." I hear Aang said. It really is shaped like a crescent. It even had an active volcano, lava flowing down the sides. But then I squint to see a staircase and see it lead to a building. The Fire Temple. We made it.

We ended up landing near the base of the stairs. I give Appa some pets. "You did it, buddy. Nice flying." Aang tells him. I step back as Appa lays on his side and I smile, walking over and giving him some belly rubs. "That will do, Appa. That will do." I say to him. "Oh, you must be tired." I hear Katara say. "No, I'm good. Refreshed and ready to fight some firebenders." Seriously, Sokka? I roll my eyes as I stop rubbing Appa's belly. "Okay, then. Hope you don't mind singed butt." I joke. "I won't..... Hey!" I smirk. "Guys, come on. We need to keep moving." Aang says. I stop smirking as I get serious and I nod my head.

We walk up the stairs and I immediately notice that there are no guards. It feels kind of empty. "I don't see any guards." Sokka says as we look over a barrier. "The Fire Nation must have abandoned the temple when Avatar." Katara says. But I frown as I think. "No. If Roku's dragon brought Aang here then it must mean that it is of great importance. Tread lightly." I said. "It's almost sundown. We'd better hurry." Aang says, jumping over the barrier as he rushes forward. I look to see the sun almost set behind the mountains then look ahead as we all enter the temple.

We then enter a grand room and I have to admit, it is something. We carefully move forward, "Wait." We stop. "I think I heard something." Sokka says. We all look back and see five men in some robe-looking uniforms. "We are the Fire Sages, guardians of the Temple of the Avatar." The man in the middle says. "Great. I am the Avatar." Aang, for real? "We know." The man then shoots fire and I think quick. I take out my fans, open them and fan block the fire. I then feel wind blow from behind me. "I'll hold them off. Run!" Aang says. I close my fans and then run after Katara and Sokka.

I catch up to them easily then Aang appears from a doorway in front of us. "Follow me!" We do as he says. "Do you know where you're going?" Not now, Sokka! "Nope." Aang turns a corner. "Who cares?!? Run!" I shout. I know I'm acting weird, but we are in the Fire Nation, in a building of the Fire Nation, and are now being hunted down by firebenders! I'm still a little stressed from almost dying earlier! "Wrong way!" I stop and jump out of the way as Aang goes the opposite way. A fire safe appears. Shoot! "Come back!" Not happening!  We keeping running but end up in a dead end. Double shoot!

I stop and stand in front of the others as I open my fans and assume a fighting stance. I glare down the fire sage. "I don't want to fight you. I am a friend." The man says. "Firebenders aren't our friends." I hear Sokka say. The man steps forward so close one of my fans and point it in the man's face to make him stop. "Not another step. Unless you don't want to get your butt kicked or blown across the other side of the hall, prove that you are a friend." I state. He then steps back then gets onto his knees as he bows before us. My eyes widen a little at that. "I know why you're here, Avatar." The man says. I feel a hand on my shoulder and look to see Aang. He gives me a nod and I look at the man then I step back. "You do?" Aang asks him. "Yes. You wish to speak to Avatar Roku. I can take you to him."The man replies as he stands up.

"How?" Aang questions. The man then moves a lantern on the wall and places his hand on a hole. He bends fire into it and a door appears. Secret passage! I have always wanted to see one. "This way." He says. We were all still hesitant. "Find him!" But then I heard another voice. Secret passage it is! I put away my fans as I push the others. "Go, go, go." They go in and I follow them. Momo lands on my head as the man follow then closes the door. "Thank you." I say to him. "No need to thank me." He says. He then walks forward and we all follow him.

Zuko's P.O.V.

I grip the railings tightly. He let us though. Why did Zhao let us through? He always thought of me as a failure, but he didn't stop me. "What's up to, Uncle? Why didn't Commander Zhao arrest me?" I ask my uncle. "Because he wants to follow you. He know you'll lead him to the prize you're both after. The Avatar." Like that is going to happen. "If Zhao wants to follow our trail of smoke, then that's exactly what I'll let him do." Zhao thinks I am just a kid. A pathetic little excuse of a leader. Well, he's got another thing coming.

(Y/N)'s P.O.V.

"Avatar Roku once called this temple his home. He formed these secret passages out of the magma." The fire sage tells us. I look around the area and it is something. To think these passage ways were made by Roku. Roku. I still have a hard time believing that I got to talk with him. The man then says how his grandfather knew Avatar Roku and that fire sages have a strong spiritual connection to this place. The man then said how much he statue of Avatar Roku's eyes glowed a few weeks back and my eyes widen at that information. "That's when we were at the Air Temple." Katara says. "When Aang went into the Avatar State." I say out loud.

"At that moment, we knew you had returned to the world." The man says. "If this is the Avatar's temple, why did the sages attack me?" Aang asks. "Probably because they got tired of waiting." I say out loud. "(Y/N)." I ignore Katara's scolding tone. "Actually she is not wrong. 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." The sage explains. "They were waiting for me." Aang says. "Hey, don't feel bad. You're only 100 years late. Ow!" I smack Sokka's head. "Not. Helping." I scold, crossing my arms. "They lost hope that the Avatar would ever return. When Fire Lord Sozin began The War, my grandfather and the other sages were forced to follow him." The sage explains. Sozin began The War. Hmph. I have a few choice words for that guy for throwing the world into a horrible mess.

"I never wanted to serve the Fire Lord." I frown in sympathy for the sage. He genuinely sounded tired and disappointed. "When I learned you were coming, I knew I would have to betray the other sages." This man is of Fire Nation, but he's not like the rest. Or like the ones bent on destroying and conquering. "Thank you for helping me." Aang thanks him and the sage smiles. We then go up a spiral staircase that would lead us to the sanctuary. The sage told Aang that once he entered, he had to wait for the light to hit Roku's statue so he could talk to him. The safe then removes a tile and we enter a room.

I look around the place, noting the carved-dragons making up the pillars. I hear a gasp and look to ahead to see a pair of doors with five dragon heads and the a fire symbol on it. "Shyu, what's wrong?" Oh, that's his name. Didn't hear it before. "The Sanctuary doors- They're closed." Shyu says. Oh. Well, that's not good. "Can't you just open them with firebending, like you opened the other door?" I roll my eyes, crossing my arms at Katara's suggestion. "I think it's going to take more than one firebender based off of Shyu's earlier statement." I sass. "Indeed. Only a fully realized Avatar is powerful enough to open this door alone. Otherwise, the sages must open the doors together with 5 simultaneous fire blasts." Shyu explains.

"5 fire blasts, huh? I think I can help with." I look over at Sokka as he said that. Oh. And he had that look. I know that look. We then took down some lanterns and took out the oil in them and used them to filled some pouches. "This is a little trick I picked up from my father. I place the lamp oil inside an animal skin casing. Shyu lights the oil-soaked twine, and Ta Da! Fake firebending." Sokka explains. "You've really outdone yourself this time, Sokka." I hear Katara comment as I smirk at Sokka's ingenuity. "This might actually work." Maybe.

Aang, Katara and I hid behind pillars as Sokka placed the bags in the mouths of the locks. "The sages will hear the explosions, so as soon as they go off, you rush in." Shyu tells Aang. Sokka then runs over and hides behind the pillar Katara is at. "It's almost sunset, are you ready?" Katara asks Aang. "Definitely." Aang answers. I pat his shoulder to encourage him. Shyu then lit the twine and he hurried over to me and Aang. They then explode and I lean back to hide behind the pillar to avoid the blast. Aang ran forward but when he tried to open it, but it was still locked. "They're still locked!" I walk up to the doors as I trace my hands along the burn marks. "It didn't work."

Then Aang started blowing air at it. "Why. Won't. It. Open?! Uh!" "Aang! Enough!" I exclaim at him. "Aang, stop! There's nothing else we can do." Katara says. I tune out what they say as I continue to look at the burn marks. This door has a similar design and mechanism like the one at the Air Temple. Maybe the blasts needed to be longer to work? "That blast looked as strong as any firebender I've seen." Looked... Looked! "That's it!" I pound my fist into my palm. "What is?" I turn around to face the others. "It's like Sokka said, that looked as strong as any firebender. And if we make the other sages think that Aang is already in there..." I trial off, hoping they would get it. I see Katara smile, "They will open doors to stop him." "Exactly." I snap my fingers. "I'm still a little lost." Aang says. I smirk at him, "Trust us." I tell him.

After going through the plan, I was with Aang as we wait for the other sages. "I sure hope this works." He says. I give him a pat on the shoulder. "It will." I tell him. It has to. Shyu told the other sages that Aang was in there. Good thing they still think he's loyal to the Fire Nation. He pointed to a shadow peaking out from under the doors. Thank you, Momo. Momo was able to find a way in thanks to his size. We watch as the sages shoot fire. So it was a longer time. The locks then turn and the pieces of the fire symbol move too and the doors open.

But then I feel an arm wrap around me and cover my mouth. I look back to find none other than Zuko. He has grabbed Aang's arms with his free hand. "Don't try anything and neither won't get burnt." He says to us both. His mouth was close to my ear and that she's chills-What?!? No! Not now! "Aang, now's your chance!" I hear Katara. Zuko then forced us to walk with him as we move away from the pillar. "The Avatar's coming with me." He says. I watch as the other sages apprehend them. "Close the doors. Quickly!" Screw it! I bit Zuko's hand and he yells. I then twist out of his hold and force him to kneel as I hold his arm. "Aang! Go!" Aang wasted no time and and ran to the door. I watch, holding my breath as they just about close. He makes it. The doors shut and I sigh in relief.

"Eep!" I squeak as fall onto my back and look up to see an angry Zuko. "You bit me." He states. "Eh, I've bitten harder. Be lucky I didn't draw blood." I joke. But then a bright light appears and I look to see it come from behind the doors. Whoa. But then I grunt as I am grabbed and forced onto my feet. I am then lead to Sokka and Katara. "You bit me." Zuko repeats. "Yeah, but you kicked me. I'd say that makes us even now." I joke. I was then tied up with chains as Sokka, Katara and I watch as Zuko and the other sages shoot fire, but the door remained shut. "Why isn't it working? It's sealed shut." Zuko says. "It must have been the light. Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside." The oldest sage said. I smirk at that.

"Why did you help the Avatar?" Zuko asks Shyu, who was on his knees and his wrists tied behind his back. "Because it was once the sage's duty. It is still our duty." Shyu answers. But then clapping was heard and I look over to see a man with soldiers follow behind him. He looked to be middle-aged and has sideburns. He looks like an ugly monkey. "What a moving and heartfelt performance. I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand when you explain why you betrayed him." "Command Zhao." That's this poser's name? Not impressed. "And, Prince Zuko, it was a noble effort, but your smokescreen didn't work. Two traitors in one day. The Fire Lord will be pleased." What? Two? Then some soldiers grab Zuko's arms. "You're too late, Zhao. The Avatar's inside, and the doors are sealed." Zuko tells this Zhao guy. "No matter. Sooner or later, he has to come out." Zhao says.

I raise a brow at his arrogance. "And you'll be humiliated." I say out loud. He then looks at me. "Excuse me?" "You heard me. You do not understand the power the Avatar wields. And I bet after his talk with Roku, he will be even more so." I state. Okay, while Aang may be a kid but he is an amazing bender. Those winds earlier blew hard. Zhao then walks over and glares down at me. "What is your name?" I give him a glare back. "That is none of your business. From what I have seen, you think you've already won. But trust me when I say that this is far from over." I declare. We glare down a little longer by then his eyes widen before turning away and walking to stand with the other soldiers. I stop glaring as I wonder why he looked at me like that.

Zuko was then tied to the pillar in front of me. He tries to get out but the chains were too strong. Shyu was also tied next to Katara. I look at Zuko as I think about Zhao's earlier comment. He said two traitors. Why is Zuko a traitor? Does this have to do with him saying he was going home? So many questions.

Third Person P.O.V.

Fire soldiers ready themselves as they prepare to shoot fire. Zhao stands in the center of them, "When those doors open, unleash all your fire power." He orders. "How's Aang gonna make it out of this one?" Katara asks. "How are we gonna make it out of this?" Sokka asks back. (Y/N) remained quiet as she looked at the door. She knows Aang is good, but even a small group of firebenders can be a lot. But she remained firmed in her belief that he can do this.

Meanwhile, in the Sanctuary, Aang's conversation with Roku was coming to an end. He now had more responsibility than ever and felt immense pressure because he was now on a time limit to ending The War. "What if I can't master all the elements in time? What if I fail?" He asks Roku. "I know you can do it, Aang, for you have done it before." Roku smiles assuredly at Aang, and the young airbender smiles back. "The solstice is ending. We must go our separate ways for now." Roku states. "But I won't be able to come back to the temple. What if I have questions? How will I talk to you?" Aang asks him. "I am a part of you. When you need to talk to me again, you will find a way." Roku tells Aang. Roku then closes his eyes as he shows Aang what is waiting for him. "A great danger awaits you at the temple. I can help you face the threat, but only if you are ready." Roku tells Aang. Aang tattoos then glow as he opens his eyes, entering the Avatar State. "I'm ready." He states, his eyes glowing.

The a bright light glows from behind the doors as they then open. The room then gets filled with a fog. Sokka, Katara and Shyu close their eyes and turn away from the bright light along with Zuko, but (Y/N) squints her eyes to see. "Ready..." Zhao says. A pair of glowing eyes appears from the shadows. "No! Aang!" Katara cries out as Sokka tries to break free. "Fire!" Zhao orders, shooting fire and his soldiers follow him. However, the flames are bended and it is revealed to be Avatar Roku doing it.

Everyone became shocked at what they are seeing. "Avatar Roku!" Shyu breathes out in awe and shock. (Y/N) watches with wide and amazed eyes at seeing the previous Avatar bend the fire, let alone manifest for Aang to use. Roku then bends the fire and sends a wave of it outwards. It pushes back Zhao and his soldiers but melts the chains, freeing Shyu, Sokka, Katara, (Y/N) and Zuko. But Zuko immediately runs away. Roku blasts a open hole then looks over at the other sages and they run away to avoid his wrath along with the rest of the soldiers and Zhao. "Avatar Roku is going to destroy the temple. We have to get out of here!" Shyu says. "Not without Aang!" Katara argues. Roku then creates a crack throughs the floor by melting it with heat then summons the lava from under the temple to rise.

Lava erupts and the temple is now coming apart. (Y/N), Sokka, and Katara all hold onto each other then when it stopped they look back at Roku, who breathes deeply as he lowers his hands. The solstice ends and the smoke forms around Roku. When it disappears, Aang appears but then starts to fall. (Y/N), Katara and Sokka hurry over to him. Aang grunts from the excitement of earlier. "We got your back." Sokka says. He and Katara raising Aang up with his arms. "Thanks. Where's Shyu?" Aang asks. "I don't know." Katara answers.

The temple then started to sink and (Y/N) looked down the stairs to find lava rising. "We can't go down!" She states. Then a pillar falls and the group hurry over to the hole in the wall. They all frown as the jump would kill them but then gasp as they see Momo, who had left earlier, fly to them with Appa following. (Y/N) smiles widely at seeing the sky bison. "Jump!" She shouts. The group down, sliding down the roof and hopping onto Appa. The bison then flew off and the group look back as the Fire Temple becomes engulfed in smog.

(Y/N)'s P.O.V.

We did it. I sigh in relief and look over at Aang. But he looks distressed. After some flying and when the moon was high up in the sky, he told about the comet. And how he needed to master the elements by the end of summer. No words were said after that. We all comfort Aang to show that he is not alone.

(Okay. Over 8,500 words. I hope you have enjoyed. I will be taking a real break now. Got work to do outside of books. Okay, see ya later!)