Gah! I honestly didn't expect this chapter to take this long. Unfortunately I've had few horrible semesters that completely killed my muse. I know it's been almost a year, but I don't know if I'm going to do much better in the future. I've got plans and I would like to see this story finished, however I wouldn't count on it. Thank you to anyone patient enough to still be waiting.

Aang sat on Appa's head, barely able to contain his excitement. They had reached the mountain range the Southern Air Temple was situated in and were now flying steadily upward to reach it. Zuko was sat in the saddle as per usual, the thick clouds almost obscuring him from Aang's view.

"How high up is it?" Zuko called over.

"Right at the top," Aang shouted back, "Shouldn't be long now."

Indeed, seconds later they broke free of the cloud and sunlight hit Aang's face, making him screw up his eyes to try and see. Appa gave a loud groan and it was answered by other bison. Aang heard Zuko's gasp of amazement as the Firebender saw the Air Temple for the first time. Aang's eyes adjusted to the light and he could see the activity of the temple. The younger Airbenders were flying around on their gliders, while the older masters were seated around the temple, meditating. The kids on the gliders flew over and started to swoop around Appa, laughing.

"Come on, Aang!" one of them yelled.

Grinning, Aang picked up his staff and launched himself into the air. Zuko scrambled over the saddle and onto Appa's head, taking the reigns. He shot a glare at Aang, but the boy was happily ignoring him and flying with his fellow Airbenders.

"I'm trusting you know where to land," Zuko grumbled to Appa.

Appa grunted and flew steadily toward the temple. As they got closer, Zuko could see several of the walls and floors were painted brightly with Air Nomad symbols and colourful banners hung on the currently leafless trees. Appa landed at the base of the temple, where a long, branching path began to wind its way through the place. People were approaching as Zuko dismounted, they didn't look hostile, but Zuko had never put much faith in appearances. He waited, not moving away from Appa, for someone to say something. A small crowd had gathered before one of the older monks stepped forward.

"You must be the Avatar," the man said, "We've been expecting you."

"I have come to learn Airbending," Zuko stated politely, bowing to the man.

"You may present your request to the elders," the man replied.

A rush of wind was all the warning Zuko got before Aang dropped out of the sky next to him. Aang waved to the other kids then realised he was being watched. By everyone. The young Airbender smiled at Zuko.

"So," he said enthusiastically, "What do you think?"

"I haven't seen much yet," Zuko said.

"I'll show you," Aang continued brightly, grabbing Zuko's arm and dragging him through the crowd of bemused onlookers.

"Avatar," one of the older monks interrupted Aang's stream of words, "The elders will see you in one hour. Aang knows where to go."

"Right!" Aang said and resumed his tugging, "Come on, Zuko, I'll show you where the bison sleep!"

Aang bounded up to the edge of the cliff path. Small piles of snow filled the corners, but the main path had been swept clear. By brush or Airbending, Zuko couldn't tell. The path gave a good view of a large courtyard, several buildings dotted the place and a few bison were lounging on the ground. But what Aang was most excited about was a collection of tall wooden pillars, upon which two young Airbenders were standing.

"And that's where we play Airball!" Aang proclaimed happily.

Zuko could just make out a ball bouncing between the posts toward one of the Airbenders. The young monk spun around, kicking a blast of air at the speeding ball, sending it rocketing back toward his opponent. Zuko and Aang watched the play until the Airbender on the left managed to score a point.

"You should see it when I play," Aang bragged as he led Zuko further along the path, "I can beat those two hands down!"

"Really?" Zuko asked.

"Yeah," Aang said enthusiastically, "Hey, when you learn Airbending, do you think you can play too?"

"I'm a bit old for games," Zuko said quickly.

"No you're not," Aang disagreed, "Gyatso plays and he's way older than you."

"We'll see," said Zuko, trying not to commit to the idea. Airball looked a lot different to the Fire Nation games he had known growing up.

"Oh!" Aang said, pointing at a patch of trees, "That's where the lemurs live. They're really fun to play with. We can go feed some later if you want."

"Why not," Zuko shrugged, knowing Aang wasn't really listening.

"And up there is the kitchen," Aang informed his friend, pointing above them, "We can see it better when we're on the next level. You've got to try a fruit pie."

Zuko hummed somewhat positively, letting the Airbender's words wash over him. The Southern Air Temple was an amazing place. Zuko racked his brains, the Fire Sages had mentioned one of the Air Temples where he was supposed to learn Airbending, but he couldn't recall if it was the North or South.

"And this is – oh hey! Gyatso!" Aang interrupted himself to wave energetically at an old monk walking along the same path.

"Aang," the man – Gyatso, judging by Aang's shout – said warmly, "It's good to see you again."

Aang ran forward and grabbed him in a hug. Gyatso wrapped his arms around Aang, hugging him back. Zuko held back, waiting for Aang to introduce them.

"It's great to see you too," Aang said happily. He pulled back and turned to face Zuko, "This is my friend, Zuko. Zuko, this is Monk Gyatso."

"It's an honour to meet you," Zuko said politely, giving the older Airbender a bow.

"Any friend of Aang's is welcome here," Gyatso said smiling warmly at Zuko.

"Zuko's come to learn Airbending," Aang continued excitedly, "Then he can stop the war!"

"Is that so?" Gyatso smiled at Aang indulgently.

"I have to master Water- and Earthbending too," Zuko reminded the younger Airbender.

"They'll be easy," Aang said dismissively, "Airbending is."

"If you say so," Zuko said.

"Shall we continue on this way?" Gyatso suggested, "You are going to talk to the elders shortly, this path will take us directly there."

"Great," Aang said, "Just like I planned. We've been to seen everything else first. Except the kitchens, but we'll see them after the elders..."

Aang began to relay the past hour to Gyatso as they carried on walking. He came to an abrupt halt as they reached a large doorway. The three went through into a large chamber.

Four old monks were sat at the far end of the chamber. Gyatso continued on and took his place at the far left. Zuko followed Aang to stand in the middle of the room. The Firebender bowed in respect to the masters. Aang tugged on his sleeve and the two knelt.

"Greetings, Avatar Zuko," the monk in the centre said, inclining his head, "You have sought us out to learn Airbending, correct?"

"Yes," Zuko replied, "Aang told me I could learn here."

"We have been waiting a long time for you to find your way here," the monk to his left spoke, "It has been said that the Avatar was meant to come here one hundred years ago. You are rather late."

"Due to circumstances beyond my control," Zuko replied, bristling.

"But you are here now," the monk in the middle said, "And we will teach you Airbending as our ancestors promised to do."

"Thank you," Zuko nodded, "But I have to learn quickly. There's an eclipse coming. Is I don't stop the Water Tribe before it does, the world's going to go completely out of balance."

The lack of response made Zuko frown. It was almost as if they knew already. He ignored it to focus on the main issue.

"Can you teach me within a month?" he asked, "I don't want to risk wasting any longer than that if possible."

"It will be difficult," the monk in the middle declared, "But not impossible. You will start this afternoon."

"Thank you," Zuko said, making to rise, "Where should I find my instructor?"

"Wait a moment," Gyatso said, "I believe a visit to Monk Yasuo is in order before then."

If Gyatso's look was making him feel worried, Aang's sudden grin made Zuko downright uncomfortable. This didn't look good...

Zuko bit back a sigh as the monk ordered him to hold his arms out again. Being fitted for clothes was always so tedious. He had hoped that the Air Nomads would let learn in his Fire Nation things, but as Aang pointed out, the Water Tribe would be looking for someone wearing red. An Air Nomad would be much more likely to slip beneath their radar.

Zuko scowled at his friend, who was messing around with the various bits and pieces the tailor's bag held. Currently Aang was trying to figure out his armspan with a measuring tape and had a spare scrap of cloth tied to his head.

"You look ridiculous," Zuko told Aang.

"So do you," Aang responded, giving up on the measuring and wrapping another spare piece of fabric around his ankle.

Zuko looked at himself with a grimace. Various chalk markings covered the otherwise bright cloth. It was almost as bad as the fittings in the palace, but at least Azula wasn't trying to set him on fire when no one was looking.

"I don't see why it has to take so long," Zuko grumbled.

"Have patience," Yasuo repeated, clearly used to people fidgeting while being fitted, "It must be done correctly, or else they will not be conductive to proper Airbending."

Zuko hid another sigh and settled on watching Aang slowly turn himself into a circus tent. By the time Yasuo proclaimed Zuko done, Aang was barely visible under all the random bits of cloth. The Firebender tugged at his new outfit. It was identical to Aang's clothes, but bigger to fit on Zuko's larger frame.

"Right," Aang said, Airbending most of the scraps of material off his body and across the room, "I'd say it's time for your first lesson in Airbending!"

"I recall Monk Afiko mentioning the northern courtyard," Yasuo told Aang.

"Great," Aang said, tugging off the remaining scraps, "Come on Zuko."

The young monk was all but bouncing down the corridor as he lead the Firebender to his lesson.

"Air is freedom," the instructor, the monk named Afiko, told Zuko, "In order to bend air you must detach yourself from the world. Flight will not come to those who have their feet too firmly planted on the ground."

Zuko listened carefully, consciously trying to loosen his stance. Master and student were stood in a small courtyard, away from the noisy games of the younger monks. Aang was perched on a nearby rock, watching the lesson with interest.

"Now," the teacher went on, "You are familiar with Firebending. From what our legends say, fire and air hold many similarities. But while Firebending comes from within, Airbending is bending the element outside of your body. Like so."

Afiko turned to face a flag he had set up in the middle of the courtyard. He swept his hands around and out, sending a gust of wind into the bright cloth, which began flapping. He held it for several seconds then relaxed. He motioned for Zuko to try.

"Keep it fluttering for as long as you are able," Afiko instructed.

Zuko took a deep breath and followed the monk's movement. It felt strange, bending something that wasn't coming directly from himself. The air swirled around his body before rushing past his fingertips and blowing the flag. Oddly like Firebending, but not at the same time.

It quickly became apparent that although Airbending was using less energy for this sort of motion, it was a lot more continuous than Firebending. Like a long jog compared to a flat sprint. Flying was no doubt like that too.

"Good," Afiko said, interrupting Zuko's thoughts, "Now loosen your stance. Air follows its own path, it merely needs direction, not force."

"Like lightning," Zuko muttered.

"Not quite," the instructor disagreed, "Firebender lightning needs to be formed. Wind just is."

A rogue breeze blew through Zuko's hair, emphasising the teacher's statement.

"Perhaps we can move on," Afiko decided, "Something more challenging."

Zuko straightened from his stance and the flag fluttered to a halt. Afiko gestured for Aang to come closer and the young monk bound over, grinning as per usual.

"Aang, could you climb up to the balcony there?" Afiko asked, pointing at a ledge about a hundred yards up.

"Easy," Aang replied brightly.

The young Airbender ran to the bottom of the cliff. Quickly judging the rock for suitable points, Aang leapt up, using Airbending to make his jump far higher than normal. He kicked off a stuck-out bit of rock and made it to a point about a third of the way up. Aang didn't stay there for long and jumped again, almost flying up the cliffside. It didn't take him long to reach the balcony and he sat on the edge, waving down at Zuko and Afiko.

"Your turn, Avatar," Afiko said, gesturing.

Zuko looked at the cliff, trying to map out the path Aang had taken. That rock, then that ledge. Zuko would deal with them first. He crouched, preparing to spring.

Zuko's first jump took him just shy of the rock. He hit the cliff and slid down to Afiko's feet. He didn't need the instructor's disapproving look to tell him he'd failed to Airbend at all. Getting to his feet, Zuko took a breath and tried again, trying to pull the wind into helping him. It caught his new clothes better than he expected and Zuko hit the cliff again.

"Perhaps this was too much," Afiko said as Zuko landed in front of him, "Not all Airbenders manage this as quickly as Aang did."

"No," Zuko ground out, "I'm not giving up."

He leapt at the cliff again. This time he managed to reach the rock and kick off it. He just grabbed the next ledge with his fingers. Climbing was something he was used to however, and Zuko hoisted himself up to stand on the jut of rock. The next ledge was ten yards or so up and some distance to the right of where Zuko was standing. His next jump got him to it, but he had to take a few moments to regain his balance.

The next ledge was straight up. Zuko scrambled up the cliff, doing his best to use Airbending to help. The balcony itself was next and was an easier stretch, being a lot bigger than the jutting rocks Zuko had previously been aiming for. He made the final jump and caught the edge of the balcony. Aang helped him up and over.

"You made it!" Aang exclaimed joyously, "You're doing really well for someone who's never done Airbending before."

"Airbending training is..." Zuko searched for the right word, "Informal."

"We don't have real lessons for much beyond flying," Aang agreed, "That's not how Airbending works."

"Freedom, I know," Zuko said, "Isn't it dangerous?"

"There's always one of the masters around if something bad happens," Aang shrugged, "Usually it's just someone blowing themselves off the mountain."

"There were always instructors for Firebending practise," said Zuko, "But I suppose you can hurt someone with fire far more easily than with air."

"So what's Airbending like for you?" Aang asked, ever curious, "You know, compared to Firebending?"

"Lighter," Zuko replied, "Easier in some ways. Fire is alive, if you don't control it, it's going to spread. Air isn't like that at all."

"Hey, it looks like we're meant to come back down now," Aang said, peering down at the courtyard where Afiko was still standing.

Aang got ready to jump off the balcony, but Zuko grabbed him.

"How do I get back down?"

"Easy," Aang said, "Just bend a cushion of air beneath you. Like this."

Aang demonstrated a sweep of his arms, ending with a push down. Zuko copied his movements, feeling the air swirling around him.

"Great," Aang grinned, "See you at the bottom."

With that, Aang leapt off the balcony, laughing as the wind rushed by him. He pushed the wind into a cushion as previously shown, bounced and landed gently. Zuko took a steadying breath and followed.

The ground rushed up awful quickly and Zuko pulled that air around and down. It slowed his descent for a second, then he was falling again. The Firebender landed heavily, rolling to ease the force.

"Are you alright, Zuko?" Aang's worried voice asked.

"Fine," Zuko said, he'd fallen without Airbending to help him before.

"My apologies, Avatar," Afiko said as Zuko stood up, "I thought your Airbending would reduce your momentum more than it did."

"I'm fine," Zuko repeated.

"Sure?" Aang asked.

"Yes," Zuko snapped.

"Very well," Afiko said, "We will continue with your training."

"The Southern Air Temple," Sokka said, pointing at his map, "We want to get there quick so the Avatar doesn't learn much Airbending."

"He could be leading us astray," Paku commented, "Firebenders were known to be tricky sometimes."

"This one's not," Sokka said confidently, "I've read about sneaky Firebenders. The Avatar's only kept ahead because he's on that damn bison. I doubt he's ever had to hide in his life."

"Hmm," Paku let out, sounding uncommitted.

Sokka glared, but decided to let that go. Paku was being maddeningly unhelpful with the Avatar. The Fire Nation and its benders, sure, but nothing Sokka couldn't find out for himself anyway. However, Paku actually seemed to know something about the Avatar that couldn't be put down to common knowledge.

"Maybe we could find out something about Airbender with him," Katara suggested, "They'd have papers and things, right?"

"Have you ever studied the Airbenders?" Sokka asked incredulously, "They don't do reports or lists of people or anything like that. Airbending is detachment. That's why it's always so tricky to go after the Air Nomads, there isn't any clue as to how many there are. It's why we're going to have to play this one carefully. Airbenders run and they move a lot faster than we can."

"They aren't going to hand over the Avatar," Paku said.

"I know that," Sokka rolled his eyes, "We're going to have to sneak in. No out and out warfare or there'll be no one left to fight."

"Have you ever climbed a mountain before?" Paku asked, "It's much more difficult than the Airbenders make it look."

"I manage," Sokka said confidently, "And Katara'll help, right Katara?"

"Absolutely," Katara said, smiling at her brother, "It snows near the top, doesn't it? I'll have bending to help us."

"You'll still have to make the first part of the journey on only what you've brought with you," Paku warned, though his voice lightened as he continued, "Talk to Akiak, he used to scale the ice cliffs in the North."

"Great," Sokka said, "I'll go do that. Katara, you make sure we have some food for the journey."

"And rope? Climbing picks?" Paku asked, somewhat amused, "Perhaps some chains to hold the Avatar with?"

"Yeah, sure," Sokka waved off the concerns, "Just make sure you remember the blubbered seal jerky!"

"You never told me you knew how to play Pai Sho," Aang said accusingly as Zuko took his place opposite Gyatso.

"It never came up," Zuko shrugged, "And I'm not very good, my uncle always beat me."

"You may make the first move," Gyatso said, settling into his own seat comfortably.

Zuko picked up one of his many tiles and placed it on the board. Gyatso followed suit a few moments later. As the play progressed the Airbending master's moves took longer and longer.

"Your style is familiar," Gyatso mused, after placing his current tile strategically, "The Dragon of the West, if I'm not mistaken."

Zuko dropped the piece he was holding and gaped at the older monk, not believing his ears.

"You knew my uncle?" Zuko asked, astounded.

"I never had the pleasure of meeting Iroh," Gyatso shook his head, "But some people have learnt from his style of Pai Sho playing and I have played against them."

"He'd be happy that there is a technique named after him," Zuko said, picking up his tile again, "He loved Pai Sho."

He laid the piece on the board. Gyatso moved one of his to another location.

"Why was he called the Dragon of the West?" Aang asked, ever curious.

"He invented the breath of fire," Zuko replied, "Not many Firebenders can do it."

"Can you?" Aang asked.

Zuko let out a mouthful of fire and watched Aang for his reaction. The young Airbender just looked confused.

"You mean not all Firebenders could do that?" Aang asked, puzzled.

"No," Zuko said, slightly annoyed with the lack of reaction, "I've seen Firebenders burn themselves trying to do it."

"Really?" Aang said, wide-eyed.

"My cousin singed his eyebrows off the first time he tried," Zuko said placing another tile.

"Ouch," Aang winced, "Did anything happen to you?"

"My uncle made me be really careful," Zuko said, "I wasn't allowed to use fire until I managed just smoke without choking."

Aang looked at him expectantly and Zuko sighed, letting smoke trail out of his mouth.

"Awesome," Aang grinned.

"You like that better than the fire?" Zuko asked, bewildered.

"Fire just looks like you do in a fight," Aang shrugged, "Smoke looks more mysterious."

Zuko glanced at Gyatso, but the older monk was chuckling softly at Aang's words. Zuko scowled and looked down at the board, trying to figure out what to move next.

Early morning in the temple, a few days later, found Zuko wandering around, looking for Aang. The few people who weren't meditating at this hour gave him vague details. Having grown up with Azula able to twist people to her every whim, Zuko could see when someone was trying to hide something from him. Of course, Aang's attempt was far more clumsy than anything Azula had ever done.

Fuming slightly, Zuko found an empty spot to try and meditate in. Lighting a fire in each hand Zuko closed his eyes and started breathing evenly. The flames mimicked his breathing, flickering in the gentle breeze.

"Hey, Zuko!"

Of course peace couldn't last very long with a certain excited Airbender around. Sighing, Zuko cracked open one eye and saw Aang standing in front of him, grinning.

"Good morning," Zuko replied unenthusiastically.

Aang's face fell slightly. Zuko closed his hands, putting out the fires with the barest hint of smoke, and gave the Airbender his full attention.

"I've got something for you," Aang said brightly, smile back on his face.

Before Zuko could say anything, Aang took his hands from behind his back and deposited a staff into Zuko's lap. Frowning, Zuko picked it up.

"Your glider?" Zuko questioned.

"No," Aang replied, "Your glider. The monks finished making it for you this morning."

"So that's where you were," Zuko muttered, more to himself than Aang.

The Firebender stood up and examined the staff carefully, while Aang fetched his from where it was leant against a nearby rock.

"How does it open?" Zuko asked, holding the wooden staff carefully.

"Airbending," Aang replied, transforming his own staff into a glider with a barely visible flick of his fingers.

Still holding the staff as though it was poisonous, Zuko looked at Aang for further help. With a grin the young Airbender closed his glider, then opened it slowly, giving Zuko a good look at how it was done. Carefully, Zuko followed his demonstration and managed to open his glider.

"See, easy," Aang said, still grinning his head off.

"If you say so," Zuko said, examining his glider carefully.

The wood and cloth were thin, making Zuko wonder if it could even support his weight, let alone be used in a fight like he'd seen Aang do with his. A similar, almost backwards, movement closed the fan-like contraption. Zuko practised a few times with Aang's encouragement until a younger Airbender ran over.

"Hey, Aang!" the kid said, his grin fading slightly as he looked at Zuko, "Er... greetings, Avatar."

Zuko nodded in reply.

"Hey, Jiro," Aang greeted, "What's up?"

"Monk Afiko said I had to fetch the Avatar once you gave him his glider," Jiro rushed out, darting shy glances at Zuko all the while.

"Well Zuko's got his glider," Aang said, looking up at Zuko, "You ready to go?"

Zuko nodded and Jiro led them off, chatting with Aang. Zuko tuned out their voices until he was suddenly aware of silence and two pairs of eyes looking at him.

"What?"

"Nothing!" Jiro said, far too quickly.

Both the young Airbenders whispered to each other, sending glances at Zuko every now and then. Zuko scowled at the pair of them. When they reached the training area, Jiro scampered off. Aang grinned up at Zuko, not fazed by his frown.

"What was that about?" Zuko asked.

"Oh, Jiro hasn't been to the other Nations much. He's not used to boys having hair," Aang explained, scratching his own bald head, "Well, I guess the older monks have beards, but it's not the same."

"He thought I was a girl?" Zuko questioned incredulously.

"No," Aang replied, cheerily, "He just wondered if you had to do it as a punishment. Hair's itchy when it grows in, Jiro hates it."

Zuko ran his hand through his hair, looking up at the ends of his fringe that were just reaching his eyes. To the bald monks, it must seem like a lot.

"It used to be longer," Zuko said with a shrug, "Long hair on a Firebender is a sign of mastery. It proves you're good enough to not burn it off."

"What happened to yours?" Aang asked.

"Bandits," Zuko replied, "They got my topknot. Most of it wasn't there anyway because of this," he gestured at his scar.

Monk Afiko interrupted their discussion to call to the kids milling about the courtyard and order them to line up. Zuko got in line, trying to ignore the fact that the other students barely came up to his shoulder. Aang was off to one side again, giving a cheerful wave whenever the Firebender looked his way.

"We will go once around the temple and return to this spot," Afiko instructed, flicking open his own glider, "Stay with your partner, it is important to learn from the way other Airbenders control the currents."

The kid next to Zuko – the tallest of the group, he actually came up to the Firebender's chin – shifted uneasily. No doubt he was worried about being paired with the Avatar. Zuko could sympathise, he hadn't expected to start flying lessons with other Airbenders around. At least the kid had actually flown before.

Determined to face this challenge head on, Zuko took his position at the back of the line, next to his partner. They both opened their gliders as the previous pair jumped up and into the air. A second later they moved forward, jumping up like the others had done.

For a moment Zuko felt a thrill of fear. The edge of the temple they had taken off from was a sheer drop. He was held up by a flimsy structure of cloth and wood. The wind was coming from the side, trying to push him into his partner. They'd crash, and probably not survive the fall.

No!

Something clicked in Zuko's head. He exhaled and felt the wind move with him. Air was freedom, not death. Zuko pulled the wind around to push him after the retreating forms of the rest of the class. He caught up with his partner, who was watching the Firebender with an odd mix of surprise and awe. Zuko adjusted his flow of air to better match the younger Airbender's and found it took much less effort to hold himself aloft.

The circuit of the temple took less time than Zuko was expecting, possibly because he was focusing on keeping himself up rather than where he was doing it. At his landing – with a slight stumble – the other kids gave a cheer.

"Did I do something special?" Zuko asked, looking over at Aang, who had made his way over.

"Not many manage their first flight in that particular style," Afiko supplied, "Many prefer to find another way."

"Why?" Zuko asked, even more bewildered, "If you have to do something you do it the way it's meant to be done."

Now most of the kids were the ones looking confused.

"Though you are the Avatar, and therefore an Airbender, you truly are a born Firebender," Afiko said, with almost a hint of disappointment, "Airbending teaches that there are many different ways to handle a situation. There is no single solution to any problem."

"Earthbenders face things head-on," Aang piped up, "At least the ones I've seen do."

"True," Afiko nodded, "It appears you will find Earthbending much easier than Airbending when you come to learn it, Avatar."

"I can learn the philosophy of elements once the Water Tribe has been defeated," Zuko said, trying not to get angry, "I don't have time for it now."

"Line up again!" Afiko called to the students, "Our next flight will be to the outer mountains."

Zuko opened his mouth to protest, but Afiko moved away. Aang trotted off to the side to watch again. Zuko shut his mouth with a snap. Air was avoidance as well as freedom, it didn't look like he was going to be able to argue this point any further. With a sigh, the Firebender lined up with the other students and prepared to fly again.

Gyatso found Aang and Zuko sat on boulders in the shadow of the temple. The younger was teaching his friend how to juggle rocks in small spheres of air. The Avatar seemed to be picking up the trick to floating rocks easily enough, though his technique for juggling left something to be desired. Aang became confused as Gyatso pushed his own bending into the fray, sending the rocks spiralling around. Aang began to laugh when he spotted Gyatso. The older monk beckoned the two boys over.

"If you are free, Avatar, there is something you must see," Gyatso said, serious for once.

The old monk led them through the temple, down into corridors Zuko had never been in before. They stopped in front of a large pair of wooden doors. They were bright and more decorated that the usual Air Nomad's doors.

"Here we are," Gyatso informed the other two.

Zuko and Aang both stared at the huge doors. Pipes were wound intricately over the centre, forming a lock. The key would be...

"Airbending?" Zuko asked, looking at the others for conformation.

"Correct," Gyatso nodded.

"How'd you know that?" Aang whined, obviously disappointed at not being able to spill the secret.

"Everything around here needs Airbending," Zuko said, trying not to roll his eyes, "The Fire Sages had a door that could only be opened by Firebending. It needed all five sages, or a fully realised Avatar," he added.

"Wow," Aang exclaimed, "Can we go see it some time?"

"It was on the island where you found me," Zuko replied, shaking his head.

"Oh," Aang's shoulders slumped.

"If you can open the doors, Avatar, you may go inside," Gyatso said formally.

With a determined nod, Zuko took his stance in front of the large doors. There were two funnels where air could be blasted in. Zuko took a deep breath, then moved forward, sending the air in the tunnel into the interlocking pipes. There was a moment where nothing happened, then one of the parts shifted, sending a low hum through the air. Another moment and another part shifted with a higher pitched hum. Finally the last moving part unlocked and the doors creaked open of their own accord.

Slowly the three made their way inside. Zuko lit a fire in the palm of his hand to help them see better in the minimal light. Aang ran ahead, but stopped short at the first thing he saw.

"Statues?" the young Airbender said in confusion. He turned to look at the older men, "Who are they?"

"Them seem... familiar," Zuko said, frowning in concentration, "I think I know them."

Shrugging, Aang bounded forward. He peered at each statue he came across until he found a familiar one.

"Zuko!" Aang called, "Zuko, come see!"

Hurried footsteps sounded behind Aang, then a sharp intake of breath as the Firebender's eyes found the statue of a tall, stern woman holding fans.

"Avatar Kyoshi," Zuko said quietly, "That's it. They're all Avatars."

"Each of the statues represents one of your past lives," Gyatso agreed.

"There's so many," Aang said, staring up at the statues lining the walls.

"In time you will be able to call upon all of their abilities to aid you," Gyatso said, "That is what is meant by a fully realised Avatar."

"It's unbelievable," Zuko said, voice quiet with awe.

"Hey," Aang said, the next statue along, "Here's someone from the Water Tribe."

"Avatar Kuruk," Zuko said, coming over to look the statue properly, "He was the Avatar before Kyoshi."

"Do you know the names of everyone?" Aang asked, his eyes wide.

"Just him and Kyoshi," Zuko replied, frowning at the next few statues, "And Avatar Yangchen and Avatar Roku. I just know them, but I'm not sure why. The sages never told me about the Avatars before me."

"Though Avatar Kyoshi is meant to guide you on your path, the three Avatars before her are there to help you in ways only they can," Gyatso said, "The Avatar must be balanced, and so you must be able to seek all elements for guidance."

"It's weird you knowing all this stuff without being told," Aang commented, "I'd find it creepy."

"It is a little," Zuko admitted, "But it doesn't feel wrong."

"You may come here anytime you wish," Gyatso said, "Just remember to close the doors. We don't want anyone to disturb this place."

Aang – just about to touch the carved bearskin on Avatar Kuruk's head – quickly put his hands innocently behind his back. He got a frown from Zuko and a mildly disapproving look from Gyatso. Grinning sheepishly, the young Airbender walked back over to the other two.

"I believe I shall retire for the night," Gyatso said, "You are quite welcome to stay here, if you wish."

Casting one last look at the many statues, Zuko shook his head.

"I think I've seen enough," Zuko said.

Aang pouted, but followed the older two out of the room. The young monk closed the doors with a low thunk, sealing the room shut again. He'd have to persuade Zuko to visit again sometime. In the meantime however...

"Want to get in a game of Airball before bed?"

"The Southern Air Temple," Hahn said grimly, pacing around the small cabin designed for planning, "The Avatar needs to learn Airbending."

"If the Airbenders will teach him," said Kinto, the leader of Hahn's selection of Waterbenders, "The Avatar has been making himself known and drawing attention. The Air Nomads are devoted to peace, they won't like him bringing the Water Tribes to their mountain."

"The idea of peace is why they'll teach him," Miksa countered, "He only has to ask to learn for the sake of balance and they'll do nearly anything for him."

"Except stand and fight," Kinto commented, "They'll run before we reach them."

"The Avatar ran at Kyoshi Island," Hahn observed, "Who's to say he won't join them?"

"The Fire Nation fought," Miksa said, "And we've all seen the reports on the Earthbender prison. He wants to protect people."

"Attack the Air Temple head on," Hahn said, a plan forming, "Not how we'd usually deal with Airbenders, but I think it might work."

"We can call in reinforcements from Chief Hakoda," Miksa said, "A storm attack should do best."

"I'll send a message," Hahn agreed, "And then we'll see how the Avatar defends himself without the solstice."