Avatar The Last Airbender: "Touched By Fire And Earth" (Toph Beifong)

S1 Ep17: The Northern Air Temple

As the traveller spun his tale about giant parrots and flying men, my attention began to wane, It wasn't until i felt a hat being thrust into my face that i snapped back to reality. Not wanting to be rude i dropped a few coins in the hat before gather my belongings to leave.

Just then Aang appeared and revealed that the traveller's great-grandfather had encountered actual airbenders just the week before. Sokka, Katara and I gasped in amusement, wondering if it could be true.

As I leaned back against the saddle I could feel Aang's excitement bubbling over at the thought of reuniting with his own kind. Our journey was almost at an end, and the Northern air temple was finally within sight.

Aang couldn't contain his enthusiasm as he explained, "this is where they used to hold the championship for sky bison polo" 

I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and offered some words of caution "that's great, Aang, but let's not get our hopes up too high. I don't want to see you heartbroken if things don't work out" 

Sokka being his usual pragmatic self wasn't exactly overflowing with optimism either. But Katara as always remained steadfast and confident.

As we emerged from the clouds, Aang suddenly cried in excitement "Guys, look at this!" he shouted, pointing ahead of us. And there it was, The Norther Air Temple, its graceful architecture rising up to the sky. But what truly took our breath away were the shapes of people flying about, a sight that filled us all with a sense of wonder and anticipation. 

Suddenly Aang's expression shifted from, excitement to a mix of sadness and anger. Katara's observation confirmed what he already knew deep down, the figures could actually be airbenders.

But then, Aang's demeanour shifted once again "No, they're not" he exclaimed, causing Sokka to look at him in confusion.

Aang let out a sigh, trying his best to explain "They're not really flying, they're just gliding. You can see it in the way they move, there's no spirit in it" 

Just then, a kid glided up laughing and having the time of his life. Seeing the joy on the child's face, Aang suddenly unleashed his own glider and soared off to join in the fun.

I quickly realised that it was up to me to ensure that Appa was landed safely, so i carefully guided him to a spot where he could rest without causing any harm to himself or others.

I witnessed a competition between Aang and the kid which concluded with the kid creating a smoke signal resembling Aang. Both of them landed and the kid introduced himself as Teo.

Teo rolled over to join the group and upon seeing Aang, he exclaimed "Wow, you're a real airbender" it dawned on him that Aang was also the Avatar and he was ecstatic. The inside of the air temple looked vastly different from the southern air temple.

As the people had modified it in a completely new way however, Aang appeared crestfallen at the sight, Concerned i asked him if he was alright. Aang expressed his disappointment saying "This is supposed to represent the history of my people, but they've change it" he walked away downtrodden.

I tried to console Aang by reminding him that change is an inevitable part of life "Nothing stays the same, Aang" i said hopping to lift his spirits.

Teo pointed out a part of the air temple that remained unchanged, and Aang's face lit up with content. However our peaceful moment was abruptly interrupted by a loud crash as a wrecking ball burst through the wall, engulfing Me and the group in a cloud of dust.

An older man walked through the hole, scolding the five of us for not stay away from the construction sight. He explained that they were making room for a bathhouse, but Aang was furious and accused the man of destroying something sacred.