The Avatar's Protector

C h a p t e r S i x : A v a t a r R o k u

The bright full moon is shining over the mountain range. Aang and Appa are in the square of a village, Aang is frustratedly pulling on Appa's reins. Next to them are Lakko and I, and we're both getting impatient.

Aang groans and pulls on the reins. "Let's go Appa! Come on, boy!"

"GRRRRRRR." Appa growls stubbornly and Lakko makes a sound that sounds like a laugh.

"Look, I'm sorry, but Katara and Sokka aren't coming to the Fire Nation with us. If they got hurt, I'd never forgive myself. I don't want Luna to come, because I don't want her to get hurt, but she insisted on coming, also, Onsra Sora might be there.. So get your big butt off the ground and let's go!" He says to Appa, continuing to pull on Appa's reins. Appa continues to remain immovable. Aang pulls so hard on the reins that he falls to the ground.

"I think his big butt is trying to tell you something." Sokka says from behind us.

"Please don't go, Aang. The world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation." Katara pleads, and Aang gets up and walks towards them. "But I have to talk to Avatar Roku to find out what my vision means, and if Onsra Sora could be there then we at least have to try to get Luna there! We need to get to the Fire Temple before the sun sets on the Solstice. That's today." He explains and jumps up onto Appa's back and looks back hesitatingly at Sokka and Katara. Sokka and Katara jump in front of Appa, "we're not letting you go into the Fire Nation, Aang." Katara says stubbornly, and I hope they're planning what I think they're planning.

"At least not without your friends. We got your back." Sokka smiles.

"YES!" I cheer, sending a flock of birds erupting out of the trees. "And no, Echo, you are not coming." I say when Echo leaps onto Mala.

Momo jumps up onto Aang's arm and chitters happily while Appa licks Sokka from head to toe.

"EWWWWW." Sokka groans, attempting to wipe off the spit while I laugh my head off. "You're the one who wanted to come, that has a price."

"It's a long journey to the Crescent Island." The chief walks out and hands Aang a parcel. "You'll have to fly fast to have any chance of making it before sundown. Good luck."

"Thank you, for your..." Aang begins, but the Chief begins pointing away urgently.

"Go!"

****

"Come on buddy, we've got a long way to go, faster!" Aang shouts at Appa as Lakko struggles not to zoom ahead.

"Aang, we got trouble." Katara calls.

"Yeah, and it's gaining fast!" Sokka cries, making me stand up on Lakko and spin around, only to see Zuko's ship gaining fast. "Is Appa too tired to dodge lots of fireballs?" I ask, "I know Lakko's not, so I could always take Sokka and Katara on here to give Appa less to carry?" I suggest, pulling up right next to the flying bison. I hold my hand out for Katara, who takes it and leaps across, Sokka on her tail. "Fireball!" I shout at Aang while Katara and Sokka try to keep their footing on Lakko's scales. "On it!" He shouts back while Lakko swiftly dodges one, Aang pulls Aapa's reins and the flying bison dodges just in time, the fireball sailing over his head. "We have to get out of Zuko's range before he shoots another hot stinker at us!" Katara says, covering her nose with her hand.

"Can't you make Appa go any faster?" Sokka asks as Lakko tries not to speed ahead.

"Yeah, but there's just one little problem."Aang says, holding his nose.

****

"If we fly north we can go around the Fire Nation ships and avoid the blockade. It's the only way." Aang states.