Maya As Queen?!

-Maya's Point of View-

"So? Where do you want to go first?" Balu asked. I didn't reply to him and I just looked away. We went silent for a moment before he spoke again.

"Hey... Don't get this wrong," he said as he stopped walking to look at me. I stopped walking as well.

"I'm not imprisoning you or punishing you, or what. It's just that Grandfather wants to teach the Avatar a lesson. And since you found out about his plan, it would be no fun if you were there," he continued.

"Why couldn't he just tell him who he is? That would make things easier and faster."

"Eh... Boring! Where's the fun in that?" he contradicted.

I looked at him and then I said, "We have no time to waste! The Avatar needs to get to the north pole to master water bending!"

"Who said that this was a waste of time?" he asked and then he started walking.

"Hey don't walk away from me! I'm not done talking to you!" I shouted as I followed behind him. "As I said, we can't waste time here. We still have a long way to go before we reach the north pole."

Balu didn't look at me nor gave me a reply. He just continued walking.

"Hello? Didn't you hear what I said?" I asked. He still didn't answer. "Don't you dare ignore me," but I still didn't get a response that's why I grabbed his arm and stopped him from walking.

"Stop walking and listen to me!"

He looked at me still with a smile on his face. I crossed my brows and then I said, "What has gotten into you, and why are you ignoring me?"

"I already told you. You can't meet your friends just yet. You'll meet them soon after the Avatar finishes the tests. You'll just have to stay with me for the meantime," he said and then he placed his arm on my shoulder.

"I don't want to be with you— and where are we going anyway? We have been walking for minutes now... don't tell me that we're lost," I said to him.

"Nope! We're not lost. I have been living in this palace for my whole life. We'll never get lost in here." he said and then he continued walking.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"We're going to my training ground."

I brushed off his arm from my shoulder and asked, "Training ground?"

"Yeah. I call that place spikes. It's filled with spikey stones and it has a waterfall in the center of the whole place," he answered. "I practice earth bending in there most of the time."

"Why are you showing that to me?" I asked.

"Well, I figured I can show you some move," he arrogantly answered.

"Show off..." I said.

We continued walking until we reached the hallway that leads to the training ground. I saw Sokka and Katara standing at the end of the hallway, and the King was also there beside his adviser.

"SOKKA! KATARA-" I shouted and was about to run towards them but then Balu covered my mouth and then he earth bent a hole in the wall and dragged me inside.

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-Sokka's Point of View-

"SOKKA! KATARA-" I heard a familiar voice shout. I turned around to look at what it was but then I saw nothing.

"Hey, Katara... Ya heard something?" I asked her.

"Huh? No... I didn't hear anything," she answered.

That's weird. I could've sworn that it was Maya's voice that I heard just seconds ago.

Where is Maya anyway?

Suddenly a big spikey rock pinned on the wall on top of us. It was pinning a thread of chain that has the King's lunch box key at the end.

"There! Enjoy your lunch! I want my friends back now!" Aang shouted.

"Oh! Not yet! I need help with another matter. It seems I've lost my pet flopsy," the King said.

Seriously? What is wrong with this King? He's totally nuts!

"You have to find him for me. Come along now!" the King continued and then we went away from the place.

Where are we heading to this time?

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-Maya's Point of View-

"That was close!" Balu said while breathing heavily.

"Why did you do that?!" I yelled at him as I pushed him off of me.

"You're not supposed to see remember?" he answered. I looked at him with an annoyed face and rolled my eyes.

I noticed the crystals on top of us that were lighting the dark tunnel. Boy, do they look pretty!

"They look so beautiful," I said filled with amazement.

"Oh, you mean the crystals?"

"Yeah..."

"Those are called Helennites, also known as glowing crystals. They usually glow the brightest in the dark," he explained. "There's actually a story behind these gems. You see, grandfather got this inspiration for lighting when he entered a cave labyrinth back then when he was a teenager. He said that—"

"I don't want to hear about it. You said you're giving me a tour around the palace right? Where's our next destination?" I asked him, interrupting his speech.

"Oh... Yeah... Right..." he said and then he scratched his head. He then started thinking again about where we will go.

"Are you perhaps fond of animals?" he suddenly asked. I looked at him with one brow raised.

"Yes?" I unsurely answered. I mean... I am traveling with two animals but I can't really say I am fond of them.

"Well then... Maybe meeting my grandpa's pet will change your mind," he said with a smile on his face.

"His name is Flopsy," he continued.

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-Katara's Point of View-

We entered the King's pet's indoor habitat and he made Aang search for his missing buddy. He didn't even tell him what the animal looked like!

"He's been missing in this place. He must be hiding I guess?" the King said.

Seriously these are some childish challenges! What will he gain from all this? What will Aang gain?

Aang went inside the den and after a minute of looking around, he found the pet.

"Okay! Found him!" Aang yelled.

"Bring him to me! Daddy wants a kiss from Flopsy!" the King demanded.

Aang slowly walked towards the small creature as he said, "Come here flopsy..."

Suddenly from behind him a huge monster appeared.

"AANG!" both Sokka and I shouted.

The monster chased him all around the den and Aang tried avoiding it.

Okay seriously, this King is putting Aang's life in danger!

I was helplessly watching Aang avoid and evade the monster hoping that he won't get hurt when suddenly I heard Maya's voice from behind me.

"I bet Appa is much cuter than that Flopsy you're talking about," I heard her say.

"Maya?" I asked myself. I turned around but no one was there. What? I could've sworn I heard Maya.

"Sokka! Did you hear that?" I asked him.

"Hear what?" he asked back.

"Maya! I think I heard her voice,"

"See, I told you! I heard her voice as well back in the spikey rocks room!"

That's strange...

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-Maya's Point of View-

"Where are we going this time?" I asked Balu.

"We're going to Flopsy's den! You're gonna love him! He's a very friendly animal," Balu said excitingly.

"What does this animal look like anyway? I bet Appa is much cuter than that Flopsy you're talking about," I said and then I saw Katara and Sokka again. What's that on their body?

I was about to shout their name but Balu pushed me away from the room's entrance. We both fell to the ground with him on top of me.

After that, he hurriedly stood up and ran away from the place while dragging me with him. We stopped in one of the palace's hallways. Both of us were out of breath.

"I change my mind. You can just meet Flopsy next time," he said while panting.

"WHY DID YOU RUN?! WE WERE NOT BEING CHASED!" I yelled at him.

"I PANICKED! THAT GIRL WAS ABOUT TO SEE YOU!" he shouted back.

Both of us went silent for a while as we tried to catch our breath.

"What was that on their bodies anyway? They look like they're being eaten," I asked when I had calmed down.

"Don't worry about that. They're fine. That thing you saw was Jennamite, also known as creeping crystal. Grandfather is probably making the Avatar follow him by using that. Your friends will be encased in that crystal by nightfall," Balu explained.

"Then I have to help them!" I shouted and I was just about to run back to the room but Balu held on to my wrist to stop me.

"I told you, they're fine. My grandfather will never harm them in any way. Jennamite is also known as rock candy, they can actually eat their way out, but I guess grandfather hasn't told them about that," he explained.

He looked at me and then he continued, "Trust me. Grandpa Bumi is just having fun. He's not going to do anything that would harm them," he assured.

I looked at him and then I took my hand back. I sighed in defeat before saying, "So? What now your highness? What other place do you have in mind?" I asked.

"I'm out of ideas. We always run into them wherever we go," he said.

"Well, then why don't we just go to your favorite place in the palace? I don't think we would meet them there." I suggested.

He looked at me and then he smiled.

"I know where to go. Let's go!" he said and then he held my hand. For some reason, I like that smile on his face. I smiled secretly as he was leading the way to his favorite place.

I think I'm starting to feel something for this earthbender.

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-Aang's Point of View-

I managed to find Flopsy. Who would've thought that the King wanted an ape-goat-boar as a pet?

While the King was distracted with petting Flopsy, I ran up towards where Katara and Sokka were. The crystal has already crept throughout their bodies, their head and feet are the only ones showing.

"Guys! Are you okay?" I asked.

"Other than the crystal slowly encasing my entire body, doing great!" Katara said sarcastically.

"There's something about this King and these challenges that seems off," I told them.

"Well, never mind that." Sokka interrupted. "Aang. Katara and I have been hearing Maya's voice wherever we go. It's like she's haunting us!" he continued.

"Stop it Sokka! I told you, the King wouldn't harm Maya in any way! Stop speculating that it's her ghost!" Katara argued.

"Well, that's the only explanation. I mean why else would we hear her if she's not around?" Sokka argued back.

What? What are they talking about? The King will never hurt anyone! Or... will he?

"Stop it Sokka! Anyway, we found this on the floor near the den's entrance," Katara said and then she kicked something towards me.

"Maya's necklace! Why is this here?!" I asked.

"I don't know, let's just hope that the King hasn't done anything to her just yet," Katara answered.

I picked up the necklace and held it in my hand.

No... Maya... Please be okay!

I placed the necklace in my pocket and I looked at Sokka and Katara.

"Don't worry guys, just one more challenge and we're out of here," I told them, and then I went to where the King was.

"Come on, I'm ready for the next challenge," I said, and then the King laughed at me.

Bring it on Crazy King!

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-Maya's Point of View-

"This is your favorite place in the whole palace?" I asked Balu.

"Yeah... I always go to this place whenever I feel stressed and anxious. It really helps calm me down," Balu answered.

We're here now on the Palace's balcony. It has a great view! You can see the whole city of Omashu.

Balu placed his elbows on top of the rails and looked deeply at the horizon. I leaned my back against the rails and crossed my arms.

"You seemed to be thinking of something sad. What is it?" I asked. He seemed deep in his thoughts.

"What would you do when someone told you that you're going to rule over a city?" he suddenly asked.

I looked at him and then I asked, "You're Omashu's next King aren't you?"

"I don't think I'm ready," he suddenly said. "I'm just a teenager. I don't know if I will be able to do it. I still even depend on my grandfather when deciding something. I'm scared that I will fail," he continued.

"You know, you remind me of someone," I told him, and then I copied his position.

"You also think ahead of you and worry about what is bound to happen instead of what you are supposed to do," I said.

"What do you mean?" Balu asked.

"It means, you are overthinking too much. You said you don't know if you'll be a great king right? Then how would you ever know if you won't try?" I replied.

Both of us suddenly went quiet and I saw Balu looking sad.

"You know... nobody in this world can ever really say that they are ready," I continued. "Even if you feel like you are, life will always surprise you."

"Whether you're ready or not, is not the question you should be asking. The greatest question is if you want to do it or not. Surely, if you like to do it, you will do whatever it takes to make it happen even if it seems like you'll fail in the process," I said and then I patted his back.

Balu looked at me and I looked at him as well.

"You don't have to be afraid of failing, because failure is what teaches us to do the next right thing."

"I guess you are right," Balu said and then he looked back at the whole city.

"Don't worry! You'll be a great King! Maybe even better than your Grandpa Bumi!" I said hoping that it would cheer him up. I gave him a nudge on the elbow and I smiled.

"Thank you, Maya... You're good at inspiring people. The way you talk— you're full of wisdom..." Balu said with a gentle smile. Ugh! That smile again!

"No problem... I just love to help," I replied. Balu looked at me sternly as his expression became serious.

"Would you like to stay here in Omashu with me?"

My eyes grew wide as I looked at him. Did I hear that right? He wants me to stay?

"What? What are you talking about? Haha..." I said followed by an awkward laugh.

"I know this sounds crazy but, the first time I saw you back in the throne room, I felt something and at first I thought it was heartburn but then as I got to speak with you. I realized that it was something more than that," Balu said. I stopped laughing and then I looked at him once more.

"All this time that I was with you, I felt something that I have never felt before. And when I heard you talking and saying those encouragements and words of wisdom, that's when I knew, I want you to be by my side," Balu continued.

Wait... what is this? Is he confessing? I can't believe it...

I smiled at the idea that Balu is confessing to me.

"Maya... I know this is a bit sudden but, I think you'd be a great queen," he said

NO WAY... THIS IS NOT JUST A SIMPLE CONFESSION! IT'S A PROPOSAL!

"Will you stay and rule over Omashu with me?" he asked.

I was speechless. I didn't know what to say! I mean... well... yeah, I am kind of starting to like him too but, I made a promise with the gang that I will be with them. Also, I need to find out more about my mother...

"Balu I..."

I was about to answer him but then I suddenly felt the ground shaking.

"What's happening? An earthquake?" I asked.

"No... It must be from under us." Balu answered.

"What?"

"Grandpa's Arena. The Avatar's last challenge is a duel. It must be going on right now. I wonder who he chose to fight?" Balu answered.

Aang is battling with an earth bender?! WHAT?! I HAVE TO BE THERE!

I hurriedly ran away from Balu and went down to the arena.

"Hey! Where are you going?!" I heard Balu shout but I didn't answer him.

I entered a hallway that leads to a set of bleachers and then I saw... In the middle of the Arena, Aang is having a duel with King Bumi.

Wait hold on, that is King Bumi?!

"I told you to wait for me..." I heard Balu from behind me. I turned back to face him and then I punched him on the arm.

"YOU DIDN'T TELL ME THAT YOUR GRANDFATHER WILL BE FIGHTING WITH AANG!" I shouted.

"WHAT? HE'S NOT! HE DIDN'T TELL ME HE WILL!" he shouted back and then we both looked at the Arena.

"THEN WHAT'S THAT?!" I shouted while pointing at King Bumi.

We both looked at King Bumi who was carrying the balcony that he tore off from the Arena's structure.

"Hey... Your grandpa is not really gonna kill Aang is he?" I asked while still looking at the gigantic rock balcony.

"I... No?" Balu replied.

"IS THAT AN ANSWER OR A QUESTION?!" I shouted back.

"I DON'T KNOW!" he yelled.

Suddenly Aang ran into circles creating a big tornado with the use of his glider.

And then King Bumi threw the balcony right at Aang but because of the tornado, the balcony just returned back to the King.

Even before he gets crushed, the King parted the balcony in two. Just then Aang came up to him from behind the balcony and pointed his glider on the King's face.

But the King had already earth bent a giant boulder on top of Aang.

"No! Aang!" I shouted and tried to go inside the arena but Balu covered my mouth with his hand and we both hid under the bleacher's fences.

"SHHH! Don't shout, they'll hear you!" Balu whispered. I bit his hands and he let me go.

"Haha, well done Avatar... You fight with much fire in your heart," I heard the King say. I took a peek once more at the Arena and I saw the King throw the boulder away as he disappeared in the ground.

He appeared on top of another balcony in the Arena where Katara and Sokka were and Aang followed behind him.

"Come on now Maya... The tests are done..." Balu said.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"Let's just go..." he said and then he grabbed my wrist and we went out of the Arena.

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-Aang's Point of View-

I think I heard Maya's voice back then in the Arena. I could've sworn it was her, she called out my name.

"You've passed all my tests! Now you must answer one question," the King said.

"That's not fair! You said you would release my friends if I finished your tests!" I shouted.

"Aww... but what's the point of tests if you don't learn anything?" He said.

"Oh come on!" Sokka shouted.

"Answer this one question and I will set your friends free," he said as he pointed at Sokka and Katara who was behind him.

"What... is my name?" he asked with a smile.

What?!

"From the looks of your friends I'd say you only have a few minutes!" he said as he walked away from us.

When he was gone I went up to Katara and Sokka.

"How am I supposed to know his name?!" I asked them.

"Think about the challenges! Maybe it's some kind of riddle!" Katara said.

"I GOT IT!" Sokka shouted. "He's an earth bender, right? ROCKY!" Sokka suggested. "You know, because of all the rocks," he explained. I don't think it's that easy Sokka...

"We're gonna keep trying but that is a good backup," Katara said.

"Okay, so back to the challenges. I got a key from a waterfall, I saved his pet, and I had a duel," I said while thinking of the connection between all of them.

"And what did you learn?" Katara asked.

"Well... Everything was different than I expected..." I said.

"And...?" Katara asked and then the crystal crept up on her head.

"Well, they weren't straight forward. To solve each test I had to think differently than I usually would," I said.

It's like, in every challenge, I had to open my brain to the possibilities.

AH! That's it!

"I know his name... Let's go Katara, Sokka, we'll meet him in the throne room." I said and then the three of us went there.