-Maya's Point of View-

We have now been traveling in the sky for hours and I guess I still need to get myself used to it.

I was at the rear end of Appa's saddle with Sokka, and Katara was beside Aang on Appa's head.

Suddenly Sokka's stomach started rumbling.

"Hey stomach, be quiet alright? I'm trying to find us some food," Sokka said while holding onto his stomach and looking at it.

He started rummaging through our stuff to look for food. When he wasn't able to find one, I went up to him and said, "What about the blubbered seal jerky Gran-Gran packed for us?"

"Oh right!" he exclaimed.

He grabbed one sack, opened it, and poured out its content, but it was empty.

"Hey! Who ate all the blubbered seal jerky? The ones that look like sticks!" he shouted.

"Oh... That was food? I used it to start the campfire last night. Sorry," Aang suddenly said.

"You what?!" Sokka shouted and then he let out a big sigh.

"No wonder the flame smelled so good," Sokka said in a disappointed tone.

I went towards the front end of Appa's saddle closer to Aang and Katara and then I said to Sokka, "Don't worry about it Sokka, maybe we'll find something in the temple."

"The Potola Moutain Range! We're almost there!" Aang suddenly shouted.

"Aang, before we get to the temple, I want to talk to you about the airbenders," Katara suddenly said. Here she goes again with a worried look.

"What about them?" Aang asked.

"Well... I just want you to be prepared for what you might see," she answered. I looked at her and then I rested my head on top of my palms.

"The fire nation is ruthless. They killed my Mom and Maya's mother. They could've done the same to your people," Katara continued. I looked at both of them as they talk.

"Just because no one has seen an airbender, doesn't mean the fire nation killed them all. They probably escaped," Aang contradicted.

"I know it's hard to accept," Katara said and then he placed one hand on Aang's back.

"You don't understand Katara, the only way to get to an airbender temple is on a flying bison. I doubt the fire nation has any, right Appa?" Aang interrupted and then he rubbed Appa's head.

Appa then growls and Aang shouted, "Yip-yip!"

I just smiled at the two of them, and then I sat down while leaning on the saddle's edge.

Suddenly Appa went soaring up the sky faster and a strong wind almost blew me off. Luckily Sokka was there. He grabbed onto the edge of Appa's saddle that I was leaning on and then he knelt down in front of me.

I was placed in between his arms with his chest inches away from my face.

"Hold on tight," he said.

I didn't know where to grab, so I just held on to his jacket.

This is really an awkward position we are in. Aren't we there yet?!

After a few more minutes of soaring fast, Appa suddenly slowed down, and then Aang said, "There it is, the Southern Air Temple."

Sokka moved back and then I turned around.

OH, THANK GOODNESS WE'RE OUT OF THAT! I WAS PANICKING.

I looked at the temple and boy does it look so stunning! It's like a mountain but a livable one.

"Aang, it's amazing!" Katara shouted.

"We're home buddy... We're home," Aang said to Appa while still looking at the temple.

---------------------------------------------------------

-Zuko's Point of View-

"And by year's end, the earth kingdom capital will be under our rule," Zhao said. He discussed to us their plan to conquer the Earth Kingdom.

"The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war," he continued.

"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly then he is a fool," I said while sitting on a chair in front of a table.

I didn't like their idea, not even a single bit. I believe that there is a limit to how far the fire nation can extend its colonies.

The Earth kingdom is the strongest kingdom there is. If he thinks he'd be able to make the people follow his rule even after conquering their territory, then my father is underestimating everything.

"Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue," Zhao said. I am not responding to that. He doesn't need to know anything about what happened in the sea for two years.

"So, how's your search for the Avatar going?" Zhao asked but then we heard crashing noises from behind us where Uncle Iroh was standing. He crashed the weapon display.

"Uh... My fault entirely," he said as he stepped backward. Ugh... It really makes me think twice if he really was an honorable general of the fire nation. Not to mention that he was the general that almost conquered Ba Sing Se in the name of the Fire Lord.

I just shrugged and then I looked at Zhao.

"We haven't found him yet," I replied.

"Did you really expect to? The Avatar died a hundred years ago, along with the rest of the airbenders," he said. I looked at him angrily and then I slowly looked away.

All of you are underestimating everything. That's why it took us 100 years before we neared victory in this war, and we're still doing it.

"Unless you've found some evidence that the Avatar is alive," Zhao said with a smirk on his face. I really hate that face of his, it's irritating.

"No. Nothing," I sternly replied.

"Prince Zuko. The Avatar is the only one who can stop the fire nation from winning this war," he said as he stood up.

Oh yeah? If he was the only one who can stop us from winning, then we should've won the war years ago, since the Avatar was gone for a hundred years.

Zhao walked towards me and then he bowed down making his face just inches away from mine. What is wrong with this old hag? Doesn't he know the concept of personal space?

"If you have an ounce of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you found," he commanded.

"I haven't found anything. It's like you said, the Avatar probably died a long time ago," I answered with a smirk.

How does it feel being smirked at now huh?

I stood up and then I said, "Come on uncle. We're going," I walked towards the exit but then Zhao's guards blocked the way as one of the soldiers enters the room.

"Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape," the soldier reported.

Those ants! I forgot to warn them! Darn it!

They have been traveling with me for two years! They know very well the main reason why we went out for two years straight without going home! They should've known not to leak any information without my consent!

"Now, remind me... How exactly was your ship damaged?" Zhao asked as he walked behind my back.

I just closed my eyes and let out a sigh. 

I faced Zhao and I replied, "I had the Avatar in my hands."

"You better sit, and tell me the whole thing," Zhao ordered. I then started walking back to where I was sitting and they made Uncle sit beside me.

"The Avatar is just a kid, most likely in his 12 years," Uncle reported.

"But that kid was able to make those damages in my ship. He's not something to be treated lightly," I argued.

"So a 12-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders. You're more pathetic than I thought," Zhao said.

I swear I'll burn this old hag's face once I get the chance.

"I underestimated him once, but it will not happen again," I assured him. I tried to calm myself down.

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

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

"And you failed!" He shouted as he released fire out of his hand while swinging it backward. "Capturing the Avatar is too important to leave in a teenager's hands. He's mine now," he continued.

Okay that's it. This old man is gonna get it.

I yelled at him as I stood up to punch his face but even before I could, his soldiers had stopped me.

"Keep them here," Zhao ordered and then he walked outside. 

I kicked the tea table down out of anger and then my uncle suddenly said, "More tea please."

UGH! THIS IS THE WORST! NOW THAT I HAVE FOUND THE AVATAR, THIS OLD MAN IS JUST SUDDENLY GETTING IN MY WAY?!

HOW COULD HAVE I LET THIS HAPPEN?!

The Avatar... My hope... My honor...

---------------------------------------------------------

-Maya's Point of View-

We started walking upwards the ramp on the way to the Air Temple's entrance. Aang is way ahead of us. He was running and filled with excitement.

Katara, Sokka, and I were walking close to each other.

"So where do I get something to eat?" Sokka asked.

"You're lucky enough to be one of the first outsiders to ever visit an Airbender temple, and all you can think about is food?" Katara argued.

"Well, we're not really the first outsiders here Katara. Fire Nation got here before us," I contradicted.

Katara looked at me with her brows crossed and then I just shrugged at her.

"Anyways, stop thinking about food Sokka, you won't die without being able to eat one meal," Katara said to him.

"Hey! I'm just a simple guy with simple needs," Sokka replied.

"We'll probably find something inside, don't worry," I assured and then I gave him a faint punch on the shoulder.

We caught up on Aang who was standing at the edge of the cliff. He was looking at something.

"So that's where my friends and I would play airball," Aang said as he pointed towards a field that was filled with poles in the middle. "And over there is where the bison would sleep, and..." Aang continued and then he let out a big sigh.

"What's wrong?" Katara asked.

"This place used to be full of monks and lemurs and bison. Now there's just a bunch of weeds," Aang answered and then he stopped. "I can't believe how much things have changed," he continued and then he went silent.

All three of us looked at each other with worried looks until Sokka walked towards Aang. Katara and I followed him as well.

"So this airball thing... How do you play?" Sokka asked. Aang then suddenly smiled while looking at him.

Aang explained the mechanics of the game as we went down to the field.

"It's just simple Sokka! The boards at each end of the field with a circular opening are the goalposts. You will stand on top of a pole in front of the goalpost, and make sure that the opponent won't get to shoot the ball in," Aang explained.

When we got to the field, Sokka removed his jacket, and then he cracked his knuckles.

"Alright, this seems easy. Let's do it," he said.

I picked up his jacket that he left on the ground. Katara went around exploring the field and then I just stood at the side watching the boys play.

Their game took about 6 rounds and throughout that, Aang is the only one scoring.

This is their 7th round this time and as expected Aang was the one who won again. Sokka was sent flying through the air when he was hit by the ball that Aang kicked. He passed through the goalpost, then down to a pile of snow on the ground.

"Hahaha! Aang, 7! Sokka, 0!" Aang shouted teasing Sokka.

I ran up to where Sokka landed and I saw that Katara was also there.

"Making him feel better is putting me in a world of hurt," Sokka complained as he knelt down on the ground. I was laughing at him as I walked backward when I suddenly tripped on something that made me fall to the ground as well.

"Ugh! Ouch... What was that?" I asked and when I looked in front of me, I saw a firebender helmet. My eyes grew wide as I knelt down.

"Guys, check this out," I said. Both Katara and Sokka went toward me.

"Fire Nation," Katara said as she looked at the helmet.

"We should tell Aang," Sokka firmly suggested.

Katara then called out to Aang saying, "Aang! There's something you need to see."

Aang then started running toward us while playing with the ball.

"Ok!" he shouted back.

But even before Aang could come closer, Katara suddenly waterbent the snow, covering me and Sokka as well as the fire nation helmet we saw.

"Hey!" I shouted.

"Ow!" Sokka shouted too.

"What is it?" Aang asked as he got to where we were. Katara stood there while looking at Aang while Sokka and I dusted off the snow from our clothes.

"Uh... Just a new waterbending move I learned," Katara said as an excuse. I looked at her and then I crossed my brows.

"Nice one! But enough practice! We have a whole temple to see!" Aang said and then he walked away.

"You can't keep it a secret from him forever," I told Katara as I stood up but she didn't reply to me and she just followed Aang.

I help Sokka stand up while saying, "You should say something to her."

"Alright I'll talk to her," Sokka replied.

We both followed behind the two and then we all went to the entrance of the Air Temple.

Sokka grabbed Katara by the elbow and pulled her back the stairs while I stopped in front of the fountain just close enough to them. Aang, on the other hand, ran towards a statue and he stood in front of it.

"Katara, firebenders were here. You can't pretend they weren't," Sokka tried convincing her but she started walking away from him while talking.

"I can for Aang's sake. If he finds out that the fire nation invaded his home, he'll be devastated," Katara contradicted. Sokka ran up beside her and I followed behind them.

"Aang's sake? Katara you are just prolonging the agony! When are you planning to tell him if not right now?" I asked.

Just when Katara was about to answer, Aang called out to us while shouting, "Hey guys! I want you to meet somebody!" while pointing at a statue.

"Who's that?" Sokka asked.

"Monk Gyatso," Aang replied and then he looked at it. "The greatest airbender in the world. He taught me everything I know," Aang continued and then he took a bow.

I walked towards Aang and then I put my hand on his shoulder.

"It would've been great to meet him in person," I said while looking at Katara.

"Yeah..." Aang replied and then he walked away.

"Where are you going?" Katara asked.

"To the Air Temple Sanctuary. Gyatso said that when I'm old enough, there's someone in there that I would be ready to meet," Aang answered and then he continued walking.

The three of us looked at each other again and then we just followed Aang.

We entered a hall where a large wooden door can be seen at the end. On that door, a sort of pipe mechanism was installed.

"But Aang, no one could've survived in there for a hundred years," Katara argued.

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

"Good point," Katara agreed.

Still, being stuck in an iceberg and being stuck inside a room are two different situations. No one could've survived the fire nation's attack.

"Whoever's in there might help me figure out this Avatar thing," Aang said.

"And whoever's in there might have a medley of delicious cured meat!" Sokka said as well and then he ran towards the door, but he crashed right into it. He tried pushing it open but he can't.

Seriously? Sokka, that door is like ten times bigger than you! What makes you think you can open that in a simple push? There must be a different way of opening it.

"I don't suppose you have a key," Sokka asked Aang.

"The key, Sokka, is airbending," Aang answered and then he made Sokka step aside.

Aang breathed in deeply and as he breathed out, he released a strong current of air in both of his hands and pointed it directly toward the pipe openings placed on the door.

The air flowed through the pipes and one by one the circular things in the middle of the pipes turned around finally unlocking the door.

It slowly opened but there was no one there and the inside was pitch black.

"Hello? Anyone home?" Aang asked as he started walking in.

"Katara. We should tell him," I said when Aang was far from us.

Katara just looked at me and then she started following Aang.

SERIOUSLY? IS SHE GOING TO KEEP ON IGNORING US?

I was about to say something again but then Sokka stopped me by tugging at my jacket. I looked at him and he just slowly shook his head, telling me to let it go. I just let out a sigh and then we followed them inside as well.

---------------------------------------------------------

-Zuko's Point of View-

All of this delay is making me lose the Avatar's trail! Why can't we even go? He can still start his search on his own, and I will do mine!

We can just mind our own businesses! But no! Zhao's not letting that happen.

My uncle and I are now kept inside his tent and his guards are surrounding us, keeping a strict eye on us. We are not even allowed to move, not even a single muscle.

We are strictly told to sit here and wait for Zhao to come back before we set sail again. But why wait? We can come out of this place now as I please.

I looked at my uncle who was sitting right in front of me.

"Uncle," I whispered.

"Don't even think about it, Prince Zuko. We are not going to cause a fuss in here."

W-what? I haven't even said anything.

"I know what you're thinking, that you and I can take down these guards and escape," he continued.

My eyes grew wide as I looked at my uncle.

"You are right, we definitely can, but it's best that we don't. We are in fire nation custody. Any acts of rebellion are treason to the nation," he added.

I crossed my brows, giving my uncle, an angry look.

"So you're on their side?" I angrily asked.

"I am not on anyone's side Prince Zuko. I just don't want any more charges to be accused against you. Your banishment is enough. Don't add anything to it anymore," he replied.

I crossed my arms and then I leaned back.

Just then, Zhao came in and went walking toward the two of us.

"My search party is ready. Once I'm out to sea, my guards will escort you to your ship and you'll be free to go," he said.

"Why do you need to go first before us? Are you worried I'm gonna try and stop you?" I asked while looking at him.

"Hahaha! You? Stop me? Impossible," he answered with a smirk on his face again.

I'M WAY PAST MY LIMIT.

"Don't underestimate me, Zhao! I will capture the Avatar before you!" I shouted while standing up.

"Prince Zuko, that's enough!" Uncle shouted as well as he stood up.

"You can't compete with me! I have hundreds of warships under my command, and you? You're just a banished prince! No home, no allies... Your own father doesn't even want you," Zhao argued back.

"You're wrong! Once I deliver the Avatar to my father, he will welcome me home with honor. And he'll restore my rightful place on the throne," I argued at him.

"If your father really wanted you home, he would have let you return by now, Avatar or no Avatar. But in his eyes you are a failure and a disgrace to the Fire Nation," he replied.

"That's not true," I argued again.

"You have the scar to prove it," he teased.

I'M REALLY WAY PAST MY LIMIT.

Sorry, uncle.

"UGH! MAYBE YOU'D LIKE ONE TO MATCH!" I yelled as I moved my face closer to his.

"Is that a challenge?" he asked with a smirk.

"An Agni Kai at sunset," I replied.

I'll show this old man who's disgraceful between the two of us.

"Very well... It's such a shame that your father won't be here to watch me humiliate you... I guess your uncle will do," he replied and then he went out of the tent.

"Prince Zuko. Have you forgotten the last time you dueled a master?" Uncle asked from behind me.

"I will never forget," I replied as I face him.

"Prince Zuko, maybe it's best to just let things go," Uncle pleaded.

"No, what happened last time won't happen again because: one, I am not a kid anymore; and two..."

I looked to where Zhao exited the tent.

"He's no master..."