The Island of Kiyoshi

-Maya's Point of View-

The soldiers brought us to some kind of place and then once we got there they tied all of us together onto a big pole.

"You four have some explaining to do," a man said.

"And if you don't answer all our questions, we're throwing you back in the water with the Unagi," a woman warned.

Wait, Unagi? Is that what that colossus thing is called?

"Show yourselves, cowards!" Sokka shouted.

After he shouted that they removed our blindfolds. When I looked at them I saw a group of women in warrior suits, together with an old man and several people behind them.

Woah! So they are the ones that kidnapped us! Their suits seem heavy, how can they freely move in that?

And why does it look like the whole village people are watching? Is this some kind of show or something?

"Who are you? Where are the men who ambushed us?" Sokka asked the warrior in front of him.

You idiot Sokka! They were the ones who ambushed us!

"There were no men! We ambushed you! Now tell us, who are you and what are you doing here?" the warrior asked.

"We were only here to stop by! We never intend to do anything bad, I swear! Aang right here only wanted to ride the elephant koi! We mean no harm!" I explained.

"Wait a second! There's no way a bunch of girls took us down," Sokka interrupted with a smirk on his face.

Gosh, Sokka! Here you go again with the men over women talk. You promised not to do that again, but here you are! Belittling these warriors... do you have a death wish?!

"A bunch of girls huh? The Unagi's going to eat well tonight," The woman said as she grabbed Sokka's collar and draw her face closer.

"No! Don't hurt him! He didn't mean it! My brother's just an idiot sometimes," Katara shouted.

The warrior lets go of Sokka but she still looked at him with an angry face.

"It's my fault," Aang suddenly said. "I'm sorry we came here. I wanted to ride the elephant koi," he explained.

"How do we know you're not fire nation spies?" the old man in front of us said as he pointed at us.

My eyes grew wide.

Oh no... They hate the fire nation as well. It would be a disaster if they found out about my true nationality.

"Kiyoshi stayed out of the war so far, and we intend to keep it that way," the old man continued.

"This island is named after Kiyoshi? I know Kiyoshi!" Aang suddenly said filled with excitement.

"Um... Aang? What are you saying? Do you really know that person?" I whispered to him.

"Yeah! I do!" he answered.

"Ha! How could you possibly know her?" the old man argued.

Yeah Aang, you have not even been to this place before! Guessing that you don't even know it was called Kiyoshi.

There's no time for jokes! We might really become Unagi food if we don't take this seriously!

"Avatar Kiyoshi was born here 400 years ago. She's been dead for centuries," the old man continued.

Wait, Avatar? Aang's an Avatar too! Oh! So that's what Aang meant when he said he knows Kiyoshi. She is his past life!

"I know her because I'm the Avatar," Aang confidently said.

I thought that the people will easily believe us but I guess the war has made them skeptical and tough.

"That's impossible! The last Avatar was an airbender who disappeared a hundred years ago!" The warrior disagreed.

"That's me!" Aang cheerfully said.

For some reason, they are really not buying it. They don't believe that Aang is the Avatar. Have they already lost hope?

"Throw the impostor and his friends to the Unagi!" the old man commanded.

The warriors then suddenly opened their metal fans and surrounded us while in their fighting stance.

Those fans can surely cut! We need to do something quickly before we become Unagi food!

"Aang, do some airbending..." Katara whispered to Aang.

Then suddenly Aang used his airbending to cut the ropes and then he flew into the air. He also used airbending to gracefully land down on the ground.

Then from the crowd, I heard gasps and woes. Some of them even said, "Wow!" and "That's Amazing!"

The old man was then dumbfounded and amazed as he said, "It's true! You are the Avatar!"

"Now, check this out!" Aang said as he took out two marbles and did the trick that he was showing to Katara a few hours ago.

Really Aang? That trick? You can do other amazing airbending moves than that, and that is what you chose.

Well, I guess it's not that bad since the village people seem to be amazed by it. I mean, it's only that and they are going frantic already. There's even a person that has his mouth bubbling and faints just at the sight of Aang.

Wow, these people were really at the edge of giving up on the Avatar's return. Well, I guess now you have your hope back!

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-Zuko's Point of View-

I thought this would just be any normal breakfast, but I guess this one's a lucky one.

I was just here sitting at the dining table, enjoying the grilled fish that our cook has made, but he served us another thing that is more satisfying than food.

"Prince Zuko, I just heard from the nearby market where I bought the fish. It seems like the Avatar is on Kiyoshi Island," he reported.

"The Avatar's on Kiyoshi Island?!" I shouted.

Finally... My hope has come back. I now know where you are Avatar, and I'm coming for you.

"Uncle! Ready the Rhinos, he's not getting away from me this time," I said as I walked out of the dining area.

"Are you going to finish that?" Uncle suddenly asked as he pointed to the fish that our cook served.

I suddenly felt hungry, so I went back to the dining table and I grabbed the plate where the fish was.

"I was going to save it for later!" I shouted. And then I brought the fish with me.

This one's mine, uncle, I'm sorry. Besides, if it weren't for me craving fish for breakfast, we wouldn't have known about the Avatar's whereabouts. This fish is a trophy.

I went to the ship's cabin where my helmsman was and I ordered him to set sail for Kiyoshi Island.

"Set a course to Kiyoshi island. The Avatar is there. Hurry! We need to get there this same day. I wouldn't want to lose him again," I ordered.

"Yes Prince Zuko," he replied and then together with the other ship crew, they prepared for sailing.

I went out of the cabin and walked towards my quarters.

This is going to be a great day.

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-Maya's Point of View-

"We are humbled by your presence, young mighty Avatar," the old man said as he knelt down on the ground with his face down.

"I am honored to be here as well," Aang said and then he bowed down.

"Warriors, release the Avatar's friends!" the old man said as soon as he got up.

The warrior women then proceeded to remove us from being tied up.

"Thank you," I said to the lady warrior who removed the rope. She just nodded her head at me and didn't say anything.

Suddenly Appa came flying down to where we were and he landed on top of the warriors.

"What is this thing?" one of the warriors asked as they tried to get away from Appa.

"It's my flying bison! His name is Appa. Our method of travel is through air," Aang explained to them as he walked towards Appa.

"Come on now boy, let those warriors go. They are friends," Aang said as he pets Appa on the head.

Appa then stood up and moved his body away from the warriors.

"You must have been traveling for a while now? Why don't you come and stay for a few days on the Island? I'm sure the village people would be thrilled to have you here," the old man suggested.

"Uhm, actually sir, we don't plan to stay for long. We are planning to go to the North Pole so that Aang can master waterbending," Katara replied.

"North Pole? Then you have a long journey ahead of you. You must stay here for a while before you continue on," the old man persisted.

"Yeah Katara, Appa will be drained if we keep on flying," Aang agreed.

"Well... I guess, staying for a while won't hurt?" Katara said in defeat.

"Well then! Let me show you to your quarters. I will also lay out a grand breakfast for all of you. Come!" the old man said as he held Aang by the shoulders and signed us to follow them.

"Oh, what about Appa where will he stay?" I asked the old man.

"He can stay in the barn. Don't worry, the village folk will take good care of the buffalo. We'll also make sure that he's well-rested. Now, come on."

Katara sighed in defeat and then she followed behind the two of them. I followed behind as well with Sokka beside me but he seemed quiet.

And what's with the look on his face? What's with him?

"You okay?" I asked Sokka. He didn't reply to me and just looked away. So I didn't bother with him anymore. I think he needs some space.

The old man led us to a two-story nipa house. He accompanied us up to the second floor and then he said, "Here is where you will stay for the meantime. I know this is not a house worthy of the Avatar and his companions, but it's the best that this village can offer."

"Oh, no! This is actually a great place! Thank you!" Aang said to the old man.

"Your name must be Aang since your friends call you by that," the old man said once more.

"Yes! Nice to meet you... Ugh..."

"Oyaji. I am the chief of this village," the old man said with a smile.

Aang smiled back at him and then he bowed down once more while saying, "Thank you for your generous acts, Chief Oyaji."

"It is my pleasure to be of service to the Avatar and his friends. Now wait for your breakfast here. I ordered some village folks to bring them in. I hope you have a restful stay in Kiyoshi," the old man said and then he left the room.

Katara sat in front of the table in the middle of the room and I was about to sit next to her but Aang got there first.

So I just sat near the window and leaned my back against the wall. Sokka sat at the corner of the room with his back leaned against the wall as well, still with that grumpy look on his face.

Aang then started a conversation with Katara and they talked about how great this place is, how hospitable the people are, and how staying here was the best decision.

Of course, Katara doesn't seem too happy about this. She really wants to go that bad. I mean, it's not wrong to be in a hurry but it's not wrong as well to relax for a while. So I think a little rest is fine.

I looked outside the window and I saw that the village has become more festive. People are going all around the place doing some stuff and whatnot. They are even repainting the statue of Avatar Kiyoshi.

I continued looking at the view out of the window and I thought about how much I miss home already.

Suddenly people went inside the room while carrying trays of food.

"Here is the grand breakfast for the Avatar and his friends. I hope you enjoy your meal young Avatar," one of the servers said. He bowed down in front of Aang and then left the room.

I sat on the other side of Aang and then I looked at all of the food they served.

Aang is right, everyone is very hospitable and kind. They are treating Aang like a king of some kind.

"Alright! Dessert for breakfast! These people sure know how to treat an Avatar!" Aang said.

They served a lot of pastries and sweets. I've never seen such majestic food before! It really is amazing! But I feel like they are patronizing us too much.

Aang started eating them while Katara just examined the bread. Momo was feasting on it as well. He was one by one collecting the bread and bringing them to the floor where he is eating.

I grabbed a piece of bread and took a bite of it.

"Hm! This one tastes delicious! Katara you should try this one," I said and then I grabbed one of the same kind and handed it out to Katara.

"Ooh! Let me taste that!" Aang suddenly said and then he took a bite from the bread I was holding.

"Katara, you've got to try these!" Aang exclaimed as he grabbed the same kind of bread I was holding and handed it to Katara.

Katara took the bread and she said, "Well... Maybe just a bite," and then she ate the bread.

"Sokka! What's your problem? Eat!" Aang shouted. I looked at Sokka who was still sulking in the corner.

"I'm not hungry," he replied.

"But you're always hungry," Aang said once more.

"Don't bother him Aang, he's just upset because a bunch of girls kicked his butt a while ago," Katara teased.

Sokka then sits up straight and shouted, "They snuck up on me!"

"Right! And then they kicked your butt," Katara teased more.

"SNEAK ATTACKS DON'T COUNT!" he shouted as he stood up. He then started walking out of the room while grumbling to himself, "Tie me up with ropes? I'll show them a thing or two."

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"I'm not scared of any girls! Who do they think they are anyway? Hmm, this is tasty," he said as he walked back and grabbed some bread, and went out again.

"I didn't ask that though..." I said.

"Don't mind him, Maya. Let him rage out. His pride was stepped on," Katara said to me.

"What's he so angry about? It's actually great here! They are giving us the royal treatment!" Aang asked.

"Hey don't get too comfortable. It's risky for us to stay in one place for very long," Katara replied.

It's true. I think that Zuko guy is still hunting us down. And if the fire nation knew about Aang's existence then most likely more of them are tracking us down.

Katara is right at some point but I think we shouldn't leave the village just yet. They were so kind enough to let us stay. The least we can do is accept their generosity.

"I'm sure we'll be fine. Besides, did you see how happy I'm making this town? They're even cleaning up Avatar Kiyoshi's statue in my honor!" Aang said filled with excitement.

"Well, it's nice to see you excited about being the Avatar. I just hope it doesn't all go to your head," Katara said.

"Come on, you know me better than that. I'm just a simple monk," Aang said and then he stood up to look at the view from the window.

I was shocked when I suddenly heard girls shrieking and yelling. Katara and I stood up to look at what was the commotion and it was just the girls of the village fangirling at Aang.

"They seem cheerful," I said while looking at them.

Katara, on the other hand, looked away and stuck out her tongue at them.

Could it be that she is jealous?

I looked at Aang and he was smiling sweetly at the girls.

This guy is definitely a heartbreaker. Simple monk eh? Yeah right.

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A few hours have passed since Aang went away to hang out with the village girls, while Katara and I do the preparation for our journey.

"Where do I put this Katara?" I asked. I was carrying the cloth that the villagers gave to us while we were out in the market buying some food.

"Oh just put it right there. We'll pack them later," Katara replied. She was carrying a basket of food and medicine and arranging them.

We are now in the room fixing our stuff to be packed.

"Ugh, I'm beat. I've done a lot of carrying and walking. I need a break," I said as I lay down on the floor. "This is unfair how come the boys get to have fun while we do all the work?" I complained.

"Let them be, there's nothing we can do about it," Katara said as she started organizing the stuff.

"Oh shoot! I forgot to buy some other things," Katara suddenly shouted. "Can you look over our stuff? There are some more supplies I need to buy," she asked me.

"Yeah yeah, I'll do that," I said while panting.

"Okay, I'll be right back. I won't take too long," Katara said and then she went out of the room while holding a basket.

I let out a big sigh as I thought to myself, 'Ah... I'm left alone...'

Alone?

Wait.

This is the perfect timing!

I quickly sat up and walked towards my stuff. I grabbed Mom's chest and then I went to the table.

Yes! Finally! I'm alone! I can finally read my mom's letters! Okay, here goes nothing.

Wow, it's been a while since I bothered with this and I almost forgot about it. Good thing I remembered.

I opened the chest and I saw once again the necklace that Zuko tried to steal.

"Hmm... We haven't seen him nowadays. Maybe he hasn't found us out yet," I said to myself.

I took out the necklace, and I saw the pile of letters.

"I don't know what to read first," I said.

I took out the pile of letters and placed back the necklace. I can't risk it staying out in the open, the villagers might see it and they might think I'm a Fire Nation citizen.

I closed the chest and examined the letters. I noticed that they were arranged by dates. From the earliest ones to the latest ones.

Okay, so I guess I won't be having a hard time reading them then. They are already arranged chronologically so I would just have to read them one page at a time.

As expected of Mom, she must've known I might get things confused that's why she had them arranged.

I took out the first letter and started reading from it.

Mom... Who are you?