The sky was plastered with beautiful shades of tangerine and light yellow as the morning sun rose into the sky, it's light shining onto a small beach where a busy Aang and Azula who were currently loading up their supplies onto Appa. Aang chattering away to Azula about their next destination. "Just wait till you see it Azula," Aang said excitedly as he tightened the reigns on Appa's horns. "The Southern Air Temple is a very beautiful place."

"I'd imagine so," Azula replied as she placed her sleeping bag at the back of the saddle before turning to look at Aang, a frown on her face. "Aang, " Azula said gaining Aang's attention. "I realize you're excited, but you should realize it has been a hundred years since you were last there... Alot can change in that amount of time."

"Yeah, I know," Aang replied. "But I have to see it for myself." Aang then jumped down from Appa's head down to the floor, all while Azula gave a sad frown thinking of what Aang may find in the Air Temple.

Aang made his to the left side of Appa where a slumbering Zuko still lay, his hair spread all around his head draping over his sleeping bag and some of the sand. "Hey, Zuko, Its time to wake up." Zuko groaned as a response. "C'mon, it's the Air Temple."

"I don't know whats more unnatural, the fact you two are up so early or the fact you two expect me to be up just as early?" Zuko mumbled just loud enough for both Aang and Azula to hear.

"Oh, come now Zuzu," Azula teased as she made her way down from Appa's back. "Aren't we fire benders supposed to rise and fall with the sun?"

"Whats you're point?" Zuko mumbled.

"My point is, shouldn't you be up by now?" Azula stated.

"Just because I'm a fire bender and I am one with the sun, doesn't mean I'll wake up the second the sun shows it's self." Zuko said matter of factly. "So how about you just give me a bit more time for sleeping, and then later we can go to the Temple." And with that, Zuko went back to sleep.

"Huh, sloth." Azula said while glaring at her brother.

"Well, what now?" Aang asked. Azula seemed to contemplate the question before a devious smirk began to play on Azula's lips. "I think I might have an idea." Azula then leaned into whisper something into Aang's ear. Once Aang heard what was said, an equally devious yet very goofy grin appeared on his face. Then without a single word, Azula and Aang headed off leaving a sleeping Zuko to wait for a terrible fate.

Zuko began to stir when he felt a set of constant movement. Finally after a few minutes Zuko decided to open his eyes, as he did so he found himself looking up at a clear sky something that he found very pleasing. Sitting up and stretching, Zuko looked around at his surroundings and found himself staring at endless miles of water. It took Zuko a minute or two before realization dawned upon him, but when it did his eyes grew wide and he gave a loud shout of embarrassment, fear and anger. Meanwhile back on the small beach, both Aang and Azula were in the middle of a fit of laughter that only increased when they saw how Zuko had reacted to their little prank of putting Zuko on a small raft made of bamboo and setting him out to sail. "AANG, AZULA THIS ISN'T FUNNY!" Zuko shouted. "Oh, whats the matter Zuzu?!" Azula shouted back mockingly. "Can't handle a little joke?!" This was followed by more indignant shouting from Zuko who tried to find some way to get himself back to shore.

"You think we should go get him?" Aang asked a bit unsure.

"Nah, we have time." Azula replied shaking her head. "Besides, he was the one who wanted a bit more time to sleep, now he can use the currents to rock him back to sleep."

Aang looked at Zuko off in the distance then back towards Azula. "You sure?" As he asked that, Zuko could be seen falling off the small raft and into the water. "Yeah, don't worry about it." Azula assured still very amused by the sight of her brother flopping around trying to get back on the raft.

The harbor docks in the Earth Kingdom showed a multitude of enormous black war ships with tribal engravings, all of which dwarfed and eclipsed the wrecked scout ship that Princess Katara had just arrived on. "I want the repairs on the ship to be quick," Katara said as she, Bato, Pakku and Yasei made their way down the ship to the harbor. "I don't want to be here longer than we have to be, and risk losing his trail."

"You mean the Ava-" Bato started but was quickly cutt off by Katara.

"Don't say his name out loud," Katara stated turning to face her masters. "If it were to be made public that he was still alive, every water bender in the Mizu Empire will be on the hunt for his head."

"Really, and, the hunt for who's head would that be exactly?" Asked a very familiar voice that startled Katara and her two masters. What they saw was a middle aged man who looked to be the same age as Bato, but slightly older, with two braided dreads behind his ears and a full goatee on his chin stride his way towards them. Said man was being flanked by a beautiful young woman with snow white hair and kind light blue eyes.

"Captain Arnook. Yue." Katara recognized and bowed her head toward the young woman named Yue who returned the gesture with a friendly gentle smile.

"It's commander now, actually." Arnook corrected as he stopped right in front of Katara then bowed to Bato and Pakku. "General Bato, Master Pakku."

"Retired general, Commander." Bato corrected.

"My apologies. Well, Two great warriors of our mighty Empire and the daughter of the Mizu Emperor, not to mention sister of my daughters future husband are always welcomed guests of mine." Arnook said politely. "Yet, the sudden appearance begs me to ask the question. Tell me, what brings you to my harbor?"

"Our ship needs repairs." Answered Pakku, causing Arnook and Yue to look up to the wrecked scout ship.

"That's quite a bit of damage." Commented Yue, completely baffled by the amount of damage that was shown. "How exactly did this happen?" Added Arnook, his brow arched.

"Uh, well, you see, it's truly an unbelievable tale..." Katara began but paused for a moment when she couldn't come up with anything to say. "... Bato, why don't you tell the commander what happened." Said Katara, surprising Bato completely.

"Uh, right..." Bato said, looking for any lie in his mind that would sound believable. "It was amazing..." Bato leaned slightly to the left and whispered to Pakku. "Hey, whiskers, help me out here." Now it was Pakku who was surprised, as he looked to Bato and made gestures that said he had nothing to contribute. Bato then turned to Yasei who simply shrugged. "U-uh, we actually... crashed... I, think?.."

"You, think?" Arnook asked confused.

"Yeah, I hit my head pretty hard," Bato lied. "Blunt force trauma will do that to you." He added.

"Right..." Arnook replies still rather confused. "So, you crashed?"

"Yes! Into an Earth Kingdom ship non-the-less." Katara added.

Arnook raised a skeptical brow at the little lie, not sure if he could really believe it 'No. "Really, well then, you should fill me in on you're... little run in with more detail. How about you all join me for a meal, I'd imagine you're famished from being out at sea for so long, you've most likely forgot what real food taste's like." Arnook offered, a mocking smirk on his lips as he spoke.

Katara simply glared at the man before answering. "I apologies, commander, but we're on a tight schedule." She stated turning to leave but was soon stopped when she felt Bato's hand on her shoulder.

"Princess Katara, show the Commander some respect." Bato scolded.

"We would be honored to join you for a meal, Commander." Stated Pakku.

Katara scowled to herself, and did everything she could to not show how infuriated she was with the situation, there were a lot of people in the world Katara didn't like but Arnook she completely despised, and for good reason, she knew his mocking attitude was set on her. What she wouldn't give to wipe the smirk off the mans face. Letting out a deep and irritated sigh, she attempted to calm herself. Soon enough, Arnook led Bato and Pakku off towards a few tents. Katara stayed behind and stopped Yasei. "Stay here, and make sure everything is repaired quickly and efficiently." She commanded, Yasei simply nodded before turning to make his way back onto the ship. As Katara turned to follow her masters, she found herself face to face with Yue who simply gave her a gentle smile. "What? I haven't seen you in forever and all you give me is a mere nod?" Yue questioned playfully. A small hernest smile appeared on Katara's face when she heard the question. Then without a second thought went over and gave the young woman an embrace in the form of a hug. "It's good to see you." Saise Yue. "It's good to see you to." Katara replies. Then when releasing each other from the hug, they both headed off in the direction their elders had gone in, making small talk as they went.

Aang was steering Appa through the sky an excited smile plastered on his face. Meanwhile behind him, Azula sat reading the map they were using to navigate, every now and again she would direct her sight to Aang and give a frown from the unpleasant feeling she had for what was sure to come. Also meanwhile and the far end of the saddle, Zuko glared at his sister and the Avatar, soaking wet, freezing, and very angry from their little prank.

Azula caught a glimpse of her brothers glare, and rolled her eyes. "Oh, for Agni's sake," Azula stated in an irritated tone. "Would you stop pouting like a child already, you're 16 for crying out loud!"

"You put me on a piece of wood and left me in the ocean, while you and Mr. happy shits over there, laughed!" Zuko retorted.

"Well, you should have gotten you're lazy ass up, when we told you to!" Azula shot back. "Besides, you owed me for what you did on our little fishing trip." Azula added casually returning her gaze to the map in front of her.

"Y-yeah, well... Shut up!" Zuko demanded, making Azula smirk triumphantly.

After a few minutes, Zuko began rummaging through their supplies, but failed to find what he was looking for. "Hey, guys, wheres the food?" He asked.

Aang immediately stiffened and blinked a few times before answering. "Oh, I knew there was something I forgot."

Zuko's face dropped with disbelief. "You forgot to pack our food?!" He stated, unable to hide his increasing anger. "How do you forget to pack food?!"

"The same way you forget your a fire bender who can use fire bending to dry himself off." Aang simply replied, causing Azula to try her hardest to hold back from bursting out in laughter, and caused Zuko to simply glare at him.

Aang ignored the glaring teen as his excitement increased as he could make out a mountain range, one very familiar to him. "Look, the Patola mountain range, we're almost there!" He exclaimed.

Azula, hearing this, decided to make her way down off the saddle toward Aang, a worried frown on her face as she did so. "Aang..." Azula starts, seriously. "I want to talk to you about the air benders."

"What about them?" Aang asks.

"Well, you see..." Azula tried to bring herself to just tell him, but the words just wouldn't come out. "I just think you should prepare for what you may see. The Mizu Empire are... they're monsters. They took my mother away from us, and have killed thousands upon thousands of Innocent people... They may have done the same to yours."

Aang seemed to contemplate the question for a minute before answering. "Just because no-one has seen an air bender, doesn't mean the empire killed them all, they probably just escaped." Aang concluded.

Azula sighed. "Aang, you need to listen..." She began but was quickly cut off by Aang.

"You don't understand Azula, the only way anyone can get to an Air temple, is on a flying bison. And I doubt the Empire has any flying bison, right buddy?" Aang said, directing his last question to Appa who gave a low grunt.

Azula simply sighed, not knowing what else to really say. "Well then, let's hope your right." She saise before turning to look forward. Azula momentarily looked back and saw Zuko look at her and Aang with a worry and uncertain face.

"You guys might wanna hang on!" Aang exclaimed. Then before Azula could ask why, she found herself hanging on to Appa with a tight grip as the bison accelerated up the mountain range and then began to slow down as they reached the top. What they found was a valley surrounding a peak with a huge temple built into the mountain, among other things.

"Wow, it's breath taking." Azula comments as she stared in awe at the structure, behind her Zuko could only do the same.

"We're home buddy." Aang said to Appa, a soft smile playing on his face.

"By the end of this year,the Earth Kingdom and it's biggest safe haven cities will be under the Empire's control," Arnook stated as he took a sip from his cup at the head of the small table, then continued. "Then, the Mizu Empire will be all that stands, and the Mizu Emperor will finally claim ultimate victory in this war."

"If my father thinks the world will simply lay down and roll over to his will," Katara snaps, as she looks at the food before her. "Then he is a fool with high hopes."

"I see your time at sea has done little to improve your... little attitude." Arnook commented taking a bite out of his food. Katara glared at the man from the corner of her eye, knowing very well what he implied with the subliminal. "So, how has your search for the Avatar been going?"

Bato began to cough uncontrollably, as he nearly choked on a piece of food he failed to chew when Arnooks question caught him off guard. "Are you alright?" Yue asks with concern. Bato merely nodded and attempted to force a smile but continued coughing.

"We haven't found him yet." Katara answered as she looked from Bato and then back to Arnook.

"Can't really say I'm surprised," Arnook shrugged as he took another sip from his cup. "Even the inept would realize that the Avatar died a hundred years ago, along with the rest of the Air benders." Arnook paused as he saw how Katara made an indignant face, which prompted him to ask his next question. "Unless, you've discovered something that says otherwise?"

"No," Katara easily lied. "Not a single thing."

Arnook frowned at the response. "Princess Katara, the Avatar is the only threat left that can stand in the way of the Empire," Arnook reminded the Princess who didn't even bother to look at the man as he spoke, finding her nails far more interesting. "If you still have an ounce of loyalty to the Empire, you would tell me anything you found on the chance of the Avatars survival."

"First of all, never question my loyalty, commander," Katara stated, finally looking up from her nails to meet Arnooks glare with one of her own. "And second, as I have sated before, we've found nothing. Like you said, even the inept would realize he died a hundred years ago."

Both individuals continued to glare at one-another before Katara decided to stand. "Well then, I believe we have overstayed our welcome. Thank you for the meal, Master Pakku, Bato, lets go." She saise as she begins to walk to the exit, but is stopped by two warriors clad in armor who block the exit with their bodies.

"Commander," A young woman announced as she entered the tent from a separate entrance. "We interrogated the Princess's crew as you had requested, and they confirmed that Princess Katara had the Avatar in custody, but allowed him to escape."

Katara could only scowl and clench her fist as the woman spoke.

Arnook on the other hand, gave a smirk. "So, Princess," He mocked. "Do tell me again, how exactly did your ship get damaged?"

When they landed, Aang immediately hopped off Appa and began to sprint up the path that led to the air temple, Azula and Zuko followed closely behind. Azula marveled at everything she saw, amazed with the sights. Meanwhile Zuko scowled as he shook from the cold, even after he put on a warm coat, and scowled after he felt his stomach growl.

"We are some of the first outsiders to ever step foot in an air temple," Azula sighed with irritation when she saw her brothers expression. "And all you can do is pout about being cold and hungry, seriously Zuzu, sometimes I wonder if your a 16 year old boy or a 16 year old girl."

"What's that supposed to mean!?" Zuko snapped in an indignant tone of voice.

"It means you whine and mope around more then the average teen, that's what I mean."

"Its called having strong emotions." Zuko stated with a glare.

Azula scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Maybe thats what you call it, but I call it being a whiny bitch." She stated matter of factley.

Zuko was about to retort Azula's statement, when Aang's voice calling to them caught both siblings attention. "Hey, guys, look. This is where me and my friends would play air ball, and over there is where the bison would sleep, and..." Aang stopped, his tone growing less excited as he informed the siblings. Both Azula and Zuko looked at Aang with concern.

"Whats the matter?" Azula asks after Aang failed to continue.

Aang sighed. "This place used to be filled with Monks, lemurs and bison... but now," Aang paused again staring into the distance. "I can't believe how much every things changed."

Both Azula and Zuko looked at each other for a second, a similar expression on each others face. "So," Zuko said, trying to lighten things up a bit. "This air ball game, how exactly do you play?"

Aangs demeanor brightened almost instantly after the question. A few minutes later Zuko found himself trying to balance himself on a wooden beam as he prepared to block the air ball Aang was currently spinning around with air on the other side of the field. Then Aang threw the ball up in the air, as it came down he gave it a spinning kick that gave it a push with a gust of wind. Zuko watched as the ball made its way towards him, hitting several posts before it impacted with Zuko on his still injured chest, this sent Zuko flying back through his goal post and down to the ground onto a mound of snow a few feet from where an amused Azula was spectating. Aang cheerfully laughed at his victory. "Aang 7, Zuko 0!" He exclaimed.

"I thought this would be less painful," Zuko groaned. "Especially after the way he explained the game..." Zuko cut himself off when he saw something peeking out of the snow. slowly he made his way towards it, and his eyes grew wide with horror. "Azula," He hissed, Azula turned to look at Zuko with raised eyebrows. Zuko motioned her to come over to where he was. When Azula got there she saw what Zuko was trying to show her. It was a Grey metal helmet in the form of a wolfs head, it was the helmet of a water tribe warrior.

"Mizu Empire." Azula hissed, a deep frown on her face as she realized what this meant.

"We have to tell him." Zuko states.

Azula nods in agreement. "Aang, there's something we need to show you." She calls out to the boy as he went to retrieve the air ball.

"Alright." Aang replied, as cheerfully as Azula had ever seen, as he made his way towards them.

Azula didn't know what it was, but just looking at how Aang's demeanor was... she couldn't help but feel a hole in her heart, so what she did next not only caught her brother Zuko off guard, but it even caught her by surprise as well. "Move!" Azula hissed before she punted the helmet off the cliff with her foot engulfed in flames. This resulted in Zuko jumping back so he wouldn't get burned, but he collided with another mound of snow that was connected to another right above his head, said mound came crashing down on to him, burying him in snow.

Just then Aang had reached the two siblings and raised a confused brow. "Uhh, so what did you want me to see?" He asked turning his attention toward Azula who had a forced smile on her face.

"Huh, oh... I just wanted to show you my new fire bending trick," Azula lied. "I call it, the flaming foot."

Aangs already confused expression seemed to increase at her response, but instead of questioning it he simply shrugged before smiling. "That's great, it looked awesome. But we can practice bending later, there's still alot of cool stuff i wanna show you guys." He exclaimed before turning around and headed off back up to the temple.

Azula's facade dropped as soon as Aang was off, Zuko who had dug himself out of the snow only looked at Azula with disapproval. "What?" She snapped after noticing said look.

Zuko said nothing, and simply shook his head as rose to his feet. As the two siblings followed Aang to the temple, Zuko decided to word hid disapproval. "You know he's eventually going to figure it out." He stated mater of factly. Azula simply responded with a glare she shot Zuko's way, this though didn't waver him. "Azula, your not gonna be able to lie about this for long."

"Well what do you want me to say?!" Azula snapped in whisper so Aang couldn't hear. "Do you want me to just tell him his people were..." Azula cut herself off, unable to finish her thought.

"Well, he's going to find out eventually. And it can either be because we spared him, and told him ourselves, or he's gonna find out for himself." Zuko stated in the most serious tone Azula had ever seen him use. And just when she was about to retort, the calling of Aang's voice put the issue on pause.

"Hey guys, I want you to meet someone," Aang said, joy coding his voice. He then turned to face a statue of an air bender monk. "This is monk Gyatso, the greatest air bender in the world, he taught me everything I know."

(flashback.)

"Ah, there you are," Gyatso said relieved as he walked through the door way leading to a balcony, where he saw his pupil sitting looking out to the valley below. "I was looking for you."

Aang shot his head back to look at Gyatso, surprised he had been found."Hm, oh sorry, I just wanted to come out here for a bit." He lied looking back to the valley his eyes showing he was having troubled thoughts.

"Aang, you know you don't have to lie to me." Gyatso replies as he made his way towards Aang, stopping when he was right beside him. "What is troubling you?"

Aang hesitated before responding. "This whole Avatar thing... maybe the Monks made made some kind of a mistake." Aang replied looking back at Gyatso.

"The only mistake we made was telling you before you turned sixteen..." Gyatso trailed off a frown on his face as he remembered why they had to tell him as to the normal. ".. But as it would seem, circumstances we now face left us with no choice."

"What do you mean?" Aang asked as he gave his friend a confused glance.

"Nothing... anyway, we cannot concern ourselves with what was, but must act upon what is." Gyatso advised as he looked to the valley below where many Air benders and sky Bison could be seen in harmony.

"But... what if I'm not ready?" Aang asked in self doubt. "How will I know if I ever am?"

"Your questions, will be answered, but only when you are old enough to enter the sanctuary. There you will find someone who will guide you, and teach you all you will need to know."

"Really, who is it?"

"When you are ready, he will reveal himself to you." Gyatso wisely and knowingly replied to the annoyance of Aang. "Now, how would you like to help me make some cakes?"

"Sure." Aang replied his mood lighter than before.

"Be patient, and hopeful my young pupil." Gyatso advised putting a hand on the boys back as they both made their way back into the temple. "Everything will be revealed to you in due time."

(flashback ends.)

"You must miss him." Azula remarked in sympathy.

"Yeah..." Aang mumbled before walking past the statue.

"Where are you going?" Azula asked with confusion.

"The Air temple sanctuary, it's about time i meet someone."

Azula and Zuko shot each other an inquisitive look, before following soon after Aang. Aang had told them of what Gyatso had told him as they made their way to the sanctuary, stopping when they reached a huge door that was the door way to said sanctuary.

"Aang, I don't want to call you a bluff, but... I don't think anyone could have survived in there for a hundred years." Zuko stated, skeptical to what Aang had told them. Zuko was expecting for Aang to say something in return, but to his surprise Azula was the one who spoke.

"You do realize, your talking to the 12 year old who survived inside an iceberg for that long, don't you?" Azula's question prompted Zuko to frown slightly.

"Ever heard of the term, once in a life time?" Zuko countered.

"Well, hopefully there is someone in there. And maybe that someone can help me figure out this whole Avatar thing." Aang said, unsure of what could be behind the large door but willing to find out.

"Well, it's better than freezing to death out here." Zuko says as walks over to the door and attempts to open, but to his dismay it wouldn't budge. "Uh, you wouldn't happen to have a key would you? He asked turning to face Aang.

"The key, Zuko, is Air bending." Aang smiled, before inhaling deeply and air bended into two funnels on the sides of the door. With a whistling tune, the door became unlocked and opened. "Hello, anyone home?" He called before entering into the darkness within the sanctuary, as he entered a low whistle could be heard as wind blew up from underneath the entrance. After a few second the two siblings followed, not sure of what they would find in the darkness.

"So," Arnook spat with mild disapproval as he paced around the room. "A 12 year old child, bested you, your warriors and water benders? Pathetic."

"I underestimated the little brat once," Katara defended. "Something that won't happen again."

"Of that, I am most definitely certain," Arnook stated. "Because you won't have another chance to prove how inadequate you are for this mission."

"What do you mean by inadequate," Katara spat in pure indignancy. "I have spent the past few years of my life hunting the Avatar, and..." Katara began to protest but was soon cut off.

"And you failed!" Arnook snapped slamming his palms down onto the dining table, spilling drinks and startling most of those who were seated. "Capturing the Avatar is something to important to leave in a little girls hands. From this point on, the Avatar is mine."

That was the last straw. "You son of a bitch!" Katara snapped and attempted to attack Arnook, but was held back by the warriors present. Arnook gave Katara a cocky smirk before speaking. "Keep them here for now. Yue, come, we have work to do." And with that Arnook and Yue exited the tent. Katara was still being held back, nostrils flaring, when she felt how one of the men holding her back loosened his grip. Then, without warning Katara freed the arm said warrior was holding, turned and gave the other warrior a right hook straight to the side of the head knocking the man unconscious. Seeing this the other warrior grabbed a hold of Katara in a bear hug and kept her there until she would calm down.

"Well," Bato chimed. "I'll admit. That went better than expected."

"Well, it is alot warmer." Zuko commented as he, Aang, and Azula entered the sanctuary. Only to come face to face with a thousand, very erie statues. "But I can't say I feel all that comfortable."

"It feels as if they are staring at you," Azula added on, as she uncomfortably looked at the statues that to her seemed to be looking right back at her. "Quite unsettling."

"So, Aang, who are these people?" Zuko asked Aang who was examining one of the statues closely.

"I'm not sure," Aang shrugged. "But, it feels like I know them somehow."

Azula looked at Aang then to one of the statues, and to her surprise it resembled the way Aang looked in alot of ways. "This one's an air bender," She commented. "And this ones a water bender."

"The Avatar cycle." Aang realized, his eyes growing wide.

"Their Avatars, Aang these are your past lives." Azula realized as well, her expression similar to Aangs.

"Wow," Aang said in amazement as he looked all around at all the statues. "There's so many."

"Uhh, Aang," Zuko called standing before a set of statues that seemed to end the line of thousands. "If these things are really your past lives, shouldn't there be a statue here to?"

Zuko's question had both Aang and Azula look at him in confusion as they made their way to him to see what he was talking about.

"What are you going on about, Zuzu?" Azula asked as she and Aang reached him.

"I mean there's a statue missing," Zuko stated simply. "Look, all the other statues go. Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. All except these last few, they go. Air, Earth, and Fire."

Seeing this and realizing it was true, Aang and Azula were left scratching their heads in pure confusion. "Maybe that Avatar didn't live long enough to become the Avatar?" Azula suggested.

"Yeah, maybe." Aang replied, his face turning sad at the thought of a child dying, or worse. Aang then turned to another statue in the line, the very last one. It was an elderly man, his features hard yet docile at the same time, his clothing depicted along with the flame like head piece on his head showed he was of the fire nation. Aang could only stare, as if in a trance, a trance that was suddenly broken when he felt Azula place her hand on his shoulder.

"You alright?" Azula asked looking at Aang with a raised brow. Aang simply nodded.

"Who is he?" Zuko asked as came up behind Aang.

"His name is Avatar Roku," Aang answered simply surprising the two siblings. "He was the Avatar that came before me."

"Huh, so you used to be a fire bender," Zuko said pleasantly surprised. "No wonder we trusted you so much when we met."

"You call banishing him from the village trust?" Azula chimed, her face questioning and amused.

Zuko opened his mouth to say something, but decided best not to and hung his head in embarrassment.

Azula pleased with herself, looked at the statue once more then frowned. "Wait, there are no labels. How do you know his name?"

Aang shrugged. "I honestly don't know, but it's like... I just do."

Azula looked at Aang with the highest her brow had ever been. "Well, your weird." She stated, making Aang look at her with raised brows. Then before anyone could say anything else, the whistling sound of the sanctuary entrance sounded and made the three teens stiffen. As quickly as they could they all got behind the statues. From where Zuko was he could see a large shadow come closer inside the sanctuary.

"Water bender." Zuko guessed not really knowing what else it could be. "Nobody make a sound."

Aang felt his heart beat increase, memories of the first encounter he had with the Mizu Empire only made things worse as he felt his hands shake. Taking a deep, shaking breath he turned to Zuko who nodded. Then both boys carefully peeked behind the statue thinking they would find a warrior, but instead what they found was.

"LEMUR!" Aang exclaimed, all the fear he had dissolving away.

"Food." Zuko said as he looked at the lemur, his mouth watering slightly.

Both boys looked at each other once again, then without warning both jumped out from behind the statues and rushed towards the flying lemur who in response turned and high tailed it out of there, Zuko and Aang following close behind. Azula could look at the two boys become less and less visible, shaking her head in disbelief.

Arnook and Yue strode back into the tent where he had kept Katara prisoner, what they both found left both of them dumbfounded. Katara was being held down by three warriors, while two others layed on the floor unconscious. Soon after, Arnook shook it off and began to speak. "My search party is ready, I will resume the search for the Avatar," He announced, motioning for his warriors to release Katara who had seemingly calmed down. "Once I am out to sea, my men will release you and you will be free to go."

Katara smirked as she looked at Arnook from out of the corner of her eye. "Whats the matter, Commander, afraid I'll catch the Avatar before you?"

Arnook out right laughed in Kataras face with amusement. "Now that's rich."

"Don't underestimate me Arnook," Katara snapped rising to her feet. "I will capture the Avatar before you!"

Arnook scoffed, his amusement turning into annoyance. "The mere fact that you think you can compete with me is a joke and an insult," He states matter of factly. "I have hundreds of war ships, and I control these waters. While you, your just a banished Princess. A shame to the Empire, a shame to the Oni warrior name, I mean your own father feels nothing but shame for you, so much even that he's disowned you" That last bit hit a nerve not only with Katara, but her two masters who were seated.

"Father, please..." Yue tried to step in between the tension, but failed.

"Silence!" Arnook demanded "She knows its the truth."

"No, your wrong," Katara stated shaking her head her eyes narrowing dangerously. "When I capture the Avatar, my father will allow me to return home and will be proud to call me his daughter."

"You dream, broken dreams if that is the case. If your father really wanted you home, he would of allowed it by now, Avatar or not." Arnook stated once more. "But in his eyes, you are nothing but a pestilence that has no place at his side. Face it, your a failure."

"Your wrong." Katara again stated, shaking her head again and trying to keep the tears in her eyes from showing.

"Do I have to remind you? You have the scars that prove my point." Arnook said matter of factly, a smirk on his face.

Thats when Katara snapped, She lunged forward ready to attack but was held back by Bato. "MAYBE YOU'D LIKE ONES THAT MATCHED!" She roared, her anger vivid in her eyes and face.

"Katara, that's enough!" Bato demanded, as he held Katara back.

"Is that a Challenge?" Arnook growled his posture showing he was ready to fight.

"Mizu no senshi no ketto," Katara challenged. "At the moons first light."

"Very well," Arnook smirked. "To bad your father won't be here to watch me teach you a much needed lesson. I guess your mentors will have to do." And with that he turned to leave, as he was about to exit he turned to see Yue looking apologetically at Katara. "Yue!" He called startling his daughter who followed after him.

"What in the hell were you thinking!?" Pakku demanded. Katara didn't answer.

"I agree with Pakku here, what were you thinking?" Bato asked his voice showing his worry. "Katara, have you forgotten what happened the last time you battled a master, the last time you battled a true warrior?" Bato nearly shouted, but kept his composure.

Katara reached her hand to her back, that at the mere mention of the last time she battled was surging with a stinging pain. "Believe me Bato," Katara said as she rubbed the back of her neck where marks could be slightly seen. "I will never forget."

Aang still chased the Lemur through the temple, Zuko who Aang had knocked down earlier with a ball of wind had been long since gone, but the Lemur just kept evading Aang. "Come on little guy, it's just me." Aang tried to reason with the lemur. The lemur then scurried off into a part of the mountain that led into a hidden valley on the mountain.

When Aang passed through the sacred entrance into the valley, Aangs joy was stopped dead. Aang's eyes widened in pure horror at what he came face to face with. He had entered a bone yard. Rotting bodies of men, bison, and other things lay before him, thousands upon thousands. But what horrified Aang the most, was the impaled corpses on spears that were placed everywhere in the valley. All the bodies belonging to air benders. Then Aang saw one body that brought him to tears as he looked up at the corpse with a spear that was impaled under the chest and exited out the victims mouth. The corpse had a bleached colored tunic and a necklace Aang recognized all to well. "G-gyatso." Aang said, his voice broken. Then Aang fell to his knee's and began to cry into his hands, his heart broken.

"Hey Aang you find the little meat bag yet?" Zuko questioned as he arrived to the entrance of the valley, but soon his playful demeanor fell and was replaced with horror. "Dear gods." He whispered to himself, then he saw Aang on the ground crying. Zuko made his way towards him to try and comfort him, then he saw the body that belonged to Gyatso. "Aang, you shouldn't be seeing this." Zuko said as he placed a hand on Aang's shoulder. Then Aang began to glow, his arrow tattoos, and his still tear stained eyes showed he had activated his Avatar spirit. Zuko eyes widened.

Meanwhile back in the sanctuary, Azula continued to examine the statue of Roku, her arms folded. "So, your my great, great, great, great grandfather huh?" Azula said amusing her self. Then suddenly Roku's eyes began to glow. Azula took a step back, surprised by this, then she noticed the eyes of all the statues began to glow. "Oh, no." Azula said before turning and running to find Aang.

All around the world, statues of their respective Avatar began to glow shocking many. but in the poles, more specifically the south pole. A shaman meditating in front of a statue of an Avatar with the head of a polar saber tooth tiger on his own, noticed the glow and instead of shock, he smirked. "It's about time." He saise to himself before rising and addressing another shaman who was behind him. "Send word to the Emperor, immediately, tell him the Avatar has finally returned."

Aang rose to his feet winds beginning to howl as they circled around them, he released an angry roar. Zuko tried to calm the boy down, but his please seemed to land on depth ears, as Zuko was launched back by the strong winds. Zuko unsheathed his hatchet as quickly as he could and stuck it into the bone of a sky bison. Aang then began to rise in a sphere of wind and bones.

At that moment Azula arrived on the seen and she could only look at the seen wide eyed she saw Zuko holding on for dear life onto a sky bison bone, she trudged her way towards him. when she reached him, she asked what was going on. "Aang found out water benders killed gyatso and his people, this is a bone yard!" He replied and Azula's face fell, remembering what Zuko had told her earlier.

"We have to try and calm him down!" Azula stated.

"I already tried, he's not listening!" Zuko said, almost losing grip of his hatchet.

"We still have to try!" Azula replied, her face showing determination.

Zuko nodded, then both siblings began to make their way toward Aang. Fighting the power of the winds he created.

The rising moon shined upon a small training arena. In this arena, every warrior, water bender, and Oni demon was in attendance to watch the fight that was promised. Arnooks men stood at one end while Katara's at the other. Inside the arena, two large trenches filled with water stood at opposite sides of the arena, while a large dirt patch connected the sides where Arnook and Katara kneeled, their backs turned to each other, eyes closed in prayer.

"Remember, Princess Katara," Pakku advised. "Use your water bending, in this fight that is your greatest weapon." Katara nodded her eyes still closed.

"You know, you can fight with your tunic on princess." Bato commented.

Katara shook her head. "You told me once a warrior feels no shame defeat, it's time to see how Arnook reacts when the shamed defeats him." She stated simply.

Bato allowed a small smile to appear before becoming hard. "Make sure to keep your distance, only engage him in hand to hand if absolutely necessary." Bato advised. Again Katara nodded.

"I won't allow him to win." Katara said before rising to her feet. Across the arena Arnook did the same. With their eyes still closed, Both individuals wore no shoes, and no shirts, only their dark Grey, almost black pants and a tribal cape clothed them. They then removed the tribal capes they wore, dropping them to the ground. Arnook revealed his age did little to weaken him, he showed pure lean built muscle. Katara on the other hand would fight in her chest bindings, something that in the Empire was seen as tradition, it did not matter if you were male or female one fought like their ancestors did, like a true warrior. But what Katara revealed wasn't just her chest bindings, but the gruesome multitude of scars running down all over her back, parts of the back of her neck and parts of her upper arms. Katara also showed she to was built with lean muscle. They both stood there then turned their eyes still closed, waiting.

Thats when it began. A horn was blown, and both Katara and Arnook shot their eyes open, both breathed out an ice cold breath that created a small cloud of frost. Arnook was handed two large blades connected two a very large and long chain. Smirking he took the blades in hand and turned to face Katara who got in one of her stances, her facial features hardened with determination. "This is going to be fun." Arnook told himself as he attached the chain to a pair of cuff links on his wrist. Once both individuals were ready, Warriors on the sidelines began to bang rhythmically on large drums, starting off slow and speeding up and becoming louder with each hit. Along with the drums, the warriors who were spectating, along with the Oni demons, began to bang their fists, stomp their feet, and bang their weapons on the ground or anything solid nearby. This continued and would continue until the end of the fight. Then one of the Oni demons roared, and without a hint of hesitation Katara bent the water from the trenches and attempted to slash away at her opponent with sharp ice she had at the end of her water whips. This did little as Arnook easily shattered the ice and dodged her other attacks. Becoming frustrated, Katara gave an attack where she sent a bulk of water Arnook's way, but Arnook drove his blades into the ground before the water could reach him, this allowed him to remain in the same spot unfazed. Arnook gave a tiring Katara a malice smirk before pulling his blades out of the ground and began to swing them at Katara. The chain allowed for him to reach her easily, Katara had to bob and weave in order for her not to get cutt with the blades, so much of her attention was on dodging that she failed to notice Arnook was getting closer with each swing. Then suddenly Arnook swung his right blade to slice to the left and his left to the right, Katara leapt twirling in order to doge the blades, she did so but only barely, she then landed back on solid ground her fist hitting the dirt, when she looked up Arnook was sprinting her way and gave her a running super kick to the chest that sent the young woman flying back and roll on the ground before coming to a stop.

Bato on the sidelines looked on with worry, his posture showing he was ready to dive in and help Katara. But he was held back by Pakku who shook his head.

Katara groaned as she pushed herself up on her elbows, she then shot her head up when she heard Arnook give roaring war cry as he leapt into the air and was about to drive his foot down on Katara's head. Katara had little time to react before she rolled out of the way. Arnook ended up driving his foot down onto dirt covered earth, Arnook hit the ground with so much force he actually cracked the hard rock a rabid snarl on his face as he looked at Katara. Arnook then tried sending his blades down to impale her, but Katara quickly pushed herself up on the top part of her back, spun onto her arms and hands and as the blades came crashing down she stepped on the chains with her right foot and sent her left knee crashing straight into the side of Arnooks face. Bato smirked with pride as he watched the man stagger back, Katara smirked as well as she began to bend the water and pummel the man with water whips, taking the mans legs from under him. Arnook could only try to dodge but the effects of each blow that he came into contact with was felt ten fold. Then using her water bending Katara leapt into the air and sent a pummeling blow backed with a large bilk of water and sent Arnook flying back. Katara then encased her fist with an icicle as she stood over the man who snarled at her. "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, DO IT!" Arnook demanded. Katara then sent her fist down onto Arnooks head. The drumming then stopped, ever thing went silent as everyone witnessed how Katara drove the icicle down into the ground beside Arnook's head. Arnook didn't seem at all surprised.

"Pathetic." Arnook hissed.

"Next time you get in my way," Katara states as she rises to her feet. "I promise will end with your blood on my hands." And with that she turned and walked to where a proud Bato and Pakku stood waiting.

Huffing in anger, Arnook rose to his feet, his blades still in hand he turned and attempted slash at the Princess while her back was turned.

Just as the blade was about to impact with Katara who turned to only catch a glimpse of it, Bato at an alarming speed got in between her and the blade. Taking a hold of the chain and pulling on it and making Arnook launch forward. Bato gripped the other man by the throat and raised him into the air with one arm, his teeth clenched and his brow furrowed. Bato then seemingly threw the man back a few feet as if it were nothing. Arnook landed on the ground with a loud oomf, Yue rushing to her fathers side.

Thats when all hell almost broke loose, everyone of Katara's warriors, Yasei and Katara herself were ready to start an all out battle with Arnook's who also were ready to fight. But they were stopped by Bato. "Enough, there is no need to fight, so all of you calm down!" He then turned to Katara who looked up at him her anger still evident. "Do not taint your victory by steeping so low as to his level."

Bato then turned to address Arnook, a glare plastered on his features. "So, this is what is considered to be a great Oni warrior? Pathetic." Bato states his face turning to one of disgust as he looked at Arnook. "You say the Princess brings nothing but shame to the Oni, and the Empire when today she showed more pride and honor than one could conceive. The truth is the only shame I see is the honer less piece of trash before me. I wonder how a coward such as yourself could raise a wonderful young woman like Yue?" Bato's last statement had Arnook fuming but unwilling to act on his anger.

Bato then turned to address Yue, who looked at the man with shock, Bato's expression softened as he spoke to her. "Thank you for the meal, it was quite delicious." Bato bowed before turning to leave, Katara looked at Bato with a surprised look before following after him. when they reached Pakku and Yasei, Pakku handed his student a tunic to cover herself with, something she accepted graciously before putting it on.

As they made their way to their ship, Katara felt the need to ask a question. "Bato, did you really mean what you said?"

Bato smirked knowingly. "Of coarse, the meal was beyond splendid." He replies hernestly.

"Aang!" Azula called out as she and Zuko finally got close enough to where he might hear them. Aang was still in the sphere of wind and the wind that was created only got stronger, Azula knew she had to act fast. "We know it's hard Aang, to lose your family, to lose your home! I know your devastated, we went through the same thing when we lost our mother, when the place we called home was taken from us!"

"Aang! Gyatso and the Air benders are gone, but your not alone!" Zuko shouted after his sister. "You have us! Me and Azula, we're your family now!"

Somehow the siblings words seemed to calm the young air bender down, as he descended back down onto the ground his eyes and tattoo's still glowing. Both Zuko and Azula got close worried faces on both of them.

"Remember what Uncle Iroh told you the day you showed up in the village," Zuko questioned softly. "He told you that you were one of us, from that moment you became our family."

"We promise... I promise, I won't let anything happen to you. I swear on my life." Azula stated softly as she gently placed a hand on Aang.

Aang then stopped glowing and dropped to his knee's his sobbing continuing. Azula immediately grabbed Aang in a hug and dropped to her knee's with him. Aang clutched onto Azula, repeating in between sobs the word. "Sorry."

"Sh,sh,sh, It's ok," Azula assured trying to seuth Aang. But it didn't hit her until just now how right Zuko was, Aang was most definitely now one of them. Everything he held dear taken from him, he was left alone with nothing but them. Azula tightened her arms around Aang as he continued to sob into her shirt, as she did so Azula couldn't help the saddened tears that escaped her eyes.

Zuko had crouched down and put a hand on Aang in a way of comfort, he then looked up at Gyatso's body deciding he wouldn't leave the mans remains this way. "I;m bringing him down." He said. Azula only nodded still holding Aang in her embrace.

(A few hours later)

Aang stood before the statue of Avatar Roku, looking the statue in the eyes with his own still red eyes.

"Hey," Aang heard Azula say behind him. "Ive packed everything we need."

"I finished to." Zuko added, his hands still slightly covered with dirt.

Aang smiled and nodded thankfully, before looking at the statue again. "How is Roku supposed to help me?"

"We'll figure that out later, for now I think we can only hope for the best." Azula said reassuringly.

Then the sanctuary entrance whistled sounded, Aang, Azula and Zuko turned to find the little lemur from before looking at them with a handful of fruit in it's arms. The lemur immediately dropped the food in front of Zuko who grabbed on and ate it happily not caring of the dirt on his hands. Aang and Azula couldn't help but chuckle, then the lemur climbed onto Aangs back. "Hey little guy." Aang greeted the creature scratching it's head.

Aang stood in front of the statue of Gyatso, in his hand he held his mentor's necklace. Aang placed the necklace around the statues neck then bowed. "I'm sorry..." Aang whispered a single tear escaping his eye.

Aang looked at the temple out in the distance, memories of his life putting a sad smile on his face. "You, me and Appa," Aang whispered. "We're all thats left of this place, we have to stick together." Aang then turned to face Azula and Zuko who were packing a few nuts into small bags. "Azula, Zuko, meet the new member of our family."

"What are you gonna name him?" Azula asked as she gave the critter a piece of a peach she was eating, and scratching the top of its head.

The lemur made a sound that gave Aang an idea for a name. "Momo." He responded simply.

Later when they were on Appa's back soaring toward their next destination, Aang looked back at the fading image of what was once his home. Quietly to himself he once more whispered. "Goodbye."

The sanctuary entrance whistled as multiple Warriors and large canine like creatures with black scales and blood red eyes entered to find the statues of the Avatar. One of the warriors knelt down to examine footprints in the dust of the sanctuary floor. He rose to his feet before he turned to the rest and said. "He was here, send word, now!" He commanded. One of the other warriors nodded before leaving. Simply put, it was without say, the hunt for the Avatar has begun.