The Seconded Waterbender(Avatar FF)

Book Two: Earth [Saving Zuko]

Third person's point of view.

The sky is gray as the view moves back and down toward the Southern Air Temple where Aang is caught in a dream. In it, he is running about the Southern Air Temple. He comes across the room where he had found Monk Gyatso's skeleton in real life and instead sees his own self in the Avatar State. The personage of himself turns to glare at him angrily. The view cuts back to a terrified Aang, wind blowing past him,

To a view of Marius, Sokka and Katara huddled behind a rock, watching the Avatar State Aang as he sends a forceful gust of wind that blows the real Aang back. He falls into the room in the Fire Temple he had visited to speak to Roku. The doors to the room open and reveal the personage of Aang in the Avatar State, who breathes fire and splits the floor in half. The real Aang falls through and lands on a Fire Navy ship in the Northern seas.

The monstrous koi fish, called Koizilla, created when he and La had fused together during the Siege of the North appears before him, the personage of him inside. The Koizilla makes a downward cutting motion, and the personage does the same before a blinding white appears and the dream ends. Aang awakes from it and leaves the room where the gang is sleeping, exiting through a stairway.

Katara awakens and catches sight of him leaving. Katara confused calls to him. "Aang..." But he doesn't answer or many can't hear her.

***

Aang is standing by the ledge of the Water Tribe ship on which they are sailing when Katara approaches him. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asks, "Nah, just a nightmare. I was in the Avatar State, but I was outside my body watching myself. It was scary. I was scary." he explains while closing eyes and bowing his head; Katara puts her hand on his shoulder.

~Daybreak~

Pakku is on the ship with two Water Tribe members and the gang. Pakku holds up a flask. "Katara, I want you to have this." Katara looks closely at the flask. "This amulet contains water from the Spirit Oasis. The water has unique properties. Don't lose it." Katara accepts amulet and hugs Pakku. "Thank you, Master Pakku." Pakku turns to Aang next who looks tired and but is still wide-eyed with curiosity.

Pakku hands Aang box of scrolls. "Aang, these scrolls will help you master waterbending. But remember, they're no substitute for a real master." Aang looks up at Marius who is still healing and is being given a boost by Nala, then he looks at Katara, who is sitting on Appa helping Marius the rest of the way up. "Sokka..." he says but with nothing to give the boy just pats him on shoulder leaving him dismayed. "Take care, son."

To the entire gang while pointing out in a direction. "Fly straight to the Earth Kingdom base to the east of here. General Fong will provide you with an escort to Omashu. There, you will be safe to begin your Earthbending training with King Bumi." Pakku instructs, looking at Marius he smiles sadly, "Take care, My Prince." Marius nods while Aang cracks Appa's reins. "Appa, yip yip!" Katara as they fly away, calls back. "Say hi to Gran-Gran for me!" Pakku blushes and turns away.

***

About halfway to the Gaang's destination, Katara notices Marius' quietness. "Marius?" she calls touching his knee for his attention, focusing he looks at her and smiles slightly, "Sorry, did I miss something?" he asks and she shakes her head, "No, I was just wondering what you were thinking about." his eyes widen a bit, "Oh, um... it's nothing, so don't worry." he reassures but she's unconvinced,

Flying on Appa. Sokka rises to view their destination. "There it is!" The gang arrives at General Fong's base, where he and his soldiers are waiting. "Welcome, Avatar Aang!" Fong greets as the Gaang slide off of Appa and stretch after riding on Appa for so long. "I am General Fong, and welcome, to all of you great heroes! Appa, Nala, Momo, Prince Marius, Brave Sokka, the Mighty Katara..." Fong praises.