Welcome to the Family

-Maya's Point of View-

We went inside the sanctuary and as expected, no one was there, but we were bombarded with hundreds of statues. All are aligned in a circular pattern.

The room was dark and the only light source we have is the light from the opened door.

Aang went deeper inside the sanctuary as he looked at the statues. We all followed behind him as well.

Sokka stopped in front of one statue and said, "More statues? That's it?! Where's the meat?"

I looked at him and sighed while smiling. I followed behind Katara and Aang who also stopped in front of two statues.

"Who are all these people?" Katara asked.

"I'm not sure... But I feel like I know them somehow... Look! That one's an airbender!" Aang replied as he pointed to the statue in front of him.

"And this one's a waterbender..." Katara pointed at the statue in front of her.

I stood in front of the statue next to Katara's and said, "Huh funny, 'cause this statue in front of me is an earthbender."

And then I realized something... I looked at the statue next to it and it was a firebender. I looked at the other statues and the patterns were the same.

"Wait a minute... Air, Water, Earth, Fire? Isn't that the Avatar Cycle?" I asked them.

And then Katara suddenly widened her eyes as if she realized something as well...

"Of course... They're all Avatars. These are all your past lives Aang!" Katara exclaimed.

"Wow! There's so many!" Aang exclaimed as he followed the trail to where the statues ended.

"Past lives? Katara, you really believe in that stuff?" Sokka asked.

Yeah, I never thought that reincarnation is a thing, well not until now...

"It's true! When the Avatar dies, he is reincarnated into the next nation in the cycle," Katara explained.

"So that's why there was never news from the Water Tribes about an Avatar being born even after a hundred years because Aang was still alive," I said.

"Yes. Though, it did give the fire nation an upper hand. At least now Aang is back and that's what matters. Right, Aang?" Katara asked as she looked at Aang who was staring at a statue.

Aang didn't reply nor looked at Katara. His eyes were fixed on the statue in front of him.

"Aang?" Katara asked again but still no response.

Aang kept looking at the statue as if he was being lured into something or hypnotized.

I ran up to him and said, "Aang! Snap out of it!" and I shook his shoulders.

He suddenly closed his eyes and slowly opened them. He looked at me and then he asked, "Huh?"

"What happened?" I asked him.

"Nothing it's just..." he said and then he looked at the statue again.

"Who are you looking at?" I asked.

"That's Avatar Roku. The Avatar before me," he answered.

"You were a firebender? No wonder I didn't trust you the first time we met," Sokka said as he and Katara walked toward us.

"Hey... Does that mean you don't trust me because I'm from the Fire Nation?" I argued at Sokka.

"No Maya, you're a different case..." Sokka answered and then he shrugged

Katara then studied the statue as if she were looking for something.

"There's no writing on it Aang. How'd you know his name?" Katara asked.

"I'm not sure... I just know it somehow," Aang answered while smiling at the statue.

Sokka then grunted and said, "You just couldn't get any weirder."

I was about to giggle when we suddenly heard a noise from outside.

We all quickly hid behind two statues. Katara and Aang were on one, while Sokka and I were on the other.

What could it possibly be?

"Firebender! Nobody make a sound," Sokka whispered.

"You're making a sound!" Katara shouted but in a whisper.

We all shushed her and then we continued hiding.

Firebenders? Do they still patrol this place? Or could it be that they already knew of Aang's existence? Well, it could be, since Zuko already found him out.

Oh no! What are we gonna do?

"That firebender won't know what hit him," Sokka said as he took out his weapon.

He stood up and then he looked out. Just when I thought he was gonna attack, he stopped and stared at something. We also looked at what it was.

"Lemur!" Aang shouted.

"Dinner," Sokka said with his watery mouth.

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

"Not if I get him first! AAHH!" Sokka shouted as he ran towards the small creature.

Aang also ran towards it and both of them tried getting to it first. The Lemur was frightened and it ran away.

The three of them ran away.

"What just happened?" Katara asked and I just shrugged at her.

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-Iroh's Point of View-

I can't believe Zuko really challenged Commander Zhao for an Agni Kai. This kid and his temper really... It can't be tamed.

We are now out here in the arena, just a few blocks away from the harbor. Zuko and Zhao are already in place, preparing for battle.

Well, there is nothing I can really do now, except to support him and look out for him.

Zuko is kneeling in front of me waiting for the battle to commence. I looked at him as I give one final piece of advice.

"Remember your firebending basics, Prince Zuko. They are your greatest weapons," I reminded.

Zuko stood up and he faced Zhao while in his fighting stance.

"I refuse to let him win," he replied.

I am not hoping for victory Prince Zuko, all I want is for you to leave this place unharmed. So, defend yourself. You have to fight.

From the other side, Zhao stood up as well and faced Zuko.

The sound of the gongs can be heard from a distance, and with that, the fight began.

Zuko was the one who attacked first while Zhao just dodged it.

Zuko attacked once again, two consecutive fireballs, but Zhao blocked them with the stance of an earthbender.

When did he learn that?

By this time I can already see that Zuko is out of breath, yet he still continues to attack while Zhao keeps on blocking and dodging.

When Zhao saw an opportunity for offense, he blasted fire onto the floor making Zuko stop from attacking.

"Basics Zuko! Break his root!" I shouted.

Don't forget your breathing nephew! That is the most important thing!

After a few seconds of stopping, Zhao then finally attacked Zuko. My nephew tried blocking it but his defense was weak. He was taken aback.

Zhao blasted fire at him three more times and Zuko tried blocking all but at the last one, he fell to the ground.

"No...." I said to myself.

Zhao then jumped in front of Zuko and he was about to blast fire directly on his face.

I ran towards them but then I was stopped when Zuko suddenly twisted and twirled on the floor, tripping Zhao and making him lose his balance. I stood there as I watch my nephew continue the fight.

I trust you in this Zuko. Now let's see the product of your training!

I smiled at him as I watched.

Zuko, back at his fighting stance, took the opportunity for offense once more.

But this time he wasn't aiming for the upper body of Zhao. He was aiming for his feet. He's making his balance weak.

He released fire from his feet and the fire crawled through the floor. Zhao was unable to either block or deflect it because it was on the ground.

Zuko attacked five times and Zhao tried his best not to step on the fire and move away from it but, at last. On the final attack, he was out of balance and he fell to the ground.

Zuko ran up in front of him; ready to blast fire at any time, but he just stood there.

"DO IT!" Zhao shouted.

"Don't do it," I whispered.

Zuko then blasted his fire, but not at Commander Zhao. He aimed it at the floor beside Zhao's head.

Well done my nephew. I could've never been more proud.

"That's it? Your father raised a coward," Zhao insulted.

"Next time you get in my way, I promise, I won't hold back," Zuko warned and then he walked away from him.

You did right my nephew, and I am glad that you remembered everything I taught you.

I started walking towards Zuko, but then, from behind him, I saw Zhao stand up and released fire out of his feet aimed at my nephew.

I ran up to him and blocked the fire by holding onto his feet. When I was able to grab a hold of him, I gave him a little push and he went sliding on the ground away from us.

Zuko looked back and he tried to charge towards Zhao but I stopped him.

"No Prince Zuko! Do not taint your victory," I said as I blocked his way, holding onto his shoulders.

I looked back at Zhao who was still laying on the floor.

"So this is how the great commander Zhao acts in defeat? Disgraceful. Even in exile, my nephew is more honorable than you," I said and then I faced him. "Thanks again for the tea. It was delicious," I continued and then I bowed down before walking away.

Zuko followed behind me and we left the place.

As we were walking back to the ship, Zuko suddenly asked, "Did you really mean that uncle?"

I knew what he was talking about, but of course, I also know my nephew very well. I don't want this to get to his head.

"Of course! I told you ginseng tea is my favorite," I answered, but I saw a smile on his face. I know he knows that I really meant what I said.

Well done Prince Zuko. Well done...

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-Maya's Point of View-

Katara and I were left here in this sanctuary while the boys went out to catch the Lemur.

When they come back, we would either have a Lemur for dinner or have a new addition to the crew...

I think the second option would be best.

I looked at Katara who was roaming around looking at the statues.

"So..." I said as I followed behind her.

"Don't you think it's time we tell Aang that the Fire Nation has been here?" I asked.

Katara stopped walking and I stopped too.

"I can't. I just can't," Katara answered.

I walked in front of her and I said,

"What do you mean you can't? Katara, Aang is the Avatar! And he can't go on with his life thinking that the airbenders survived! That they are just out there in the world hiding," I argued.

"I can't break his heart! He would be devastated!" she argued back.

"Katara you can't keep the truth away from him. Sooner or later he would have to know..." I tried convincing her.

"I know! Just... Not right now,"

"Then when?" I asked again.

Katara didn't reply and she just looked away from me.

"Katara you're not his mom. You can't protect him from getting his heart broken. He has to face all these so that he can overcome them himself and become the Avatar who would save the world," I continued convincing her, and then I held her shoulders.

"We are his new family now. Yes, that's true, but the only thing we can do for Aang is to support him and believe in him; helping him in all ways that we can! What you're doing right now Katara, this isn't helping,"

Katara looked at me and then I smiled at her.

"Come on let's go down to those two. They are probably getting overboard," I said but then the eyes in the statue of Avatar Roku glowed.

And one by one the eyes of the other statues glowed as well until it reached the end.

"Oh no... Aang," Katara said and then she ran out of the sanctuary.

I followed Katara but then I heard a voice, that made me stop.

"I'm counting on you..."

I turned around to look for where it came from but no one was there.

Strange... Who could that be?

I looked away and started following after Katara.

———

We went down to where Sokka was but it was hard to get close to him because Aang was releasing strong currents of wind.

"What happened?!" Katara asked.

"He found out firebenders killed Gyatso!" Sokka answered.

I knew we should have told him sooner.

"Oh no, it's his Avatar spirit! He must have triggered it!" Katara speculated.

"I'll try calming him down!" I shouted.

"Hurry! Before he blows us off the mountain!" Sokka shouted.

I was about to walk closer to Aang when Katara held onto my shoulder.

"Maya... I'm sorry," she said.

"It's not your fault," I replied and then I went closer to Aang.

He was standing on the ground, but then he released stronger winds as he floated in mid-air.

I tried getting closer but this was as close as I can get.

"Aang! Aang listen to me! I know you're upset, and I know how hard it is to lose the people you love! I know how it feels because I've been through the same! Aang please— ugh!" I shouted but I was interrupted when a small rock, cut through my left cheek.

"Maya! Are you alright?!" Katara shouted.

"I'm fine!" I answered without looking at her.

I looked at Aang again and I continued my speech.

"Aang! Monk Gyatso and the other airbenders may be gone, but you are not alone! You'll never be alone because you have us! Katara, Sokka, and I, we are your new family now!"

Aang then suddenly started coming down and the winds were getting weaker and weaker.

When he got back to the ground, I walked behind him and said, "We will always be there for you Aang."

"We won't let anything happen to you. Promise," Katara added as she walked closer to us with Sokka following behind her.

I held on to Aang's hand and when the glow from his eyes and arrows were gone, he suddenly lost his balance. Good thing I caught him.

"I'm sorry..." Aang said.

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault," I replied.

Aang looked at Katara and then he sat up.

"Katara you were right. The firebenders were able to get to this temple, and if they were able to get here, then they could've gone to the other temples too," he sadly said.

"I really am the last airbender," he continued. Katara then hugged Aang tightly and Aang hugged her back, while Sokka and I placed a hand on Aang's shoulder.

I stared at Aang with a sad look in my eyes, and all of us were silent.

"I think it's best that we head out now. We still have a long journey ahead of us," Sokka broke the ice.

"Maya, come help me pack," he continued.

I looked at him and said, "Oh, uh... Sure, yeah," and then I stood up.

"You guys coming?" I asked Katara and Aang.

"I want to go back to the sanctuary one last time before we go," Aang said as he tried standing up.

Katara helped him as she said, "I'll go with Aang."

I nodded my head and then I walked beside Sokka.

Both of us were silent the whole time we were walking back to Appa until Sokka stopped and he handed me a cloth from his pocket.

"Wipe off that blood from your cheek," Sokka said.

Oh yeah right, I was cut by a piece of rock back then. I forgot about it.

I took the cloth and rubbed it on my left cheek.

We started walking again and the same as earlier, we were both silent.

When we got to where Appa was, Sokka started arranging his weapons and tightening the rope tied to Appa's horns, and I started fixing our stuff. I arranged all the sleeping bags and sacks.

When the work was done. Sokka told me that we should both go get Aang and Katara. I nodded to him and then we went to the sanctuary.

"You're quiet," Sokka suddenly said.

"Huh? Oh... I was just thinking about something," I replied.

"It's Aang isn't it," he said.

"Huh? What? No... What makes you think that?"

"You like him, don't you? I can see it in your eyes," Sokka suddenly said.

Me? Like Aang?

"I don't think so... I think I'm just concerned for him," I answered and then I looked away.

We reached the sanctuary and we saw Katara and Aang standing in front of the statue of Avatar Roku.

"How is Roku supposed to help me if I can't talk to him," Aang asked Katara.

"Maybe you'll find a way..." Katara answered.

"We're done packing. You guys ready to leave?" Sokka asked.

We were all about to leave the temple when we heard the lemur again and this time it was carrying fruits.

The lemur ran towards Sokka and left the fruits in front of him. Sokka then hurriedly ate all of it.

"Looks like you made a new friend Sokka," Aang said.

"Can't talk, must eat," Sokka replied with his stuffed mouth.

The lemur then climbed up on Aang's head.

"Hey little guy!" he said.

"Alright, guys let's go head out now. Sokka, continue that on the way down. We need to go," Katara said.

We all walked outside of the sanctuary down to the entrance of the air temple, and back to where we left Appa.

On the way down we were able to sight some fruit-bearing trees so we grabbed some and packed them for our trip.

When we got to where Appa was, I started helping out Katara pack the food while Sokka continued eating the fruits the lemur gave him.

Aang on the other hand stood beside Appa with the lemur on his arm and he stared right at the air temple.

"You, me, and Appa. We're all that's left of this place. We have to stick together," Aang said to the Lemur.

"Katara, Sokka, Maya. Say hello to the newest member of our family," Aang said as he walked towards us with the lemur on his arm.

"What are you gonna name him?" Katara asked. Before Aang could respond, the lemur jumped on Sokka and stole the fruit that he was about to eat.

The lemur went back to Aang's arm and started munching on the fruit.

"I'll name him Momo," Aang said and then we all laughed.

After a while of packing and getting ready, we finally headed out.

Now we are back in the sky and on our way to the north pole.

Sokka was the one leading Appa this time while Katara was asleep and Aang was at the rear end of the saddle still staring at the air temple.

I was on the left edge of the saddle. Staring out of nowhere.

"You must be tired. Why don't you go to sleep?" Aang asked me. He was already looking at me.

"I'll sleep later..." I answered and then I looked away from him.

"Your face. What happened?" he suddenly asked when he saw the wound on my cheek.

"Just a scratch, nothing big," I replied and then I hid it with my hand.

"Thank you," Aang suddenly said.

I looked at him and I saw him looking back at me.

"Everything you said back there. It really comforted me. Thank you," he said once more.

I smiled back at him and then I placed a hand on his shoulder. I was shocked when he suddenly pulled me in for a hug.

I can feel my heart pounding.

Then suddenly I remembered Sokka's question back in the temple.

Could it be that I'm really catching feelings for the Avatar? I don't know... It's still too vague to say I like him right now. Besides, I think Aang likes Katara, and I don't think romance is something that I should be thinking about at the moment.

Figuring out my mom's life is my priority, and Aang has Avatar deeds he needs to fulfill. I don't see a space for romance between us.

We're just too...

Different.